In brief
- On 15 January 2014 Somaliland Sun reported that the second phase of the Humbo-Weine water supply project was 'being started', attributing the announcement to the water minister.
- The report attributes phase 1 completion and its 10 boreholes, and UAE sponsorship of both phases, to the minister, and the release of UAE funds and a signed continuation to the Hargeisa water agency manager.
- The report establishes nothing about what has happened to the project since that date.
On 15 January 2014, Somaliland Sun reported under the byline M.A. Egge, datelined Hargeisa, that the second phase of the Humbo-weine water supply project was being started. The announcement was attributed to the water minister, Hon. Hussein Ahmed Abdillahi.
The minister was speaking at a press conference, Somaliland Sun reported, flanked by Hargeisa water agency manager Mr. Ibrahim Siad Yonis.
What the officials said
According to the report, the minister said the first phase consisted of drilling 10 water boreholes and had since been successfully completed. He said the UAE government was the main sponsor of both phases.
On the pipes, the minister said: "The initial pipes were changed since we felt they were smaller." The report gives no number, diameter, length or cost for that change.
The Hargeisa water agency manager, Mr. Ibrahim Siad Yonis, was reported saying: "We have just been informed of the UAE releasing the funds for the second phase which we have now signed to continue construction for the rest three months." He said that period took effect from the previous day, Tuesday 14 January 2014.
The report also records the minister denying allegations that water from this phase was being diverted to Geedeeble, calling them baseless. The report does not establish the allegations as fact; it records the denial.
Both officials asserted, according to the report, that completion of the project would alleviate much of the city's water scarcity. That is a forward-looking official assertion, not a measured outcome. The project, the report says, is supposed to supply water to the eastern and southern parts of the city upon completion.
What the report does not establish
It does not establish that phase 2 construction physically began beyond the announcement and the agency chief's statement. It does not state a contract value, financing agreement or disbursement record for the UAE funding. It does not give a total project cost or a phase-by-phase budget.
It gives no independent verification or commissioning record for the completion of phase 1's 10 boreholes. It gives no completion date; a three-month period from 14 January 2014 is stated, not a deadline. It carries no contractor registration, tender record or contract documents for Al-khalifa foundation's role beyond the minister's statement that the foundation was continuing construction and implementing the project as planned.
Above all, the report establishes nothing about what has happened to the project since 15 January 2014.
Frequently asked questions
Where was the Humbo-Weine water supply project meant to supply water?
According to Somaliland Sun's 15 January 2014 report of the minister's statement, the project was supposed to supply water to the eastern and southern parts of the city upon completion.
Who was implementing the project?
The minister said, as reported by Somaliland Sun on 15 January 2014, that the Al-khalifa foundation was continuing construction and implementing the project as planned.
What was the extent of phase 1?
The minister said, as reported by Somaliland Sun on 15 January 2014, that the first phase consisted of drilling 10 water boreholes and had been successfully completed. The report carries no independent verification or commissioning record.