New road toll to fund vandalism fight

By MACHARIA KAMAU

KENYA: The Transport ministry is pushing for a speedy passing of proposed reviews to the scrap metal law. This, it says  would reduce the instances of vandalism of signage, railings and streetlights along major highways.

John Mosonik, principal secretary in charge of Infrastructure said increased vandalism has partly contributed to the move to start tolling roads and charging motorists to raise money to replace stolen road-ware.

cater for repairs

The funds will also help in policing the roads to ensure vandalism is minimised, because the budgetary allocation is not enough to cater for repairs.

“To contain the problem of vandalism, the ministry has commenced the process of procuring a performance based contractor to maintain, manage and operate Thika Superhighway,” he said. He noted that vandalism is threatening to negate infrastructural development.

Vandals have targeted road furniture like signage, railways and streetlights on major roads including the recently built Thika Super Highway.

Mosonik said the ministry is spending millions every month to repair the damage. “Ultimately, it is our hope that the much awaited scrap metal law will supplement these efforts by providing the relevant penal and regulatory framework for scrap metal trade in the country,” he said.

“Despite the efforts to provide high standard roads and infrastructure that is safe for all road users, roads are being damaged by vandals.

 There have been increased incidences of theft of road signage, guardrails and other road furniture. Most of the stolen furniture is sold to the scrap metal dealers.”

The Scrap Metal Bill 2013 – which is an overhaul of the current Scrap Metal Act – was okayed by the Cabinet in October.

The proposed law is expected to check unscrupulous dealers who thrive on vandalism of railway tracks, telephone and power lines and road signs.

scrap metal export

The new law will set up a Scrap Metal Council that will regulate and monitor trade in scrap metal.

“Once enacted, the law will help curb illicit export of scrap metals, reduce destruction of road furniture and infrastructure, and ensure licensing of traders of good conduct,” said a Cabinet brief after the approval of the Bill.

“The department is also exploring various options to tackle vandalism including conducting research on alternative materials that can be used instead of common steal that is attractive to vandals.”

The ministry has had to deploy police officers to guard against vandalism on major highways and spends more than Sh100 million.

“The department is spending on average Sh1.2 million per month for patrol and maintenance on road furniture along Mombasa Road alone,” said Mosonik.

“Along Mombasa Road, guard rails separating carriage ways between Miritini and Mazeras have been vandalised. Other major roads such as the Kisumu-Busia highway and the Meru-Isiolo road have not been spared the menace.”

“Vandalism of vital facilities along the Thika Superhighway alone has caused millions of shillings in damage hardly a year after the road was opened. This is an alarming loss to the country.”