Residents of Bomet town are grappling with a severe water shortage, now aggravated by a staggering Sh25 million electricity bill, plunging the area into crisis.
The situation has forced locals to resort to expensive alternatives and raised concerns about public health risks.
The acute water shortage, persisting for over a month, has pushed residents to desperate measures. With taps running dry, they are now reliant on water vendors, who are capitalizing on the crisis by charging exorbitant prices.
Interviewed residents lamented having to pay as much as Sh30 for every 20 liters of water delivered to their doorsteps.
The crisis has also triggered an unexpected shift in the local economy, with Boda Boda operators forsaking their usual transport duties to capitalize on the water demand.
These operators are now ferrying water to various establishments, including hotels, schools, private residences, and university hostels, fetching profits far exceeding their usual income from passenger transport.
While the water vendors profit, residents and businesses are feeling the strain.
Melody Chepkemoi, a hotel operator in the Central Business District, expressed the impact on her business, noting delayed openings due to the time-consuming task of sourcing water.
Chaotic scenes have unfolded at water sources, such as the Chepteny Beek River, where Boda Boda riders and water bowsers scramble for access, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Frustrated residents are now threatening to take to the streets in protest next week, demanding action from county authorities to resolve the crisis.
Bildad Cheruiyot criticized the negligence of the Bomet Water and Sanitation Company and accused county leaders of failing in their oversight responsibilities.
Concerns about public health are mounting as locals’ resort to drawing water from rivers. Peter Langat warned of potential disease outbreaks and called on public health authorities to intervene urgently.
In response, Dr. Benard Tanui, the Bomet County Executive Committee member in Charge of Water and Environment, assured residents that efforts were underway to restore water supply.
He attributed the electricity disconnection to delayed funds from the national government, which has hindered the county’s ability to pay its bills.
Tanui acknowledged the challenges faced, including damage to water infrastructure from recent flooding. Despite the setbacks, he remained optimistic that solutions would be found once funds were released.
As the water crisis persists, residents are left to grapple with the immediate consequences while urging swift action from authorities to alleviate their plight and safeguard public health.
By Lamech Willy.A.
