Written question asked by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 14 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 July 2004. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 July 2004 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if he will make a statement on the progress being made to assist Kenya in the provision of (a) the roads network and (b) water distribution in the North West of the country.

Answer: Mr. Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the progress being made to assist Kenya in the provision of (a) the roads network and (b) water distribution in the North West of the country. [185122] Hilary Benn: DFID supports development work in North West Kenya through partners such as Oxfam and Water Aid Kenya (locally known as Maji na Ufanisi). This work includes long-term development and short- term humanitarian assistance carried out in close collaboration with the Kenya authorities and with local communities. The long-term development approach involves strengthening local organisations to press the Government to provide basic services, including roads and water, and at the same time building community capacity to provide services such as bore hole maintenance at local level. Part of Oxfam's current work in response to the famine in the North West (which is supported by DFID) is the provision of water for domestic use (construction and rehabilitation of bore holes and pan/dams, well protection and other water points) for both domestic and livestock use. As a result of this, the pressure on water in the North West has been reduced even during this period of drought and famine.

Secondary information