Lifeline Restored: How Borehole Repairs Revived Hope in Lokichoggio

By Turkana Correspondent
For weeks, the doctors, nurses, and patients at Lopiding Sub-County Hospital in Lokichoggio struggled in silence. Without a steady water supply, the hospital – a vital cross-border lifeline for locals and patients from neighboring South Sudan and Ethiopia – was on the brink of crisis. Water taps ran dry, and the pressure to keep the facility running mounted every day.
The surrounding community also felt the pinch. In Kapetadiye, pastoralists walked for hours in search of water for their livestock, while families queued at the few remaining water points, desperate for relief. It was a scene of mounting frustration, with whispers of despair in every corner.
But that story has changed.
Thanks to a decisive intervention led by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water Services, Patrick Losike Lokaimoe, and the swift response of a technical team, the broken borehole serving Lopiding Hospital has been repaired, restoring water to the facility and nearby villages.
“I can confirm that the borehole is now fully operational. Both the hospital and the neighboring community finally have access to water again,” said Lokichoggio Sub-County Administrator Obed Echip, a man many now view as a hero of the hour.
The repairs have brought much-needed relief, not just to the hospital but also to the people who depend on it. The pressure on this critical health facility, which serves the sub-county and beyond, has eased dramatically. Patients and staff can now focus on healing and caregiving without worrying about water shortages.
The ripple effects are also being felt in Kapetadiye, where restored water points and an animal trough have transformed daily life. Local families no longer trek long distances with jerrycans, and pastoralists can now water their livestock closer to home.
“This has been a lifeline for us. Water is everything, especially in a place like this,” shared a grateful villager.
Recognizing the importance of water security, the county government has also stationed a dedicated Sub-County Water Officer in Lokichoggio to ensure timely maintenance and quick responses to any future disruptions.
“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to solving real problems and improving lives,” said Echip. Plans are already underway to replicate these repairs in other areas, such as Longolekomwa and Keachamun, ensuring no community is left behind.
For the people of Lokichoggio and the surrounding regions, the sound of flowing water has brought more than just relief – it has restored hope.