Residents of Athi River town in Machakos County are experiencing an acute water shortage.
The situation has been witnessed in the town and its environs over past few days with water prices escalating to more than Sh100 from Sh20 per 20 litters jerrican.
"Water vendors are now making a kill by selling 20 litres of fresh water at Sh100, while the salty water retails at Sh50," said resident John Nzioka.
Nzioka spoke to this writer at Makadara Estate in Athi River town on Saturday.
A spot check conducted by the writer in Athi River town on Saturday reveled water kiosks are experiencing long queue of about 800 metres with evident rampant scramble for the scarce commodity.
The estates affected by the situation include; Mavoko, Makadara, Kwa Mangeli, Jua Kali, Embakasi, KMC, Njuguini, Slota and the neighboring Kitengela town in Kajiado County and its environs.
Nzioka said water problem in Athi River town was a common issue.
He said the Machakos County Government should find long term solution to the problem once and for all.
Residents rely on private bore holes and water boozers who sell them the commodity exorbitantly.
"The water supplied by Mavoko Water and Sewerage Company comes in a blue moon, we rely on Export Processing Zone as the main source of fresh water inAthi River," Nzioka said.
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