By: Latifa Yusuf Masai
SAYLA (Somalilandsun) – The road linking Somaliland with Djibouti is to be tarmacked.
This was informed by the Selel regional governor Abdirizaq Waaberi Roble while briefing the press on activities of a visiting Turkish mission.
“We are hosting a delegation from the Djibouti based Turkish embassy that is here to finalize arrangements for construction of the Sayla Djibouti road” said governor Waaberi
The governor who revealed that the Turkish Delegation is composed of seven members among them diplomats, engineers and accountants said that the Ankara government shall also rehabilitated historic Turkish monuments in the region.
Sayla is home to a number of Turkish monuments put –up centuries ago during the reign of the Ottoman Empire.
During the lengthily deliberations between the two sides the Somaliland delegation included Governor Waaberi, Sayla Mayor Cllr Bashir Elmi and Selel regional police commander Colonel Abdiqani Ibrahim Nuur.
The first salvo on the commencement of the much awaited road project was blown by presidency minister Hirsi Haji Ali last week during a visit by road from Djibouti to the Sayla by a ministerial delegation led by Hirsi and including planning minister Dr Saad Ali Shire and Resettlement minister .
The minister had inferred that after meeting with the Turkish ambassador in Djibouti it was agreed that road construction shall commence immediately.
Minister Hirsi who had also commended local Awdal and Selel communities for support to government projects also revealed that plans by the administration of President Ahmed Mahmud Silanyo to ease transport between Djibouti and Somaliland were at an advanced stage.
“With the Turkish supporting Sayla to Djibouti portion of the road, the Somaliland government with local support shall Tarmac the Borame Sayla road” Said minister Hirsi
With a modern road commercial travel between Hargeisa and Djibouti shall be reduced to almost five hours.
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