Turkana County has moved with speed to resolve a water crisis in Kakuma, triggered by the shutdown of supply system due to a Kshs. 2.3 million debt owed to Kenya Power and Lighting Company.
Kenya Power disconnected electricity of borehole 1,2 and 3 which collectively supply water to over 70% of the area’s residents, prompting protests and call for immediate action from Kakuma-Kalobeyei
Water and Sanitation Company (KALWASCO), the local water service provider.
In an effort to quell the protest and restore normal supply, county officials met representatives of the residents, where the CEC pledged to institute corrective interventions.
“We have reached a three point way forward as a long term fix to the challenge. First, the County will offset the bill and request KPLC to restore power supply to the boreholes. Secondly, supply 3000 litres of fuel to support interim operation and lastly, KALWASCO board to lead mainstreaming action of staff and procedures to promote efficiency,” CECM Willy Justus Lopeyok Akwalata said.
The CEC said that the county would take steps towards a long term solution by pursuing implementation of the Kakuma Municipality Water Master Plan in collaboration with partners.
While welcoming the recommendations, residents representative Charles Lokiru narrated that supply disruption had led to children missing school, mothers queing for hours at dry taps and water vendors hiking prices beyond reach of the common man.
He described the call for demonstration as a strategy to amplify their voices for assistance from the authorities.
The resolutions were reached during a crisis meeting chaired by Water Services CECM Willy Justus Lopeyok Akwalata and attended by Area MCA Eliud Amoni, Director Administration Patrick Imana, Director Water Services Paul Lotum, Sub County administrator Christine Nalemsekon, Kakuma Municipality management, Manager KALWASCO Zacharia Etukon and, representative from the office of the DCC Patrick Omuse.
KBC Digital
