The Cutting Edge

Posted  Saturday, May 14 2011 at 12:10

NOT ANOTHER COMMITTEE! The formation of a parliamentary team to investigate the rising cost of living is simply a circus, declares S.K. Chege. The Finance ministry, he adds, has the price index and any other piece of information anyone might require to explain the situation. “Do we need a committee to tell us that when the price of fuel rises, transport and everything else follow? Do we need a team to tell us that if MPs pay tax, the KRA will collect more? But, of course, we need a committee for the MPs to earn more allowances!”

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DEMYSTIFYING THE JUDICIARY:The best thing about the live TV coverage of the rivetting Judicial Service Commission interviews of candidates for the Chief and Deputy Chief Justice, Meshack Ronoh says, is the demystification of the Judiciary. He is particularly happy about the absence of the intimidating black gowns and sisal headgear. “The sessions have attracted public interest, with the top lawyers looking natural and not like members of a cast straight out of a Shakespearean play! With all due respect, this is the 21st century!”

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DARKNESS IN VARSITY LIBRARY: One of the most imposing buildings on the Main Campus of the University of Nairobi, the Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library, is a place of enlightenment, but it could be better with a bit more light, says Andrew Nyamosi. The university, he adds, should urgently replace all the dead fluorescent bulbs to improve the reading atmosphere. “Most of the seating areas are so dark that it is hard to read. Such a top institution should give priority to the library,” says Andrew, whose contact is mpangoni2@yahoo.com.

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WATER PROBLEM IN KIRINYAGA: For the past three months, the people of Kirinyaga have been receiving brownish water in their taps and with no explanation coming from the local water company. Benson Karimi would, therefore, like to know from the managing director of the Kirinyaga Water and Sewerage Company whether it is really safe for drinking and why it cannot be filtered before it is pumped to them. “We faithfully pay our water bills promptly and thus deserve better,” says Benson. His contact is bencarryme@gmail.com.

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THIRST ON SUSWA ROAD: Also sending out a passionate plea, this time to Nairobi Water Company, are the residents of Suswa Road, off Third Parklands Avenue. Sashi Shah says they have not had a drop in their taps for six weeks, having to rely on vendors, who charge a premium. But the residents have not just sat back and waited for the city firm to restore supply. They have made numerous complaints, and now want an assurance from the top bosses that the problem will be fixed soon. Sashi’s contact is sashijshah@yahoo.com.

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KPLC PREPAID METERS: The newly introduced prepaid electricity meters may be a good idea, but Jackie Waswa is not entirely impressed. In fact, she thinks this payment mode is being manipulated to the KPLC’s benefit. “They are raking in millions at our expense in the sale of units. Last week, I bought six units via M-Pesa worth Sh200. But a week earlier, I had bought 11 units with the same amount of money. Can the company explain this apparent anomaly?” urges Jackie, whose contact is jwaswa78@gmail.com.

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GARISSA CRYING FOR FIRE ENGINES: A big fire that razed a storey building in Garissa Town recently, has painfully revealed the glaring lack of capacity to fight such emergencies in North Eastern Province, remarks Pius Mwangi. For a start, he would like the Ministry of Local Government to seriously consider fully equipping Garissa, by providing at least two fire engines. Another two should go to the other major towns in Garissa County. “Disaster preparedness is highly wanting here,” says Pius, who can be reached through maina6480@yahoo.com.

Have a capable day, won’t you!