A Murang’a water firm has incurred losses amounting to more than Sh4 million within a period of six months in the wake of increased theft and vandalism of metres, among other water equipment.
Managing Director of Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (Muwasco) Daniel Ng’ang’a confirmed that in a span of six months, more than 600 water meters have been stolen.
He said the vandals are also targeting water pipes, valves, and taps, among other equipment, saying the vandalism has caused the company a huge loss.
On Thursday, Eng. Ng’ang’a, speaking at Murang’a Police Station after two suspects were arrested in connection with the theft of water meters, observed that the most affected areas include Murang’a town, Mukuyu market, Kabuta, Kongoini, and Maragi, among other places.
“Our technical team has been on the ground every day as they fix damaged water pipes. The increased vandalism has also caused disruption of water supply to our clients,” he stated.
The vandals, Ng’ang’a noted, are targeting residential houses, saying landlords have been greatly affected by the theft of meters.
“Our staff are working with a multi-agency team led by the county police commander to apprehend those behind the theft of water metres, among other water equipment. With the increased patrols, a number of suspects have been arrested,” he added.
The director called upon members of the community to support the efforts towards ending vandalism, saying criminal activities are subjecting residents to suffering from water shortages.
County police commander Benjamin Kimwele confirmed more than three suspects have been arrested and arraigned in court.
Kimwele assured that with support from the members of the public, all the thieves and cartels behind the theft of water meters, valves, pipes and other equipment will be brought to book.
“Today two suspects have been arrested as they were found vandalising manhole covers. On Wednesday, another suspect was arrested after he was found in possession of stolen water meters. I want to assure Murang’a residents that all those behind the theft and vandalism will be arrested.
“We are also carrying out investigations to establish if the theft is an inside job. My appeal to the locals is to help us with any information that will assist in nabbing the culprits,” he added.
A resident of Murang’a town, Jane Kamwanga, lamented that with increased vandalism, the supply of water to homes has frequently been disrupted.
Kamwanga urged the community leaders to help in identifying the people behind the theft, saying a water shortage will force locals to resort to taking unclean water sourced from streams.
“Those vandalising water equipment needs to stop. I warn our youths to avoid being used to steal water meters and instead look for something meaningful to do,” she added.
One of Murang’a’s landlords, who sought anonymity, said in December last year she lost 13 water meters in one night.
The landlord complained that replacing the meters cost her more than Sh70,000, urging the water company to work with security agents and stop the theft.
“The perpetrators of the theft of meters are only targeting the metallic ones and we wonder what is special with meters. We have incurred huge losses as the company transfers the costs of replacing meters to the victims,” lamented the landlord.
By Bernard Munya and Purity Mugo
