Residents of Lodwar Municipality have endorsed the proposed storm water drainage project after participating in a public consultation forum held to discuss its environmental and social impacts ahead of implementation.
The forum, organised by the County Government of Turkana, provided an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to review the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a key requirement before construction of the drainage system begins.
The project, which will be implemented with technical support from Avatech Consultants Limited, is designed to improve storm water management, protect roads and riverbanks, and reduce flooding that frequently damages homes, businesses and public infrastructure within Lodwar Municipality.
Speaking during the public participation exercise, Turkana Central Sub-County Administrator Easter Kiyong’a urged residents to continue supporting the initiative, noting that while construction activities may cause temporary disruptions, the long-term benefits would significantly improve the municipality’s resilience to flooding.
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“This project is intended to improve the lives of residents by reducing flooding and creating a safer urban environment. We ask the public to continue supporting development initiatives that will benefit future generations,” she said.
Deputy Municipal Manager Simon Nang’iro underscored the importance of public participation in the Environmental Impact Assessment process, saying community input would help shape the final project design and ensure it addresses the needs and priorities of local residents.
“The views collected today. will help shape the final project design and ensure it responds to the needs of the people,” Nang’iro said.
Avatech Consultants Limited representative, Florence Muthui assured stakeholders that the project would comply with Kenya’s environmental regulations as well as internationally recognised environmental and social safeguards throughout implementation.
Residents welcomed the proposed drainage project, expressing optimism that it would reduce flooding, safeguard businesses and property, improve road accessibility and enhance mobility across Lodwar Municipality during the rainy seasons.
They also called for continuous public engagement throughout the implementation phase and urged contractors to maintain high construction standards to ensure the drainage infrastructure delivers long-term benefits.
The recommendations and concerns raised during the consultation were documented through stakeholder discussions and structured questionnaires and will be incorporated into the final Environmental Impact Assessment report before the project proceeds to the implementation stage.
The forum was attended by Avatech Consultants officials Allan Oundo, Julius Musili, Harriet Moraa and John Etir, as well as Lodwar Municipality Social Protection Officer Richard Epae.
