Residents of Ormekeke sub-village in Nasipaoriong, Ngorongoro, have started benefiting from a government-backed water project aimed at improving access for both people and livestock.
The project, implemented by the Ngorongoro Conservation Authority (NCAA), includes a borehole capable of producing 13,000 liters of water per hour and a storage tank with a capacity of 135,000 liters.
During a site visit to assess progress, Ngorongoro Conservation Commissioner Abdul-Razaq Badru said the project has brought relief to communities that previously struggled with water shortages, especially during the dry season, when livestock had to be moved to distant areas in search of water.
“This initiative was carried out in close consultation with local communities to address one of their biggest challenges – access to water. The project is now complete, and the residents of Ormekeke have begun using the water. I urge the community to protect and manage this infrastructure through the water and environmental committees they have formed,” Commissioner Badru said.
Ormekeke Sub-Village Chairman, Mr. Oreteti Olenjorio, described the area as arid and lacking reliable water sources.
He hailed the government’s intervention as a lifeline for both residents and their livestock and pledged to safeguard the infrastructure through community-led water committees, while observing conservation laws.
The project, supervised by Engineer Godlove Sengele, not only benefits households and livestock but also supports key institutions in the area, including the Olduvai Museum, Leakey Camp, Mtui Camp, and police housing.
Four water collection points for residents and three watering points for livestock have been established, ensuring reliable access to clean water across the community.
With this project now operational, the people of Ormekeke are set to enjoy a steady water supply, improving livelihoods, livestock management, and overall quality of life in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.