HARGEISA, Somaliland — (Horn post) The Government of Germany has announced additional financial support for the second phase of the Hargeisa Water Expansion Project, officially launched Tuesday in a major step toward improving clean water access for residents of Somaliland’s capital.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Somaliland Vice President and Acting President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, senior cabinet ministers, regional and municipal officials, international development partners, and representatives from various sectors of society.
The project, considered one of Somaliland’s most critical infrastructure developments, aims to significantly expand access to clean drinking water in Hargeisa, where rapid population growth has increased demand for reliable water services.
The initiative is funded by Germany’s Development Bank (KfW) and implemented by the Hargeisa Water Agency.
Somaliland Government Targets 80% National Water Access
Speaking during the launch event, Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi praised all institutions involved in delivering the project and said the Somaliland government has placed water development among its highest priorities alongside electricity and key economic infrastructure.
He said the administration is committed to dramatically expanding water access across Somaliland during its term in office.
“The government is committed that while we are in office, 80% of Somaliland’s population must have access to water. Even if we do not achieve 100%, reaching 80% is our commitment,” said Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi.
The vice president emphasized that water development remains essential because clean water forms the backbone of public health, economic development, and improving the quality of life for citizens.
He added that the government is implementing broader plans to expand water services not only in Hargeisa but also in other cities across Somaliland.
Somaliland Water Minister Calls for Universal Clean Water Access in Hargeisa
Somaliland Minister of Water Development Mohamed Abdimalik said the second phase of the Hargeisa water expansion project represents a major achievement and thanked Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro for prioritizing the expansion of water services in the capital.
The minister praised the technical capacity and commitment of employees at the Hargeisa Water Agency but challenged management to ensure every resident receives clean water access.
“I thank the President of Somaliland for making water expansion in the capital his number one priority. I have seen the commitment and expertise of the Hargeisa Water Agency staff and their determination to supply water to Hargeisa. But the agency leadership must ensure every person living in Hargeisa has access to clean water so citizens no longer depend on water tankers,” said Minister Mohamed Abdimalik.
Germany Announces Additional €10 Million Investment
Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Nairobi, Simon Hagemann, announced that Germany will continue expanding support for Somaliland’s water development programs.
Hagemann revealed that Germany has already invested more than €23 million ($26 million) to improve Hargeisa’s water supply and announced an additional €10 million ($11 million) in new funding for the ongoing expansion effort.
“The German government is very pleased to have contributed more than 23 million Euros (26 million Dollars) to help double water access in Hargeisa. Today, we are adding 10 million Euros (11 million Dollars) to the Hargeisa water expansion project. Germany remains strongly committed to continuing support for your journey toward water development,” said Simon Hagemann.
The announcement was made during the official launch ceremony of Phase Two of the Hargeisa Water Expansion Project.
Somaliland Needs $724 Million to Solve Water Crisis, Minister Says
Somaliland Presidential Affairs Minister Khadar Hussein Abdi revealed that a study conducted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) concluded Somaliland requires approximately $724 million to secure sufficient national water supply and fully overcome water shortages.
He said President Abdirahman Irro has adopted the study’s recommendations and approved the establishment of a Somaliland Water Development Fund to mobilize financing for future water infrastructure projects.
“A study conducted by the African Development Bank on Somaliland’s water sector shows that Somaliland needs 724 million dollars to secure sufficient water and permanently overcome water shortages. The President has decided to act on this study and establish the Somaliland Water Development Fund, where all stakeholders can contribute financially,” said Minister Khadar Hussein Abdi.
Finance Minister Says Project Reflects Years of Planning
Somaliland Finance Minister Abdillahi Hassan Adan described the launch of Phase Two as the result of a long-term development strategy that began in 2016, when initial agreements for the project were signed.
He stressed that expanding access to clean water requires effective planning, sustainable financing, and strong management.
The minister also praised Hargeisa Water Agency Director Abdillahi Beershiya, saying he was appointed based on expertise and leadership capability.
“Today we celebrate a project that began with agreements signed in 2016. The growth of the capital and the increasing population make access to sufficient clean water absolutely necessary. Water development can only succeed through good planning, effective investment, and strong management,” said Finance Minister Abdillahi Hassan Adan.
Hargeisa Water Agency Seeking Alternative Water Sources Beyond Geed-Deeble
Director of the Hargeisa Water Agency, Abdillahi Bershiya, said authorities are working to ensure Hargeisa does not continue relying solely on Geed-Deeble, the city’s primary water source.
He explained that population growth has sharply increased water demand, forcing authorities to search for additional water sources.
According to Beershiya, Geed-Deeble currently contains 32 wells, but some are no longer operational, reducing the city’s production capacity.
“We are working to ensure Hargeisa’s water supply does not depend only on Geed-Deeble. The population is increasing, and Geed-Deeble has 32 wells, some of which are not functioning. We have already discussed this issue with the President, and soon we will present new locations where we believe additional water sources can be developed,” said Abdillahi Beershiya.
Germany and Somaliland Strengthen Development Cooperation
Separately, Somaliland Minister of Planning and National Development Kaltun Sheikh Hassan Abdi held talks Tuesday with German development cooperation chief Simon Hagemann to strengthen long-term development partnership between Somaliland and Germany.
The meeting focused on continued German support in several critical sectors, including:
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Water and sanitation development
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Climate change resilience programs
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Agricultural development
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Skills training and vocational education
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Migration management
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Prevention of gender-based violence
Minister Kaltun thanked Germany for its continued commitment to Somaliland and said the partnership remains essential for advancing national development priorities and improving living standards.
German officials reaffirmed Berlin’s commitment to supporting Somaliland, particularly programs focused on community resilience, economic growth, and strengthening public institutions.
Pictures:
Prepared by:
By Horn Post Staff
Hargeisa, Somaliland.
