Rampant Water Meter Thefts Leave Residents High and Dry
The water board is investigating the thefts and asks anyone with information to contact local authorities.
NSANJE, Malawi- Residents around Bangula Trading Centre in Nsanje have expressed concern over the rampant theft of water board meters, a problem negatively affecting their ability to access safe and clean water, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Georgina Marothi said she was surprised to find her meter missing one day. "I had no choice but to flock to a crowded borehole to struggle for water," she said.
Marothi reported the theft to the Bangula Water Board office and Chiromo Police Post.
Litta Makwangwala, public relations officer for the Southern Region Water Board, said she is on holiday and requested more time before responding about the thefts.
However, an anonymous junior staff member at the Bangula Water Board office confirmed to the AP that the office has received over ten reports of stolen water meters from the Bangula area.
"During the Christmas and New Year holidays we got 12 reports of stolen water meters," the staff member said.
Replacing a stolen meter costs K39,000 payable at the Ngabu SRWB offices in Chikwawa, the staff member said.
Residents like Marothi are left paying more money they can scarcely afford just to access clean water.
"It's a struggle," Marothi said.
The water board is investigating the thefts and asks anyone with information to contact local authorities.