Issue
Access to safe water is a significant problem in Somalia, aggravated by the destruction and looting of water supply installations during the civil war, the continuing conflict, and a general lack of maintenance. This situation is compounded by erratic rainfall patterns that produce both drought and flooding. It is estimated that 65 per cent of the population does not have reliable access to safe water throughout the year. Less than 50 per cent of Somalis live in households with sanitary means of disposing excreta. Lack of clean water significantly contributes to the high rates of illness and death in Somalia. The impact of poor environmental sanitation is particularly felt in the cities, towns and large villages, or other places where people live in close proximity to each other. Defecation is generally close to dwellings and water resources and lack of garbage collection and the proliferation of plastic bags affect the urban environment and water sources. Poor hygiene and environmental sanitation are major causes of diseases such as cholera among children and women. Cholera is endemic and claims hundreds of lives annually, particularly in densely populated areas. Access to clean water is essential for prevention of diarrhoea diseases and cholera.
Urban Water Supply The Urban Water and Sanitation programme in Somalia is the result of several years of joint programme development with key donors. Between 1997 and 2006, UNICEF supported 14 major urban water projects in different parts of Somalia. Urbanization is a clear trend in the country, and for UNICEF, which focuses on the wellbeing of children, such support is crucial. Read more in attachment in PDF below. [PDF] (PDF documents require Acrobat Reader to view.) |
