Solar-Powered Water Projects Boost Somali Police and Community Access to Clean Water

In a significant development aimed at enhancing water access and improving the working conditions for law enforcement, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has officially handed over two solar-powered water projects to the Somali Police Force (SPF) in the regions of Jowhar and Baidoa. The handover ceremonies, held on December 15, 2024, mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative by ATMIS, which seeks to provide sustainable solutions to essential infrastructure needs in the country. During the ceremony at the Jowhar Airfield Police Station, Police Commissioner Hillary Sao Kanu underscored the broader impact of the project, stating, "This water project is important because it will not only serve the police officers or security personnel in this area but also the nearby community, especially the IDP camp." This sentiment was echoed by her deputy, CP Martin Amoru, at the Baidoa event, who highlighted that the availability of water within close reach would enhance the efficiency of police operations. "Water is life, and officers will have it available right where they are instead of having to go far to find it," he noted. The newly installed water systems, each featuring an elevated storage tank with a capacity of 10,000 liters, are designed not only for the use of police officers but also to cater to the local communities, including those residing in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. The projects have been well received, with both Kanu and Amoru expressing gratitude to the governments of Kazakhstan, which sponsored the water initiatives, and Japan, which provided funding for modern office furniture. Engineers from ATMIS confirmed that the Baidoa project meets all necessary safety standards, having passed rigorous water quality analyses conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the South West State, adhering to the World Health Organization's guidelines. Civil Engineer Andrew Alele noted, "The project has met all necessary safety standards," emphasizing the commitment to providing clean and safe water to the communities. Local government officials have also voiced their appreciation for the initiatives. Mohamed Musa, Director General of the Hirshabelle Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, described the project as a sustainable solution to the persistent water shortages that have plagued the region. "This project will address the community's water needs, and we hope it will contribute significantly to our efforts in finding durable solutions," he remarked. Support for ATMIS has been vocalized by various police commanders in the area. Lt. Col. Hassan Daud Mohamed, the Hirshabelle Traffic Police Commander, commended ATMIS for its timely intervention and commitment to stability within Somalia. Similarly, Colonel Amin Mohamed Osman, the Bay Regional Police Commander, highlighted the ongoing partnership between the Somali Police Force and ATMIS, noting that the new office equipment and furniture would significantly enhance the police's ability to provide effective services to the community. The handover events were attended by senior officials from ATMIS, UN personnel, and top officials from both Hirshabelle and South West State, emphasizing the collaborative nature of these efforts. The initiative aligns with ATMIS’s broader goals of improving security and stability in Somalia while fostering community engagement and support. As the local authorities appeal for further projects to be developed in nearby IDP camps and communities, the foundation has been laid for a sustained improvement in living conditions and service delivery in these critical areas. The successful implementation of the solar-powered water projects stands as a testament to the potential for international cooperation in addressing local challenges in Somalia.