Mandera, Kenya| As the drought situation in Mandera County worsens, with temperatures soaring to 38 degrees Celsius, the county government has launched an ambitious drought mitigation initiative to address the critical water shortage affecting both residents and livestock.
In response to the escalating crisis, the government has prioritized the drilling of boreholes in the most affected areas, particularly Mandera West and Banissa sub-counties.
These boreholes are expected to provide a reliable water supply, easing the burden on communities struggling with the devastating effects of prolonged dry conditions.
Boreholes Bring Relief to Hardest-Hit Communities
One of the most notable developments is the fully operational borehole in the Burmayo area of Mandera West.
The borehole is already supplying water to local residents, significantly reducing the strain caused by water scarcity.
Meanwhile, in Banissa’s Birkan area, another borehole with a capacity of 8 cubic meters per hour has been successfully drilled.
To enhance its efficiency, the borehole has been equipped with a generator and two Kettlewell troughs to provide water for livestock.
Additionally, a 2-kilometer pipeline has been laid, extending to the Birkan center to supply water to businesses and over 2,000 households.
Governor Khalif: ‘Water for All is a Priority’
Speaking during the official launch of the boreholes, Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to ensuring water accessibility, particularly during these extreme climate conditions.
“It is our duty as a government to provide water to our people, especially during such harsh conditions. We will not stop here; we are working on more emergency boreholes to ensure that no household or livestock suffers from thirst,” Governor Khalif stated.
The governor further revealed that additional boreholes are planned across the county to support the large livestock population, which is at risk due to diminishing water sources.
Residents Welcome the Life-Saving Project
For the people of Mandera West and Banissa, the new boreholes are a much-needed lifeline.
Local residents have expressed their gratitude for the government’s intervention, acknowledging that the initiative has come at a crucial time.
“This borehole has come at the most critical time. We are grateful for this life-saving project,” said Mohammed Yusuf, a resident of Banissa.
Drought Intensifies, Pushing More Areas into Crisis
The prolonged drought has had a devastating impact on Mandera West, Banissa, and Mandera North sub-counties, worsening the already dire water shortages and threatening livelihoods.
With climate change exacerbating the frequency and severity of droughts in the region, the county government has made water accessibility a top priority in its mitigation strategy.
The newly drilled boreholes mark a significant step in Mandera County’s efforts to address the water crisis.
However, with the drought showing no signs of abating, continued investment in long-term water solutions remains critical to ensuring sustainable access to this essential resource for both humans and livestock.
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