In brief
- On 4 May 2021, Somaliland Sun reported that partners in the UK-funded Hargeisa bypass were meeting in Hargeisa that day to officially launch the project.
- The report described the project as converting 22.5 km of roads into a two-lane single carriageway, funded by the UK government through the FCDO, with the launch expected to be witnessed by the British Envoy to Somaliland and Somalia.
- The report did not name a contractor, specify a contract value or funding amount, provide a start or completion date, or confirm whether the launch event actually took place.
On 4 May 2021, Somaliland Sun reported that partners in the UK government funded Hargeisa bypass were meeting in Hargeisa on that day to officially launch the project. The report said the launch was expected to be witnessed by the visiting British Envoy to Somaliland and Somalia.
The report described the project as the conversion of 22.5 km of roads into a two-lane single carriageway. It attributed the funding to the UK government through the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) and said the aim of the project was a Somaliland ministry of transport and roads development project.
The publication did not name a contractor or consultant, did not state a contract value or total project cost, and did not give a funding amount. It also did not provide a start date or completion date. The report referred to 'conversion' of roads but was ambiguous about whether that involved new construction or upgrading existing roads.
There is no documented confirmation that the launch event took place on 4 May 2021, nor any update on the project's status since that report. The Somaliland Sun article remains the only public record of the planned launch. This lack of subsequent reporting leaves the current status of the bypass unverified in the public domain.
Frequently asked questions
Has construction of the Hargeisa bypass actually started?
There is no documented confirmation that construction has started. The 4 May 2021 Somaliland Sun report only announced a launch event, but it did not confirm that the event occurred or that any work began.
Who is the contractor or implementing agency for the Hargeisa bypass?
The 4 May 2021 Somaliland Sun report did not name a contractor, consultant, or implementing agency.
What is the exact scope, cost, and timeline of the project?
According to the 4 May 2021 Somaliland Sun report, the project involves converting 22.5 km of roads into a two-lane single carriageway. The report did not provide a contract value, total project cost, funding amount, or timeline.