Residents queue to fetch water at a spring. [Photo/Dennis Chacha] Kisii County residents have expressed fears that the decision by Gusii and Sanitation Water Company Limited, GWASCO, to ration water starting March will lead to an outbreak of diseases.
Last week, GWASCO director Zachariah Moguche said the company is unable to produce enough water to serve Kisii residents because water levels at Kegeti main pumping station have dropped and there will be water rationing starting March, 5.
On Monday, residents of Nyanchwa said rationing water will make locals go for dirty water from streams and springs and this may lead to an outbreak of diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
"Rationing of water will see several residents going for contaminated spring water and dirty water from streams. GWASCO should stop the rationing plan and instead ensure the engineers' work had to boost water levels at a Kegati main pumping station," said James Mogesa.
Eunitah Onderi said women with young children will suffer most if water rationing will be done.
"Women with young children use over 100 liters of water daily in washing clothes and other domestic uses. Rationing of water will now affect women mostly and we are urging GWASCO to stop the plan and instead improve on water catchment to ensure there is plenty of water to serve all residents," she said.
Ms Onderi said water vendors may also take advantage of water rationing to supply contaminated and dirty water to hotels and other residential areas and this will endanger lives of the people.