A section of residents of North Ugenya in Siaya County have welcomed a move by a group of military veterans to drill boreholes in the area.
The initiative, dubbed Veterans for Peace, has seen the former servicemen and women help address the shortage of water in the area.
“Our region is prone to water shortages. We have for a long time had to walk for kilometers to access clean water,” Job Owino, a local said.
On her part Miriam Awiti, a resident, added that the move will also see cases of waterbone diseases decrease.“This region is prone to waterborne diseases due to unsafe water, and this initiative will help eradicate such diseases,” she noted.
The water issue is grave in some parts of Siaya, with residents still relying on ponds and rivers for water.
According to the group’s Executive Director Nelson Sechere, a feasibility study conducted in the area revealed that locals grapple with an acute shortage of the precious commodity. “As veterans, we are committed to digging more than 300 boreholes across the country, with Mombasa, Makueni, Narok, and Kisii being top priority areas,” Sechere added.
Siaya County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Water Prof. Jaqueline Oduol lauded the initiative emphasizing the need for integrated programs to ensure residents have access to water.
“Water and sanitation programs are a top priority in Siaya County. Residents are suffering, with many forced to walk long distances in search of water,” Oduol said.
The county’s Health CEC Rtd (Col) Dr. Martin Odhiambo K’onyango added that the county will collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure sufficient water supply for all.
“The newly drilled borehole produces 8,000 cubic liters of water per day, capable of serving 2,000 people daily,” he added.
