Nairobi Water Company workers' strike continues

Nairobi's Kahawa West residents scramble for water on July 9, 2017. A 20 litre jerrycan of water goes for between Sh50 and Sh60 in the estate. PHOTO | WILLIAM OERI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The meeting comes when city residents are facing acute water shortage following the long dry spell that has hit the country.
  • Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company employees downed their tools to protest over City Hall's plans to sell the firm to a French company.

The Nairobi County Assembly committee on water and sanitation has called for a special meeting on Monday to address the crisis facing the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company.

This comes as city residents are facing acute water shortage following the drought that has hit the country and a strike by Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) water company employees.

Some city residents have not received steady supply of water for more than a week after NCWSC employees downed their tools to protest over City Hall's plans to sell the firm to a French company.

GRIEVANCES

Since the water company's workers have vowed not to report to work until their grievances are addressed, many city residents should prepare to put up with the stench from burst sewer pipes and lack of water until operations normalise. The NCSWC introduced water rationing in the city in January.

In a letter dated July 6, 2017, the Nairobi County Assembly committee for water and sanitation admitted that the NCWSC was facing some serious problems.

FENCH FIRM

The chairman of the committee Mr Alex Ouda said that since the alleged sale of the company to a French firm had not been approved by the committee, they will need more time to probe the matter.

Meanwhile, a Nairobi County Wiper Party senatorial candidate in the August 8 General Election Mr Rameshchandra Gorasia, has capitalised on the city's water crisis to woo voters.

Mr Gorasia, who has blamed the acute water shortage in the city on the county government's poor planning, said that if elected, he will ensure that all city residents get adequate water supply besides other essential services.

"Should I join the Senate, I promise to formulate policies that tame graft and favour growth of businesses,” said Mr Gorasia who also urged aspiring governors to prioritize provision of clean and safe water to their voters.