Sh18m lighting project launched in Voi as insecurity threaten the town

BY RENSON MNYAMWEZI

TAITA-TAVETA COUNTY: Leaders from Taita-Taveta have raised the alarm over the high rate of insecurity in Voi town and its environs.

The leaders who included Mbololo Ward Representative Godfrey Mwambi and his Kaloleni counterpart Ahmed Omar said insecurity was adversely affecting the implementation of the 24-hour economy in the town and called on the police to intensify patrols.

The two MCAs noted that terror gangs are freely moving round town and terrorising residents with impunity.

Speaking in Voi town when Governor John Mruttu launched the Sh18 million-street lighting project, which will cover Voi, Mwatate and Taveta towns, they blamed insecurity on laxity among the security personnel.

They said cases of mugging and housebreakings were on the rise, an issue they said needs to be urgently addressed.

Mr Mwambi blamed widespread use and consumption of illicit brews and drugs as the main cause of insecurity in the region.

“We are perturbed by the high incidences of crime in the cosmopolitan town. The rising cases of crime are affecting the implementation of the 24- hour economy in the town and its environs,” Mr Omari told the governor and Deputy County Commissioner Khamasi Shivogo.

Governor Mruttu pointed out that the electricity project would help improve security and enhance employment opportunities to the local community.

“Police should act fast and arrest people who are terrorizing residents. We do not want to hear incidences of insecurity in the region any more as the vices are promoting poverty,” said Mr Mruttu.

ARRESTING CRIMINALS

The governor at the same time challenged members of the public to volunteer information that would help in arresting criminals in the region.

Mruttu further disclosed that his administration has set aside more than Sh10 million to construct wholesale market in the area adding that Voi town would also be re-planned.

“The tourist town is filthy and haphazardly built. We want to re-plan it to attract more investors for job opportunities,” he said.