“I still remember joining a humanitarian mission to Somalia in 2017. We travelled to a remote area in Balcad, Middle Shabelle, where we witnessed first-hand how a water complex had transformed the lives of the local community.

“The clean water provided was not only used by the villagers, but also served as a vital source for livestock and other animals, while helping to irrigate agricultural land.

“That was when I realised that every water project is not only for the benefit of people, but also for the other creations of Allah.”

– Zafirah, Islamic Relief Malaysia’s Staff

This experience reaffirmed that clean water is far more than a basic necessity. It is a catalyst for improving health, education, livelihoods and the overall well-being of an entire community.

Inspired by this commitment, Islamic Relief Malaysia is set to implement the Water Education and Living Standards for Communities in Warsheikh (WEL) Project in Somalia to help more people gain access to safe, reliable and sustainable clean water.

Why is Somalia still facing a water crisis?

For many of us, turning on a tap and accessing clean water is part of our daily routine. However, for many communities in Somalia, clean water remains a scarce and precious resource.

Many families continue to rely on limited water sources, while others have no choice but to use unsafe water for drinking and daily household needs. In some areas, people are forced to walk long distances every day just to collect enough water for their families.

This ongoing challenge affects far more than health. Children often miss school because they spend time collecting water, while women devote hours each day to this task, leaving them with fewer opportunities for education, income generation and family care. Without reliable access to clean water, it becomes increasingly difficult for communities to achieve sustainable development, as almost every aspect of daily life depends on this essential resource.

The WEL Project: A sustainable solution

To address these challenges, Islamic Relief Malaysia is introducing the Water Education and Living Standards for Communities in Warsheikh (WEL) Project as a long-term initiative to improve access to safe and sustainable water for local communities.

The project will develop a solar-powered water supply system, enabling residents to access clean water more efficiently and reliably.

Beyond constructing a borehole and installing pumps, pipelines and water storage tanks, the project also focuses on strengthening community capacity. A Water Management Committee will be established, while community members will receive training on operating and maintaining the water system, ensuring they are able to manage it independently once the project is completed.

This community-led approach is designed to maximise the long-term sustainability of the project while reducing reliance on external assistance.

Clean water changes lives in more ways than we imagine

Water projects are often seen simply as a way to provide drinking water.

In reality, their impact extends far beyond that.

Improved access to clean water helps reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, allowing families to live healthier lives. Children have more time to attend school instead of collecting water, while women are freed from spending hours each day searching for water.

Reliable water access also supports agriculture and livestock, which are among the primary sources of income for many rural communities. Over time, this contributes to stronger livelihoods, greater resilience and improved quality of life.

These are the very changes that Islamic Relief teams have witnessed in Somalia, and the same positive impact is expected to benefit the community of Warsheikh through the WEL Project.

Why a solar-powered water system?

One of the key features of the WEL Project is its use of a solar-powered water supply system.

Solar energy enables the system to operate efficiently without relying heavily on conventional electricity, helping to reduce operational costs while ensuring a more reliable supply of clean water.

Combined with community management and maintenance training, this approach offers a sustainable solution capable of serving the community for many years to come.

DWAS: Delivering hope through clean water

The WEL Project is one of the initiatives supported through Islamic Relief Malaysia’s Dana Wakaf Sistem Air (DWAS), or Water System Waqf Fund.

Through public contributions, more sustainable water projects can be implemented to support communities still struggling with water scarcity.

Every contribution goes beyond building a borehole or water supply system. It creates opportunities for children to return to school, enables families to enjoy healthier lives and empowers communities to build a brighter future. 

Be the reason water and hope continue to flow

For many of us, clean water is a blessing we often take for granted. For the people of Warsheikh, Somalia, however, it is the foundation of better health, improved education and the opportunity to build a better future.

Through the Dana Wakaf Sistem Air (DWAS), you can become part of this meaningful journey. Every contribution helps make the construction of a water supply complex possible, bringing clean water closer to thousands of people.

A single water complex has the potential to benefit approximately 5,000 people, while also supporting agriculture and livestock that sustain local livelihoods.

Together, we can help provide not only clean water, but also hope, dignity and a brighter future for communities in need.