Several residents on Thika Road estates are bound to lack water during a maintenance exercise that will last two days starting from Tuesday evening, August 4.
Thika Water and Sewerage Company (THIWASCO) will be running the operation to repair raw water pumps at the Chania Water Intake.
THIWASCO has a service area of 254 km².
Chania River is the sole source of water for Thika and parts of Machakos County.
Its public notice, Chania expressed regrets for the inconvenience the operation may cause.
They also explained how the shortage of water may be managed during the period.
“This will consequently affect water supply in most of our supply areas. However, we shall endeavor to have equity of supply as per our water rationing program during this period,” the excerpt from the notice read in part.
The agency stated that they had set up 90 hand-washing stations across the service area to promote hygiene during this Coronavirus pandemic .
They also noted that there was vandalism and misuse of the facilities designated for sanitization.
“Unfortunately, we have encountered challenges and misuse of the units. This is therefore to request those doing these acts to desist from the same and encourage the communities served to be diligent and report any such incidences,” THIWASCO noted.
Most Kenyans prepare for such times of interrupted water supply by storing in containers such as tanks and cans for later use.
It is important to keep the taps closed at all times when not in use and also even when the taps are dry. In the latter case, flooding could occur causing havoc.
Those affected by the interruption are encouraged to keep and use anti-bacterial hand-sanitizers at all times as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.
Once the water supply resumes, one is advised to allow a cold water tap to run for at least five minutes to ensure the water runs clear before any other water-using device is operated.