Naivasha residents stare at hippo attacks, disease outbreak as lake water rises

The months-long flooding has engulfed tens of homes affecting over 15,000 residents who are also facing immense threats of waterborne diseases including cholera.

According to area MCA Alex Mbugua, over 3,000 households with 15,000 residents have so far been affected by the rising water levels of the lake noting that majority of them are unable to vacate due to lack of funds.

Mbugua said the residents are living in fear of being attacked by roaming wild animals especially the hippos as well as threats of emergence of diseases that may have major health repercussions.

He said it is time the government resolved the now annual occurrence by compensating the rightful owners of the properties affected and seal off the area from being habitated.

The MCA noted that majority of owners have valid title deeds sourced from government agencies and therefore have he right to be compensated before being vacated from the area.

According to one resident Josiah Okumu, they face daily risks of being attacked by the hippos as they invade the flooded homes with school going children being the most exposed.

In addition, Okumu said the residents are also at risk of being infected with cholera as area toilets have been flooded and sewer system blocked. 

He decried lack of government support for the affected persons to facilitate them to vacate the area noting that most residents are still living in flooded homes due to lack of funds to  move out. 

On her part, Rose Adayo said the flooding has crippled area businesses that were supporting tens of families at the low Income housing units with most unable to feed their families and enable them move out to other neighborhoods.

She said the residents are fearing being attacked hippos who have turned the flooded homes their habitat adding that the government should support them to move out and evade danger.

Nancy Atieno said families are facing mounting challenges including being exposed to diseases, hippo attacks which pose a major health threat Incase of an outbreak.