Nyeri: Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company (NYEWASCO) has intensified surveillance of its water infrastructure in a bid to guard against vandalism, as the long rains continue to pound the county. Nyewasco’s Head of Security, Michael Kimondo, highlighted that the move aims to thwart a common trend during the rainy season where unscrupulous individuals vandalize the water infrastructure and make away with the gate valves and water meters.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kimondo noted that the vandals target the metal casing of the meter and the brass component in the gate valve, which are popular with scrap metal dealers. He mentioned that there was a reduction of vandalism cases between January and March this year, but incidents started increasing with the onset of the rains. The vandals take advantage of the heavy rains pounding the county at night to carry out their activities, disrupting water supply to customers.
The latest vandalism incident occurred early Wednesday morning when thieves made away with about 12 gate valves from a residential apartment in the Ruring’u area of Nyeri town. According to Kimondo, their attempt to steal more gate valves and vandalize the company’s zonal meter in the same estate was thwarted when a potential victim raised the alarm upon hearing a commotion outside.
In November last year, thieves stole more than 50 water valves and over 30 meters in Skuta, Kangemi estates in one night, with all incidences occurring during the rainy season. In September 2023, the company’s Managing Director, Engineer Peter Kahuthu, expressed concern over the increase in theft of the firm’s pipes, water valves, and meters, warning that the vice may further complicate water supply to Nyeri town and its environs. Kahuthu disclosed that the company had lost revenue running into millions of shillings due to the destruction of key piping and water connection systems.
Eng Kahuthu stated that vandalism or interference with the infrastructure poses a challenge to service delivery. Vandalized equipment interrupts water supply and affects the quality of water to customers. The management of Nyewasco is appealing to customers and supporters to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving the water supply chain. The company has sought the help of police and local administrators to apprehend the culprits.
On Wednesday, Kimondo mentioned that to eradicate the vice, the company is phasing out brass gate valves and introducing plastic gate valves as an additional security measure. They are also collaborating with landlords to institute further measures, including constructing concrete enclosures for the water infrastructure. Kimondo advised customers with multi-dwelling units to secure their meters in metal or concrete enclosures, which require more time to vandalize.