It can have a devastating impact as it also causes power outages and voltage fluctuations, affecting legitimate customers and damaging electrical appliances. It is mostly carried out by unqualified individuals using faulty wiring and exposed cable wires.
Recently, the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) led journalists to the coastal community of Batokunku, where it discovered over 25 unauthorised electricity connections at the Batokunku property of former President Yahya Jammeh.
The recent issue did not only pose serious risks to communities, especially inhabitants of these communities but also deprived NAWEC of much needed revenue.
According to officials, the issue could cause widespread problems with serious consequences, including safety risks and power disruptions, among a host of others.
Electricity is an important necessity crucial for modern life. It is crucial in all aspects of life.
From industries and manufacturing, businesses and commerce; infrastructure development; communication among a host of others, electricity is the life blood and humanity. Without it, all the rapid technology and innovation taking shape will all cease.
The recent discovery signals the need for all hands to be dealt with and to report any such malpractices to the police.
We all have a stake in national development. And reporting any malpractices to the police is contributing to the country's development. Imagine how many people will suffer if this problem escalates into a major one, depriving households who paid their hard earned cash to enjoy life opportunities.
Also, it is high time the utility giant takes a firm stance on this issue by enforcing penalties for illegal connections to deter future occurrences.
It is said that the country’s utility giant (NAWEC) continues to suffer significant revenue losses due to electricity theft, impacting their ability to invest in infrastructure and provide reliable service to Gambians.
The world is advancing now and it is time NAWEC comes up with measures like installing advanced technology and regular physical monitoring to easily detect and dismantle illegal connections.
Let’s support NAWEC in its drive to ensure easy access to uninterrupted electricity supply to all Gambians. Also, communities have a stake in identifying and timely reporting incidents and cases of illegal connections.
These unscrupulous elements should reason that tampering with or damaging critical infrastructural facilities is a criminal offense. Furthermore, illegal connections jeopardise public safety, damage infrastructure and undermine the trust of service providers.
It is time Gambians change their attitude and work towards developing the country. Until then, the current ongoing development initiative would continue to fail ultimately eroding our development endeavors.