Impact
The priorities of the water sector are restoring and upgrading water facilities in the rural areas and urban centres through a cost sharing approach with community involvement, and assisting in management arrangements for all functional water systems. The priorities in the environmental sanitation programme are: At least 195,000 more people drank clean water in 2004 as a result of UNICEF's work in Somalia. Key results include: During 2004, two urban water supply systems were completed and 27 rural bore wells were rehabilitated with installation of drinking water points and water tanks constructed. Private sector investment and management of the water systems was a key achievement both in the northwest and northeast, and was the result of extensive advocacy efforts at the community and local government levels. On-site training on pump and generator maintenance took place in all zones in conjunction with construction and rehabilitation activities. UNICEF supported communities in the protection and rehabilitation of 137 shallow wells, construction of 14 twin latrines for boys and girls in schools, piped water connection to additional six schools and construction of additional four water tanks in four schools. Approximately 10,000 school children received direct access to school water, sanitation and hand washing facilities in 2004. Of the 137 shallow wells, 59 shallow wells were rehabilitated to respond to the needs of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities as part of emergency interventions. These combined activities were undertaken through partnerships with communities, schools, private self-help groups and local authorities. Approximately 43,000 people, mainly women from targeted communities, in 2004 received hygiene messages on proper hand washing practices and safe handling of drinking water at the household level. UNICEF provided support to the Ministry of Water and Mineral Resources in the self-declared republic of Northwest Somalia ('Somaliland') in the development of a Water Policy, National Water Strategy and a Water Act. The Water Act 2004 has been endorsed by the Somaliland government.
Buffor Water Project
In some of the most dry and desolate landscapes in rural and urban areas of Somalia, UNICEF through innovative partnerships with local communities and partners has implemented projects that are providing clean drinking water to children, women, families and livestock. One such project is in the village of Buffor, 10 km from Merka, a large coastal town in Southern Somalia. More information below.
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