HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn post) Authorities in Hargeisa officially inaugurated the new headquarters of Gacan Libaax District on Thursday, marking the sixth district administration building completed in the Somaliland capital under an urban modernization program aimed at improving public services.
The new multi-story facility replaces the small and overcrowded offices previously used by the district administration and is expected to enhance service delivery for residents of the rapidly growing capital.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by lawmakers, traditional elders, former ministers, senior political figures and community leaders, including WADDANI party chairman Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, former minister Ali Mohamed Warancade and former minister Abdullahi Abokor Osman.
Outgoing Hargeisa Mayor Abdikarim Ahmed Moge said Somaliland was entering a period of increased international attention following growing discussions surrounding recognition of the self-declared republic.
“The world is now watching us closely. People are asking whether Somaliland will fail after this first recognition momentum,” Moge said. “Let us show the world that we will not fail, and that we are a people who have endured and preserved this nationhood for 35 years. Together, we will take it even further, God willing.”
Moge urged Somaliland residents to demonstrate unity, political maturity and responsibility in order to reinforce Somaliland’s image as a stable and resilient state.
The outgoing mayor also appealed to residents of Hargeisa to cooperate with the incoming mayor and deputy mayor, saying the new administration would need public support to fulfill its responsibilities.
“Brothers and sisters, we ask you to work closely with the two leaders who are coming to lead the city. They do not have much time, so support them,” he said.
He further encouraged residents to pay taxes and assist the new administration in carrying out development projects.
“Support the new leaders, pay your taxes and stand with them so they can succeed in serving the city, God willing,” Moge added.
Chairman of Somaliland’s Civil Service Commission Abdiaziz Hirsi Warsame praised Moge’s five-year leadership and highlighted what he described as major reforms implemented within Hargeisa municipality.
“Leadership includes what is known as charismatic leadership,” Warsame said. “It means employees work even harder in your absence than when you are present. That reflects the positive influence a leader has on the hearts and morale of staff”
Chairman Abdiaziz Warsame said the municipality’s achievements extended beyond visible infrastructure projects such as roads, beautification and public buildings, arguing that administrative reforms and institutional improvements inside local government offices were equally significant.
“Beyond the buildings, roads and beautification projects we see, I believe the greatest achievements are the internal reforms that are not always visible — improving systems, strengthening offices, developing staff and modernizing how government functions,” he said.
The Chairman also commended Moge for honoring his earlier pledge to step down after completing his elected five-year term.
WADDANI chairman Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan praised the outgoing mayor’s decision to leave office after the end of his mandate, describing it as a sign of democratic maturity and respect for the rule of law.
“It is worth recognizing that he respected the term for which he was elected, unlike many leaders who extend their mandates,” Hirsi said. “That is a good tradition, a sign of confidence, courage and principled leadership, and I congratulate him for it.”
Hirsi also applauded the outgoing mayor and his team for the development projects carried out during their administration.
“I congratulate the mayor and his team for the development and achievements they delivered, including this building,” he said. “I pray that God grants them continued success and progress in the future.”
Hargeisa Municipality Executive Secretary Mukhtar Bosh’ade described the opening of the Gacan Libaax headquarters as a historic moment for the capital.
“Tonight is a historic night as we inaugurate the new Gacan Libaax District building,” Bosh’ade said. “This beautiful facility and this achievement were made possible through the leadership of the Mayor of Hargeisa and the local council. It is important to have modern workplaces that properly serve the public.”
Bosh’ade said the municipality plans to construct the remaining three district headquarters in Hargeisa to complete the citywide modernization initiative.
“We are informing the people of Hargeisa that tonight we are opening the sixth district headquarters, and we hope the remaining three districts will also soon receive modern and beautiful buildings,” he said.
Gacan Libaax District Chairman Osman noted that while previous district offices were built as two-level structures, the new Gacan Libaax headquarters is a larger G+2 building with two upper floors in addition to the ground floor.
The new headquarters is viewed by local officials as a symbol of modernization, transparency and improved working conditions under the outgoing Hargeisa municipal administration.
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Prepared by:
Horn post staff
