Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
ZESA Holdings’ Internet subsidiary Powertel Communications is using new technology built on the Internet of Things to protect transformers and cables with sensors that automatically call in the police and Zesa loss control units when there is attempted vandalism and theft.
Speaking at a media briefing in Harare, Powertel acting managing director, Mr Willard Nyagwande, said the company had already installed over 100 transformer intrusion detection systems in Harare and Bulawayo as part of the first phase of the national rollout.
“The average loss due to vandalism over the past five years is US$5 million per year,” he said.
‘We are losing transformers, copper cables and oil tips. This new smart system is designed to detect and prevent such losses in real time.”
The system, which uses low-range, wide area network technology, features sensors that detect intrusion, proximity, vibration, power outages and motion.
It transmits alerts via SMS, WhatsApp, e-mail and other platforms to Powertel’s National Operations Centre and relevant security teams for immediate response.
“These devices operate on long-life batteries and solar power, remaining functional during outages. The alerts are also integrated with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and ZESA’s loss control units for rapid response,” Mr Nyagwande said.
The rollout is being implemented in phases, beginning with high-risk urban areas, followed by rural business centres, schools and clinics.
The project is being coordinated under the Ministry of Energy and Power Development and the Capital Investment Fund of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.
Mr Nyagwande said there was a need for community involvement in protecting power infrastructure.
“We are calling on communities to work with us,” he said. “Where residents have participated, we have seen them contributing cages and even hiring guards to protect transformers. This is not just a ZESA project; this is a national effort.”
Mr Nyagwande said the solution aims to achieve an 80 percent reduction in vandalism-related losses and improve customer service delivery by minimising unplanned outages and improving visibility over the national transformer network.
Powertel has also invited local ICT companies with the capacity to supply smart security systems to register under its supplier confinement strategy, which aims to promote fair participation in the project.
“We want all capable Zimbabwean companies to come forward,” said Mr Nyagwande.
The central monitoring platform is housed at Powertel’s data centre and integrated with existing security protocols across the power utility’s network.
It features a real-time dashboard for monitoring and analytics, supported by 24-hour call centre operations.
