​Somalia: Puntland awards rehabilitation of Garowe-Galkayo corridor to local company

GAROWE, Puntland- During a ceremony held in Saturday in Garowe city, the capital of Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland, a local company called “Is-Xilqan” was officially awarded the contract to rehabilitate part of Garowe-Galkayo corridor funded by European Union and Germany, Garowe Online reports.

The rehabilitation project is jointly managed by A Germany-based organization, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Puntland High Authority (PHA), aims to reconstruct the damaged sections of the road about 80 km between Jalam and Harfo villages.

Galkayo-based Is-Xilqan company won the contract after prolonged tender process that was overshadowed by irregularities and malpractice, which later prompted GIZ to carry out investigation by independent international audits. 

Last month, Puntland President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali “Gaas” has sacked the Director of PHA Mahmoud Abdinur Adan, for his involvement in the tender malpractice and corruption.

Adan was accused of influencing the process to award affiliated company for the contract. However, President Ali and Presidential aides were reported to be involved in promoting another company for the contract.

On the other hand, PHA which is mandated to supervise all rehabilitation projects of highways in Puntland has failed to execute its responsibilities in the past years despite of having allocated fixed budget. 

Sources tell GO that PHA budget has not been wired to its official account in the Central Bank branch and is suspected to be deposited in another accounts.

The agency which is set to issue and oversee bidding process of road and infrastructure projects funded by International partners is currently challenging local companies for the contracts after acquiring heavy construction equipment. 

PHA along with officials from Ministry of Works are accused of rigging the bidding process to favor affiliated contractors that fade away the likelihood of competent companies to fairly compete for projects funded by international partners.

GAROWEONLINE