News Category: Politics | Urban Development | Economy
Hargeisa, Somaliland (Horn post) The Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland, who is currently serving as Acting President, Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, on Monday officially launched the Berbera City Development Master Plan (2025–2035) during a ceremony held in Berbera.
The event marked the public presentation of a comprehensive and modern urban development framework designed to guide Berbera’s growth over the next decade. The Master Plan outlines long-term strategies for land use, infrastructure, housing, and sustainable urban expansion, positioning Berbera as a regionally competitive coastal city.
The ceremony was attended by cabinet ministers, the Deputy Mayor of Hargeisa, representatives from the European Union, UN-Habitat, the Berbera Municipal Administration, and a wide range of invited guests.
Speaking at the event, Acting President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi commended the Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Land and all stakeholders involved in the preparation of the plan. He stressed the strategic importance of Berbera and its potential role on the global stage.
“This program is essential and will serve as a model for other cities in the country. It must be implemented as designed,” the Acting President said.
“A city master plan is the key to measuring urban progress. As we move forward, our cities must align with global standards. We stand firmly with local governments to ensure sustainable urban development.”
He further emphasized the government’s vision for Berbera to become a city of shared international interest, calling for broad cooperation to support its long-term development.
The Minister of Public Works, Housing and Land, Hussein Ahmed Aydid, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the technical and economic significance of the Berbera Master Plan. He expressed appreciation to the European Union and UN-Habitat for their support and partnership in developing the plan.
Additional remarks were delivered by several Somaliland cabinet members, the Director of Administration and Finance of Berbera Municipality Mohamed Ali Abi, and Hargeisa Deputy Mayor Khadar Nur, all of whom welcomed the initiative and underlined its importance for coastal urban development.
Representatives from the European Union and UN-Habitat reiterated their commitment to supporting sustainable urban planning and infrastructure development in Berbera.
Berbera, regarded as the economic hub of Somaliland, holds major strategic value due to its location along the Bab el-Mandeb corridor, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes linking global shipping and commercial flows.
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Horn post staff reporter
Hargeisa Somaliland.
