UGANDA, Masaka | Real Muloodi News | In response to public concerns, Masaka City Council leaders have designated USh130m for the repair of malfunctioning street lights that have left several areas in darkness, raising security issues.
City Town Clerk Mr Vincent Okurut acknowledged the legitimacy of public complaints, stating that the allocated funds would be used for street lights maintenance from the local revenue resource envelope.
The repairs are expected to commence in the third quarter, focusing on the most affected roads such as Yellow Knife, where approximately 80% of lights are faulty, and Edward Avenue, with 20 out of 23 streetlights nonfunctional.
Sections in Kijjabwemi, Nyendo, and Kimaanya areas have become security risks due to poor lighting caused by constant blackouts.
Despite promises to investigate and resolve the issue, the faulty lights have been a persistent concern for the business community and the public.
Some residents accuse the Masaka City Council Authority of negligence, emphasising the adverse impact on businesses and increased insecurity.
Ms. Suzan Nyakato, a fast-food vendor on Yellow Knife Road, noted that the lights have been malfunctioning for over five years, affecting businesses operating in the evening.
The Masaka City Boda boda Operator’s Association chairperson, Mr. Abdallah Ssenabulya, attributed increased insecurity to the breakdown of street lights, citing criminal activities during blackouts.
Street lighting is a significant component of roads constructed under Uganda’s Support for Municipal/City Infrastructural Development (USMID).
In March of the previous year, the city mayor, Ms. Florence Namayanja, halted the installation of new solar-powered lamps due to concerns about poor-quality lighting in some areas.
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