Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama says the initiative is key to Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (2025–2029).
Mogadishu, (Hornpost) — Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama has inaugurated the Saabuuni Dam Development Project in Middle Shabelle region, marking a major step toward sustainable water management and agricultural reform in the country.
Speaking at the launch ceremony of the Jowhar Off-stream Storage Program (JOSP), Deputy Prime Minister Jama said the project is part of the government’s broader effort to modernize irrigation systems, promote food security, and reduce reliance on international aid. “This is a national project that embodies the vision of the National Transformation Plan (2025–2029),” he noted.
The Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Mareye), highlighted the need for strong financial backing to complete the construction of the dam. “Today’s meeting is about mobilizing the required funding to realize the Saabuuni Dam — a vital project for our farmers and national development,” he said.
Yusuf Ahmed Hagar, Deputy President of the Hirshabelle State, pledged his administration’s full cooperation in the implementation of the project, describing it as a turning point for the region’s agricultural economy and resilience against drought.
The Saabuuni Dam, once completed, is expected to benefit over 300,000 Somali citizens, providing reliable access to irrigation water and improving livelihoods across Middle Shabelle. Officials said the project represents the first large-scale dam construction effort initiated by the Federal Government in decades.
Hornpost Analysis:
Analysts view the Saabuuni Dam project as a strategic shift in Somalia’s development priorities — from emergency relief toward long-term infrastructure and self-reliance. The initiative reflects Mogadishu’s growing focus on climate adaptation, water security, and rural livelihoods, particularly in regions heavily affected by cyclical droughts and floods.
If successfully implemented, the project could serve as a model for national resilience and a foundation for future investment in Somalia’s agricultural economy.
Hornpost staff Reporter
