This archive report was first published on 9 May 2020.
Nairobi is bracing for a water shortage after the shutdown of Sasumua Dam Treatment, which supplies 11.6 per cent of the city's water, following a massive landslide in the Aberdare Ranges Forest.
The Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company announced the shutdown, citing heavy rainfall as a major obstacle to repairs. According to the company, engineers and maintenance staff are already on site, but their efforts are being hampered by the heavy rainfall.
“Currently the area is experiencing heavy rains making access very difficult. We are doing everything possible to restore the supply to residents,” the water company stated.
As a result, the city water company has mobilised water tankers to supply water to affected areas, in a bid to mitigate the effects of the water shortage.
This is the second time in two weeks that Nairobi has experienced an interruption of water supply, following a similar incident last week when a downpour in the Aberdare Ranges caused the shutting down of Ng’ethu treatment works.
