Provision of water to Makueni residents blamed on vandalism

Makueni, Tuesday, 30, May, 2023,

KNA by Lavender Mutuku/Samson Makau

Executive Committee Member (ECM) for Water and Sanitation in Makueni County Engineer Eng. John Kasyoki Kieti has attributed the erratic provision of water in the region to the activities of vandals in the area residents.

Eng. Kieti said some of the projects that were vandalized include Kayata, Kima, Mitumani, Muatiteni, Mitumani and Mutiluni bore holes in Mukaa Sub-county owing to poor provision and access of the basic commodity in the area.

Other projects that were also affected are Muangini, Silanga Mbuu earth dam, Katilini, Kwa ivia earth dam, Mavia Maiu earth dam water projects.

“This cases of vandalism and theft of a generator, booster pump, GI pipes, perimeter fence, solar panels and 10,000 plastic water tanks has affected our provision of water to the residents of the affected areas,” said Kieti while speaking to KNA in his Wote office on Monday.

However, the ECM did not mention the amount of money they have incurred in replacing the vandalized items which he said has slowed their efforts in supplying the scarce commodity to the residents of the affected areas.

During the interview, Kieti said that some of the cases have been reported to the police between February and April 2023 and we are waiting for the culprits to be arrested and prosecuted in the court.

In another development, the ECM said that they intend to review the Water Act in Makueni where anyone found vandalizing water projects be fined Shs 10 million.

“The County Government is reviewing the Water Act that currently imposes Shs 1 million- and 6-months imprisonment for vandalism on Water projects. We want to review the same to Shs 10 million and serve 6 months in prison for vandalism,” said Kieti.

Courtesy ; K. N. A