Eastleigh

Eastleigh residents demand action over blocked sewage system along California's Marimbi Street

Phil Collince selling groundnuts and simsim on Marimbi Street in California, Eastleigh. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Residents attribute the problem to the new building's construction blocking the sewage system, causing pressure to burst the manholes.

California residents are raising concerns over sewage water flooding Marimbi Street for the past two weeks.

The issue stems from a blocked sewage system, allegedly caused by a new building under construction next to the police station. The blockage has forced sewage to burst from manholes and blocked the latrines at the police station.

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Daki Wario Guyo, a mother living next to the police station, has been dealing with sewage water flowing into her house for two weeks.

She attributes the problem to the new building's construction blocking the sewage system, causing pressure to burst the manholes.

"The sewage system was blocked, and the manhole under my house has burst," Daki said. She added that her children no longer play outside due to fears of disease.

"We cannot sleep at night, during the day it is worse, and the smell is foul," she said.

Daki has called on the county government to address the issue before it worsens.

A view of the swage flow arising from the blocked sewage system on Marimbi Street in California, Eastleigh. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

"My house is the most affected one. I hope the county government comes to our rescue before it is too late," she stated.

Impact on businesses

The sewage overflow has also impacted local businesses. Phil Collince, who has been selling groundnuts and simsim on Marimbi Street, says it is difficult to conduct business because of the sewage.

"The effluent is now over the road. It's hard for customers to access this side of the road," he said.

Collince mentioned that the fear of diseases like cholera has driven customers away.

The situation is worsened by vehicles and motorcycles speeding through the street, which splash sewage on pedestrians and vendors.

In response to the residents' complaints, Abdisalam Ahmed, the manager of the new building, denied that the construction was responsible for the blockage.

"We have not blocked anything. It is not true what they are claiming," he said.

Despite the denial, residents are hopeful that City Hall will intervene and resolve the issue promptly. They fear that the situation could deteriorate further, posing severe health risks and further disrupting daily life.

Residents and business owners alike are calling for a swift resolution to the problem, emphasizing the importance of clean and safe living conditions.

As the community waits for a response from the county government, the overflowing sewage continues to disrupt life on Marimbi Street.