Chronicle Editor
Tafadzwa Chibukwa, Chronicle Reporter
TELECOMMUNICATIONS company, TelOne is facing serious copper cables theft which is affecting connectivity, managing director Mrs Chipo Mutasa has said.
She made the remarks in a speech read on her behalf by TelOne Bulawayo regional manager Mr Wing Sibanda on Friday when the fixed telephone operator donated 50 litter bins to the city council.
2022 has seen an increase in incidents of vandalism of TelOne infrastructure, with vandals mostly targeting copper installations that make up more than 60 percent of the network.
The vandalism of copper cables has cost TelOne large amounts of dollars with at least US$1,5million having been recorded in lost revenue and network elements for the period ended 31 December 2021.
Mrs Mutasa said the parastatal has launched a campaign to counter vandalism.
“We would like to engage the community of Bulawayo on our ongoing Anti-vandalism campaign which was launched in August, this year. The campaign shines light on how TelOne is grappling with the effects of network cable theft and vandalism to company property. Especially on the copper cables,” she said.
Mrs Mutasa said Bulawayo has always faced challenges with cable vandalism and stakeholders have tried to deal with it through such campaigns.
“There have been several cases that have been recorded and some being recorded this month alone. We are, however, gratified that two culprits were apprehended last month which shows that law enforcement is hot on the heels of these offenders. To help spread awareness, our teams are going around the city, educating the community on the dangers of copper theft and its implications,” said Mrs Mutasa.
Bulawayo Mayor Solomon Mguni urged the Bulawayo residents to keep public amenities safe.
“We have heard TelOne’s plea and we have declared war on vandalism of property in the city. We urge residents of the city of Bulawayo to help fight against vandalism as the property being vandalised is important to us as residents as well,” said Cllr Mguni.
The increase in copper cable theft follows the passing without amendments of a Bill in July, which prescribes stiffer penalties for the offence. The legislation is set to go to President Mnangagwa for his assent.
The thefts of copper cables have had a direct negative impact on the operations of Zesa Holdings, the country’s power utility and the signal systems of the National Railways of Zimbabwe. Zesa on several occasions reported losses running into millions of dollars due to copper cable theft. — @Sagepapie14
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