Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NAWASCO) refuted claims of delivering unsafe water to residents after a photo of a ‘clean water’ bowser fetching water from a river went viral on social media.
The image, as seen by Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, February 15, showed the truck parking next to the water source, with a water pipe connected to a pump, drawing water from the stream.
Kenyans questioned the source of water distributed by water companies, with fears that it could be a health risk to millions on Nairobians.
“Where does clean water come from? The lorry is clearly branded clean water.
“If a truck that ferries clean water goes ahead and ferries unclean or dirty water for construction, that is abusing the license issued by the city council,” a Twitter user Greyham stated in response to the image.
However, others stated that the bowsers were used to transport water for construction noting that clean water meant for drinking was from different sources.
“Let us not always assume that this water is for drinking or domestic use. Some of it is taken to construction sites and road construction. Not always though,” ‘Jazzy’ another user noted.
Kenyans questioned the regulations put in place to control the sale of clean water in the country adding that it was difficult to identify safe and unsafe water.
However, speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, an official from the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company confirmed that the truck did not belong to the County government.
He stated that bowsers used to distribute clean drinking water to residential homes in Nairobi were labelled Nairobi Metropolitan Services(NMS), or Nairobi water, and additionally had a blue government of Kenya number plate.
The official stated that there were many privately run water distributors who were not regulated by the company noting that it was easy for any individual to claim that they delivered clean water.
“We get clean water from designated areas and they are safe for domestic use. We however do not regulate private distributors,” the official noted.
In addition, the official issued directions on how Nairobi residents ought to get safe and clean water.
“If someone needs clean water, the sure way is to come to our offices, make payment and we will deliver clean water to their homes,” the official noted.
The ministry of health in a report on Saturday, February 11, stated that the wide spread of cholera was among many other reasons, attributed to the consumption of contaminated water.
"The Ministry of Health is urging all citizens to help control and prevent the spread of cholera in their communities by promoting water sanitation, and hygiene practices," Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha stated.
