Powertel calls on communities to help protect infrastructure

Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

POWERTEL Communications has called on communities across the country to actively participate in the protection of the national power infrastructure, as the utility rolls out a smart anti-vandalism system aimed at curbing the theft and destruction of transformers and cables.

Speaking during a media briefing in Harare today, Powertel acting managing director, Mr Willard Nyagwande, said community involvement is critical in safeguarding power assets, which are increasingly being targeted by vandals and costing the country an average of US$5 million annually in losses.

“We are saying, as Zimbabweans, let’s work together to protect this very important infrastructure that powers our homes, hospitals, schools and industries,” he said.

“Wherever communities have participated, they have even gone as far as building protective cages around transformers or hiring guards. That is the kind of partnership we are looking for.”

To support these efforts, Powertel has started deploying a smart transformer and cable intrusion detection system using Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

The system has already been installed at more than 100 sites in Harare and Bulawayo, and it is being rolled out nationwide.

The technology uses sensors to detect motion, proximity, vibration, power outages and tampering attempts in real time.

Alerts are sent via SMS, WhatsApp, email and other platforms to Powertel’s National Operations Centre and to security teams for immediate response.

“These are not future plans—installations have already begun. The devices work during power outages and are powered by long-life batteries or solar. The system has been tested and it works,” Mr Nyagwande said.

The project is being implemented under the Ministry of Energy and Power Development and coordinated with ZESA Holdings and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).

It will initially cover high-risk urban zones before expanding to rural business centres, schools and clinics.

Mr Nyagwande also encouraged local ICT companies to register as suppliers under a confinement strategy, which ensures broad participation and transparency.

“We are not limiting supply to a few companies. Any Zimbabwean business with the right technology is welcome to partner with us. This is not a Powertel or ZESA, only initiative; it is a national project,” he said.

Mr Nyagwande said the system is projected to reduce vandalism-related losses by over 80 percent, while improving response times, reducing unplanned outages and giving utilities full visibility and control over the transformer network.

A centralised control platform housed at Powertel’s data centre will monitor the system around the clock, with integration into existing ZESA and police security protocols.

The data centre also powers Zimbabwe’s prepaid electricity system and is already linked to all major mobile operators and banks.

“This initiative is powered by innovation and guided by national duty. It is about preserving what we already have as we work to build a more reliable and efficient power system,” Mr Nyagwande said.

Powertel is also planning public awareness campaigns and roadshows to sensitise communities and encourage their participation in the project.