Women in Baxnaano Village Struggle to Access Clean Water as River Dries Up.
Baxnaano Village, Western Kismayo — Women living in Baxnaano village, located in western Kismayo, are facing an acute shortage of clean drinking water, forcing them to rely entirely on a nearby river that is steadily drying up.
Under the scorching sun, 35-year-old Cadeey Cali, who is pregnant, begins her day with a long and exhausting journey to fetch water. Carrying a 20-liter plastic container, she makes two trips daily in an effort to secure enough water for her children. Along the way, there are no trees or shaded areas where she can rest.
Out in the open, without any form of protection from the heat, Cadeey not only fetches water for her own household but also for other women in Baxnaano village and surrounding areas. The same river is the sole water source for villagers, their livestock, and other local animals.
“I carry the water myself; no one else can do it for me. I have very little hope. The ten liters I manage to carry barely make a difference, and I often spill some along the way,” Cadeey said, visibly exhausted.
She added that the water they collect is unsafe for consumption, but they have no alternative.
“This water is not clean or safe to drink, but we have no choice. We drink it anyway.”
Water Crisis Extends Beyond Baxnaano
The water shortage is not limited to Baxnaano village alone. Nearby communities, including Shinbireey, are facing similar hardships.
Safiyo Muxumed, a resident of the area, described her daily struggle while the crisis was being documented by Bilan.
“When I ran out of water in Hanoogane, I went to a man who had some and begged him, saying my children were thirsty. He refused, but someone else helped me. I had to search three times for water. I left my children in the morning and returned home in the afternoon,” she said.
Dangerous Journeys for Nomadic Families
As the dry season worsens and the river continues to shrink, nomadic families in Baxnaano are forced to travel long distances in search of water—journeys that carry serious risks.
Asli Aadan, Deputy Chairperson of the Baxnaano Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) community, warned of the dangers:
“When nomadic people go to fetch water, their carts are at risk of landmines along the paths,” she said.
Lack of Infrastructure and Government Response
Baxnaano village has hosted displaced families for the past four years and is home to approximately 280 households, in addition to three neighboring villages. Despite this, the community does not have a single functioning water well.
When asked about efforts to provide clean drinking water, Cumar Ismaaciil Nuur, Coordinator for the Lower Jubba region at the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources in Jubaland, explained the challenges:
“The land in the villages you visited in western Kismayo is very difficult. Extensive surveys have been conducted, and it is extremely challenging to find a reliable source of clean water. It is also difficult for nomadic communities to relocate from their land,” he said.
Local efforts to dig a well have failed after solid rock blocked the excavation site. The community has been advised that the well would need to be demolished and rebuilt, a process that requires financial support beyond their means. They have since appealed for external assistance to cover the costs.
Written by: Sadia Nour