In brief
- On 11 May 2013, Somaliland Sun reported that construction works for a 5km road linking Dila and Borama were launched, with a 3km stretch already completed.
- The report attributes funding entirely to the central government and implementation to ASARADA Company under supervision of the Somaliland Road Authority.
- The article does not establish what has happened to the road since 2013, and leaves unclear whether the entire stretch was tarmacked.
On 11 May 2013, Somaliland Sun reported that construction works for a 5km road linking Dila and Borama were launched, and that a 3km stretch had already been completed. The report does not establish what has happened to the road since that date.
The launch was performed by presidency Minister Hirsi Haji Ali, who was accompanied by Labour and Social Affairs Minister Mahmud Barre Garad and deputy information and culture minister Abdilahi M Dahir Ukuse on a development inspection tour of Awdal region.
The article describes the road as 'now tarmacked' and 'macadamized', but also reports that the works were launched at a time when only 3km were completed. The total length of the road is also inconsistent: the article cites 5km in one passage and 8km in another.
Somaliland Road Authority (SRA) chairman Prof Hasan Ali Osman said the tarmac works were entirely funded by the central government and implemented by ASARADA Company under SRA supervision. He said SRA would take over maintenance once works are completed. No contract value, tender record or funding amount is given.
Awdal regional Administrator Governor Abdo Ahmed Ayr said the occasion was of historic significance and that vehicle breakages, delayed supplies and traveller discomfort caused by the road's former poor state are a thing of the past.
The ministerial delegation also visited the Sheikh Osman Estate Bridge in Borama, which mayor Councillor Suleiman Hasan Haadi said collapsed due to recent heavy rains. Minister Hirsi Ali promised to solicit funds from the administration for immediate repairs, but no allocation or start date was provided.
The article also reported that President Silanyo had pledged during the 2010 election campaign to tarmac the road if elected, and subsequently won, though no vote figures were given.
Frequently asked questions
What was the previous surface condition of the Dila-Borama road?
According to the Somaliland Sun report, an eight-km stretch from Dila to Borama was in a state of disrepair, encumbering travel between Hargeisa and Borama. The contractor claimed the road last saw repairs during the Siad Barre era over 27 years earlier.
Who funded the Dila-Borama road macadamization works?
SRA chairman Prof Hasan Ali Osman said the works were entirely funded by the central government. No figure or budget line was provided.
Why did the Dila-Borama road need macadamization?
The road was in poor condition, causing vehicle breakages, delayed supplies and traveller discomfort, according to Awdal regional Administrator Governor Abdo Ahmed Ayr.