GERALD MATEMBU
The government has kickstarted the construction of valley tanks and livestock markets in Karamoja region under the IGAD, Regional Patrol Livelihood Resilience project.
The program was flagged off with the ground breaking ceremony for Usake Valley tank in Kaabong district by the minister for Ethics and Integrity, Fr Simon Lokodo.
Water remains one of the biggest challenges to pastoral communities in drought prone areas of Karamoja.
People move long distances to access water for their animals which impacts on their social economic potential.
However, this could become history following a move by government to construct valley dams and valley tanks in various district across the region.
The infrastructure is aimed at making water available to the pastoral communities in a more sustainable manner.
Construction of the first valley tank has taken off in Usake valley dam in Kabong district and more tanks are expected to be constructed in the districts of Bukedea, Kween, Nakapiripirit, Napak, Kumi, Amuria and Abim.
Area MPs applauded the move saying that it was long overdue.
This is being done concurrently with establishment of livestock market infrastructure to allow the pastoral and agro pastoral communities to tap into the increasing demand for the livestock and livestock commodities coming from the global markets especially the Gulf States.
Other interventions include the fight against pests and diseases and the introduction of improved drought tolerant breeds to maximise the economic value of livestock and livestock products.
The regional Pastoral Livelihood resilience project is a world bank funded IGAD initiative aimed at enhancing resilience and economic potential of pastoral communities in cross boarder drought prone areas.
