Garissa County unveils new outfit to address water needs

**Garissa Governor Ali Korane.** [Elvis Ogina , Standard]

Message from H.E. Ali B. Korane, Governor, Garissa County

We in Garissa County are happy to join the rest of the world in commemorating the world water day 2021. I am aware the theme for this year is valuing water. Thousands have lived without love not one without water. Water is used for thousands of purposes and is valued in countless ways and for as many reasons.

Under my leadership water must be accounted for all the values that it has so that we can manage it in a more equitable and sustainable way. The value of water is about much more than its price – water has enormous and complex value for our households, food, culture, health, education, economics and the integrity of our natural environment.

Mohamed Dahir (Left ) Sub-county administrator Ijara, Chief Officer Water Services, Ahmed Abdi Noor, (2nd left ) and Mr Keter (right), Deputy Sub-county Commissioner inspecting an ongoing project of Masalani Water Supply by Northern Water Works Development. On completion of the project, water problems/ shortages will be something of the past. The project is scheduled for completion by June this year.

With Water Comes Peace

In the Arid areas of the Country Garissa inclusive Water is a precious commodity that can easily trigger clan conflicts manifesting into full blown wars. The County government Of Garissa had a deliberate attempts to quench the thirst of the citizens through drilling of Boreholes and Construction of Water Pans. This significantly contributed to reduction of Resource Conflicts and Brought Harmonious Co existence amongst communities who had historic rivalry. The data is in the open. The prevalence of Resource Conflicts especially Water has significantly reduced after the County Government of Garissa have had a deliberate investment in the Water Sector. With the peaceful environment it is evident that communities can now engage in other productive gains through small scale ventures. More Children are now in schools, Lessened displacements and more healthy and food secure communities.

If we overlook any of these values, we risk mismanaging this finite, irreplaceable resource. SDG 6 is to ensure water and sanitation for all. Without a comprehensive understanding of water’s true, multidimensional value, we will be unable to safeguard this critical resource for the benefit of everyone

Abdi O. Farah, CECM Water and irrigation (in jeans) inspects water infrastructures within the county during the onset of drought. Water is about livelihoods, especially for pastoral communities.

My administration enacted water governance legal framework in 2018. Through the powers vested in the Water Management Act 2018, the CECM Water & Irrigation Services established Garissa rural water services corporation (GARUWASCO) The main objective of GARUWASCO is to provide sustainable, adequate and quality water for socio-economic wellbeing of Garissa residents. The Corporation is equally intended to improve Water Governance in the rural areas.

Iam indebted to our valued partners who are walking this journey with us just to mention a few World Bank, UNICEF, Millennium Water Alliance, WFP, Mercy Corps and Islamic Relief amongst others.

Thank You.