Ongoing Water Interventions in the Informal Settlements

The Principal Secretary Ministry of Water & Sanitation and Irrigation Joseph Wairagu Irungu today 30th April 2020 inspected the ongoing water interventions in the informal settlements. The PS was accompanied by; Eng. SAO Alima – Water Secretary, Brigadier Leule – Nairobi Metropolitan Services Rep, Eng. Michael M. Thuita – Chief Executive Officer, Athi Water Works Development Agency, Eng. Nahashon Muguna – Ag. Managing Director, Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company.

The Government through Athi Water Works Development Agency has put in place emergency measures to encourage hand washing and ensure 24-hour water supply at a cost of 300 million. The interventions are part of the efforts to reduce the spread of COVID -19 in high population areas and informal settlements including; Kibera, Mukuru, Mathare, Dandora, Kawangware, Kahawa, Kayole.

The PS inspected progress at Matopeni settlements borehole water supply project at Kayole Police Station, Kayole Matopeni settlements borehole water supply project at Matopeni police post, Mukuru Sinai community water supply at Viwandani Chiefs camp, Inspection of Mukuru Lungalunga water project at Lunga Lunga health centre and St. Elizabeth borehole, Mukuru Kwa Njenga water project at Kwa Njenga Primary School, Lang’ata Southlands water project at Southland Kijiji borehole site, Makina Community water project at Kibera DC’s borehole site.

Speaking during the inspection, the PS said the progress was good and residents in the informal settlements will soon have access to water with the project expected to deliver an additional 8 million litres of water. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to ensure provision of quality water as well as ensure coordination and regulation of water supply and exhauster services amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I would like to urge all the water vendors including water bowsers, exhausters, hand carts and boreholes engaged in commercial services to register their services in the Athi Water Works Development Agency by 15th May 2020.” Said PS Irungu.