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Hargeisa Water Supply

Oral Answers to Questions — Somaliland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 20 January 1959.

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Photo of Mr James Johnson Mr James Johnson , Rugby 12:00, 20 January 1959

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in the building of the dam in Somaliland Protectorate that is to ensure the Hargeisa water supply.

Photo of Mr Julian Amery Mr Julian Amery , Preston North

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to a proposal made some years ago that a sub-surface dam should be built to improve the town's water supply. It was eventually decided that such a dam would not achieve the desired result. The proposal was accordingly abandoned and a firm of consulting engineers is at present investigating other possible means of improving the supply.

Photo of Mr James Johnson Mr James Johnson , Rugby

Is the Minister aware that not only the Africans but the Somalis and even the Europeans cannot get baths when they want them? In view of the impending visit of the Minister, will the hon. Gentleman look into the matter? It would be a shame if he could not have a bath on his visit.

Photo of Mr Julian Amery Mr Julian Amery , Preston North

I have been looking at the matter, and I will certainly put it on top of the file.

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