Kapelibok, 25th July 2024 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

A joint team from the Environment and Agriculture directorates has conducted an assessment of the Nawoiyawoi Irrigation Scheme at Kapelibok to evaluate the completion of rehabilitated site and construction works.

The County Government had earmarked the irrigation scheme for rehabilitation after an invasion by Prosopis Juliflora, locally known as “mathenge”, which blocked water canals, severely impacting the scheme’s productivity.

Upon completion, the rehabilitated seven acres are expected to produce food crops and provide employment for hundreds, thereby boosting food security in the region.

During the inspection, Director for Environment Phoebe Ekal highlighted that “mathenge posed a threat to arable land as it is an invasive species.

Ekal noted that after Nawoiyawoi the same would be replicated in other areas to reclaim arable land from the plant.

Director for Agriculture, Aaron Nanok, explained that the rehabilitation included reinforcing the conveyance system and constructing a new aqueduct.

He added that further upgrades to the irrigation schemes are planned through the national government-led FSRP/ELRP programs.

A resident of the area and direct beneficiary of the scheme, John Esinyen, said that the rehabilitated scheme will boost livelihoods of the locals and transform the area positively.

Present during the inspection were; Oloo Omondi (Turkana south Agricultural officer) Abednego Lokitoe (Turkana County Environment Officer ), and Cosmas Kibele,( Kaputir ward Administrator.