16 Aug 2020

Botswana Telecommunications Limited (BTC), has expressed concern about an upsurge in the destruction and vandalism of its property, especially theft of copper cables.

In a press release, BTC  appeals to the public and stakeholders to help arrest the situation.

The release says the acts of vandalism has affected BTC’s mandate of offering reliable and efficient service to customers at all times especially during the trying times of COVID-19.

It says not only does cable theft have a potential to negatively affect the economy, vandalism of BTC infrastructure puts the lives of Batswana and visitors at risk.

Cable theft also affects e-commerce, e-learning and e-health services which are critical during the times of restricted movements as a result of COVID-19, the release says.

The press release further states that in the last week alone, BTC had over 375 metres of copper cables stolen in Gaborone West Industrial and Tsolamosese areas.

“From June to August 2020, more than 1 200 metres of copper cable was stolen or vandalised in Mogoditshane, Gaborone Block 5, 6, 10, Broadhurst and Fairgrounds Mall, leaving businesses and residents without fixed voice telephony and internet-Asymmetrical digital Subscriber Line services,” states the release.

To fight the scourge, the release says BTC recently engaged stakeholders comprising law enforcement, waste management, pollution control officers, media and scrap metal dealers in the fight against cable theft and vandalism.BOPA