Street lights changing city outlook

Dear Editor,

IT is good that at least Lusaka townships are beginning to have streetlights installed not only for beauty purposes but for safety and security reasons as well. At least people can move freely without fearing being attacked by mushrooming criminal gangs.

Funds permitting, I encourage the Lusaka City Council are working with other stakeholders to roll out the streetlights project to other townships that have perpetually been in the dark since independence.

With so many criminal gangs on the scene, having streetlights installed in most parts of the city can somehow help prevent rampant attacks on people.

That is why it is encouraging to see that even some roads in Matero Township have benefitted from the streetlights project. Understandably, more roads will have streetlights installed in Matero. This is the way to go. May this happen quickly.

However, as much as these facilities are needed, one can only hope residents will refrain from vandalising them because they are for their own good. Why vandalise facilities that help provide security at night? Reports of thugs stealing installations and other appliances are disappointing.

Maybe the Lusaka City Council should come up with an awareness campaign to sensitise people on the importance of the streetlights to stop thefts and vandalism of these vital installations.

My other area of concern which has been neglected in terms of streetlights is the heavy industrial area which is a crime prone area at night because there are no streetlights. Many people have been attacked in this area as thugs take advantage of the darkness to commit crimes.

This is a very important part of Lusaka since it harbours some of the key industries. Can Government look into this matter by extending the streetlights project to this area, especially now that Lumumba Road is being worked on.

MARK PONDE

Lusaka