Stop Stealing Streetlights, Siaya Official Pleads with Residents

Madam Grace Agolla (right) at a past function with the Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo. Photo | Directorate of Public Communication, County Government of Siaya

Speaking at her office in Siaya town on Wednesday Grace Agola said the county government installs lights within the area to improve security and cannot go into the villages to protect them.

“The solar lights have been installed to improve security and provide light for business activities but they are being stolen at an alarming rate. I would like to advice residents of areas in which lights have been installed to take responsibility of ensuring they are secure,” said Agolla.

“It’s quite disappointing that a project worth millions aimed at transforming lives of residents ends up being destroyed by a few unscrupulous people,” added Agolla.

The residents have over the years appealled to the county government to bring development projects down to the villages but it was disappointing to note that such development was now being subjected to vandalism.

Agolla said it will now force the county government to budget for maintenance fee to help restore lights vandalised by locals.  

High-mast solar lighting has greatly improved security in rural markets in Siaya County. Photo | AFP

She asked residents to be vigilant and protect street lamps from vandals.

“It is a good thing for our sector, especially for traders who operate in the markets as this will add extra hours for us and also guard against insecurity,” said Agolla

She acknowledged that implementing all the projects in the Nyalore blueprint was a daunting task, considering the limited resource allocation by the national government. Nonetheless, she was upbeat that the County Government of Siaya had made great strides in the implementation process.