Borehole water in Mombasa unsafe, vendors say

Members of Water Kiosk operators Association walk into the conference hall before addressing news reporters in Mombasa. They were protesting against Senior Mombasa politician who want to sack Mombasa water supply and Sanitation Managing Director, Kombo Rajab. They say the current managing director has improved water supply in Mombasa County. (PHOTO: OMONDI ONYANGO/ STANDARD)

Almost half of Mombasa County's population uses unsafe water, an association of water vendors in Mombasa has claimed.

Mombasa Water Kiosk Operators Association claimed that only 2,300 water kiosks in Mombasa sell clean water sourced from certified sources.

The population of Mombasa is estimated to be slightly over a million.

Piped water

Association Chairperson Gabriel Amock said most people in the county do not have piped water and the alternative water networks do not reach their residences.

He acknowledged that the Mombasa Water Supply and Sanitation Company was aware of the limitations and was working on plans to expand its supply of clean water.

"There are over 8,000 boreholes in the county and only 2,300 connections of clean and fresh water. This means quite a big number of residents depend on water from boreholes, which is not fresh.

"They do not have connections and they cannot access water networks, something which is well known by the company management and I am positive that they are working on that issue," said Mr Amock.

At the same time, the vendors commended the Managing Director of Mombasa Water Supply and Sanitation Company, Kombo Rajab, saying his work was exemplary and that he should be given a second term to serve residents.

The water operators said they had been working well with Mr Rajab, unlike the previous management, which they claimed was uncooperative.

"We had a sour relationship with the previous management. If we asked for any assistance, they were reluctant to help but after Rajab took over, he has been working very well with us and we would like to ask he be retained for a second term so that we can see an end to water problems faced by the locals," he said.

Association Secretary Elizabeth Mbuli said they were now able to access clean and fresh water.

Fix problem

"Unlike before, in case of a water crisis, they intervene fast and ensure the problem is fixed, she said.

"Meanwhile, Maji Na Ufanisi Finance and Administration Manager Steve Kariuki has urged the national government to introduce commercial water meters for residents at informal settlements.

"The current domestic water meters are not economical for informal settlements," he said, adding that commercial water meters would economically empower residents in informal settlements.