This archive report was first published on 2 May 2020.
Nairobi residents are bracing for a two-day water supply interruption following the shutdown of the city's main water treatment plant, Ng'ethu, which serves 85% of the population.
The shutdown, announced by Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) acting Managing Director Nahashon Muguna, was caused by heavy rainfall in the Aberdare Ranges, the facility's main catchment area, resulting in increased river flow and high turbidity.
According to Mr. Muguna, the raw water flowing into the treatment plant has failed to respond to chemicals used to treat it, necessitating the closure of the plant to avoid transmitting water that does not meet World Health Organisation standards.
Residents are advised to use their stored water sparingly, as the city currently receives only 15% of the needed water supply from alternative sources, including Sasumua, Kikuyu Springs, and Ruiru Dam.
NCWSC is working to unclog the intake and restart production as soon as possible.
