The Korean Government has committed to strengthening its existing partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) focused on bridging water access challenges in Turkana by initiating more water projects in the area.
The Ambassador of Korea to Kenya, Yeo Sung-Jun made the statement at Lodwar after an inspection visit to the Natiir Water Project in Kang’atotha Ward, Turkana Central, implemented jointly by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and UNICEF.
“We are ready to continue our partnership with UNICEF to enhance the quality of life in this region,” said the Ambassador.
He testified he had witnessed the transformative power of the water project, as the water was accessible for both human consumption and for their livestock.
The Chief Officer for Water Services, David Maraka informed the Ambassador that the Natiir Project was one among the 76 existing water projects in Turkana Central and Loima delivered through the KOICA partnership with UNICEF in Turkana.
Maraka requested the Korean Ambassador to consider funding a second phase of the project to reach the unserved areas since the need for water in Turkana is still a challenge.
He appreciated previous visits by previous delegations from Korea and described KOICA as a strategic partner in matters of water access.
On his part, the Director for Water Services Paul Lotum said, he would consider writing concept notes for raising additional funds for more water projects.
He added that the KOICA had also been instrumental in supporting the 25-year Master Plan for Lodwar Municipality. Water access. The Plan was launched by the County Secretary for Water, Irrigation and Sanitation.
Present were George Aremon, Assistant Director of Water Services; Vinson Ekai, Sub-county Water Officer and Esther Kiyonga, Sub-county Administrator Turkana Central).
Kim Jun Pyo, Embassy Secretary; Im Jang Hee, County Director, KOICA and Park M, Deputy County Director, KOICA accompanied the Ambassador.
Jackson Mutia and Agnes Makanyi, WASH Specialists, and Rose Kendagor, WASH Officer represented UNICEF Turkana Field Office.
