Gardho, Puntland – October 1, 2024: The Media Association of Puntland (MAP), in collaboration with Free Press Unlimited through the Danwadaag Initiative, organized two key events to address Gardho’s flood mitigation challenges: A Public town hall on September 30 and a 2-day Multi stakeholder Forum from September 30 to October 1. Both events aimed to evaluate ongoing flood prevention efforts, listen to community concerns, and devise long-term strategies to enhance Gardho’s resilience against recurring floods.
The public townhall was held at Safari Hotel in Gardho. More than 250 people came from different groups, including women’s associations, youth organizations, local businesses, religious leaders, scholars, and government officials. Gardho’s Mayor, Abdi Saed, led the session, outlining key achievements in flood mitigation over the past year.
Among the successes presented were the demolition of 30 buildings obstructing water canals, the relocation of the market to flood-safe areas, and the movement of a military camp to prevent further water flow disruption. Additionally, drainage routes were upgraded to better channel rainwater away from residential areas.
Townhall Summary: Flood Mitigation and Community Concerns in Gardho
A pivotal townhall meeting was held at the Safari Hotel in Gardho, attracting over 250 participants from various sectors, including women’s associations, youth groups, local businesses, religious leaders, scholars, and government officials.
Led by Mayor Abdi Saed, the meeting offered an opportunity for residents to engage directly with city leadership about ongoing flood mitigation efforts and address broader community concerns.
Flood Mitigation Achievements
Mayor Saed presented a comprehensive overview of significant accomplishments in flood mitigation over the past year. Key achievements included:
Demolition of Obstructive Buildings: The removal of 30 buildings that obstructed essential drainage canals, which has helped alleviate flooding risk in residential areas.
Relocation of the Market and Garage: The strategic relocation of the old market and a large garage to safer locations has improved the management of flood waters.
Upgraded Drainage Systems: New drainage routes have been installed to effectively channel rainwater, reducing the likelihood of flooding during heavy rains.
The Mayor reported that 80% of identified flood risks have been mitigated but emphasized that this is merely a starting point. “Substantial progress has been made, but this is just the beginning. Together, we can achieve lasting safety,” he stated, calling for continued community and media support.
Accountability and Transparency Concerns
As the discussion progressed, residents voiced their concerns about transparency in the flood mitigation projects, particularly regarding the selection of engineers and contractors. Some participants expressed skepticism about whether the hiring process prioritized qualifications and expertise.
In response, Mayor Saed reassured the attendees that a technical committee composed of independent engineers was responsible for the careful selection of contractors based on merit.
Here assured the community of the city’s commitment to accountability, stating, “We trust the experience of these contractors, but we are dedicated to monitoring their work and addressing any issues that may arise.”
To foster greater transparency, the Mayor pledged to enhance communication about the contractor selection process and provide regular updates on project progress.
Exploring Long-Term Solutions
Questions arose about whether the current flood mitigation strategies would address Gardho’s persistent flooding challenges in the long term.
While the removal of obstructive structures was met with approval, some residents worried that these measures merely displaced the problem rather than resolving it entirely.
Mayor Saed acknowledged the complexity of flooding issues and emphasized that the aim of the implemented measures is to reduce risks city-wide. “Our work continues, and we are focused on developing sustainable solutions that tackle the root causes of flooding,” he reiterated, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, long-term strategies.
Issues of Compensation and Ethical Policing
Concerns were raised regarding whether the owners of the demolished buildings were compensated fairly for their losses. Mayor Saed explained that a select committee—which he chairs—ensured fair negotiations and provided compensation to affected individuals.
Additionally, issues related to police actions against small business owners unwilling to vacate the old market were addressed. The Mayor underscored the importance of law and order, stating that all businesses must comply with government orders. However, he also emphasized that police should avoid using excessive force. “It is crucial to find a balance that respects community rights while maintaining order,” he said.
Proposals for Water Storage Solutions
A significant suggestion during the townhall was the potential integration of water storage systems, specifically rainwater harvesting, into Gardho’s flood mitigation strategy. Several participants proposed these systems as a means to manage excess water during heavy rains and to tackle water shortages during dry spells.
Mayor Saed acknowledged the dual benefits of such proposals, highlighting their potential to enhance Gardho’s resilience to both flooding and drought.
However, he noted that concrete plans for implementing these initiatives had yet to be developed, emphasizing the need for further technical assessments and resource allocation.
“We need to assess these options carefully to ensure they are feasible for long-term water management,” he stated, welcoming community and expert input to explore these solutions.
Broader Community Issues: Employment, Healthcare, Safety, and Rising Utility Costs
While flood mitigation was the primary focus of the townhall, attendees also raised broader community concerns:
Sustainable Employment: Residents highlighted the urgent need for sustainable employment opportunities, pointing out that recent infrastructure projects have primarily resulted in temporary construction jobs. Young attendees specifically called for long-term investments in local businesses and skills development programs to effectively address rising unemployment.
Healthcare Access: The shortage of medical facilities and healthcare professionals in Gardho was another pressing issue. One participant remarked, “Floods are seasonal, but healthcare affects us daily,” encapsulating the frustration many feel regarding inadequate medical services in the community.
Community Safety: Safety for residents living in flood-prone areas was a significant concern.
While the relocation of the market and military camp was viewed as beneficial, residents urged the city to invest in more durable housing and improve early warning systems to safeguard vulnerable neighborhoods.
Rising Utility Costs: Rising utility costs further exacerbated economic challenges, with electricity and water bills going high.
In addressing these broader concerns, Mayor Saed committed to collaborating with community leaders and relevant sectors to seek solutions that improve the livelihoods and well-being of Gardho residents.
He concluded by pledging to strengthen communication with the public and enhance transparency in ongoing and future projects, reinforcing the city’s dedication to accountable governance and community engagement.
In tandem with the town hall, the Multistakeholder Forum brought together local government officials, civil society organizations, media representatives, and MAP members to delve into Gardho’s flood mitigation strategies.
The discussions underscored the need for robust water storage infrastructure and advocated for sustainable long-term solutions such as rainwater harvesting to tackle both flooding and water scarcity.
Waste management emerged as another critical concern. Participants called for stricter enforcement of Puntland’s plastic bag ban and the implementation of comprehensive waste management strategies to mitigate flood risks. They emphasized the environmental dangers posed by plastic waste, which disrupts ecosystems and undermines their ability to adapt to climate change. This degradation threatens livelihoods, food production, and the well-being of thousands of Somalis.
While recognizing progress, the forum highlighted significant gaps in disaster risk management (DRM) policy and urged greater action from local and state authorities.
There was also a call for MAP to expand town hall discussions to address other pressing community issues, stressing the importance of a holistic approach to tackling Gardho’s challenges.
“The challenges we face in Gardho require a united front,” said Mohamed Dahir, MAP chair. “By fostering collaboration among local authorities, civil society, and the media, we can drive sustainable solutions for flood mitigation and other environmental issues. Our commitment to transparency and accountability will ensure that every voice is heard as we build a resilient future for all.”
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment to collective action, emphasizing the need for state support to strengthen Gardho’s local administration in the next phase of flood mitigation efforts. This unified approach seeks to address policy gaps and enhance the effectiveness of the town’s flood prevention strategies.
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