The Government has increased security vigilance at the Coastal Region to address the challenges of vandalism on critical infrastructure installations.
Coast Regional Commissioner (RC) John Elungata said security agencies have stepped up patrols to reduce incidents of vandalism of public infrastructure.
He said the vandals target Kenya power infrastructure, rail network, oil and water pipelines and roads infrastructure which are all an ‘act of economic sabotage’.
Speaking while on a visit to Taita Taveta County, Elungata said enhanced police patrols and community involvement in the fight against vandalism and scrap metal business have significantly reduced the incidents of vandalism.
Elungata who is the Chairman of the Regional Security and Intelligence Committee visited a huge landfill disposal site, where a contractor is preparing to bury asbestos waste in Voi Sub-county of Taita Taveta.
He said there were concerns that the landfill for the disposal of asbestos roofing material is being built near the Mombasa-Nairobi petroleum products pipeline.
The inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause lung diseases such as asbestosis and lung cancer.
He said the Government is serious about charging treasonous persons found culpable of vandalizing critical development infrastructure.
The Regional Commissioner appealed to the general public to report those vandalizing public utilities in their midst, adding that the government will not relent on the war against vandalism and scrap metal business.
The Senior Administrator said the security personnel will sustain their operations and heighten surveillance on public property network installations.
“Vandalism of road infrastructure, power utility, rail network, and oil and water pipelines among other critical public properties is indeed an economic sabotage and should not be allowed to wipe out the socio-economic gains already made in Kenya,” he said.
By Hussein Abdullahi
