City Affairs

Eastleigh’s water and sewerage crisis demands infrastructure adjustments: Experts

A water vendor waiting for his jerrycans to be filled with water. (Photo: File)

By Immaculate Wairimu | Monday, January 29, 2024

Parched taps and jerry can caravans have become a grim reality in Eastleigh, Nairobi's fastest-growing suburb. But amidst the crisis, hope emerges from the voices of experts.

In Eastleigh, Nairobi's burgeoning suburb, the clang of jerry cans and the sight of parched taps have become a grim daily reality. Yet, amidst this crisis, hope emerges from the voices of experts, outlining a multi-pronged approach to quench the water thirst of this vibrant community.

Engineer Maurice Aketch, Executive Director of the National Construction Authority (NCA), emphasises the urgent need for infrastructure modernization to address the strain on Eastleigh's outdated water, sewage, and drainage systems. He emphasizes the urgent need for infrastructure modernization to address the strain on Eastleigh's outdated water, sewage, and drainage systems, pointing to the inadequacy of infrastructure designed for single-story houses in the face of towering 15-floor apartment blocks.

Abdirahman Mohamed Shibli, Chairman of the Nairobi Property Developers Association, highlights the alarming water waste through leakages. "Implementing efficient leak detection and repair systems is vital to optimising distribution and curbing losses," he asserts. Abdirahman warns against unsustainable reliance on boreholes, advocates for stricter regulations, and promotes rainwater harvesting to protect precious groundwater resources.

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Abdirahman urges, emphasising the need for the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, county authorities, and the NCA to develop a comprehensive water plan for Eastleigh. "This plan should include infrastructure upgrades, leak management, sustainable water resource utilisation, and clear communication with residents," he states.

Abdirahman stresses, addressing allegations of collusion between cartels and county officials manipulating water access for personal gain. "These demand investigations," he says, underscoring that addressing these concerns and ensuring transparent distribution will boost public trust.

Walking the streets of Eastleigh alongside residents like Athman Hassan, a father of four in a nine-floor apartment, illustrates the gravity of the situation. "Daily, his family uses 20 to 25 jerry cans of water, costing up to Sh500 when city council supply falters," he shares. Barrack Were, a water cart pusher, witnesses the struggle firsthand, selling over 30 jerry cans daily during shortages.