Residents and business owners in Mapembeni are calling out for urgent action after a sewage line burst with raw sewage spilling across the road, causing foul smells, health concerns, and major disruptions to daily life.
The stench fills the air as the contaminated water seeps into nearby shops. According to residents, the sewage overflow has been there for three months and has continued to worsen, turning the streets into filthy, foul-smelling streams. Many say the situation has become unbearable.
Residents are now calling on the county government and the Mombasa Water and Sanitation Company to take immediate measures to unclog and repair the sewerage system.
As the sewage continues to flow, residents are running out of patience and fear that without swift action, the situation could lead to a serious disease outbreak.
Ali Hassan, a long-time resident of Mapembeni, expressed frustration over the situation, citing unbearable air pollution. “The smell is terrible; we cannot even sit outside our houses,” he said, adding that it’s making life very uncomfortable and raising fears for their children’s health.
Business owners have also been hit hard by the crisis. Mwanaisha, who operates a boutique along the affected road, said the sewage has driven customers away.
“No one wants to shop here anymore. The dirty water flows right past the door, and the stench keeps people away from coming near my shop. My sales have declined,” she said.
Public transport users have also been caught up in the mess. John Kamau, a local tuk-tuk driver, complained that the sewage water splashes onto both drivers and passengers as they navigate through the flooded section of the road.
“Every time I pass here, dirty water splashes all over my tuk-tuk. It’s disgusting and bad for business. We need the county to fix this immediately,” lamented Kamau.
By Hadrine Joyce
