County acts to end human-wildlife conflict over water

The Mandera County government has unveiled two main water projects in Takaba in a bid to end rampant human-wildlife conflicts over the resource.

Darwet borehole, with a capacity of 30,000 litres and Lag Warera Mega dam which holds 120 million litres of water, will serve over 69,000 residents.

Takaba has been in the news in the past after monkeys engaged residents in battle for the only available water ferried by trucks.

The area has been relying on water from Elwak, which is 120 kilometers away.

Speaking while commissioning the water projects as well as street lights in Takaba town, Mandera governor Ali Roba said the borehole and dam will end the water crisis experienced in the area.

“The water project comprises of four tanks and distribution lines that will serve Takaba, Bulla Mpya, Darwet and Affalo areas,” he said.

Lag Warera dam, which has a reinforced base, will get its water from Lag Sure and Lag Warera streams.

In 2000, 10 people were injured when monkeys attacked them for their drinking water.

The thirsty troop of monkeys charged at villagers and began biting and clawing at them and throwing stones before residents retreated and came back with crude weapons.

Ms Habiba Yussuf, a resident said such conflicts have been common when there is a famine.

“We are used to fighting with monkeys over water. The water projects will bring an end to human-wildlife conflicts,” she said.

The county government has also commissioned a county-wide aquifer mapping project to increase access to water.