Baidoa and Jowhar, 15 December 2024 – The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has handed over two newly constructed solar-powered water projects to the Somali Police Force in Jowhar and Baidoa.
The water projects are part of the ongoing ATMIS Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative, which aims to improve access to clean potable water for Somali Police Force officers and local communities.
The handover ceremonies took place at separate events led by the ATMIS Police Commissioner, (AIGP) Hillary Sao Kanu, and her deputy (CP) Martin Amoru.
At the Jowhar Airfield Police Station in Hirshabelle State, AIGP Kanu emphasized the significance of the projects: “This water project is important because it will not only serve the police officers or security personnel in this area but also the nearby community, especially the IDP camp.”
CP Amoru echoed similar sentiments during the ceremony in Baidoa, stating, “These projects are beneficial for the Somali Police Force (SPF) officers as they will enable them perform their duties more efficiently. Water is life, and officers will have it available right where they are instead of having to go far to find it.”
At both events, local police officers also received modern office equipment to enhance service delivery in their areas.
AIGP Kanu and CP Amoru expressed gratitude to the government of Kazakhstan for sponsoring the water projects and to the government of Japan for funding the office furniture.
They noted that each water project, equipped with an elevated storage tank with a capacity of 10,000 liters, will strengthen cooperation between the SPF and local communities, who are the intended beneficiaries.
“We are appealing for more projects to be constructed in the nearby IDP camps and communities to help alleviate the suffering of the inhabitants,” said AIGP Kanu, urging the officers to take proper care and make good use of the office equipment.
ATMIS Civil Engineer Andrew Alele noted that the Baidoa water project intended to serve the local community, including the internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the neighbouring Hannan and Towfiq camps, has met all necessary safety standards.
“The project has passed the water quality analysis test for biological, physical, and chemical parameters, conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of South West State, in accordance with World Health Organization safety standards,” said Engineer Alele.
The Director General (DG) of the Hirshabelle Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, Mohamed Musa, described the project as a sustainable solution to the persistent water shortages experienced in the area.
“This project will address the community’s water needs, and we hope it will contribute significantly to our efforts in finding durable solutions. We are grateful to ATMIS and its donors for their unwavering support,” he said.
The Hirshabelle Traffic Police Commander, Lt. Col. Hassan Daud Mohamed, praised ATMIS for its timely support and commitment to stabilizing Somalia.
“We have received much-needed office equipment from ATMIS, and we appreciate the initiative from our brothers. We request ATMIS to continue supporting us with essential materials that are vital for the police’s functioning,” said Lt. Col. Hassan.
Similarly in Baidoa, the Bay Regional Police Commander, Colonel Amin Mohamed Osman, commended the strong relationship between SPF and ATMIS, expressing gratitude for the two handed-over projects.
“The office equipment and furniture will greatly assist the Somali Police Force in providing essential policing services to the community. We are grateful to ATMIS for always supporting the people of Somalia and the Somali Police Force,” he noted.
In August, ATMIS launched the construction of three solar-powered water projects in Baidoa, Kismayo, and Jowhar. The handover events in Baidoa and Jowhar were attended by senior ATMIS military and police officers, UN personnel, and top officials from Hirshabelle and South West State.
