(26-12-23) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — Residents in the Hiiraan region’s Beledweyne, Buloburte, and Jalalaqsi towns have initiated volunteer-led repair efforts on infrastructure severely damaged by the recent Shabelle River floods. The primary areas of concern include several bridges and main roads across these towns.
Restoration activities have been completed on the Nur Hawad and Bundoweyn bridges in Beledweyne, as well as the Buulaburte town bridge. However, the bridge in Jalalaqsi town has not yet undergone repairs, leading to fears of its imminent collapse.
The key Bundoweyn Bridge in Beledweyne, critical for local transit, underwent repairs by community volunteers, necessitating a temporary 24-hour halt in the vehicular passage. The Beledweyne Youth and Development Organisation, locally known as Is Xilqaam, took the lead in mending the Bundoweyn Bridge, which had suffered structural damage due to the floodwaters.
“We are dedicated volunteers striving for our town’s advancement. We noticed the bridge’s severe wear; its foundational structure was laid bare by the flooding. Neglecting it would have resulted in a total collapse. By applying new concrete, we have mitigated the risk,” said Dadir Haji Ali, leader of the Is Xilqaam Youth Organisation.
The town bridge of Buloburte, also damaged by the floods, has been restored by community efforts. This bridge, essential for linking the northern and southern parts of the country, had previously sustained extensive damage from a suicide bombing in 2022, orchestrated by the Al-Shabaab group.
Halqabsi News
