The state-owned company Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), in Zambézia province, suffered losses of 3.8 million meticais (US$60,000) this year due to theft and acts of sabotage. These incidents significantly affected the company’s ability to supply electricity in several areas of the province, the Mozambique Information Agency (AIM) reported.
The Director of EDM for the Quelimane area, Ludovina Beleza, said that the theft and destruction of electrical equipment seriously harmed the company’s operations, describing the district of Mocuba as “the epicentre of these criminal activities.”
Ludovina Beleza added that criminal proceedings are underway against three individuals arrested in connection with the acts of sabotage. EDM has been strengthening cooperation with the authorities to bring those responsible to justice and reduce the recurrence of such crimes.
To combat the destruction of public assets, the state electricity company conducts awareness-raising campaigns within communities. “EDM maintains ongoing interaction with communities,” Ludovina Beleza said, “to raise public awareness about the negative impact of losses caused by acts of sabotage against electrical installations throughout the province.”
Despite the sabotage, the director said substantial progress has been made in rural electrification in Zambézia. Of the province’s 49 administrative posts, only six are still not electrified, and efforts are underway to mobilise funds and complete the work.
Ludovina Beleza did not specify when electrification works for the remaining six administrative posts would begin, but stressed EDM’s determination to expand access to energy. Over the past five years, the percentage of Zambézia’s population with access to electricity has increased from 24% to 35%.
She added that the company is strengthening its infrastructure in the province to withstand the effects of tropical storms, which can knock down poles and cables and plunge large areas into darkness. EDM is investing in the resilience of its facilities to reduce this risk.
With these preventive measures, awareness campaigns and infrastructure reinforcement, EDM aims to significantly reduce losses from sabotage and improve electricity coverage in Zambézia. The company remains committed to expanding access to energy and ensuring more reliable services across all districts of the province.
