CITY LIVING

One of our viewers sent us the following information on what could be expected of typical city living in Puntland, Somalia.

"Just wanted to inform you about a city called "Goldogob" which is part of Puntland, it lies in the heart of the Wardeh--Gara’ad route.  It is a growing city of about 70,000 people, and it lies right at the border between Somalia and Ethiopia, almost walking distance from Ethiopia. I, along with the local people of Goldogob welcome your efforts to modernize and bring economic prosperity to the residents of Puntland, and we look forward to enjoying the economic benefits of this project."

"We are very pleased to hear the Railway route through our city (Goldogob), and the highway which will also go through this city, since it lies in the heart of the Wardeh---Gara’ad route.

The City of Goldogob has running water provided by Galdogob Water System (GWS), which is installed in the entire city, and is available to all residents.  The city also has 24/7 electricity, which is provided by SOMTEL, as well as the most reliable telecommunications, from very cheap international rates to high speed internet cafe’s.

There are hotels, taxis, and shopping centers to cater to people’s needs.  The city is also home to one of the most successful Somali money transfer company called "TAWAKAL BANK"; Tawakal Bank’s headquarter is in Dubai city, it has agents almost in every continent, with the most agents in North America, Europe and Asia.

Galdogob International Airport is currently under construction, it is being funded by the Diaspora of Goldogob in the western nations.

Here are some pictures I took of Goldogob during my vacation of Puntland in 2004:

Again, Goldogob city is very pleased to hear it’s inclusion in this project, by way of the Railway and the much needed highway.  Goldogob currently has no road connecting it to Galkayo City, the capital of Mudug province. 

Goldogob is about 70km away from Galkayo, and should take no more than an hour at most to reach, but since the lack of road, it takes 3 hours to get there, because of the rocky condition of the region.

Goldogob is a very strong member of Puntland, and Mudug region specially, and is waiting to do it’s part in this project.

If you would like more information, don’t hesitate to contact me through this email.

Thank You,

M.  Khalif, Calgary, Canada."

Note: Kindly refer to HAFZA Status here for progress to date.