The need to protect and sustainablymanage groundwater resources took center stage in Marigat Municipality asstakeholders and members of the public gathered for a forum aimed at raisingawareness on the importance of underground water sources.

The Groundwater Awareness Forum,organized by the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources (RCGW), broughttogether community leaders, water-sector stakeholders and residents to discussgroundwater exploration, development and sustainable management.

The forum comes at a time when climatevariability and human activities are increasingly putting pressure on surfacewater sources, heightening the importance of reliable and sustainably managedgroundwater supplies.

Participants were taken throughgroundwater exploration and development technologies, with discussions focusingon how communities can harness underground water resources to supportsocio-economic development while protecting aquifers from depletion andcontamination.

RCGW also used the forum to sensitiseresidents on its mandate and services, while emphasising the importance ofresponsible groundwater use and conservation to ensure the resource remainsavailable for future generations.

The forum was attended by the CountyExecutive Committee Member for Water, Natural Resources and Climate Change,Arch. Ruben Rutto; Chief Officer Eng. Silas Kwenyike; Marigat Area MCA, Hon.Nickson Lemlem; community leaders and other stakeholders.

Theengagement underscored the importance of bringing technical knowledge closer tocommunities and strengthening collaboration among government agencies, localleaders and residents in safeguarding groundwater resources.