Implementation of Measures to Increase Water Supply to Informal Settlements

Cabinet Secretary, Sicily Kariuki, (Mrs) EGH inspected the ongoing activities to enhance water supply to communities in informal settlements to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The National Treasury has allocated Kshs. 200 million to drill boreholes and install elevated tanks in the informal settlements in Nairobi City. The emergency measures will see 200,000 residents in the informal settlements supplied with an additional 2 million litres of water per day by the end of April. The areas set to benefit are Kibera, Mukuru, Kawangware, Kayole Soweto, Korogocho, Mathare, Kangemi and Dandora.

The CS was inspected ongoing works at St. Elizabeth Primary School in Mukuru slums. She confirmed that drilling of 20 boreholes and construction of 51 elevated steel tanks of 24,000 litres capacity to increase storage and availability of water within the informal settlements has already commenced.

We will immediately commence distribution of 500 water tanks to supplement water supply in areas with inadequate 24-hr supply. The Agency will also commence registration of all water bowsers in Nairobi County to ensure provision of quality water as per the CS directive.

The CS was accompanied by the Principal Secretary Joseph Irungu and the Chief Executive Officer of Athi Water Works Development Agency, Eng. Michael Thuita.