In the Boocame village, a transformative water project implemented by Oxfam has brought relief to a community long plagued by water scarcity. Abdirisaq Ali Salad, the district's water manager, recounts the dramatic shift in their daily lives.
Hodan Warsame of Oxfam interviews Abdirisaq Salad, the village water manager.
"Before this project, our community faced many challenges," Salad explains. "People struggled to access water, especially at night. If they couldn't fetch water then, they had to wait until morning."
Hodan Warsame, Oxfam Public Health Engineer, inspects the water kiosk in Boocame.
Oxfam's multi-faceted approach tackled the issue head-on. Oxfam rehabiliated the community borehole and installed a 2.5 km pipeline, significantly extending the reach of clean water. They also improved the solar power system for the well and installed a new water pump capable of supplying water to a tank 1.5 km.
The impact of these improvements has been far-reaching. "We can now provide water to areas that had no access before," Salad proudly states. "Three families on the outskirts now receive water from a newly built kiosk."
But Oxfam's work didn't stop at infrastructure. Recognizing the importance of sustainable management, they provided training to a seven-member water committee. This initiative ensures that the community can maintain and operate the new systems effectively.
"Clean water is now available, improving health for everyone," Salad reports. The project has not only quenched the community's thirst but has also paved the way for better hygiene and sanitation practices.
As Boocame residents adjust to their new reality of reliable water access, the ripple effects of this project continue to unfold. “We see the positive impact of Oxfam's work in our community,” Salad concludes, his words reflecting the gratitude and hope of an entire district.
This transformative initiative was funded by the European Union Humanitarian Aid, whose support has made clean, accessible water a daily reality for hundreds of families in Boocame.