Water rationing persists in Nairobi despite dam spillage due to heavy rains
Nairobi County residents will have to endure prolonged water rationing despite the recent spillage in numerous dams across the country due to heavy rains.
The Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Ltd (NCWSC) released a statement informing residents that water rationing will persist as the company focuses on treating the still scarce water supply.
Managing Director Mr Nahason Muguna explained that the county’s treatment plants, with a maximum production capacity of 525.5 million liters daily, face a substantial demand of 870 million liters.
Although dams such as Kikuyu Springs, Ruiru, Sasuma, and Thika Dam are overflowing, the treatment areas (Ngethu, Sasumua, Kabete, and Kikuyu Water Treatment Works) have an installed maximum daily production capacity that restricts the water supply.
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Mr Muguna emphasized, “Even with our dams overflowing, the water supply will remain constant. We cannot go beyond the installed production capacity…we have to continue rationing water in Nairobi despite the heavy rainfall.”
The NCWSC assured residents that water distribution would continue based on its established program, aiming to ensure that all customers received water at least once weekly.
Additionally, the company highlighted ongoing projects to address the water scarcity issue. The Northern Collector Tunnel Phase 1 project, managed by Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA), is set to be commissioned in March 2024, delivering an additional 140 million liters daily.
AWWDA is also working on the Karemenu Dam, which is expected to provide 23 million liters of water daily, ensuring a three-times-a-week water supply for all customers.
While the city grapples with water shortages, the national government reported that ongoing floods have claimed the lives of at least 120 people, with hundreds more affected by the floods.
The delicate balance between water scarcity and abundance underscores the challenges faced by Nairobi’s water management in the wake of unpredictable weather patterns.