Wandayi warns against vandalism of electricity infrastructure

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has warned against vandalism of electricity infrastructure saying culprits will face stern action.

Wandayi called on the police to help the ministry to curb the destruction and theft of electricity infrastructure.

The CS appealed to the public to report vandals to the police.

Wandayi said vandalism of electricity infrastructure was a big blow to government efforts to ensure electricity connection.

"Once we have struggled to bring them here to help our people let them be well taken care of. Let us not allow our children to be used badly," he said.

He regretted that the government is using a lot of money on power connections yet those who are supposed to benefit are vandalising them.

The CS said cases of vandalism are rampant in Siaya county negating efforts to increase connections in the region since the year began.

"It is sad that once we have made these connections, our children are being used to destroy them. They cut off the lines and destroy transformers to steal oil," he said.

He regretted that the menace had left residents in the darkness barely weeks after connection.

"This is a serious project that is benefitting a lot of people. It is not fair to come and destroy it. This is something that we must help each other to stop," he said.

The CS asked county governments to pay the street light electricity bills to avoid leaving residents in darkness.

"Once the government has made an effort to bring the street lights. It is the role of the county governments to pay the bills. Street lights are very important because they enable our traders to trade up to late hours. These are the kind of partnerships that benefit our people," he said.

Wandayi emphasized the importance of street lights in enhancing security.

The CS was speaking in Gem, Siaya county where he launched Sh12 million rural electrification project that will benefit more than 150 households.

He said the government has allocated Sh1.5 billion towards electrification in Siaya county.

"We are doing this in all areas of this country. I am working with all MPs to ensure these electrification projects are implemented. The President has said that we shall not be biased, every region will benefit," he said.

Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo assured that the Ministry of Energy will erect high mast lights in several markets within the constituency in two months.

"In two months, we will have high mast lights in Gogo,Mutumbu, Nguono and Yala markets. We will also have another one in Arude Polytechnic, Rawa,Naya, Apuoyo, Wangteko, luri and Kogero markets. Our focus right now should be on leaders bringing development," said Odhiambo.