Informal settlements in Nairobi to get Sh30 million for water supply

NAIROBI, KENYA: The Nairobi City County Government has set aside Sh30 million for the improvement of water supply in its informal settlements.
Governor Evans Kidero said this is to ensure that those living in areas such as Mathare, Kibera and Korogocho get clean water.
Kidero also said officers attached to his government will soon start a crackdown on people who have installed illegal water booster pumps in their high-rise premises.
Dr Kidero said this is because the county residents stand a risk of consuming and using contaminated water if the booster pumps are installed directly on water meters.
"Booster pumps are not supposed to be installed directly, there should be a tank between water meter and tank to avoid contamination," said Kidero.
The Governor explained that his government recognizes the challenges of supplying water to high rise residential and commercial buildings, and advised owner of these buildings to professionally install ground tanks and booster pumps to their premises.
"We need the cooperation of residents to remove online pumps as they interfere with water flow. Water will never flow to the upper floors as long as some residents are running on line booster pumps. The county government is the only authority responsible for supplying water at above 5Metres (0.5bar) head," said Kidero.
In June, the Governor launched 45 water dispensers in Mathare to save the residents from those selling water at Sh30 per 20 litre container.
Kidero said the residents are to access clean water at the dispenser facilities as low as 50 cents.