Residents of Maalimin and surrounding areas in Lagdera subcounty can now breathe a sigh of relief following the commissioning and formal handover of the Rigdam Integrated Water Infrastructure Project.
The project ends years of walking long distances for domestic and livestock water. For decades, severe water scarcity has forced local communities, particularly women and children, to spend hours trekking to distant water sources. The new infrastructure, funded by the European Union through the DCADR project offers a reliable water supply. It was implemented by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), the Garissa County Government and the Rigdam community.
Speaking during the handover, NDMA chief executive officer Hared Aden highlighted the project’s unique dual-source design: an eight-kilometre pipeline extension connected to a borehole, alongside a dedicated water pan.
“This project is unique because the two water systems complement each other. Residents can draw from the water pan and rely on the pipeline extension to the water kiosks when the pan dries up,” Aden explained.
Costing approximately Sh25 million, the infrastructure includes two water kiosks — each fitted with a 10,000-litre tank — and serves around 8,000 households (roughly 4,800 people) alongside 11,700 livestock daily. Aden noted that the investment eliminates the need for expensive government emergency water trucking along the stretch. “Through this investment, the community now has permanent water infrastructure.”
He urged residents to take ownership of the facility, protect its perimeter fence and cattle trap, and harvest rainwater during wet spells. He also cautioned against crossing seasonal rivers during heavy rains due to flash flooding risks.
The community will receive management training and may introduce a small maintenance fee to cover repairs, such as pipe leaks, following the defect-liability period. NDMA will continue monitoring the site and provide desilting support every two to three years as required.
Aden said improved water access builds peace across Modogashe ward – spanning Telango, Paria, Maalimin, and Elan – by reducing competition over scarce resources. Maalimin resident Hussein Mohamed praised the transformation brought about by the project.
“We used to trek long distances, placing a heavy burden on families. In the past, competition for water led to inter-community clashes. Today, we can share this resource peacefully. This project is not just about water; it is about transforming lives,” he said.
NDMA Chief Executive Officer Hared Aden speaking to the press. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
A camel header giving his camels water./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Abdi Mohamed, a resident of Maalimin with his livestock at Rigdam./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
NDMA CEO Hared Adan drinks water at a kiosk, with students from Rigdam./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Jamaes Nderitu, Assistant county commissioner, Maalimin division./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
