The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, has announced plans to install cameras, alarms, and sensors on 47,000 power transformers across the country in a large-scale effort to combat infrastructure vandalism.

The project, launched in partnership with Powertel Communications, is described as one of the biggest security upgrades in the utility's history. According to Nick Mangwana, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, the anti-intrusion systems will enable real-time monitoring of key transformer sites nationwide.

"The ZETDC, through Powertel, is implementing transformer anti-intrusion systems," said Mangwana, adding that these will include alarms and surveillance cameras.

While the initiative is intended to address widespread theft and damage to electrical infrastructure, it has sparked debate. Critics argue that the focus on high-tech monitoring comes at a time when the state-owned utility struggles to maintain basic power supply. Frequent load-shedding, idle transformers, and delayed repairs continue to affect millions of Zimbabweans.

Observers have questioned how ZESA, which faces financial and operational difficulties, plans to fund and maintain the surveillance equipment. Some warn the project could become another mismanaged, high-cost initiative unless paired with broader reforms and service improvements.

Source: zimeye.net