The County Government of Turkana is sounding the alarm about the surge in street light vandalism, urging residents to actively combat this menace by reporting perpetrators.
Peter Akono, Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Physical Planning, and Urban Areas Management, expressed deep concern about the escalating incidents during a media statement.
“The vandals are specifically targeting bulbs, cables, solar panels, and poles, plunging streets into darkness, especially at night,” said CECM Akono.
A multi-agency team, comprising officers from Turkana Municipalities Management, County Directorates of Energy, Lands, and Enforcement unit, has been established to coordinate responses to this growing threat, particularly in the worst-hit area of Lodwar Municipality.
“So far, incidents have been reported from Napetet, Nawaitorong, Nakwamekwi, Ekalees, and Kerio Junction within Lodwar Municipality.
Other cases are from Kakuma and Lokichoggio in the western regions of Turkana.
This has adversely affected commerce and escalated security concerns in affected regions,” CECM Akono said.
Emphasizing that the County will take decisive action to safeguard investments and installations aimed at improving residents’ lives.
CECM Akono added that actions will also be taken against those purchasing items vandalized from the street lights.
A resident of Lodwar, Ewoi Ekuwam, expressed fears of a potential resurgence of criminal gangs in the town due to nighttime darkness resulting from vandalized street lights.
In response to the growing challenge, CECM Akono advised the public to remain vigilant and report vandalism cases promptly to the police or County offices
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