Lodwar, 30th September 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The National Government in collaboration with Turkana County have initiated a key phase in their commitment to providing sustainable water solutions. A technical team from the State Department of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation is in Turkana to begin survey and design works for the proposed Lowaat Dam, a major infrastructure project aimed at transforming the region’s water access and agricultural potential.
Designed to hold 35 million cubic litres of water, the Lowaat Dam is projected to offer reliable water for both domestic and agricultural use, positioning it as a critical driver for economic development in the area.
The dam’s construction is part of the government’s broader initiative to develop 100 strategic water infrastructure projects across the country, in line with President William Ruto’s vision of enhancing water security and agricultural productivity, particularly in arid areas like Turkana.
The commitment was reiterated by President Ruto during the 7th edition of Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival, popularly known as Tobong’u Lore, where he promised to bolster Turkana’s economy through significant investments in water infrastructure.
The National technical team, led by Engineer Wangai Ndirangu from the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, includes experts from the National Irrigation Authority and KENGEN. Eng. Ndirangu emphasized that the survey will inform the dam’s design to ensure it addresses the water needs of the local population—ranging from safe drinking water to irrigation and livestock production.
“We are designing a dam that will not only meet the daily water needs of the people but also support large-scale farming, with provisions for up to 10-acre farming blocks,” Eng Ndirangu said this during a meeting with Turkana County’s Chief Officer for Water Services, Simon Etom.
The project is expected to be a game-changer for Turkana’s water sector by providing an alternative to the region’s saline underground water sources.
Additionally, the survey team will explore the possibility of extending the benefits of water Turkwel Dam to downstream locations, including Turkana South, Turkana Central, and Loima sub-counties, as part of efforts to expand water access and agricultural development.
Beyond the Lowaat Dam, earlier studies have identified potential sites for the construction of four additional medium-capacity dams in Kalemngorok, Turkana South, Kadokorinyang, Turkana Central, Lokwanomor, Turkana North, and Lomelo in Turkana East. County
Director of Water Services, Paul Lotum, and the focal point for the K-WASH Program, Tito Ochieng, are part of the senior county officials who welcomed the Wangai-led team to commence the works.
