3000m3 Chinese Underground Water Reserviour in Baidoa by Awale Drilling Company & Engineering Constructor
A 3000 m³ Chinese water reservoir, one of two key facilities supporting the city’s water system in Baidoa is strengthening urban resilience: improved storage capacity, reliable distribution, and reduced water scarcity. © Awale Drilling Company & Engineering Constructor
The Baidoa Water Supply Project represents a major step forward in addressing water scarcity in Baidoa. Designed to strengthen urban water security in a semi-arid environment, the project combines large-scale storage, modern distribution systems, and reliable production sources to meet the growing needs of the city’s population.
At the center of this initiative are two 3000 m³ reinforced concrete reservoirs, built to store and regulate millions of liters of water. These ground-level structures play a critical role in stabilizing supply—allowing water to be pumped, stored, and distributed efficiently across neighborhoods, even during peak demand or supply interruptions. The system is supported by boreholes, pumping stations, transmission pipelines, and distribution networks that extend water access to households, public institutions, and livestock users.
This transformative project was delivered through a strong partnership between international development actors and local engineering expertise. International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the African Development Bank provided strategic oversight, funding, and implementation support, ensuring the project met both humanitarian and long-term development objectives.
A central role in the physical execution of the works was played by Awale Drilling Company & Engineering Constructor, whose contribution was instrumental in turning design into reality. From civil works and structural construction to installation of key system components, the company was deeply involved in delivering the reservoirs and associated infrastructure to operational standard. Their role reflects the importance of capable local contractors in executing complex, large-scale engineering projects under challenging environmental and logistical conditions.
Beyond infrastructure, the project has had a tangible socio-economic impact. By improving access to clean and reliable water, it reduces dependence on expensive water trucking, lowers the burden on vulnerable households, and supports public health outcomes. It also enhances resilience against drought cycles, which have historically disrupted livelihoods in the region.
In practical terms, the Baidoa Water Supply Project is more than a construction effort—it is a critical investment in stability, public service delivery, and long-term urban development, made possible through the combined efforts of international partners and strong local engineering leadership.