MAKUENI COUNTY — Nicolas Nzioka, the County Executive Committee Member for the Department of Lands, Urban Planning, and Environment in Makueni, has voiced concerns over the increasing vandalism of water projects under the Financing Locally Led Climate Action Programme (FLLOCA).

According to Kenya News Agency, the vandalism not only causes distress to the residents and animals relying on these resources but also represents a direct attack on the community’s welfare. “The rampant vandalism of the water projects is causing unnecessary agony to people and animals that are supposed to benefit from the projects. You punish the entire system,” Nzioka stated during a sensitization meeting for the Makueni County Environment Committee at a hotel in Machakos on Friday. He emphasized the need for community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to ensure that the perpetrators are caught and prosecuted.

The meeting also discussed the adverse impacts of such acts on the Kiusyi water project in Ilima Ward, where water pipes were stolen, significantly affecting local residents and their livestock. The two-day workshop, which began on Thursday, was funded by FLLOCA and aimed to educate CEC members about their roles in the programme.

Nzioka also highlighted the importance of environmental education from an early age, urging parents to instill respectful and responsible attitudes towards the environment in their children. He warned of strict actions against those found polluting rivers and compromising the county’s environmental integrity.

Adding to the discussion, Makueni County Commissioner Mr. Henry Wafula issued a stern warning against vandalism and indicated that local chiefs and their assistants would be held accountable for any destruction of government projects within their jurisdictions. “Chiefs and their assistants should work closely to ensure no vandalism of government projects takes place,” Wafula warned, urging them to take active roles in safeguarding public assets.

Wafula also noted that while defilement cases were decreasing in areas like Kibwezi and Mbooni West, the challenges remain significant, stressing the need for continued vigilance and community engagement in tackling these issues.