Lokipoto, 3rd September 2023 (Governor’s Press Service) — Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has announced plans by the National and County Governments to invest in water infrastructure along the borderlands of Turkana and Uganda. This is to end the suffering of Turkana pastoralists who cross over to Uganda in search of water and pasture.
Speaking in Lokipoto, Letea Ward today, the Governor said that the government would set up water pans and dams in the cross-border regions to ensure that residents have access to water.
“It is good that we invest in water dams and water pans because what we lack is water. I promise to set the pace by setting up water pans starting with one here in Lokipoto. The President has promised us more than four water pans and we are asking for a water dam which will be set up here in Turkana West,” he said.
The Governor, who was on a development tour of Turkana West, also highlighted the suffering of Turkana pastoralists in Uganda, including arbitrary arrest and imprisonment, deaths, and forceful compensation for alleged deaths of Ugandans.
“Our community has suffered a lot along the border with Uganda. Over 20 people have died in just one year yet we have not asked for compensation. On the other hand, when a person dies in Uganda our people are forced to pay compensation,” he said.
Governor Lomorukai affirmed Turkana County’s commitment to fostering peace with Ateker communities in the region but asserted that Turkana leaders would not stand idly by while residents endured hardship.
The county boss raised concern over the plight of Turkana herders incarcerated in Uganda, revealing that hundreds of pastoralists were currently in Ugandan jails.
He stressed the united determination of Turkana leaders to find a lasting solution to the suffering of Turkana pastoralists and ensure communities grazed their livestock within the county’s boundaries.
County Executive for Water Services Faith Aletea promised residents that the department was committed to the success of the county’s water agenda.
CECM for Roads Patrick Losike cautioned leaders against inciting communities against participation in the upcoming Turkana Cultural and Tourism Festival.
Letea MCA Francis Ng’imusia outlined development needs for the ward and called for the rollout of a response to cushion residents against the effects of the drought. He stated his commitment to work with the Governor to develop the region.
Other MCAs who accompanied the Governor included Bethwel Kobong’in (Songot), Gilbert Topos (Lopur), Vincent Ekipor (Lokichoggio), Eliud Emoni (Kakuma) Dedan Kalimapus (Nakalale) and Sarah Abdi (nominated).
Deputy County Secretary Joseph Nyang’a, Chief Officers Triza Amoni (Tourism) and Joseph Epuu (Youth and Gender Affairs), and Turkana West Sub-County Administrator Christine Nalemsekon, among other senior county officials, were present.
