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.”