In brief
- On 2022-09-17, Somaliland's Ministry of Transport and Roads Development launched the Burao-Berbera Road Rehabilitation Project, funded by SDF2.
- The project covers 62 km of road and four bridges, with three contractors expected to complete work within 12 months.
- The launch report does not indicate project progress or completion after that date.
On 17 September 2022, the Ministry of Transport and Roads Development (MoTRD) of Somaliland officially launched the Burao-Berbera Road Rehabilitation Project, according to a report published that day by Horn Diplomat. The launch ceremony in Burao, Togdheer region, was officiated by President Muse Bihi Abdi and attended by Minister of Transport and Roads Development Abdirisak Ibrahim Abdi, Minister of Planning and National Development Dr Ahmed Aden Buhane, the Governor of Togdheer, the Mayor of Burao, senior officials, SDF Secretariat members, and residents of Burao and Berbera.
The project is funded by the second phase of the Somaliland Development Fund (SDF2), which covers 2018-2024 and is guided by National Development Plan priorities. According to the project description cited by Horn Diplomat, the rehabilitation seeks to fully rehabilitate 62 km of road and four bridges between Burao and Berbera. The scope includes shoulder work, edge break repairs, pothole patching, and a 40mm asphalt overlay, plus full rehabilitation of Dubur, Laaleys, Gelokor, and Kalajab bridges. Additional activities listed are full detailed design of the Erigavo-Maydh road, supply and installation of road maintenance equipment, technical training of MoTRD staff in road maintenance, and development of a road safety policy with roll-out support.
Three firms were contracted under the SDF to implement the road works and bridges concurrently: Somaliland Hono Group, Ihsan Construction and Drilling Company, and Chongqing Overseas Construction Corporation (COCC). The Somaliland Development Fund stated the contracted road and bridge rehabilitation works cost USD 8 million, and that the firms were expected to fully complete the rehabilitation work within 12 months. However, the figure applies only to those works, not to the design, equipment, training, or policy components.
Officials framed the project as a priority. President Muse Bihi Abdi said roads are currently the most critical infrastructure for his government. Minister Abdirisak Ibrahim Abdi called it one of the biggest projects in Eastern regions and part of the second National Development Plan, anticipating improved connectivity will boost economic growth. Planning Minister Dr Ahmed Aden Buhane thanked SDF development partners the UK, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway.
Horn Diplomat's report does not establish what has happened since the launch. There is no information on whether the 12-month completion expectation was met, whether travel times, vehicle operating costs, or accidents have fallen, or the status of the Erigavo-Maydh design, equipment supply, training, or road safety policy. The publication offers no independent verification beyond the press release.
Frequently asked questions
What is the scope of the Burao-Berbera Road Rehabilitation Project?
The project includes full rehabilitation of 62 km of road and four bridges between Burao and Berbera, with shoulder work, edge break repairs, pothole patching, and a 40mm asphalt overlay, plus design of the Erigavo-Maydh road, equipment supply, training, and road safety policy.
Who is funding the project?
The project is funded by the second phase of the Somaliland Development Fund (SDF2), with development partners the UK, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway acknowledged.
Which contractors are involved?
Three firms were contracted under the SDF: Somaliland Hono Group, Ihsan Construction and Drilling Company, and Chongqing Overseas Construction Corporation (COCC).