I am a resident of Malindi, a beautiful coastal town in Kenya, known for its rich history and tourist attractions. However, there is a crisis that we face daily that tarnishes the beauty of Malindi—our lack of reliable access to fresh water. The scarcity of water is not just a minor inconvenience; it is a critical issue affecting the health, livelihood, and overall well-being of our community.

For most parts of the year, we, the residents of Malindi, experience a severe deficit in our freshwater supply. Many of us, including myself, have had to live without sufficient water for our families, businesses, and farms, impacting our health and economy. This has been an ongoing struggle that grows more difficult each day, making our lives increasingly challenging.

Malindi Water & Sewerage Company Limited (Mawasco) is responsible for providing clean and safe water to our region. However, their service has fallen short over the past years, leaving many in our community without this essential resource. Reports indicate that the current infrastructure is inadequate to meet the demands of our growing population, and the water supply is often disrupted due to technical issues. As a result, many are forced to rely on unreliable and often unsafe outdoor water sources, which pose health risks and lead to further social and economic decline.

How can Malindi attract tourists when the town is more or less without reliable water?

Is it safe to rely on unchecked water supplies such as boreholes and water bowsers? How far are we from waterborne diseases like cholera?

 Tourism authorities urgently need to address these issues before issuing any licences.

Our solution is simple but requires immediate and concerted effort. Mawasco needs to invest in enhancing their infrastructure to ensure a reliable supply of clean water to meet the needs of Malindi's residents. This includes upgrading pipelines, fixing leaks, and investing in additional storage and water treatment facilities. By implementing these changes, Mawasco can drastically improve the quality of life for thousands of residents and help bolster the local economy.

We call upon Mawasco and relevant government bodies to prioritize this issue and find immediate and long-term solutions. Ensuring a consistent water supply is not a luxury; it is a basic human right and a government responsibility to its citizens. By signing this petition, you can help advocate for necessary reforms and push for a future in Malindi where water scarcity is no longer our reality. Let us unite to ensure that every resident in Malindi has access to the fresh, clean water they deserve. Please sign and share this petition to bring awareness and action to this critical cause.