Amid growing public debate on the use of devolution funds by governors in the Northeastern region, three community elders from Garissa county have formally appealed to Governor Nathif Jama over a severe and prolonged water shortage in their area, claiming they have not benefited from any county-led water projects since the advent of devolution.
The elders—Mohamud Hajir, Haret Noor and Mohamed Ahmed—from Korisa location submitted a petition to the governor and the CEC responsible for water, urging immediate action to address the crisis.
In a letter received by the water department, the elders stated that since county governments were established, Korisa residents have not seen any county-funded water development initiatives implemented in their locality.
For two years, Korisa residents had access to piped water through support from the Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy, which is managed by the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT). This assistance alleviated the water crisis.
However, the elders noted that the water supply was disrupted about a year ago after the pump broke down. Due to financial constraints, the conservancy has been unable to carry out repairs.
“The estimated cost of repairing the pump is approximately Sh300,000, an amount the community cannot raise due to widespread poverty and limited livelihood options,” the elders said.
“We wish to draw your urgent attention to the persistent and serious water shortage affecting our community and to request immediate intervention by the county government,” the elders wrote in part of the letter.
Historically, the community relied on water pans as their primary water source.
However, prolonged droughts, siltation and poor maintenance have rendered these pans ineffective, leaving residents without a dependable supply of water.
As a result, residents have been forced to rely on water bowsers travelling from Tana River County. These services, they said, are costly and unreliable, placing an additional burden on already struggling households.
The elders further highlighted that when bowsers are unavailable, women and children are compelled to walk long distances in search of water, exposing them to health risks while worsening sanitation conditions and undermining human dignity.
They also expressed frustration that previous appeals to the governor’s office and the county department of water have not yielded a lasting solution.
Community members are calling for the immediate repair of the damaged pump and the establishment of sustainable, long-term water solutions, including drilling boreholes or developing a permanent piped water system.
Another copy of the petition was sent to the offices of the Garissa senator, the Ijara MP and the speaker of the Garissa county assembly.
The elders emphasised that access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right essential to health, dignity and development.
“The people of Korisa Location deserve equal consideration in county development planning and service delivery. We hope this appeal will receive urgent attention and swift action.”
by STEPHEN ASTARIKO
