Puntland has officially dismissed reports claiming that the Federal Government of Somalia controls the funding for the construction of the Xarfo–Galkacyo highway.
In a press statement, Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Aydid Dirir, firmly denied allegations suggesting that the Puntland administration was blocking the implementation of the road project. He emphasized that the funds allocated for the project have not yet been disbursed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), which is expected to finance the initiative with a total of $18 million.
The Minister further revealed that the Federal Ministry of Public Works had formally informed Puntland that the AfDB has not yet approved or released the project funds.
Despite the funding setback, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni officially laid the foundation stone for the Xarfo–Galkacyo road on Wednesday. During the ceremony, he noted that the project was a direct response to long-standing calls from residents of the Mudug region, who have consistently appealed for improvements to the area’s economic infrastructure.
Puntland authorities reiterated their commitment to fully finance the road construction independently, stating that they have not received any direct financial support from international partners for this project.
