Outrage As Newly Installed Solar Streetlights Collapse After Rainfall In Nasarawa

Several newly installed solar-powered streetlights have collapsed along the Keffi Bypass in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State following rainfall on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

The incident, which left several streetlight poles scattered along the roadside, has triggered concerns among residents and motorists over the quality, durability and safety of the infrastructure project.

According to Bush Radio Academy, eyewitnesses reported that the streetlight structures, which were recently installed, fell during the rainfall, raising questions about the strength of their foundations and their ability to withstand ordinary weather conditions.

Some residents have blamed the incident on the alleged use of substandard construction materials, particularly questioning the quality of the poles and whether adequate foundations were provided during installation.

One resident, who spoke anonymously, argued that properly installed streetlights built in accordance with engineering standards should be capable of withstanding normal seasonal rainfall.

The resident expressed concern that the collapse of the poles after a single rainfall could indicate possible deficiencies in the materials used or the quality of the installation work.

Following the incident, residents called on the relevant government authorities and the contractor responsible for the project to conduct an immediate technical assessment to establish the cause of the collapse.

They also urged the authorities to replace the damaged structures with durable materials that meet approved engineering standards and ensure proper supervision of the installation process.

The residents warned that leaving the fallen poles unattended could endanger motorists, pedestrians and other road users, particularly if the structures obstruct traffic or create roadside hazards.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain comments from the contractor responsible for the project had been unsuccessful.

The residents further appealed to the government to strengthen monitoring and quality-control measures for public infrastructure projects, insisting that contractors must be held accountable for delivering safe, durable and reliable facilities.

They maintained that the success of any public infrastructure project should not be measured solely by its completion but by its ability to serve the public safely and effectively over time.