Taps run dry in Kilifi as water crisis persists

Water shortage has forced more than 10,000 locals to share unsafe water sources with animals. [File, Standard]

Long queues of women clutching buckets and jerrycans have become a daily sight in Ganze sub-county as the water crisis persists.

The water shortage has forced more than 10,000 locals to share unsafe water sources with animals, making even basic tasks like cooking and bathing a challenge.

Among the worst-hit areas are Bamba town and its neighbouring villages of Goshi, Karimani, Mikamini, Midoina, Kavunzoni and Jila, where taps have run dry for the last three months.

The crisis has taken a toll on children and the elderly who have to walk for longer distances to in search of water.

Locals said the transformer, which was used to power the water supply in the area malfunctioned three months ago.

"We went to ask for help from our area MCA, but we were told the transformer which was used to pump water in this area malfunctioned," said Kahonzi Katana.

Kahonzi, who is a livestock farmer from Kavunzoni, expressed fears that the water pan they have been using might dry up in a few days.

In Mumangani, Kakuyuni ward, faulty meters have not been repaired despite repeated pleas from residents.

Locals are forced to walk for more than 15km in search of water in Goshi Centre after their taps run dry. A boda boda rider charges Sh150 from Mumangani to Goshi.

Daniel Mangi, former Bamba ward MCA, urged the Kilifi Mariakani Water and Sewerage Company Limited (KIMAWASCO) to end the perennial water shortage.

"The county should also increase the water budget allocation," he said.

Kilifi County Executive Committee Water Omar Said said the problem was being resolved, after Kenya Power repaired the faulty transformer.

"The biggest issue is the volume of water we are receiving from Baricho Water Works has reduced, causing other areas to lack water," he said.

Omar says two boreholes at the Baricho waterworks are not working, further worsening the water crisis.

"Boreholes number 1 and 5 at Baricho are currently not functioning, so the little water volume produced has to be shared between Malindi, Kilifi and Mombasa. So the low production and supply have greatly affected some towns," he said.

The CEC, however, said they may review the water rationing programme in Ganze and Bamba towns to tackle the situation.