WSTF monitors groundwater works in Turkana

The Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF) has stepped up oversight of water infrastructure being developed in Turkana County, with its Board of Trustees visiting several project sites to assess progress and ensure the investments remain aligned with their intended goals.

The trustees inspected borehole works in Nangolekuruk, Loturtur and Kaitese as part of ongoing monitoring of the Horn of Africa Ground Water for Resilience Project (HoAGW4RP). The field exercise enabled the team to assess the physical progress of the installations and gain a clearer understanding of the implementation challenges emerging at the project sites.

During the visits, the Board examined the status of construction activities and reviewed whether the works were being undertaken in line with the required project standards. The exercise is part of WSTF’s broader responsibility to monitor investments under the groundwater resilience programme and ensure that resources committed to the projects translate into meaningful benefits for communities.

The trustees also held discussions with contractors working at the different locations. The engagements provided an opportunity to receive updates on the progress of construction while addressing issues that could affect the completion and eventual operation of the facilities.

Attention was also given to concerns raised at the local level and measures needed to ensure the infrastructure remains functional after completion. Such engagement is considered important in strengthening project ownership and ensuring that the facilities respond to the actual water needs of the communities they are intended to serve.

The borehole developments form part of broader efforts to strengthen water security in areas affected by water scarcity and climate-related pressures. For communities in Turkana, improved access to dependable groundwater sources can provide an important foundation for resilience, particularly in areas where surface water resources are limited or unreliable.

The monitoring exercise further allowed the trustees to connect progress on the ground with the wider objectives of HoAGW4RP. Rather than focusing solely on construction milestones, the field assessment considered the quality, suitability and long-term functionality of the infrastructure.

WSTF’s continued monitoring is expected to help identify implementation gaps early and support timely corrective measures where necessary. Regular engagement with contractors and local stakeholders also provides an avenue for resolving challenges that could undermine the sustainability of the completed facilities.

The visits to Nangolekuruk, Loturtur and Kaitese demonstrate the importance of field-based oversight in major water infrastructure programmes. By directly assessing projects and engaging those involved in implementation, WSTF is seeking to strengthen accountability while ensuring that investments deliver the intended water security benefits.

The Board’s assessment will contribute to ongoing efforts to keep the HoAGW4RP interventions on track and improve access to sustainable water sources for communities across Turkana. The initiative ultimately seeks to enhance groundwater development and strengthen the capacity of vulnerable communities to withstand water-related challenges.