Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has condemned frequent vandalism of key facilities in various markets across the county.
Governor Mutula castigated culprits behind the criminal activities adding such behaviour borders on economic sabotage and impacted negatively on the provision of services to local traders.
Mutula particularly pointed out the vandalism of solar panels and water meters which affected not only market operations and hygiene but as well the traders comfort.
He underscored that market operations especially at night are gravely affected because traders are forced to close early while at the same time triggering insecurity incidences within and around the market premises.
The Governor was addressing 82 newly elected market chairpersons at Green Park in Wote town saying it was the responsibility of the officials to safeguard government facilities against theft and mismanagement.
“Market chairpersons should take full responsibility for safeguarding government facilities against theft and mismanagement. The theft of solar panels and water meters has disrupted essential services and if this goes on, then we all suffer as a county,” Mutula said.
Further, he emphasised the need for proper structures to support market leadership saying that the chairpersons can work closely with others in order to improve service delivery in the markets.
“Market chairpersons need a dedicated space where they can resolve disputes among traders and communicate important information to the people effectively,” he added.
Department of Trade and Development, Director Harrison Kiandiko, said that he plans to induct officials in the rural areas in an effort to equip them with the necessary skills to enhance efficiency, accountability, and resource management within local markets.
The chairpersons drawn from various groups were inducted on how to do their work in a bid to ensure proper management of the markets in the county.
During the meeting, the chairpersons said that there is insecurity in markets, poor disposal of waste, lack of protective gear for market cleaners and also called on the government to put up floodlights to light the markets in the area.
Others who attended the function included Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, County Secretary Justin Kyambi, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Devolution Nicolas Nzioka and his counterparts for Lands, and Finance Japheth Mang’oka and Damaris Kavoi respectively among others.
