By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, February 5, Mana: Public Relations Manager for Northern Region Water Board (NRWB), Edward Nyirenda says vandalism of water infrastructure in Mzimba south poses great danger to sustainable provision of potable water to communities.

Nyirenda’s remarks are coming in the wake of reports that some unknown criminals are tampering with water transmission line in the district.

According to the Board’s Scheme Manager for Mzimba, Gregory Mwale, vandals have been targeting water transmission line, particularly the main water line which transmit water from the Machecheta Treatment Plant along the M1 Road to the primary tank located near National Food Reserve Agency office in the district.

‘‘The vandals are tampering with the infrastructure by removing bolts, nuts and metallic clamping strips designed to secure the pipes to concrete pillars, particularly at vulnerable points such as river crossings and gullies,’’ said Mwale.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, Nyirenda said the unscrupulous people behind the vandalism risk putting hundreds of community members in Mzimba at risk of dry taps.

Nyirenda said the Board has taken swift and decisive action together with the police to apprehend the suspects.

‘‘We are also embarking on sensitization of the communities along the pipeline to jealously guard the infrastructure and report anyone vandalising it,’’ he said.

Mzimba district Water Officer Jacob Mkandawire noted that water is life and tampering with water infrastructure is the same as killing people.

‘‘This tendency is uncalled for. Let people learn to take care of infrastructure. The destruction of water infrastructure will negatively affect the sustainable provision of water to people. This is regrettable,’’ Mkandawire said.

Public Relations Officer for Mzimba Police, Peter Botha said as police they are willing to embark on investigations to get to the bottom of the issues.