The Cutting Edge

By THE WATCHMAN
Posted  Tuesday, June 7 2011 at 16:42

IT’S TOTAL WASTE. During a visit to the Olkaria geothermal fields at Naivasha, Esther Wangui says she was dismayed to learn that at a time when the country needs more electricity, KPLC taps only 150MW. Esther, waxing knowledgeable about power generation, claims that 300MW is ready for use, but is still “plugged”. “The money being spent on diesel generation is enough to buy the overhead generator to run the wells. Some of them have been tested and can produce 14mw, and there are more than 30. What a waste!” Her contact is elsilisha2010@yahoo.com.

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METER PROJECT A FAILURE. KPLC’s prepaid meters project is a total failure, says Daniel Mwanzau. Since he had his meter installed at his house two weeks ago, it has not been of much use to him, for he cannot load the units. His attempts to do so through M-Pesa have failed. “A message from KPLC says, ‘Meter not activated’, and yet the money has been deducted from my account. Calls to KPLC’s Call Centre are immediately transferred to an unattended extension.” His meter number is 04204449575, and his contact: dmwanzau@gmail.com.

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BODA BODA MENACE. The Nairobi Area traffic commandant is the right person to complain to about the increasing boda boda motorbike menace in the city centre, Town Clerk Philip Kisia advises. He says the matter can be dealt with under the Traffic Act. “However, we will impound bikes and charge riders who flout by-laws, particularly those who ride, or park, on pavements and walkways. Askaris are under strict instructions to ensure the operators obey by-laws.”

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TAME THESE MATATUS. The matatu madness is rearing its ugly head again on Nairobi roads. Shafiq Taibjee reports that on Friday, on Argwings Kodhek Road, opposite Family Dental Clinic, a matatu driver suddenly stopped right in the middle of the road, almost causing an accident. And it was so that his conductor could dash to the nearby kiosk and buy something. “Matatu drivers are endangering the lives of other road-users,” says Shafiq. If police are interested, he can be reached on Tel. 0721668885 for details.

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GIVEN THE RUNAROUND. Has praise gone to the head of officials in the Passport Control Section of the Ministry of Immigration, Nairobi? asks Cynthia Carol. “The section has impressive vision and mission statements that clearly outline timelines for the issuing of new passports. But 120 days later, and still counting, I wonder why my child’s passport still isn’t ready. All they keep telling me is, ‘Check again next Wednesday’. Do I have to see someone to get the document?” The references are 111306070 and 0523513.” Her contact is cynthiacarolis@yahoo.com.

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CHASE IS FUTILE. The seizure by Interpol of cars stolen in Europe and exported to Kenya is unfair to the new owners who bought them in good faith and will now lose their money, says TBM, writing from Naro Moru. He would like to know why, in this high-tech era, the vehicle’s details could not be verified prior to loading them on ships and having to await a physical check to verify the numbers. “Little of value is achieved in tracking down the thieves this way, as it is like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.”

Have a sophisticated day, won’t you!