Lodwar, 24th March 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

In the wake of increasing reports of vandalism targeting water installations, authorities have vowed to take stern action against individuals perpetrating the act.

Speaking on behalf of the County Commissioner during the World Water Day, Turkana Central DCC Thomas Siele described the acts of vandalism as intentional sabotage of government efforts towards availing clean and safe water.

“Our security agencies have intensified efforts to curb the destruction of water infrastructure. The government will not tolerate acts of sabotage against water supply systems.

He added that those found vandalizing pipes and installations will be arrested and prosecuted to serve as an example to the rest.

“We have also reached out to scrap metal and second hand equipment dealers and put them on notice. Their work is to report anyone trying to sell water installations without fail,” he said.

He further warned that individuals carrying unauthorized firearms and terrorizing residents at water points would also face the full force of the law.

“Security operations have been heightened, and we will not spare those endangering lives by using illegal firearms, especially at water access points,” he added.

Recognizing the link between vandalism and the booming construction industry, the DCC revealed that authorities are working closely with metal suppliers to track down individuals supplying stolen water infrastructure materials.

“We are monitoring the scrap metal trade to ensure that those selling stolen water supply parts are arrested and charged. We cannot allow a few people to profit from the suffering of an entire community,” he asserted.

The crackdown comes at a time when cases of water infrastructure vandalism have surged, driven by the rising demand for metal components in the construction sector.

The DCC stressed that such criminal activities undermine the efforts of government and development partners working to improve water access for Turkana residents.

“We cannot benefit from the sweat of others. Water is a basic necessity, and those destroying supply lines for selfish gain will face the law,” he warned.

With these measures in place, the county hopes to curb water disruptions caused by vandalism and enhance the security of critical installations serving thousands of residents.

Coming at a time when the Turkana West DCC Ooko Anyumba addressed a similar issue at a recent sub county water forum, vandalism of water infrastructure was noted to fuel insecurity among communities, hence heightening the call for action.

On his part, the chair of Turkana Urban Board of Directors, Philip Aemun Ebei, said that the vandalism had affected revenue flow to the company as clients are often asked to foot the bill for replacements.

Adding that the company was in the process of conducting a survey to map the extent of the damage caused, Aemun called on the public to volunteer information to the authorities for action.

Speaking during the World Water Day, several residents of Napuu and Nawaitorong area said that they had fallen victims of the vandalism problem, describing the act as so bad as to let water run to waste.

“There was a day they stole the main pipe supplying the Nawaitorong area, a good section of the neighborhood was cut off from supplies. Then they moved to water meters and the connecting pipes. We do not know what they will do next,” an agitated resident, Esther Akiru said.