Clear the air about plans to sell water firm; save city more agony

In terms of service provision, the Nairobi County government is nowhere near the top of the league. A lot of things do not work; many sewer lines are clogged or burst and garbage collection is wanting; worst of all is the persistent shortage of water in many of the city's estates. And notably, the problem afflicts middle and lower income housing estates. The leafy suburban's rarely experience the shortage, if ever. City residents have had to endure water rationing since the start of the year, and there is no respite in sight.

Due to insufficient rains, water levels at the Ndakaini Dam that supplies 84 per cent of water requirements for the city have remained low leading to a rationing programme in a bid to share what little water is there. Due to the shortfall, the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NAWASCO) announced that taps would run dry until October when more rains are expected.

Yet more troubling now are protests by employees about a planned sell of the company to French firm, Suez. It is still not clear whether this claim is true, based on conflicting reports from the seat of the County Government at City Hall. The County government's true position needs to be clarified for the benefit of the concerned people.

There is no plausible explanation why in estates that experience acute water shortages, water kiosks and water bowsers do thriving business. That confirms that the water firm can do something to alleviate the suffering caused by lack of water. And which the water firm has consistently failed to do.

Given the level of ineptitude, inefficiency and apparent corruption at NAWASCO, if by selling a stake of it to a foreign investor as alleged will save city residents the agony of having dry taps, so be it. Ultimately, it is not who runs the company, but how efficient and effective the services are that counts.

But if it is tenderprenuers angling to make a quick buck, then that is unacceptable. Like in other utilities, State involvement is critical in the collection and distribution of water. Privatising it is a grave mistake.