Turkana County, through the Kenya Devolution Support Programme II (KDSP II), is engaging communities from the Napool, Nanye and Tisa irrigation schemes on the proposed rehabilitation of Turkwel Earth Dam in Loima, focusing on community participation, environmental & social screening and voluntary land donation.
The engagement aimed to inform community members about the proposed project, provide an opportunity to raise concerns, and clarify their role in the project implementation process.
If successfully implemented, the proposed Earth Dam is expected to benefit more than 1,400 people relying on the Napool, Tisa and Nanyee irrigation schemes through improved water availability for agricultural activities and enhanced livelihoods.
Speaking during the engagement, Programme Coordinator Lodoso Gabriel highlighted the importance of involving communities in project implementation to ensure their concerns are considered and appropriate safeguards are put in place.
“The project should deliver lasting benefits to the people of Turkana County by improving water availability for irrigation and ensuring the dam is sustainably managed for future generations,” said Lodoso.
Ekadeli Philemon, the KDSP II Environmental Safeguards Focal Person, explained why the proposed project had been classified as high-risk, highlighting the need to identify and manage potential environmental and social impacts during implementation.
He further explained the role of the Project Management Committee (PMC) in strengthening community participation, oversight and grievance management throughout the project process.
The engagement resulted in the formation of a seven-member Project Management Committee (PMC) to serve as a link between the community and the project team, facilitate communication and support the handling of grievances arising during project preparation and implementation.
Francis Esibitar, Chairperson of the Tisa Irrigation Scheme and community representative, appealed for the proposed earth dam to be fenced to enhance safety and protect community members.
He also called for the adoption of modern engineering designs to strengthen the dam banks and minimise the risk of flooding.
As part of the process, voluntary land donation forms were issued to community members for signing to show that the place for proposed earth dam construction has been voluntarily donated.
The engagement is part of KDSP II’s efforts to promote inclusive community participation and ensure that environmental and social safeguards are considered during project preparation.
Also present were;Teresa Teru(KDSP II Social Safeguards Focal Person), Kelvin Ojiem (Environment), Dinah Nakua (DSP II Gender Focal Person), Turkwel Village Administrator (Eleman David), Titus Nakuwa (Turkwel Chief) and Michael Loukubwa (Turkwel Assistant Chief).
by Peter Gitonga
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