Call to drill two boreholes in Iftin to end water shortage

A water bowser in Bulla Iftin, Garissa Township. Residents have been left at the mercy of commercial water venders.

Residents of Iftin ward in Garissa Township have requested the county government through the Garissa Water and Sewerage Company to drill two boreholes and add two elevated tanks to cater to the rapidly growing population.

They said the current water infrastructure—two boreholes and one elevated tank—is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the growing population.

“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,” resident Mahat Mohamed said in Iftin town.

He said due to the limited supply, many residents are forced to buy water from vendors at high prices, which places an additional financial burden on families.

The shortage, Mohamed noted, has affected the smooth running of schools and hospitals, where consistent access to clean water is vital for health, hygiene and daily operations.

He wondered what became of the initial design of Maramtu water project, which was outlined in the initial project design.  

Mohamed Hassan said the expansion will go a long way in ensuring sustainable and equitable water access for all residents of Iftin ward.

He said the issue of water scarcity has persisted for a long time, which has left 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,” Hassan said.

 Ifrah Abdi urged the county administration to listen to their cry, saying access to clean and reliable water has remained one of their greatest daily struggle, noting 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 prioritise 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 that were facing water shortage, 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. Going forward, as a company, subject to the availability of funds, we are planning to add two additional boreholes as well as two elevated tanks that will serve the population,” he said.

On Wednesday, Governor Nathif Jama commissioned the Waberi Maramtu Water Extension Project, which he said will go a long way in addressing the issue of 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.