In brief
- Somaliland Standard published an opinion piece on 2021-09-02 advising Hargeisa Mayor Moge on funding a claimed $1 billion, 500 km advanced road network.
- The article lists potential funders and proposes new municipal departments, a master plan, and a local fundraising committee.
- There is no evidence in the report that any funding was secured, construction started, or that the municipality adopted the proposals.
On 2 September 2021, Somaliland Standard reported an opinion piece titled "Technical Advice to Mayor Moge To Find $1 B To Construct 500 KMs Advanced Road Network." The article, written by Mohamed Farah Abdi, identified as a Somaliland Development Expert based in Hargeisa, is framed as advice to the mayor of Hargeisa, referred to as Moge, on mobilising resources for a large road network.
According to Somaliland Standard, the piece does not report a municipal decision or a funded project. It sets out a claimed need: "the people in Hargeisa has strong expectation on building advanced 500KMs road network designed with green scenery with pedestrian lines, cycling paths and functioning traffic lights." The headline figure is $1 billion, though no costing study or official budget is provided.
The advice outlines a series of steps. A 500 km road-network master plan with preliminary designs and engineering estimates for bridges, drainage, roads and traffic lights is proposed as a fundraising tool. The author recommends establishing a Hargeisa Capital Greening Department, an Engineering, Designing and Quality Assurance Department, and a Road Construction Department. A local fundraising committee is also suggested, naming figures such as Adan Siro, Sheikh Dirir, Adna Aden, Khadar Ambassador, Dahabshil, Adan Baradho, Bahsane and Warancade.
The piece lists potential international funding sources, including bilateral agencies (EU, USAID, DfID, King Salman Foundation, DANIDA, CIDA, Swiss and Swedish development agencies, Norway, NORAD, JICA, Turkish International Development), embassies, development banks (World Bank, AfDB, Islamic Development Bank, European Investment Bank, KFW), and UN organisations (UN-Habitat, UNDP, UNCDF, UNICEF, UNHCR, ILO, WFP, FAO, IoM). It also suggests an infrastructure development plan (HIDP 1) covering public offices, theatres, sports fields, schools, health centres, markets and bus stations.
What the report does not establish is any action after publication. No construction start, funding commitment, contract award, or design completion is documented. The $1 billion figure is not substantiated by a costing study or official budget. The 500 km network has no documented alignment, technical specifications, or engineering studies. No named funder, contractor or consultant is linked to the proposal. The article does not state whether Mayor Moge sought or received the advice, or whether any of the proposed departments or committees were established.
Frequently asked questions
Has construction started on the Hargeisa 500 km road network?
No. The 2021-09-02 Somaliland Standard article is an advice piece; it does not report any construction start, funding secured, or contracts awarded.
Is the $1 billion figure an official cost estimate?
No. The figure appears in the article's headline and text but is not supported by any costing study or official budget in the report.