LILONGWE CITY COUNCIL MOVES IN TO PROTECT STREET LIGHTING

The Lilongwe City Council plans to invest in smart technology to safeguard the city road infrastructure and keep the streets safe. This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer, Lilongwe City Council, Clement Stambuli during the special city road rehabilitation programme financing engagement meeting with Roads Fund Administration, held at RFA offices on 20 April 2026. 

“We have suffered rampant vandalism of theft of streetlights, especially the solar panels which have been damaged and stolen by criminals. The hardest hit has been the Area 18 Interchange and the Presidential Drive with most solar panels stolen.  

We are vigorously working with partners who are ready to support the smart technology investment for a lasting solution,” reiterated Stambuli. 

The city is exploring technology investments such as installation of CCTVs to closely monitor the sites which are potentially beehives of criminals.  

“We are also looking at procuring solar panels with Geographical Position System (GPS0 Trackers which will enable us to recover any lost panels”, remarked the Chief Executive Officer. 

The city plan to embark on sensitization campaign to ensure the city citizens report any incidences of vandalism and develop a culture of ownership of the city infrastructure. 

The smart technology once installed is expected to improve security and the beauty of the city. 

The RFA has allocated some funds for streetlighting and the assurance to invest in smart technology is commendable.