Figure 1: Newly constructed 60m³ water tank constructed at Qeydaro borehole
In the small town of Qeydaro in Galmudug, water has always been more precious than gold. This community relies almost entirely on livestock to survive, yet for years, the community struggled with one old borehole whose water tank, with a capacity of only 24m³ (24,000 liters), could never keep up with the demand of families and animals.
During the dry and hot seasons, the situation became unbearable. Long queues stretched endlessly, conflict broke out in the mornings over who should fetch first, and mothers often returned home late in the day, exhausted and worried.
Sometimes we waited for hours and then found out the borehole had run dry. Families would go without water, and animals suffered. Life was very difficult,” said, one of the elders.
That struggle is now part of Qeydaro’s past. Through the Rapid Nationwide Stabilization (RNS) Program, funded by the European Union and implemented by NIS Foundation, the borehole has been transformed. Today, the site features a newly constructed 60m³ (60,000 liters) water tank, a solar-powered pumping system, two livestock troughs for camels and goats, and separate washrooms for men and women.
The results have been truly life changing. Every day, the borehole now provides clean water to around 500 families, while also sustaining the town’s livestock — more than 1,000 goats, 500 camels, and 200 donkeys. In addition, 15 water tankers, each with a capacity of 50 barrels (10,000 litters) transport water to 15 neighbouring villages, ensuring that even distant communities’ benefit from this lifeline.
Figure 2: Camels and goats in Qeydaro now have reliable access to water from newly constructed troughs
This project has brought relief to our lives. For the first time, the water is enough. We no longer fight at the troughs,” says Amina, a woman in Qeydaro, with a smile.
When Water Brings Peace
Peace has also flowed back into the community. With enough water for both people and livestock, disputes over access have disappeared. “This borehole has not only given us water but also peace. Before, fights were common every morning. Today, everyone gets their share without conflict,” explains Mohamed, head of the borehole committee
Beyond quenching thirst, the borehole has restored trust, cooperation, and harmony among community members — strengthening their resilience and unity in the face of future challenges.
Water and Light Together
The changes go beyond water now. Previously, women and children who bear the main responsibility for collecting water relied on torches when fetching water at night, exposing them to insecurity. The installation of Two solar powered lights at the edges of the borehole has transformed this experience.
We used to fetch water at night using torches. It was frightening. Now with the lights, we feel safe, and even our children can come with us. It is a big change for us,” shares Fatima, a mother.
For the people of Qeydaro, this borehole is more than infrastructure, it is a symbol of stability, dignity, and hope. What was once a place of tension and scarcity is now a place of peace and resilience, where water flows freely and the community stands stronger together.
Figure 3: From scarcity to abundance — water now flows freely in Qeydaro.