Water and irrigation PS Prof. Fred Segor addressing journalist in Abakaile Dadaab sub-county. The government will fund water projects in the counties. (Photo-Victor Wanaswa)]

Is there a story unfolding in your community? Let Hivisasa know

The national government through the equalization kitty is funding water projects to the tune of Sh2.1 billion in 7 Arid and Semi-Arid Counties in Northern Kenya.The projects that include water pans, dams and boreholes are at various stages of implementation and depending on their magnitude will be completed within the next one and three years.The ongoing projects that are budgeted and fully funded are spread across Garissa (sh360 million), Isiolo (sh144 million) Marsabit (sh195 million), Wajir (sh500 million) and Samburu (sh740 million).Addressing the press in Abakaile Dadaab sub-county where he inspected the sh36 million water pan, water and irrigation PS Prof. Fred Segor said that the projects are meant to not only minimize the distance Kenyans cover in search of water but also the time.The Abakaile water pan that is 80 percent complete is expected to serve a population of 6,000 households and 140,000 livestock.“We idea at the end of the day is to minimize water stress in terms of the number of kms people go to fetch water. We intend to ensure that we subscribe to what is expected internationally that people should be able to access water in 30 minutes,” Segor said.The PS said the government is determined to tackle perennial water shortage in the 7 counties that fall under the Northern Water Services Board.   Water shortage in North Eastern has remained a big problem where communities are forced to trek for hundreds of kms in search of the precious commodity.Area MCA Mohamed Ali said the project will reduce conflict brought about by competition for water and pasture among the pastoralist in the neighbouring sub-counties of Lagdera, Fafi, Balambala and Garissa.“We have witnessed bloody conflicts and lose of lievs and property when communities resort to fighting for scrtace water resources intime of severe droughts,” Ali sid.Ali said the water pan will also tame school dropout among the pastoralist communities who are sometimes forced to remove their children from school when travelling long distance in search of water and pasture for their animals during dry spell periods.“It will definitely improve performance in national examination because children will spend more time studying instead of helping their parents in fetching water after school,” Ali said.