Lokichoggio: Residents of Lokichoggio have a reason to celebrate after the county government, through the Turkana Rural Water Services Company (TURWASCO), rehabilitated the Lomeskin Borehole-Lokichoggio's primary water source. The borehole had been nonfunctional for three years due to a faulty electric system caused by prolonged disrepair.
According to Kenya News Agency, the rehabilitation process involved repairing the electrical system, cleaning the borehole, replacing worn-out parts, and installing a new solar system. The borehole now has a yield capacity of 10 cubic meters of water. Mary Ekai, a local resident, noted, 'It feels like life is better now. The acute water scarcity had pushed many into hardship.'
The initiative was a collaborative effort between the county government and World Vision, aimed at rehabilitating existing infrastructure and restoring the water supply. Under the Turkana County Water Act of 2019, Lokichoggio falls under TURWASCO's jurisdiction, and the company has now taken over full management of the scheme. Following the repairs, the storage tank serving Lokichoggio town is fully operational, and three water kiosks connected to the system have resumed service.
According to County Executive for Water Services, Patrick Losike Lokaimoe, this initiative is part of a broader county strategy to enhance water security and improve livelihoods across Turkana. He also noted that restoring the borehole would strengthen TURWASCO's operations by generating new revenue streams, ensuring the sustainability of water supply in the area.
TURWASCO Managing Director, Ekaran Victorsam, reaffirmed the company's commitment to restoring all water sources, improving consumer connections, and ensuring a sustainable supply that meets the town's growing needs. Meanwhile, Lokichoggio Sub-County Administrator, Obed Echip, encouraged residents to take advantage of the restored water supply to invest in businesses that had previously been ruined by the water shortage. 'Now that we have water in high-population residential areas, Lokichoggio must begin its revival from the economic slump it has suffered for years,' he stated.