Part of a Sh1.1 billion water project commissioned in January by President William Ruto in Teso, Busia county has been vandalised.
The vandals destroyed pipes drawing water from the Malaba-Malakisi water supply and sanitation project at Malakisi in Teso North subcounty.
No suspects have been arrested.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from leaders who have called for thorough investigations.
They described the vandalism as an act of economic sabotage.
Kocholya, Amagoro and Malaba towns in Teso North are the affected areas.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya urged Busia Governor Paul Otuoma to ensure Busia residents have access to water.
He said it was ironical that many residents still have no water despite despite the unveiling of the project.
County assembly deputy speaker Ronald Ochalu and Water Committee chairman Isaac Wamalwa urged the two levels of government to move with speed and reconstruct the water supply line to restore water flow.
The Malaba Central MCA said Busia government needs to come up with alternative ways of ending the constant water disruptions.
Ochalu said there is need to sensitise the residents on peaceful coexistence and preservation of public resources.
Wamalwa accused Busia Water and Sewerage Company of laxity in discharging its mandate.
He cited delayed repairs of burst pipes in Amagoro town.
Busia government, in its 2023-2024 budget, allocated Sh30 million to last mile electricity connectivity.
Otuoma urged the county to increase the amount to Sh100 million in the 2024-2025 budget.
He blamed corruption and mismanagement at Buwasco for declining water service delivery to residents across the county.
Water chief officer Andrew Meso said the department in partnership with investigative agencies is probing the vandalism.
He said his department allocated Sh150 million to revamp two water supply schemes at Sisenye and Port Victoria.
Meso said he will appoint a new managing director, technical manager and commercial manager at Buwasco.
Teso North deputy county commissioner Stephen Wambura issued a stern warning against vandalism.
The project was launched by Ruto on January 21.
The project, which produces six million litres of water a day, serves Malaba, Malakisi, Mt-Elgon, Bungoma, Busia, Ang’urai and Kimaiti.
