Government has expressed concern over the rising cases of vandalism and theft targeting infrastructure belonging to Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company (MWSC).
Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, condemned the act saying the criminal acts continue to disrupt the supply of safe drinking water to communities.
“In the past week alone, two major incidents of vandalism and theft were recorded on new installations under the Zambia Water and Sanitation Project (ZWSP) in Chingola and Mufulira”, said Mr. Nzovu in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
Mr. Nzovu states that these acts come at a critical time when government is intensifying efforts to ensure universal access to safe water and decent sanitation, noting that Vandalism and theft not only delays project implementation but also undermines the significant progress being made through the ZWSP.
Mr. Nzovu has warned against the acts of vandalism and theft of water infrastructure, saying offenders will face the full force of the law.
The Minister has further directed the Zambia Police Service to intensify operations, not only to apprehend vandals and thieves but also to prosecute individuals and entities involved in the purchase of stolen water installations, as receiving stolen property is equally a crime.
By Christabel Kamunu
