An estimated 120,000 residents from the refugee camp host community in Dadaab and Fafi Sub-Counties are set to benefit from 15 high yielding boreholes valued at Sh 164 million.
Garissa Water and Sewerage Company (GAWASCO) today commenced works to sink the boreholes in the two Sub-counties that are host to over 300,000 refugees in the vast Dadaab refugee complex.
Speaking during the signing of an agreement between the company and the project consultant, GAWASCO managing director Yusuf Ibrahim said the project will see the company drill and equip 15 boreholes in strategic settlements located within a 50 kms radius in Dadaab town.
The project is funded by the World Bank through the Water and Sanitation Development Project (WSDP).
“This project falls in line with Governor Ali Korane’s pledge of ending water shortage for Garissa residents,” Yusuf said.
“It will help improve infrastructure and access to water and sanitation facilities for the residents of Dadaab as well as bring water to over one million livestock,” he added.
Among the villages that will benefit from the solar powered boreholes within Dadaab Sub county include Welhar, Bulla Nyanya, Weldon, Mathagesi, Labisigale, Bulla Kheir and Bogyar.
Similar boreholes will also be sunk within Fafi Sub County in the villages of Alinjugur, Hagardera, Yumbis, Welmerer, Mathamarub, Biyamathobe, Fafi Centre and Harbole.
The project will also entail the upgrading, rehabilitation and extension of the Dadaab water pipeline. It will include the construction of an office block – dubbed Maji House – in Garissa town that will accommodate GAWASCO.
The project further involves the construction of ablution blocks, pit and VIP latrines in public places like schools, markets, hospitals and bus stops in both Fafi and Daadab sub-counties.
The project consultant Eng Runji Ngware called on all parties involved in the project to adhere to their commitment and ensure the community realised all the benefits that the project promised them.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors taking part in the project, Hussein Abdi of Rajo Group assured residents they would strive to deliver the project on time.
by Jacob Songok
