Residents of Runda have united to form a crisis committee in an etch to address the flooding situation that has left families marooned in their homes and roads impassable.
Speaking to CNN‘s Larry Madowo, Isaac Gitoho, an engineer and former chairman of the Runda Association said eight areas within the upscale neighbourhood have been flooded.
“We formed a crisis committee to address the situation we are facing. We have eight areas that have been flooded, families are marooned in their homes. We must empathize with them,” Gitoho emphasized.
Gitoho, a long-time resident of Runda, said he has never seen such a calamity in this posh estate having lived for over 25 years in the area.
“I have lived in Runda for over 25 years and we have never experienced such kind of flooding,” he said.
Gitoho pointed out that some homeowners in Runda had encroached upon riparian land, exacerbating the flooding woes.
“There are homeowners in riparian land in Runda and have suffered immensely. Some of the expensive properties in this exclusive Nairobi neighbourhood are also built on riparian land,” Gitoho said.
Runda residents have formed a crisis committee after 8 areas flooded with people “marooned” in their homes.
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) May 6, 2024
But some of the expensive properties in this exclusive Nairobi neighborhood are also built on riparian land – illegally pic.twitter.com/thLEaDTtg3
UN Avenue in Runda closed
Earlier today, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) announced the temporary closure of a part of United Nations Avenue in Runda due to flooding.
The affected stretch, from the roundabout off Ruaka Road to Magnolia Close, will remain closed until further notice.
KURA assured the public of their vigilance in monitoring the situation and promised to provide updates accordingly.
Motorists were advised to find alternative routes and proceed with caution in light of this road closure.
“The Kenya Urban Roads Authority regrets to inform the public that UN-Avenue, Runda has been closed due to the rising water levels on the road following the heavy downpour experienced last night.”
“The sections affected are between off Ruaka Road roundabout and Magnolia close. We are closely monitoring the situation and will update on the progress. We urge Motorists to use alternative routes and exercise caution,” KURA said.
