Hoima city hit by wave of water meter thefts
The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in Hoima is grappling with a surge in water meter thefts, a problem authorities are attributing to scrap dealers.
According to NWSC Hoima, more than 30 water meters have been vandalized in the past month alone, with the theft being most rampant in the suburbs of Lusaka, Bujumbura, Kinubi, Kijungu, Kiganda, Duhaga, Kihomboza, and Kiryatete.
Evelyne Achiro, the security in-charge at NWSC Hoima, stated that investigations reveal the stolen meters are being melted down for their precious metal coatings, which are then used in fabrication.
She added that some criminals are targeting the meters for their copper content, which is used to illegally mint counterfeit coins. This rampant vandalism is making it difficult for NWSC to effectively monitor water supply across the city.
The corporation is now working closely with the police to apprehend the culprits. Achiro urged residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious individuals, particularly those posing as NWSC officials after normal working hours.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Region police spokesperson, confirmed that multiple cases have been reported and that preliminary findings also point to scrap dealers as the primary recipients of the stolen meters.
The residents, meanwhile, are expressing their frustration. Carolyne Kisembo from Kinubi recounted how thieves recently jumped her fence to steal her water meter, leaving her without water.
Joseph Kasumba, a resident of Busiisi Cell, suggested that the NWSC should consider reducing the Shs 101,000 replacement fee to help affected customers restore their water supply more quickly.
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