The Blantyre City Council (BCC) has embarked on a street lights fixing and maintenance project to enhance the city’s security and beauty.
In an interview over the weekend, BCC’s Public Relations Manager Anthony Kasunda said the project, which will run for three months, has been funded by the Government of Malawi through the Roads Authority to the tune of K150 million (about $224 433).
Said Kasunda:“Targeted sites under this project are Kandodo Corner Shop round-about through Mbayani to Kameza round-about, Kwacha round-about to Kudya, CI to Manyowe and CI to Green Corner.
“The ultimate goal is to have the whole City connected with functional lights. We expect to complete all the earmarked sites by end March.”
However, Kasunda bemoaned acts of vandalism which he said are frustrating BCC’s efforts to improve the city’s beauty and security.
“The Council is appealing to residents and members of the public to guard these facilities jealously. The City has lost substantial amounts of money through vandalism of facilities such as street lights and it is our appeal that the beautiful lights we are fixing will be protected,” he added.
A resident of Mbayani Township, Stephano Mapeto, commended the council for the initiative, saying people have been facing security challenges in the area especially when knocking off from work at night.
“Criminals took advantage of the darkness to rob people especially around the area between Petroda filling station and Mbayani stage. Women have lost handbags, others have been beaten. I hope that the initiative will help I dealing with these cases,” he said.
