Anambra State government has warned those involved in pilfering or destroying the Street Solar Lights cables or accessories to desist forthwith or be immediately apprehended and handed over to the Police.
Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu in a statement said Street Lights Monitoring Committees set up by the Ministry of Power and Water Resources have been directed to be more vigilant and firm in the exercise of their responsibilities which is to protect and apprend the culprits.
He also urged the State Police Command to direct its local Police Stations to cooperate with the Monitoring Committees to ensure suspected thieves and vandals were expeditiously prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.
The statement reads, “Anambra State Government has discovered that the cables and accessories of the new cost-saving Solar Street Lights being installed to illuminate our roads and streets are being stolen and vandalized by some enemies of the progress of the state
“It has also become a regular thing for some reckless drivers to knock down these street light poles and take-off without any remorse as if the facility was not put there with tax payers money.
“These can no longer be tolerated.
“The Street Lights Monitoring Committees set up by the Ministry of Power and Water Resources are hereby directed by the Government to be more vigilant and firm in the exercise of their responsibilities which is to protect and apprend these culprits.
“Government is calling on the local Street Light Monitoring Committees and the communities’ leaders to take full ownership of these assets and guard them with eagle eyes.
“Anybody caught pilfering or destroying the Street Solar Lights cables or accessories should be immediately apprehended and handed over to the Police.
“Government is also urging the Anambra State Police Command to direct its local Police Stations to cooperate with the Street Lights Monitoring Committees so that these suspected thieves and vandals will be expeditiously prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.
“Anambra State can only make the needed progress if these retrogressive elements are put in check.
“Transforming Anambra into a liveable and prosperous homeland is an agenda with a deadline that must not be truncated by the bad eggs in our midst.”