Development of water sources and water supply systems for ECO villages in Gedo-Somalia

TERM OF REFERENCE (ToR)

A.         BACKGROUND

The project, generously funded by KfW Bankengruppe and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), with technical support from UNICEF, is being implemented under the leadership of the Jubaland Ministry of Energy and Water Resources. This collaborative initiative aims to address persistent challenges related to water access and quality in Belet-Hawa district, Gedo region—an area where both deep and shallow groundwater sources are heavily relied upon by vulnerable communities.

The Ministry is undertaking the development of sustainable water supply systems for the ECO villages of Gawido, Malkarie, and Oda, where the existing urban water infrastructure remains inadequate, particularly in meeting the needs of populations displaced by conflict, climate-related shocks, and other emergencies.

The core objective of the project is to improve access to safe, clean, and reliable water for the residents of these villages. Currently, many households rely on the Dawa River as their main water source, putting them at continued risk of waterborne diseases such as acute watery diarrhea. During dry seasons, the river often dries up completely, leaving communities without viable alternative water sources.

To address these risks, the project focuses on the development of climate-resilient water systems. Key components include the drilling of boreholes, construction of a centralized elevated storage tank, development of distribution networks, and installation of solar-powered pumping infrastructure. A rapid assessment was conducted by the Ministry to determine the current state of water facilities and to identify priority areas for intervention.

Three boreholes have now been successfully drilled—one in each village. However, the overall water infrastructure remains insufficient due to aging equipment, inadequate distribution systems, and unreliable energy sources. Among the three boreholes, the one drilled in Malkarie produces significantly less water than those in Gawido and Oda. Based on technical assessments and in consultation with UNICEF, the Ministry, and local community stakeholders, it was agreed to prioritize the development of the Oda and Gawido boreholes.

A 100m³ elevated central water storage tank will be constructed in Gawido, which will serve as a gravity-fed supply source for all three villages. The current infrastructure—consisting of dilapidated solar pumps, deteriorated storage tanks, and degraded communal water points—will be rehabilitated and upgraded to ensure efficient and equitable water distribution. Solar-powered systems will be installed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower operational costs.

The project will also rehabilitate existing water kiosks and establish new communal kiosks where needed. Key infrastructure will be secured with chain-link fencing to protect against vandalism and environmental damage.

By modernizing and expanding these systems, the project aims to transform the water supply in Gawido, Malkarie, and Oda into a sustainable, reliable, and climate-resilient service. This will greatly improve public health outcomes, reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases, and contribute to better livelihoods for the communities along the Dawa River.

Recognizing the current funding limitations, the full development of the Malkarie borehole has been deferred until additional resources become available. In the interim, the boreholes in Gawido and Oda—both of which have demonstrated strong yield and recharge capacity—will be fully equipped with modern pumping systems, solar energy integration, and extended distribution pipelines to ensure all three villages benefit equitably.

Through this joint effort, the Jubaland Ministry of Energy and Water Resources and UNICEF reaffirm their commitment to strengthening water security, supporting climate adaptation, and advancing the well-being of communities in the Gedo region.

Jubaland Ministry of Energy and Water Resources invites bids for the provision of the following services: