This archive report was first published on 20 December 2021.
Water Crisis Hits Nairobi ¶
On December 20, 2021, Nairobi residents were informed that they would face a 36-hour water shortage due to the shutdown of the Ngethu Water Treatment Plant.
The Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) announced the shutdown to facilitate the connection of a new pipeline, which will enable the transfer of water to Embakasi, Mihago, Utawala, and Ruai areas once the Northern Collector Tunnel project is completed in June 2022.
According to Nairobi Water managing director Nahashon Muguna, the shutdown will affect major customers such as the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, Athi River's Export Processing Zone, and the entire city centre and Industrial Area.
Residents of city suburbs along Mombasa Road, Juja Road, Outering, Lang'ata, Kangundo, James Gichuru, Waiyaki Way, Naivasha, Kikuyu, and Limuru roads will also be affected.
"We appeal to our customers for indulgence and also urge them to use available water sparingly as we work towards restoring the supply," Muguna said.
This water shortage is not an isolated incident, as Nairobi residents have faced at least six water supply interruptions this year alone for infrastructural upgrades.
Since April 2017, Nairobi has been experiencing water rationing, forcing most residents to rely on water from boreholes or those supplied at exorbitant prices by water vendors.
