The information was relayed via a press conference after a tour to the illegal connection areas in Batokunku on Tuesday.
According to Galo Saidy, the managing director of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), the illegal connection, discovered during a recent inspection by NAWEC’s technical team, has caused widespread power disruptions in the surrounding community and, posed “serious safety risks” to nearby residents.
“This is not just electricity theft, this is a national insult,” says Mr Saidy.
“We cannot keep preaching about reform and the rule of law while allowing people drain public utilities unchecked,” he said.
He said the illegal connection was deliberate, sustained, and possibly known to certain insiders.
“Our findings suggest that this wasn’t an accident. It was a calculated and unlawful act and we’re considering legal action. We’re not ruling out court.”
He further said a full audit is underway to determine the scale of the loss, but preliminary reports suggest a substantial amount of electricity was being siphoned, all at taxpayers' expense.
He added that the legal department confirmed that no recent billing records exist for the property, suggesting the illegal hook-up had been operating for years.
He called on the public to always follow due process when wanting to access electricity and avoid shortcuts that could harm the general populace.
He also announced that a nationwide inspection will be conducted to detect all illegal connections and punish culprits found wanting.
