Hiiraan Online
Wednesday September 11, 2019
The UK and Dutch governments have signed a £31m development support programme with Somaliland to develop infrastructure and improve livelihoods and boost renewable energy.
According to a statement from the British embassy in Mogadishu, the Somaliland Development Fund (SDF2) which runs between 2018 and 2022 valued at £25, ‘will be delivered in partnership with the Somaliland government to promote long-term stability in the region.
The programme, the statement reads, ‘will help improve the lives of the people of Somaliland by building critical infrastructure, such as roads, water systems and agricultural facilities, and will also help build capacity within Somaliland’s institutions.’
Besides the SDF2 deal, the British government also signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding to support the implementation of the Energy Security and Resource Efficiency in Somaliland (ESRES) Programme that aims to provide a clean, affordable renewable energy boost in Somaliland.
Damon Bristow, the Head of Office for the UK’s Department of International Development (DFID) in Somalia who signed the agreements with President Muse Bihi noted the agreements will be instrumental in promoting economic growth, poverty reduction and sustainable energy in Somaliland.
“SDF 2 will ensure that ordinary people across Somaliland will benefit from improved services by supporting the growth of Somaliland’s economy,” said Bristow.
“ESRES will address the high costs of electricity in Somaliland and help promote green growth and poverty reduction by increasing access to more affordable and reliable renewable energy services.”
The signing ceremony was also attended by UK ambassador to Somalia Ben Fender and
Head of the British Office in Hargeisa, Stuart Brown.