Mohamed Abdi

Lasanod, SSC-Khaatumo – The leader of SSC-Khaatumo, Abdiqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, presided over the official reopening of the Lasanod Water Plant, which has been fully restored after sustaining significant damage during recent conflicts in the region.

The water plant, originally funded by local businessmen, stands as the largest purification facility in SSC-Khaatumo. Following its destruction, these entrepreneurs spearheaded its reconstruction, reaffirming their commitment to the community’s welfare.

Commitment to Self-Reliance and Development

During the ceremony, Aw-Ali expressed profound gratitude to the business community for their financial contributions, emphasizing SSC-Khaatumo’s dedication to self-reliance over external aid. He reiterated the administration’s pledge to bolster development projects, ensuring essential services, particularly access to clean water, for the residents of Lasanod.

“We sent an assessment team to the city in October, and by then, there was no destroyed house in the city. The areas most affected by the conflict were fully restored within two months, even better than before,” Aw-Ali remarked.

Public-Private Partnership for Sustainable Management

MP Ali Warsame Dhakawe, the Minister of Water and Minerals of SSC-Khaatumo, highlighted that the water plant would operate under a public-private partnership model. This approach aims to ensure the facility remains a jointly managed asset, benefiting both the government and the local populace.

Background and Significance

The Lasanod Water Plant was initially established to provide hygienic household water to the residents of Lasanod, addressing the city’s longstanding challenges with water quality and accessibility. The facility comprises multiple wells equipped with purification and filtration systems, marking a significant advancement in the region’s infrastructure.

The plant suffered extensive damage during the recent conflicts, particularly in early 2023, when reports indicated that critical infrastructure, including water facilities, was targeted, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the area.

Community Impact

The restoration of the water plant is a pivotal development for the local community, addressing the pressing need for clean water in Lasanod and its surrounding areas. This initiative not only improves public health but also symbolizes the resilience and collaborative spirit of the SSC-Khaatumo administration and its citizens.

The successful rehabilitation of the Lasanod Water Plant underscores the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in post-conflict reconstruction and highlights the critical role of local leadership and entrepreneurship in driving sustainable development.