Minister Denies Allocation Of Public Land To EU

Somalia’s Federal Minister for Public Works, Salah Sheikh Osman has denied reports indicating a public land has been allocated to the EU.

The minister termed the allegations as unfounded.

“These are false allegations, public lands belong to the public and if anything, the government will only sanction its use for public purposes such as construction of schools and hospitals among other public amenities,” said the minister

His sentiments come after local politicians alleged a scheme to grab public land in the name allocation to aid agencies affiliated to the EU.

Governor of Banadir region. Yusuf Hussein Jimale recently allocated public land, near the busy Mogadishu airport, to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

After the fall of the central government, most public land and government offices were taken over by members of the public, individuals and business.

Although some have since relinquished ownership and returned some properties to government hand, many other properties remain in private hands.