Mahat Mohamed a resident of Iftin ward speaking to the
press./STEPHEN ASTARIKO 
Mohamed Sheikh Hassan speaking to the press./STEPHEN ASTARIKO 
A water bowser in Bulla Iftin, Garissa township. Residents
have been left at the mercy of commercial water venders./STEPHEN ASTARIKO Residents of Iftin Ward in Garissa Township have requested the County Government, through the Garissa Water and Sewerage Company (GAWASCO), to consider adding two additional boreholes and two elevated tanks in the area to cater for the rapidly growing population.
Speaking to the press in Iftin town, the residents, led by Mahat Mohamed, said the current water infrastructure — two boreholes and one elevated tank — is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the growing population in the area.
“We would like to humbly bring to the attention of the County Government that the current water infrastructure does not meet the needs of the ever-growing population. Over the past few years, Iftin Ward has experienced rapid population growth, resulting in increased demand for water in homes, schools, health facilities, and other essential services,” he said.
Mohamed added that due to the limited supply, many residents are currently forced to buy water from vendors at high prices, which places an additional financial burden on families.
He noted that the shortage has affected the smooth running of schools and hospitals, where consistent access to clean water is vital for health, hygiene, and daily operations.
He also questioned what became of the initial design of the Maramtu Water Project, which, according to him, would have addressed the water problems in the area.
“During the project design, through public participation, it was unanimously agreed by both the residents and the county administration that we have four boreholes and two big elevated storage tanks. What is currently happening is that the water harvested is too low, and the area intended to be covered is big — Iftin and Waberi wards,” he said.
On his part, Mohamed Sheikh Hassan said the expansion would go a long way in ensuring sustainable and equitable water access for all residents of Iftin Ward, noting that the current two boreholes were not enough.
He said that the issue of water scarcity in the area has persisted for a long time, leaving them at the mercy of private water vendors who have been exploiting them by charging exorbitant prices.
“I appeal to the county to treat our concerns and requests as a matter of priority. We believe this expansion will go a long way in ensuring sustainable and equitable water access for all residents of Iftin Ward,” said Hassan.
On her part, Ifrah Abdi called on the county administration to hear their cry, saying access to clean and reliable water has remained one of their greatest daily struggles, noting that the burden of water scarcity falls most heavily on women.
“We are here to collectively raise our voices and humbly appeal to the county to prioritize the digging of additional boreholes within our ward. Water is all we want,” she said.
Omar Abdullahi, GAWASCO Public Relations Officer, when reached for comment, acknowledged that the area was among those facing water shortages but was quick to add that plans were underway to address the problem.
“It is true that the area is one of those whose population has tremendously grown, something that has stretched the water infrastructure. However, 70 percent of the population is well covered. It is the remaining 30 percent that we are working to ensure is sorted," he said.
“Going forward, as a company and subject to the availability of funds, we are planning to add two additional boreholes as well as two elevated tanks that will serve the remaining population,” Abdullahi added.
On Wednesday, Governor Nathif Jama Adam officially commissioned the Waberi Maramtu Water Extension Project, which he said will go a long way in addressing the water shortage in the area.
The project will serve residents of Bula Kunaso, Bula Tawakal-Upper, Upper Bula Mzuri, Al-Azhal Area, Bula Rahma-Upper, Dar-Salam Area, Hodhan 3, and Lower Bashal.
