By Nasir Shuaibu
The Bauchi State Infrastructure Development and Maintenance Agency (BASIDMA) has arrested and prosecuted more than 10 persons for allegedly vandalising street-lighting infrastructure across the state.
The Director-General of the agency, Engr. Abdurrahman Abdullahi MaiAuduga, disclosed this in an interview at his office on Friday, saying the crackdown had significantly reduced cases of vandalism since the agency intensified enforcement.
MaiAuduga said some of the suspects were convicted and sentenced to between two and three months in prison, while offenders found responsible for damaging public infrastructure were also required to pay for repairs and restore the affected facilities.
He said vandalism, including the alleged digging up and destruction of street-lighting infrastructure, was a major challenge when the agency commenced operations.
According to him, BASlDMA has adopted strict measures to protect street lights and other public infrastructure from vandals and reckless drivers.
He added that cases involving reckless driving and damage to street-lighting facilities were taken seriously, with offenders liable to prosecution where necessary.
Beyond enforcement, the agency, he said, had embarked on community sensitisation campaigns in areas including Sabon Kaura, Ibrahim Bako and other parts of Bauchi metropolis.
The Director-General said residents were being encouraged to regard street-lighting facilities as public assets that require collective protection.
MaiAuduga also disclosed that BASlDMA was gradually converting street lights from diesel-powered generators to solar energy as part of efforts to reduce operational costs and improve sustainability.
He explained that when the agency assumed responsibility for the facilities, many street lights were powered by generators, prompting BASlDMA to first repair and refurbish existing diesel-powered systems.
He said the agency later commenced the installation of solar-powered systems in selected locations with the support of Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir present administration.
According to him, some old street-lighting systems had been repaired and reactivated in locations such as Azare Misau, while plans were underway to extend the solar initiative to other local government areas and newly constructed roads as funds became available.
MaiAuduga said the agency was also managing increased electricity loads in areas such as Mudalawal Market, Murtala Muhammad Way and the stadium without seeking additional funding, through measures aimed at blocking operational loopholes.
He urged residents to protect government infrastructure and promptly report vandalism and reckless damage, stressing that safeguarding the facilities would enable the state to sustain street lighting and improve security and movement across communities.
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