Joy for Barqueque residents in Eldas as water project finally commissioned.

Residents of Barqueque in Eldas subcounty, Wajir county, can breathe a sigh of relief following the commissioning of a major water project.

The Al Waqf borehole is expected to benefit more than 2,000 families.

The project done by Direct Aid-Kenya, was commissioned by Eldas MP Adan Keynan.

Wajir, just like other counties in Northern Kenya, suffers from acute water shortage.

Residents have for decades struggled with access to clean water and have been forced to trek for long distances to get the precious commodity.

Halima Yussuf, 65, could not hide her joy after the commissioning of the water project saying it is a dream come true.

“We all know that water is life. Without it, our livelihoods, our health and our future are put at risk.. This project will go a long way in easing the burden of water scarcity for our households, schools, health facilities and livestock. This is a dream come true for us in Barqueque,” she said.

"Today is a day of great joy and relief for our community. For many years, we have struggled with severe water shortages, walking long distances under the scorching sun just to fetch a few liters of water for our families,” Ambia Hussein said.

She said residents can now focus their energies on engaging in other economic activities, adding that school going children will be the biggest beneficiaries.

“With the commissioning of this new water project in our village, our lives are finally changing for the better. We are deeply grateful to all those who made this possible –our area MP, partners and everyone who believed in our right to clean, accessible water,”  Ambia said.

Rukia Hussein said with the commissioning of the water project their lives will now change for the better.

“Water is life as we all know. Without it then life becomes extremely difficult for human beings and livestock. With this issue sorted now we can now focus on earning income and ensuring our daughters stay in school. It’s a new dawn for us," she said.

Keynan described the development as a major milestone in addressing the issue of water scarcity.

“I am deeply honoured to join you all in commissioning this transformative water project—an initiative that will have a lasting impact on our community. This is part of the progressive engagement that defines our approach to service, one rooted in collaboration, inclusion and long-term impact,” he said.

Keynan said as leaders, it is their duty to partner with organisations that bring tangible solutions to communities noting that the project is testament that they can achieve a lot by working together.

“We thank our development partner, Direct Aid-Kenya, for their unwavering support and commitment to improving the lives of our people is not only commendable, but also a true reflection of compassion and solidarity. Through this project, you have given our people more than just water—you have given them hope, dignity and opportunity,” he said.

Direct Aid-Kenya country director Ismail Hassan, deputy country director Sheikh Yussuf Ahmed, center manager Maalim Ali and project supervisor Mohamed Maalim attended the launch.