Hargeisa (SLpost)- Somaliland government officials have met with a visiting World Bank delegation to review progress on infrastructure development projects, with particular focus on road construction and preparations for a major 94-kilometre road linking Haleya and Ina Guha.
The meeting, held on Monday, brought together Somaliland’s Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Abdillahi Hassan Aadan; State Minister Ismail Mowlid Abdillahi; Minister of Transport and Road Development, Osman Ibrahim Nour; Director General of the Ministry of Finance, Mohamed Hassan Suleiman; and other senior officials.
The World Bank delegation is visiting Somaliland to assess the implementation progress of development projects supported by the international financial institution.
94km Haleya–Ina Guha road project
A major part of the meeting focused on preparations for the construction of the Halleya–Ina Guha road, which will stretch approximately 94 kilometres.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the project is expected to become the longest road in Somaliland financed by the World Bank.
Officials reviewed progress on the road’s technical design and the government’s preparations for implementation. The ministry said the government was working to complete the necessary requirements, with construction activities expected to begin in the near future.
The road is expected to improve transport links, support economic activity and make it easier for people and goods to move between communities.
Progress on Hargeisa’s NAGAAD project
The meeting also reviewed progress on the NAGAAD Project, which is being implemented by Hargeisa Local Government.
Particular attention was given to the planned construction of the 150 Road. The Ministry of Finance said the project was making good progress and that the road’s design was expected to be presented soon.
The project forms part of wider efforts to improve urban infrastructure and transport facilities in Hargeisa.
Government pledges to speed up implementation
Speaking at the meeting, Finance Minister Abdillahi Hassan Aadan highlighted the strategic importance of the Haleya–Ina Guha road to Somaliland’s economic development, regional connectivity and movement of goods and people.
He said the Somaliland government was prepared to meet its responsibilities and complete the tasks required on its side to ensure the successful implementation of the projects.
The minister also called for international development partners to work with Somaliland in a way that recognises its progress in governance, public administration and project implementation capacity.
He stressed the importance of completing technical, financial and procurement procedures efficiently to prevent delays and ensure that projects achieve their intended objectives.
Transport and Road Development Minister Osman Ibrahim Nour said infrastructure investment was essential to national economic growth. He added that his ministry would closely monitor the projects to ensure they followed the agreed plans and implementation schedules.
Meanwhile, Finance Ministry Director General Mohamed Hassan Suleiman emphasised the ministry’s role in coordinating government institutions involved in the projects. He said cooperation between the relevant agencies would be strengthened to support effective implementation.
Focus on infrastructure and economic growth
The Ministry of Finance said the government remained committed to strengthening cooperation with international development partners and accelerating investment in infrastructure.
The projects are expected to contribute to improved road networks, greater economic activity and employment opportunities across Somaliland.
However, the successful delivery of the planned developments will depend on completing the remaining technical and administrative preparations, securing the necessary approvals and moving the projects into implementation.
