The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development participated in the inauguration ceremony of the first main bridges in the Berbera-Hargeisa strategic road project in Somaliland, the funding of which comes within the UAE’s grant to Somaliland that was approved in 2017, amounting to 330.5 million dirhams, and is managed by the Fund with the aim of financing several development projects that contribute In achieving sustainable development in Somaliland.

The project was inaugurated by His Excellency Musa Bihi Abdi, President of the Republic of Somaliland, in the presence of His Excellency Abdullahi Mohammed Al Naqbi, Director of the State Commercial Office in Somaliland, and a number of ministers and senior officials.

The 105-metre-long bridge is considered one of the largest bridges implemented within the Berbera-Hargeisa Road Project, and connects the most important major cities in Somaliland and neighboring regions, in addition to its important regional role in linking the strategic port of Berbera to both Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, and the countries of East Africa, which supports cooperation. economic and enhances regional commercial activity. The cost of the road project amounts to approximately 262 million dirhams, equivalent to ($71.4 million).

During the opening ceremony, His Excellency praised the pioneering role of the UAE and its leadership in supporting the government of Somaliland to implement its development programs, stressing that the UAE permanently stands with the people of Somaliland and enables them to overcome the challenges they face to achieve sustainable development.

He appreciated the pioneering role played by the UAE and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development in continuing to achieve the development process in Somaliland by supporting and financing pioneering projects, pointing out that the government hopes that the completion of the Berbera-Hargeisa strategic road will contribute to revitalizing the movement of trade and major services.

The President of the Republic of Somaliland said: “The government is striving to advance the development sectors and develop infrastructure, noting that the opening of the bridge will have a significant impact on increasing the movement of people between urban and rural areas in a safe and smooth manner, especially during the rainy seasons, when thousands of residents are forced to To cross the streams of water valleys to cross the road, which exposes their lives to danger.”

For his part, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, said – on this occasion -: “The inauguration of the first bridges of the Berbera-Hargeisa Strategic Road Project constitutes a qualitative leap that contributes to achieving economic and social development in Somaliland, especially since the project will enhance import and export traffic.” Food and agricultural products in particular, and the completion of the road with its various facilities will facilitate the access of goods to local and regional markets.”

His Excellency added: “The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development is keen to finance strategic projects that will achieve progress and prosperity for the people of Somaliland and directly impact its priority development programs,” pointing out that the Fund is financing a group of vital projects in various sectors such as energy and transportation, which enhances Of the development activity taking place in the country.”

The Berbera-Hargeisa Road Project also aims to facilitate traffic movement for transporting passengers, reduce the time and cost of transporting goods, fuel consumption, and reduce traffic accidents, in addition to reducing emissions resulting from vehicle exhausts. The project also contributes to enhancing economic activities in the cities located along the road and connecting them. Major cities in Somaliland.