To enhance the delivery of water as an essential service, Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai unveiled three new utility vehicles for deployment to Loima, Turkana West, and Turkana Central sub-counties.

The vehicles will add to the already existing fleet of three other vehicles and effectively raise the number to seven.

Governor Lomorukai said that the deployment of the vehicles to the sub-counties is a proactive move by his administration in addressing the water supply challenges faced by the residents of Turkana.

“These vehicles would facilitate mobility of staff and equipment necessary to enhance water accessibility and availability for domestic and agricultural purposes.

He noted that the allocation of vehicles to sub-counties was to cater to the rapid urbanization of Lodwar and Kakuma-Kalobeyei as major growing towns in Turkana.

In line with improving access to water as his priority agenda, Governor Lomorukai expressed optimism that optimal utilization of the vehicles would substantially reduce the distances traveled by women and girls in search of water.

The County boss said is aware that both humans and animals have to travel as far as 40 kilometers in search of water. The vehicles will play a crucial role in reducing the distances to less than 10 km.

The Water Services Executive, Faith Aletea, said that the vehicles will be used for the installation of water supply systems, mobility of staff, and delivery of repair equipment that aligns with the immediate need to address water access challenges at the target areas.

CECM appreciated the Governor for his support to the Water Department and affirmed the readiness of the staff to work towards sustainability and access to clean water for all the intended uses.

She described the procurement of the vehicles as a contribution towards building a more resilient future and enhancing the well-being of the residents.

The Chief Officer for Water Services, Simon Etom, Paul Lotum (Director of Water Services), Patrick Imana (Director of Administration, Water Services), and Esther Lokitoe (MD LOWASCO) were present.

The Governor was accompanied by Derrick Epae (Chief Officer of Administration and Disaster Management), Esther Kiyonga (Turkana Central Sub-county administrator and a host of other senior officers.