Coast

Strong winds, blackouts cause water shortages in Mombasa, Kilifi

A water vendor is pictured in Mombasa on May 22, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

By Farhiya Hussein | Wednesday, May 22, 2024

The water supply interruptions are in parts of the north mainland, including Shanzu, Mtopanga, Kiembeni, Kisauni, Nyali, and Mishomoroni, as well as the island.

Residents of Mombasa and Kilifi counties are facing water supply interruptions following power outages triggered by strong winds, which have damaged power cables.

Baricho Water Works, responsible for supplying water to the affected areas, has been grappling with inconsistent power supply since 4.30 pm on Tuesday.

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This has led to disruptions in the water supply chain, leaving parts of the north mainland, including Shanzu, Mtopanga, Kiembeni, Kisauni, Nyali, and Mishomoroni, as well as the island, without access.

They have resorted to buying the commodity but vendors have inflated the prices, creating financial strain.

Halima Hassan, a resident of Kisauni, said on Wednesday that the cost of a 20-litre jerrican of water has doubled to Sh50.

"The lack of water has made our daily lives unbearable. We have to spend a significant portion of our income to buy water from vendors, which is not only expensive but also not guaranteed as safe for consumption."

Juma Ali from Nyali, said, "It's unfortunate that we have to endure such hardships because of power outages. Access to clean water is a basic necessity so the authorities must expedite efforts to restore the supply."

Water vendors are pictured in Mombasa on May 22, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

In Mishomoroni, Ruth Moraa said ensuring her family has enough water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation is challenging.

"Buying water from vendors is becoming increasingly expensive. We need a swift resolution to this crisis. I have children who go to school. They need to shower and wash their uniforms daily. Buying water daily for our needs is expensive.”

Ahmed Said, a resident of Mtopanga, noted that without water, basic hygiene practices become impossible.

Ahmed urged the authorities to prioritise restoring the water supply to prevent further hardship.

In response to the situation, the Mombasa Water Supply and Sanitation Company (MOWASSCO) said it was working with its bulk supplier, the Coast Water Works Development Agency, and Kenya Power, to address the problem.

It issued a statement saying the "unprecedented interruption in water supply" was due to a halt in operations at the Baricho pumping station occasioned, by a power transmission fault, due to strong winds experienced across the coastal region on the night of Tuesday, May 21, 2024.”

"We understand the inconvenience caused and assure our customers that we are working tirelessly to resolve the issue. We urge residents to bear with us as we strive to restore normalcy at the pumping station," it said.