Mogadishu-Eng. Abdirahman Omar Osman the Mayor of Mogadishu & Governor of Benadir Region has today signed Provision of Technical assistance services for construction supervision contract with Tim Lardner, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Country Director.
Mayor Osman welcomed UNOPS Country Director Tim Lardner to his office in Mogadishu as UNOPS will be supervising the construction of 19 community roads funded through the Somali Multi Partner Fund and implemented by Mogadishu Municipality through the Somali Urban Resilience Project (SURP).
Mayor Osman said “Today’s signing ceremony is a milestone achievement which will ensure the construction of 19 community roads in 7 Districts of Benadir Region. I am very pleased to see the product of a very long preparation for the SURP through the Somali Urban Investment Planning Project (SUIPP) which supported feasibility studies, assessments, and capacity building for the Municipalities of Mogadishu.”
The Mayor Osman said “the Municipality of Mogadishu has progressed to a level where it manages Projects at international Standards and this is a testimony of our commitment and determination to build excellent partnership working with donors and international agencies in order to implement projects that will create jobs for our young people. Building community roads in Mogadishu will greatly help the economic development of the country.”
During SUIPP, 47 community roads were identified for rehabilitation in Mogadishu’s 17 districts. During this phase of SURP 19 roads located in Abdiaziz, Shangani, Hamarwyne, Hamarjajab, Boondhere, Hawlwadaag, & Warta Nabada will be rehabilitated. UNOPS Country Director praised the mutual and respectful relationship between BRA and UNOPS indicating “we have been working together on the preparation for this Project for sometime and we are pleased that during this time we have explored different aspects in the reconstruction of Mogadishu”.
UNOPS will be working to ensure contractors build these roads to the standards and specifications identified in the bid documents.
Mayor Osman indicated BRA and UNOPS have completed a comprehensive study on the city’s drainage indicating “ We are on the right path in the reconstruction of Mogadishu’s infrastructure”.
The Mayor pointed out “During the rehabilitation of this 19 roads, BRA has taken several steps to ensure the rights of the residents including the IDPs will be protected and World Bank Social and Environmental Safeguards Policies will be implemented.”Finally, the Mayor thanked the government of Germany for funding the Project and their support in reconstruction of Somalia and building urban resilience.