Water Meters in Uganda Stolen to Make Fake Coin Currencies.

Mugira Fredrick 24/10/2007
The national providers of water and sewerage services in Uganda – The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) are concerned about the increasing cases of thefts of water meters in most of the upcountry towns in the country.

The water meters which are made of Copper and Ziric are reportedly stolen by people who later melt them to make fake coin currency. The theft of these meters makes it hard for the NWSC to effectively monitor water supplies.

Dozens of water meters in western town of Mbarara have been stolen in the recent weeks. The Mbarara municipality residential area of Rwebikoona seems to be the worst affected. Over10 residents report the theft of their water meters in the past weeks. Turyamureba John, one of the residents says, “My water meter and a tap were stolen on Id Fitri day.” He says some of the stolen water taps end up in shops and are resold at a give away price.

The Mbarara branch of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation says it has received reports of thefts of water meters and is carrying out investigations.

Similar thefts of water meters have been reported in the Eastern town of Soroti. Alex Ojera, the accountant for the Soroti branch for National Water and Sewerage Corporation says that the total cost caused by the thefts of water meters in recent weeks is about 1,058 dollars.

He says this is affecting their strategy of extending and monitoring water supplies to the local people. He identifies the worst affected places as Moru Apesur, Kengere and Kiganda cells.

In the Uganda’s town of Masaka, the theft of water meters has greatly affected the areas of Ssaza, Kimaanya and Nyendo town in the Municipality.

Police in Masaka say they are investigating several cases related to the theft of water meters in these areas.

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