Lodwar – 6th November, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The County Department of Water Services has hosted a delegation under the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoA-GW4RP) as they conducted their four project sites recently handed to contractors.
The delegation included representatives from the Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF), World Bank, Cooperation in International Waters in Africa, National Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation (MWSI) and the Water Resources Authority. The four sites that visited were Narimao, Nang’olekuruk, Loreamatet/Loturtur in Turkana Central, and Kaitese in Loima.
Speaking to the delegation before the site visits, Governor Dr Jeremiah Lomorukai highlighted Turkana’s sufficient groundwater potential, citing the presence of more than seven aquifers.
“If supported, groundwater can transform food security in Turkana because the soil is fertile and suitable for both crops and livestock,” he said.
The County Executive for Water Services, Willyjustus Lopeyok, noted that the project ensures rural and vulnerable communities have access to clean water.
“As a department, we are committed to ensuring that water provision is accessible, reliable, and sustainable,” he said.
According to the WSTF CEO Willis Ombai, who led the delegation, the objective of the mission was to review progress made during the ongoing mid-term review phase, which includes preliminary design and preparation work.
“We are now at a critical stage where projects are taking shape. We want to see how they will transform communities and improve water access,” said Ombai.
The mission activities included reviewing project designs and engaging with communities to gather their perspectives and identify gaps in water access.
The Project Coordination Officer at MWSI, Dr Okoth Owuor, emphasized the importance of developing policies to guide groundwater management.
“Policies such as the Transboundary Water and the Groundwater policies will be essential for sustainable groundwater resource management across the country,” he said.
He added that this focus is crucial because groundwater remains the main source of water in the region [Horn of Africa] as there was limited surface water available.
At Loreamatet/Loturtur, Frederick Rukoo, the Turkana County Project Coordinator for HoA-GW4RP, briefed the delegation on the rehabilitation works and sustainability plans.
“Once the projects are completed, they will be handed over to the Turkana Rural Water Services Company for management,” he said.
He noted that the county-owned company will be responsible for revenue collection which is meant to support operations and maintenance.
