Government declares all structures on top of the sewerage line illegal.
Some of the houses built on sewer lines marked X and issued with notices. PHOTO|NRM
Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS) is sounding an alarm over the rate at which the residents of Eldoret are erecting structures on top of the sewerage lines. Report says, It is dangerous to them and hampers sewer technicians from servicing the infrastructure.
Recently, Eldowas did a survey on the sewerage system of the city and found out that other sections of lines are inaccessible due to human activities that includes residential houses on top of the lines.
Eldowas issued notices and went ahead to mark X all the illegal structures on top of the sewerage lines, those affected were told to look for alternative houses to live because they were endangering their lives and those of their children by living on top of the sewerage line.
Speaking from his office, County Executive in charge of Lands and Urban planning Eng Nelson Maritim said the sewerage lines are a no-go-zone area because they are constructed in such a way that they have man-holes to service the line, blocking is against the law.
“I am calling every Uasin Gishu County resident to seek necessary approvals from the urban planning before putting up any structure, we don’t like to demolish people’s structures but when you disregard the laid down procedure you leave us with no option” said Maritim.
“….. sewerage lines are infrastructural facilities that are very crucial in urban planning, we therefore request our citizens to protect it by reporting anyone building on top or very close to the line. Added Eng Maritim.
A few days ago, the illegal houses on top of the sewer lines were brought down by Eldowas at the cost of the owners. This is after the property owner didn’t act on the notice they were issued in September.
In a joint report from Eldowas and Eldoret Municipality (which is in our possession), the structures on top of sewer lines in Block 13, West Indies, Kimumu and other parts of the city were declared illegal and marked X for demolition.
A house built on top of a licking sewer line making it hard for Eldowas technicians to unblock. VIDEO|NRM
Eldoret Municipality and the department of Urban planning are currently upgrading the back-streets and walkways at central business district of Eldoret.
