More water for homes in war on virus

Mombasa Water and Sewerage Company (Mowasco) has started rationing water in factories to boost supply to homes and hospitals.

The move is aimed at improving hygiene and sanitary conditions in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Effective yesterday, Mowasco started redirecting the commodity from large manufacturing plants to households, informal settlements and hospitals. Most of the factories have shut down or scaled down operations.

This follows recommendations by Mombasa County Emergency Response for Covid-19 Committee to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Besides rationing, the team made several other proposals.

A joint communiqué issued by Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo also called for closure of all mitumba (second hand) business.

The committee further urged Export Processing Zones to reduce the number of workers and strictly adhere to national and county directives.

In an interview with The Standard, Mowasco Managing Director Anthony Njaramba said they laid out a plan of action after receiving the communiqué from the committee.

“Areas are being mapped out, zones are being created as we set out to identify the critical areas that need to receive water,” Njaramba said.

The MD said Mombasa, with a population of over one million, continues to face challenges in providing clean piped water.