Published on: 04/03/2011
Selling water at more than Sh2 per 20 litre jerrycan will attract a heavy punishment including withdrawal of licences, water vendors have been warned.
Mombasa Water and Sewerage Company managing director Moses Kinya said water vendors should not take advantage of the shortage in Mombasa and other parts of the region to oppress customers by overcharging them. "This is a measure we have taken after receiving reports that some of the water vendors are overcharging their customers," said Kinya.
Water vendors in Bamburi, Mtopanga and Kisauni are charging as much as Sh7 per 20 litre jerrycan. Kinya said they have put in place other strict rules in order to ensure health safety.
The MWSC boss said they will not issue a license to water kiosks that are less than 100 metres apart. He also cautioned them that unhygienic premises will attract a heavy fine in addition to withdrawal of their license. "They must ensure that the area they sell water from is hygienically maintained and that the place is always drained and dry," said Kinya.
The vendors usually buy water from the company at cheaper rates. After withdrawal of the licences, the vendors will continue getting water but they will be charged at normal domestic rates.
The vendors will also be required to display the Sh2 price, the kiosk number and the metre number. "Failure to do this will also result in the withdrawal of licenses," said Kinya.
Source: Brian Otieno, Nairobi Star / allAfrica.com, 3 March 2011
