Stinking sewers in Nairobi slums could soon be history
The eyesore of open sewers in Nairobi’s informal settlements will soon be a thing of the past if a motion before the Nairobi County Assembly is passed.
Through the motion, Nominated County Assembly Member Joyce Muthoni Kamau, who is also the Deputy Minority Whip, wants Nairobi City County in collaboration with Athi Water Works to construct sewerage lines through informal settlements within the county.
The MCA wants the Nairobi County government to partner with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to install sewerage lines in informal settlements and embark on a drive to connect institutions and housing units to the sewerage lines.
Also read: Wa Muchomba – I’ll oppose Finance Bill to the bitter, even if it means losing my seat
“The county will face an even bigger problem if it does not put in place adequate measures, including the installation of sewerage pipes and the expansion of existing infrastructure, and connect as many units as possible,” said Ms Muthoni.
According to the motion, informal settlements in Nairobi are facing a serious challenge of sewerage management, with waste being dumped directly into rivers as the only option available to them.
In addition, the motion seeks to have the county government formulate a sanitation policy to guide the provision of sanitation services in the county, provide a framework for accessible sanitation services and provide the basis for a law to guide sanitation services.
While tabling the motion, the MCA said she was also concerned about the growing population, which she said would exacerbate the problem in informal settlements if no action was taken.
Also read: ‘Lovers Nest’ backlash – Ole Sankok under fire from Fida
The MCA said that during the rainy season, residents are at risk of contracting diseases due to sewage from the non-functioning sewers.
“We don’t know where the sewage is going, that’s why during the rainy season we find sewage on the roads and cholera and other diseases are the problems we are still experiencing as Nairobi County.”
In April, the county assembly’s health committee identified areas that were considered hotspots for cholera outbreaks.
Among the areas listed was Soweto in Kibra Constituency, Matopeni in Embakasi Central, Ngando Ward in Dagoretti South and Kangemi, all in informal settlements.
Also read: Genge music has been added to new category for the 2024 Grammy Awards