With the onset of COVID in 2020, Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) under the leadership of Director-General Mohammed Badi, embarked on a plan to provide safe, accessible, and free water for low-income residents across the city. In conjunction with the Athi Water Works, NMS invested Ksh1.7 billion to sink 193 boreholes and construct elevated steel water towers.
Estimates of daily demand for, and supply of, water in Nairobi were at 810,000 and 525,600 cubic meters, respectively, resulting in a shortfall of 284,400 cubic meters. The boreholes were projected to supply an additional 40,000 cubic meters.
Vumilia community in Donholm, Upper Savannah Ward, Embakasi East Constituency was among the beneficiaries of a borehole. Residents rejoiced as they enjoyed the free water from the borehole. That was up until the 23rd of April 2023, when one of the residents stole the motor for the pump after it overheated and stopped working.
The thief was identified by residents and reported to the Savannah Police Post under OB number 28/13/04/23. The police took swift action and traced the culprit, placing him under arrest shortly thereafter. In a bizarre twist of events, however, he was released two days later under the instructions of a Member of Parliament, with the assurance that the motor would be returned and water services restored.
This never happened though and residents have gone without the borehole water ever since. They have been forced to buy expensive water from vendors instead. The Vumilia Community Chairman, Julius Mutesa, wrote to the Chief Officer – Water at Nairobi County, requesting for urgent intervention in the matter but has not received a response to date.
Not only are the residents frustrated but also suffering as their leaders remain silent. They’re left wondering who is going to come to their aid.
