Garissa water firm issues alert over water quality change

GAWASCO Managing Director Mohamed Dolal with staff at one of the company’s treatment plants./STEPHEN ASTARIKO.

GAWASCO Managing Director Mohamed Dolal with staff at one of the company’s treatment plants./STEPHEN ASTARIKO.

The turbidity levels in the raw water at River Tana have risen significantly. / STEPHEN ASTARIKO.

Garissa residents have been urged to remain patient following a public alert by the county water board over a temporary change in water quality.

The Garissa Water and Sewerage Company (GAWASCO) attributed the situation to heavy rainfall within the River Tana catchment area, particularly in Kitui, Tana River, and parts of Garissa county.

Speaking to the press in Garissa town after touring the company’s water treatment plant, Gawasco managing director Mohamed Dolal assured residents that the inconvenience would not last long.

Dolal said turbidity levels in the raw water had risen significantly, reducing production at the plant by up to 50 per cent.

“This may result in reduced water production, temporary changes in water colour and possible delays in supply in some areas,” he added.

However, Dolal noted that the company’s technical team is closely monitoring the situation to ensure safe water standards are maintained before distribution.

“In the meantime, we advise our customers to use water sparingly, store water where possible and invest in rainwater harvesting systems,” he said.

A spot check at the Mororo settlement showed that water levels at River Tana have increased over the past two days.

Residents interviewed acknowledged that the high turbidity could be linked to the recent heavy rains that may have affected water sources. However, they insisted that the company must ensure proper treatment before supplying the water to households.

Several estates have reportedly been receiving brownish and murky water over the past few days, sparking concerns about its safety for domestic use.

“I don’t think this water is safe for drinking or even cooking. We turn on the tap and what comes out looks like muddy river water. We are worried about our children’s health. As a result, we are forced to buy bottled water,” said Rahma Hassan, a resident of the Garissa Ndogo area.

Another resident, Fatuma Hussein, said the situation has caused major inconvenience, forcing her to spend extra money on bottled water, which she described as costly.

“For the last three days, I have been spending extra money every day to buy clean water because what is coming from our taps cannot be used. It is my hope that the situation will be corrected soon,” she said.