Somalia is currently facing protracted droughts that has claimed the lives and livelihoods of many. Minimal rainfall was received in some parts of the country but the situation remains dire as the number of people affected by the drought has more than doubled since the beginning of 2022.
Water shortages are at critical levels exposing vulnerable people to additional risks. According to the Somalia HNO, eight million people (62 per cent of whom are children) need immediate WASH assistance.
CPD, with the support of DKH is currently implementing an integrated project; The multi-sectoral and integrated humanitarian response with focus on food security and livelihood for conflict and climatic shocks affected vulnerable people and communities in Somalia, South Sudan and Ethiopia.
On key activity that been undertaken is the rehabilitation of 25 strategic communal water pans through Cash-for Assets in Galkacyo South, Adado, Guricel, Dhusamareb and Abudwak districts in Galmudug State. A total of 1,972 HHs benefitted from the rehabilitation works which came at the right time as some of the rehabilitated water pans have been filled to the brim during the recent rains in some of the target districts.
Communities were given assorted tools to rehabilitate the water pans and this was later handed over to the local management committees for future maintenance of the water pans. This ensures sustainability beyond the project period.
The Cash-for Assets model allows local communities to rehabilitate the water sources which increases their water holding capacity while also giving beneficiary households support that allows them to put food on the table as they receive daily wages throughout the rehabilitation period.
Below are photos of Bali Cadar water pan in Dhusamareeb that was recently rehabilitated. The photos were taken before, during and after rehabilitation.