Digitalising Infrastructure Protection: Curtailing Vandalism and Bolstering Revenue Inflows
Author : Dr. Misheck Chingozha P
Abstract :
Infrastructure vandalism in Zimbabwe is currently so apparent. Many institutions are facing or have faced challenges related to vandalism induced down time, cost of cable or equipment replacement/repair as a result of vandalism. Resultantly citizens have been maimed, killed by naked wires exposed by vandals and denied sustainable livelihoods because of vandalised electrical and network connectivity. The study adopted the qualitative approach in addressing the demands of this study. A sample of risk and security officers and public relations officers from Zimbabwe Electricity supply Authority (ZESA), Telone (Telecommunications) and National Railways of Zimbabwe was used for this study. The study used interviews and document analysis to gather the required data for this study. The study found out that infrastructure vandalism is being caused by non- performance of the economy, corruption and the absence of mores and values among communities. In view of these conclusions the study recommends that all stakeholders must contribute towards the protection of all infrastructure, the institutions must digitalise the protection of their infrastructure, the government must promulgate appropriate legislation and consider deterrent sentences.
Keywords :
Infrastructure vandalism, vandals, cable theft, digitalize, Zimbabwe
