Lower Shabelle, Somalia — Somalia’s Minister of Defense, H.E. Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, and Minister of Interior, H.E. Ali Yusuf Ali, on Saturday officially inaugurated the reconstructed Sabiid and Anole bridges in the Lower Shabelle region, marking a key milestone in the government’s infrastructure restoration efforts.
The ceremony was attended by officials from the Somali National Army, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), representatives from the Turkish government, local elders, and community leaders.
Speakers emphasized that the rebuilt bridges would enhance regional trade, improve mobility for residents, and strengthen security by facilitating faster deployment of security forces.
The Sabiid and Anole bridges were destroyed earlier this year by Al-Shabaab militants, severing vital transport and trade routes in the region. Their reconstruction is part of a broader federal initiative to restore infrastructure, reconnect communities, and support economic recovery in Lower Shabelle.
Local business owners and residents welcomed the reopening, noting that the bridges would significantly reduce travel times and help farmers and traders transport goods to markets more efficiently. Authorities said ongoing maintenance and security measures would ensure the bridges remain safe and functional.
The federal government reaffirmed its commitment to continue rebuilding infrastructure targeted by insurgent attacks, stressing that such projects are essential for stabilizing the region and improving livelihoods.
