Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) lost more than 77 million meticais last year as a result of clandestine electricity connection schemes, the Director of EDM's Customer Service Area in Lichinga, Niassa province, revealed today.

In an interview with Radio MozambiqueHe pointed to the migration of the population, theft and vandalization of electrical equipment, and illicit charges as the difficulties slowing down the expansion of the electricity grid in Niassa.

"On the other hand, there is the component of commercial losses. These stem from acts of meter tampering, connections outside the rules made by individuals with no employment relationship with Electricidade de Moçambique. Last year alone we lost around 77 million meticais in terms of billing," said Matimele.

He said that the lost value could contribute to the expansion of electrification in more communities in Niassa.

Matimele said that working with the communities had enabled criminals to be identified and referred to the competent authorities.

"We've already had a case at the Macaloge Administrative Post, where the government itself reported illegal collections. With the collaboration of the communities, it was possible to arrest the accused and they were tried and sentenced," he said. Two other cases, in different communities, were referred to the courts, one of which resulted in the accused being granted parole and the other is ongoing.

Nevertheless, Niassa province has already reached 52% of electrification, which is the highest in the north, ahead of Nampula and Cabo Delgado.