Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia has launched a major evaluation of its flagship water resilience programme, bringing federal and state leaders together in Mogadishu to reassess progress and sharpen plans for expanding safe and sustainable water access. The mid-term review of the GW4R initiative was opened by Minister Abdillahi Bidhan Warsame, setting the tone for a week of intensive discussions with the World Bank and senior government counterparts.
The gathering marks a pivotal moment for a country where water shortages, climate shocks, and rapid population growth continue to stretch already fragile systems. Officials describe the review as an opportunity to take stock of achievements, confront persistent hurdles, and agree on a realistic path forward that aligns with Somalia’s long-term recovery and climate resilience ambitions.
Participants are examining how investments have been deployed across regions, whether communities are benefiting as intended, and what adjustments are needed to keep the programme on track. For many involved, the process is about more than meeting project targets—it is a chance to reinforce cooperation between federal institutions and state authorities, whose collaboration is essential for water infrastructure to endure beyond short-term interventions.
As discussions continue, the shared focus remains on strengthening supply systems, improving governance, and ensuring that future projects deliver reliable and equitable water access. For a country navigating recurring droughts and unpredictable weather patterns, the outcomes of this review could shape how millions of Somalis secure water in the years ahead.
