[Goreale Ward MCA Abdurhaman Mohamed Idris addressing the press in Shantaabaq town.] (Photo-Victor Wanaswa)]A section of elders, leaders from Goreale Ward, Lagdera constituency have appealed to the county government of Garissa to supply animal fodder to save their remaining herds from being wiped out for the current biting drought in the area.
Addressing the press in Shantaabaq on Monday, area MCA Abdurhaman Mohamed Idris said that the national government should take the lead by teaming up with the county government and other aid agencies in alleviating the suffering of the affected residents.
“The drought is in its final stages. It has claimed the lives of hundreds of our livestock. We urgently need increased water tracking and food supply for both our animals and human beings,” Idris said.
“The distance between where animals can find water and pasture are growing by the day. We want these gaps to be bridged to safe the few remaining animals from dying due to long distance they have to move daily in search of these precious commodities,” he added.
Former area councilor Rashid Garane said that most of the livestock crossed the border to war torn Somalia in search water and pasture as the dwindling resources could no longer sustain them.
“The situation is dire and seems to worsening by the day. We are appealing for interventions measures from the government and other aid agencies,” Garane said.
A spot check by KNA showed that fresh carcasses of dead sheep and cattle that are the worst affected are strewn along the paths as they were too weak to make it to watering points or pasture grounds.
A spot check by KNA showed that fresh carcasses of dead sheep and cattle that are the worst affected are strewn along the paths as they were too weak to make it to watering points or pasture grounds.
No loss of human lives has been reported though the leaders assert that if nothing is done fast to reverse these trend lives are at stake.
In his maiden speech when opening the second Garissa county assembly last month, area governor Ali Korane said that his administration will undertake water tracking and other intervention measures in the worst hit areas as soon as possible.
Korane added that he will seek support from the national government and other development partners.
According to the Garissa County National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) the worst hit areas include Balambala, Lagdera and Dadaab sub-counties.