Parts of Nairobi County to experience water shortage

Photo|Courtesy: Nairobi residents to experience water shortage

Some parts of Nairobi County will experience water shortage. This is as a result of Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company shutting down production at Ng’ethu treatment works which treats water that serves 85 per cent of Nairobi County.

According to the water company, Ngethu water works is designed to treat water efficiently with water of less turbidity. But due to the recent heavy downpour of rainfall (79mm) in the Aberdare Ranges which is the main catchment area, it has resulted to an increased river flow causing very high turbidity in the raw water which is flowing slurry and suspected to be caused by a landslide upstream.

The move to shut down the Ngethu water treatment plant has been necessitated to avoid transmission of water which does not meet the World Health Organization standards.

However, water supply into the City is expected to resume by 6.00pm today. Currently Nairobi County is receiving only 15 per cent of the entire water production capacity coming from Sasumua, Kikuyu Springs and Ruiru dam which is less than what is required.

According to Nairobi water and Sewerage Company, the raw water flowing into the treatment plant has failed to respond to the chemicals used treat the same and solutions are underway to ensure the treatment process is operational and normalized.

Areas expected to be affected by the shutdown include; Nairobi Central Business District, University of Nairobi main campus, Coco Cola Factory, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, EPZ-Athi river, areas along Mombasa road, South B, South C and the neighborhoods.

Additioanlly, Industrial area, Juja Road, Mlango Kubwa, Mathare, Eastleigh,Airforce base,Huruma,Kariobangi, Pangani, Maringo, Buruburu and Bahati.

The outering areas that will be affected include; Baba Dogo, Dandora, Dandora KCC factory, Umoja, Donholm, Fedha, Tassia, Avenue Park, Nyayo and Embakasi.

Kangundo area will also face the consequences of the shutdown in areas like Ruai, Njiru, Kayole, and Komorock while areas along Thika Road include Kenya Breweries, Kenyatta University, Kahawa Barracks, Kasarani, Mwiki, Kahawa Sukari, Garden Estate and Thome Estate.

Furthermore areas along Limuru Road that will be affected are Parklands, Ngara Area, Aga Khan Hospital, University of Nairobi - School of Law and City Park Area, Gigiri, United Nations - Gigiri, and Muthaiga.