A Dream Come True
Within Lopur Ward, communities are enjoying improved water access that has resulted in improved livelihoods and well-being. With the construction of Kangatesiroe 50,000 cubic meter earth pan in Pelekech sub-location, access to water has been enhanced for both the community members and their livestock. The earth pan can serve up to 20,000 people and approximately 500,000 animals.
With the construction at 90% complete, it is all smiles for the community members as they observe the earth pan harvest water from the recent flash floods, bringing hope to Kangatesiroe Village, which seemed to be a forgotten area. Before the construction of the water pan, the people in this area depended on water from seasonal rivers for both household and animal consumption, with the pastoralists walking miles of kilometers and even traversing to the neighboring countries, Ethiopia and South Sudan, in search of water. This caused a lot of conflicts between the communities which would sometimes lead to the death of the herders. Currently, the herders are already having their animals drink from the earth pan, leading to reduced reported cases of conflicts, since October when the pan harvested water more than half of its capacity.
Mr. Ekalale Ikamais, a beneficiary of the earth pan, could not contain his joy, witnessing the earth pan construction become a reality, through AAH-I with support from Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF). To him, this is a “dream come true”. Mr. Ekalale, who owns more than 100 livestock animals, and the vice-chairman of the committee selected to oversee Operations and Maintenance of the earth pan, has promised to advocate for full ownership of the project by the community members, guarding the water pan against destruction. He is grateful to AAH-I for impacting their lives.
“I will no longer have to travel over long distances, moving my family from place to place in search of water and food. I am very grateful to AAH-I for establishing one of the biggest Water pans in Turkana County in my area, Kangatesiroe.” Said Mr.Ekalale
