The County Government of Turkana has officially handed over the Nabeye-Kalemngorok Water Supply Scheme to the Turkana Rural Water and Sanitation Company and the local community through its Water Users Committee, marking a significant milestone in efforts to improve access to clean and reliable water in Turkana South.
The project, implemented by the Department of Water Services in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, is expected to benefit residents of Kalemngorok, Katilu, and Lokichar, areas that have long grappled with water scarcity, saline water resources, and lengthy journeys in search of water.
Project to Benefit Thousands of Residents
The Nabeye-Kalemngorok Water Supply Scheme comprises two boreholes at Nabeye, each equipped with a 200-cubic-metre elevated steel water storage tank.
The project also includes a 100-cubic-metre storage tank at Bethlehem and three galvanized steel storage tanks strategically installed at a health facility, a school, and a community water point.
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The new infrastructure is expected to significantly improve access to safe drinking water while enhancing sanitation, hygiene, and public health outcomes across the region.
Improved Water Access to Boost Livelihoods
County officials said the project will reduce the distance residents travel to collect water, strengthen healthcare services, and improve the overall quality of life for local communities.
The investment is also expected to contribute to climate resilience by providing a dependable water source in an area frequently affected by drought and water shortages.
County Calls for Community Ownership
Speaking during the handover ceremony, CECM for Water Services Willy Justus Lopeyok stressed the importance of proper management and community participation in ensuring the project’s sustainability.
“This project belongs to the people, and its sustainability depends on all of us. Water metering and payment for services will generate the revenue required to maintain the infrastructure, respond to repairs promptly and ensure that future generations continue to enjoy reliable and safe water,” he said.
Lopeyok encouraged residents to embrace water metering and pay for services to support routine operation, maintenance, and future expansion of the scheme.
Project Supports Climate Resilience
CECM for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Joseph Ekalale Imoni described the water project as a strategic investment in healthier communities, improved livelihoods, and climate adaptation.
He urged residents to safeguard the infrastructure and work closely with TURWASCO to ensure long-term service delivery.
“The project is a strategic investment in healthier communities, improved livelihoods and climate resilience,” he said.
TURWASCO Takes Over Operations
The handover officially transfers responsibility for operating and maintaining the water supply system to TURWASCO in partnership with the Community Water Users Committee.
The arrangement is intended to ensure efficient management, accountability, and sustainable service delivery to residents.
The County Government reiterated its commitment to expanding sustainable water infrastructure across Turkana as part of broader efforts to improve livelihoods and build resilient communities.
