As the current drought sweeping across the 13 worst hit counties continue to worsen due to the delayed March, April and May long rains, Hulugho MCA Adow Omar now wants the national government and other development partners to step water trucking in the area.
Speaking to the press in Garisa town Monday after touring the most affected areas in his ward, Omar said the only two water truck serving Hulugho are not enough as the remaining water well and pans have dried up.
“As at Sunday, the only water well that has been supplying water to residents of Hulugho had dried up. The residents drew water for the last time yesterday and henceforth they will be relying on water trucking,” Omar said, adding, Hulugho town itself is witnessing an acute water shortage.
“This could have far reaching effects on the security in the area. How do you expect a police officer who has no water to drink to operate?” he posed.
The MCA said several water pans and earth dams have dried up and the risk of human wildlife conflict is imminent.
He said during the 2002 drought, water buffaloes killed two children over competition of water between wild animals and human.
“The way things are going we could witness a repeat scenario. We don’t want to go the same route. The government through KWS should think of providing water to the wild animals,” he added.
His calls come days after a section of MCAs from Baringo urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to declare the current drought a national disaster to pave for international community to come in and assist.
The national government has insisted that the situation has not reached a crisis level and it can manage the drought situation.
The worst hit regions include the North Eastern counties of Garissa, Marsabit, Wajir and Mandera. The others are Nyeri (Kieni area), West Pokot, Isiolo, Kitui, Samburu, Tana River, Turkana, Kilifi and Laikipia.
By Jacob Songok
