Kampala — THE National Water and Sewerage Corporation loses over sh40m every month in Mbale district due to illegal water connections.

The Mbale branch accountant, Charles Okuonzi, said 12% of the water supplied to the district is through illegal connections.

He said hotels, schools and domestic consumers were the worst culprits.

Okuonzi said the meters are usually reversed, vandalised or bypassed, adding that water is also tapped from underground on the main line, which has affected the company's services.

"The company is facing many challenges. This sets us back and prevents us from providing better services," he said.

Okuonzi was speaking at the handover of food items to children of St. Andrew's Cathedral at the end-of-year party on Monday.

He said the corporation would have joint operations with Umeme, adding that any person who steals water is capable of stealing power.

"About five water meters are stolen every day. We arrested over 250 people in one year. They were told to pay for water equivalent to two years. If they fail, they will face the courts of law," Okuonzi said.

He said the firm had also decided to use informers to report illegal connection.

"The spy network has helped bring the culprits to book. People have also started reporting themselves because we waive off their old bills," Okuonzi said.