Jowhar(Mogadishu24)-The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has handed over two newly constructed solar-powered water projects to the Somali Police Force (SPF) in Jowhar and Baidoa as part of its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiative. The projects aim to improve access to clean water for police officers and local communities, including internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The handover ceremonies, held at separate events, were led by ATMIS Police Commissioner AIGP Hillary Sao Kanuand Deputy Commissioner CP Martin Amoru.

At the Jowhar Airfield Police Station in Hirshabelle State, AIGP Kanu highlighted the broader impact of the project:
“This water project is important because it will not only serve the police officers or security personnel in this area but also the nearby community, especially the IDP camp.”

In Baidoa, CP Amoru reiterated the benefits for SPF officers, emphasizing its role in improving service delivery:
“These projects are beneficial for the Somali Police Force officers as they will enable them to perform their duties more efficiently. Water is life, and officers will have it available right where they are instead of having to go far to find it.”

The solar-powered water projects feature elevated storage tanks with a 10,000-liter capacity, ensuring a sustainable water supply for both police personnel and surrounding communities.

Additionally, modern office equipment was handed over to local police units to enhance operational efficiency. AIGP Kanu thanked the government of Kazakhstan for sponsoring the water projects and the government of Japan for funding the office equipment, urging officers to maintain and utilize the resources responsibly.

ATMIS Civil Engineer Andrew Alele confirmed that the Baidoa water project meets all World Health Organization (WHO) safety standards, following rigorous water quality tests conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of South West State.

“The project has passed the water quality analysis test for biological, physical, and chemical parameters,” said Alele, underscoring its safety and reliability.

Local officials praised the initiative. Mohamed Musa, Director General of the Hirshabelle Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, described the Jowhar project as a sustainable solution to persistent water shortages, while Lt. Col. Hassan Daud Mohamed, Hirshabelle Traffic Police Commander, commended ATMIS for its support:
“We have received much-needed office equipment from ATMIS, and we appreciate the initiative from our brothers.”

In Baidoa, Bay Regional Police Commander Colonel Amin Mohamed Osman expressed gratitude for the continued partnership between ATMIS and SPF:
“The office equipment and furniture will greatly assist the Somali Police Force in providing essential policing services to the community. We are grateful to ATMIS for always supporting the people of Somalia.”

The handover ceremonies were attended by senior ATMIS military and police officers, UN personnel, and officials from Hirshabelle and South West State.

The projects are part of a broader ATMIS initiative launched in August to construct three solar-powered water projects in Baidoa, Kismayo, and Jowhar, aimed at alleviating water scarcity and enhancing community resilience across Somalia.