By Mohamed Qaal - Reporter
Somalia, 25 January 2026 The Garowe District Administration has officially suspended the registration of new bajajs for one year, citing a sharp increase in the number of three-wheel vehicles operating in the Puntland capital, which has led to traffic congestion, disorder, and growing administrative and security challenges.
The Acting Mayor of Garowe and Deputy District Commissioner, Mohamed Ali Hamari, said the suspension took effect on January 24, adding that the decision aims to control the number of bajajs in the city and ensure better regulation and order.
“A significant task has already been completed, including repainting and officially marking bajajs and categorizing them by number. We thank everyone who worked with us, especially the security forces,” Hamari said.
He said residents of the capital who intend to purchase new bajajs must postpone their plans during the suspension period.
More from Somalia
“Owners are allowed to buy and sell bajajs among themselves as long as the vehicles are already registered and officially marked. However, no new bajaj will be registered during this period,” he added.
The administration said the suspension period will be used to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current number of bajajs, their impact on road traffic, and to determine a more effective system for managing this key mode of public transport in the city.
The decision comes amid rising public complaints over road congestion, safety concerns, and the lack of effective regulation of the growing number of bajajs in Garowe.