Government to use Nairobi-Mombasa oil pipeline to supply water
3 min read
Government details plans to overhaul Nairobi-Mombasa oil pipeline to supply water to coast region
Government details plans to overhaul Nairobi-Mombasa oil pipeline to supply water to coast region.
The Nairobi to Mombasa pipeline, which has been in use for 45 years will be overhauled to transport water to Mombasa County according to proposals outlined by the Kenya Pipeline Company Limited (KPC) on May 23.
A segment of the pipeline would be removed as part of the project, while another section would be rebuilt to supply water, according to the environmental assessment report.
The project would span eight counties, including Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, and Mombasa, according to the information provided.
KPC explained that the move to reuse the old pipeline was informed by the increasing demand for water at the Coast.
“The areas along the e Right of the Way (ROW) are characterized by increasing population growth and consequently increased demand for drinking water. Mzima springs are the main source of water for these but it has only one 80mm reinforced concrete that was constructed in the 1950s,” read the report in part.
However, in the report, KPC acknowledged health concerns over the project with the agency indicating that it would ensure that the pipes are cleaned to ensure that the health of Kenyans is not put at risk.
In particular, it was noted that the agency had already tested various cleaning processes to ascertain the viability of the project.
Government announces mandatory fees for all Kenyan businesses in 30 day
Raila claims Ruto wants to remove the presidential term limit
Police launch manhaunt for Ex-Mungiki leader Maina Njenga
Blow to Ruto as court stops Shakahola probe
“Pigging using water was undertaken from Mombasa to Nairobi to clean the pipeline. The inline water was tested for petroleum compounds after every pigging up to 10 times until the water meets the regulatory requirement for drinking water.
“KPC is still engaging experts to have the appropriate internal and external coating of the pipeline that is to ensure water quality and pipeline integrity to meet Kenya’s standards on drinking water quality,” read the report in part.
During the project, the reuse of the pipeline is expected to take place between Mzima Spring to Mombasa which is estimated to be 215 kilometres.
Other sections of the pipeline are expected to be completely uprooted and sold as scrap metal.
The estimated disposal value of Line 1 scrap material was estimated at Ksh2,216,528,448.
KPC will take 12 months for the projects once the green-light is issued from all relevant authorities.
Also read,
British oil explorer Tullow faces new setback after its partners exit Turkana oilfields
Canada partners with Kenya to offer Ksh15 million research grant; How to apply
Blow to Ruto as court stops Shakahola probe
Follow us
