By M.A. Egge
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi popularly known as Irro officially laid on Thursday the foundation stone for the launching of the mega Wajaale Agricultural Development Project.
It is an unprecedented large-scale project being implemented by Pharo Ventures, a branch of the Pharo Foundation, an international development agency with projects in various African countries including Somaliland.
The President expressed his gratitude to everyone who participated or contributed to the implementation of this historic agricultural project at Wajaale plains, describing it as the largest project to be implemented in Tog Wajaale District in 65 years.
The President described the project as nationally important and crucial for the development of the lives and productivity of the Somaliland community as a whole.
The President particularly thanked the Pharo Foundation and its senior management, praising the prominent role that this organization is playing in developmental aspects of the Somaliland community, especially in the areas of education, water, health, agriculture, etc.
This project is a symbol of a transformative change led by the government of ‘Unity and Action’, especially in the development of agriculture, water and the environment, as it will be implemented in a modern way with latest technology that enhances domestic production, sustainable water management, and farming methods based on modern knowledge and technology.
The President noted that this project will be a historic step towards food security, social employment and environmental protection for the country; underlining the support that the Pharo Foundation has always stood by Somaliland.
It will entail major dams as a source of water for irrigation and livelihood.
In essence, the Pharo Foundation will continue to support Somaliland in its efforts, and especially in this latest project, to:
* Develop modern farming methods and use new agricultural technologies;
* Ensure water and irrigation throughout the year, to ensure and maintain reliable production;
* Fattening livestock and fodder production.
* Prevent desertification, soil erosion and degradation of the Wajaale area;
The Banka Wajaale project is expected to bring many benefits to thousands of families living in Wajaale and its surrounding areas, and will be one of the most effective development projects ever implemented in Tog Wajaale District.
On their part, the Executive Director of the Pharo Foundation, Mr. Tom Mason, and the Pharo Representative in Somaliland, Mr. Mohamed Muse Cilmi, delivered assured that the Tog Wajaale community that Pharo Ventures is truly committed to fulfilling its social responsibilities, especially strengthening the development of agricultural production, building effective dams, animal fodder, creating jobs for the Wajaale community, and improving education and health services for the local community.
The Pharo Foundation /Pharo Ventures officials underscored the fact that the aim of the project is to create a sustainable life based on knowledge, new technology, and environmental protection, so that the people of Wajaale and its surroundings have access to job opportunities, sufficient water, and good services that are beneficial to the life of the community.
This historic occasion was also addressed by the Chairman of the ruling WADDANI party, various Ministers and the traditional leaders of the Wajaale region, all of whom welcomed the Banka Wajaale Agricultural Development Project, thanking the President of the Somaliland for the monumental steps he has taken towards focusing on development projects in the whole country.