Residents of five villages in Soimo/Kipsaraman ward of Baringo North can breathe a sigh of relief after a giant water project was commissioned in the area that will save them the agony of walking long distances to fetch water.
The Kapcheko project launched by area MCA Mr John Aengwo at Tanyilel in Chepkor sub location will provide clean and safe water to residents of Ng’atebchong Birein, Kapkachumo, Ulionin, Scheme and Tanyilel shopping centre.
Aengwo said that his focus is to ensure that people in his ward access clean water at the comfort of their homes.
The availability of water, the MCA said, will enable residents to engage themselves in economic activities like kitchen gardening and zero grazing farming to generate income with a view to boost their economies and livelihoods in general.
“You can now do zero grazing and work on your gardens since water is near your homes,” said Aengwo.
The MCA added that during his four years in office he has managed to construct 30 water tanks especially in sections with water scarcity thus fulfilling his vision of ensuring that residents of his ward get water.
He stated that the commissioned project will also supply water to institutions such as Tanyilel Secondary School, Kasiber Primary School, three local churches and a proposed dispensary.
County Director of Water Noah Chepwarwa who accompanied the MCA urged area people to allocate funds for purchase of distribution pipes during their public participation meeting.
County Chief Officer for Water John Kidogo stated that some parts of the county have serious water problems but as a department they are trying their level best to ensure that residents at least access clean water as envisioned in Governor Stanley Kiptis manifesto of ‘Water, Maji, Bei’.
Tanyilel Girls Principal Joyce Ngeno whose school is among the beneficiaries lauded the commissioning of the project saying that it will improve retention and performance in the institution.
She said that the students will now be able to concentrate on their studies and save time that they would spend in trekking to nearby springs to fetch water for cooking and washing especially during dry season.
“Scarcity of water has forced many students to transfer to schools with stable water supply leaving me with around 200 students,” the principal said.
The residents welcomed the project with open arms terming it as a break for the years they have suffered due to shortage of water in the area.
By Betty Malakwen and Joshua Kibet
