Mombasa: Residents of Lowarengak in Turkana North Sub County can now access clean and safe water after the County government repaired stalled boreholes at Engomo and Mlango areas.
According to Kenya News Agency, Arot Jessica, chairperson of the community water association, stated that the water shortage had severely affected traders, households, and fishermen who rely on the water for their livelihoods. The shortage had been a significant challenge for the community until the recent repairs.
James Ingollan, a resident of the area, expressed relief at the restoration of borehole services. He highlighted the impact on daily life, saying, “The struggle of fetching water from the lake, where we risked crocodile attacks in Lake Turkana, is finally over. We are grateful that the county has responded.”
Chief Officer for Water Services, Simon Ekai, met with the community water supply association’s leadership and assured residents of ongoing efforts to strengthen water infrastructure and prevent future disruptions. He stated, “We are working on a lasting solution to enhance the capacity of the system, which supplies water over 10 kilometers from both Mlango and Engomo. This includes creating an additional source at the solar borehole to boost supply.”
Ekai also noted that the pressure on the existing water system, worsened by demand from neighboring Lokitonyela, will soon be addressed under the Horn of Africa project, which has earmarked the area for new water point installations.
The breakthrough followed an assessment led by Assistant Director for Water Services, George Areman, whose technical team repaired and inspected the nine-kilometer pipeline serving over 20,000 people. Areman emphasized the county’s collaboration with the community to ensure sustainable solutions. “Lowarengak is one of the most promising water schemes in Turkana. By supporting it, we are not just addressing immediate water needs but also revitalizing livelihoods,” he said.
As part of the repair efforts, the team conducted flushing and test pumping of the solar borehole to assess its potential as an alternative water source for the growing community. Another resident, Macdonald Minyan, noted that many people had migrated to the area for fishing and other livelihood activities, increasing the demand for water.
