Somalia’s construction boom in Mogadishu gives women high ambitions

The construction is booming in the capital of Somalia and as Mogadishu literally rises from its violent past, it also gives unexpected opportunities to women like Fathi Mohamed Abdi and Saadia Ahmed Omar.

The two young engineers supervised the construction of a 10 -story apartment complex in Taleh in the city’s hodan district.

Wearing helmets, they sail through building materials, emitting instructions to a team of workers – all of which are men.

“When I started, people doubted me,” the BBC chief of Arkan Engineering Services told the BBC, a construction company made up of the BBC.

“They would ask:” How can we trust a house built by a woman? How can I trust my money and my property with a young engineer? “”

She and her colleague Ms. Omar have been practicing engineers for five years.

“Mogadiscio needs us,” said Ms. Omar, who is also 24 years old. “When I was young, this city was in chaos. Now we are part of its reconstruction.”

Somalia, a former Italian colony, had an extended period of civil war after the government of President Siad Barre collapsed in January 1991.

Even now, scars of decades of war are still visible – as in the central district of Shangani where there are bombed buildings. But the ruins become hidden or replaced by large office complexes and apartments, and a line of horizon dotted with cranes and scaffolding.

The two young women were born during the civil war and grew up testifying to their fragmented country. While many Somalians have chosen to leave, they remained, motivated by a passion to rebuild, despite the fact that an insurrection was led by Al-Shabab, a group linked to Al-Qaeda.

“I think that part of the reason why women get more likely in this area is because there is so much work to do, and not enough professionals to do so. This creates a space for us,” said Ms. Omar.

Ibrahim Abdi Heyle, president of Somali Engineers Association, agrees that the high demand for qualified professionals leads to a change – even if it is slowly in society traditionally dominated by men.

“With many projects in the process of infrastructure, energy and technology, the workload has increased considerably. Consequently, the association actively encourages more participation of women, stressing that they are not only welcome but also vital to fill critical gaps in the workforce,” explains the 34-year-old man.

“The association estimates that the empowerment of women in engineering helps not only meet growing demand but also provides various perspectives and innovative solutions to industry.”

According to the office of the mayor of Mogadishu, over the past five years, more than 6,000 buildings have been built, marking a significant change in the city landscape.

“Safety in Mogadishu has improved, which has led to an increase in high-rise and commercial buildings,” said Salah Hassan Omar, spokesperson for the mayor.

Nevertheless, this was not an easy way for Ms. Abdi and Mrs. Omar, because only 5% of engineers are women – and they often find that the mentoring possibilities are rare.

“When I asked for internships, most companies have rejected me,” recalls Ms. Omar. “They did not think that a woman could manage the physical requirements of engineering. I looked for three months before someone finally gave me a chance.”

Today, the two are among the most recognized engineers in Mogadishu, having supervised more than 30 projects of several million dollars.

“The city now houses larger buildings and modern infrastructure, a contrast that striking with the Mogadiscio of the past,” said Ms. Abdi proudly.

But not everyone is satisfied with the transformation. The veteran architect SIIDOW CABDULLE BOOLAAY deplores the loss of the historic character of the city.

“The buildings which once honored Somalia before the war were not only beautiful but also attracted by attention because of their Italian style architecture, which was rare in Africa at the time,” he told the BBC. “Mogadiscio urban planning was very structured.”

Mr. Boolaay also has safety problems: “The sand used in Mogadiscio buildings is salty, which undermines its effectiveness.”

The sand of the long coast of Somalia is often used to make cement – a practice which is generally discouraged and, in many circumstances, limited by international construction standards because the high salt content can cause the corrosion of steel.

“These large buildings are not designed to withstand fires or heavy rain, and the safety of tenants is not taken into account during development. Many of these buildings lack fire extinguishers and good electrical installations,” he adds-obviously disappointed.

It is wary of the rhythm to which the buildings are under construction, which, according to him, compromises quality control.

For years, there has been no regulations, which has led concerns about their structural integrity.

Mr. Omar, from the mayor’s office, admits that it was the case until three years ago – and says that nothing can be done on these buildings.

But he insists that there is now “a quality control and no one will build a building without him”.

“We are [also] Prepare new laws which will clearly define where high -rise buildings can be built and where only residential houses must be built. “”

However, there are concerns that, although the regulations are in place – there are often no follow -up checks due to the speed of the building boom.

Ms. Abdi and Ms. Omar, graduates of the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Plasma, said that in their business, all their projects were approved by the local authorities.

The rapid growth of construction projects has been awarded to the investments of the diaspora as well as to improving security – although Islamist activists who control large expanses from the south of Somalia are still targeting the city.

According to the World Bank, funding of funds represented 16.7% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022 – which gave opportunities to architects and engineers.

But rapid urbanization has also exposed Mogadishu to the challenges of infrastructure – it does not have an appropriate sewer system and the risk of unregulated drilling exhausting the reserves of groundwater.

Christophe Hodder, United Nations climate security and environment advisor, warns that the unconstruction construction boom could lead to long -term environmental consequences.

“We need a coordinated approach to water management, or we risk a crisis in the future. Each new building is digging its own drilling hole … In a small space, there could be 10 or 20 drilling,” he told the BBC.

The government, in partnership with international organizations, works on a new sewer system, but its implementation may require the demolition of existing buildings – a controversial decision that could move residents and businesses.

Mr. Hodder adds that there is a high population density in Mogadishu – people conducted in the city by drought and conflict.

An increase in the urban population, especially in slums, could further increase poverty and social disparities, he says.

Despite these challenges, the future of Mogadishu seems promising. The city strives to implement urban development regulations, improve infrastructure and ensure sustainable growth.

Even the bombings by the Islamist armed group Al -Shabab – whose fighters tend to target the plush hotels often occupied by politicians – does not strike the enthusiasm of the Somali Engineers Association.

Mr. Heyle admits that this can be overwhelming for architects and engineers whose buildings are destroyed, but notes that Somalians have become resilient – in particular those who study engineering.

“Many explosions have occurred; our dreams have not stopped on this subject. Today, we revive the engineering profession, which collapsed 30 years ago. This means that there is hope.”

And the ambition is that in five years, Mogadishu will not only be a modern city but also a post-conflict reconstruction.

“I believe that Mogadishu is a different city compared to the 1990s; the city has changed for a new style, and the development of Mogadishu is in accordance with the new world,” explains Ms. Omar.

“When I walk in the streets and see buildings that I have helped to build, I feel proud. We are not only construction structures; we build hope.”

Ms. Abdi agrees, adding: “We prove that women can not only design buildings, but also lead projects and shape the city.”