The County Government of Turkana through its Water Users Committee has officially handed over the Nabeye–Kalemngorok Water Supply Scheme to the Turkana Rural Water and Sanitation Company (TURWASCO) and the local community.
This marks a significant milestone in efforts to improve access to safe and reliable water in Turkana South.
The project is being implemented by the Department of Water Services in partnership with the Department of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change.
It is expected to transform the lives of residents in Kalemngorok, Katilu and Lokichar, who have for years faced chronic water shortages, relied on saline water and travelled long distances in search of water for domestic use.
The Nabeye–Kalemngorok Water Supply Scheme comprises two boreholes at Nabeye, each fitted with a 200-cubic-metre elevated steel water storage tank, a 100-cubic-metre storage tank at Bethlehem, and three galvanized steel storage tanks strategically installed at the hospital, school and community water point.
The project is expected to increase access to clean and safe water, improve sanitation and hygiene, reduce the distance residents travel to collect water, strengthen healthcare services and enhance the overall quality of life for communities in the area.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, County Executive Committee Member for Water Services, Willy Justus Lopeyok, said the long-term success of the project would depend on proper management and community ownership.
He urged residents to embrace water metering and pay for water services, noting that revenue generated from the scheme would support routine operation and maintenance, as well as future expansion.
“This project belongs to the people, and its sustainability depends on all of us. Water metering and payment for services will generate the revenue required to maintain the infrastructure, respond to repairs promptly and ensure that future generations continue to enjoy reliable and safe water,” said Lopeyok.
County Chief Officer for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Joseph Ekalale Imoni, described the project as a strategic investment in healthier communities, improved livelihoods and climate resilience.
He called on residents to safeguard the infrastructure and work closely with TURWASCO to ensure the scheme continues providing reliable water services for many years.
The handover formally transferred the operation and maintenance of the scheme to TURWASCO, which will work jointly with the Community Water Users Committee to ensure efficient management and sustainable service delivery.
The County Government reaffirmed its commitment to expanding sustainable water infrastructure across Turkana County as part of its broader agenda to improve livelihoods and build resilient communities.
By Peter Gitonga
