Demonstrations rocked Mombasa streets on Wednesday, with demonstrators protesting against acute water shortage that has hit the coastal county.
There has been fresh water crisis in Mombasa after floods destroyed Baricho water plant in Kilifi County and swept away purification and pumping machines.
On April 30, Mombasa Deputy Governor Dr William Kingi told the press that Baricho wells from Voi has been supplying Mombasa with the highest volumes of around 35000 cubic metres to 40,000 cubic metres.
The County government is only able to supply 45,000 cubic metres against a demand of 186,000 cubic metres.
"On Wednesday 25th April 2018 at around 10a.m, due to the on-going heavy rains, upstream of River Sabaki, flood water submerged the 3 upstream wells leading to their closure. As a result, there has been no water supply to Kilifi and Mombasa counties," he said.
The Coast Water Services Board in conjunction with the Department of Water and Natural Resources appealed to the National Government for funds for urgent repair of the boreholes which are estimated at approximately Sh250 million.
Mombasa County Governor Ali Hassan Joho and Kilifi counterpart Amason Kingi, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and his Water counterpart Simon Chelughui visited the water station after a stakeholders meeting.
They held in depth discussions on the extensive damage caused by floods due to the recent heavy rains on the Baricho Water Plant.
Joho indicated that collaborative efforts by the County Governments of Mombasa and Kilifi, the National Government and the Coast water services have seen all three pumps revived and running.
"So far, 3 wells have been revived and pumping of water has resumed," said Governor Kingi.
The DG with Water CeC Fatma Awale also visited the station.On Wednesday, the demonstrators carrying placards demanded that Mombasa Water CeC Fatma Awale resigns for allegedly failing to show leadership over the matter.
They said they have been experiencing no water in their taps yet they receive water bills."Mashaallah na mkanyageni . Hon Awale please fika huko uone shida. surely are we Kenyans. na bill inaletwa kila mwezi it is now 59000 and no drop. haya ni Kenya yetu," one, Amina Rishad Omar said.
During the special meeting on May 4, Kingi indicated: "Kilifi and Mombasa County Governments have pulled resources with Coast Water Services to ensure we accelerate the repairs and restoration of the remaining wells so that pumping at the Baricho Water Plant resumes with immediate effect."