By Respite Kaoma,
The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO) has revealed that vandalism has cost the company K30 million in asset losses in the five provinces of northern Zambia, with the Copperbelt province accounting for K25 million of the total losses.
Speaking during a media briefing in Kitwe, ZESCO North Divisional Manager, Engineer Kennedy Muchanga, said the utility recorded 13,300 cases of vandalism in 2025, with 12,000 of these cases occurring in the Copperbelt province.
Eng. Muchanga explained that out of the 241 people arrested for vandalism, 177 were from the Copperbelt province, while 80 people were convicted and serving sentences.
He said the utility has strengthened its security measures and intensified inspections of its infrastructure to combat vandalism.
He disclosed that ZESCO has partnered with the Youth Action Against Vandalism to sensitize community members on the dangers and consequences of vandalism.
ZESCO Senior Security Officer Kenny Suze announced that youth artists have been engaged to help the company spread the message and encourage young people to take ownership of their infrastructure through roadshows.
Earlier, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Director Esther Ngambi emphasized the importance of youth involvement in promoting sustainable development and combating vandalism.
Ms. Ngambi implored youths to preserve and protect government infrastructure and to report cases of vandalism.
