Last week, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued an Executive Decree prohibiting the weighing of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, one of the factors considered a catalyst for the vandalism of essential service structures such as electricity, water, and transportation.

In July 2024, the National Assembly approved a specific law that increased penalties for those who commit these types of crimes against public property, but its implementation did not stop the incidents.

Therefore, the government deemed it necessary to close these weighing facilities throughout the country.

Companies that are part of the National Electricity System suffered financial losses exceeding $50 million in 2025 due to damage to the national energy production, transmission, and distribution infrastructure, where stolen materials, in most cases, ended up at these facilities.

Paulo Filho, Deputy Director of Operations for the National Transmission Network (RNT), told Angola Press that vandalism negatively impacts the implementation of new projects in the sector, as well as meeting deadlines and ensuring the continuity of regular electricity supply.

Manuel Kandakanda, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Luanda Railway (CFL), commented that infrastructure and equipment belonging to that institution alone suffered damages totaling $5 million last year.

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