Laikipia County Government Measures To Mitigate Drought
The Department of Water, Environment and Natural Resources is implementing a drought response strategy to provide both immediate and short-term solutions to the drought situation in Laikipia North.
Immediate response measures that have been taken by the department include the Deployment of two water bowsers to truck water within Laikipia North Sub-County. Water has been distributed to institutions including schools and dispensaries with bulk water storage capacity.
So far, we have distributed to the following institutions and communities: Kiwanja Ndege Special School, Kurum Primary and Secondary, Sarampa Primary, Kurikuri Primary, Musul Primary and Community, Naibunga Community, Naiperere Primary, Nosrai Primary and community, Loshaiki Community, Ndikirr and Kimakandura community, Ilmotiok Primary, Dispensary and Community, Ngabolo Primary and Community, Pisha Community, Kurum Dispensary, Soit Oudo Primary, One More Day and Community, Kalalu Primary. Three water points have been constructed at Ndigir, Picha and Loshaki (Kimanjo) locations. The water point comprises one 10,000 liter storage tank and three communal taps. Water is delivered by the bowsers every two weeks at these strategic points.
Medium-term measures include rehabilitation and operationalization of boreholes. The Department is working closely with NAWASCO, SNV, and BATUK to rehabilitate five boreholes. These are: Doldol II and III BHs (Mukogodo East Ward), Naiperere I BH (Mukogodo West Ward), Bokish BH (Mukogodo East Ward), and Oldupai Loishaki BH (Mukogodo West Ward).
NAWASCO is currently working on Doldol II and III boreholes. SNV and BATUK will be conducting their assessment of Naiperere, Bokish, and Oldupai Borehole and will be reporting on the way forward. The two boreholes at Ngerashi and Muarak area which was constructed by KENHA have been handed over to the community.
The boreholes were previously managed by NYAHUWASCO. The community through the elected committee members will be responsible for their operation and maintenance and will receive technical support and capacity building on management and governance issues.
To mitigate the adverse effects of drought, there is a need for regular maintenance of existing boreholes in the region to prevent future breakdowns of equipment.
Hon. Matunge is the CECM Water, Environment and Natural Resources.
