For years, the community of Xabaasha-Wacle village under Laasqorey district drank unsafe water from an unlined pond contaminated by animals, waste, and seepage. Families had no choice. They drank it. They cooked with it. Their children fell sick with diarrhea and stomach pain, again and again. Then SEDO Somalia, with support from the World Food Programme (WFP), installed a long-lasting dam liner and protective fencing. The liner stopped seepage, preserving water for longer periods. The fencing kept animals and waste out. Overnight, the water turned from murky and brown to clear and clean. A village that once drank poison now drinks life.
A village water committee now manages the dam, ensuring its maintenance and safety for years to come. The community has taken full ownership setting rules, inspecting the fencing, and protecting their water source. What started as an emergency intervention has become a lasting asset. The children of Xawaba-Wacle are healthier than any generation before them. Their parents no longer worry about waterborne diseases. And their community has proven that with the right tools and determination, even the smallest village can build a future of dignity, health, and hope.
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