Mzimba Hails Street Lights for Enhancing Security, Reducing Crime
The council aims to spur development through the street lighting project viewed as deterring crime and allowing economic activities to take place at night.
MZIMBA, Malawi — Police and community members in Mzimba have commended the district council for installing solar-powered street lights, citing improved security and a drop in criminal cases as a result, writes Victoria Yande.
Peter Botha, spokesperson for Mzimba Police Station, said robbery cases from January to March this year declined to 214 from 224 over the same period in 2023.
"Most of the cases especially robberies have decreased with the visibility of night patrols in joint with community police and also with the coming of street lights in the district," Botha said.
The M'mbelwa District Council tapped resources from the District Development Fund to install the street lights, seen as boosting nighttime safety and business activity.
"Communities of Mzimba operate their businesses during night and walk freely when they come from their businesses and drinking spree due to the tight security," Botha added.
Gift Mhango, a tax operator at the district center, said the lights have minimized theft and accident risks.
But he urged the council to extend the lighting project to surrounding areas like Chathomba and Chimkusa.
Vincent Nyangulu, a resident of Chanthomba, said walking at night has become secure thanks to the "conducive environment" created by the lights.
Council spokesperson Joel Chiheni Phiri said the first phase installed 87 street lights and 80 more in the second phase, using K99 million from the development fund.
"We have plans to expand installing of other street solar lights in Mzimba as one way of enhancing security in order to protect the lives of people," Phiri said.
The council aims to spur development through the street lighting project viewed as deterring crime and allowing economic activities to take place at night.