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Kenya aquifer discovered in dry Turkana region | Kenya aquifer discovered in dry Turkana region |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A huge water source has been discovered in the arid Turkana region of northern Kenya, which could supply the country for 70 years, the government says. | |
The discovery brings hope to the drought-hit region, tweeted Environment Minister Judi Wakhungu. | The discovery brings hope to the drought-hit region, tweeted Environment Minister Judi Wakhungu. |
The Lotikipi Basin Aquifer was found using satellites and radar. | The Lotikipi Basin Aquifer was found using satellites and radar. |
Last year, scientists released a map detailing the vast reservoirs which lie under much of Africa. | Last year, scientists released a map detailing the vast reservoirs which lie under much of Africa. |
Another aquifer was found in Namibia - the continent's driest country. | Another aquifer was found in Namibia - the continent's driest country. |
Turkana is one of the hottest, driest and poorest parts of Kenya and was hit by a devastating drought last year. | Turkana is one of the hottest, driest and poorest parts of Kenya and was hit by a devastating drought last year. |
Many of the region's inhabitants are nomadic herders, who are especially vulnerable to a lack of rain. | Many of the region's inhabitants are nomadic herders, who are especially vulnerable to a lack of rain. |
The discovery was announced by Ms Wakhungu at a meeting of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Unesco. | The discovery was announced by Ms Wakhungu at a meeting of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Unesco. |
"This newly found wealth of water opens a door to a more prosperous future for the people of Turkana and the nation as a whole. We must now work to further explore these resources responsibly and safeguard them for future generations," she said. | "This newly found wealth of water opens a door to a more prosperous future for the people of Turkana and the nation as a whole. We must now work to further explore these resources responsibly and safeguard them for future generations," she said. |
The aquifer is said to hold some 200bn cubic litres of water. | The aquifer is said to hold some 200bn cubic litres of water. |
According to Unesco, about 17 million of Kenya's 41 million people lack access to safe water. | According to Unesco, about 17 million of Kenya's 41 million people lack access to safe water. |