Project Title: Lifesaving response on WASH Implementation in Afmadow District, Jubbaland – SARO

• Emergency Water Trucking: Safe drinking water delivered to 1,200 vulnerable households (approximately 7,200 people) in the six worst-affected IDP settlements and vulnerable urban community, mitigating the risk of waterborne diseases.
• Rapid Hygiene Promotion: Distribution of Hygiene Kits → on July 2025, hygiene kits were distributed to 210 beneficiaries across Camp Bari, Camp Abaqbanbow, Danwadaag, Tobaney, Bula Mirqan, and Afmadow town. Each kit contained 5 bars of soap, 1 packet of sanitary pads, 1 plastic bucket (20L), 1 jerrycan (20L), Beneficiaries were selected with District Authorities and the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, prioritizing women-headed households, caregivers of children under five, elderly persons, PwDs, and newly displaced IDPs. Distribution of hygiene kits was finalized on July 2025 under the oversight of camp leaders, and deployment of trained hygiene promoters to conduct household visits and initiate community hygiene awareness sessions focused on handwashing, safe water handling, and latrine use.
• Needs-Based Targeting: Conducted in Coordination with Afmadow District Authorities and the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources to identify and prioritize settlements with the most acute WASH gaps which Included Chlorination of 10 Shallow Wells, In June to Aug 2025, 10 shallow wells located in Afmadow town were chlorinated. Chlorination was done using WHO-recommended levels (approx. 2 mg/L free residual chlorine) The wells collectively served about 1,500 households (approx. 9,000 people), significantly reducing the risk of AWD and cholera.
• Community Mobilization: Early engagement of local leaders, women’s groups, and youth representatives to ensure community buy-in and support for intervention activities. Including in July 2025, a compost pit was constructed in Camp Bari, Lower Juba (GPS: 0.520887°, Long. 42.09713°, Alt. 22m). The pit measures 2 m × 2 m × 1.8 m (≈7.2 m³). It was handed over to the Camp Bari WASH Committee, with upkeep responsibilities shared by the camp manager and community members. The pit benefits 350+ households, reducing indiscriminate dumping, limiting contamination, and enabling composting for small-scale agriculture.

This rapid delivery of essential WASH services provided immediate relief, reduced exposure to unsafe water, and helped prevent disease outbreaks during the critical early phase of the crisis.

Additionally to strengthen local capacity SARO conducted Hygiene Promotion with IEC & Visibility Materials, From May to August 2025, the hygiene promotion reached 21,650 people through 900 household visits and 18 community awareness sessions. IEC materials included 1 banner, 425 pamphlets, 220 T-shirts, and 146 caps, carrying messages on handwashing, safe water storage, latrine use, menstrual hygiene, and community clean-up. Sessions were conducted in schools, camp meeting areas, and water points, with strong participation from women’s groups, youth, and leaders. IEC materials were procured in June 2025 and distributed throughout the campaign.

• Recognizing the shortage and deteriorating condition of sanitation facilities, SARO undertook detailed site surveys in all the sites to identify suitable locations for the construction of new latrines. These surveys, conducted in consultation with local authorities, camp leaders, and host community representatives, ensured safe siting, community acceptance, and environmental compatibility. This groundwork supported the construction of 30 communal, gender-sensitive latrines equipped with handwashing stations, aimed at ending open defecation and improving public health outcomes.