WATER pipe vandalism by neighbouring communities from Kwale County has left communities in Shangia village, Mariakani, to go without piped water for over 20 years.

The Shangia villagers have accused herders from Kwale of breaking pipes that draw the commodity from the main Mzizima pipe.

Addressing a meeting between members of the community and Mariakani water officer on Tuesday at Shangia primary school, the residents asked the Government to replace old PVC pipes with metallic ones to prevent breakage by herders.

Khamis Yawa, a resident, said communities have been breaking pipes to allow animals get water. "This area is very dry and we rely on the pipe. But we now have to buy a 20-litre gallon for Sh40. We are also Kenyans and the government must hear our plight and come to our rescue," said Yawa.

The meeting had been convened by Coast Forum to address the water problem in the area. Kilifi Water and Sewerage Company Mariakani area manager, Daniel Muindi, said plans to replace pipes are under way.

"Plans to revive the pipes are at an advanced stage. We have received funding for the project and we are awaiting a committee from the community for the project to start," said Muindi.