Kidero orders urgent repair of city sewer

By Rawlings Otieno

Nairobi, Kenya: Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has ordered Athi Water Services Board to repair a broken sewer that is spilling refuse into Nairobi River.

Kidero said the pollution caused by the damaged sewer had affected millions of Kenyans living downstream.

“This is a total disaster.  I am ordering Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company and Athi Water Services Board to work 24 hours a day to make sure this project is completed in the shortest possible time,” said Kidero.

The sewage from Nairobi City has been draining into Nairobi River in Njiru after storm water swept away part of the sewer.

Kidero made the remarks soon after visiting the damaged sewer in Ruai Monday.

He also asked those who had encroached on land meant for a sewage treatment plant in Ruai to move out.

“Our future as Nairobi depends on how we treat our liquid and solid waste. We cannot have people take up land set aside for that purpose,” said Kidero.

And National Environment Management Authority has written a letter asking Athi River Water Services Board to prioritise the repair works to prevent a health hazard from developing.