Written by Rosemary Wachiye 2012-06-07 12:13:00 Read 642 Times

Webuye Municipal Council is set to close down all the scrap metal businesses in the area following a reported increase of theft of metallic items that are then claimed to be sold to the scrap metal dealers.

According to the Webuye Town Clerk, Mr. Josephat Ayonga(left), the scrap metal business emerged after the closure of Pan Paper Factory and has since expanded to more than 5 centers in the area.

The business has been blamed for promoting insecurity in the region as it has led to vandalism of the town street lights, cables and poles leaving an insecure environment for criminal activities.

Mr. Ayonga revealed that the move had been triggered following numerous reported complaints from the residents about their stolen items like window panes, metallic frames some of which end up in the hands of the scrape dealers.

“The council had arrived at that decision during the District Development Committee meeting where all the relevant stakeholders of Webuye town asked the council not to issue licenses to scrap metal dealers anymore,” said Mr. Ayonga.

 “We have communicated to them that their licenses will not be renewed and have instructed them to close up the businesses since their operation will be termed illegal and against the law,” he added.

He called upon residents of Webuye to be on the lookout for those going against the set law and report them to the police so that the town can be freed from illegal businesses.

He called upon the business community in the area to cooperate through payment of single business permits and rent on time to enable the council to generate income through revenue collections that will then translate to better services to the people.

Relevant sources reveal that most recently metal equipment worth Sh.100, 000 was stolen from a now closed down Pan Paper factory and it is believed to have been sold to the scrap metal dealers in town.

Webuye Mayor, Mr. Ali Machani also complained of the tremendous growth of scrap metal businesses in town and sounded stern warnings to the business dealers to close down before they are forced to do so.

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