MP launch drought mitigation program in Balambala constituency, Garissa

Balambala MP Hon. Abdi Shurie flagging off some of the mitigation programs in Nonow area where he said a permanent solution will be put place.

GARISSA—Balambala MP Abdi Omar Shurie on Tuesday launched a drought mitigation programme for his constituent that will see residents hard hit by the current long dry spell supplied with water.

Speaking in Nunow, Balambala constituency, Shurie said the current extended drought was due to the failed rainfall that was expected in December. This has affected over 80 percent of the residents who are now dependent on water trucking and relief assistance.

“We were hoping that we could have received the December short rains to relief us but we are now back to square one. We shall continue water trucking that has been going on since August last year until we receive the rains,” Shurie noted.

The MP said that several herders have crossed over to neighboring counties of Meru and Isiolo in search of water and pasture for their livestock.

Shurie showed concern that families left behind mostly the elderly, children and mothers have been left to fend for themselves.

”We want to support the human life since the herders have moved to far flanked areas. The programme will take care of the women and children left in the villages,” The MP urged.

The programme that will see over 30 water storage tanks with a capacity of between 5,000 and 10,000 litres distributed to villages along the Garissa – Modogashe road and will be supplied on a regular basis by two water bowsers.

The MP emphasized he was working closely with the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), the county government and other donors to ensure that other relief assistance among them food and animal hay are availed to the drought stricken victims.

He revealed that other programmes will be launched soon to find a lasting solution to the perennial water shortage in the area that will include sinking of boreholes.

Area sub-county Deputy Commissioner Rashid Kwanya warned some of the teachers who have not yet reported for work because of the prevailing drought.