From Dry Taps To Flowing Hope: Oriau Village Water Crisis Ends After MP’s Intervention

 January 13, 2026   |    23 views

By Our Reporter I Ngariam Focus 

ORIAU VILLAGE,AKOBOI SUBCOUNTY-For months, the people of Oriau village in Akoboi Subcounty, Ngariam County lived with empty jerrycans and long, punishing walks under the sun. 

Their only borehole had broken down, turning a basic necessity into a daily struggle—until relief finally flowed.

Following a recent visit by the area MP and Minister of State for Education and Sports (Sports), Hon. Peter Ogwang, the long-silent borehole has been repaired, restoring not just water, but dignity and hope to the community.

A Plea Heard, A Promise Kept

During his visit, residents laid bare the hardships caused by the broken borehole, particularly in the peak of the dry spell. 

Hon. Ogwang listened, pledged action, and—true to form—delivered swiftly. Within a short time, the borehole was back to life.

The speed of the response has left residents both relieved and grateful.

“We Were Walking for Water Like It Was a Punishment”

Gabriel Ibilat, the LC1 Chairperson of Oraiu village, described the period as exhausting and humiliating.

“We were walking long distances to fetch water for home use and even for our animals. Now that the borehole is working again, the burden has been lifted,” Ibilat said, thanking Hon. Ogwang for what he called a timely and life-saving intervention.

Livelihoods Restored, Not Just Water

Beyond household use, the repaired borehole has revived small livelihoods. 

For Hellen Agunyo, a local businesswoman who brews ajon (millet brew), the breakdown had forced her to shut down completely.

“I don’t have a bicycle or a helper. Fetching water from more than three kilometres away was impossible. I had to suspend my business,” Agunyo said. “Now I can work again.”

Water as a Signature Service

According to Michael Malinga, the Political Assistant to Hon. Ogwang, borehole repair has become a deliberate and ongoing intervention in Ngariam County.

“We have repaired over 200 boreholes across the county, free of charge. Once information reaches us, action follows,” Malinga noted.

More Than a Borehole

To the people of Oriau, this was not just a technical repair—it was a reminder that leadership can respond, and that government can reach the village.

As clean water once again flows in Oriau, so too does renewed trust that the voices of ordinary citizens still matter.