Puntland's Role in Galkayo-Xarfo Road Project Affirmed by Federal Housing Minister

Abdisalam: “We have advised the Puntland State Government of the tender to ensure transparency, with the Federal Government of Somalia being the lead body, with Puntland State as a partner. We have tried to implement the projects as soon as possible.”

Mogadishu (PP News Desk) — The Somali Federal Minister for Housing and Public Works, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, yesterday provided an update on the Galkayo-Xarfo Road project during a press briefing. This project is a key component of the broader Road Infrastructure Projects in Somalia, which has been underway since October 2020, following an agreement signed by the Somali Federal Government (SFG), Federal Member States (FMS) and the European Union (EU). The initiative is funded by the EU and managed by the African Development Bank.

“The road infrastructure programme is divided into four main segments. These routes are vital for enhancing movement and trade across the region, with the Galkayo-Xarfo segment being the first to move forward with the tender process. On 1 August 2024, the Ministry of Housing and Public Works officially published the tender for this project” said the Minister.

He referred to a statement issued by Puntland State Government on 3 August 2024 , asserting that the tendering process falls within its jurisdiction. The federal minister;s statement is intended “to reaffirm Puntland’s role in the project, which is part of a larger corridor development effort. The details of the agreement are available on the Ministry’s website”.

Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali emphasised the importance of transparency and cooperation between the Federal Government and Puntland State of Somalia in this project. “We have advised the Puntland State Government of the tender to ensure transparency, with the Federal Government of Somalia being the lead body, with Puntland State as a partner. We have tried to implement the projects as soon as possible,” he stated.

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Public Works reiterated its commitment to the successful implementation of the project. The Minister praised the efforts of Puntland’s elders and community leaders, acknowledging their role in achieving the project’s goals. “We commend Puntland elders and notables for their role in moving the project forward. Puntland State Ministry of Housing and Public Words officials will be involved in the project. We have to avoid politicising or misrepresenting the project,” the Minister added.

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