The County Government of Turkana has officially commenced site handovers for the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoA-GW4RP), marking a major step toward improving water access and strengthening climate resilience across drought-prone communities.
The initiative, funded by the World Bank and implemented through the Department of Water Services, will see the construction, rehabilitation, and expansion of water supply infrastructure across five key schemes: Lowarengak and Koribok (Turkana North), Kalobeyei (Turkana West), Narimao (Turkana Central), and Kaitese (Loima).
The site handover exercise, which began in Narimao and Kaitese, introduced contractors to local communities and outlined the project scope, ensuring transparency and community participation from the onset.
Speaking during a public baraza in Kaitese, County Executive for Water Services, Willyjustus Lopeyok, emphasized that the rehabilitation of existing water resources and supply systems was critical to improving access to clean, safe, and reliable water.
“Water is a basic need, that’s why it remains the Number One Agenda for His Excellency the Governor. Every household deserves access to clean, quality, and potable water,” said Lopeyok.
He called on residents to take full ownership of the project and safeguard the new infrastructure against vandalism, stressing that community responsibility is key to sustainability.
Lopeyok also commended women for their continued leadership in water management and their active participation in development programs.
For local residents, the project brings renewed hope. Lokirio Amarit, from Kaitese, noted that the rehabilitation of a nearby borehole would reduce the long hours spent at hand pumps with low water yield.
Akukut Esinyen from Narimao added that the restoration of water kiosks and construction of new ones would greatly ease the burden on women, who often travel long distances in search of water.
Community leaders echoed the importance of the project. Elder Jackson Etoot of Nakolobei village called for additional kiosks to serve more households, while Hon. James Ikenyi, MCA for Kanamkemer Ward, urged local involvement in construction activities to promote ownership and create job opportunities.
“Piping and other general works should involve local community members to create employment and a sense of ownership,” he said.
Frederick Rukoo, the HoA-GW4RP Project Coordinator, highlighted that the schemes were identified through community consultations and that local water committees would oversee their implementation to ensure accountability and inclusivity.
Meanwhile, Hon. Stephen Edukon, MCA for Turkwel Ward, reminded residents that donor-funded projects complement government development efforts and urged them to support ongoing initiatives.
At the community level, education and health facilities also stand to benefit.
Joseph Ekali, Secretary for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Turkwel and Chair of Kaitese Comprehensive School, said that access to clean water would reduce absenteeism among students caused by waterborne diseases and improve learning outcomes.
“Women will also benefit greatly, as they will spend less time fetching water from distant sources,” he added, noting that the rehabilitation of the borehole at St. Anthony Catholic Church would also serve the local dispensary.
The Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project is a multi-county initiative aimed at addressing chronic water shortages through sustainable groundwater management and protection of aquifer systems.
Beyond Turkana, the project also covers Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa Counties, with key partners including the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation and the Water Sector Trust Fund.