About ONEAD
National Office for Water and Sanitation of Djibouti — Serving Djiboutian citizens since 2006.
Our history
The National Office for Water and Sanitation of Djibouti (ONEAD) is a public industrial and commercial entity (EPIC) established by Law No. 145/AN/06/5th L of June 1, 2006.
Formed through the merger of the ONED (National Water Office) and the Sanitation Directorate, ONEAD is responsible for the integrated management of the water cycle: production, treatment, and distribution of drinking water, as well as wastewater collection and treatment throughout the urban areas of the Republic of Djibouti.
ONEAD operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, Livestock, and Fishery Resources (MAEPE-RH).
Under the leadership of Mr. Mohamed Fouad Abdo, Director General, the agency is spearheading the strategic plan—37+ million m³ of total annual water production—to modernize the entire water sector in Djibouti.
Head office
Boulevard de la République, BP 1914 — Djibouti
Legal status
Public Establishment of an Industrial and Commercial nature (EPIC) — Law No. 145/AN/06/5th L of 1 June 2006
General Management
Mohamed Fouad Abdo
Supervision
Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Livestock
Mobile App
ONEAD Mobile (Play Store & App Store)
A word from the Director General
Since 2024, the Office has undergone a significant transformation in its internal organization in line with the drive to modernize public services led by the Djiboutian government, following the signing of an Objectives and Performance Agreement between the State and ONEAD. This agreement defines the mutual duties and obligations of the parties to achieve the goals of excellence set forth in the new Horizon 2040 Strategic Plan.
Furthermore, as part of the PROSPERO project, ONEAD has partnered with the SEURECA/VEOLIA/OIEAU consortium for a period of five years. This project will serve as the essential foundation for implementing all major water and sanitation projects with a highly capable staff. It is part of ONEAD’s Vision 2040, which ensures the agency enjoys a recognized and proven reputation among its staff and customers, backed by three international standards that guarantee performance and efficiency.
ONEAD is thus fully committed to achieving the Horizon 2040 strategic objectives, in line with the government’s ambitions and for the benefit of Djiboutian citizens.
Mohamed Fouad Abdo
Director-General
Organisational structure
Directorate of Technical Water Operations
Its mission is to:
Provide the necessary resources for the production and distribution of water in the Djibouti metropolitan area and in urban centers in inland regions,
Operate drinking water infrastructure and ensure its maintenance,
Ensure the implementation of programs to expand or renovate facilities,
Maintain water quality and protect water resources,
Develop maintenance programs for wells and other water collection facilities.
Its organizational structure consists of operational centers for production and support services:
The Technical Subdivision,
Production,
Installation of new service connections,
Network Distribution/Repair,
Construction,
Equipment maintenance: pumps, etc.
Leak detection,
Meter workshop,
Service management, including statistics
Directorate of Technical Sanitation Operations
Commercial Directorate
The Customer Service Department is responsible for:
- Management of subscriptions and service connections: processing requests for new service connections, subscriptions, and subscription cancellations
- Meter reading, billing, and collection
- Field service operations: meter replacement/calibration, restoring water service, service disconnections, etc.
- Customer service and relations: assisting customers, handling complaints, and collecting payments
To carry out its mission, it operates a total of 9 sales offices:
- 4 branches in Djibouti City (Headquarters, Moulk Center, Balbala 1 Cheik Moussa, and Balbala 2 Biokeyd)
- 5 branches in the regions (Tadjourah, Dikhil, Arta, Ali-Sabieh, and Obock)
Directorate of Studies and Projects
Planning and Development:
Develop and monitor the implementation of the drinking water supply and sanitation development plan,
Collect baseline data for the development of drinking water supply and sanitation,
Define design and sizing criteria for drinking water supply and sanitation systems,
Design preliminary projects and monitor or oversee the progress of studies and construction work,
Coordinate project implementation,
Prepare the procurement process for new operational works,
Conduct general and detailed studies of water and sanitation infrastructure, as well as integrated management projects (master plans, zoning plans, various networks, infrastructure plans, etc.),
Oversee studies and manage operations when carried out by the private sector,
Prepare and update general plans for drinking water, stormwater drainage, and wastewater networks.
The Water Resources Management Unit:
Ensure awareness of, rational use of, and protection of water resources, particularly in catchment areas,
Establish specifications for the execution of drilling operations,
Define procedures and operating guidelines for groundwater and surface water intake structures,
Summarizing and analyzing technical reports,
Conducting essential analyses related to water quality and wastewater treatment.
Project management:
Prepare bid documents, evaluate bids, and award contracts.
Schedule the implementation of water and sanitation projects and integrated management projects,
Consolidate and issue calls for bids with assistance,
Monitor community development support,
Liaise with implementation centers,
Verify the compliance of project payments and expenditures, as well as its cost center revenues and expenses,
Monitor the cost accounting for all projects.
Our main missions
Management of Public Water and Sanitation Services
ONEAD is responsible for the production and distribution of drinking water and for sanitation.
Improving Service Quality and Sustainability
ONEAD strives to ensure consistent access to high-quality water for the population, while safeguarding the sustainability of the country’s infrastructure and water resources.
Customer management
October 1, 2024: ONEAD partners with Veolia and its subsidiary SEURECA to establish ONEAD as a leading player in Africa in the sustainable management of water resources.
Modernisation (ONEAD 2040)
Operational and financial performance, along with a level of service that ranks among the best in Africa,
A company recognized by the people of Djibouti as a model of commitment to serving them and their country,
A company recognized by its employees as Fair, Demanding, and Upright
A company that gives everyone the opportunity to advance professionally
Vision 2040
Public Service
ONEAD and its employees are dedicated to serving the people of Djibouti, providing them with vital services such as drinking water supply and wastewater collection and treatment; this commitment to service is deeply rooted in the company’s mission and vision
LIABILITY
Every ONEAD employee, in their respective roles, is responsible for helping the company move closer to realizing its Vision on a daily basis; furthermore, given the nature of ONEAD’s work—which provides a vital service to the population—every employee must be aware that they have a significant responsibility toward Djiboutian society.
competence
Water is life; in an arid environment like Djibouti’s, this precious resource must be managed with great expertise to prevent waste and ensure equitable access for all. This responsible management must encompass the entire water cycle—from distribution to wastewater treatment and return to nature—because protecting public health and the environment is just as crucial as access to drinking water. It is through the expertise of its employees that ONEAD will be able to achieve the excellence outlined in its Vision 2040.
ONEAD+
ONEAD is partnering with Veolia and its subsidiary SEURECA to establish ONEAD as a leading player in Africa in the sustainable management of water resources.
QUALITY
Quality is one of the pillars that will enable ONEAD to achieve its Vision 2040; it must guide every action taken by its employees and is reflected in ONEAD’s ambition to achieve triple certification in Quality, Safety, and the Environment.