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Somalia begins rehabilitation of Sabuun Barrage in Hirshabelle state in a landmark engineering intervention designed to revitalize critical agricultural infrastructure and strengthen national climate resilience. Federal authorities, working in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization and international development partners, launched the initial phase of restoration works at the historic site located along the Shabelle River. The strategic undertaking serves as the cornerstone of the government-led Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme, a comprehensive multi-sectoral initiative created to manage seasonal flood risks, secure reliable irrigation water, and expand agricultural productivity across the region.
Government officials emphasized that restoring the barrage infrastructure is vital for reversing decades of disrepair that left farming communities vulnerable to recurring cycles of severe drought and destructive river overflows. Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Mohamed Abdi Hayir Maareeye noted that the barrage functions as a strategic national asset capable of transforming local food systems and uplifting rural livelihoods. Once fully operational, the broader modernization effort is projected to benefit up to 1.65 million people, including hundreds of thousands of local farmers operating across multiple districts within the Middle and Lower Shabelle regions.
The initial phase of engineering operations focuses on extensive dredging, embankment stabilization, and the clearing of tens of thousands of cubic meters of accumulated sediment and debris that have historically impeded water flow. Technical teams and project planners anticipate that these preparatory measures will restore baseline operational functionality before subsequent modernization phases commence. International agency representatives underscored that combining robust government leadership with sustained multilateral cooperation is essential for ensuring that long-term investments translate into durable economic benefits and community stability.
Agricultural cooperatives and local farming communities have expressed strong optimism regarding the commencement of restoration activities, noting that predictable water management is indispensable for boosting crop yields. As heavy machinery moves onto the site and engineering teams progress according to approved environmental standards, federal authorities remain committed to expanding rural infrastructure development. Through sustained investment in water resource management, the nation is laying a resilient foundation for sustainable economic growth and long-term food security across the Shabelle Basin.