International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Somalia
The combination of several factors resulted to the challenges faced by people in terms of having access to safe and clean water in Somalia. There is relentless pressure to improve the living conditions of the population living in Somalian communities through the provision of continuous supply of clean and safe water. The IOM deemed it sustainable to implement a system where appropriate sanitation process and knowledge to protect the community from exposure to water born diseases.
Currently, the challenges that exist in Somali in terms of the water supply in the communities are affected by such factors as arid climate, chemical concentration of water from the sources and human activities (International, 2014). For instance, the chemical components that were found in the groundwater, in addition to its salinity makes it hazardous for human consumption. The high concentration of chemicals and water salinity requires water treatment to make the water supply safe for end-use such as for drinking. The IOM recognized that many Somalian communities has been suffering from economic and social setbacks due to the lack of integrative models that enforce regulations for sustainable water management. In a research, it was found that more than 70% of the Somalian population do not have an access to potable water. The absence of effective water management model resulted in the further increased in the contamination and depletion of groundwater source.
The WASH Strategy of IOM
The IOM implemented Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects for the provision of safe water and sanitation in nine different locations in Somalia. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of the Project Manager to administer the planning and administration of the IOM’s WASH project in Somalia.
a. Use of Innovative Technologies
With the objective of delivering safe drinking water and to promote sanitation, the IOM elected to develop a three tank system where technological innovation helps in the development of a purification system. The advantage of this system is that the communities are encouraged to learn sustainability as the majority of the materials to be used are available in the community. In addition to the three-tank system, it is also the goal of IOM to develop water sources in cross-border regions to help in the improvement of safe and clean water sourcing. Currently, there are also plans to expand in other areas where there is high water salinity and introduce cost-effective measures to help in the reduction of salinity.
b. Hygiene Promotion
The International Organization for Migration realized that the helping the Somalian community in gaining access to safe water and sanitation is an effective step to reduce waterborne diseases. However, this step is not sufficient to completely solve the problem, thus the IOM emphasized the promotion of good hygiene and sanitation practices. In line with its overall objectives, IOM also focuses on the training and integration of community leaders who can be depended on the continuous mobilization of their respective communities. The community leaders are tasked to help in the dissemination of critical information and to raise awareness on the need for safe water handling, hand washing, and waste management.
The IOM has been working closely with other international governments, the different agencies of the United Nations as well as with other NGOs. The IOM’s organizational strategy includes the inter-ministerial coordination, as well as developing ties with private sectors and the business communities. This is in line with the purpose of supporting the improvement and modernization of many Somali states.
References
International Organization for Migration. (2014). Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program. Retrieved from http://www.iom.int/files/live/sites/iom/files/Country/docs/IOM-Somalia-WASH-fact-sheet.pdf
