Authorities in Igorora Town Council, Ibanda District, are grappling with a surge in water meter theft, with at least 50 meters vandalized and stolen in the past two months.
The alarming trend has raised concerns among both residents and water authorities, as it continues to disrupt water supply and damage critical infrastructure.
According to Canaan Taremwa, Manager of the Water Umbrella in Igorora Town Council, water meters have become the primary target for vandals, leaving many households without reliable access to clean water.
"We have registered an increasing number of cases involving the theft of water meters, with about 50 reported in just two months. This is a worrying trend that is affecting service delivery in the area," Taremwa said.
He explained that the theft is often accompanied by deliberate destruction of pipelines, as criminals break the pipes to access and remove the meters.
"In most cases, the perpetrators damage the pipes to reach the meters. This not only causes water loss but also exposes the system to contamination, putting the health of our consumers at risk," he added.
Residents have reported frequent service interruptions, with some forced to go for days without water as repairs are carried out.
Taremwa emphasized that the vandalism is not only costly to repair but also undermines efforts to ensure consistent and safe water supply in the growing town council.
"We appeal to the public to remain vigilant and safeguard water infrastructure in their communities. Protecting these facilities is a shared responsibility if we are to maintain reliable water services," he urged.
Authorities are now calling for closer collaboration between the community and security agencies to curb the vice and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
