Turkana water crisis persists despite huge investment

More than 3,000 residents of Kawalase village in Turkana Central Sub-County are facing severe water crisis, raising fears of outbreak of waterborne diseases.

With no reliable access to clean water, the villagers are forced to dig shallow wells along the Kawalase River, exposing them to unsafe and contaminated water sources.

For years, residents have pleaded with the Turkana County Government to address the chronic water shortage.

Despite promises by Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai to address the issue, several proposed water projects have stalled.

“The water from the river is dirty and unfit for human consumption. Many people are at risk of waterborne diseases,” said Raphael Ekadeli, a resident of Kawalase.

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Residents now live in fear of a public health crisis as they continue to rely on untreated water sources.

They have been forced to trek for long distances in search of the commodity, and often return with a little water, barely sufficient for daily use.
“We are forced to drink the same water that livestock use, and even the water used by boda boda operators to wash their motorcycles. People are already complaining of stomach pains and diarrhoea,” Ekadeli said.

Kevin Longor, another resident, voiced his frustration, saying that the community has lost faith in empty government promises.

“We’ve been told for years that water projects are coming, but nothing ever happens. Now, we just drink to survive, knowing the risks. There’s no other option,” Longor said.

The crisis persists despite significant investments from non-governmental organisations and billions of shillings allocated by the National Treasury for water projects in Turkana.

The recent launch of the Turkana Urban Water and Sanitation Company (Tuwasco) by Governor Lomorukai was intended to address water shortage in the region.

However, the company has faced setbacks, including unpaid electricity bills, which have led to power disconnection at key boreholes.

The deteriorating water situation has sparked protests, with residents demanding immediate action from the county and national governments.

Community leaders have urged authorities to prioritise the completion of stalled water projects to ensure clean and safe water supply to the villages.

“We can’t keep living like this. Clean water is a basic right, not a luxury,” Ekadeli said.

Governor Lomorukai reiterated his commitment to ensure reliable water access across Turkana.

“We shall include the water companies in the county's budgeting system to enhance their financial stability and operational independence, as we ensure a steady water supply in all villages with urban settlements,” he said.

The newly constituted Tuwasco Board of Directors has unveiled a plan to effectively address the persistent water supply challenges faced by residents of Lodwar Municipality.

During the recent World Water Day celebrations, Board Chair Philip Aemun assured the public that a structured strategy is in place to tackle the ongoing challenges and create a more reliable water system.

He emphasized that the company is working towards full compliance with regulatory requirements to secure official licensing as a Water Service Provider (WSP).

"This move would enable us to function within the legal framework, ensuring that Lodwar benefits from a water supply system that meets local, national, and global standards advocated by Wasreb and the Constitution,” Aemun said.

He further outlined plans to push for the full implementation of the Lodwar Municipality 25-Year Master Plan, which was developed by Turkana County and UNICEF under the recently concluded Strengthening County Resilience against WASH-related Climate Crisis (SCORE 1) project.