Health concerns are mounting in Gatimu Village, Limuru, as an ongoing raw sewage leak from the neighboring Tilisi Estate creates a hazardous environment for locals. Residents fear an imminent outbreak of waterborne diseases as effluent continues to flow unchecked through the community.
Over 50 families at the adjacent Tilisi Estate have felt the brunt of the raw sewer after most of their crops were destroyed by the sewer with their houses being submerged by the flowing water.
According to James Mwai, one of the affected residents, life had since become unbearable as the stinking odour left them with endless diseases. “I now have to buy water from outside here since we can’t rely on the water from our borehole as we believe it is contaminated,” Mr Mwai said.
Another resident, Mrs Lucy Njeri, spoke in tears, saying that since she was married in 1973, there has never been a worse experience than the one they are facing now. “We thought this Tilisi development would bring jobs and make this village feel alive, but what we are experiencing is a nightmare anyone would never imagine we could go through,” she quipped.
Following pressure, Limuru sub-county public health officials visited the area to gather first-hand information and gave the management of Tilisi Estate 14 days to divert the sewerage or face stern action.
However, residents said the warning served little purpose as the spill increased after the letter was issued. “We are now appealing to Kiambu Governor Dr Kimani Wamatangi to personally intervene and assess this horrible situation,” an irate resident told the Kiambu Observer.
Efforts by Kiambu Observer to get a comment from the Tilisi management remained futile.