MOGADISHU, Somalia – President Ali Hussein Gudlawe of Hirshabelle State has secured a $160 million project to rebuild the water reservoir in Jowhar town. This initiative aims to combat drought and mitigate flood risks in the region, following a meeting with Somalia’s international partners in Mogadishu.
Funded by the United Kingdom and the Somalia Joint Fund (SJF), the project, dubbed the Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme (JOSP), is set to begin in November. It aims to benefit 1.6 million people and protect an additional two million from potential floods along the Shabelle River.
In his address, President Gudlawe stated that JOSP represents a significant step forward in addressing the persistent drought and flood risks that have plagued Somalia. He affirmed his state’s full commitment to the project and pledged support for its successful implementation, prioritizing the well-being of Hiirshabelle communities.
He also thanked donors and international partners for their contributions, highlighting that JOSP will transform livelihoods in the region.
During the meeting, UN Deputy Special Representative George Conway praised JOSP as a key example of “collaborative programming,” uniting national and international stakeholders to tackle water management, climate resilience, and agricultural growth.
UK Ambassador Mike Nithavrianakis called the initiative “a vital step towards a sustainable future for Somalia,” stressing its importance in flood mitigation, food security, and community support. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to JOSP and its focus on enhancing Somalia’s climate resilience.
U.S. Ambassador Richard H. Riley commended Somalia’s leadership in its ambitious agenda, highlighting support through the U.S.-funded TRANSFORM project to enhance food security in the Shabelle regions.
Somali Energy and Water Minister Abdullahi Bidhaan emphasized JOSP’s significance for effective water governance, while Deputy Prime Minister Abdisalan Abdi Ali thanked international partners for JOSP’s critical role in building resilience along the Shabelle River.
In response to ongoing water management challenges in Hiirshabelle, JOSP aims to combat the dual threats of floods and droughts. This initiative provides a crucial solution for the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, which frequently experience devastating floods that displace communities and cause significant property loss. It will enhance food security, create jobs, and reduce reliance on food imports, ultimately benefiting over 1.6 million people.
