The power company is welding transformers shut and switching metals to stop thieves. ZESA Holdings outlined a plan to prevent infrastructure vandalism, aiming to save over four and a half million dollars. Their managing director, Godfrey Mugaviri, said strategies include adding anti-intrusion devices to transformers, tacking and welding bolts and drain plugs closed, and using cages. A major shift involves replacing copper conductors with cheaper, less theft-attractive aluminum across the roughly thirty-two thousand distribution transformers.
Specialized teams with a welder and assistant will handle the physical security upgrades. Mugaviri stated these teams have a daily target, aiming to secure about two hundred fifty-two points per day to complete the entire network in roughly six months. The proactive approach focuses on deterring theft of transformer oil and components by making access harder and triggering alarms. The move to aluminum follows modern trends for cost and efficiency, reducing the incentive for copper theft.
Specialized teams with a welder and assistant will handle the physical security upgrades. Mugaviri stated these teams have a daily target, aiming to secure about two hundred fifty-two points per day to complete the entire network in roughly six months. The proactive approach focuses on deterring theft of transformer oil and components by making access harder and triggering alarms. The move to aluminum follows modern trends for cost and efficiency, reducing the incentive for copper theft.
