A total of 140 households have benefited from Sh 5 million water project funded by the World Vision.
World Vision Northern Region Manager Catherine Timborei commissioned the project at Kaputir, in Turkana South Sub County.
“The new project increases access to safe and clean water for communities in Kaputir,” she said. It will also serve the livestock in the area.
It comprises of a 40-metre deep borehole, 30,000-litre elevated steel tank, two water kiosks and two cattle troughs that are serving communities in the area.
“More specifically, this water project is benefitting over 400 households, about 380 students from nearby schools and close to 5,000 livestock,” she added.
The new water project will save the community from perennial water challenges that have hampered it over the years.
Many used to walk for more than six kilometres to fetch water from nearby polluted rivers or streams. This exposed the community, and especially children to water-borne diseases like diarrhoea and typhoid, which are leading causes of child deaths in the country.
In times of drought, most streams and seasonal rivers would dry up, consequently making the water shortage problem dire for the communities and livestock.
County World Vision manager, Tom Masinde said the project is among the 15 (Fifteen) water projects that World Vision has implemented in Turkana County, amounting to Sh 67,745,890 since 2014 to ensure communities enjoy clean and safe water.
“When we have water closer to people’s homes, it frees communities to participate in initiatives that foster development. Children will have enough time to study as they will no longer need to walk for long distances to fetch water. Women will also have time to engage in their preferred income generating activities instead of spending most of their time fetching water. The constant supply of water also ensures that livestock can survive in times of drought,” said Masinde.
In addition to the water project, World Vision also commissioned a new modern bakery that supports vulnerable women groups in Kainuk to enjoy improved livelihoods and increased household income. The bakery has been equipped with baking items and equipment.
“This bakery supports vulnerable women. Some are widows while others are from homes with high poverty levels. It is changing their lives and enabling them to take good care of their children and families,” stated Masinde.
By Peter Gitonga
