JIGJIGA– Project execution capacity in the Somali state has seen a staggering improvement, according to the State’s Urban and Construction Bureau Head, Ahmed Shikur, who attributed this success to national reforms.
In an interview with the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), Ahmed noted that leadership and expertise reforms undertaken in recent years have significantly enhanced the state’s capacity to complete projects that were long delayed due to inefficiency, budget limitations, and time constraints.
Thanks to this new direction, the Bureau is now able to plan and execute a variety of projects in accordance with established standards and timelines. Currently, meaningful transformations are evident, he said, referring to project performance evaluations.
Ahmed highlighted that the Bureau is actively engaged in developing and implementing master plans across several towns in the state, aiming to modernize municipal services through digital approaches.
“Currently, 58 towns have undergone master planning and implementation, resulting in the construction of 60 kilometers of pedestrian pathways to facilitate community mobility. The Bureau is committed to advancing the master plans for additional towns,” he stated.
He also emphasized that urban corridor development is progressing in major cities in line with established plans.
The progress has been promising, and the Bureau intends to maintain its momentum according to the set schedule. This urban corridor initiative is redefining the working culture within the state, as workers are now encouraged to operate continuously, providing valuable lessons for future initiatives, Ahmed stated.
Furthermore, he mentioned that concerted efforts are being made to implement cadastral land management in the state, ensuring that scarce land resources are utilized productively.
“The Bureau is dedicated to adhering to the national standards of a 40-30-30 ratio in each master-planned city: 40 percent designated for residential use, 30 percent for roads, and 30 percent for green spaces,” he concluded.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 16 MARCH 2025
