HARGEISA — Monday evening marked the beginning of the much waited rainy season in the regions of Maroodi-Jeex and Awdal with cheerful citizens on the streets enjoying the much needed rain. The Gu, which is the main raining season in most parts of east Africa begins in April and usually lasts till early June.
It should be a matter of hours or days or minutes before the rest of the regions being enjoying the Gu raining season in all the other parts of the country. This year’s harsh drought has been one of the worst in recent years that Somaliland and much of East Africa has experienced. In the case of Somaliland hundreds of nomads were forced to migrate to the cities because as all their livestock have been wiped out by the drought.
Whilst the rains are welcome it is essential that the precious rains are not squandered. Water collection and management is a pressing issue, one that needs to be a priority on the part of both local and national government. The arrival of the Gu season must not distract the authorities from putting in place more effective policies and mechanisms to tackle future shortages.
