Whilst the hydro electricity supply is mainly utilized by homes and other public places, solar electrification is used to light up major streets of the city including the central business district. This provision did not only add beauty to Makeni but it also act as a “security apparatus” to scare away hoodlums at night.
But with the ongoing happening in the city, it seems as if Makeni will soon lose its face value at night if appropriate measures are not instituted to alter the current theft on street solar and batteries.
Almost every major street and institution in Makeni is provided with solar lights; and this has not only helped to add its face lift but also transformed its social life.
For what is described as a thriving business for ill-motivated persons is the stealing of this facility for personal gains in the expense to the common good.
Makeni is not the only place to experience this “development shock” but other places like Port Loko, Kambia and among others have reported similar cases from time to time.
For Port Loko District, a precedent has been set wherein perpetrators of this selfish business were caught, prosecuted and serving different jail terms. Youth must be applauded for their gallantry roles as well as the security personnel of Port Loko.
Many residents of Makeni are with the firm view that if appropriate measures are not adopted to curb this dubious act, there will be a time when this municipality will no longer boast of any solar electrification in major streets.
The worst affected streets to this menace include Agriculture Road, Kamal Street, Magburaka Road, Teko Road and many others.
The last time this medium caught up with authorities of the Municipality of Makeni regarding this unfolding, they promised to amicably salvage the situation by preventing the stealing of these valuable assets of the people, however the situation is still in progress.
Locals are therefore making a glaring called to the appropriate authorities of the city to intensify their night patrol that is for the Police; and meanwhile to provide either chains and locks or weld the solar and batteries with hard metals to forestall this abnormally – a responsibility expected to be taken by Makeni Local Council.
What belongs to all, no one cares for it; and what belongs to none is left unattended to, the people of Makeni are not expecting such a scenario to continue without any move been taken by those concerns, furious residents expressed their dissatisfaction over this ugly occurrence.
