Riyadh — The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) has taken a significant step towards alleviating the water crisis in Somalia by signing a $5 million agreement with a Somali civil society organization. The agreement aims to supply clean drinking water to communities affected by drought, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Under the deal, 24 solar-powered artesian wells will be drilled, and 20 existing wells will be restored. This initiative not only addresses the immediate need for clean water but also ensures a sustainable and renewable source of drinking water for over 1 million Somalis.
Dr. Abdullah Saleh Al-Moallem, the director of KSRelief’s health and environmental aid department, highlighted that the project goes beyond water provision. An educational program on sanitation and hygiene will be implemented, along with training for water resource management committees on well operation and maintenance.
The investment in clean water infrastructure is part of the Saudi Aid Platform’s efforts, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to humanitarian assistance in Somalia. To date, Saudi Arabia has contributed over $400 million to various humanitarian projects in the country.
Furthermore, KSRelief has recently launched projects worth $190 million across multiple sectors, including community support, health, emergency relief, food provision, malnutrition prevention, and empowerment. These initiatives demonstrate the Kingdom’s comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and supporting sustainable development.
The $5 million water initiative is just one of many endeavors undertaken by the Kingdom through KSRelief to provide assistance to those in need. By focusing on vital areas such as clean water, Saudi Arabia aims to improve living conditions and enhance the well-being of communities facing challenging circumstances.
The collaboration between the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and the Somali civil society organization exemplifies the importance of international partnerships in tackling humanitarian crises. Together, they are making a significant difference in the lives of drought-affected communities in Somalia by ensuring access to a fundamental resource: clean drinking water.
