The UK and the Netherlands have signed an agreement with Somaliland to support the implementation of Phase II of the Somaliland Development Fund (SDF2) programme, which aims at improving lives of local people through the delivery of essential public services.
SDF2 (£25 million, 2018 to 2022), will be delivered in partnership with the Somaliland government to promote long-term stability in the region.
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It will include the building of critical infrastructures, such as roads, water systems and agricultural facilities, and will also help build capacity within Somaliland’s institutions.
The new programme which is aligned to Somaliland’s National Development Plan II (NDP II) will build on the achievements of the original SDF (2013 to 2018) programme.
The UK and Somaliland also signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding to support the implementation of the Energy Security and Resource Efficiency in Somaliland (ESRES) Programme that aims to provide a clean, affordable renewable energy boost in Somaliland.
The agreements were signed by President Muse Bihi Abdi and Damon Bristow, the Head of Office for the UK’s Department of International Development (DFID) in Somalia. Also present at the signing ceremony was the British Ambassador, Ben Fender, and the Head of the British Office in Hargeisa, Stuart Brown.
Speaking after the signing ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa, Damon said: “The UK is committed to supporting the people of Somaliland. We recognize the efforts being made to improve institutions and to provide access to basic services for local people.”
He added: “SDF 2 will ensure that ordinary people across Somaliland will benefit from improved services by supporting the growth of Somaliland’s economy.”
“ESRES will address the high costs of electricity in Somaliland and help promote green growth and poverty reduction by increasing access to more affordable and reliable renewable energy services.”
While in Hargeisa, Damon visited the Hargeisa Water Agency which SDF is supporting to supply clean water to the people of Hargeisa. He also visited the Somaliland Roads Development Authority (RDA) to discuss the UK’s investment in roads and supporting the RDA’s capacity to deliver on quality and safeguarding standards.
By Odindo Ayieko
