LINDA SOKO TEMBO Writes
THE installation of solar streetlights in Lusaka’s Mtendere Compound has helped reduce illicit activities near the market area, some traders have said.
Some traders told The Sun, in spot interviews, that the compound’s main market area had experienced rampant criminal activities, like theft, prior to the installation of the streetlights.
One of the traders, Edson Zulu, said that the installation of solar street lights in the area had also enabled most people to trade at night without having to worry about power cuts.
“We could not properly trade in the evening because of too many power cuts, but with the solar lights now, we are able to work well,” said Mr Zulu.
Mr Zulu added, “The crime rates have reduced in the area as compared to last year”.
Meanwhile, another trader, David Phiri, who has operated at the Mtendere Market for years now, said that the shops at the area experienced lots of break-ins prior to the installation of the solar street lights.
“We are grateful to government, through our area councilor, that we now have streetlights along the main road. Let them continue working even harder,” he said.
Mr Phiri appealed to the area councilor to also put street lights along most tarred roads in the compound in order to improve security.
He also called on the councilor to also consider working on all the roads in Mtendere which were in a deplorable state.