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{
"id": 1008810,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1008810/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Sakaja",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 13131,
"legal_name": "Johnson Arthur Sakaja",
"slug": "johnson-arthur-sakaja"
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"content": "we are recommending a tariff similar to that of street lighting, which is charged at Kshs7 per kilowatt-hour. We also urge the national Government to zero rate the purchase of chemicals and other essential supplies for water treatment, supply and distribution, and that the national Government and county governments waive various fees and levies charged on provision of water and sanitation services during the COVID-19 pandemic. On this one, I will go to some detail later. The Committee noted and commends the measures taken by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) to drill 93 boreholes and install elevated still water tanks in Nairobi City County, as well as the purchase of 22 water bowsers that have greatly improved on the availability of clean water for drinking and sanitation, particularly in the low income settlements across Nairobi. As I have said, I will go into more detail in that because I have seen the impact. We have done a tour in my capacity as the Senator for Nairobi, both with the National Government and on my own. Nairobians are accessing water for free in 93 water points. We want it done in many other parts of the county, but we must commend them. Previously, it would take more than 12 months from the commissioning to the construction of a borehole and a high water mast. In three months, NMS has done 93. If that is not commendable, I do not know what is. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, if you allow me to get to some details on that, this is because we met with the NMS and they showed us how they are collaborating with different agencies and stakeholders and they have taken the following measures. First, in collaboration with the Nairobi City Water and Sewage Company, no consumer or household has suffered disconnection on account of their inability to pay utility bills. Of course, this has reduced revenue collection by about 50 per cent in that area, but no one has been disconnected. Secondly, a water rationing master plan for Nairobi for equitable and better water distribution was developed and is being implemented. It is being closely monitored and adjustments made to ensure its effectiveness. Then, there are the 93 boreholes that I have mentioned that are all operational and we expect minimal--- I have highlighted some areas where we spoke to them in places like Kasarani Constituency where they have only done three. Kasarani is one of the biggest constituencies in Nairobi City. However, if you look at the size and the population, it is one of the biggest in the country. There are areas in Dagoretti South and Lang’ata that need more attention. There is also Dandora in Embakasi North. We are working very close with the Permanent Secretary (PS), Hon. Irungu as well as the NMS on this one and I want to thank them. On the measures they put in place to ensure access for the underserved communities and informal settlements, there is free water distribution to an average of 200,000 litres per day using the water bowsers. These are in Huruma, Kabiru ward, Kaloleni, Kangemi, Kawangware, Kibera, Mathare, Makadara, Mbotela, Mountain View and Viwandani. Another 20 bowsers will have been purchased. Therefore, the total fleet we have now is 32 in Nairobi. This gives us a distribution capacity of 600,000 litres. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}