Imagine having to travel nearly 80 kilometres every time you need water, just to cook, prepare milk for your child, or take a bath.

For many Malaysians, such a reality may be difficult to imagine. But for Nadiya, a 39-year-old mother and homemaker in Somalia, this was the daily struggle she had endured for years.

Nadiya lives with her husband, children, mother, and nieces and nephews in a household of 11 people. Her husband, who works as a schoolteacher, is the family’s sole breadwinner. His income is only enough to cover basic necessities such as food, education and healthcare, but often falls short.

What made life even more challenging was the struggle to access clean water.

The water well in their village had collapsed. As a result, Nadiya’s family had to travel 80 kilometres to a nearby village to collect water or purchase water from tankers at an extremely high cost — reaching more than USD100 (approximately RM420) per water tank.

Water, which should be a basic necessity, had become a luxury.

“Life in our village was extremely difficult before. Getting water took a long time, cost a lot of money and was physically exhausting. It affected our daily lives, and even our children’s health and education were often neglected,” shared Nadiya.

Clean Water Is More Than Just a Drink

For many of us, turning on a tap and getting clean water is simply part of our daily routine. But in Somalia, access to clean water determines whether a family can cook, maintain personal hygiene, send children to school, or earn a living.

Prolonged droughts, climate change and limited infrastructure have left millions of people in Somalia dependent on unsafe water sources or forced to travel long distances every day to obtain water.

That is why Islamic Relief Malaysia, through the Water System Waqf Fund, continues to implement clean water supply projects in communities most in need. The focus is not merely on constructing wells, but on providing sustainable water systems that can operate long-term and be managed by the communities themselves.

Nadiya’s Life Transformed Through the Water Waqf Project

Through the Reliable Water for Somalia (RWAS III) project, the water well in Nadiya’s village was successfully rehabilitated.

Today, her family no longer spends hours searching for water.

Clean water is now available for drinking, cooking and daily needs. The money that was previously spent on purchasing water can now be used for other family necessities, while her children can focus on their education without the burden of having to search for water.

More importantly, the impact extends beyond her family – the entire community has benefited from this transformation.

“Today, we have access to clean water every day. Life has become easier, the pressure has reduced, and our family’s health has improved. Thank you to everyone who made this project possible,” said Nadiya with gratitude.

Nadiya’s story is just one of thousands that demonstrate how waqf can transform lives.

Clean Water Waqf Projects Bring Hope to Thousands in Somalia

 

Since 2018, Islamic Relief Malaysia has implemented various water supply projects across several regions in Somalia, ensuring more families have access to clean water:

2018 | Water Wells in Balcad, Somalia (WEBS)

• Construction of 2 Water Supply Complexes
• Benefited 60,000 people

2020 | Water Wells in Nugaal, Puntland (WIN)

• Construction of 2 Water Supply Complexes
• Provided training for 20 Water Management Committee members
• Benefited 10,000 people

2022 | Water Intervention & Recovery for Somalia (WARES)

• Construction of a solar-powered mini water supply system in Boidoa District, Bay Region
• Construction of 2 water kiosks equipped with 6 water taps
• Benefited 3,000 people

2024 | Improved Safe Water Access for Affected People in Somalia (SWAAP)

• Clean water project in Garowe and Beledweyne Districts
• Rehabilitation of 1 Water Supply Complex and 1 Water Well
• Installation of solar systems, water tanks and 4 water kiosks
• Installation of 2 pipelines to community settlements
• Provided training for 14 Water Management Committee members
• Benefited 6,250 people

2025 | Reliable Water for Somalia (RWAS III)

• Construction of 1 water well and 2 water storage tanks in Badhan District
• Provided training for 14 Water Management Committee members
• Benefited 6,800 people

More Than Just a Water Well

Many people think that a water waqf project only involves building a well. In reality, every project requires a complete system to ensure communities can enjoy a reliable water supply for years to come.

The Water System Waqf Fund supports the development of essential components including solar-powered pumping systems, water storage tanks, pipeline networks, water distribution kiosks, as well as training for communities to manage and maintain these facilities.

This approach ensures that every project does not only serve communities on the day it is completed, but continues creating lasting impact for years afterwards.

86,050 People Have Benefited

Through these projects, more than 86,000 people in Somalia now have access to clean water.

The impact goes far beyond providing drinking water. These initiatives help reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, save the time of women and children who previously had to travel long distances to collect water, improve household hygiene, and enable communities to live safer and more dignified lives.

Continue the Legacy of Clean Water Waqf

Every ringgit donated is not merely used to build a well or install water pipes.

It reduces the burden carried by mothers like Nadiya.

It gives children the opportunity to attend school without spending their mornings searching for water.

It allows families to live healthier and more dignified lives.

There are still many families in Somalia waiting for the moment when they can turn on a tap and access clean water for the very first time.

Support the Islamic Relief Malaysia Dana Wakaf Sistem Air (DWAS) today. Together, we are not only delivering water, we are bringing hope and building a better future for generations to come.