Eswatini Daily News
By: Nomzamo Jiyane
19 January 2022
Copper wire theft has become a growing problem for Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) over the past years. Although EEC endeavors to keep it’s infrastructure in a good condition, copper theft leads to failure in services, of which the company has very minimal control.
In an effort to fight the copper theft pandemic in the country, EEC has increased the monetary reward that is given to anyone who comes forward to report cases of copper theft. The reward has been E1000 and has now been increased to E1500 by the company. The company assures the nation that anyone who reports copper theft remains anonymous. Last year 2021, EEC paid over E50 000 in copper theft tip off rewards.
According to EEC PRO Khaya Mavuso, “the copper thieves are not only stealing from EEC but all the company customers. Copper theft leads to increased operational costs which translate to increased operational costs resulting in tariff increases.“ Mavuso further stated that the company is constantly striving to improve the quality and security of supply for customers. “We are always desirous of meeting your customer expectations,” he said.
There area number of factors that contribute to copper wire theft like the skyrocketing copper prices, relatively low fines and short prison terms for the few that are convicted. In the fight against copper wire theft, EEC is continuing to launch media and radio advertising campaigns, increase security around company substations and other facilities, teaching scrap dealers to identify metal that may have been stolen from electricity facilities, educating employees on identifying risk from tampered equipment’s and also building a closer relationship with law enforcement. The company is advocating for high penalties for copper theft and for scrap dealers who disregard rules on purchasing of copper wires.
In addition to the adverse economic consequences, copper wire theft affects electricity delivery, reliability and safety. It also leads to injuries to workers and the copper thieves.
EEC pleads with the whole nation to refrain from stealing copper as this act not only endangers lives, but also results in adverse economic results.
Let’s all fight against the theft of copper as a nation
Report copper theft.
Featured Image: Internet
Fighting the Copper Theft Epidemic- EEC
