The Department of Water Services in partnership with the International Organization of Migration (IOM) has announced plans to upgrade the Lokwamosing water supply system.
This is aimed at addressing the challenges of water unavailability as a result of dilapidated piping systems and vandalized solar infrastructure.
On this plan, the Deputy Director for Water Services Egusi Arigan led a joint team in conducting an assessment to inform the desired interventions.
“Our assessment has revealed that Lokwamosing Water Supply System is under intense pressure from the increased human and livestock population whose water needs have increased tremendously.” Director Egusi said.
Citing the dilapidated pipes and vandalized solar panels as reasons limiting the capacity of the project, Egusi said the upgrade plan would focus on improving the piping network and protection of the pump and solar installation.
In addition to this, he clarified that the joint intervention was part of the FY’2023/2024 plans in line with the Governor’s Priority agenda on addressing the challenge of water access as a catalyst for development.
He further said, they have recommended the replacement of the entire piping system, fencing of the source borehole, construction of elevated tanks for storage and distribution, and, extension of supply to nearby schools, health facilities, and residential camps.” assured the Deputy Director.
On his part, the IOM representative Patrick Maina said that the organization was a serious partner in the water sector and hinted that the focus will shift to Nakukulas after Lokwamosing.
The plan targets to increase access to portable clean and safe drinking water to an additional 1500 households that were initially unserved.
Currently, the installation only serves 200 households and a limited number of livestock.
To enhance sustainability, the joint intervention includes the formation and training of a water management committee.
This comes at a time when the County Government has completed five other water projects at Kakiteitei, Lokori, Lomelo Kapedo, and Ngamia One Secondary School, amid continuous improvement through routine operations and maintenance of the water supply systems.
Present during the assessment were Turkana East Deputy County Commissioner Thomas Kipsiele, George Emase(Director for Climate Change), and Henry Eipa (Turkana East Sub-county Water Officer).
