The Nakuru City Management is strengthening partnerships with scrap metal dealers in a bid to curb vandalism and theft of public infrastructure, which have raised serious safety concerns in the city.
This comes in the wake of an increase in the number of incidences of destruction of streetlights, road signs, guardrails, and manhole covers.
City Manager Mr. Gitau Thabanja has strongly condemned these acts, warning that those caught will face legal action. “We cannot allow a few individuals to derail the city’s progress; vandalising public property endangers lives and disrupts essential services,” he said.
The City Management, which met with officials from the Nakuru United Scrap Metal Dealers and Waste Reclaimers Association, noted that there was a need to strengthen regulations governing the scrap metal trade.
The discussions focused on ensuring compliance with existing laws and exploring actionable steps to prevent the sale of stolen public infrastructure.
City Director of Environment Mr. Kiogora Muriithi said there was a need for ethical business practices among licensed scrap metal dealers. “We are calling on all dealers to be vigilant and avoid purchasing vandalised public property,” he said.
He urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities linked to infrastructure theft and any traders benefitting from the vandalised equipment.
Mr. Kiogora said that surveillance efforts will extend beyond the city to the entire county. “This is not just a city issue; the entire county is affected. We will monitor all areas to curb these crimes,” he noted.
The City Management committed to working closely with law enforcement teams to track down offenders and bring them to justice in a bid to safeguard existing infrastructure and ensure public safety.
Plans are also underway to launch public awareness campaigns to educate residents on the negative impact of vandalism and how it drains resources meant for further development.
In the recent past, residents have raised concern over the increasing number of exposed manholes whose covers have been ripped off and left gaping holes that could result in accidents.
By Jane Ngugi
