Marsabit County Governor Mohamud Ali alongside State
Department for Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho on Saturday launched Drought
Resilience Programme in Northern Kenya in Dambala, Fachana area of Moyale
constituency.
The project intends to provide dependable water for agriculture and improve food security by promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Governor Mohamud Ali said the program will boost food
security, and expand access to water for both livestock and crop production.
He reiterated his administration's commitment to addressing
the challenges in water shortage experienced by the people of marsabit over
decades.
“The program we are launching today will ensure adequate
water supply for both livestock and human consumption and reduce food
insecurity in the region," he said
Phase two of the program is set to benefit at least 250,000 people.
Other projects set to be undertaken include the Water Pan at Godoma in Moyale, the expansion of the water pan and the upgrading structure in Uran.
"Access to safe, affordable and reliable water services is a basic right towards sustaining healthy livelihoods and maintaining the people's dignity," he said
Governor Mohamud said the county is already taking measures to mitigate the effects of the drought through the construction of water dams, expansion of boreholes, and rehabilitation of boreholes across the county.
"I know drought remains a menace in our vast county. My leadership will make sure those areas affected by the water problem will have dams constructed to bring the water problem to an end," said Governor Ali.
"Please make good use of the project and don't contaminate the dam or vandalise the equipment."
PS Kimotho said once the project is completed, the community can devote other more productive activities as the long trekking distances and waiting for long periods to fetch water will have to be drastically reduced.
“The dam will enhance water supply for irrigation, household
and livestock use," he said.
“The DF water pan which was allocated Sh200 million produces 750,000 cubic meters of water. This will encourage residents to engage in horticultural farming to boost food security and livelihoods.”
He added that the project will benefit 250,000 people and ensure an adequate supply of water for home use, livestock and irrigation.
He said the national government in partnership with county
government and German Development Cooperation are creating resilience among the
community by ensuring there is adequate water supply for domestic and livestock
use.
PS State Department of ASALs and Regional Development Kello Harsama said the project is a noble move to establish sustainable livelihood projects meant to improve the lives of the people.
Marsabit County Women Representative Naomi Jillo said the
dam will enable residents to participate in active farming and elevate their
socio-economic status.
“It’s encouraging to see investment in water projects, when
there is no water it is difficult to do agriculture which translates to food
security," she said
She urged residents to practice irrigation and support President William Ruto's government to reduce the problem of food insecurity.
Dub Jillo, a resident said residents will no longer depend on
rainwater for farming.
"Four villages will benefit greatly from this project.
We are ready to practice horticultural farming and have plans to set up a tree
nursery for fruit seedlings," he said
Hadija Dima, a resident said women have been walking long
distances in search of water and sometimes buy the commodity at exorbitant
prices.
"We have been travelling kilometres away during the dry
season to search for water for drinking. We are hopeful that soon we will be
irrigating our crops and enjoy the availability of adequate and clean water,"
she said
