Telecommunications companies have expressed worry about the alarming rates of thievery, fiber cuts and vandalism of their properties.

According to them, more than 250 cases of vandalism have been recorded in the half of 2018.

Additionally, 130,000 litres of diesel, 25,000 litres of fire extinguishers, 600 batteries and 55 air conditioners have been stolen in the first half this year.

Each fiber cut, they say, costs about GH₵ 13,000 to repair – a situation that Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications said is negatively affecting the performance of telecom operators.

These concerns came to light at the 11 th Knowledge Forum organized in Accra yesterday dubbed ‘Improving Customer Experience by Safeguarding Telecoms Infrastructure’.

Private developers were identified as leaders in destruction of telco properties with the road contractors following closely. Other companies equally guilty were names as Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Railway and many mining companies.

Mr. Derek Laryea, Research and Communications Manager of Telecoms Chamber, who presented the findings, said even though network operators are working to find solutions, the success rate has not improved.

The Chamber is, therefore, appealing to the general public to play the role of citizen vigilantes to curb the alarming situation.

Source: The Finder