This publication is appalled. Whilst the details of the contractual dispute are complex, involving allegations of unpaid bills, failure to appoint key engineers, forced procurement favouring a specific supplier, and even accusations of corruption, one fact is above above them all: Citizens are being denied a basic human necessity because of this squabble. WUC claims it legally took over part of the pipeline to ease a desperate water shortage, only for the JV to padlock vital access chambers. The JV counters that the project was never formally handed over, WUC hasn’t met its obligations (including paying bills and appointing an engineer), and locking the chambers is a necessary step to protect unfinished work. Serious allegations fly from both sides: WUC talks of criminal acts; the JV points to potential corruption and abuse of office. The public does not care who started it or whose legal arguments are strongest right now. They care about water flowing from their taps. They also care about sanitation, health, and the simple ability to live normally. This stand-off, where essential infrastructure is weaponised in a commercial and legal battle, is utterly unacceptable. It shows a shocking disregard for the people both parties are ultimately meant to serve. WUC exists to provide water. The contractor was hired to build systems to deliver it. Therefore, both warring parties are failing the citizens.
This destructive game must end immediately. We call on both WUC and the JV to prioritise the people by unlocking the chambers now under mutually agreed, independent supervision to restore water supply to all affected villages.
