COUNTY HANDS OVER NASINYONO IRRIGATION PROJECT FOR WATER PAN AND SOLAR PUMP INSTALLATION

Nasinyono – January 30, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The County Government has officially handed over 349 hectares of the Nasinyono Irrigation Project for the construction of a water pan and the installation of a solar-powered surface pump.

The project, funded under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program, aims to enhance agricultural productivity in the region by ensuring a sustainable water supply to the farm system.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Joseph Ekalale, the Chief Officer for Climate Change, emphasised the project’s role in improving food security and supporting local livelihoods.

“This initiative is part of county’s broader strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change and boost agricultural resilience through sustainable water management,” said Ekalale.

The Chief Officer for Agriculture Marian Lotieng, added that Nasinyono Irrigation Project sits on a degraded land invaded by the invasive Prosopis Juliflora species, and there are plans to rehabilitate the degraded land into productive farm land.

“As a government we are keen to promote agricultural livelihoods especially by transforming degraded land into productive farms,” Lotieng stated.

The planned water pan will serve as a reservoir, storing rainwater and run-off for irrigation purposes. Meanwhile, the solar-powered surface pump will ensure a reliable and cost-effective means of channeling water to the farm system, reducing dependency on fuel-powered pumps and promoting green energy solutions.

Local farmers expressed optimism about the project, highlighting its potential to transform agricultural activities in the area.

“With a consistent water supply, we can now plan for year-round farming, increasing crop yields and improving our incomes,” said John Ekiru.

The contractor has pledged to adhere to the set timelines and quality standards to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

Once completed, the initiative is expected to significantly boost food production in Nasinyono and contribute to the county’s climate adaptation efforts.

The Nasinyono Irrigation Project is among several FLLoCA program initiatives, funded by the World Bank, aimed at promoting water conservation and efficient irrigation practices in Turkana County.

Present during the handover ceremony included; George Emase (Director of Climate Change), and Samuel Oloo, (Agricultural Engineer).

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13TH-14TH AUGUST 2024