(21-11-23) MOGADISHU — Mogadishu, Somalia’s bustling capital, is grappling with severe flooding following days of heavy rainfall. The most significant impact is seen in the districts of Dharkenley and Wadajir, commonly known as the Madina district. These areas are facing profound disruption to daily life, with a marked effect on mobility and transportation.
The inundation of key roads like Eelqalow and Bulahubey has effectively isolated the Madina district, with residents expressing growing concern and frustration. “Our lives have come to a standstill,” laments Amina Hassan, a local shop owner, “We are cut off from the rest of the city, our children can’t go to school, and our businesses are suffering.”
The situation is particularly grim for the less affluent, who are disproportionately affected. “We feel forgotten,” says Abdi Farah, a father of three, “The floods have taken everything from us, and we have nowhere to turn.” These sentiments are echoed across the district, where the lack of effective intervention from the Banadir regional administration is palpable.
The closure of alternative routes, including those leading to the Aden Adde airport, further exacerbates the community’s sense of isolation. Yusuf Hussein Jim’ale Madale, the Governor of Banadir and Mayor of Mogadishu admitted the severity of the isolation in October. “It’s more than just roads being cut off,” he said, “It’s about the isolation of an entire community, struggling to find its footing amidst these challenges.”
Despite promises from the government to address these issues, the residents remain sceptical. “We’ve heard these promises before,” says Halima Yusuf, a local teacher, “But we are yet to see any real change. Our roads remain impassable, and our lives remain disrupted.”
Despite efforts from the Banadir regional administration, no effective solution has been implemented. The closure of alternate routes, including those to Aden Adde airport and the Banadir junction at the Korontada junction, has further compounded the issue. These roads have remained in disrepair for over a decade, highlighting long-standing infrastructure challenges.
Yusuf Hussein Jim’ale Madale, the Governor of Banadir and Mayor of Mogadishu acknowledged the severity of the situation in October. He stated that the entire Madina district is virtually isolated, with critical roads either flooded or closed. The Mayor’s admission underscores the dire circumstances faced by residents.
Governor Madale had previously promised to construct a new road for Madina and reopen existing routes. However, tangible progress has yet to materialize. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to rebuilding, citing limited resources but a strong resolve to improve the city’s infrastructure.
Currently, Mogadishu confronts a significant crisis as the recent rains have damaged many newly constructed roads, posing a challenge to the city’s resilience and recovery efforts. The situation in Madina district remains a poignant reminder of the city’s ongoing struggle with infrastructure and natural disasters.
The devastating floods that have swept through Somalia, including the harrowing situation in Mogadishu, represent a humanitarian crisis of significant proportions. With over 60 lives lost and nearly a million people displaced, the impact of these floods extends far beyond the immediate water damage and infrastructure challenges. It is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities in the face of extreme weather events and the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and resilient urban planning.
Halqabsi News
