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The European Commission has approved a major project to support rehabilitation of the core road network in the self-declared republic of Somaliland, northwest Somalia.
In a statement, the EC described the project as a continuation of ongoing support through the German Federal Agency for Technical Releif (THW), which will include technical assistance to the Somaliland Roads Authorities.
"The total budget is € 4.5 million with contributions from the European Commission (€ 4.2 million), the implementing partner - the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), and the Somaliland Road Fund," the statement said.
It described Somaliland's roads as the region's lifeline. "With no railway network and with air travel being far beyond the reach of most Somalis, roads are crucial channels for trade and communications," the EC said.
Noting that the port of Berbera had been growing in importance, it stressed the need to continue improving the road between the port and the region.
"The volume of transported goods grows constantly, although it has suffered a setback as a result of the adverse effects of the livestock ban," the statement said. "Once this ban is lifted, traffic flows could rapidly grow even further."
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