Two arrested for stealing water in Thika

Two individuals have been arrested in Thika town for allegedly tampering with water meters to steal water.

Officers from Thika Water and Sewerage Company (THIWASCO) apprehended the duo on Wednesday at a water kiosk they were operating from in the Jua Kali area.

According to THIWASCO’s Commercial Manager, Jeremy Mathenge, one suspect stole over 100 units of water monthly, costing the company around Sh20,000.

The suspects are accused of reversing water meters to display false readings, causing significant losses to the company.

Mathenge decried that the water company has been facing challenges accounting for non-revenue water, and unauthorised alterations to meter readings.

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“To help maintain reliable water supply we call up on Thika residents to remain vigilant and if you notice any suspicious activity around our installations please don’t hesitate to report them immediately," he said.

The company's head of corporate communication Elaine Wanjiku warned of hefty fines for those found stealing water.

“If convicted, the suspects could face a fine of at least Sh100,000 for commercial use while those found to have stolen water for domestic use face a fine of Sh30,000,” stated Wanjiku.

Early this week the management through a notice in one of the dailies indicated that there has been an increase in the theft of essential water system components including gate valves, steel water pipes and brass water metres among oher metallic water fittings.