Kisumu taps run dry over low water levels at River Kibos

Residents of 19 estates in Kisumu have for the last three weeks been grappling with water shortage.

They are now being forced to buy the commodity, despite being near Lake Victoria.

 A 20-litre jerrycan of water is going for between Sh25 and Sh40.

Some of the hardest hit estates include Lolwe, Migosi, Kibos, Guba, Mamboleo, Kajulu and Manyatta. 

Taps have also run dry at Migosi Subcounty Hospital.

At Elgon estate in Kisumu East subcounty, residents have for the past one week been buying a 20-litre jerrycan of water at Sh40.

Resident Jane Apondi said they want the firm mandated to restore supply.

In Dunga, Kisumu Central subcounty, a 10-litre jerrycan of water is retailing at Sh15, yet that is where the water treatment plant is located.

 Nyalenda slum is also affected. 

Residents say the shortage has made their lives miserable.

 "We have been facing water shortage for the last three weeks. We have to spend more money daily to buy water from vendors," Lolwe resident John Opiyo said.

He said he spends Sh300 daily to buy water, yet Kisumu borders Lake Victoria.

Residents have urged the county government to construct a reservoir to ensure steady water supply.

Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company has attributed the shortage to climate change, which has caused drastic reduction of water levels in River Kibos in Kisumu East subcounty.

 Company managing director Thomas Odongo said the production capacity at Kajulu Treatment Plant has drastically reduced due to the reduced water levels at River Kibos.

"We advise all our customers to invest in adequate water storage facilities and to use water sparingly. We urge them to plant trees and conserve the environment," Odongo said.

He said the company is exploring alternative measures to ensure adequate water supply. The measures include increasing the production capacity of Dunga Water Treatment plant.

In some of the worst-hit areas, Kiwasco has deployed water bowser to enable residents to access the commodity.

Last month, the Kisumu government defended increased charges by the water firm after residents expressed their displeasure.

Water executive Salmon Orimba said the changes were effected after the water services regulator allowed Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company to increase consumer tariffs beginning January 10.

The Water Services Regulatory Board had given Kiwasco approval after gazetting the tariff increment upon completion of public consultations.

“There should not be cause for alarm over the increased water bills. It is purely meant to improve the water provision to residents,” Orimba said.

He warned water vending kiosks, especially in slum areas, not to increase the price per jerrycan. Orimba said a 20-litre jerrycan of water should be sold at Sh2. 

Water retailers will pay Sh60 per cubic metres of water (1,000 litres of water) and sell at Sh75 per cubic metres.

He said the minimum consumer will pay as low as Sh145, after the removal of the minimum cost of Sh420.

Company’s managing director Thomas Odongo said Wasreb approved the Kiwasco’s application for the regular tariff review 2021-22 to 2024-25 as per the gazette notice dated December 10, 2021.

In a letter dated December 14, 2021, Odongo said the regulator noted that the review conforms to water sector regulations and is in line with changes in the consumer price index in the country.

The increment means that most Kisumu residents, who consume an average of 13 cubic metres of water per month, will part with approximately Sh1,915 up from Sh1,272.

This amount is inclusive of sewerage charges, which are 55 per cent of the amount charged on water units consumed, and Sh70 as conservancy.

For residents who consume one to six cubic metres of water, their tariffs have increased to Sh75 from Sh50 under the domestic category.

Those who consume between six and 20 cubic metres of water will pay Sh110 per cubic metre.

Commercial consumers using between one and 50 cubic metres will pay Sh115 per unit, while those consuming between 51 and 100 will part with Sh130 for each unit.

Those using between 101 and 300 cubic metres will pay Sh145 for each unit.

More than 300 cubic metres are required to pay Sh160 for each unit.  

Public learning institutions will pay Sh45 per unit for those who consume between one and 600 cubic metres.

On sewer charges, domestic users will pay Sh40 per cubic metre of between one and six cubic metres, while seven to 20 will part with Sh55 per unit.

Under commercial consumers, one will pay Sh60 per unit of cubic metres of between one and 50.

Edited by A.N