Somalia launches a $1 pool for road construction financing

Somalia has unveiled a new financing model for road construction and reviewed its design standards and construction by launching a project dubbed “build it with $1”

Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially launched the self-help project on Friday night at the Mogadishu municipal headquarters.

“I am commending the administration of Benadir region for pioneering the new project based on rebuilding the nation. The major role of the rebuilding process of the country is by Somalis. When it becomes clear that we can play our role then we can be helped,” said president Mohamoud.

The project of donating $1 dollar to rebuilding process of the country was pioneered by the incumbent Benadir governor, Yussuf Jim’aale earlier this year.

The roads in Mogadishu are still mostly unpaved, with only certain streets — the ones where most of the businesses and government offices are located having tarmac on them.