Residents of arid Mbeere South Sub-county are up in arms over what they describe as illogical and discriminative water rationing by Embu Water and Sanitation Company (EWASCO).
They have said the prolonged shortage has disrupted their daily lives and left many families struggling to access the essential commodity.
Speaking to the press at Kiritiri Market on Tuesday afternoon, the residents claimed that several areas have gone for over three months without a reliable water supply despite continuing to receive monthly bills from the water service provider.
The residents said the persistent water shortage has forced them to depend on unsafe and expensive alternative sources, exposing households to the risk of waterborne diseases.
Led by area youth leader Derrick Ireri, the locals issued a seven-day ultimatum to EWASCO to restore normal water supply or risk legal measures as well as street protests.
Ireri said access to clean and safe water is a basic right that should be enjoyed equally by all residents, regardless of where they live within the county.
He lamented that residents are frustrated by what he termed as “paying for dry taps,” arguing that consumers should not continue being billed for a service they are not receiving.
Another resident, Kinyua Mwaniki from Mavuria, said the water crisis has persisted for a long time with little intervention from the relevant authorities.
Mwaniki claimed that despite enduring prolonged shortages, residents continue to receive standing bills every month without any corresponding water supply.
He called on EWASCO and the County Government to urgently intervene and provide a lasting solution to the crisis instead of temporary measures.
The residents further complained that women, children and the elderly have been forced to walk long distances every day in search of water, consuming valuable time that could otherwise be spent on productive activities.
Kelvin Macharia criticized the current rationing programme, saying it has become unbearable, especially during the prevailing dry season when the demand for water is significantly higher.
By Samuel Waititu
