Poor infrastructure and sanitation systems has raised concerns among slum dwellers amid the coronavirus outbreak as water prices continue to soar. Before the pandemic hit, water in the slum retailed at Sh5-10 depending on the size of the jerrycans. While access to sanitation became a basic human right under the Constitution, most urban areas still lack proper sanitation. According to the WHO, the provision of safe water, sanitation and hygienic conditions is essential to protecting human health during all infectious disease outbreaks, including the COVID-19 outbreak. A joint monitoring programme between the World Health Organization (WHO)and UNICEF estimates only 31 per cent of urban residents have access to improved sanitary facilities.

Source: The Star March 21, 2020 04:52 UTC