Kakuma, 27th September 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
Residents of Turkana West are set to benefit from the Danish-funded Sustainable and Inclusive Water Access (SIWA) program.
A three-year project is designed to improve water access for both host and refugee communities.
Consultations are currently underway to assess water and sanitation needs, that will shape interventions that will maximize the project’s impact.
According to SIWA Project document that was seen, a budget of up to $5 million (Ksh 645M) has been allocated for the project that will phase out in 2026.
The project aims to rehabilitate and drill 19 boreholes, install two water treatment plants, extend pipelines to 42 Kms, and construct seven sand dams equipped with climate-smart technology (SAWA bags) to enhance water quality.
Additionally, SIWA will work to strengthen the capacity of the Turkana West Water and Sanitation Company (KALWASCO), in improving water governance.
Turkana West Water Officer, Emmanuel Echapan, stated that immediate interventions have been proposed for Letea, and Kakuma due to their strategic importance in serving the growing population of Kakuma Municipality.
He emphasized further consultations will include key stakeholders from the education, health, and urban development sectors to ensure a comprehensive approach.
At a time when Turkana West is facing increasing strain on its water infrastructure, the SIWA project is expected to enhance Kakuma Municipality’s capacity and ensure that surrounding wards also benefit from improved water access.
The project will complement efforts by the County Government in the area characterized by a surging population arising from increasing number of new refugee arrivals and the migration of the host communities to the urban centres to search for livelihood opportunities.
Already, the administration officials have started submitting the need of their community members in respective villages and wards in Turkana West.
The Project will also benefit residents in Lokichoggio Sub-county.
