SDF-Funded Water Study and Borehole Project Launched in Las'anod

On 2 November 2014, Somaliland Sun reported that the Ministry of Water Resources launched the "Las'anod water study and borehole exploration project" in Las'anod on 29 October 2014. The launch ceremony took place at Mustaqbal Hotel, attended by government officials, traditional leaders, and community members.

The project is described as the first phase of developing the Las'anod city water supply system, comprising geological and geophysical survey, master plan development, designing water distribution system, and drilling boreholes. Somaliland Sun reported at the launch that the project will benefit more than 200,000 people in Las'anod.

The Somaliland Development Fund (SDF) is financing the project. The report states SDF has a total budget of $50 million USD, jointly funded initially by DFID, DANIDA, and the Government of Norway. Mohamed Farah, Project Manager of the SDF-Ministry of Water Resources project, stated at the ceremony that SDF allocated 4.5 USD million to the Ministry of Water Resources to implement the Water Resources Development project, consisting of six sub-projects: expansion of Berbera urban water supply, expansion of Burao urban water supply, water study and borehole testing for Las'anod, connecting Hadaaftimo water source to the town, rehabilitation of water yards in Galgooray, and capacity building for the MoWR.

Farah also stated the project being launched was one of the most important water projects implemented in Somaliland for two decades and that Las'anod is the only one of six main regional cities without water, according to the report. Water Resources Minister Hussein Ahmed Abdulle said the project will expectedly bring a durable solution to long-persisted water problems caused by saline land formation and lack of proper water study. He also stated he convinced SDF and donors to find water for Las'anod.

Sool regional governor Mohamed Farah Adem said the project will address the water shortage in the city and will hopefully supply clean water to Las'anod. State Minister for Reconciliation and Development of Eastern regions Hon. Ali Mohamud Ahmed (Ali Sandulle) said the project is earmarked for Sool to have access to safe drinking water. Garad Jama Garad Ismail, Chief Traditional Leader of Sool Region, said the project confirms the Government of Somaliland is fulfilling development pledges to residents of the region.