Nairobi Governor Kidero clashes with Boards over broken sewer

By Rawlings Otieno 

NAIROBI, KENYA: City Governor Evans Kidero has ordered Nairobi water and Athi water services boards to repair a broken sewer that is spilling refuse to Nairobi River. 

Kidero said that the pollution caused by the damaged sewer system has affected millions of Kenyans leaving downstream, and has been the subject of discussion by environmentalist and politicians.   

"This is a total disaster.  I am ordering Nairobi water 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 sewer from Nairobi city has been spewing into Nairobi River in Njiru after storm water swept Away part of the pipeline.   

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

He also said those who had encroached on 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 side for that purpose," added the tough talking Governor. 

His Deputy Jonathan Mueke, County Executive Committee members and senior officers were also present to assess the sewerage treatment works in a move to avert the looming disaster.  

At the same time National Environment Management Authority (Nema) has written a letter to Athi River Water Services Board to prioritize the repair works to avoid health hazard that is eminent. 

The letter seen by The Standard, Nema has cautioned the public not to use River Galana water for domestic or agricultural purposes. However, Nema has clarified that the discharge from the sewer is free of industrial waste.