Through the European Union’s funding the ILO supports the People of Galkayo in construction of two more roads.

Through the European Union’s support to the ILO’s livelihood project in Galkayo, the construction of Rahma Gravel Road in Garsoor Village within the Galkayo north district commenced on 19th August 2013. The road is 800 metres long and 6 metres wide; this does not sound much but the impact has been tremendous as a key trouble spot for moving has been turned in to a place where businesses now wish to be sited. The infrastructure works were completed on 15th January 2014 and the certificate of completion issued on 12th February and signed off by the Galkayo municipality; this is a major part of the approach the ILO takes and a key reason why both local government and the EU sought the ILO’s engagement. The basic act of having the municipality take full ownership of oversight and then final certification of the works ensure greater (local) accountability. ‘It is our town and our road’ one municipal engineer was heard to comment during final certification.

A major element is not simply the building of a road; it is the opportunity to develop work opportunities, the construction created 2,480 worker days, and sponsor further development of longer term job opportunities.

The second road, Xera Dayax Tarmac Road, construction commenced on 15th October 2013 and was completed on 30th March 2014. The road is approximately 654 m long width 6m and depth is 0.3m and links to the main Galkayo tarmac road. These standards are important as the ILO, under related work, is linking with wider EU funded initiatives taking forward the reinstigation and compliance of basic construction standards. During the period of construction 1,674 workers days were immediately created and work is now ongoing to assess the secondary job generation of the construction. It is already noted, Galkayo has registered new businesses and work is showing how improved roads and pedestrian access increases the number of businesses present along a street and improves the willingness of businesses to pay business licence fees. As one small business owner stated ‘I can see where my money is going and feel the municipality is offering some services.

By paying I will hold them responsible for common property so my business can work better’.

The President of Puntland, with his cabinet, Governor of Mudug region, Mayor of Galkayo and as well as local community members attended the opening ceremony of Xero Dayax Tarmac road on 11th April 2014.

The road passes by Xero Dayax compound which is an important hub for trade and commerce hosting a number of markets (notably milk and vegetable markets). It also passes by a hospital, schools and small enterprises. A retainer wall was also constructed along Xero Dayax tarmac road to protect against the flood waters from eroding the newly constructed road. Construction of this retainer wall created 52 worker days and immediately generated demands for a more comprehensive approach to managing the flood waters which inundate Galkayo. ‘Most of the year we have no rain, then it comes and washes our roads away. Can’t we see more works of this kind to manage the water all around the town?’ was the question raised by the Mayor.

Further to this, the Mayor, in his speech, pointed out the increasing need to provide incomes to the people of Galkayo noting the town’s role is critical, more than ever, in consolidating the peace not only in Puntland, but beyond, as Galkayo is the major economic hub connecting a spectrum of economic corridors in the region. The Mayor acknowledged his office and the people of Galkayo are happy and appreciative of the support provided to them by the European Union and the International Labour Organisation and noted again the challenges still lying ahead of the town in serving the Galkayo People

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