The investment case for sustainable water systems in Somalia

Highlights

Drought is a recurrent issue in Somalia, a water-scarce country that receives an average of just 200 mm rainfall a year and is on the fringes of an expanding desert. Most surface water sources dry up during the dry season, putting extra pressure on existing ground water sources, that leads to congestion, high water prices and population displacement. The water situation is compounded by a complex emergency with an active conflict.

To address water scarcity during dry periods, UNICEF with the help of Donors periodically provides emergency water supply through water trucking/vouchers to affected population. This can happen for more than the WASH Cluster standard of 90 days. Water trucking costs vary during different seasons with lower costs during the rainy season and very high costs during the extended dry seasons as demand rises with the scarcity of water.