Kwale: Governor Fatuma Achani has warned against the continuous vandalism of water pipes, valves, pumps, and other vital tools in the coastal county. Governor Achani, who also decried illegal water connections, urged the security apparatus to apprehend those behind the continued vandalism of water pipes and other critical public utility assets.

According to Kenya News Agency, Achani said the devolved government would work closely with the National Police Service to end the vandalism of water equipment and supply systems. She underscored the importance of effective collaboration between the county and national government to tackle water supply challenges occasioned by criminal activities. “The rampant vandalism of water pipes and solar panels at night is contributing to water supply challenges facing residents,” she said.

She called on residents to support her administration’s efforts to safeguard public infrastructure by being vigilant to the activities of vandals who were bent on sabotaging the huge investments. The coastal county’s main sources of water are boreholes, underground, springs, water pans, and rock catchments.

Achani, who was accompanied by County Executive Committee Member for Water Hemed Mwabudzo, was speaking during the commissioning of the Mtulu-Mwakunde-Mwanzugi-Magalani water pipeline extension in Kinango Sub County. She said the project was expected to benefit at least 1,000 households in eight villages across Kinango and appealed to the communities to take ownership of the water projects and ensure they were well maintained and protected from vandals.

Achani said under her leadership, the county government has prioritized water security across all the 20 administrative wards. She said the devolved unit has so far constructed over 50 large and medium dams, at least 60 water boreholes, and extended water pipelines by 500 kms. “We will continue to collaborate with various development partners to invest further in the water sector and eliminate water scarcity challenges in Kwale,” she said.

“The water efforts aim to improve access to clean water, ensure a sustainable supply, and promote healthier living for area residents,” she said, adding the rural water schemes are part of her administration’s commitment to also improve healthcare and sanitation. The Governor said the devolved government is expanding the county’s water supply infrastructure through solar-powered rural water schemes, adding the interventions are designed to resolve Kwale’s long-standing water supply challenges.

The rural water facilities comprise solar-powered borehole systems, water treatment plants, elevated storage tanks, and an extensive network for transmission and distribution.