Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Monday, April 22 chaired a multiagency team meeting to find solutions to floods experienced in the city.
The meeting came following heavy rains that pounded Nairobi on Saturday, April 20 night causing floods and destruction of property.
In the meeting, it was resolved that the multi-agency teams, with representatives from both national and county governments would work together to continue mapping out the affected areas.
They also agreed to address some of the key issues leading to flooding including evacuating residents living in Riparian areas, illegal damping in the river and unclogging drainages.
“In the meeting it was agreed the multi-agency teams, with representatives from both national and county, would work together to continue mapping out the affected areas, address some of the key issues leading to flooding including evacuating residents living in Riparian areas, illegal damping in the river and unclogging drainages,” reads part of a Monday, April 22 statement from the Governor’s office.
The meeting was attended by County Executive Committee Members (CECS), County Chief Officials (CCO), Regional County Commander (RCC), the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC), District County Commission (DCC), Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company (NCWSC), Kenya Red Cross among other agencies.
Also Read: Murkomen Gives Way Forward on Nairobi – Nakuru Highway Floods
Resolutions of the Multiagency Team
The multiagency team resolved that all Private Service Providers (PSPs) should stop illegal garbage dumping in undesignated areas.
They are also expected to transport all the waste collected to Dandora dumpsite.
According to the statement, PSPs found not adhering to this directive will have their vehicles impounded, and licences withdrawn.
Secondly the agencies resolved to suspend all excavation works along riparian land and have residents living along the riverbeds re-located.
“All excavations along riparian have been suspended with immediate effect. “All inhabitants along riverbeds and high areas MUST re- locate with immediate effect,” the statement further reads.
After the meeting, Governor Sakaja alongside some of the members of the multiagency team carried out a survey of the hard-hit areas within the city.
These areas include Mukuru kwa Reuben, Elite Estate on Ole Dume Road and surrounding areas, Gatina Ward (Facebook grounds), and Isaac Gathanju Road where residents suffered major losses.
Furthermore, the county government of Nairobi also noted other affected areas naming Ngong River which burst causing flooding of its environs.
“The bursting of the Ngong Riverbanks has affected many areas across the city especially downstream including the flooding of Mbagathi Round about, flooding in Ectoville Industrial Estate in Mukuru kwa Rueben Ward, flooding in Mwiki Ward along Eastern bypass,” reads the statement.
The also marked areas around Mau River, Starehe Sub-County, Mukuru-Kayaba Slum in South B, Loyangalani, Isaac Gathanju and Convent Road as some of the adversely affected places.
Sakaja Issues Advisory
Governor Sakaja called on all citizens to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their property.
“Please heed all warnings and advisories issued by the relevant authorities and avoid unnecessary travel in flood- prone areas,” he noted.
“The Nairobi County Government remains committed to addressing the challenges posed by the heavy rains and flooding. We are dedicated to implementing measures to mitigate future risks.”
Furthermore, residents have been advised to use the County hotline number 1508 in case of an emergency.
“All County Government Emergency services are on high alert and standby at the scene to provide the necessary support,” noted Sakaja. In case of an emergency, you may reach the County following the hotline number 1508.”
