Dubai-based global marine terminal operator DP World said it has begun delivering over 4.5 million litres of water to people living in villages in the Sahil region of Somaliland.

The water will be distributed in 410 tankers, carrying 11,000 litres each. The aid is estimated to reach 15,000 people living in villages in the region over the next month, according to a statement from DP World.

The aid is taking place less than a month since the company took over operations for the management and development of a multi-purpose port in Berbera.

The Dubai marine terminal operator’s $442 million investment in the port of Berbera will include a first phase of a 400-m quay and 250,000 sq m yard extension, gantry cranes and reach stackers to handle containers and cargo.

Work will be phased over time and is dependent on port volumes with the aim of creating a regional trading hub along with the scope for a free zone. The project will focus on containers with the capability to handle other types of cargo and will be implemented with the government of Somaliland.

DP World said it is working in partnership with the Water Authority to address the urgent needs of people in the region in response to the devastating drought which has been affecting the area for two years.

Over 1.6 million people in Somaliland (46 per cent of the population) are in need of some form of humanitarian aid with the drought drying out wells, causing crop failure and death of live-stock.  

Group chairman and chief executive Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem said: "There is an urgent need for aid in Somaliland. It is the responsibility of the international community to act now and help people who are at risk."

DP World, he stated, is committed to bringing sustainability into every aspect of its work with activities brought together under its global Our World, Our Future sustainability programme.

The company is focused on four key areas - the environment; its people; safety and society.

"We take our commitment to our communities very seriously and this work aims to address the immediate needs of the people in the Sahil region. We will continue to monitor the situation and work with our partners to offer sustainable aid solutions in the future," he added.-TradeArabia News Service