In southcentral Somalia lies the village of Rajo*—a once-isolated community that has emerged as a shining example of resilience, transformation, and the power of partnership.

For over a decade, Rajo* was cut off from humanitarian aid. Prolonged insecurity had kept humanitarian actors out, and the community suffered in silence. Essential services deteriorated, and the only water source—the village’s well—became heavily silted, offering just a trickle of the water once available. Then came five consecutive failed rainy seasons, the worst drought in 40 years, followed by catastrophic floods that overwhelmed what remained of the area’s fragile infrastructure. With water tables dropping and the nearest help far away, the village faced an uncertain future. But in 2024, a breakthrough came.

Medair and Swiss Solidarity Step In

With generous funding from Swiss Solidarity, Medair launched an ambitious water system improvement project in Rajo*—a vital effort aimed at restoring safe and reliable water access to the village.

Working in a recently liberated area brought challenges. Years of conflict had not only isolated the community but had also eroded trust. However, Medair’s team was determined to build relationships with both the community and local authorities. Slowly, confidence grew.

The improvements were transformative. The community well was rehabilitated, clearing out years of silt and strengthening its water source. A solar-powered pumping system was installed, offering a sustainable and low-maintenance energy source. And a 20,000-litre elevated water tank was built to store and distribute clean water across the village. Public tap stands and animal troughs were installed, giving the pastoral community families and their essential livestock convenient and safe access to water. A caretaker room was constructed to ensure the system would be maintained and repaired when needed.

By the project’s end, the people of Rajo* had safe, daily access to clean water for the first time in over ten years.

A Community Takes the Lead

Seeing the life-changing impact of the water system, the village came together and decided to take it further. Using their own initiative and resources, they extended the pipelines to every single household, bringing water directly to people’s doorsteps. They built additional tap stands at the mosque to ensure water was available for prayer and hygiene. And they laid a six-kilometre extension to connect a neighbouring village, offering clean water to a community that had never had it before.

This grassroots effort showed not just gratitude, but ownership. Medair staff later returned to verify the system’s status and found it not only working well, but thriving, thanks to simple repairs and local oversight.

“We were amazed,” shared Shannon, a WASH Advisor for Medair. “The community didn’t just maintain what we had built. They expanded it. They believed in it, and in themselves.”

The Broader Impact

Today, Rajo* is unrecognisable from just a year ago. Every household has direct water access, which has significantly improved hygiene and reduced waterborne diseases. Women and children no longer spend hours fetching water—freeing up time for school, work, and rest. Livestock have clean water, protecting one of the community’s key sources of income. The mosque has running water, allowing rituals to be conducted with dignity and ease. And a neighbouring village has been uplifted by the compassion and cooperation of Rajo*’s residents.

Most importantly, a community that once felt forgotten is now setting the pace for others.

Building Resilience for the Future

Medair’s work in Somalia has long included emergency WASH services; responding to disease outbreaks, rehabilitating infrastructure, and protecting health. But in recent years, the focus has expanded to include sustainable, community-wide water solutions like Rajo*’s.

Following the success of this project, Medair has since completed four additional large-scale water systems in southcentral Somalia. Two of them again with the generous support of Swiss Solidarity. One of the wells will soon be fitted with groundwater monitoring sensors, contributing vital data to Somalia’s national drought protection tools.

These systems are not just lifesaving, they’re life-building.

Be Part of the Journey

As fighting again intensifies in parts of Somalia and access becomes more difficult, the story of Rajo* is both a warning and a sign of hope. Communities need more than temporary fixes. They need lasting partnerships, rooted in respect, resilience, and restoration.

Together with Swiss Solidarity and through the dedication of local people, Medair helped spark a transformation that continues to ripple outward.

Now, we ask: Will you help us do the same for other villages still waiting?

Your support can bring water—and hope—to where it’s needed most.

*The name of the village has been changed for security reasons. “Rajo” means “Hope” in Somali language.

This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.  

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