After the county government delivered its promise of facilitating the street lighting project at the Olenguruone shopping centre, area residents have come out to laud the move saying that it shows governor Mbugua’s efforts of ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
A majority of the residents who spoke on Monday, they noted that the lights will not only improve on security but also boost economic growth by ensuring that traders remain at their business premises up to late hours without fear of being attacked.
The project came amid a planned protest for the rising insecurity cases with a security guard manning a shop at the centre being brutally murdered by unknown people on January 29.
“In fact the project is long overdue, insecurity is a real threat to business and lack of committed leadership has seen us incur losses due to being attacked at our businesses. At least we are sure of our safety to and from Olenguruone centre because the road is well lit now,” noted Jasim Rono, a businessman.
Sarah Chepkoech, who runs a vegetable kibanda, believes the future looked bright with such projects now finding their way to the local level thanks to devolution.
“I have seen more than 3 fellow business ladies being murdered here for the 8 years I have operated from this shopping centre, at least we will feel safer with these lights everywhere,” she said.
Area MP Zakayo Cheruiyot has called on the residents to maintain the lights further calling on police officers to be vigil and arrest anybody found vandalising the poles, wire and head lamps.