Biakoye: Madam Jean-Marie Formadi, Member of Parliament for the Biakoye constituency in the Oti Region, is set to initiate a significant community intervention named 'Lighting Up Biakoye.' The project will commence on Tuesday, with the distribution of 800 street lights to various communities within the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, the exercise will begin at Nkonya Wurupong and aims to enhance security, reduce petty crime, and improve night-time visibility throughout the district. District-level data and community feedback have repeatedly pointed out the lack of adequate lighting in public spaces as a major hindrance to safe movement after dark. This issue particularly affects women, traders, and students who are active in the evening.
The initiative is designed to address these concerns while also supporting local economic activities during nighttime hours. Madam Formadi stated that the intervention is the result of extensive stakeholder engagements conducted over the past six months. These consultations involved traditional authorities, assembly members, unit committee members, and youth groups across the district.
Community leaders identified key areas such as market centers, school routes, lorry stations, and access roads to health facilities as critical zones requiring immediate lighting support. The 800 street light units form the first phase of a broader plan to provide street lighting to all major settlements within the Biakoye area.
The street lights consist of all-in-one solar-powered systems with LED lamps, mounting brackets, and integrated batteries. They will be strategically installed to serve markets, schools, health facilities, and major road networks. The installation process will be carried out in collaboration with the Electricity Company of Ghana and the Works Department of the Biakoye District Assembly to ensure proper siting and durability.
The solar-powered design is also expected to reduce reliance on the national grid and ensure functionality during power outages. The 'Lighting Up Biakoye' initiative is anticipated to significantly contribute to crime prevention, enhance public safety, and extend business hours for traders, food vendors, and artisans. Health professionals and educators have added that improved lighting will support emergency response services and facilitate effective evening studies.
Madam Formadi urged the beneficiary communities to take ownership of the project by ensuring proper maintenance and timely reporting of faults to sustain its impact.