At least 720 families that had been affected by broken sewer lines in Mombasa Island and West mainland areas have been compensated.
The affected areas include Old Town in the Island and Mikindani, Miritini, Changamwe and Chaani in Mombasa West.
In 2017, the county embarked on a project to improve the storm water drainage system and treatment of the water before it's discharged into the marine ecosystem.
The project has several components; rehabilitation and laying of a new sewer network, the construction of a storm water drainage system and treatment of water.
The project is funded by the World Bank.
Due to the ongoing rehabilitation projects, some of the sewer lines broke and the families in the Old Town area had to cope with the pungent smell.
Last June, the project had to be halted to re-evaluated and bring the affected families on board.
On Wednesday, the county in cooperation with the World Bank gave the affected families cheques amounting to Sh4,078,000.
In the Old Town area, a 1.5 kilometre long sewer line was being fitted, which affected the region, known to be Mombasa’s tourism hub.
The broken sewer lines have also been a source of disease outbreak and mosquito breeding in the region.
In Mombasa West, the county was installing a new 600-metre long sewer line.
Mombasa Water and Sanitation Company acting managing director Abdirahman Farah said the sewer problem in Old Town really affected tourism.
“Old Town is a tourism hub, the broken sewer lines have been a nuisance,” Farah said.
He said all the affected families will receive their payment electronically.
“This families are receiving what we call disturbance allowance. They were not relocated, but their business and livelihood were affected by the project. Each will receive at least Sh6,000,” he said.
Mohammed Khamis, an Old Town resident, said he is grateful that at least all those affected by the project are compensated.
Two weeks ago, the county issued cheques to some 860 that had been displaced by the storm water project.
A first batch of 160 families received their cheques amounting to Sh20 million.
She said the first batch of residents were supposed to pave way for the construction of the storm water drainage system.
“In the first exercise we were dealing with those who had been displaced. There was actual relocation," Farah said.
The storm water drainage component is being done in Mburukenge, Moroto and Kaa Chonjo areas in Tudor ward.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
