Masalani: Masalani Town in Ijara Sub-County, Garissa County, is facing a severe water crisis that has forced the closure of several institutions and left residents struggling to access clean water. The situation has sparked outrage among locals, who suspect a conspiracy between the Masalani water supply department and private water bowser operators. The Ijara Water Coordinator, Mr. Noor Mohamed, declined to comment on the persistent shortage, despite mounting pressure from residents.
According to Kenya News Agency, Masalani watchdog Chairman Mr. Abdullahi Abdi and Ijara Youth Leader Mr. Yakub Yarrow have stated that the situation has become unbearable. They have appealed to the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water Services in Garissa to find a lasting solution to the crisis. Many residents cannot afford water delivered by bowsers, which sell 2,000 litres for Sh 3,000, an amount far beyond the reach of most families.
Investigations by KNA revealed that Masalani's water supply system can only produce 50,000 litres per day, yet demand continues to rise due to the town's rapid expansion and illegal connections outside the main network. Those unable to buy bowser water trek to Majengo near River Tana or rely on Haji Foundation's boreholes, where boda boda operators charge Sh50 per 20-litre jerrican. The boreholes were established as a waqf (charitable endowment) and are meant to provide free water to the public.
Health officials fear an imminent outbreak of cholera and other waterborne diseases if the crisis persists. Residents, who pay Sh1,000 monthly for water they rarely receive, have appealed to Governor Nathif Jama, Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane, and Senator Abdul Mohamed Haji to intervene urgently. They urged leaders to put aside political differences and ensure access to this essential commodity, noting that River Tana, only three kilometres away, remains underutilized.