If you’ve ever tried to build anything in a remote part of Somalia whether it's a school, a borehole, or a simple shelter you already know that it's not as easy as grabbing a shovel and calling it a day. As someone who has seen projects in both urban and rural Somali regions, I can tell you that building in remote areas is a completely different world. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities.
In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the major engineering hurdles we face in these remote locations and share a few real-world tips that I’ve picked up along the way. Whether you're a young engineer, a diaspora investor, or just curious, I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what it takes to build outside the cities in Somalia.
1. Lack of Infrastructure: Roads, Electricity, and Water
Let’s start with the obvious. Most remote areas in Somalia have poor or non-existent infrastructure. No paved roads, no stable electricity, and limited access to clean water. This makes transporting construction materials like cement, steel, and even basic tools a logistical nightmare.
I remember working on a project near Ceel Huur nearby lower Shabelle . Just getting the cement from the city to the site took three times longer than expected. The truck got stuck in soft sand, and we had to dig it out with shovels in 31°C heat.
Tip: If you’re planning a build in a remote area, try to source as many materials locally as possible. For example, stone and sand can often be gathered nearby, and in some cases, it can be a sustainable option.
2. Skilled Labor Shortages
In cities like Mogadishu, you’ll find experienced masons, electricians, and welders. In remote villages? Not so much.
You often have to bring skilled workers from the city, which increases costs for transport, lodging, and food. Plus, workers may not want to stay long due to the isolation and harsh living conditions.
In one village in the region, we trained a few young men on basic masonry and concrete mixing. It slowed down the project at first, but in the long run, it created a local workforce that could maintain the building once we left.
Tip: If your project is long-term, consider training locals. It’s an upfront investment that pays off later both for your project and for the community.
3. Harsh Environmental Conditions
Somalia’s climate can be brutal. Depending on where you are, you might face intense heat, unpredictable floods, or even strong winds that can damage unprotected structures.
In coastal areas like jaziira, saltwater corrosion is a real issue. Metal structures rust faster, and cement needs special additives to withstand the salt exposure. Meanwhile, in the interior regions like Galmudug, dry winds and dust storms can weaken unfinished buildings and delay progress.
Tip: Use climate-appropriate materials. For coastal areas, consider rust-proof coatings and marine-grade cement. For dry, hot zones, design with ventilation in mind to reduce internal heat and material stress.
4. Security and Political Instability
Let’s be real some areas in Somalia are still unstable Engineers and workers may be at risk due to local conflicts, clan tensions or even simple misunderstandings.
I once had to stop a water well project because of a land dispute that wasn’t resolved before drilling started. We had the rig on-site, everything ready but without community agreement, we had to pack up and leave.
Tip: Always involve the local elders and community leaders from the beginning. Let them be part of the decision-making process. It might seem like a delay, but it’s better than losing your entire investment.
5. Communication and Planning Challenges
Many remote villages don’t have reliable mobile networks, and internet access is basically zero. That means no Zoom calls, no Google Maps, and no WhatsApp updates.
This can cause delays in material orders, payment processing, and general coordination. A small miscommunication can snowball into a week-long setback.
Tip: Over-communicate in advance. Print physical blueprints, bring hard copies of timelines, and establish backup plans. Use solar-powered power banks if needed.
Conclusion: Engineering Beyond the Blueprint
Building in remote Somali regions isn’t just about concrete and steel it’s about creativity, patience, and community engagement. You’ll wear many hats: engineer, negotiator, teacher, even peacebuilder at times.
But if you approach it with humility and a real desire to serve, the work is incredibly rewarding. You’re not just constructing buildings you’re laying the groundwork for education, health, and development in places that need it most.
So the next time you hear someone talk about “developing Somalia,” remind them that the toughest and most important work often happens far away from the headlines, deep in the countryside, where real change is still being built one wall, one well, and one village at a time.
Have you worked or planned a project in a remote Somali area? I’d love to hear your stories, tips, or questions in the comments below. Let's keep building together.
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