Boost To Water Provision As H.E. Governor Joshua Irungu Receives And Commissions Borehole Drilling Rig The First One In Laikipia County
Updated on: Aug 05, 2023
H.E. Governor Joshua Irungu received the first county drilling rig from the PRD Riggs at an event that marked the official commissioning of the equipment to enhance borehole drilling services across the county.
This is a welcome relief to solve the water challenges in Laikipia, as the new drilling rig, which includes a test pumping unit and a terameter, will help increase the number of boreholes to ensure the availability and accessibility of clean and safe water.
With this investment, the county government targets to reduce the water access distance to 1 km, a goal that will stimulate the overall county development by improving water supply, sanitation, and hygiene as well as promoting agricultural productivity, which will not only increase food security but also boost social- economic growth.
In his speech, H.E. Governor Joshua Irungu noted that the acquisition of county-owned Rig is a significant stride towards solving the water scarcity in Laikipia, an ASAL county that has been experiencing water challenges for the longest time.
"Everyone has a right to sufficient, clean, and safe water, and with the new drilling machine, we aspire to drill 300 boreholes, which will serve a large population, including communities and institutions such as schools and health facilities," said Governor Irungu as he retaliated his commitment to increase the provision of safe and adequate water to all Laikipians.
The CECM Water, Environment and Natural Resources, Ms Leah Njeri stated that the drilling of boreholes, particularly in rural areas, will cut the costs of water provision by 40%, as this investment will lower the expenses of water trucking during the drought as well as cut the costs of outsourcing rigs.
"Borehole drilling in rural areas will bring water services closer to people, thus reducing the distance locals cover in search of this vital resource. This will help to further the transformative bottom-up agenda of bringing key services closer to people.'' The CEC added.
The Chief Officer of Water, Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Abraham Samuel Lemanyishoe, assured of the department's commitment to the task ahead of increasing water coverage to reduce the distance to the nearest water source, resulting in an increased percentage of residents accessing water for both domestic and livestock use.
Top county government officials, including the Deputy Governor, H.E. Reuben Kamuri, CS Koinange Wahome, county CECMs and COs, and representatives from the Laikipia County Assembly among other county officials were present to witness the historic handover and commissioning of the drilling rig.
This is a welcome relief to solve the water challenges in Laikipia, as the new drilling rig, which includes a test pumping unit and a terameter, will help increase the number of boreholes to ensure the availability and accessibility of clean and safe water.
With this investment, the county government targets to reduce the water access distance to 1 km, a goal that will stimulate the overall county development by improving water supply, sanitation, and hygiene as well as promoting agricultural productivity, which will not only increase food security but also boost social- economic growth.
In his speech, H.E. Governor Joshua Irungu noted that the acquisition of county-owned Rig is a significant stride towards solving the water scarcity in Laikipia, an ASAL county that has been experiencing water challenges for the longest time.
"Everyone has a right to sufficient, clean, and safe water, and with the new drilling machine, we aspire to drill 300 boreholes, which will serve a large population, including communities and institutions such as schools and health facilities," said Governor Irungu as he retaliated his commitment to increase the provision of safe and adequate water to all Laikipians.
The CECM Water, Environment and Natural Resources, Ms Leah Njeri stated that the drilling of boreholes, particularly in rural areas, will cut the costs of water provision by 40%, as this investment will lower the expenses of water trucking during the drought as well as cut the costs of outsourcing rigs.
"Borehole drilling in rural areas will bring water services closer to people, thus reducing the distance locals cover in search of this vital resource. This will help to further the transformative bottom-up agenda of bringing key services closer to people.'' The CEC added.
The Chief Officer of Water, Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Abraham Samuel Lemanyishoe, assured of the department's commitment to the task ahead of increasing water coverage to reduce the distance to the nearest water source, resulting in an increased percentage of residents accessing water for both domestic and livestock use.
Top county government officials, including the Deputy Governor, H.E. Reuben Kamuri, CS Koinange Wahome, county CECMs and COs, and representatives from the Laikipia County Assembly among other county officials were present to witness the historic handover and commissioning of the drilling rig.
