Garissa residents urged to maintain fixed boreholes

It is the responsibility of Garissa residents to ensure that boreholes across the county are maintained, water executive Abdi Omar has said.

Speaking on Thursday in Dekaharja, Fafi subcounty, where he witnessed the successful operationalisation of a borehole, Omar said it was the responsibility of the community to care for the boreholes.

“As we play our role of ensuring that residents have water, residents equally have a part to play against vandalism for future sustainable use,” he said.

Dry pans exert pressure on permanent water sources such as boreholes, resulting in over-concentration which often causes breakdowns.

The borehole, which has water storage tanks and three water kiosks placed at various strategic points, will serve herders from Hajijimay, Bula Golol, Edho, Bulagolol and  Galmagala centers.

Omar said the rehabilitation projects are necessary as the ravaging drought is seriously affecting pastoralist communities.

"Besides water trucking to 360 centers in all the subcounties, we are also rehabilitating vandalised and abandoned boreholes strategically placed and necessary at this time of drought, '' he said.

The water executive who was accompanied by the chief officer Ahmed Abdinoor and director for special programmes Abdi Noor ole Hussein, toured the area to ensure the boreholes were effective.

The team will also be monitoring water trucking in the affected areas of Dadaab, Lagdera and Balambala.

Omar said the operationalised water facilities, will each support a population of more than 20,000 persons and hundreds of livestock.

According to the National Drought Management Authority September report, about 80 per cent of cattle and camels and 30-40 per cent of sheep and goats, have either out migrated or moved to other areas within the county.

Last month, President Uhuru Kenyatta declared the drought affecting different parts of the country a national disaster.

He instructed the National Treasury and the Ministry of Interior to spearhead efforts to assist affected households.

Last week, the state launched a livestock feed distribution exercise to seven drought-stricken counties.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)