If you have clean water flowing from your taps you should count yourself one of the lucky few Nairobians that enjoy the privilege of having the free yet precious commodity.
It was drama last night at the National House Corporation Lang’ata Estate after residents who have suffered water shortage for a long time put their foot down and said, ‘enough is enough.’
The residents of NHC Lang’ata last night barred the staff from the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company from leaving the estate until all houses had received water. The residents accused the team of being part of alleged cartels that have been denying residents water to the benefit of bowser operators.
In a video posted by NTV business anchor Dann Mwangi, the residents had blocked the exit which left the staff stranded.
Residents of NHC Lang’ata refuse to allow Nairobi Water Co. staff to leave estate until all houses receive water; accuse team of being part of alleged cartels that have been denying residents water to the benefit of bowser operators. #NHCLangataWaterCrisis pic.twitter.com/d9aUpT6GAd
— Number8, the poet (@DannMwangi) November 28, 2018
It is reported that police were on site to try and help the NWSC staff get out safe but the agitated residents were having none of that as they demanded an explanation as to why they hardly get water, some even for months on end.
The staff from the Nairobi Water company tried to explain to the residents how the propellers were not working due to the stones that had blocked them.
Police on site trying to get NWSC staff out safe, buy residents are having none of that; Nairobi Water Co. staff at pains to explain to agitated residents why they hardly get water, some for months. #NHCLangataWaterCrisis pic.twitter.com/POFfiAE0R2
— Number8, the poet (@DannMwangi) November 28, 2018
Residents of the NHC Estate in Lang’ata gave for months been grappling with water shortage which has forced them to buy the precious commodity from water vendors. There are claims the shortage may have been artificially caused by Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company officials working in cahoots with water vendors to milk millions from them.
There also allegations that the company has colluded with cartels from Kibera to do some “illegal” connections to divert water meant for NHC to Kibera.
Earlier this year, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko confessed that the water shortage being experienced in many parts of Nairobi is as a result of sabotage by cartels.
Governor Sonko stated that the cartels have disconnected water pipes diverting water to private vendors who are selling the basic commodity at a very high price. The governor promised Nairobi residents that the County Government was taking action towards the criminals found destroying water pipes.
Governor Sonko has also previously said that the provision of clean water is one of the top priorities for his administration but clearly, NHC Lang’ata residents are yet to feel the impact of the governor’s pledges.
How do you think the county government can deal with the issue of water cartels in the city?