Zesa replaces copper cables with aluminium to curb thefts

29 May, 2016 - 04:05 0 Views
Zesa replaces copper cables with aluminium to curb thefts

The Sunday News

Roberta Katunga Senior Business Reporter
POWER utility company Zimbabwe Electriciry Supply Authority (Zesa) has begun replacing copper wires on its grid with aluminium as the company moves to phase out copper cables after losing about $14,1 million worth of cables due to theft in the past five years. The project, which was promulgated in 2014 is now according to the company in full swing. Zesa spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira said the company was replacing copper cables and conductors with aluminium cables which despite having better transmission of electricity have limited other uses.

“The replacement of cables is an ongoing exercise in an attempt to curb this vice,” said Mr Gwasira. He said the power company was also mulling the use of new technologies to curb the theft of transformer oils.

“We are looking at new technologies that have come through, which involve new properties in transformer oils, which if used for any other purposes other than on transformers will cause damage to engines,” Mr Gwasira said.

According to statistics from Zesa, the parastatal lost $4,6 million worth of power cables through vandalism in 2011, $2,9 million in 2012, $2,3 million in 2013, $2,9 million in 2014 and $1,3 million last year.

Despite the closure of copper mines locally, the country has witnessed significant illegal shipment of cables to the export markets. The mineral reportedly is in high demand in South Africa where it is used for the manufacture of bullets and coffin handles. Copper wire is used in power generation, transmission, distribution, telecommunications, electronics circuitry and other types of electrical equipment.

It is said to be the better material in terms of transmission of electricity but according to Zesa is more costly compared to aluminium. Copper cables cost about $180 per metre while aluminum costs about $7 per metre. Mr Gwasira said it was important for people to remember that the theft of copper cables was a serious offence punishable under the Electricity Amendment Act Number 8/07 and that those caught breaking this law face a jail sentence of at least 10 years.

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