This archive report was first published on 20 December 2021.
Residents of Nairobi are set to face a two-day water shortage starting from today and tomorrow due to the closure of the Ngethu Water Treatment Plant.
The plant was closed on Monday to facilitate the connection of a new pipeline from Kiambu to Embakasi at the Ngethu Gigiri plant in the Kiambu Dam, which is expected to be completed by June 2022.
According to Nairobi Water Managing Director Nahashon Muguna, the closure will enable the connection of the new pipeline, which will improve water supply in Embakasi, Mihango, Utawala, and Ruai areas.
Several institutions and companies will be affected by the closure, including the University of Nairobi, Coca Cola Factory, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, EPZ-Athi river, and the Mlolongo area.
Other areas that will be affected include Langata, Kibra, James Gichuru road, riverside, Westlands, Lavington, Kilimani, and Kileleshwa.
However, residents who will be affected are assured that the project will be completed soon and they will not have to endure the water shortage for long.
"We urge our customers to remain calm and also advise them to use the available water with caution as we continue with the project," said Mr. Muguna.
Nairobi residents have been experiencing water shortages several times this year, including in February, May, June, July, and September, due to ongoing water infrastructure upgrade projects.
The city has been facing water shortages since April 2017, forcing many residents to rely on alternative sources such as boreholes or purchase water from vendors at exorbitant prices.
Only about 50% of Nairobi residents receive water directly from the mains, while the rest rely on alternative sources such as vendors, unlicensed water vendors, or boreholes.
Even among those who receive water directly from the mains, only 40% of the area receives water for 24 hours a day, while the rest receive water for an average of 11 hours a day.
