Scrap Metal Trade Fuels Destruction of Electricity Infrastructure in Songwe

The burgeoning scrap metal trade in Tanzania's Songwe district is directly fueling the destruction of vital electricity infrastructure. Individuals are cutting copper cables from power lines and selling them as scrap, significantly disrupting electricity supply. In response, the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco), through its Infrastructure Security Unit, is intensifying efforts to combat the theft and destruction of its infrastructure in collaboration with the Police Force.

Damas Soko, Tanesco's Senior Security Officer for the Southern Highlands, stated that Tanesco has trained police officers in Songwe district. These officers are now equipped with the skills to identify, prevent, and promptly report acts of vandalism against electricity infrastructure in their areas. Soko highlighted that the theft of copper cables remains a major threat to reliable electricity access, as dishonest citizens remove them from infrastructure to sell.

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Theft and destruction of electricity infrastructure is caused by the thriving scrap metal business, which continues to be a threat to electricity supply in Songwe District.

Juma Mahuba, Tanesco's Security Officer for the Songwe region, reported that between 2024 and 2026, 15 suspects were arrested and brought to court for offenses related to electricity and copper cable theft. In these incidents, over 70 kilograms of copper cables were recovered after being stolen from 85 poles. Eng. Damas Temba, Acting Manager of Tanesco's Songwe Region, emphasized that this training is ongoing and aims to eradicate the destruction of electricity infrastructure.

Temba noted recent challenges involving citizens stealing cables from transformers, which can lead to power outages and pose a significant safety risk, potentially causing explosions. Representing the police, Songwe District Police Operations Chief Athuman Mshana affirmed that the training and methods provided by Tanesco will enhance their ability to reach and educate the public. He added that the training will improve police capacity to collaborate with the community in preventing infrastructure damage, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities or acts of sabotage against electricity infrastructure promptly.

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We have recently faced the challenge of some citizens stealing cables from transformers. This act can cause power outages, endanger the safety of transformers, and even cause them to explode.