Turkana water access services receive boost from Korean government

Turkana,

Friday December 8, 2023

KNA by Peter Gitonga

Turkana residents are optimistic that water woes facing them would be addressed after the Korean government committed to strengthen its existing partnership with UNICEF in alleviating water access challenges in the county.

The Korean ambassador to Kenya, Yeo Sung Jun, speaking after an inspection visit of Natiir Water Project in Kang’atotha Ward, Turkana Central, said,” We are ready to continue our partnership with UNICEF to enhance the quality of life in this region."

He said he had witnessed the transformative power of the water project, being implemented jointly by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and UNICEF to make water accessible for both human and livestock consumption.

In the meantime, taps remain dry in Lodwar town forcing resident to dig into their pockets to buy water from vendors.

According to a local resident James Achuka, their plot has been without water for the last one week, posing a health hazard for tenants who share even a toilet.

Speaking in Natir, the Chief Officer for Water Services, David Maraka informed the Ambassador that the Natiir Project was one among the 76 existing water projects in Turkana Central and Loima delivered through the KOICA partnership with UNICEF in Turkana.

Maraka requested the Korean Ambassador to consider funding a second phase of the project to reach the unreached areas.

He appreciated previous visits by previous delegations from Korea, and described KOICA as a strategic partner in matters of water access.

On his part, the Director for Water Services Paul Lotum said he would consider writing concept notes for raising additional funds for more water projects.

 He added that KOICA had also been instrumental in supporting the 25-year Master Plan for Lodwar Municipality, Water access.

Courtesy; KNA