Tana River County Governor Maj (Rtd) Dhadho Godhana has blamed rampant vandalism and illegal tapping of water connections for the persistent water shortages in Hola town, the administrative headquarters of the county.
Governor Godhana expressed concern over the increasing incidents of vandalism targeting Tana Water and Sanitation Company Ltd (TANAWASCO) infrastructure.
He raised concerns over increasing incidents of vandalism targeting essential water equipment such as pipes, valves, and pumps. He also criticised illegal water connections, saying they have worsened the county’s water distribution problems.
He says water infrastructure vandalism, including water theft and facility damages, is causing significant disruptions in water provisions and losses for residents and businesses.
The county boss said his administration has made significant investments in water utilities in a bid to provide clean water and improved sanitation, but wanton acts of vandalism were undermining the county’s efforts.
“Criminal acts continue to disrupt the supply of safe drinking water to the communities,” he said and warned that offenders will face the full force of the law.
A spot check by KNA shows that the theft of steel manhole covers, pumps, pipes, valves, water meters and puncturing of water and sewer lines have negatively impacted water supply and sanitation services in Hola town and its environs.
Godhana says vandals remove steel covers to sell them as scrap metal and urged security personnel to apprehend those involved in theft and sabotage.
“Repeated repairs due to vandalism strain public finances and slow down development,” he warned and urged the public to take collective responsibility for safeguarding critical water infrastructure.
He went further to note that acts of vandalism not only compromise service delivery but also pose a grave danger to public safety.
Across urban towns, missing manhole covers have led to injuries and loss of lives as people fall victim to these hazards.
Godhana cautioned scrap metal dealers against purchasing and handling stolen public assets, as it perpetuates vandalism and theft.
He said the county government would collaborate with the National Police Service and local communities to protect vital infrastructure and ensure the sustainability of water projects and encouraged residents to report suspicious activities and help safeguard public investments.
TANAWASCO has deployed water bowsers to affected areas of Hola Town and surrounding areas as temporary measures while remedial measures are sought.
By Hussein Abdullahi
