Kalokol residents in Turkana County get water at last

LODWAR: Residents of Kalokol Division, Turkana Central have a reason to smile after a water project was launched to curb perennial shortage of the commodity.

Kalokol area which ironically lies a few kilometres from the largest desert lake in the world, Lake Turkana, has always hit the headlines as the region most affected by water shortage.

Before the launch, each morning old women were forced to walk for over ten kilometres to the river beds known as 'Laga' where they dug into the sand then scoop out the water using tiny tins.

They would then roll their twenty litre Jeri cans back home twenty kilometres away. Young children were forced to abscond school so that they could go fetch water from the lagas.

Terry Ekiru a class three pupil told the Standard that each morning she was forced to wake up as early as 4am to go to the laga to get water.

"I am happy that we now have water in kiosks in town. I can now wake up early and focus on going to school peacefully," said a smiling Ekiru.

Ekiru thanked the county government for the project that will ensure that the area gets enough clean water and thus save the people from the hustle.

The team led by Governor Josphat Nanok and the County Executive Committee member in charge of Water, Irrigation and agriculture, Beatrice Askul first launched the water project before they headed to Kalokol.

They were welcomed by jubilation as women danced to the famous 'edong'a' type of dance. School children sang songs in praise of the   'life' (water is life) that had been brought to Kalokol.

"I am glad to say that the biggest challenge that hit Kalokol has now been solved once and for all. Last year we promised that we will ensure that clean water is brought to the people of Kalokol," said Governor Nanok.

He noted that an NGO had offered to install a solar pump so that the generators can be used as backup to save on fuel.

He urged the community to ensure that the whole system is kept secure so that it can last for many years.

The County Executive Committee member in charge of Water, Irrigation and agriculture, Beatrice Askul thanked the team that worked day and night to ensure that the project is completed.

She urged the community to report to the committee in case they see a leaking pipe. Askul cautioned the community against illegal connections saying that the law will catch up with them.

"Nobody should connect the water illegally.  You should also pay the water bills in time so that the money can be used to buy fuel to run the generators," said Askul.

According to the chief officer in charge of Water, Irrigation and agriculture, the project costs Sh7 million. He added that plans are underway to ensure that the old systems are replaced within a weeks' time.

Last week the Mrs. Askul launched fifteen generators that will be used to pump water from the boreholes. Three were taken to Kalokol because of the urgency.