Originally published on September 12, 2013
Scientists have discovered a vast underground water reservoir in Kenya's drought-hit Turkana region. Currently, close to half of Kenya's 41 million people have no access to clean water. The newly found wealth of water is believed to be able to supply the country for 70 years.
According to Reuters, "using satellite imagery, seismic technology normally used in the hunt for oil and gas and old-fashioned drilling, the U.N.'s scientific and cultural agency, UNESCO, and the Kenyan government identified five aquifers, two of which were explored.
"The aquifers hold an estimated total 250 billion cubic meters, while some 3.4 billion cubic meters replenish the underground lakes annually - roughly the same as Kenya's current water use, the water minister said.
""If we use the water sustainably, when it comes to water resources we become very secure," Judi Wakhungu, cabinet secretary for the environment, water and natural resources, told Reuters on Wednesday.
"Further tests were needed to confirm the quantity and quality of water, she said. If well managed, the aquifers could supply large-scale irrigation schemes in the barren north and industry, as well as drinking water.
"Aid agencies say groundwater is not a panacea for Africa's water shortages but it could form an important part of a strategy to cope with an anticipated sharp increase in demand for water as the continent's population grows.
"Some studies estimate Africa's underground reserves are 100 times the amount on its surface. But tapping them requires more investment from governments.
"The underground water lies in the Lotikipi and Lodwar basins in Turkana County, one of Kenya's most neglected corners where charity organizations say many live on half the minimum daily water requirement of 20 liters.
"Accessing the water may be difficult in the remote region plagued by banditry and cattle raids between rival tribes that have grown increasingly deadly as automatic rifles flood northern Kenya from neighboring South Sudan and Somalia."
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