Somalia disputes alleged withdrawal of Italy from $6 million project

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Government of Somalia [FGS] has disputed claims that a $6 million grant from the Italian government has been withdrawn due to delayed proposal submission, Garowe Online reports.

La Republica, an Italian publication on Monday claimed that the government had of Italia withdrew from financing various flood mitigation projects in Beledweyne due to lack of commitment by the federal government.

In the report, the publication argued that Somalia risked snub from International donors due to unnecessary delays orchestrated by government mandarins.

But Planning, Investment and Economic Development minister of the FGS, Gamal Hassan on Tuesday insisted that the funding was still intact, adding that the media reports were 'inaccurate'.

The former Somalia Ambassador to Kenya insisted that the relevant ministry had concluded and submitted the proposal to the Italian government for consideration but 'it is yet to be approved'.

“The FGS & the Italian Gov’t have been discussing the possibility of providing support for a flood protection project," Gamal said in a tweet.

"The project proposal has been submitted to the Italian Gov’t for their considerations & the discussions r still ongoing. No project has been approved/signed so far,” he added.

Earlier on Monday, Agriculture minister Said Hussein had dismissed media reports as 'baseless' adding that the project is still under review.

The confirmation by FGS on a $6 million grant project by Italy is a huge boost to residents of Somalia's flood-prone regions around River Shebelle.

Should the proposal go through, the government said, the money will be used to construct more dams around River Shebelle banks to mitigate floods.

The centrally located town of Beledweyne was worst hit by floods, with several people reported missing or dead. In October, a boat capsized killing over 15 people among them an aide to a local mayor.

United Nations Mission on Somalia (UNSOM) has been coordinating disaster response activities which include offering humanitarian aid to affected people.

Generally, at least 500, 000 people are said to have been affected by the floods. Regional and federal leaders also responded by providing food and shelter to victims.

The recent floods also ignited political temperatures between the opposition and President Mohamed Farmajo's administration. Forum for National Parties (FNP) donated $200,000 and accused FGS of laxity.

Being a semi-arid country, Somalia often receives long rains after months which leads to flooding. The $6 million aid would by a larger extent help the government regulate flooding.

GAROWE ONLINE