By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Somalia, June 26, 2026 – Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Gudlawe said high transport costs for building materials are limiting private construction in Jowhar, the capital of the federal member state.
Speaking in an interview with Dawan Media’s Mizan Podcast, Gudlawe said Jowhar lacks key construction materials such as stone, gravel and building soil, forcing contractors and residents to bring supplies from Mogadishu, about 90 km away.
He said transporting one truckload of building stone to Jowhar can cost between $1,500 and $1,800, compared with much lower costs in areas where construction materials are locally available.
“The challenge is that the materials used for construction are brought from Mogadishu, 90 km away,” Gudlawe said. “One truckload of stone costs between $1,500 and $1,800.”
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Gudlawe said the high cost of materials had slowed private construction, including large residential and commercial buildings, compared with other federal member state capitals where building inputs are easier to access.
He said flooding and occasional insecurity had also contributed to transport challenges, though public infrastructure projects had continued despite those difficulties.
The president said his administration had supported several public projects in Jowhar, including the state presidential palace, ministry buildings and roads, and had covered additional costs when project budgets were insufficient.
He said development in Jowhar was still expanding, but added that improved security and better road access would make construction easier and reduce costs over time.