The public demonstration which took place at the Coast Water Works Development Agency (CWWDA) bulk water facilities at Mazeras in Kilifi County was politically instigated.
CWWDA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jacob Torutt Kimutai refuted claims there is a memorandum that the company should supply water to area residents.
He said in his statement that it is alleged that the demonstrations were targeting CWWDA for failing to provide water to Rabai area of Kilifi County.
“We wish to inform them that the 220km Mzima pipeline constructed in 1953 is old and dilapidated, and prone to leaks and bursts,” he pointed out.
Kimutai added thatMzima pipeline constructed in 1953 is no longer effective in transmitting water to a growing population.
He was reacting to demonstrators who were led by former Kaloleni MP DrChibule wa Tsuma and former nominated senator Emma Mbura who demanded an explanation why the constituency was faced with persistent water shortage for the last three months.
The CWWDA CEO said in his statement that there is rationing of water at the bulk water supply (from Mzima source) on a mutually agreed program involving the management of Mombasa and Kilifi water utilities, together with the Coast Water Service Board (CWSB).
Kimutai added thatthe rationing program of the Mazeras – Rabai line is undertaken by the CWWDA bulk water unit at Mazeras.
At the protest site the residents of Rabai constituency stormed the area bulk water supply offices to demand explanation why there is perennial acute water shortage in Kilifi County.
Drama unfolded when one employee of the CWSB found himself in the middle of the melee as attempts by police officers to calm down the angry residents were futile.
A water boozer driver escaped unhurt when angry residents attempted to set the vehicle ablaze as he was forced to run to safety along the Mombasa and Nairobi highway.
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