Mombasa: 2 County Officials Under Probe Over Water Theft, Governor Nassir

• Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir issued a strong warning to officers involved in illegal water connections
• The ODM governor explained how the coastal county has been losing millions in revenue because of the actions of some county employees
• Nassir urged residents to report any people they suspect of being involved in connecting water illegally so they can be arrested and charged

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya

Mombasa - Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has confirmed an investigation into two senior county officials for an alleged involvement in illegal water connections, an incident he termed as treasonous.

Nassir said Mombasa loses KSh 100 million annually from non-revenue water, a problem perpetrated by individuals, some in the county government and national government, subjecting residents to a serious water shortage.

“It is unfortunate that some of those who have done illegal connections are county and national government staff, this is treasonous and they must face the law. The law shall take its course regardless,” Nassir said.

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Nassir was addressing a media briefing in Mombasa where he indicated that the county has discovered a total of 21 illegal connections in various parts of the county, with Changamwe, Mvita and Kisauni leading in the vice.

“I have issued a directive to the county secretary for an administrative action to be taken; one of them was arrested, and they must be charged. We are investigating 21 cases of illegal water connections," the governor said

Governor Nassir says 60% of the water in Mombasa County is lost through illegal connections, against a deficit of 200,000 cubic meters. Mombasa only receives 40,000 cubic meters.

“Our daily demand is 200,000 cubic meters. However, currently what we get is hardly 40,000 cubic meters," he stated.

The governor indicated that the county has embarked on a 100-day crackdown on illegal water connections. Mombasa is expected to host the International show starting September 3, where more water distribution is expected.

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“Mombasa County has the highest number of non-revenue water in the country. This one denies people their basic right to clean water,” he said.

He added that the county has renovated all damaged water lines from Mombasa to the sources, ensuring a seamless water flow to the city.

The governor urged residents to report any suspected illegal water connections for arrest and prosecution.

Nassir confirmed that the county's 100-day plan has embarked on a sprint to combat illegal connections and underscore his administration’s commitment to reducing NRW from 60% to 30% within the next two years.

This initiative reflects the county government’s determination to safeguard water resources, improve service delivery, and ensure that residents of Mombasa have equitable access to clean and reliable water.

Source: TUKO.co.ke