In a significant move to deal with water unavailability for livestock in Aroo Sub-County due to the escalating drought brought about by climate change, the Turkana County Government has initiated a project for desilting and expansion of Water pan at Lodopuwa village, Kakongu unit, Lobokat Ward.
The project, costing Kshs 18 million marks an important milestone in the ongoing efforts by the County Government to harvest surface runoff water during sporadic rains and flash floods for productive utilization and diversification of water use for Livestock and agricultural production.
Once completed, the expanded pan is expected to serve more than 500 households and 25,000 livestock units.
The Deputy Director for Water Services, Engineer Frederick Rukoo, issued the handover certificate to the contractor, marking the official commencement of the project.
Eng Rukoo underscored the county’s commitment to ensuring the successful completion of the project before May 30 2024.
While emphasizing the need for adherence to the scope of works anticipated by the contract, Dalmas Ekiru, head of Monitoring and Evaluation of Water projects in Turkana said that his team will work closely with the contractors to ensure that the value for the money invested is realized.
The specific task of the contractor is to double the current water pan capacity from 20,000 to 40,000M3, increasing its ability to harness surface runoff from the Kakong’u riverine.
The Village Administrator, Nadit Echwa, emphasized the urgent need for the expansion project, highlighting its potential to address the longstanding water challenges facing the residents.
Echwa noted that the current water pan infrastructure serves only a fraction of the population and expressed optimism that the expanded facility would extend its benefits to a wider area, including residents of the neighbouring Lomunyenkirion, Nariamao, Kalemung’orok, Kedulach and Kakong’u villages.
Community members represented by the elder Nakure Tioko Itao, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the initiative, emphasizing the transformative impact of the expanded water pan would have on their livelihoods.
Itao said the additional water would also support agricultural activities, pasture regeneration and small-scale farming.
Once completed, the project promises to ease pressure on the existing two points located at the local Dispensary and the Church.
The handover was witnessed by the sub-County Water Engineer for Turkana South Judy Eregae, community elders and the local residents.