The daily demand for water in Nairobi stands at 750,000 cubic meters a day against a supply of 530,000, leaving a daily deficit of up to 220,000 cubic meters. Photo/GIDEON MAUNDU
The government is constructing a multi-billion shilling water supply system, hoping to end the perennial shortages in Nairobi by 2013.
The dam based in Maragua is expected to inject 200,000 cubic meters into the city water grid.
Athi Water Services Board (AWSB) chief executive, Ms Rose Nyaga, said the construction was part of a long-term strategy to ease the water deficit in the city and its environs to eliminate rationing.
“We are seeking consultants to assess the environmental impact of the project, after which we shall do a design and actual costing,” she said.
The daily demand by Nairobi residents alone stands at 750,000 cubic meters a day against a supply of 530,000, leaving a daily deficit of up to 220,000 cubic meters.
The consultants will carry out a population census and prepare a resettlement plan for those who might be displaced by the project.
According to the board, the construction of the proposed dam is expected to cost about Sh20 billion and an equal amount is needed for infrastructural development if the city is to be water secure by 2030.
However, the board is yet to secure financing from Treasury and other development partners.
“The board needs in excess of Sh40 billion to implement a long- term project that would end water shortage in the city by 2030,” said Ms Nyaga.
Existing water sources include the Kikuyu Springs, Ruiru Dam, Sasumua Dam and Thika Dam — the largest — which together give a combined supply of about 398,000 cubic meters daily.
The larger part of Nairobi, which uses 525,000 cubic meters a day, receives water from Ndakaini Dam while the rest relies on Sasumua Dam, which holds a limited amount because it is still under construction.
Sasumua broke down in 2003, reducing its storage capacity from 17 million cubic meters to about five million cubic meters.
At a water meeting in Nairobi, the Water ministry PS, Mr David Stower, said completion of Sasumua’s repairs will bring significant relief for city residents as the dam is expected to hold an extra 12 million cubic meters of water.
“The rehabilitation of Sasumua dam is on course and it will be operationalised by December,” said Mr Stower.
The ministry intends to build 25 large dams across the country in the next 10 years.
In the first phase, the government planned to spend Sh9.5 billion to build five dams at Kiserian in Kajiado, Umaa in Kitui, Chemususu in Koibatek and Maruba in Machakos — the only one so far completed.
According to water experts, water companies must move with speed to address the major challenges in service provision as measures to correct this situation.
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