Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) is losing millions of Pula due to copper wire theft and vandalism, a situation that is not only impacting the corporation but could ultimately cripple economic progress by reducing productivity. This assertion was made by BPCs marketing and communications manager, Dineo Seleke, in response to inquiries from this publication.
As at September 2022, the Corporation has spent over P24million as a result of vandalism, she says when asked how much money the power utility has lost this year due to copper wire theft.
Worryingly, it is reported that the stolen cables are making their way beyond the borders, primarily to South Africa, via porous borders, where there is a ready market for copper cables. This this has sparked concern that more powerful forces might be at play.
Seleke further stated that out of the P24 million lost to vandalism: P6million was spent on copper cables alone.
Copper is widely utilised in electrical motors, wiring, and other electrically powered devices. It has numerous applications, including powering homes, mobile network technologies, and streetlights. Copper costs an estimated P115 per kilogram. It hit a record-high market price of P186/kg in 2022.
Among other things, some members of society have raised concern that the deteriorating infrastructure of BPC poses a serious and ongoing economic risk. When quizzed on what plans BPC has to address ageing infrastructure, Seleke stated that BPC has established a staged approach to replacing outdated infrastructure and extending asset life through maintenance.
Considering the size of our network and infrastructure across the country, BPC has developed a phased approach aimed at replacement of old infrastructure and extension assets life through maintenance, she says.
The BPC marketing and communications manager also stated that the company is in the process of expanding its distribution network in order to lessen the possibility of power outages as well as the risk of power supply disruption. There are ongoing distribution network expansion projects that increase alternative routes for delivering power to our customers and the same will reduce the risk of power supply interruptions, says Seleke.
Although theft and vandalism of ferrous and non-ferrous metals represent a threat to key sectors, essential infrastructure-related crimes are becoming a problem in Botswana, with some parts of the country going without water or internet for extended periods due to vandalism. BPC presently offers two modes of power supply: copper cables or cheaper aluminum conductors.
By Don-Martin Whande
