Lokichar – September 15, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The Department of Water Services has officially taken over an upgraded water supply system from Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Kalodicha Village, Lokichar.
The upgraded infrastructure – funded by Charity Water – includes an elevated steel tank, a four-kilometer pipeline network, an upgraded borehole pump, and six water points. The system supplies water to more than 300 households, Kalodicha Comprehensive School with 600 students and the Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) center.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, County Executive for Water Services Willjustus Lopeyok urged the community to take ownership of the project by paying for the water services.
He explained that the revenue would support operations and maintenance, as well as salaries for the people employed to run the kiosks as well as security at the borehole site.
“This borehole belongs to you – the community, so you must take charge of it. Do not allow the equipment or solar panels to be vandalized,” he said.
Lopeyok further emphasized the importance of establishing water management committees, for governance, as stipulated in the existing water laws and regulations.
He reminded residents that the county government had established three water companies and therefore encouraged them to work with Turkana Rural Water and Sanitation Company (TURWASCO), which is mandated to manage rural water resources.
Village elder John Kolok noted that the water points at the school and ECDE center have significantly reduced the time students spend fetching water.
“Previously, students shared a single community kiosk with the rest of the village, which wasted valuable study time,” said Matthew Epetet, the head teacher. “With a water point within the school, students are now able to focus on their studies.”
Village resident Regina Matoga expressed her satisfaction with the improved water supply, noting that the community now has reliable access to clean water.
Alfred Ireri, CRS Project Manager for Turkana, highlighted the continued collaboration with the department, saying it had resulted in high-impact water projects. He reiterated the importance of paying for water to the community as it would keep the system functional and sustainable.
A community member, Paul Atot, reminded residents of the time the village went without water after a borehole breakdown due to lack of funds for repairs. He appealed to his neighbours to pay for the water to ensure continuous service.
The County Executive was accompanied by Director for Water Services Paul Lotum, TURWASCO Managing Director Victorsam Ekaran, representatives from CRS, Sub-county Water Officers Jonathan Magesoi and Judy Eregae, Lokichar Ward Administrator Festus Lokucha, and village administrators.
