Resettlement and spatial injustices: governance and water access challenges for IDPs in Hargeisa, Somaliland.

Abstract

This qualitative study explored how government and NGO interventions address the water needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Hargeisa, Somaliland. A total of 30 interviews were conducted with those providing support, informal service providers and IDP committee leaders. This study presents four overarching insights reflecting important aspects of the water services to IDPs: (i) resettlement secures IDPs with land but undermines their access to water service, (ii) organisation centralisation and disconnection weakening responses, (iii) formal water expansion disrupts livelihoods, and (iv) the limited autonomy of committee leaders. The findings underscore systemic gaps in Hargeisa's water infrastructure and highlight the barriers and governance dynamics undermining water access for IDPs from a multi-stakeholder perspective.