Billions gone waste under kma?s streetlight project

From Brenda Osei Akoto, Kumasi.

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly?s (KMA) bid to improve the streetlight situation in the metropolis has proved unsuccessful following massive thefts of components of the project.

The over ?1 billion spent on repairs and replacement of streetlights in the Metropolis since last year has almost gone to the drain.

The Chief Electrical Superintendent of KMA, Mr. Paul Boakye had disclosed that a number of electrical cables worth over ?62 million have been stolen from poles at New Asokwa near Kumasi Sports Stadium alone over the past few months.

Recently at the new Bekwai road, ?5million worth of cables were stolen with another ?3 million which was also stolen from along the Pinanko road.

Mr. Michael Adusei-Bonsu, Assemblyman for Dadiesoaba who expressed concern over the activities of the thieves in his electoral area, said streetlights that were repaired recently and fitted with 250-watt bulbs involving millions of cedis were not functioning as a result of the cables being cut down by the thieves.

This situation has resulted in increased robbery cases in the affected places being robbed of items involving mobile phones, handbags and other valuables by armed robbers who are creating a haven out of the darkness that engulfs the area each night.

Adusei-Bonsu stressed the need for the residents to be more vigilant and confront any person who may be seen fidgeting with any streetlight without a valid ID card from the KMA or the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

Meanwhile, the KMA has appealed to the public to assist in policing the streetlights as it cost millions to erect and maintain them.