Increased theft of water meters paralyzing water supply in Murang’a town and parts of its environs

Murang’a

Friday August 18, 2023

KNA by Bernard Munyao

Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (Muwasco) is counting losses after increased cases of theft of water meters and vandalism of their infrastructure.

For the past one week, more than 20 water meters have been stolen, paralyzing water supply to several parts of the company’s area of jurisdiction.

Muwasco Corporate Communications Manager Mr Jacob Mbuthia has revealed worst affected areas include Gaitega, Kambwe, Njoguini, Mjini and Kabuta.

He noted that for the last one week, every day the company was losing one or two meters saying the most targeted are metallic ones. “It’s unfortunate the theft of water meters has gone up and we are suspecting the equipment is being stolen and sold to scrap metal dealers,” Mbuthia told KNA.

Theft and vandalism of water infrastructure, Mbuthia revealed, had plunged the company into losses amounting to more than Sh.1.5 million for the last one year regretting that due to increased vandalism and stealing of water equipment, some parts of their area of jurisdiction have been going without water for several days.

“Our team is on ground almost every day repairing vandalized water pipes and also replacing stolen meters. This has caused the company huge losses,” remarked Mbuthia.

He noted the company is employing a multi-agency approach to curb vandalism of water pipes and stealing of the meters adding they have been organizing public barazas jointly with National Government administrative officers with the aim of sensitizing the locals to help protect water infrastructure.

“We are also partnering with officers from the ministry of interior, the police, county government and Nyumba Kumi members to help us in guarding and protecting water infrastructure.

“The company is also ready to give rewards to members of the public who will volunteer information leading to the arrest of culprits stealing the meters,” added Mbuthia.

Muwasco currently serves two wards including Mbiri and Murang’a Township with plans in place to extend its services to parts of Kambiti, Nginda and Kamahuha wards which are in Murang’a south sub county.

Currently, the company has more than 17, 000 customers with Mbuthia saying by the end of this year they are targeting to connect about 6, 000 people to water.

Courtesy ; K. N. A