The cyclical droughts that have hit the country have formed mounting pressure on remaining water resources in the country. Lack of permanent reliable water sources has led to critical water shortages, resulting in humanitarian catastrophe that affected millions of people. Jubbaland State of Somalia is one of the hardest hit areas. The majority of the population in that area depends on sources of water which rely heavily on rainy seasons, and are therefore not available all-year round. As a result, the pressure on existing water sources during the dry season becomes intense, and water prices soar. In turn, this had resulted in poor pasture, poor livestock conditions and livestock loss. Limited access to safe water also has serious repercussion on the health households who are forced to use unsafe water, leading to increased medical bills, prolonged sickness and/or death. Availability of clean water is vital to the eradication of poverty and diseases, and to the long-term attainment of sustainable economic and social development.
