Coast water crisis deepens
The Kwale Water and Sewerage Company (KWAWASCO) has attributed the prolonged water shortage affecting parts of Kwale and Kilifi counties to an ongoing payment dispute between water service providers and the Coast Water Works Development Agency (CWWDA).
Residents in several areas, including Kwale, Kinango, Mazeras, Mariakani, Samburu, Mackinnon and Taru, have experienced interruptions in water supplies since August 28 after CWWDA suspended bulk water deliveries to areas served by a number of water service providers.
In a statement, KWAWASCO said the disruption was not caused by an operational failure at the company but resulted from the disagreement over outstanding payments between the affected water companies and CWWDA.
The company explained that efforts were already underway to resolve the dispute and restore normal water supplies to residents who have been affected by the interruption.
According to KWAWASCO, representatives of the parties involved are holding discussions aimed at reaching an agreement that would allow the resumption of bulk water supplies. However, the company did not provide a specific timeline for when residents should expect water services to return to normal.
“The parties involved are currently engaged in discussions aimed at resolving the matter and enabling the restoration of water services to the affected residents,” the company said.
KWAWASCO also issued an apology to its customers, acknowledging the difficulties caused by the prolonged interruption, particularly for households and businesses that depend on a consistent supply of water.
The company appealed to residents to remain patient as negotiations continue, saying restoration of services would depend on the outcome of the discussions between the water service providers and CWWDA.
The latest disruption follows a customer alert issued by CWWDA on August 25, in which the agency announced the suspension of bulk water supplies to four water service providers over unpaid bills.
The companies affected were KWAWASCO, Taita-Voi Water and Sewerage Company (TAVEVO), Malindi Water and Sewerage Company (MAWASCO), and Kilifi-Mariakani Water and Sewerage Company (KIMAWASCO).
CWWDA said the decision to suspend supplies was prompted by outstanding water bills and the failure by the affected companies to fully settle their obligations.
The agency stated that water supplies would only continue once the affected water service providers addressed their outstanding financial commitments.
The dispute has further complicated an already difficult water situation along Kenya’s Coast, where demand for water continues to exceed available production capacity.
CWWDA estimates that daily water demand within its area of jurisdiction stands at approximately 329,306 cubic metres, while production is estimated at about 180,000 cubic metres per day. The gap between demand and production has continued to place pressure on water service providers and residents across the region.
The current shortage has raised concerns among residents and businesses that rely on water companies for their daily needs. Households require water for domestic use, while schools, health facilities, hotels, industries and other businesses also depend on reliable supplies to operate effectively.
As negotiations between CWWDA and the affected water service providers continue, residents in the affected areas are hoping that the payment dispute will be resolved quickly and bulk water supplies restored.
KWAWASCO has maintained that normal services are expected to resume once the ongoing discussions reach a settlement, although no definite restoration date has been announced.
The company has urged customers to remain patient as the parties work towards a solution, while reiterating its commitment to restoring water services once an agreement is reached.
