ERGO – Three troublesome waterways in Wisil locality, 60 km from Hobyo in central Somalia, that caused repetitive flooding of homes have been diverted to collect water into dams built on the outskirts of the village.
The streams had made the village uninhabitable, with floods displacing hundreds of families from their homes.
A project supported by Somali-based NGO Adeso has diverted the waterways into to six dams near the village, easing the problems of flooding.
Yonis Abshir Dalel, spokesperson for Wisil local administration, told Radio Ergo that the project was implemented at the request of the local authorities.
“We have closed down the waterway and diverted the water flow to six dams. This should be enough water for livestock keepers in the area,” said Dalel.
The project has created casual job opportunities for 200 people in the village, at $5 a day.
According to residents, the streams have been causing floods in the village since 1998. This year, over 300 families were displaced.
Dalel recounted how in April he fled his house in a flood-prone area after it was submerged.
“Part of my house collapsed after the streams flooded. Some of those who fled from their homes went to stay with families in higher lying areas and others outside the village,” he said. “I went back to my house after the floodwaters receded. It cost me $430 to repair my house.”
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned early this month of flash flooding in low-lying areas of Galgadud, Mudug, parts of Nugal as the Deyr rains running from September to December.
Mohamed Ahmed Farah, a father of six, fled his house in Wisil several times. On one occasion, he was displaced for 22 days and had to seek shelter from relatives in higher areas.
“Initially, we were vulnerable to rains and floods but this time round, we have confidence that there will be no problem since the waterways have been blocked,” said Farah, a quarry worker.
Asli Guelleh Diriye, a mother with nine children, counted heavy losses after her house and shop were destroyed. She lost property worth $1,000.
“Before we moved the goods from the shop, heavy floods had already washed away all the goods including sacks of flour, rice, and sugar,” she said.
