World Vision funds Sh300m water projects

By ROBERT KIPLAGAT

Residents of drought-prone Bartabwa division, Baringo County, are set to benefit from Sh300 million water projects funded by World Vision.

The more than 20,000 pastoral community members who have been battling with perennial water crisis now have a reason to smile.

The organisation in conjunction with the Government through the Ministry of Arid Lands and Development of Northern Kenya has drilled boreholes and water pans in the area to end constant water shortages.

World Vision representative, Mr David Cherop said the organisation apart from funding the water projects, would engage the public in conservation of water sources through tree planting and environmental protection.

"For the 12 years we will be in this area, we will ensure that the residents enjoy clean water for domestic use and their livestock and we urge the public to take environmental matters seriously to save water," said Cherop.

Area District Water Officer (DWO), Mr Elijah Maiyo blamed human-related activities such as charcoal burning for the drying of water sources.

He said illegal loggers were targeting bigger trees, which are as old as 300 years, for charcoal burning leading to environmental degradation and drying up of water sources.

The DWO said residents are forced to walk several kilometres with their animals in search of water and called on the Government and other organisations to invest in irrigation projects to boost food security.

"Despite the area being semi-arid, with proper planning, it can be utilised for irrigation like in other countries such as

Israel which feeds the world through irrigation," said Maiyo.

He said should the Government bring more irrigation projects the residents would no longer be relying on relief food.

Rift Valley Water Service Board representative, Mrs Christine Ndoigo said the board was keen on providing water to all residents through construction of dams.