Vihiga County proposes fines of up to £20,000 for vandalizing water

Vihiga County is proposing to impose high fines of up to 20,000 on water vandals and illegal connections in a move to prevent disruption of supply.

It is contained in the Vihiga County Finance Bill, 2022, and residents are eagerly waiting to be reconnected to the piped water that was destroyed in the early 1990s.

The devolved unit is proposing the penalties as it prepares for the launch of the 1.7 billion Vihiga cluster water project.

The pipelaying is ongoing, rekindling hopes for the return of running taps that were last seen in the early 1990s.

The Bill says a Sh 10,000 penalty will be imposed on anyone who is found tampering with water meters.

The administration, led by Wilber Ottichilo, is proposing to impose a further Sh 20,000 penalty for illegal connections.

If the proposed law is enacted, it will attract a penalty of Sh 5,000.

The Sh 1.7 billion Vihiga cluster water project is on track for completion after revised timelines that were caused by Covid 19 disruptions, signalling hopes of regular water supply to homes and institutions.

The Belgian government is funding the project through the Lake Victoria North Water Development Agency under the supervision of the Vihiga County government.