Hargeisa, [– The President of the Republic of Somaliland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), today officially laid the foundation stone for the historic Banka Wajaale Agricultural Development Project. This extensive project, unprecedented in its scale for Somaliland, is being implemented by the international development organization, the Pharo Foundation, through its arm, Pharo Ventures.
The President began by expressing profound gratitude to everyone who participated in or contributed to the realization of this historic project for developing Banka Wajaale’s agriculture, which he described as the largest project implemented in the Tog Wajaale District in 65 years. The President stated that this project is nationally vital for improving the lives and productivity of the people of the Republic of Somaliland.
The President specifically thanked the Pharo Foundation and its senior management, praising the prominent role the organization plays in the development of the Somaliland community, particularly in the sectors of Education, Water, Health, Agriculture, and more.
This project symbolizes a transformative legacy spearheaded by the Wadajir and Waxqabad (Unity and Action) Government, particularly in the development of agriculture, water, and the environment. It will be implemented using a modern approach that enhances domestic production, extensive water harvesting, and a farming methodology based on modern knowledge and technology.
The President noted that this project will be a historic step leading the country towards food security, job creation, and environmental protection; underscoring the consistent support the Pharo Foundation always provides to Somaliland.
The Banka Wajaale Agricultural Development Project is set to significantly contribute by:
· Modernizing farming methods and the use of new agricultural technologies;
· Providing water harvesting and consistent year-round irrigation to ensure and stabilize reliable production;
· Improving Livestock health, by creating a dedicated livestock corridor;
· Preventing land degradation, erosion, and environmental degradation in the Wajaale area;
The Banka Wajaale Project is expected to bring multi-faceted benefits to thousands of households living in the Wajaale area and its surroundings, and is set to become one of the most impactful development projects ever implemented in the Tog Wajaale District.
For their part, the Pharo Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tom Mason, and Pharo’s Representative in Somaliland, Mr. Mohamed Muse Cilmi, delivered valuable remarks at the ceremony. They assured the Tog Wajaale community in the presence of the President of the Republic of Somaliland that Pharo Ventures is genuinely committed to its social responsibilities, particularly strengthening agricultural production, creating effective water catchments, establishing the livestock corridor, creating jobs for the Wajaale community, and improving education and health services for the local population.
The Pharo Foundation / Pharo Ventures officials emphasized that the project’s goal is to create a sustainable life based on knowledge, new technology, and environmental protection, so that the people of Wajaale and its surroundings can access job opportunities, sufficient water, and quality services beneficial to community life.
This historic occasion also featured speeches by the Chairman of the ruling Justice and Welfare Party (UCID), various Ministers, and traditional elders of the Wajaale area. All welcomed the Banka Wajaale Agricultural Development Project and thanked the President of the Republic of Somaliland for this historic step. They also called upon the Wajaale community and the Gabiley region to benefit from the opportunities this project will generate
