Wajir County raises concern over delayed Sh360 million water project fund

Wajir County water chief officer Yussuf Dayib. He noted that the delay will bring adverse effects in the water sector
(Courtesy)

WAJIR—Wajir County is agitated over delayed Sh360 million funds by the national treasury.

The equalization fund is incorporated in the Constitution and is used to promote basic services that include water, roads, health facilities and electricity to marginalized areas.

Speaking after inspecting the Sarman-Tarbaj water supply project on Monday, water chief officer Yussuf Dayib said the delay will bring adverse effects in the water sector.

“I am calling upon the national project implementer of northern water service board to speed up project financing and link up with the national treasury to release funds that will see this projects completed,” he said.

The installed water supply projects include Sarman-Tarbaj, Wajir Bor, Arbajahan-Adan Awale and Quli-kursin water supplies.

The projects are funded by the national government through the Northern Water Service Board and form part of the county integrated development plan.

He noted that even though at the moment the county had plenty of water the situation is expected to change towards August drought season.

Dayib maintained that the flagship projects are crucial especially in the sub counties which have been relying on water trucking.

“We will start hearing of water trucking and we all know how expensive it is. The completion of the projects will minimize this,” he noted.

The chief officer, who during his nomination vowed to restore the dignity of the county’s water towers, said the county has successfully drilled 270 boreholes across the county.

“The county is determined to drill more boreholes as part of our long term measures to end water crisis.” Yussuf said.