Federal Government Seeks Funds to Repair Lower Shabelle Bridges, Boost Trade

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Federal Government of Somalia’s agriculture minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Maareeye) has called for urgent action to rehabilitate key bridges along the Lower Shabelle River, as officials and business leaders met to address infrastructure damage disrupting transport and trade.

The Minister chaired a high-level meeting in Mogadishu focused on repairing critical crossings in Sabiib, Caanoole, Bariire, Janaale and Awdhiigle, which are vital for moving people and agricultural produce.

The talks brought together senior government officials, including the defence and public works ministers, as well as representatives from the disaster management agency, business community and farmers from affected areas.

Participants stressed the need for closer cooperation between the government, private sector and local communities to restore damaged infrastructure and improve river management, including clearing debris and maintaining water flow.

A fundraising initiative was launched to support the removal of collapsed bridge structures from the river and finance clean-up operations, aimed at restoring mobility and supporting agricultural productivity in the region.

The Lower Shabelle region is a key zone in southern Somalia, but recurring floods, infrastructure damage and poor river management have disrupted transport links and market access, affecting livelihoods and food supply chains.