The government has lost millions of money due to the vandalism of public infrastructures in different regions across the country, consequently, increasing security vigilance in a bid to cut down these cases.
Coast Regional Commissioner (RC) John Elungata said vandals, target Kenya’s power infrastructure, rail network, oil and water pipelines, and road infrastructure which is all an ‘act of economic sabotage’.
“Vandalism of road infrastructure, power utility, rail network and oil and water pipelines among other critical public properties is indeed an economic sabotage and should not be allowed to wipe out the socio-economic gains already made in Kenya,” he said.
Speaking while on a visit to Taita Taveta county Elungata said, enhanced police patrols and community involvement in the fight against vandalism and scrap metal business have significantly reduced the incidents of vandalism.
Elungata who is the chairman of the regional security and intelligence committee visited a huge landfill disposal site where a contractor is preparing to bury asbestos waste in the Voi sub-county of Taita Taveta.
He said there were concerns that the landfill for the disposal of asbestos roofing material is being built near the Mombasa-Nairobi petroleum products pipeline.
He said the government is serious about charging treasonous persons found culpable of vandalizing critical development infrastructure.
Elungata appealed to the general public to report those vandalizing public utilities in their midst adding that the government will not relent on the war against vandalism and scrap metal business.