The County has called upon residents of the area to take part in curbing the escalating incidents of vandalism targeting street lights, cautioning that stern action will be taken against perpetrators.
While issuing a statement to the media, County executive committee member for Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Areas Management Peter Akono said that the surge in vandalism incidents was a cause of alarm to both the public and the County administration.
“The vandals deliberately target bulbs, cables, solar panels and poles, leaving streets in darkness, especially at night,” he said.
Akono revealed that a multi-agency team of officers from Lodwar Municipality and County directorates of Energy, Lands and Enforcement had already been constituted to guide response to the escalating threat.
“From our statistics, Lodwar Municipality was the worst hit. Cases have been reported from Napetet, Nawaitorong, Nakwamekwi, Ekalees area, and Kerio Junction. Other cases are from Kakuma and Lokichoggio,” he explained.
It is feared that the vandalism has plunged most areas into darkness, hindering growth of commerce and escalating insecurity.
The county Executive warned that they would take stern action in order to protect investment and installations aimed at bettering the lives of the residents.
A resident of Lodwar Municipality Ewoi Ekuwam expressed fears that criminal gangs would re-emerge in the town thanks to the night time darkness occasioned by vandalized street lights.
“I will be one of the happiest people if the County responds to this problem,” Ekuwam said.
Akono advised the public to be vigilant on the vandalism challenge and report cases either to the police or the County offices.
By Peter Gitonga
