The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) is engaging Mpika Councilors starting next week in curbing rampant vandalism of its electricity poles and transformers in Mpika District.
ZESCO National Spokesperson Henry Kapata has revealed that so far three Mpika residents are appearing in Mpika Magistrate’s court for vandalizing an electricity pole and a transformer waiting to be committed to the High Court.
Mr Kapata said people should know that vandalizing ZESCO’s property affect the power utility company by spending an average of 5 million annually to replace the vandalized property.
He added that the vandalizing of one transformer leads to either loss of life or affecting 3000 people who will not have power for four days.
The ZESCO Spokesperson stressed the need to engage Councilors in Districts to help curbing the vice because councilors are closer to the people than the power utility company itself.
He said the power utility company will have a 2 days’ workshop with Mpika Councilors because that is where the vice is rampant and the power utility will be train them on how they can help to curb the widespread vandalism in the District.
Mr Kapata stated that members of the public should aware that the vandalism of ZESCO’s property is a serious crime which carries a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 25 years imprisonment.
He has since urged Mpika Residents to engage in productive activity such as farming among others adding that vandalism of ZESCO’s property can either cost their lives or lead them to life imprisonment if the vandalism led to death.
Mr Kapata has since recommended the Law Enforcers in Mpika District and Mpika Residents for bringing to book those vandalizing ZESCO’s property.
“We are engaging Mpika Councilors starting next week in curbing rampant vandalism of its electricity poles and transformers in Mpika District” Kapata said
Bembas for stealing !.anything is to steal ? Even the tared roads they think of stealing only they can’t lift the whole road.
A bemba will even steal from his own bank account then at the month end remind himself that no one can be blamed.