Innovative Solar Photovoltaic Water Desalinisation project transforms and builds climate resilience in Somalia

For Abdi Hassan, a resident of Waaciye town in Puntland State in North-eastern Somalia, finding access to safe drinking water has been a long-standing challenge. 

As part of efforts to provide access to safe and clean water, the United Nation Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with funding from the People of Japan, has installed a Solar Powered Water Desalinisation Plant to purify saline water and supply clean and drinkable water to the residents of Waaciye town, in Puntland. 

In Somalia, UNIDO consolidates stakeholder efforts to advance sustainable industrial development, and to realise scalable solutions that align with the organisations mission and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). Through these interventions, effective solutions to critical challenges such as improving water security take centre stage. Ultimately fostering innovative and coherent strategies that create lasting impact. 

 "We never imagined that technology was the main solution to one of the major issues in our town. I never thought the water here could change from saline to safe for drinking, but UNIDO with the generous funding of the people of Japan has proven to us that clean and reliable drinking water can be realised. The entire community is overjoyed and relieved to finally have access to clean, safe water,"  said,  Mr. Abdi.

Waaciye town which has a population of 23, 241 residents, was strategically selected for the groundbreaking project owing to the prevalence of saline wells that limit access to clean water. With a focus on the most affected communities, the project’s primary objective was to alleviate the severe water shortages that is exacerbated by the region’s vulnerability to drought and climate change. In a region where water scarcity and security pose a daily threat to survival, this project has dramatically improved the community’s resilience to the ongoing impacts of climate change.

The project has seen the installation of a solar powered desalinisation plant in Waaciye town and currently provides the area with a reliable source of clean and safe water that is supplied to over 8300 residents. The plant’s capacity to produce up to 100,000 litres of portable water per day has had a profound ripple effect on the community.

A vital component of the project involved training 15 local Somali individuals to operate and maintain the desalination facility. This approach ensures that the community not only benefits from immediate access to clean water but also gains the skills and knowledge required to sustain the facility’s operations long into the future.

Additionally, the training provided by UNIDO has created meaningful employment opportunities within the community. These trained professionals are now equipped to manage the desalination facility, ensuring that the provision of clean water remains consistent and reliable. The Mayor of Waaciye, Mr. Ahmed Bare expressed his gratitude for the transformative project, stating:

 “The desalination plant in Waaciye has significantly improved our lives. It is truly a blessing, bringing many positive changes. We now have fresh water not only for drinking but also for domestic use and for our animals. We are deeply grateful to UNIDO for their support and remain indebted for this transformation,” said, Mr. Bare. 

UNIDO’s efforts to promote Public-Private Partnerships within the framework of this project, has established a partnership between Genius Watter and WAWACO (Operator of Water Infrastructure endorsed by Puntland Water Authority). As result, the initiative secured additional investment that multiplied the water treatment facility’s production capacity by 2.5 times. Additionally, as part of the PPP, WAWACO will oversee the operations of the water treatment facility and ensure the long-term maintenance and sustainability over the years.