EDM, Mozambique’s power utility, recovered 12 tonnes of stolen copper and 80 radiators in Matola, attributing the theft to ongoing vandalism that affects service delivery. The arrested perpetrators are currently facing prosecution. EDM reports significant financial losses due to theft, emphasizing the need for preventive measures to achieve its energy access goals by 2030.
The publicly-owned electricity company in Mozambique, EDM, successfully recovered approximately 12 tonnes of stolen copper along with 80 radiators in Matola on Thursday. Meque Licenga, the EDM Electrical Infrastructure supervisor, reported that this material theft has resulted in unspecified financial losses and has deprived numerous customers of electricity. He stated, “These copper cables were removed from Transformer Stations (PTs) and Distribution Lines, directly affecting thousands of customers. The vandalisation of electrical infrastructures continues to be a major challenge for the company.”.
Licenga further noted the arrest of the truck driver and the owner who were implicated in the transportation of the stolen goods, which are now undergoing prosecution. He emphasized that EDM remains committed to investing in preventive strategies to mitigate the theft of electrical equipment, highlighting that in 2024, thefts led to losses amounting to approximately 28 million meticais (equivalent to 438,000 dollars). The company recorded its peak losses in 2021 due to theft and vandalism, totaling around 260 million meticais.
He noted, “Acts of vandalism delay the fulfillment of the goal of Universal Access to energy by 2030.” Hélder Juvêncio, the police spokesperson in Matola, explained that the recovery of the stolen equipment resulted from routine inspections initiated after EDM and public complaints. Juvêncio remarked, “We received complaints from EDM, which forced us to step up our enforcement work, culminating in the seizure of the lorry carrying copper destined for South Africa.”
The recovery of 12 tonnes of stolen copper by EDM underscores the ongoing issue of infrastructure vandalism in Mozambique. This incident reflects the significant financial challenges faced by the company and the negative impact on electricity accessibility for thousands of residents. Both EDM and law enforcement are taking measures to combat these thefts, aiming to achieve Universal Access to energy by 2030.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
