Lighting systems in the city

Five years ago, a

friends father came down to Ghana and the comment he made was; “Ghana would

soon be like London. The street lights are functioning well”. I guess should he

come today, the reverse statement would be very possible.

Major streets in the

city have malfunctioning street lights. Those poles in no time would become

white elephants. The question is which institution is responsible for running

regulatory checks on street lights? Again, Obama would tell us to strengthen our

institutions.

The situation becomes

very abysmal when it rain. Pedestrians on pavements would have to take their

bath on the street since most drivers cannot tell possible potholes filled with

water from the main flat street.

Besides, the security

of the nation would be very difficult to maintain. Most night patrol teams

complain that the malfunctioning of street lights poses a difficulty to their

duties.

As at last week, all

the way from Nkrumah Circle to Mallam junction was without street lights on. Close

to a year now when I was in Togo, the statement I made was: “You cannot find

this in Ghana”. I was referring to their lack of proper lighting system in

their capital, Lome. I guess I would have to retract that statement.

Not only principal streets

that have malfunctioning street lights. Most parts of Kasoa, a vastly emerging

residential community in the city, don’t have street lights. There have been

several attacks on residents at night and most of them blame it on the situation.

I think this problem

should not only be blamed on the authorities. People residing in such areas can

also help by contributing to purchase street lights. If they do so, I don’t think

ECG authorities would not help them with the installation process.

I hope AMA would not

only tackle structures on streets but would also ensure that theregion has a

better street lighting system.

Atawura Philip

Academy of Young

Writers – Ghana

Creative Writers and

Orators Club

Miraster2@live.com