Lodwar, 1st August 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The Department of Water Services has send a stern warning to the culprits who keep on vandalising the installed water infrastructure in Lodwar Municipality, hence cause shortage in water supply. The Department has vowed to take serious action against those found culpable.

For this reason, the Ag. Managing Director of Turkana Urban Water Company, Esther lokitoe, has directed the technical team to increase surveillance and engage community in response to the rising incidences of vandalism of water pipes in Lodwar Municipality.

“I have today directed the Department’s technical staff to increase routine surveillance of the water supply systems and continuously engage the community on the dangers of vandalism to deter such actions moving forward,” Lokitoe said.

She said this during the repair and maintenance of vandalised pipes at Lokaparparae village, where most of the pipes were vandalised and destroyed.

MD further added the Company is working closely with local leaders and residents in the Municipality to promote awareness on the importance of protecting the water supply infrastructure.

Noting that the current vandalism was detected after receiving reports from the members of the public, Lokitoe urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour to the Water Department for prompt action.

The prompt intervention on repairs of the pipes has restored the supply of clean and safe drinking water in Lokaparparae, thanks to the efforts of the emergency response team.

“We have sealed all the leakages and restored the damaged pipes, the normal water supply has been restored” said Mike Ekai, the Operations Manager.

The residents of Lokaparparae generally pointed fingers at water vendors and herders for the vandalism, noting their readiness to work with the county government by reporting the culprits for appropriate action.