Nairobi — Several Mombasa leaders have demanded the dissolution of the Coast Water Services Board, accusing it of failing to end water shortages.

Mayor Ahmed Mohdhar called on Water and Irrigation Development minister Charity Ngilu to disband the board because it had failed to meet the water needs of residents.

He said more than 900,000 people in the town bought water from vendors at exorbitant prices because of frequent shortages.

"The board was formed so as to solve water problems in the region. Unfortunately, the officers charged with the responsibility have failed to sort out the shortage in the town.

"The minister for Water should dissolve the board and bring in a new team to address the issue," said the mayor.

Mr Mohdhar also appealed to the minister to inaugurate the Mombasa Water Services Board to manage water services in the town.

He said lack of a board had made it difficult for the water firm to offer meaningful service to the public, adding that for the past three years, the company had been running without a board of directors.

Mr Mohdhar made the remarks at Mombasa Stadium during a Public Service Week fair which was officially opened by Public Works minister Chris Obure.

Coast provincial commissioner Ernest Munyi called on the water board's chief executive, Mr Idd Mwasina, to help tackle the water problems.

Mr Munyi said he had received numerous complaints in connection with frequent water shortages in various towns and urged the water officials to address the crisis.

"The officers charged with bringing reforms in the water sector at the Coast must find a lasting solution to the issue. Residents deserve to get better water services," said the PC.

Mr Obure said he would consult the Water minister to find the means of solving the water crisis.

But when Mr Mwasina was reached for comment, he said he was not toblame for the water shortage in the region as demand had outstripped supply.

Mr Mwasina said the water sources in the region produced only 80,000 cubic metres of water whereas the consumers' demands stood at 160,000 cubic metres.

"The water we produce cannot meet the demand in the region owing to population increase over the years," he said.

Water infrastructure was also run down, said the water board's chief.