By Wadza Botomani
The Ministry of Transport has taken a bold step to combat vandalism of street lights along the newly-constructed dual carriage from Kamuzu Central Hospital turnoff to Crossroads Hotel roundabout. Deputy Minister Baba Steven Malondera has directed the Roads Authority (RA) to install GPS-compatible trackers on the street lights to deter vandals and thieves.
This move comes after a recent inspection of the road construction project, where Malondera witnessed firsthand the extent of the vandalism. He condemned the perpetrators, labeling them “enemies of development.” The Deputy Minister also emphasized the need to install GPS trackers at the Area 18 interchange, where theft of street lights is similarly rampant.
According to Patrick Kamanga, Senior Projects Engineer at the RA, at least 10 street light poles have been vandalized, a development he describes as “unfortunate” in the context of road infrastructure development. The installation of GPS trackers is expected to enhance security and monitoring of the street lights, thereby reducing the incidence of vandalism and theft.
This initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to upgrade and expand the country’s road network. Recently, President Lazarus Chakwera launched the upgrading works for Kenyatta Drive, a project aimed at improving road safety and reducing travel time. The Ministry of Transport’s directive to install GPS trackers on street lights demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the challenges facing the country’s road infrastructure.
