By URN
The National Water and Sewerage Corporation’s (NWSC) Hoima Area has accused scrap dealers of fueling the surge in theft of water meters in Hoima City, a problem that has disrupted water supply to residents. The most affected suburbs include Lusaka, Bujumbura, Kinubi, Kijungu, Kiganda, Duhaga, Kihomboza, and Kiryatete. Statistics from NWSC Hoima indicate that in the past month alone, more than 30 water meters were vandalized.
Evelyne Achiro, the in-charge of security at NWSC Hoima and also the billing officer, said investigations have revealed that the stolen meters end up in the hands of scrap dealers. She explained that the dealers smelt the meters to extract their precious coating for fabrication. Achiro further noted that some vandals target water meters to obtain copper, which they melt to make fake currency coins, making it difficult for NWSC to monitor water supply to the city.
She said NWSC is working with police to apprehend the culprits and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals masquerading as utility company officials beyond normal working hours.
Albertine Region Police spokesperson Julius Hakiza confirmed that several cases of meter theft have been reported. He said preliminary findings also point to scrap dealers as the main recipients of the stolen meters. Detectives are gathering information to aid in the arrest and prosecution of those involved.
Residents have also voiced their frustrations. Carolyne Kisembo from Kinubi reported that thieves recently jumped over her gate and stole her water meter, leaving her home without water. Joseph Kasumba, a resident of Busiisi Cell in Hoima West Division, suggested that due to rampant vandalism, NWSC should lower the 101,000 shillings replacement fee to help victims restore their water supply more quickly.
