Barwaaqo Water Harvesting Project – Somalia
Harvesting rainwater for the dry season—with smart technology and traditional methods
- Location: Somalia (Puntland, Galmadug, South-West State, Hirshabelle and Jubaland)
- Date: 2023 – ongoing
- Client: Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development
- Project Type: Water supply engineering
Delivering climate-proof water supply systems for agropastoral communities
Building on the success of the Biyoole Project (2020-2022) to develop water points and support livelihoods in Somalia, the Somali Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development launched the Somalia Water for Rural Resiliance Project (“Barwaaqo”) in five states (Puntland, Galmadug, Southwest, Hirshabelle and Jubaland). State governments in Somalia needed to improve access to water for rural communities and their crops and livestock who faced increasing water insecurity due to the changing climate. The Ministry commissioned Hydro Nova to site, design and supervise the build of 70 rainwater harvesting structures that would extend water security for people, crops and their animals through the dry season.
This project will increase water supply by nearly 1.7 million cubic meters, enough to sustain the needs of over 500,000 rural Somalis and thousands of head of livestock during the driest months of the year.
Services Provided
Infrastructure siting
Our pre-feasibility services include community surveys to understand local water management dynamics and regional analysis of geology and hydrology to determine the most suitable structures and target the best sites on which to harvest, store and deliver water through the drier periods.
Climate proofing and design
At selected sites in Puntland, Galmudug, Southwest, Hirshabelle and Jubaland, we are conducting detailed geotechnical, geological and drone surveys and preparing detailed designs and tender documents for a range of traditional water harvesting hydraulic structures that includes sub-surface dams, sand dams, burkads, haffir dams and shallow boreholes. The structures are being climate-proofed to deliver multiple benefits such as improved health, more productive livelihoods and restored landscapes, even during prolonged periods without rain.
Construction supervision
We’re managing and supervising the construction of 70 rainwater harvesting hydraulic structures, including hydrological monitoring during and following construction. The project is constructing sub-surface dams, sand dams, improved burkads, haffir dams and rehabilitated boreholes in the five areas of Somalia.
Technical support
Hydro Nova is providing mentoring support to the state agencies throughout the project, applying lessons and methods learned from the World Bank-led WALP – Water for Agro-Pastoral Livelihood Project 2016-2018.
