By Hassan H. Ibrahim Mohamed, Advocacy and Communications Coordinator, Gargaar Relief and Development Organization – GREDO
Eel-Adow Borehole Constructed by GREDO in Eel-Adow Village 15 kilometers outside Baidoa.
Access to clean, safe, and reliable water remains one of the most pressing challenges in Somalia. With a significant portion of the population relying on unprotected and contaminated water sources, the need for comprehensive and sustainable water sector development is paramount.
At Gargaar Relief and Development Organization (GREDO) we have taken on this critical challenge with a multi-faceted approach that aims to strengthen the water sector in Somalia and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) on clean water and sanitation.
At the core of GREDO’s strategy is the drilling and rehabilitation of various water sources, including boreholes, earth dams, shallow wells, and pipeline extensions. This focus on increasing the availability and accessibility of clean water is crucial in a country where water scarcity and uneven distribution continue to hinder development.
Importantly, GREDO does not simply implement these water infrastructure projects in isolation. Prior to any drilling or rehabilitation work, the organization engages in extensive stakeholder consultations and collaborations. We work closely with the Ministry of Water, as well as the WASH clusters at the state and federal levels, to ensure their interventions are aligned with the overall priorities and gaps in the water sector.
This collaborative approach not only enhances the relevance and impact of GREDO’s projects but also fosters a sense of ownership and commitment from key stakeholders. By aligning their work with national and regional water policies and development plans, GREDO ensures that their efforts contribute to the broader, coordinated efforts to strengthen the water sector in Somalia.
Furthermore, GREDO’s approach goes beyond just the physical infrastructure. Upon the completion of the drilling or rehabilitation work, the organization facilitates the formal handover of the water sources to local water supply companies. This transfer of management responsibilities is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a clear framework for the sustainable operation and maintenance of the newly developed water infrastructure.
By empowering local water companies and communities, GREDO is creating a model of public-private partnership that enhances the long-term viability and resilience of the water systems. This approach not only ensures the continued functionality of the water sources but also builds the capacity and economic potential of local water service providers.
In times of crisis and emergency, GREDO’s comprehensive approach to water sector development becomes even more crucial. The organization has demonstrated its ability to rapidly implement critical response projects, such as water trucking operations, to address urgent water needs in the face of natural disasters, conflicts, or other emergencies that disrupt regular water access.
Beyond these emergency interventions, GREDO also tackles the structural challenges of the water sector in Somalia. The organization advocates for strengthening water governance frameworks, building institutional capacities, and promoting integrated water resources management. This holistic approach recognizes that sustainable water access requires not only physical infrastructure but also robust institutional and regulatory systems.
A group of women/girls collecting water from a water-well constructed by GREDO
Importantly, GREDO’s work places a strong emphasis on the active involvement of local communities throughout the project lifecycle. By engaging communities in the planning, implementation, and management of water-related projects, GREDO ensures that the developed solutions are tailored to local needs and that the sense of ownership and responsibility is fostered within the communities themselves.
A woman collecting water from a water kiosk provided by GREDO in an IDP settlement in Baardheere, Somalia. – The only water source of the community.
“At GREDO, we firmly believe that the path to sustainable water access and resilient communities lies in a comprehensive, collaborative, and community-driven approach,” says Abdihalim, WASH Coordinator at GREDO. “By drilling and rehabilitating essential water sources, empowering local water companies, and fostering partnerships across all levels, we are creating water systems that can withstand the challenges of today and tomorrow.” Says Abdihalim Abdiaziz – GREDO’s WASH Coordinator.
Through this holistic approach, GREDO is making significant strides in strengthening the water sector in Somalia, contributing to the achievement of SDG6 and improving the overall well-being and resilience of the population. As a key player in the water development landscape, GREDO’s work serves as a model for sustainable and equitable water solutions in the region.