Following the completion of two new solar-powered boreholes in the country, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and partners announced this month that at least 23,000 Somali communities now have access to safe drinking water. The boreholes were handed over to local communities last week in Awrboogays, Sanag, and Bacadweyn, Galkayo, marking significant progress in addressing water scarcity in drought-hit regions in rural Somalia.
UNDP Initiative Brings Solar-Powered Water Solutions to Drought-Affected Areas
The UNDP announced the initiative in an X post, stating that the two completed solar-powered boreholes will serve communities across Somalia. This highlights the collaboration between the Saudi Fund for Development, the Somali Government, and the UNDP Somalia in delivering safe drinking water to rural communities.
23,000 Somali communities now have access to safe drinking water with the completion of 2 new solar-powered boreholes.
Through a @SaudiFund_Dev-funded initiative, @UNDPSomalia & the Somali Government are providing safe drinking water to rural communities. https://t.co/Em6CUDpB4V pic.twitter.com/F5AMh1I9ro
— UN Development (@UNDP) January 18, 2026
Jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Energy and Water Resources and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the initiative has US$2 million in support from the Saudi Fund for Development. The project builds on extensive community consultations held between 13 and 30 June 2025, during which hundreds of elders, women, and youth identified urgent water needs, selected drilling sites, and established Water Resources User Associations to manage the infrastructure.
In addition to the two completed solar-powered boreholes, nine additional boreholes are currently under construction as part of the broader effort to provide sustainable water access to 120,000 people.
“This borehole will not just feed the villagers, it will also supply water to the displaced communities (IDPs) who are sheltering in the village, and god willing, we hope to also use it for our farms,” said Said Ahmed Ali, 32, Chair of Bacadweyn Village, Galkayo District.
New Boreholes Tackle Water Scarcity and High Costs in Rural Somalia
Somalia faces a severe water crisis, with almost half of the population lacking access to a basic water supply. Rural households often rely on private water tankers costing up to US$6 per barrel per day, an expense beyond reach for the 73 percent of Somalis living on less than US$1.25 a day. Many villages depend on unsafe water stored in open berkads, exposing families to year-round health risks.
Each newly completed borehole consists of a 200-meter deep well, a 22-kilowatt solar system, a 40-cubic-meter elevated water tank, a water kiosk, and a piping system. The infrastructure also includes two animal troughs, one for camels and one for goats and sheep, supporting pastoral communities in the region.
Meanwhile, the UNDP is supporting the rebuilding of Gaza, empowering Palestinians to lead recovery efforts. Back in 2025, Kuwait-based Namaa Charity launched an initiative to provide drinking water for scores of Gaza residents via water trucks.
