Garissa:Residents of Maalimin and Modogashe wards in Garissa County will benefit from the newly launched Rigdam water project. This initiative includes a 17,600 cubic meter water pan and an eight-kilometer borehole pipeline, ensuring a steady water supply to the villages.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project was completed by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) with European Union support. It features a solar-powered water pump, a high-capacity diesel generator, two water kiosks, and a chain-link fence around the water pan.
NDMA Chief Executive Officer Col (rtd) Hared Adan stated that the Sh25 million project will serve at least 800 households and over 11,000 livestock daily. During the project’s handover to the community, Adan emphasized the importance of the water pan and borehole working together to ensure a consistent water supply throughout the year.
Adan urged local residents to protect the infrastructure from theft, stressing the community’s responsibility for its sustainability. He highlighted the project’s impact, noting it provides a reliable year-round water supply, eliminating the need for the government’s previous water trucking efforts.
Adan also advised the community to take precautions during the expected El Ni±o rains, encouraging the use of rainwater while avoiding flood-prone areas to ensure safety.
Hussein Mohamed Mohamud, a Rigdam village elder, shared the challenges faced by the community before the project, including walking over 10 kilometers for water and losing livestock to thirst. He described the project as a lifesaver and a sustainable water source for the village.
