Eritrea’s Water Crisis Deepens Under President Isaias Afwerki
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ASMARA, Eritrea (Somali Report) — Chronic water shortages are disrupting daily life in Eritrea’s capital, Asmara, forcing households to ration water and search for alternative supplies, according to a report published by Addis Standard. Residents interviewed for the report described irregular access to water, with some families purchasing supplies from water tankers at high prices. Households have been forced to reduce water use for activities such as bathing, laundry and sanitation. The report said some residents also collect rainwater when available, while others in poorer neighborhoods have turned to seawater transported from the Red Sea. A study published in July attributed Eritrea’s water-supply challenges to factors including population growth, climate change, poor infrastructure and ineffective water management. It also warned that available water supplies can be irregular and unsafe. The shortages have reportedly become a recurring problem during dry periods. Residents say the cost and limited availability of water place additional pressure on household budgets, sometimes affecting spending on food. The report described water shortages as a persistent challenge in Asmara, highlighting wider concerns over the capital’s infrastructure and access to essential services.
