Lodwar – March 6, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The Deputy Governor, Dr John Erus has led the official launch of the second phase of the Strengthening County Resilience against WASH-related Climate Crisis (SCORE II) project aimed at improving water and sanitation access to 137,000 people in Turkana Central, Turkana North, Kibish, and Loima sub-counties.
The launch event, held in Kalopiria, brought together key partners, including KOICA Deputy Country Director Hwayeong Bae and UNICEF’s Chief of WASH, Haile Gashaw alongside the county executives for Health and Water- Dr Joseph Epem and Patrick Losike Lokaimoe respectively.
The project, worth USD 7 million, seeks to establish 41 water systems. The project is building on the success of the first phase, which improved access to clean water in Loima and Turkana Central by delivering 76 boreholes, 10 sand dams, and a 25-year Lodwar Municipality Water Master Plan.
Dr Erus reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to supporting implementing partners throughout the project’s duration. The Deputy Governor emphasized the role of technology in addressing water scarcity and quality concerns, calling for the inclusion of the Kalokol water system to meet the rising demand in the rapidly growing town.
“As we commence this project, the County Government pledges to collaborate with partners in leveraging technology to improve water quality and tackle the persistent challenges of scarcity,” said Dr Erus.
KOICA’s Deputy Country Director, Hwayeong Bae, highlighted the project’s goal of providing sustainable solutions to water and sanitation challenges, particularly in the face of climate change. “Through this partnership, we aim to create lasting solutions that enhance access to clean water and promote better hygiene practices,” Bae stated.
UNICEF’s Chief of WASH, Haile Gashaw, highlighted the broader impact of improved water access, linking it to key areas such as nutrition, immunization, and child protection.
“Our focus remains on ensuring vulnerable communities have reliable access to safe water, which is critical in addressing climate-related challenges and improving overall well-being,” Gashaw stated. The benefits of the first phase of the project were evident among the residents of Kalopiria. Mary Lokwalap, a beneficiary of SCORE I, recalled the long distances she used to walk in search of water, saying those struggles were now a thing of the past.
Teachers from Kalopiria and Kasogol Etom echoed similar sentiments, noting an increase in school enrolment and a significant decline in waterborne diseases.
Anna Ngolebana, another beneficiary who practices irrigation farming using water from the project, credited it with enabling her to educate her children and sustain her family. “We hope the second phase will empower more people to embrace agriculture as a viable livelihood,” she said. According to project reports, SCORE II also aims to increase the number of open defecation-free villages by up to 620 over the next three years. Additionally, sustainability measures have been incorporated, including training locals in water system repairs through the Kenya Water Institute (KEWI), ensuring long-term benefits for the communities.
The launch was also attended by implementing partners Team and Team International, Welt Hunger Hilfe Kenya (WHH), and the Diocese of Lodwar. Representatives from the National Treasury, Ministry of Water and Health, Water Resources Authority, and North Rift Valley Water Services agencies were also present.
