In brief
- On 2 April 2016, Goobjoog News reported that Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud launched a self-help project called 'build it with $1' for road construction.
- The project, based on individual $1 donations, was pioneered by Benadir governor Yussuf Jim'aale earlier in 2016, according to the same report.
- The report does not establish whether any funds were collected or roads were built after the launch.
On 2 April 2016, Goobjoog News reported that Somalia had unveiled a new financing model for road construction called 'build it with $1'. The report said Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially launched the self-help project on Friday night at the Mogadishu municipal headquarters.
The project, according to Goobjoog News, is based on donating $1 to the rebuilding process of the country. It was pioneered by the incumbent Benadir governor, Yussuf Jim'aale, earlier that year, the report said. The governor's role as pioneer is attributed to the same source and dated only as 'earlier this year' relative to the article's publication.
President Mohamud, as quoted by Goobjoog News, said: 'I am commending the administration of Benadir region for pioneering the new project based on rebuilding the nation. The major role of the rebuilding process of the country is by Somalis. When it becomes clear that we can play our role then we can be helped.'
The article's headline framed the initiative as 'Somalia launches a $1 pool for road construction financing', but the body described it as a project of donating $1 to the rebuilding process. The source does not reconcile whether the $1 is a recurring individual donation or a pooled fund amount.
Goobjoog News also reported that Somalia reviewed its road design standards and construction as part of the launch. The report did not specify what changes were made to the standards, who approved them, or when they would take effect.
The same report stated that roads in Mogadishu are still mostly unpaved, with only certain streets, the ones where most businesses and government offices are located, having tarmac.
The Goobjoog News report does not establish what has happened since the launch. It provides no figure for total funds raised, pledged, or collected under the project. It names no contractor, implementing agency, or fund manager for any road construction financed by the project. There is no record of disbursement, expenditure, or construction delivered. The status of the project after 2016-04-02 is not documented in the report.
Frequently asked questions
Who is organizing the fund?
According to Goobjoog News, the project was pioneered by Benadir governor Yussuf Jim'aale earlier in 2016, but the report does not name a specific fund manager or custodial institution.
How much is expected to be raised?
The Goobjoog News report does not state a target amount or total funds for the 'build it with $1' project.
Which roads will be built?
The report does not specify which roads would be constructed or paved under the project.
How will funds be managed?
The report gives no details on the mechanism for collecting, pooling, or spending the $1 donations.