Residents of Suswa Ward in Narok East Sub-County can now breathe a sigh of relief after the County government completed a Sh. 71 million water project in the area.
The project involved pumping water from the dry port in Naivasha to Suswa Ward, and installation of underground pipes to distribute water to the residents.
Speaking during the launch of the project, Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu said the implementation of the water project is in line with County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) as Suswa residents had prioritized a clean water project during the public participation forums.
“When we were elected to office, the people had confidence that we would deliver several projects that would boost their economy and livelihood. That is why we are committed to fulfilling the promises we gave Wananchi during our campaigns,” said Ntutu.
The host Member of Parliament Ken Aramat lauded the project saying it was going to lift the living standards of the people.
He urged the county government to hand over the management of the water project to a committee selected by the locals.
The MP reiterated that the water will quench the thirst of thousands of people living in Suswa and the surrounding areas.
Nickson Kisotu, area Member of County Assembly said access to clean, safe and affordable water will greatly boost the pastoralist community living in the surrounding area.
“The water will be used for both domestic and livestock consumption. We will not trek for long distances again during the rainy season to look for water,” he said.
Christine Seeta Taon, a Suswa resident noted, “We used to trek with our animals for over 50 kilometers in search of water. Sometimes we buy a 20 litre jerry can of water at Sh.50. This new project is a relief to the women in the Ward.”
Tilal Sunkuyia, a former Councilor in the defunct County Council, said it was a great moment for the residents to celebrate for having the basic commodity close to their homes.
“Drilling of boreholes is not possible here in Suswa because of the geothermal system. We had pleaded for long to have this piped-water, and finally it’s here. We thanked the leadership in place,” Sunkuyia added.
Suswa Ward Development Chairman John Meshuko said the last water project to be implemented in the area was back in 1978 by the then larger Narok North Member of Parliament Kantet Ole Tipis.
Meshuko praised the current leadership for working together with the locals to prioritize their needs and putting politics aside to focus on service delivery to the people.
The project is among other projects being implemented in the County government after Governor Ntutu launched a Sh. 3 billion development project.
By John Kaleke and Ann Salaton
