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Women previously had to walk for more than 10km, three times a day
People of Afqaloc, Riverine settlement fetching water at a Trócaire constructed water point in the community. Photo: Rashid/Trocaire
For the people of Somalia, the past three years of persistent drought has made it very difficult to access clean water for drinking and for agricultural use.
Maalim Adan Ali serves as the chief for the Afqaloc Riverine settlement, a region in Somalia primarily known for farming. The region has in recent years been plagued by insecurity and inadequate infrastructure and the accessibility for humanitarian assistance remains limited.
Trócaire works in the community and has implemented a solar-powered shallow well. It allows women and girls to access clean water safely and drastically reduces their workload.
Previously, women had to walk for more than 10km to and from a river to get a 20-litre jerry-can three times a day. For a long time, school-aged children missed valuable school time while helping their households, exposing them to the risk of being abused and attacked.
Maalim Adan Ali, the chief for Afqaloc Riverine settlement. Photo: Rashid/Trocaire
“I appreciate Trócaire for its intervention in our community, including construction of a solar-powered shallow well with extended water taps and provision of health and nutrition services because, we have not received any other humanitarian assistance for a very long time,” said Maalin.
“There is clean water in the community, which has reduced the rate of water-related diseases. Women and girls are relieved from travelling long distances, and there is more time to concentrate on looking after our families.”
Maalin said that the children in the community now have time to go to school, however, the lack of schools near the community still remains a challenge.
“Some of our children will not attend school because they have to travel a long distance to schools away from home. We hope we will get a school in the community soon.”
