Mogadishu December 17, 2022 (SD) – The World Bank announced the approval of a $70 million dollar grant to improve sustainable water, agricultural, and environmental services for rural communities in Somalia’s drylands.

The project, known as Barwaqo, is being implemented at a time when there is a widespread lack of water in Somalia.

The project will expand its services in Somaliland, Puntland, Galmudug, and South West and will now include Hirshabelle and Jubaland administrations.

The World Bank said the project will provide water to 500,000 Somalis, approximately 15 percent of the country’s rural population, who currently do not have access to sustainable clean water.

The World Bank said climate change and other environmental issues contributed to threats faced by Somalis.