Somali region launches nearly $3 million water project in Qabridaharre
Mustafa said his government has placed social services at the center of its agenda, pointing to water, health, education, roads and urban infrastructure as key priorities. He described the Qabridaharre project as part of a wider regional effort...
Monday May 11, 2026
Jigjiga (AX) — A long-awaited solution to Qabridaharre’s water problems took a major step forward on Sunday, when Ethiopia’s Somali Regional Government broke ground on a 407 million birr water purification plant aimed at easing chronic shortages and improving water quality in the town.
Somali Regional State President Mustafa Muhumed Omar and Water Affairs Minister Ahmed Miraad Layli led the foundation-laying ceremony, joined by local and district officials.
The plant is slated to supply clean, treated water to Qabridaharre and surrounding communities, where residents have for years depended on brackish water with high mineral content. Officials say the project will help cut waterborne health risks while also improving access to a basic need for people and livestock alike.
Mustafa said his government has placed social services at the center of its agenda, pointing to water, health, education, roads and urban infrastructure as key priorities. He described the Qabridaharre project as part of a wider regional effort to raise living standards and strengthen essential public services.
Residents expressed relief and optimism at the launch, saying clean water has remained one of the town’s most stubborn challenges. Many said they expect the purification plant to finally reduce reliance on untreated water that has long affected both households and animals.
Officials said the project is one piece of a broader push by the regional government to expand basic services as demand for safe water continues to rise across the Somali region.