| Work Detail |
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has initiated the construction of a solar-powered water project in Jowhar, located in Somalia’s Hirshabelle State. This project, unveiled at the Jowhar Airport Police Station, aims to provide clean and sustainable water access to Somali Police officers and local communities.
The launch ceremony, led by ATMIS Police Commissioner Hillary Sao Kanu, marked the beginning of a 60-day construction period. Upon completion, the water facility will significantly benefit both police officers stationed at the Jowhar Airport Police Station and the surrounding residents. “We have handed over this water project to the Somali Police Commissioner, who will then pass it on to the contractor. Within 60 days, the water project will be completed and ready for use by officers and residents,” said Commissioner Kanu.
Key attendees included the Hirshabelle State Deputy Police Commissioner, Col. Hassan Kaafi, and Assistant Commissioner of Police John Simons, who coordinates the ATMIS Police Reform, Restructuring, and Development (RR&D) unit. The project in Jowhar is one of several initiatives funded by the Government of Kazakhstan, reflecting ongoing international support for Somalia’s stabilization efforts.
ATMIS is implementing similar solar-powered water projects in the Jubaland and South West Federal Member States. These projects, aimed at improving the quality of life for Somali Police Force officers and local communities, also address critical needs such as reducing the distance women and girls must travel to fetch water. “The project will enable the officers to access potable water and also prevent women and girls from travelling long distances for water,” added Commissioner Kanu.
Deputy Police Commissioner Col. Kaafi expressed gratitude for ATMIS’s ongoing support, highlighting previous contributions, including the construction of multiple police stations and capacity-building training for officers. “ATMIS Police has built for us a police station at the Jowhar Airfield and two others in Beletweyne. They continue to conduct capacity-building training for Somali Police Force officers. We are grateful for the support,” he stated.
In addition to the Jowhar Airport Police Station, two other solar-powered shallow wells with water storage facilities will be established at the Baakin Police Station in Baidoa and the Jubaland Police Headquarters in Kismayo. The Government of Kazakhstan has played a pivotal role in supporting these Quick Impact Projects, including the construction of 16 water wells for communities in Hirshabelle under the Stabilisation and Early Recovery Programme.
The ongoing collaboration between ATMIS and international partners like Kazakhstan underscores the commitment to enhancing security and development in Somalia through sustainable and impactful projects. |
