Many city taps still dry on World Water Day

By Rawlings Otieno

As the world marks Water Day today, many residents of Nairobi have been without the commodity for a week.

This is due to maintenance works on the main water supply tanks that was scheduled to be completed in two days.

Contacted, Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company Director James Kimani attributed the delay in completion of repair works to the ongoing rains as well as the blockade of supply pipes in Ngethu, the main supply centre. Mr Kimani, however, assured they would reconnect the water soon.

"The resumption of water supply is underway and the workers are on the ground doing their best," Kimani said.

He called on Nairobi residents to bear with them. "We are urging the people in areas that are still experiencing water shortage to be patient. It takes 72 hours for water to reach the city from Ngethu," added Kimani.

Areas most affected are Githurai 44 and 45, Kahawa Sukari, Ruaraka, Kahawa Barracks, Kahawa Wendani and Umoja, Embakasi estates among others.

NWSC issued a notice last Wednesday, saying they would disconnect supply for three days that were to end on Friday last week.

"I have not washed utensils since Wednesday because there is no water," lamented Nick Kemei, a resident of Kahawa Wendani.

NWSC wrote in their notice that they were cleaning water tanks to improve the supply of clean water to the listed areas.

"We have not had water for five days... where do we get water?" posed Maryanne Ngugi, a new mother and a resident of Githurai 45.

Water Services Board Chairman Reuben Ndolo said that as the World marks Water Day today, nobody should lack water. He called on the NWSC workers to restore water supply immediately.

The worst affected by the lack of water are families with little children, but Kimani has told residents water might start flowing in their taps today. He has also asked those that might still be lacking water after today to report to the company offices within the city for quick action.

Early last year, the same parts of Nairobi were badly hit by a water shortage due to construction of Nairobi-Thika superhighway.