Funding delaying BT streetlights project
Inadequate funding and vandalism are said to be frustrating the street lighting project in Blantyre City.
Vandalism has been the main culprit leading to darkiness on most city streets, according to Blantyre City Council (BCC) public relations manager Anthony Kasunda, who said the council is awaiting funding.
In some areas, poles were already erected some time back and what is left is power installation and connections.
Kasunda confirmed the council is yet to connect some of the already erected poles, saying: “Financial resources are the limiting factor, but plans are there to connect them this financial year.”
Some residents of the area called upon the city to connect the poles that have been idle for some time, saying the longer they stay idle, the higher the temptation to vandals since they are as good as useless without being connected.
One resident, Wongani Chikweba of Manja Township, decried the idleness of the erected poles, saying some are on the verge of falling on their own, posing a risk to passers-by. This further adds to the danger of people being mugged in the darkness of the poles with no lights.
Asked on whether the idleness was not motivating vandals, Kasunda encouraged the residents to keep watch on the property and not vandalise it due to their current status.
The issue of vandalism of council property has been high on the council’s agenda and it has appealed to all sectors of society to be on high alert and help curb vandalism of property such as streetlights and road signs.
