- The five years project was aimed at ensuring the groundwater reservoirs are well protected by building the capacities of communities on conservation measures.
- The project focuses on interventions in aquifer systems in drought-affected communities in Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Turkana
Image: ABDIKADIR CHARI
Marsabit residents are among the other four counties that are set to benefit from the World Bank-funded water project.
The projects will be implemented by the Water Resource Authority in the Horn of Africa to the tune of Sh19.3 billion.
The five years project was aimed at ensuring the groundwater reservoirs are well protected by building the capacities of communities on conservation measures.
The project focuses on interventions in aquifer systems in drought-affected communities in Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Turkana.
Speaking during a stakeholders meeting in Marsabit, the CECM Water, environment and natural resource Malicha Boru lauded the World Bank for the project saying it will go a long way in ensuring the water problem in the county is addressed.
"I am going to ensure the implementation of the project and that there is value for money. This project will increase the sustainable access and management of groundwater in the backdrop of the recurrent drought," he said.
The water executive said such a project is one of the many that the county has embarked on to uplift the lives of the county.
"We are determined to escalate the construction of water projects for residents to get safe and affordable clean water," said CECM Water.
He said the administration of Governor Mohamud Ali will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to provide water for the residents.
He said they want as county to have as many boreholes and dams to supplement the water supply in the county, and added that the devolved unit and the partners had already drilled more than 200 boreholes.
" The county government has so far carried out a lot of water projects that involved the construction of water intakes and reservoirs, laying of water pipes, sinking of boreholes as well as distribution of plastic water tanks," he said
He called on residents to own the projects by ensuring it's protected so that the expected benefits would reach the people.
Image: ABDIKADIR CHARI
He said the same government is committed to protecting its natural water resources to make portable clean water available and accessible for the residents.
Water Resource Authority Sub-regional Manager Hussein Wario Guyo said through managed aquifers, they will be able to tap rain and flood water into sand dams.
"We are going to stop water from flowing and intercept it by creating a reservoir. The aquifers are resourceful in terms of storage. The water will be intercepted and stored for later use." Said Hussein
He said they brought on board all stakeholders whose input will be key in completing the project implemented.
Hussein said the project will drill more boreholes and rehabilitate the existing ones to create resilience in communities.
"We would identify appropriate technical approaches for improving the availability of water wells and the sustainability of groundwater resources," he said
He added that the groundwater is more protected subsurface and the water resource authority plays a key role in ensuring stable access and meeting the increasing demand for clean drinking water.
"Groundwater provides a stable and sustainable source of high-quality water that can help regional growth," he said
He said the project will contribute to climate change adaptation through building the capacities of groundwater institutions and rehabilitation of groundwater infrastructure which will augment the availability of freshwater to enhance climate change adaptation.
Image: ABDIKADIR CHARI
According to Dr Samson Oiro, the water resource authority has been on the frontline in drilling and equipping dedicated boreholes in strategic aquifers.
This is through comprehensive monitoring, assessment and mapping of groundwater resources and development to provide water for domestic use.
He said over the next five years, the Horn of Africa Ground Water for Resilience program would benefit at least 1.5 million rural residents in Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit and Turkana counties to achieve universal access to safe drinking water.
He said the program will increase sustainable access and management of groundwater in the Horn of Africa borderlands, emphasizing on regional cooperation to achieve a shared objective.
"Asal region is an area where groundwater is not just a resource but it's a critical lifeline, playing an increasing role in drought resilience," he said
He said the Water Resource Authority would develop nature-based solutions for strengthening conservation, sustainable use and recharge of aquifers.
He said a platform for sharing groundwater information will be provided including a groundwater information system, housing a groundwater database and a mobile app for data input.
"Water resource authorities are not only mere project implementors but committed to the wellbeing and resilience of the community," he said
Marsabit residents welcomed the project saying it would increase water accessibility and reduce long distances in search of water.
Kaltuma Hassan from Laisamis says if the project is well implemented, they can even turn water into other income-generating activities like farming to supplement their earnings from the livestock trade.
Halkano Guyo from Sololo urged the implementors of the project to consider drilling boreholes and construction of dams to manage water wastage and reduce shortages of water.
His sentiments were supported by Uran ward administrator Adan Jillo who said during the rainy season, much water gets wasted due to the unavailability of water catchments.