BuildHub Somalia

 Let’s be honest  finding a decent, affordable place to live in Somalia today isn’t easy. Whether you’re in Mogadishu or in another city, housing is expensive especially for ordinary families. Rent is high, land prices keep rising, and new homes are often built for the wealthy, not the average citizen. As someone involved in the construction industry, I’ve seen this firsthand. I’ve met families living in unfinished buildings or overcrowded homes, just trying to get by. But I’ve also seen inspiring projects where local builders, youth, and NGOs are working to bring affordable housing to life. There are challenges, yes big ones but there are also real opportunities if we approach things with creativity and care. Why Is Affordable Housing So Difficult in Somalia? To solve a problem, we need to understand it. Here are some of the main reasons why affordable housing is such a struggle: 1. High Cost of Land and Materials Land in urban areas is expensive, and much of it is owned by p...

  When we talk about building sustainably in Somalia, many people immediately think it’s a luxury something for developed countries with big budgets. But the truth is, green building is not only possible in Somalia, it’s also necessary for our future. Let’s be honest: our cities are growing fast. From Mogadishu to Hargeisa, people are moving into urban areas, building homes, shops, schools, and mosques. But as the population grows, so do challenges rising temperatures, water shortages, and unreliable electricity. So the question is: can we build sustainably in Somalia? My answer is yes, if we start thinking smarter, not more expensive .  What Is Green Building, Anyway? Green building simply means designing and constructing buildings that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient . It’s about reducing waste, using local materials, saving energy, and making sure the building works with nature, not against it. You don’t need to install solar panels on a skyscrape...

  If you walk through any Somali city whether it’s Mogadishu or anywhere else you’ll notice something right away: almost every house, shop or wall is built with cement blocks, They’re everywhere. And if you’ve ever wondered why cement blocks are the go to material for construction in Somalia, you’re not alone. Let me break it down for you, especially if you're planning to build for the first time or considering investing in property in Somalia. Why Cement Blocks Are So Popular To put it simply, cement blocks are practical, cheap, and easy to work with. That’s a big deal in a country where building materials need to be affordable and construction needs to be fast. One of the main reasons people prefer cement blocks is availability . They're made locally in almost every town usually right next to the construction site. Builders don’t have to import them or wait weeks for delivery. You just visit the nearest block maker, choose the type you want (solid or hollow) and you'r...

  If you're thinking about building a home in Somalia whether in the city, countryside, or near the coast  one of the first things you'll need to understand is what materials people are actually using . Trust me, choosing the right building material can save you money, time, and a lot of stress down the road. I’ve seen too many people dive into construction without knowing what works best in Somalia’s unique climate and conditions. So, let’s walk through the top 5 building materials you’ll see in Somali homes today, along with some tips based on real-world experience. 1. Cement Blocks (Bulkeeti) This is by far the most popular material, especially in urban areas like Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Kismayo. Cement blocks are widely available, strong and affordable for most people. They’re perfect for building walls, and even entire homes. Why people use them: Easy to stack and build with. Durable in the heat and wind. Can handle the salty air in coastal regions if you s...