In brief
- On 12 August 2024, the Somaliland Development Fund and Ministry of Transport and Roads Development celebrated the opening of 62km of road and four bridges between Burao and Berbera City.
- The same release named a 64km Sheikh-Berbera next phase, but no contract, contractor, budget or start date was disclosed.
- SCR found no post-August 2024 evidence on the next phase's physical progress or funding.
On 12 August 2024, the Somaliland Development Fund (SDF) and the Ministry of Transport and Roads Development (MoTRD) celebrated the official opening of 62km of road and four bridges between Burao and Berbera City, Horn Diplomat reported, citing a joint release.
The first phase, as described in the release, included full rehabilitation of 62km of the Burao-Berbera Road with shoulder and edge repairs, pothole patching and a 40mm asphalt overlay. Four bridges were rehabilitated: Dubur, Laaleys, Gelokor and Kalajab. The phase also covered detailed design for the Erigavo-Maydh road, supply and installation of road maintenance equipment, technical training for MoTRD staff, and development of a road safety policy.
President Muse Bihi Abdi led the ceremony in Sheikh Town. The President said the project shows commitment to improving infrastructure that will transform lives and boost the economy, according to Horn Diplomat. The Minister of Transport and Roads Development said the project aligns with the National Development Plan II and will provide a vital connection between eastern Somaliland with its livestock resources and the Berbera seaport, boosting export opportunities.
The release named a next phase from Sheikh to Berbera that will focus on rehabilitation of 64km of road between Sheikh district and Berbera town, restoration of drainage structures, replacement of one box culvert, protection works, and installation of road furniture and traffic calming devices. It will also include enhancing MoTRD's capacity to manage road infrastructure and supporting community-level governance through training, mentoring and active participation from project beneficiaries. The release adds a forward-looking projection that the project will create over 1,000 jobs and generate additional income for local businesses, particularly in transportation, cargo and logistics.
The Somaliland Development Fund – Phase 2 runs from 2018 to 2025, supported by contributions from the governments of the United Kingdom, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway, according to the SDF2 documentation cited by Horn Diplomat. Its objectives align with the NDP2 and reflect priorities in Somaliland Vision 2030.
SCR notes that no project value, contract value, total cost, contractor, consultant or client is named in the documents. The next phase's tender, award, contractor, start date and budget are not stated. There is no post-August 2024 evidence on whether the Sheikh-Berbera phase has physically started.
Frequently asked questions
What is the scope of the Berbera-Burao road upgrades opened on 12 August 2024?
According to the SDF and MoTRD release reported by Horn Diplomat, the first phase included rehabilitation of 62km of road with a 40mm asphalt overlay, four rehabilitated bridges, design work for the Erigavo-Maydh road, road maintenance equipment, training, and a road safety policy.
What is the next phase of the road work?
The release names a next phase from Sheikh to Berbera that will focus on rehabilitation of 64km of road, restoration of drainage structures, replacement of one box culvert, protection works, and installation of road furniture and traffic calming devices. It will also include capacity building for MoTRD and community-level governance support.
Who funds the Berbera-Burao road upgrades?
The Somaliland Development Fund – Phase 2, which runs from 2018 to 2025, is supported by the governments of the United Kingdom, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway, according to SDF2 documentation cited by Horn Diplomat.