SUSPECTED CRIMINALS ATTACK OFFICERS AND STEAL CABLES AT KWACHA WATER DISTRIBUTION CENTRE IN KITWE.
Suspected criminals have attacked security officers on duty at the Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company’s Kwacha Distribution Centre in the early hours of Saturday, disrupting water supply to several parts of Kitwe.
The incident is allaged to have occurred between 02:00 hours and 03:00 hours.
The suspects, reportedly armed with machetes and carrying bolt cutters, gained access to the facility and assaulted two security officers and a pump operator on duty before stealing approximately 114 meters of 120mm² four-core electrical cable valued at K131,100.00.
The theft has disrupted power supply to key pumping equipment which has resulted in the suspension of water pumping and distribution affecting Kwacha, Buchi, Bulangililo, Kamitondo, parts of Parklands, the Industrial Area, Buyantanshi and parts of the Town Centre.
Despite the disruption, NWSC says it has maintained water supply to critical institutions including Kitwe Teaching Hospital and the Copperbelt University, through alternative operational measures while restoration works are underway.
NWSC Managing Director Eng. Dr. Steven Mwale has condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on critical public infrastructure.
And Kitwe District Commissioner Oncemore Ngonomo has also condemned the act, stating that vandalism of public facilities will not be tolerated as it negatively affects the wellbeing of residents.
This is contained in a statement issued to Diamond News by NWSC Corporate Affairs Manager Mwaka Nakweti.
By Respite Kaoma
