Lochoredome, 4 December 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
A transformative Ksh 28 million water project, funded by the Royal Danish Embassy through the Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF), has been handed over to Choro farmers in Turkana County.
Implemented by Team and Team International under the KK INSPIRE program, the project provides water supply and sanitation facilities for a 22-acre farm that supplies over 80% of the Kakuma and Kalobeyei vegetable market.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water Services, Patrick Losike Lokaimoe, described the project as a crucial intervention for host-refugee integration through livelihood diversification. “As we commission and hand over this project, we urge both host and refugee communities to jointly utilize the water resources for agriculture and other productive uses,” he said.
The project has achieved milestones beyond water access, including enhanced sanitation, cooperative formation, and increased land productivity.
Abdul Aziz Lugazo, Chair of the Choro Farmers Association, praised the project for eliminating the risks associated with hand-dug wells and making irrigation efficient. “The tap stands across the 22-acre farm have made irrigation easier, cheaper, and quicker,” he said.
Mohammed Yusuf, a South Sudanese refugee farmer, shared how the project has transformed his life. “Thanks to this project, buyers can now purchase produce directly from our farm throughout the year. Additionally, we’ve received fruit trees and toilets, making the farm free from open defecation,” Yusuf said.
Nancy Njenga, Head of Climate Resilience at the Royal Danish Embassy, commended Team and Team International for their work and highlighted the project’s alignment with the Ushirika Plan, which promotes integration of host and refugee communities.
Violet Micheni, a representative of the Water Sector Trust Fund, acknowledged Team and Team International as the first implementing partner to achieve significant results in Turkana and hinted at future water projects in the region.
Team and Team International country director Christine Mwikali emphasized the importance of capacity building, ensuring farmers can maintain the project. “Our aim was not only to deliver the project but also to equip farmers with skills for operation and maintenance,” she said.
Area Assistant County Commissioner Boniface Mwangi assured farmers of government support in safeguarding the project installations.
The commissioning event was attended by county and national officials, including Pauline Tang’arae, Chief Officer for Trade, Cooperatives, and Enterprise Development, and Turkana West Sub-County Administrator Christine Nalemsekon.
