TURKANA – Turkana Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus has held discussions with a delegation from the World Food Programme (WFP) on El Niño preparedness and expansion of cooperation between the organization and the county government.
Dr. Erus hosted the delegation at the county headquarters in Lodwar where talks centred on anticipatory action for El Niño, ongoing humanitarian response, the blue economy and areas for expanded partnership aligned to the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).
Priority was placed on protecting water infrastructure. The Deputy Governor identified Boreholes 9 and 5B as requiring immediate intervention, recalling that previous heavy rains swept away Boreholes 9 and 5 that supplied more than 70 percent of Lodwar town, with replacements also destroyed.
“Going by past experiences when Turkana received the heaviest rains, the original Borehole 9 and 5 which supplied more than 70 per cent of Lodwar’s population were all swept away. Even the replacement boreholes suffered a similar fate in the subsequent rains. This is one area we have earmarked for anticipatory action,” he said.
He also asked WFP to support the county-led Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention programme, noting the malaria burden is likely to increase during the El Niño period.WFP Head of Area Office Claudia Ah Poe reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to support the county during the period and to continue close collaboration on CIDP priorities.
“We will continue working closely with the county government on matters contributing to the County Integrated Development Plan,” she said, adding that engagement will continue during upcoming missions involving national and international WFP teams.
She outlined WFP interventions in Turkana including improving the working environment, supporting youth entrepreneurs, establishment of a functional farmer service centre and production of nutritious and high-value crops at Elelea farm.
The meeting was attended by Chief Officers Jane Rose Tioko (Partnerships), Peter Ikaru (Agriculture), Pauline Tangarae (Trade) and Agnes Mana (Preventive and Promotive Health) who presented sector priorities for El Niño preparedness.
