15 JANUARY 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® New Rig to Drill 300 Boreholes in Four Years Adapted from Information by County Government of Laikipia The county of Laikipia, in the east African country of Kenya, received the first county drilling rig at an event which marked the official commissioning of the equipment to enhance borehole drilling services across Laikipia’s 15 wards. It was a welcome relief to solve the water challenges in Laikipia, as the new drill will help increase the number of boreholes to ensure the availability and accessibility of clean, safe water. With this investment, the county government is targeting to reduce travel distance for water access from an average of around 12 miles to about half a mile, a goal that will stimulate the overall county development by improving water supply, sanitation, and hygiene. It will also help promote agricultural productivity, which will not only increase food security but also boost social-economic growth. In his speech, H.E. Governor Joshua Irungu noted the acquisition of a county-owned rig is a significant stride toward solving water scarcity in Laikipia, which has been experiencing water challenges for a long time. “Everyone has a right to sufficient, clean, and safe water, and with the new drilling machine, we aspire to drill 300 boreholes, which will serve a large population, including communities and institutions such as schools and health facilities,” he said. The rig investment will lower the expenses of trucking water during the drought and cut the costs of outsourcing rigs. Chief Officer of Water, Environment and Natural Resources Abraham Samuel Lemanyishoe reiterated the department's commitment to the task of increasing water coverage to reduce the distance to the nearest water source, resulting in an increased percentage of residents accessing water for both domestic and livestock use. WTR
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