Urban population is rapidly increasing in Somalia as a result of a general trend towards urbanisation and changes in the economical and political organization of Somalia territory. During the conflict and in the years that followed, cities in Somalia have experienced a strong influx of internally displaced people (many of which have chosen to stay in the urban centres), and returnees from refugee camps in Ethiopia, Djibouti and elsewhere.
The inability of urban centres in Somalia to absorb the prevailing numbers of new and for the largest part destitute inhabitants, has resulted in uncontrolled sprawl and the development of numerous densely populated informal and formal (re)settlement areas.
However, cities in Somalia lack an urban tradition, as well as the basic institutional capacity and revenue to effectively deal with urban planning issues and service delivery.
The provision of basic facilities (such as water supply, sanitation and shelter) is highly inadequate (especially in the areas for the most vulnerable groups), leaving its inhabitants in deprived living conditions.
CESVI’s project aims at addressing the identified gross inadequacies in urban planning, land management, municipal revenue collection, legislation and provision of basic services. Hence it represents an encompassing urban sector intervention that addresses and correlates all key-areas, and coordinates urban activities on a country-wide scale. |
