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Showing posts with the label sustainable construction

Affordable Housing in Somalia: Challenges and Opportunities for Builders

 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...

Green Building in Somalia: Can We Build Sustainably?

  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...