Nairobi: Masalani town in Ijara sub-county, Garissa County, is suffering a water crisis following Kenya Power’s disconnection of Masalani water supply on Sunday. The town residents have accused Ijara Sub County Water Coordinator Mr. Noor Mohamed of failing to deliver on his mandate and called on the Department of Water Services in Garissa County to transfer him elsewhere.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Masalani Watchdog Chairman Mr. Abdullahi Abdi, former Garissa County Council Chairman Mr. Mohamed Gure, and Ijara Youth Leader Mr. Salah Yarrow stated that residents pay Sh1000 per month, yet there has been no water in the taps for the last three weeks. However, when contacted for comment, Mohamed said the town’s water supply was disconnected by Kenya Power, Hola Sub Station due to a monthly electricity bill of Sh300,000.

The residents are concerned about how the bill accrued to such a high level when they have been paying their monthly obligations. They warned that they would demonstrate in the streets if this situation persisted. Financially able residents have resorted to buying water from water bowsers at a cost of Sh2000 per 3000 liters, while the less privileged are relying on Haji Foundation boreholes at the residence of the late Garissa Senator Mohamed Yussuf Haji for water at a cost of Sh20 per 20-litre jerrycan.

Residents have appealed to Garissa County Senator Abdul Mohamed Haji, Governor Nathif Jama, and the County Executive Member for Water Service to resolve the intermittent water crisis. There is a risk of an outbreak of waterborne diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and skin diseases due to the lack of water in homes.

Institutions of learning, including Shurie Secondary School, the hospital, and Alfurqan Orphanage Centre, are also affected by the water crisis.