Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola has lamented increasing reports of vandalism of Electricity Supply Cooperation of Malawi (Escom) property especially transformers and cables.

Addressing a joint news conference in Lilongwe alongside Minister of Information and Digitalisation Gospel Kazako, Matola said the trend at which the vandalism is happening, is a serious cause of economic concern to the country’s development.

Matola said the Southern Region is leading in vandalism of the transformers citing that 146 transformers have been vandalised in the region, whilst Central Region has reported 91 and 13 in the Northern Region.

“Vandalism of Escom transformers and wire cables alone will cost over K1.4 billion to replace,” Matola said.

“But when you look at this list is very interesting, what I meant, what we need is to work together, most vandalised transformers are in the southern part of Malawi.”

The Energy Minister added government will need K2 billion to replace the 250 vandalised transformers as one transformer costs K8 million.

He said: “Escom loses over K4.5 million per day in this way, the economic loss to the country is estimated at more than 10 times what Escom loses.”

This is categorised as a commercial loss, in average each transformer costs K8 million to K28 million is required to supply oil.”