[curiousmind96]

Why would infrastructure get torn down once it’s in place?

[zdragnar]

The local militia or government wants money and doesn't care overmuch about the locals themselves, presumably.

[dgacmu]

Copper wire has high resale value. So do solar panels. Copper theft is a problem worldwide, including the US.

[atonse]

I was at my local Home Depot last weekend and the rep told me that just a few weeks prior, a couple people stole a couple rolls of electrical wire (romex) and the value was over $4,000 because of the cost of the copper in it.

I was buying a 15ft strand and it was $18.