Despite decades of progress in water provision worldwide, 8 out of 10 people in rural, marginalized communities still lack access to clean water. This persistent challenge is compounded by the worsening effects of climate change, which have led to unprecedented droughts and flash floods among others. These disasters often destroy existing water infrastructure, leaving communities vulnerable to waterborne diseases and without clean water for domestic use, hygiene and sanitation, irrigation, and livestock care.
The riverine village of Malkariye, Somalia faced a devastating WASH crisis following the Gu’ rains. Flash floods destroyed vital water infrastructure and submerged farmlands, severely disrupting the lives and livelihoods of the local community members. In response, NAPAD, in partnership with Trocaire and with funding from Irish Aid, initiated an emergency Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project to restore clean water access for the community.
Through this project, NAPAD rehabilitated key WASH infrastructure, including the village’s shallow well, a 60,000-liter elevated water tank, the village’s piping network, installed a solar-powered water pumping system and constructed a power house. These efforts have transformed access to clean water in Malkariye Village, ensuring clean water is accessible for 350 households.
Halima Mohamed, a mother of two, explained, “During the flood season, getting clean water was a real struggle. The water we managed to get was often contaminated and never enough for our household needs. My children even fell ill with diarrhoea.”
Today, living near the rehabilitated water source, she collects water conveniently to meet these needs. Through community health promotion initiatives led by the Community Health Promoters, Halima and her neighbours have also learned best hygiene practices to mitigate acute watery diseases and proper water storage. This knowledge has improved sanitation for her family and strengthened the overall well-being of the community.
“With access to clean water, we’re not only healthier but also stronger advocates for good hygiene practices in our village,” Halima says proudly.
Restoring access to clean water has empowered women like Halima to reclaim their time and energy, allowing them to focus on their families’ well-being and contribute to their community’s development.
Empowering Communities for a Sustainable Future
Beyond infrastructure rehabilitation, NAPAD and Trocaire have prioritized sustainability by training a local water committee on operation and maintenance of the water system as well as water management. This committee plays a role in ensuring the continued functionality of the water infrastructure.
While not everyone can rehabilitate WASH infrastructure, everyone can support those who do. Support NAPAD today in creating sustainable change for communities like those in Malkariye village. Together, we can build a future where access to clean water and sanitation are a reality for all.