Marsabit County executive committee member for Water, Environment and natural resources Malicha Boru on Monday led officials from the department to resolve a dispute arising from the election of Kubi Qallo's management committees.
The water executive handed over the key to the newly elected 11-member committee to run the affairs of the borehole.
He revealed that Governor Mohamud Ali's administration is determined to ensure that water development projects for the people have been fulfilled so that the community can be self-reliant.
"The county government of Marsabit has prioritized the development of water infrastructure aimed at fixing the water demand and supply gaps to increase the number of households accessing clean water.
The committees are elected by the locals and entrusted with the responsibility of managing the operation of the borehole.
The borehole was built in 2014 by a Chinese contractor and was operational until the election of new officials turned chaotic.
On Thursday last week, a meeting convened to resolve the dispute turned chaotic as angry villagers accused the interim committee of failing to hand over the key to the newly elected committees.
Malicha urged the management committees to responsibly run community boreholes to ensure constant water supply and proper maintenance.
The executive warned locals against politicizing the management of water, saying the county government has embarked on the construction of more dams and boreholes in a bid to increase water usage for the residents.
He urged residents to live harmoniously and share community resources peacefully.
"There is no need to fight. we should peacefully share the little we have. The county government is in the process of drilling more boreholes." Said Malicha
He urged residents to harvest rainwater to prevent wastage during the rainy season.
Mlaicha was accompanied by Chief Officer Roba Galma Halakhe and Sagante Jaldesa ward administrator among others.
Newly elected committee chairman Boru Duba assured residents that the borehole would be managed properly.
The committee's secretary Guracha Molu said four villages within a 2 km radius use the borehole.
Gurach said the water operator who manages the borehole is responsible for making sure it does not run out at the hottest time.
He thanked the county Department of Water for resolving disputes that arose from the election of the committee and assured proper management of the borehole to the benefit of the population.
"Everyone in the villages is aware of the importance of a borehole in a place where water is like gold. Everyone knows how important it is to make sure it is working effectively. Our borehole is still working well after 9 years of operation," he said
Guyo Ali, a resident of Kubi Qallo said the borehole has been a blessing to them as they no longer walk for long distance in search for the precious commodity..
He said the lives of the local community have greatly improved as a result of enough water and income-generating programs from their vegetable gardens.