STELCO transformers vandalized, components stolen

The State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has reported that two of the company’s transformers installed in Hulhumale’ Phase II have been vandalized with its components stolen.

According to STELCO’s Managing Director Hussain Fahmy, the transformers were vandalized by perpetrators who possessed technical knowledge of these equipment.

In a post on X, Fahmy noted the “methodical disengagement of HV switches indicates that the individuals involved possess technical knowledge of transformer systems and operations.” Fahmy noted this vandalism to two high-voltage (HV) transformers of the company resulted in significant disruptions to the electricity network.

“Despite being protected by boundary walls and double-locked enclosures, the perpetrators breached the gates, damages the locks, and tampered with the HV system,” Fahmy said in his post.

He further said that the tragic deaths caused by transformer vandalism in 2024 “serve as a painful reminder of the severe consequences” of such acts. He further noted that this incident highlighted the immediate need for increased public awareness and preventive measures to protect lives and ensure safety of critical infrastructure.

Fahmy also confirmed that investigations are now underway to identify the culprits and added that measures are being implemented to prevent future occurrences.

Vandalism and robbery of transformer components have been reported in the past as well, while there have been multiple instances of electrical cables stolen from private residences.