Turkana, Kenya – In response to the ongoing El Niño rains, the Turkana County Department of Water Services has initiated an assessment of boreholes and water points to safeguard the region’s water supply infrastructure. This proactive measure is crucial in protecting the water supply from potential damage due to the current weather conditions.
According to Kenya News Agency, David Maraka, the assessment began on Wednesday in Nakukulas, Turkana East sub-county. The technical team inspected a hand pump that provides water to approximately 3,500 residents and about 10,000 livestock units. Maraka highlighted that the exercise is aimed at gathering data to inform necessary repair works, especially in light of recent damage caused by the rains, which washed off part of the borehole area.
The assessment will also cover the nearby Lokicheda area and two boreholes at Kodekode, which collectively serve about 10,000 people. The team has assured local users of a continuous and uninterrupted water supply during this period. The Turkana County’s proposed El Niño contingency plan indicates that the water infrastructure across the County is at risk of destruction from the ongoing rains, underscoring the importance of these assessments.
In addition to this initiative, the County has successfully completed five water projects in the last financial year (2022/2023) at various locations, including Kakiteitei, Lokori, Lomelo, Kapedo, and Ngamia One Secondary School. These projects are part of the County’s efforts to enhance water infrastructure and availability.
Parallel to the assessment activities, public sensitization is underway across the County to inform residents about the restructuring of the water management system. This campaign is integral to ensuring that the public is aware of and can adapt to the changes in water supply and management strategies.