Solar-powered boreholes bring life-saving water to drought-hit communities in Somalia

January 5, 2026

Several camels stand along a concrete water trough in a desert under a clear blue sky. — Photo: UNDP Somalia

At least 23,000 Somali communities now have access to safe drinking water, with the completion of two new solar-powered boreholes in Somalia.

These boreholes, one in Awrboogays, Sanag and another in Bacadwyen, Galkayo, were handed over to local communities last week, marking the start of a major effort to expand safe water access across four drought-hit districts in rural Somalia. The handover signals early progress in a wider initiative that aims to provide sustainable water access to 120,000 people and strengthen community-led water governance in some of the country’s most water-stressed areas.

The new drive — jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Energy and Water Resources and UNDP, with US$2 million in support from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) — is delivering a coordinated response to years of prolonged drought, climate variability, and limited water infrastructure. Nine additional boreholes are currently under construction and moving toward completion.

The initiative builds on extensive community consultations held between 13–30 June 2025 across some of the drought-hit regions of Somalia, where hundreds of elders, women, and youth helped identify urgent water needs, select drilling sites, and establish Water Resources User Associations to manage the infrastructure once completed.

“This borehole will not just feed the villagers, it will also supply water to the displaced communities (IDPs) who are sheltering in the village, and god willing, we hope to also use it for our farms,” said Said Ahmed Ali, 32, Chair of Bacadweyn Village, Galkayo District.

Worker standing on scaffolding beneath a large white module atop a tall frame against blue sky.

Man in a light blue shirt aiming a handgun near a barbed-wire fence in a desert.

Somalia’s water crisis remains severe: almost half of the population (48%) do not have access to basic water supply, while rural households often rely on private water tankers costing up to US$6 per barrel per day — a cost unattainable for the 73% of Somalis living on less than US$1.25 a day. Many villages depend on unsafe water stored in open berkads, exposing families to health risks year-round.

“I am very happy to see the newly completed borehole. Life will be easier for us and our children,” Faadumo, a woman from Bacadweyn.

The newly completed boreholes consist of the 200-meter deep borehole, 22-Kw solar system, a 40 cubic meter elevated water tank, a water kiosk, and piping system. The boreholes also include two animal troughs, one for camels and one for goats and sheep.

“Now that we have a new borehole here, I will not have to wander far and wide to water my camels. This is something really significant for pastoralists in this dry zone,” Jamac Aden Iley, 55, a pastoralist who came to water his camels.

All the 10 sites selected to receive support for borehole construction are extremely dry zones. For example, in Qararo, Togdheer Region, where no boreholes currently exist, women and children walk 15 km daily to fetch water. The project is now drilling a borehole in the village and a water users’ committee is already in place. Similar community-led planning is underway in Hagooge, Dhusamareb and Kismayo, each facing distinct challenges but united by a shared need for reliable water access and long-term resilience.

“This is yet another example of a strong collaboration and partnership delivering for communities and the people of Somalia. By prioritizing support to, and implementation of water resources, UNDP is partnering with the SFD to improve livelihoods and living conditions for people in line with national priorities,” said Dr. Christopher Laker, Deputy Resident Representative for UNDP in Somalia.

“We are proud to see these solar-powered boreholes now serving thousands of people with safe and reliable water. This achievement reflects the Saudi Fund for Development’s dedication to supporting Somalia’s national priorities and advancing projects that improve livelihoods, health, and economic opportunity," said Eng. Bandar Abdullah Alobaid, General Manager of Arabic Countries Operations, Saudi Fund of Development.

By December 2026, the project will not only supply clean water to tens of thousands but is also expected to benefit more than 3 million people indirectly through improved water practices, stronger community-level resource management, lower household expenses, and better health outcomes.