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Residents of the Somali Regional State in Ethiopia are facing severe water shortages, with taps running dry for weeks at a time, despite billions of birr being spent on water supply and dam projects. Allegations of corruption and inefficiency have surfaced, raising concerns about the mismanagement of public funds and the failure of critical infrastructure projects.
In Jigjiga, the regional capital, residents say they are lucky if water flows from their taps even once a week. This dire situation persists despite the inauguration of a 1.4 billion birr clean water project just six months ago. The project, which was celebrated with a lavish ceremony attended by regional President Mustafa Omar and praised by the Prime Minister, was supposed to supply Jigjiga with water from 11 wells and reservoirs located 47 kilometers away in Fafen. However, sources reveal that the project has failed to deliver on its promises, with substandard materials and non-functional pipelines rendering it ineffective.
“The new clean water project for Jigjiga was carried out with substandard materials. You can see the non-functional pipes laid outside. None of the project’s materials are functional now. The talk of eleven wells and reservoirs is also untrue,” a source close to the matter told *The Reporter*, speaking on condition of anonymity. The source added that the project lacked proper supervision and oversight, making it highly susceptible to corruption.
The Jigjiga project is not an isolated case. A water supply project in Degehabur, initiated nearly 15 years ago with an 800 million birr budget, remains incomplete. Similarly, a water infrastructure project in Shilabo Woreda, launched three years ago, has yet to be finalized. Other projects in Wangey Woreda, Harewa, and Selehadwangey, initiated with much fanfare and government pledges, have also failed to materialize, leaving residents without access to clean water.
The only successful example in the region is the Gode clean water project, which was completed two years after its launch five years ago. However, even this project has been marred by corruption allegations, according to sources. The Gode project’s success is attributed to the involvement of the federal government and the World Bank, which provided significant funding.
The Somali Regional State’s Water Bureau has remained silent on the allegations, with officials failing to respond to repeated requests for comment. Meanwhile, the Somali Communication Bureau claims that clean water supply coverage in the region has increased from 19 percent to 51 percent over the past five years, with 13 water projects in Jigjiga and 29 in other parts of the region reportedly finalized. However, these claims are at odds with the lived experiences of residents, who continue to struggle with water shortages.
The issue extends beyond the Somali region. In the neighboring Oromia Regional State, corruption and delays have plagued water infrastructure projects, particularly in the Borena Zone. Five water projects in Borena remain incomplete after 15 years and billions of birr in expenditure, exacerbating the impact of a five-year drought that has led to the loss of lives and livestock.
Sources allege that Chinese contractors involved in these projects have been implicated in corruption and foul play in public procurement procedures. These allegations highlight systemic issues in Ethiopia’s construction industry, where lack of oversight and accountability have led to the mismanagement of public funds and the failure of critical infrastructure projects.
As residents of the Somali region continue to endure water shortages, calls for transparency and accountability in the management of public projects are growing louder. The failure of these projects not only undermines public trust but also exacerbates the challenges faced by communities already grappling with poverty and climate-related crises.