Government Moves to Alleviate Drought Crisis in Tana River County

The prolonged drought situation that has hit sections of Tana River County has forced the national government to act fast and alleviate the situation.

Speaking during a tour of Assa location, one of the worst hit areas, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Special Programs Geoffrey Ruku said that the government agencies mandated to deal with calamities were assessing the situation before an amicable solution is implemented.

Ruku added that the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) will identify areas where huge dams and water pans can be constructed to harvest rain and flood water so that it can be used during harsh climatic times.

“I have directed NDMA to look for funds to desilt the Assa dam and the other water pans so that we can harvest enough rain and flood water,” he said.

Garsen MP Ali Wario said that the area residents were in dire need of relief food and called on the county government, national government and welwishers to help.

“Residents here reside in scattered areas due to drought and harsh climatic conditions and in Assa division we have secured 200 bags of rice and another 200 of beans and the one for Kone and Bombi will be stored and transported within two days,” said Wario.

Wayu ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Maka Jarso said that in Galedertu Sub County alone, more than 20,000 residents were at risk of starvation due to the drought situation.

“We are in dire need of food aid because the drought has really hit us hard, our animals are dying and we even don’t have water,” said Jarso.

Mr Baloni Barisa from Assa area accused the County government of Tana River of allegedly abandoning them.

“I have not bathed for three days because my wife has to walk more than six kilometers to get water which is only used for cooking since she can’t fetch enough for the family due to the congestion at the only remaining water pan,” he said.