Improving Access to Safe Water for Communities in Rural Galmudug
Hope and Social Development Foundation (HSDF) successfully implemented a borehole construction initiative in Af Barwaaqo Village, Mudug Region, Galmudug State, Somalia, aimed at improving access to safe and reliable water for vulnerable pastoralist and rural communities.
Access to safe and sustainable water remains a major challenge for many communities in rural areas of Somalia, particularly in regions affected by recurrent drought, climate variability, and limited water infrastructure. In Af Barwaaqo Village, community members have historically faced difficulties accessing reliable water sources, increasing the burden on households and exposing communities to health, livelihood, and protection risks.
HSDF constructed a community borehole in Af Barwaaqo Village to provide a more reliable and sustainable source of water for the local population and surrounding communities.
The intervention was designed to contribute to:
- Improved access to safe and reliable water.
- Reduced distances and time spent collecting water.
- Improved household hygiene and sanitation practices.
- Reduced vulnerability to drought and water shortages.
- Improved health and wellbeing among community members.
- Strengthened resilience of pastoralist and rural households.
The newly constructed borehole represents an important investment in the resilience and wellbeing of the Af Barwaaqo community. By increasing the availability of water closer to where people live, the intervention helps reduce the pressure placed on households during periods of drought and water scarcity,enhance availability of a reliable water source also supports pastoralist livelihoods, as water is essential for livestock health and household economic security. Women and children, who often carry a significant responsibility for household water collection, can particularly benefit from improved access to water within or closer to their community. and also Water scarcity is one of the major challenges affecting vulnerable communities across Somalia. HSDF’s investment in water infrastructure contributes not only to immediate humanitarian needs but also to long-term community resilience and climate adaptation.
By developing sustainable water infrastructure, HSDF seeks to help communities prepare for and withstand recurrent droughts and other climate-related challenges while strengthening their capacity to manage essential natural resources.HSDF recognizes that sustainable water infrastructure requires strong community participation and ownership. The borehole intervention therefore emphasizes community engagement, responsible use of the water facility, and the importance of maintaining the infrastructure for long-term benefit.
Community participation is essential to ensuring that the borehole remains functional, accessible, and beneficial to both current and future generationsHope and Social Development Foundation remains committed to supporting vulnerable communities across Somalia through integrated humanitarian, development, WASH, livelihood, environmental, and resilience-building interventions.
The Af Barwaaqo borehole is part of HSDF’s broader commitment to improving access to essential services, strengthening community resilience, and supporting sustainable development in underserved communities.
Location: Af Barwaaqo Village, Mudug Region, Galmudug State, Somalia
Sector: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
Intervention: Borehole Construction