Department of Lands, Urban Planning, and Environment County Executive Committee Member (CEM) Nicolas Nzioka has lamented over the rampant vandalism of water projects under the Department of Water and Sanitation in Makueni County.
Nzioka said that the vandalism of the water projects was like a punishment to the people and animals, while adding that the individuals involved in this theft are enemies of the county.
“The rampant vandalism of the water projects is causing unnecessary agony to people and animals that are supposed to benefit from the projects. You punish the entire system,” said Nzioka during a sensitisation of the Makueni County Environment Committee at a hotel in Machakos on Friday.
In this regard, he said there was a need to form networks and ensure the incidences of vandalism were reported to the police so that the culprits would be arrested and prosecuted.
The CEM disclosed that the Kiusyi Water project in Ilima Ward, where water pipes were removed, and many people who depended on it to get water for domestic use and water animals, were suffering.
The two-day workshop that started on Thursday was funded by the Financially Led Locally Climate Action Programme (FLLOCA), who wanted the CEC members to understand their role in the programme.
On environment, Nzioka said that it was imperative for parents to inculcate environmental issues in their children so that they can develop a good attitude as they grow.
He further said that there was need for concerted efforts to ensure our environment was clean, while saying those polluting the rivers had their days numbered.
Speaking in the same workshop, Makueni County Commissioner (CC), Mr. Henry Wafula, warned those involved in the vice that they risked prosecution.
Wafula also put on notice to chiefs and their assistants that they would face dire consequences if projects in their area of jurisdiction were vandalised.
“Chiefs and their assistants should work closely to ensure no vandalism of government projects takes place,” Wafula warned.
On defilement, the administrator pointed out that Kibwezi and Mbooni West were leading, saying that cases were reducing.
“I urge chiefs and their assistants to ensure no vandalism occurs in their area of jurisdiction,” said Wafula.
By Patrick Nyakundi
