The National Government is keen on developing mechanisms of ensuring availability of water among all communities at all times and ensure that drought in the country is properly mitigated.
The Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Ministry of Devolution, Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL), Abdul Bahari said the government of Kenya is adapting a proactive approach to address water challenges and droughts to avoid human and animal suffering during dry spells.
Bahari was speaking on Monday during an inspection tour of Kaliwo Earth Dam in Sossian Ward, Laikipia North Constituency.
During the tour, Bahari who was accompanied by Laikipia North Constituency Member of Parliament (MP), Sarah Lekorere, the Laikipia County National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) Coordinator, Mustapha Parkolwa, the Laikipia West Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Benedict Munywoki hailed the ongoing works being carried out by Amarolee contractor limited at the dam which is currently at 90 percent complete.
The Dam is being de-silted and expanded at a tune of Sh.18.7 million, financed by the European Union (EU) through (NDMA).
The CAS, pointed out the National Government is currently involved in improving existing dams, boreholes and water pans and excavating new ones to minimize water shortage among all communities in the Country.
The County Coordinator NDMA, Mustapha Parklowa said that the implementation of the projects kicked-off in March 2019 and will go a long way in saving people and livestock from trekking long distances in search of water.
“Owing to high dependence and poor management of water, communities are usually compelled to trek long distances in search of water,’’ Mustapha noted.
He added that the expanded earth dam will be able to carry water capacity of 96,000 cubic meters from 2,000, harvested from the rains which can take care of the communities living in the area for six to seven months.
Area, MP Sarah Lekorere appealed to the local communities to enroll their children in school so that they are not left behind by other communities in the country.
The Sosian Ward which is inhabited by Maasai, Samburu, Turkana, Pokot, Kikuyu, Tugen, Kalenjin communities is prone to conflicts during drought when local pastoralists and invading ones from the neighboring counties of Isiolo, Samburu and Baringo compete for the little resources for their livestock.
By Margaret Kirera
