Governor Sonko targets water cartels in clean-up

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko delivers his maiden speech at the county assembly on September 28, 2017. He has said his administration is sorting out water issues facing the county. PHOTO | KANYIRI WAHITO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Governor Sonko said the cartels have been blocking water at NCWSC from reaching residents.
  • Mr Sonko said water bowsers will be used to supply residents with the commodity.

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has vowed to dismantle cartels that have hampered the smooth delivery of water services in the county.

Governor Sonko said the cartels have been blocking water at Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) from reaching residents.

"We are now dismantling the cartels wale wanawafungia maji (those who are blocking water) at Nairobi water," a message posted on his social media page read.

RATIONING
In a move that will come as a relief to the residents who have been subjected to water rationing since last year, Mr Sonko said water bowsers will be used to supply residents with the commodity.

In the meantime, the county is working on a permanent solution to water problems as the levels at Ndakaini Dam remain low.

The dam is the main reservoir supplying almost 85 per cent of water in the city.

WATER SUPPLY

Rationing began after the levels dipped below 30 per cent.

"We will ensure that we deliver water free of charge during the rationing period as we are currently doing in Mathare, Huruma and Githurai.

"All Nairobi water bowsers will also be used in the exercise as we look for a permanent solution to address this major problem," the Governor added.

DISRUPTION
Last week, the Kenya Union of Water and Sewerage Employees also blamed cartels for the current woes.

General Secretary Elijah Awach said that the cartels are deeply rooted in the NCWSC and at City Hall.

"Cartels have done it in a way that anytime you want to bring normalcy to the company, they will start either passing through a purported group of union leaders to picket and bring confusion so that at the end of the day there will be no checks and balances," he said.

Mr Awach urged the governor carry out a staff audit to root out the culprits.