In brief
- Goobjoog News reported on 2024-11-01 that Somali officials and UN agencies met in Mogadishu to discuss two projects under the 160-million-U.S. dollars Jowhar Offstream Storage Program.
- The report does not establish what has happened since the meeting or whether any project has started, been completed, or become operational.
- FAO projections cited in the report say the program could enhance water access for 368,887 people and reduce flood risk for 1.5 million people.
On 1 November 2024, Goobjoog News reported that Somalia, UN agencies, and other international partners held a meeting in Mogadishu to discuss the rollout of two projects under the Jowhar Offstream Storage Program (JOSP). The report, datelined Mogadishu and credited to Xinhua, does not establish what has happened since that meeting.
The two projects aim to enhance water resource management and strengthen climate resilience for communities along the Shabelle River, according to the report. The report states the program figure for JOSP is 160 million U.S. dollars, though it does not clarify whether that amount represents total cost, budget, or funding.
The stakeholder forum focused on implementation of the two projects. According to the report, JOSP is set to be rolled out in November, but the report also states that the multi-year initiative was launched in Somalia in June. The extract does not reconcile these two references or specify the year of either the June launch or the November rollout.
Deputy Prime Minister Abdisalan Abdi Ali reiterated the government's strong commitment to successful implementation, according to the report. He said rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure under JOSP is the lasting solution needed for communities along the Shabelle River to build resilience to recurrent droughts and floods, and that it would boost agricultural production and livelihood resilience.
FAO, as reported by Goobjoog News, said JOSP is anticipated to significantly lower risks of droughts and floods, ensure consistent access to water, enhance agricultural production and productivity, and generate income and job opportunities. FAO projections cited in the report say the program is expected to enhance access to water for 368,887 people across five districts, reduce flood risk for 1.5 million people, and mitigate drought impact for 1.65 million people. The five districts are not named in the report.
The report does not identify contractors, funders, or implementing agencies beyond FAO, and no start or completion dates for the two projects are given. It also does not state the exact calendar date of the Thursday meeting, only that the article was published on 2024-11-01.
Frequently asked questions
What two projects are being rolled out under JOSP?
The report says the two projects aim to enhance water resource management and strengthen climate resilience, but it does not provide specific project names or details beyond that.
When will JOSP be rolled out?
The report says JOSP is set to be rolled out in November, but it also says the initiative was launched in June. The report does not reconcile these statements or specify the year.
How many people are expected to benefit from JOSP?
FAO projections cited in the report say JOSP is expected to enhance access to water for 368,887 people across five districts, reduce flood risk for 1.5 million people, and mitigate drought impact for 1.65 million people.