The Turkana County Government, in collaboration with the National Programme Coordinating Unit (NPCU) under the Kenya Devolution Support Programme II (KDSP II), has conducted a baseline assessment of Turkwel Dam in Turkwel Ward. This assessment aims to establish the dam's current condition and identify potential risks and outstanding safeguarding requirements ahead of a proposed rehabilitation. The exercise is part of the ongoing review of County Investment Plans under KDSP II.
The baseline assessment seeks to establish the prevailing social, environmental, and infrastructural conditions at the project site. This information will provide a reference point for monitoring the project's outcomes and impacts. Chief Officer for Administration and Disaster Management, Marian Lotieng, emphasized that the assessment would help identify the challenges affecting the dam's functionality and inform the necessary measures for a successful rehabilitation.
County KDSP II Programme Coordinator Gabriel Lodoso highlighted the importance of the baseline assessment in providing a clear reference point for understanding the situation on the ground. This will guide subsequent planning and help identify key issues for consideration as the proposed rehabilitation moves forward. The assessment will also verify the information contained in the County Government's investment plans and establish the project's readiness for further consideration.
The National Programme Coordinating Unit team, comprising Muthoni Kang'ara and Peris Nyawira, noted that the assessment would inform the next steps, including the necessary safeguards and technical requirements. Turkwel Village Unit Administrator Eleman David mentioned that the dam historically supported three irrigation schemes: Tisa, Napool, and Nanye, enabling communities in the area to engage in farming.
However, the dam's current state has affected irrigation activities, with farming largely disrupted due to inadequate water supply. Once rehabilitated and fully operational, the facility is expected to benefit approximately 450 farmers in Tisa, 350 in Napool, and 800 in Nanye irrigation schemes. Chairperson of Tisa Irrigation Scheme Francis Esibitar raised concerns over the condition of the dam ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains.
Esibitar expressed fears that if there will be floods, people, animals, and farms will be affected because the dam has not yet been rehabilitated and may not hold water as required. He also highlighted the challenging spread of Prosopis Juliflora (Etirae or Mathenge) around the dam and appealed for timely intervention before the onset of the rains. The findings from the baseline assessment will inform further review by the NPCU and guide subsequent project design, safeguard assessment, and implementation of decisions under KDSP II.
The assessment was attended by various stakeholders, including Environmental Safeguards Focal Person Ekadeli Philemon, Loima Sub-County Administrator Jackson Imana, and representatives from the three irrigation schemes. The exercise is a crucial step towards ensuring that the proposed rehabilitation of Turkwel Dam is properly planned and implemented, addressing the concerns of the local communities and stakeholders.
Key points
- The Turkana County Government and NPCU are collaborating to rehabilitate Turkwel Dam.
- The baseline assessment aims to establish the dam's current condition and potential risks.
- The rehabilitation of Turkwel Dam is expected to benefit approximately 1,600 farmers in the area.
