Water for Boroma's homes and businesses

Borama, one of the fastest-growing cities in Somaliland, faced a significant challenge: providing sufficient clean water for its ever-increasing population. As the city expanded, so did demand. According to the regional coordinator of the Ministry of Water, even back in 2014, when Borama was smaller, the city struggled with water shortages. The gap between demand and supply led to frequent water cuts, leaving many residents unhappy and frustrated.

However, many of the stories related to water scarcity are now a thing of the past. Under the Somaliland Development Fund (SDF) Phases 1 and 2 Borama received assistance, which allowed the city to increase its water supply capacity from 3 to 9 million litres daily. 

“Thanks to SDF, 70% of people in Borama now have access to clean water,” says Abdirahman Abdisalan, CEO of SHABA, the local water authority. However, he warns that even this significant expansion is not enough. SHABA’s engineers have calculated that Borama’s homes and businesses need approximately 12 million litres of water each day. But with SHABA only able to supply 9 million litres, this leaves a daily shortfall of 3 million litres.

Despite these challenges, access to water has greatly improved. Both households and businesses are benefitting from a reliable water supply. Safiya Abdilahi, a Boroma resident, reflects on her past struggles: 

“We used to rely on water truckers who drew water from wells outside the town. The water was often unclean, and we had to boil it to kill germs before drinking. Sometimes truckers refused to come because they claimed our area was too far. We spent a lot of money on water, but now, thanks to SDF, my house has a water tap. We receive water regularly, and it’s cheaper than before. We can drink it and use it for washing and cleaning anytime without worrying about shortages. We are truly enjoying this change.”

The expansion has also had a positive impacted local business. Hussein Farah, who owns a construction company, highlights the benefits: 

“As the Borama Water Scheme has expanded, it has allowed me to grow my business. I’ve added a brick-making wing due to the availability and affordability of water.” At his newly established brick-making facility, Hussein produces over 1,400 bricks daily and employs more than ten workers. With a reliable water supply, he can now operate his business well into the afternoon.

The good news is that Borama is now set to receive a further round of support under SDF2. This is intended to close the remaining gap of 3 million litres between current supply and demand. This new phase will cost approximately $6.83 million. It includes the drilling of three new boreholes in aquifers west of the city and the installation of new water tanks. The pumps will be solar-powered, making the system environmentally friendly and reducing dependency on diesel. Additionally, SDF will fund the installation of new water distribution pipes within the city.

Fatima Ahmed runs a bustling restaurant in downtown Borama where a steady water supply is crucial. “I need water for cooking and cleaning,” she explains. “Things have improved recently, but it’s still not perfect. If SHABA can provide consistent water in this part of town, it will make all the difference.”

The new phase of the Borama Urban Water Scheme is expected to be completed by early 2025, ensuring that Borama will have adequate water services well into the next decade. As the city continues to grow and thrive, the importance of reliable water access cannot be overstated—it is essential for both households and businesses alike. This project not only addresses the immediate needs of the city's residents and businesses but also lays the foundation for sustainable growth and development in the future.