Water metre theft rises in Murang’a as Muwasco incurs Sh4m losses in six months

Murang’a County Police Commander Benjamin Kimwele with Muwasco managing director Daniel Ng'ang'a with vandalized water fittings. 

Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company has incurred losses amounting to more than Sh4 million from theft and vandalism of meters and other equipment.

In the last six months, the company has experienced increased theft, with over 600 metres have been stolen.

The company’s managing director, Daniel Ng'ang'a, said the vandals have also been targeting water pipes, valves, and taps, among other equipment.

On Thursday, two suspects were arrested after they were found vandalizing manhole covers, and one was arrested on Wednesday after he was found in possession of stolen water meters.

Worst hit areas include Murang’a town, Mukuyu market, Kabuta, Kongo-ini, and Maragi, leaving landlords and home owners reeling in losses.

A landlord in Murang’a town who sought anonymity said in December last year, she lost 13 water meters in one night.

“Replacing those metres cost over Sh70, 000. My appeal is to the water company to work with security officers to stop these thefts,” she said, adding that the thieves are only targeting the metallic ones.

But Ng’ang’a noted that the firm’s technical team has been doing rounds daily to fix the damaged water pipes, saying the vandalism has also caused disruptions in the water supply.

He added that the vandals are targeting residential houses but noted that they are working with a multi-agency team to apprehend culprits and intensify patrols.

“I ask members of the public to support our efforts to end vandalism, saying so that their water supply is not disrupted due to vandalism.”.

The county police commander, Benjamin Kimwele, confirmed that three suspects have been arrested and arraigned in court.

Kimwele assured residents that all involved in the vandalism will be apprehended, saying that investigations are ongoing to determine whether some workers of the water company are involved.

Jane Kamwaga, another resident, said the vandalism has seen many areas covered by Muwasco experience frequent water disruptions.

“Community leaders should help identify the people behind the theft. These disruptions may prompt people to start taking water from streams and cause outbreaks of waterborne diseases.”