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Water Scarcity Problems in Somalia

Published: November 4, 2009

Dear All. I want to share with you some issues related to water scarcity in Somalia. In Somalia, water was never adequate, even when central government was functioning. The Somali people have frequently experienced severe droughts. The scarcity of water has resulted devastating and appealing situation for both people and livestock. Most of water wells have dried up and the borehole’s water rig is out of order. Most of Somali people and regional authorities used to take care of all major water points, however these vital water points have not received appropriate maintain ace to provide the necessary water for drinking and cultivation purposes. The nomadic population, their livestock and all wildlife are forced to share the meager water resource left available. Now, after working several years in Somalia and much involved in the water scarcity problems, I have seen that rain is very short and it only rains two seasons and sometimes might not. In addition to that Somali people have no efficient water systems for example Dams and other rain harvesting systems. People usually rely on digging berkads (underground water tanks) which causes environmental degradation. Some pastoral communities relay on small natural water ponds during the rainy season, but it will not keep water for a long period. To my experience after traveling and studying in Asia I have observed dam structures are the most effective water systems and it can be used for multi purposes. Many countries feel the effects of water scarcity and the issue must be addressed. If this issue is not dealt with soon, it will become a problem for many other countries in the near future, some which are already beginning to feel the effects So, what is the best system of dealing with the recurrent droughts and what are the most efficient structures to utilize the water for long time. What are the actions that would be effective in preserving and conserving water? Are there any water projects which can be utilized for improving such water scarcity problems in Somalia Particularly? Best Regards, Samatar

1 comments to 'Water Scarcity Problems in Somalia'

posted Monday, January 25, 2010 at 07:36 from Rossella

Dear Samatar, unfortunatly nothing new in what you are saying. I write this with pain because the solution can be found only in good management, in a well structurated governance system and of course with availabity of funds for structural intervents. A monitoring system should be in place also to support the planning use of the water resources. I hope Somalia could get out soon from the internal loop of crise in which fault these last years in order to re-establish a serious cooperation programme and to rennovate the beautiful country which is. Concerning this, I inform you that on the 9th of February the EU calls Water Facilities are going to be publish. Please give a look on the EU web site.

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