Water project brings relief to drought-hit communities

Residents of Maalimin and Modogashe wards in Garissa County are expected to gain improved access to reliable water following the completion and launch of a new water infrastructure project in the area.

The Rigdam water project is designed to strengthen water availability for communities in the two wards, where access to dependable water remains an important need. The initiative includes the construction of a 17,600-cubic-metre water pan and an eight-kilometre pipeline network connecting the water source to surrounding villages.

The project was implemented by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) with financial support from the European Union as part of efforts to strengthen community resilience and improve access to essential water services in drought-prone areas.

A key component of the project is the installation of a solar-powered water pumping system. The use of solar energy is expected to provide a sustainable and cost-effective option for pumping water from the source to the communities served by the project.

To provide additional reliability, the project also includes a high-capacity diesel generator. The backup system will help maintain water pumping operations when solar power is insufficient or unavailable, supporting continuity of supply to the beneficiary villages.

The infrastructure further comprises two water kiosks where residents will be able to access water. The kiosks are expected to bring services closer to communities and reduce the challenges residents face when travelling long distances in search of water.

A chain-link fence has also been installed around the water pan to protect the facility and support proper management of the water resource. Securing the water infrastructure is expected to help safeguard the investment and promote its long-term use by the surrounding communities.

The 17,600-cubic-metre capacity of the water pan provides an important storage facility that can help communities maintain access to water during periods of limited rainfall. Combined with the pipeline network, pumping system and distribution points, the project is expected to strengthen the local water supply system.

The intervention comes as communities in Garissa continue to face the effects of a dry climate and periodic drought conditions, which can place pressure on available water sources for households and livestock.

By increasing water storage and improving distribution infrastructure, the Rigdam project is expected to contribute to better preparedness against water shortages while supporting the resilience of communities in Maalimin and Modogashe.

The partnership between NDMA and the European Union also demonstrates the role of collaboration in delivering water infrastructure in areas vulnerable to drought. With the main components now in place, residents are expected to benefit from improved access to water and greater reliability of supply.

The project is therefore expected to provide both immediate water access benefits and strengthen the communities’ capacity to cope with future periods of water stress.