Harare, (New Ziana) – In a bold move to curb the rising cases of vandalism targeting the country’s electricity infrastructure, the government has announced the rollout of a state-of-the-art transformer monitoring system, signaling a new era in power infrastructure protection.
Addressing journalists during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, revealed that the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), through its technology arm Powertel, is installing cameras, alarms, and sensor systems on transformers to enable real-time surveillance.
“The nation is advised that while the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) is implementing various measures to combat vandalism, ZETDC through Powertel is also implementing transformer anti-intrusion systems, where transformers are installed with cameras, alarms and sensors that allow real-time monitoring,” said Dr. Muswere.
This technological intervention forms part of a broader campaign to protect the country’s fragile power infrastructure from sabotage and theft.
Vandalism, particularly the theft of copper cables, transformer oil, and components, has become a national scourge, leading to frequent blackouts, stalling development projects, and causing massive losses to both businesses and households.
ZETDC estimates that the country has suffered millions of dollars in losses over the years due to repeated vandalism. Entire communities have gone for days or even weeks without electricity, while industries and essential services such as clinics and schools have faced costly interruptions.
To date, Dr. Muswere said, the new monitoring system has been installed at 108 sites, with the programme aiming to cover 47,000 transformers across the country. Once fully implemented, the system will allow ZETDC to detect attempted intrusions and dispatch rapid response teams before significant damage occurs.
“ZETDC will provide a framework for members of the public to participate,” Dr. Muswere added, highlighting the government’s intention to involve communities in protecting the infrastructure that powers their homes, schools, and businesses.
New Ziana
