Various market centers in Homa Bay county are set to benefit from a street light project aimed at fighting insecurity.
The project, funded by Kwame Otiende Foundation entails erection of solar-powered street lights at trading centers, where traders have been operating in darkness from dusk.
The Foundation has commenced the project at Rodi market in South Kasipul Ward, Kasipul constituency.
The project coordinator, Alex Ogoro said they intend to undertake the project in at least each of the 40 wards in the County.
“Through the Foundation, we have started erecting the lights at Rodi Market and we’re going to proceed to the other wards from next month,” he said, adding that their objective was to implement the project in major markets across the county.
Speaking while launching the project, Ogoro exuded confidence the initiative would in the long run extend business hours for traders while minimising incidents of insecurity.
He said more than 80 lights are going to be done in phase one of the project.
The coordinator said they started the project after residents complained of some criminals who were taking advantage of darkness in the area to perpetrate crime.
“We hope to alleviate crime through the solar lighting project,” he said.
The chairman of Boda boda Riders Association John Obonyo said many residents have been robbed in darkness.
He expressed hope that the project will create a conducive atmosphere for businesses at the market.
A micro enterprises operator, Anastacia Akinyi said the lights will enable them to do business for longer hours and improve on their turn over.
“We have been closing our businesses early in the evening due to fear. The lights will give us longer hours to trade,” said Akinyi.
By Davis Langat
