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Garissa faces water crisis as company halts supply after flooding hit vital sources

An aerial view of Tana River showing extensive flooding on April 28, 2024. (Photo: Handout)

By Lucy Mumbi | 30 Apr 2024

Residents in the affected areas have now been urged to conserve water and utilise it wisely until normalcy resumes.

The Garissa Water and Sewerage Company (GAWASCO) has announced an interruption of water services following severe flooding in the region affecting its water intake points and boreholes.

In a notice, the company informed residents that the flooding compromised several of its key water sources including the Iftin, AFTC, Ziwani and ADC boreholes, along with the main intake plant.

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As a result, water pumping has been halted, affecting areas such as Iftin, Province, CBD, College, Medina, Hagar, Slaughterhouse, ADC, Eskedeg, South C, County High, and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Residents in the affected areas have now been urged to conserve water and utilise it wisely until normalcy resumes.

"We regret to inform you that due to severe waters from River Tana impacting our intakes and boreholes, Gawasco is currently unable to pump water to several areas. In the meantime, we urge everyone to conserve water and utilise it wisely. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding and patience during this challenging time. Stay safe and take necessary precautions," read the notice.

They added that they are doing everything possible to manage the situation and restore services.

"We understand the inconvenience this may cause and assure you that our team is working tirelessly to address the situation as quickly as possible," the company said.

Water interruptions began on April 29, 2024, at 7 pm and will continue until further notice. Residents will be kept informed as the situation evolves.

On Saturday night, thousands of families were displaced in Garissa town and the neighbouring Mororo in Tana River County after River Tana burst its banks.

Displaced families were scattered along the Garissa -Nairobi highway after being displaced by the severe floods.

In Garissa town, residents of Bulla Punda, Kamor, Sheikh, Vumbi, Windsor, and Bulla Nyuki were forced to seek safety on higher grounds after floods from the swollen river submerged their houses.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had warned that River Tana was likely to burst its banks and cause flooding in Garissa, Tana River and Lamu counties after the filling up of Seven-Forks hydro-electric dams.

On Sunday evening, several people went missing after a boat carrying 41 passengers capsized within Kona Punda along Garissa-Madogo Road.

The victims were crossing the flooded area from Madogo to Garissa town when they met the accident.

So far, three bodies have been retrieved in the flooded area while 22 people have been rescued by the Kenya Red Cross.

The three bodies are among the 23 passengers of the ill-fated boat that had been reported missing.