Turkana County is synonymous with drought, poverty and high levels of
unemployment. It is a county that has been described as the country’s
poorest.
However, the script of this ‘neglected’ county is fast being
re-written following the discovery of massive underground water
deposits.
“I used to fetch water from River Turkwel,” she says. “I would go to
the river three times a day and this was extremely tiring. The water is
heavy and the river is far.”
Kaukwan says that the water from River Turkwel, is not fit for human consumption.
“That water makes people sick as it is not safe for human consumption.”
Though not everybody in Turkana has piped water, the residents have the option of accessing boreholes in the area.
“I help my neighbors with water,” she adds. “But I do not help them every day.”
According to Turkana County Chief Officer for Water, Irrigation and
Agriculture Paul Ekutan, there are 60 operational boreholes in the
county which allow over 200,000 people to access water.
71 percent of Turkana people have access to clean water,” says
Ekutan. “We have four irrigation schemes around River Turkwel all aimed
at ensuring food security for the residents.”
Discovered two years ago, the Napuu aquifer has a capacity of 250 million cubic meters of water.
71 percent of Turkana people have access to clean water,” says
Ekutan. “We have four irrigation schemes around River Turkwel all aimed
at ensuring food security for the residents.”
Discovered two years ago, the Napuu aquifer has a capacity of 250 million cubic meters of water.
“We need to do more. Water will bring development in this County as it
is a necessity for any viable development project such as construction
of schools and hospitals as well as the running of the same facilities.”
source: citizen tv
