With support from donors and in co-operation with Somaliland’s ministry of water development, Qatar Charity (QC) has launched the first seawater desalination plant in northwestern Somaliland.
The project aims to provide a sustainable source of drinking water and enhance water security as the city continues to face persistent challenges in accessing clean water.
Valued at approximately $500,000, the project offers a practical model for innovative responses to water scarcity.
It is expected to improve regular access to safe drinking water, reduce reliance on unsafe or remote water sources, and strengthen water security, with positive implications for public health, living conditions, and economic activity in the coastal city.
Somaliland’s Minister of Water Development Mohamed Abdulmalik Ahmed described the project as a major milestone for Zeila, saying that it would help mitigate the impact of water shortages and improve residents’ access to safe drinking water.
He noted that the plant will produce around 150 cubic metres of desalinated water per day, supported by storage tanks with a total capacity of 250 cubic metres.
The facility is also equipped with an integrated solar-powered system to ensure sustainable operation and reduce operating costs.
The minister thanked the donors for their support and praised Qatar Charity’s efforts to complete the project, stressing that the plant addresses an urgent need among the city’s residents.
Somaliland’s Minister of Youth and Sports Ahmed Yasin Mohamed Farah said the project marks an important step in addressing water challenges.
He added that the relevant authorities will continue efforts to diversify water sources through well-drilling projects and desalination technologies, commending the QC and its donors for supporting the region’s water sector.
Ahmed Abdullah Mohamed, the governor of the Salal Region, welcomed the project on behalf of the local community, describing it as a response to one of the most pressing basic needs of Zeila’s residents.
He said local authorities will work to safeguard the project and ensure its continued operation so that residents can derive maximum benefit from it, and expressed appreciation to Qatar, Qatar Charity, and all those who contributed to its funding.
Qatar Charity’s representative in Somaliland, Mohamed Aidid, said the project is part of the organisation’s efforts to implement sustainable development initiatives that address the actual needs of local communities.
He added that the Zeila plant paves the way for further high-impact initiatives that the QC plans to implement in Somaliland, particularly in the water and basic services sectors.