Nairobi water to seal leaking millions

A section of Kariobangi in Nairobi chocking in overflowing sewage due to broken sewer lines. [File, Standard]

The Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company is set to upgrade its sewerage systems to prevent water leakages that cost the county millions in lost revenue.

In the 2019/2020 financial year, City Hall has set aside Sh362 million for the management of water and sewerage services.

Nairobi water MD Nahashon Muguna on Wednesday confirmed that the upgrade was aimed at reducing the impact of overloading that leads to leakages.

Muguna said the current sewer line system was last was laid back in 1980 and has been punctured and destroyed by the road constructions and mushrooming of slums.

“The sewer line runs from Tasia Tel Aviv gate to Fedha and Nyayo Estate in Embakasi East. Already lined up is the expansion of the Tasia Fedha sewer line in Embakasi East constituency. The line is heavily overloaded with waste water. The expansion is awaiting the completion of a similar project in Savanna ward which kicked off mid this year," he said.

The MD blamed the tampering of the sewer system on the irregular and uncontrolled construction of buildings especially in informal settlements.

He also blamed construction of the Outering road for the weakening of the sewer line leading to leakages.

“Some of the leakages are caused by the ongoing road works but mostly, they have in the past been caused by irregular constructions. You will find that some buildings are built right on top of sewer lines leading to leakages," said Muguna.

The county will also upgrade sewer lines in Kawagware, Waithaka, Dagoretti, kangemi, Zimmerman, Kasarani, Mwiki, saika Kangundo Road, Mihango, Utawala and Ruai.

The works will also extend to the Pipeline Kware sewer line and the one running from Imara Daima to Mukuru kwa Reuben and Kwa Njenga slums.

Environment CEC Vesca Kangogo explained that the sewer lines have gone for over 30 years after being upgraded and the overload is overwhelming.

 “The last time sewers were upgraded in the city was 1987 when the water supply production was 270,000 cubic metres in a day. In many areas, the pipes are old and dilapidated,” she said

She went on: “Today, most of the sewers flow above half bore instead of flowing below half bore. Therefore, the sewer lines in the city are overloaded with waste water besides the storm water being directed into the same, worsening an already grave situation.”

At the same time, the city water company is determined to sink an additional 30 boreholes to address the acute water shortage biting the capital. They will compliment water supply efforts by 20 other already availed boreholes and will provide 10 million litres of water daily to a targeted 200,000 people, most of who live in informal settlements.

Nairobi water company board member Karen Nyamu said the company was intent on making sure that city households receive water supply at least four days in week.

 “The county government in collaboration with national government is also developing the northern collector tunnel water supply project which will bring 140,000 cubic metres per day in the next six months,” she said.

The Karemenu dam project which will supply the Nairobi, Juja and Ruiru with 70,000 cubic metres daily is also expected to be complete by the year 2022.