By M.A. Egge
The Minister of Transport and Roads Development of Somaliland, Hon. Osman Af-gaab Nur has stated that the government is steadfastly intent on the implementation of the constructions of 20 major roads in the country.
He made the statement as he inspected and monitored the on-going construction of the road connecting Din-Qal and Bandar-Wanaag, which is part of the major road connecting the cities of Hargeisa, Odweyne and Burao.
He was accompanied by the outgoing Governor of the Central Bank and the Director of the Roads Development Agency, Mr. Mowliid Nouh Ibrahim amongst other notable personalities who graced the occasion.
Abdillahi Aare Ismaail, one of the elders who are area residents pledged the support of the chores in any way needed.
He noted that the infrastructural needs such as roads were imperative and that they would support concerted efforts to achieve their reliztion.
The outgoing Chairman of the Central Bank of Somalia, Mr. Ali Abdillahi Dahir, who was present, said on his part, “We deem this road as the Third Corridor, while Berbera to Wajaale, Borama and Lawya-ado, Burao to Hargeisa, Burao to Erigavo, which are the four roads that are the backbone of the country’s economy”.
Somaliland Road Development Manager Eng Mowliid Nouh Ibrahim said that they took a clear role in the construction of the highway, and acknowledged the noble role of the local community they played in the implementation of this road.
He said. “This road connecting Din-Qal and Bandar-wanaag has been started by the government, and its construction will connect the project from Hargeisa, Burao to Oodweyne and Berbera – Hargeysa highway and I applaud the area residents”.
Saying that the African Development Bank is part of the project, he called for the support in concerted efforts such that the whole task may be a success.
In conclusion, the Minister of Transport and Road Development of Somaliland, Hon. Osman Af-gaab Nur, said that the construction of the road is one of 20 roads that the government is planning to complete.
He said. “We are grateful to the local authorities for the ongoing work of the Ministry of Transport and Road Development, and we are grateful for their efforts. Everything is worthwhile and achievable when we pull together all our efforts concertedly.”
He continued, “The construction of 20 roads is one of the government’s plans. The ongoing project is part of the project. The project is part of the Berbera Corridor and Oodweyne-Burao. Our plan is to have more roads. We hope that the Oodweyne project will be completed timely.”