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An electric transformer powering three boreholes operated by Kafubu Water and Sanitation Company Limited has been vandalised in the Misundu area of Ndola, disrupting water supply to several communities.
Collins Nzovu, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, expressed concern over the vandalism of the critical infrastructure belonging to the utility company.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Principal Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, Prince Chiyuni said the transformer was vandalised in the early hours of Saturday, leading to water supply disruptions.
“The damage to this vital infrastructure has disrupted water supply to the northern parts of Ndola, resulting in erratic water supply in several areas, including Mitengo, Dola Hill, Twapia, Hillcrest, Kansenshi, Northrise, Nkwazi, Chifubu and Pamodzi townships,” he said.
Nzovu revealed that the Zambia Police Service has launched investigations into the increasing cases of vandalism targeting essential water supply infrastructure.
As an interim mitigation measure, Kafubu Water and Sanitation Company Limited has dispatched a water bowser to the affected areas to ease the impact on residents while efforts to restore normal supply continue.
The company, working together with the Zambia Police Service, has intensified patrols in areas prone to vandalism to safeguard critical infrastructure.
“The Government of the Republic of Zambia strongly condemns all acts of vandalism against public infrastructure and urges members of the public to desist from such destructive behaviour,” Nzovu said.
He further encouraged the public to report any acts of vandalism or suspicious activities to the nearest police station to help protect infrastructure that provides essential services to communities.
“Government remains committed to ensuring that citizens continue to have reliable access to clean and safe water,” he said.
Meanwhile, suspected robbers have stolen office equipment worth K60,000 from the Kasama District Health Office in Kasama, police have confirmed.
The incident is believed to have occurred between 03:00 hours and 04:00 hours on Friday at the Northern Provincial Health Office premises.
Provincial Human Resource Officer, Andrew Chota, reported the matter to police, stating that unknown individuals broke into his office and stole property valued at K60,000.
Dr Charles Mbita, Deputy Police Commanding Officer, said in a statement on Saturday that the suspects gained entry into the building by cutting the window burglar bars.
Brief facts of the matter are that Chota knocked off around 17:00 hours on Thursday, leaving all office equipment intact with the doors and windows securely locked.
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The following day around 04:00 hours, a security guard on duty conducted a routine security check around the premises and found all offices still secured.
However, at about 05:00 hours, during another security check, it was discovered that a window to the Human Resource Officer’s office was open and its burglar bars had been cut.
“Matter was immediately reported to the authorities who counter checked and discovered that a 55 inch Samsung Television together with a Computer Processing Unit (CPU) all valued at K60,000 were stolen from therein,” Mbita said.
Police later visited the scene of crime, but no arrests have been made and the stolen items have not yet been recovered.
Mbita said police have since instituted investigations into the matter and urged members of the public with information that may help police apprehend the suspects to report to the nearest police station.
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