By Japonicah Jabu
Lilongwe, June 23, Mana: The Lilongwe City Council (LCC) has raised serious concerns over the rising theft of solar panels from streetlights along newly constructed roads, warning that the trend poses a threat to public safety and undermines the city’s appearance.
Tamara Chafunya, spokesperson for the Lilongwe City Council, lamented the "lawless individuals" who are stealing and vandalizing these vital infrastructures.
"These streetlights are part of the development that the government puts in place as part of safety and beautification of the city at night," Chafunya explained, emphasizing the significant investment made by the government.
Chafunya urged citizens to cultivate a sense of ownership over public developments, stressing the collective responsibility required to safeguard these costly constructions.
In response to the rampant thefts, the LCC has engaged various stakeholders to install surveillance cameras at infrastructure sites.
"These cameras will be able to record and be used to trace and catch the culprits," she stated.
Concurring with the LCC, Lilongwe Police Public Relations Officer, Hastings Chigalu, affirmed the police's inherent duty to protect public infrastructure. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the police and scrap metal dealers to curb the illicit trade of stolen items, thereby eliminating a market for the stolen streetlights.
Chigalu further elaborated on the police's proactive approach, stating, "The police does not wait until issues arise for them to take action but they use the strategy of prevention and if it fails then the perpetrators are taken to court to answer for the crime."
He also identified motorbike operators as key enablers of these crimes, as they assist in transporting stolen materials.
Both the Lilongwe City Council spokes person and the Lilongwe Public Relations Police underscore the importance of civic responsibility and a collective effort to protect and preserve the city's infrastructure for the benefit of all residents.
