Puntland Funds AfDB Project Blocked by Villa Somalia

Xarfo, Puntland – The President of Puntland, H.E. Said Abdullahi Deni, on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for a new road linking Xarfo town with the city of Galkayo. The project is part of a broader initiative to rehabilitate the critical Garowe–Galkayo highway, a major transport corridor in Puntland.

This step follows a direct request from the people of Mudug region, who have long called for investment in vital economic infrastructure. The road is being financed entirely through domestic revenue generated by the Puntland Government, without reliance on international donor funding.

Initially, the project was intended to be funded through the African Development Bank (AfDB). However, the Federal Government of Somalia blocked Puntland’s request for implementation autonomy. The Federal Ministry of Public Works insisted that contracting and project management be centralized in Mogadishu—an approach that Puntland firmly rejected.

This disagreement has further escalated the long-standing tension between the Puntland State and the Federal Government of Somalia. Puntland argues that under Somalia’s federal system, regional states are constitutionally entitled to manage and implement development projects within their own jurisdictions. Puntland accuses Villa Somalia of politicizing such development programs, thereby hindering progress at the local level.

Following a lengthy stalemate caused by political interference from Villa Somalia, the Puntland Government opted to proceed with the project using internal resources. President Deni, accompanied by senior members of his administration, officially launched the construction works yesterday. The move is intended to reassure the people of Galkayo and surrounding areas that the Puntland Government remains committed to delivering essential services despite federal obstacles.

Meanwhile, Puntland continues to carry out extensive infrastructure rehabilitation projects across the state. Major repairs are underway on the Garowe–Bosaso highway, and construction is ongoing on a 90km road stretch connecting Ceel Daahir to the town of Badhan in eastern Puntland.

According to a senior Puntland official, these projects—financed through domestic infrastructure funds—underscore the administration’s determination to develop the region independently. The initiative also sends a clear message to development partners and the Federal Government: that adherence to federal principles and equitable development must be respected across Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE