An estimated 200 billion cubic metres of fresh water reserves have been found in one of the most ‘dry’ countries in the world, Kenya, and is believed to be enough to supply the whole nation for the next 70 years.
The reserves were found using satellite technology similar to the method of the search for oil.
In a joint press release, UNESCO and the Kenyan government stress that they must still determine the exact amount of water discovered as well as its quality. They do, however, highlight the importance of the finding.
“The news about these water reserves comes at a time when reliable water supplies are highly needed.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,” said Judi Wakhungu, Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources.
The country has been suffering from a severe drought for the last two years and data shows that roughly one third of the 41 million Kenyan citizens do not have access to drinking water.
