Residents of Voi are complaining about the acute water shortage that has hit the town in the last two weeks. Hotels and restaurants are the most affected by the shortage caused by repairs of the Mzima water line.

Residents said the one week notice by the Taita Taveta Water and Sewarage Company has since lapsed. "The water company is a disgrace to Voi which is a fast growing business hub. Many businesses are operating at a loss because they have to buy water from vendors who are selling it at very high costs," said Bernard Mwamburi, a resident.

"We are buying a 20 litre jerrycan of water for Sh50. The cost is as high as Sh100 in some areas." Mwamburi said some residents are forced to use dirty water from River Voi.

"People are now fetching water from River Voi where herders wash their camels and others take their bath," said Mwamburi. The areas most affected are Kariokor, Mazeras, Mwakingali, Sofia and several villages around Voi town.

"Some hotels and food kiosks have been forced to close shop .The situation is getting worse each day," Mwamburi said. Efforts to get a comment from Tavevo managing director Peter Shwashwa were fruitless as he did not answer our calls.