Nairobi: Eastlands residents struggle to cope as water shortages worsen

Residents of Nairobi’s Eastlands area have been forced to find creative ways to survive prolonged water shortage.

According to some of the residents, endless water shortage in the populous estates was disrupting their lives.

Many residents have to wake up very early in the morning to queue for hours just to tap the precious liquid.

Others have to leave work and still proceed to look for 'clean' water from vendors who sell at various collection points – even in the cover of darkness.

“Our houses have taps which don’t seem to serve any purposes other than being seen to exist as part of the house. The taps here hardly see water,” said James Baraza who lives in Umoja.

Millicent Akinyi says she has had to learn to survive.

"Sometimes I stay up until 11pm just to fetch water because I come from work late. The queues also can be too long," said 38-year-old Akinyi from Pipeline.

"I spend many waiting on the line. It’s worse when the person in front of you has 50 mtungis to fill before you can have your turn,” adds Baraza.

According to the residents, the water crisis has affected many institutions; schools, businesses, healthcare facilities, bars, restaurants and food vendors.

Businessman Stephen Karanja notes that the shortages have significantly affected his carwash business.

"The car wash depends completely on water. There are days when I am forced to close business because I don’t have enough water," said Karanja.

At home, Akinyi says she has strict rules when it comes to usage of water.

“I don’t mop the house daily as it would waste water. Meanwhile, we bath only once daily – and even this has to be done with utmost frugality,” said Akinyi, adding that no drop goes to waste.

Umoja resident Andrew Masinde says he often re-uses water as a means of conservation.

“I regularly use water left after washing and rinsing clothes to clean the toilet. I also rinse my clothes just once or twice to save water,” says Masinde.

Although the residents are learning to survive with little water, many want a long-term solution, citing high cost of water.