Nairobi, Surrounding Counties face Extended Water Shortage
Residents of Nairobi and surrounding counties have been advised to use water sparingly in light of extended rationing occasioned by a 35 per cent reduction in production at Ngethu and Kigoro water treatment plants.
Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (Nairobi Water) said the drop has been occassioned by reduced inflows into Ndakaini Dam due to below-average rainfall in its catchment area.
The company said reduction is expected to trigger longer water rationing periods for customers served by seven water companies drawing from the affected supply system, extending the anticipated disruption beyond Nairobi.
Besides Nairobi Water, the affected providers are Githunguri Water and Sanitation Company, serving Githunguri and surrounding areas in Kiambu county; Kiambu Water and Sanitation Company, serving parts of Kiambu county; and Karuri Water and Sanitation Company, also serving customers in Kiambu county.
Others are Mavoko Water and Sewerage Company, which serves parts of Machakos county; Oloolaiser Water and Sewerage Company, serving parts of Kajiado and Nairobi counties; and Olkejuado Water and Sewerage Company, which serves parts of Kajiado county.
"The reduction in production takes effect immediately and is likely to result in extended water rationing periods for customers served by the affected water service providers," the company said.
Nairobi Water said the decline in storage at Thika Dam, the principal source of water for Nairobi and surrounding areas, had necessitated reduced abstraction to preserve the available reserves.
"The reduced inflows have necessitated a temporary reduction in water abstraction to preserve the available reserves and ensure sustainable water supply over the coming months," the company said.
It warned that the reduction would affect supply immediately, with production volumes to be reviewed periodically depending on reservoir recovery and rainfall.
"The company appeals to all customers to use available water prudently, avoid wastage and prioritise essential household and other critical needs during this period," the notice said.
The announcement comes barely 24 hours after Nairobi Water issued a separate notice of a scheduled 24-hour water supply interruption affecting several estates and neighbourhoods in Nairobi from 8am on Monday, November 9, to 8am on Tuesday, November 10.
The planned shutdown is necessary to facilitate the installation of new pipe connections near Kianda School, off Waiyaki Way, as part of works intended to improve service reliability.
Areas affected include Westlands, Riverside, Parklands, Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Lavington, Upper Hill, Lower Hill, Madaraka, Langata, Kibera, Jamhuri, Woodley and parts of Ngong Road, alongside several hospitals and other institutions.
Unlike the wider rationing expected to follow the production cut, the 24-hour interruption is a temporary, scheduled shutdown affecting specific parts of Nairobi to facilitate infrastructure works.
Nairobi Water has apologised for the inconvenience caused by both developments, urging customers to conserve available supplies as it manages the reduced water resources.