Nairobi taps may run dry as Sh10bn plan stalls over lack of approval for financing

Taps in Nairobi homes could suddenly run dry because water and sewerage projects worth more than Sh10 billion face imminent stagnation for lack of a board to approve their financing.

The mega projects by the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company had been approved by a board appointed by Governor Evans Kidero before it was sued in court in 2014.

Some estates that could soon have a persistent water shortage are South C, South B, Imara Daima and those along Mombasa Road.

Others could be along Thika Road and Eastlands.

Already, estates in Lang’ata Constituency and areas along Mombasa Road are facing an acute water shortage, with the worst hit being Nyayo Highrise and Madaraka.

The Kidero board — which was being chaired by Mr Raphael Nzomo in an acting capacity — was set to begin construction of a raw water pipeline from Mataara in Gatundu North to Ng’ethu water works.

The pipeline would pass through Kabete before supplying water to estates along Mombasa Road.

According to confidential documents seen by Sunday Nation, the Sh3.5 billion project targets supply of water to estates in Lang’ata and Kibra constituencies, as well as the posh Karen estate.

REVIEW PROJECT DESIGN

Set to be completed in 2015-2016 financial year, the project is yet to start and was handicapped by an earlier order issued by Dr Kidero for an independent review of its design, which is almost complete.

Although the board had approved the project, its construction may not start because the board will need to approve a number of available financing options.

When complete, water supply in the city will increase by 50,000 cubic metres, according to approvals by the board.

A key sewer reticulation project in Roysambu has been approved but cannot take off.

It is believed the Sh4.4 billion project, which was to be undertaken by Athi Water and Service Board, is being blocked by Nairobi Water company due to vested interests.

If not built in time, there are fears that estates such as Roysambu, Zimmerman, Clayworks, Kasarani and Mwiki, could soon have raw sewerage flowing in the open because of lack of capacity to handle the sewer.

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

“There will be grave environmental effects if the sewer project doesn’t take off very soon,” confirmed Mr Gichuki on Friday.

The imminent water shortage will only worsen the 200,000 cubic metres shortfall the city is currently experiencing.

“We are producing 540,000 cubic metres against a demand of 740,000 cubic metres.

This is despite us operating on a 105 per cent capacity,” said Mr Gichuki.

There are other smaller but crucial water projects approved but cannot proceed.

They include the Rabai Road sewer, Dandora sewerage and securing of several sewerage zones that are targeted by grabbers such as Kariobangi, Ruai, Kahawa West and Kikuyu.

Mr Gichuki confirmed the projects had been approved and will soon stall unless there is a board in place.

“We will need approvals on financing either internally or externally. There are things that won’t just move beyond what the management is mandated to do,” said Mr Gichuki.

The board intrigues began when former board chairman Peter Kuguru challenged his ouster and the eventual constitution of the current board. The current case was filed by activist Okiya Omtatah who has faulted appointment of the board by Dr Kidero.

The Kidero board members who are now under siege are Raphael Nzomo, Maria Namuye, Mercy Mutua, Moses Mooke and Odero Ojanga.

Others are Erastus Omolo, Timothy Muriuki, Lillian Ndegwa, Mwangi Gathenya and Prof Joseph Kimura