Vandalism of Water Project Worries Rangwe Residents

Homa Bay, Friday June 9, 2023,

KNA by Sitna Omar

Residents of Kiruo village in Rangwe Sub County are concerned over vandalism of Rangwe Integrated Water Project by unknown people.

They lamented the destruction and theft of the project's parts including solar panels that left them without water for a long period of time.

The project which consisted of a borehole, pipes and 16 solar panels was constructed in 2013 by the County Government of Homa Bay.

The residents led by Walter Opiyo said the borehole served them for two years before it was vandalised due to poor management.

“The borehole served us for two years until it broke down due to administration issues because those in charge were not vigilant,” he said.

With this, residents saw the project as useless, a situation that exposed its parts to theft where all the 16 solar panels were stolen.

Speaking on Thursday, Opiyo said the water project is now operational after it was restored back to its former state a few weeks ago.

However, the residents are now worried that the new machines might be vandalised again and appealed to other residents to refrain from doing so.

“I appeal to my fellow residents not to vandalise the project’s parts because it was constructed for their own benefit. Water is life and when its available, it reduces chances of contracting water-borne diseases,” Opiyo noted.

Before the project was restored, the area residents relied on River Rangwe which is seasonal for domestic use.

Opiyo said the water from the river is unclean and not safe for consumption adding that if the water project is vandalised time and again, there will be a likely-hood of water shortage in the area especially with climate change.

“When you vandalise a project that would have served you with water regardless of whether there is rain or not, then you will be exposing yourselves to water shortage and other challenges that come with it,” he informed.

Courtesy ; K. N. A