04 Feb 2016

Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) safety manager, Mr Joseph Phalalo has called for stiffer penalties against power cable thieves. Speaking in an interview, he said cable theft and vandalism of BPC  infrastructure was a widespread challenge across the country.

He added that the corporation loses revenue that runs into several millions per year due to the crime. Mr Phalalo said criminals  who steal power cables not only affect their  ability to provide their customers with high quality products and services, but also increases the costs for paying customers.

He argued that while cable theft costs them millions of Pula, penalties were too lenient to deter criminals. He noted that one could be sentenced to two lashes for stealing cables, calling for even more stringent bail conditions for transgressors.

He also noted that cable theft affects the economy as it compromises security, safety and productivity. He added that it also interferes with the provision of basic services to residents.

He said when cables were stolen, electricity supply was disrupted until they were replaced. Mr Phalalo also urged Batswana to be vigilant and report cable theft. He also advised customers to opt for underground cables as opposed to the overhead service cable.

He noted that the underground cable was not easily accessible, and that criminals could be caught while still digging. He pointed out that prices for both underground and overhead cables were the same.

He also observed that cable theft was more prevalent in highly populated areas such as Mochudi, Tlokweng and Oodi. Meanwhile, members of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) have gathered in Botswana for the annual 46th SAPP Crime Prevention Working Group meeting to discuss the challenges they face in the SADC region.

The meeting is attended by power managers from SADC countries, and their deliberations, challenges and findings would be presented in Angola at the end of this month.

Mr Phalalo pointed out that the meeting offers an opportunity for heads of power corporations to benchmark on ways to fight vandalism and cable theft. He noted that the problem affects corporations across the region, noting that power was procured both locally and regionally.

He said an isolated cable theft incident in South Africa could disrupt power supply in Botswana. ENDS