Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) has expressed a worry over increased cases of vandalism of water pipes by communities in Zomba.

The board’s Public Relation’s Officer, Rita Makwangwala sounded the worry after communities from Mpondabwino and Chikanda vandalized water pipes in retaliation to the board’s decision to disconnect water taps due to unpaid bills.

Makangwala said the situation is negatively affecting supply of piped water to its customers.

She reminded the communities to be responsible enough saying they end up being victims of the malpractice.

“They may think they are punishing us, yes we can’t rule that as a board we are being affected but at the end of the day, a major victim is the community itself.”

“As I am talking now, we have cut water supply from the area as we are supposed to repair the damaged pipes,” Makwangwala said.

Early this month, a Southern Region Water Board employee Andrew Selemani was severely beaten by Eagles Car Hire manager, Intius Abu Musa, while disconnecting a meter which had an outstanding bill.