By Veronicah Stellah
21st May 2024
Residents of Homa Bay Town are grappling with a severe water shortage that has persisted for a month after Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) disconnected the power supply to the main water intake. The disconnection stems from an outstanding electricity bill of Ksh.10 million owed by the county government.
The water crisis has affected several estates, including Got Rabuor, Shopia, Shauri Yako, Makongeni, and other neighboring villages. The shortage has forced many residents to resort to untreated water from Lake Victoria, raising concerns about the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
Local water vendors have capitalized on the crisis, significantly increasing their prices. The cost of 20 liters of water has surged to between Ksh.20 and Ksh.30, a substantial hike that is straining household budgets.
Residents are urging the county government to urgently settle the outstanding bill to restore the water supply, emphasizing that the current situation is untenable and poses serious health risks.
Homa Bay Water and Sanitation Company (HOMAWASCO) Managing Director Tom Nyonje acknowledged the supply challenges due to the pending bills which he says they are sorting out this week.
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