County Government of Mombasa to Crackdown on Illegal Water Connections
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir addressing Media at Water offices in Nyali. (Photo By Mwakwaya Raymond)
By Mbungu Harrison
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has launched a high-stakes investigation into two senior county officials allegedly involved in illegal water connections an act he has strongly condemned as “treasonous.”
Speaking at a press briefing in Mombasa, Governor Nassir revealed that the illegal water dealings are costing the county up to KSh 100 million annually in non-revenue water, exacerbating the county’s chronic water shortage and infringing on residents’ right to clean water.
“It is unfortunate that some of those responsible for illegal connections are staff from both the county and national governments. This is treason, and they must face the full force of the law. The law shall take its course regardless of who is involved,” said the Governor.
According to Governor Nassir, 21 illegal water connections have already been uncovered in various parts of the county, with Changamwe, Mvita, and Kisauni identified as the worst-hit areas.
“I have directed the County Secretary to initiate administrative action. One of the suspects has already been arrested, and we are pursuing legal charges,” Nassir added.
The Governor said that more investigations are underway as part of a wider campaign targeting illegal connections and those complicit in the vice.
Governor Nassir painted a grim picture of the water crisis in Mombasa, saying the county suffers a daily deficit of 160,000 cubic meters. While the daily demand stands at 200,000 cubic meters, the supply is barely 40,000 cubic meters.
“Mombasa County has the highest level of non-revenue water in the country. Over 60 percent of our water is lost due to illegal connections. This deprives our people of their basic right to clean, safe water,” he said.
In response, the county government has initiated a 100-day crackdown on illegal water connections ahead of the Mombasa International Show, set to begin on September 3rd. The event is expected to increase water demand, making the clean-up effort all the more urgent.
Additionally, the county has begun rehabilitating damaged water lines stretching from Mombasa to upstream sources to restore proper distribution and reduce losses.
Governor Nassir called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to illegal water connections. He reaffirmed his administration’s goal of reducing non-revenue water from 60% to 30% within the next two years.
“We’ve embarked on this sprint not just to catch wrongdoers, but to protect our most essential resource water. This initiative reflects our government’s commitment to safeguarding resources, improving service delivery, and ensuring every Mombasa resident has equitable access to clean and reliable water,” Nassir concluded.
