The much-awaited Northern Water Collector Tunnel, touted as the solution to Nairobi County's water shortage, has finally started delivering clean water to Utawala residents.
The development is a major win for the people of Utawala, who have been struggling for access to water. It is expected to put an end to years of water rationing that have seen their taps run dry.
The water project is expected to inject an additional 140 million litres of water daily once it is fully operational.
During a recent tour in Nairobi County, President William Ruto said that the milestone project would bring relief to estates that have long been deprived of city water.
President Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had assured city residents of an additional 140 million litres of water daily from the newly completed Northern Water Collector Tunnel.
While confirming its operation, Arnold Karanja, the chairperson of the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC), said that the residents are now getting water twice a week.
Mr Karanja said that more homes are being connected to the water and those that are already connected to the system are receiving water consistently.
“Not all estates have been connected to water pipes, but we are doing everything to complete the process. Those who are already connected are getting water for the first time. Our teams are on the ground, and you can always get in touch with them,” Mr Karanja said at the weekend when the team toured the area.
He told Nation.Africa that estates such as Summit Court, Swan Villa, Olympia Estate, Rubis, and Ridgeway are enjoying the benefits of the Northern Water Collector Tunnel.
“We have been staying here for the last 24 years, and we have never had water from Nairobi Water. I am happy that this time around, we are receiving water twice a week,” said Walter Kamau, a resident of Swan Villa.
According to Governor Sakaja, the Northern Collector will end years of dry taps in Lang’ata, Eastlands, Karen and Utawala, which were not connected to the system.
“The water demand in the city is 900 million litres daily, while supply has been at 525 million litres. The additional 140 million litres will help bridge the gap,” Governor Sakaja said during the tour.
Nairobi Water also said that work was underway on a water pipeline from Karen to connect Lang'ata residents, with more than 80 percent of the project completed.
Recently, NWSC Managing Director Nahashon Muguna told the Nairobi County Assembly that water theft was one of the challenges that has derailed delivery of water to Lang’ata residents.
The 12-kilometre Northern Water Collector Tunnel draws water in Murang’a and feeds Ndakaini dam. The project was funded to the tune of Sh8 billion.
