Residents of Bomet town are up in arms over a possible outbreak of waterborne diseases following the continued flow of raw sewage through the town.
The open sewer, which has remained unattended for more than a month, snakes through residential areas and drains into the Nyongores River.
The waste is believed to originate from nearby rental houses.
Led by Alice Kirui and Joyce Langat, the residents said they had repeatedly appealed to the relevant authorities for action, but nothing has been done so far.
“We have complained to the county and the water company several times, but no one seems to care,” said Kirui. “This sewage is flowing straight into the Nyongores River, which many people depend on for water.”
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The residents noted that thousands of households in Bomet County and beyond, including those around Lake Victoria, rely on river water for domestic use.
“This is a disaster in waiting,” said Ms. Langat. “The sewage not only threatens our health but also poses a huge risk to aquatic life in the river.”
The residents accused the Bomet Water and Sanitation Company (BOWASCO) of negligence and delays in addressing the matter, saying the situation could quickly escalate into a public health crisis.
They expressed concern that county authorities appeared to be taking the issue lightly despite recent health scares in the region.
“It’s only been a few weeks since six people died and several others were hospitalised following a cholera outbreak in neighbouring Narok County,” said Ms Kirui. “We don’t want the same to happen here.”
The residents have now given the county government a 24-hour ultimatum to repair the broken sewer line, warning that they will hold massive demonstrations in Bomet town if the problem is not resolved.
By Kimutai Langat
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