Garoowe

Garowe
Garoowe
غاروي
City
Clockwise from top left: View of downtown Garowe, UN Headquarters in Garowe, State House, and Puntland State University.a residential area
Garowe

Location in Somalia.

Coordinates: 8°24′N 48°28′E / 8.400°N 48.467°E / 8.400; 48.467Coordinates: 8°24′N 48°28′E / 8.400°N 48.467°E / 8.400; 48.467
Country  Somalia
State  Puntland
Region Nugal
Government
 • Type Mayor-Council-Commission
 • Mayor Hassan mohamed isse Goodir
Area
 • Total 42 km2 (16 sq mi)
Elevation 465 m (1,526 ft)
Population (2016)[1][2]
 • Total 867,200
Time zone EAT (UTC+3)
Area code(s) 090

Garowe (Somali: Garoowe, Arabic: غاروي‎‎)[3] is the capital of Nugaal region and administrative capital of Puntland state in northeastern Somalia. The city is one of the large cities in Somalia with a large population. In recent times Garowe was developing rapidly. As of 2016, the airport is under enlargement construction.

In the early modern period, the area was ruled by the Majeerteen Sultanate. It would later be incorporated into Italian Somaliland. Following independence, Garowe was made the center of the Garowe District.

Garowe is situated in the Nugaal Valley, bounded by gradually ascending high plateaus that generally reach elevations of 1,650 to 3,300 feet (500 to 1,000 m) above sea level on the north, west, and south. The western part of the same plateau is crossed by numerous valleys and dry watercourses. Goat and camel raising form the basis of the economy, and frankincense and myrrh are collected from wild trees.[4]

Garowe is home to a number of scholastic institutions,including: Puntland State University, Garowe Teachers Education College (GTEC) Garowe is the seat of the Puntland parliament, presidential palace and government ministries.A fast-growing city, it has also evolved into a local media and cultural hub.

History

During the 19th century, Garowe and much of northeastern Somalia were an integral part of the Majeerteen Sultanate, ruled by Boqor Osman Mahamud, cousin of Sultan Yusuf Ali Kenadid of the Sultanate of Hobyo.

A residential area in Garowe.

The city would later be incorporated into Italian Somaliland during the colonial period.

Following independence, Garowe was made a district center of Bosaso. The city would subsequently be reassigned in the early 1970s as the regional capital of an area consisting of Las Anod and Eyl. Straddling the Nugal Valley, this new administrative division would be named Nugal.[5]

Following the outbreak of the civil war in 1991, a homegrown constitutional conference was held in Garowe in 1998 over a period of three months. Attended by the area's political elite, traditional elders (Issims), members of the business community, intellectuals and other civil society representatives, the autonomous Puntland State of Somalia was subsequently officially established so as to deliver services to the population, offer security, facilitate trade, and interact with both domestic and international partners.[6]

Geography

Location

Garowe is situated in northeastern Somalia, in the heart of the Puntland region. Nearby settlements include to the east Gillab (4.8 nm), to the northeast Qalqalooc (15.3 nm), to the north Libaax Seexay (2.5 nm), to the northwest Geida Debabo (12.2), to the west Bixin (5.9 nm), to the southwest Lugo (6.0 nm), to the south Salaxley (5.3 nm), and to the southeast War Weytan (9.7 nm).[7][8] The largest cities in the country most proximate to Garowe are Qardho (205 km),[9] Galkayo (216 km) and Erigavo (275 km).[10] Shimbiris, the highest peak in Somalia, is located some 293 km to the northwest in the Cal Madow mountain range.[10]

 Geida Debabo Libaax Seexay Qalqalooc
Bixin Gillab
   Garowe  
War Weytan Salaxley Lugo

Climate

Garowe has a hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh). As such, the weather is generally hot, sunny and dry. Coldest average temperatures occur during the months of November to February, when thermometer readings range from 23 to 25 °C (73 to 77 °F). The weather slowly heats up in the spring, as the April rainy season begins. Average temperatures later reach a maximum of around 41 °C over the summer period. Come September, a gradual cooling starts to set in again. Annual rainfall is low, averaging 123 mm (5.25 in). The sky is usually clear and bright throughout the year.[11]

Climate data for Garowe
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 30
(86)		 29
(84)		 30
(86)		 31
(88)		 34
(93)		 39
(102)		 41
(106)		 41
(106)		 38
(100)		 33
(91)		 31
(88)		 30
(86)		 33.9
(93)
Average low °C (°F) 24
(75)		 24
(75)		 24
(75)		 26
(79)		 27
(81)		 30
(86)		 32
(90)		 31
(88)		 29
(84)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 23
(73)		 26.7
(80)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 15
(0.59)		 0
(0)		 1
(0.04)		 15
(0.59)		 5
(0.2)		 5
(0.2)		 33
(1.3)		 20
(0.79)		 15
(0.59)		 14
(0.55)		 5
(0.2)		 5
(0.2)		 133
(5.25)
Source: AccuWeather[11]

Administration

Garowe is the third largest city in Puntland after Bosaso and Galkayo. Situated in the Nugal province in the geographical center of the region, it is the seat of the regional parliament, the presidential palace and government ministries.

Garowe's municipal government is currently led by Hassan Mohamed Isse Goodir. He was elected by city councilors on August 20, 2015 [12]

On November 19, 2012, a ceremony was held in one of Garowe's government districts to mark the opening of the new local Corrections Academy and Headquarters. The event was inaugurated by former Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamud Farole and Vice President Abdisamad Ali Shire, along with a UNODC delegation. A multi-tiered security complex, the compound features classrooms, staff quarters and offices. A new bureau for the Puntland Ministry of Justice and Rehabilitation was also opened. Additionally, the officials laid down the foundation for a new prison facility that is being constructed in the city.[13] They later did the same in January 2013 for a new Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports office. The area also features the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Health buildings, as well as the Puntland State House.[14] A new presidential palace was likewise opened on April 16, 2013.[15]

On 8 January 2014, the Puntland presidential elections were held in the city, with former Prime Minister of Somalia Abdiweli Mohamed Ali voted into office.[16]

In February 2015, the Garowe Municipality also launched a new house numbering system in the administrative capital. The initiative saw unique numerical digits assigned to each residential and commercial street address, as well as to land plots.[17] Additionally, the Garowe Municipality launched a citywide cleaning campaign in March 2015. The government-public partnership is aimed at beautifying and sanitizing the Horsed suburb and other areas in the Puntland regional state's administrative capital. Among other activities, the campaign saw residents construct gabions and fill gullies in some areas of the city.[18]

Demographics

The broader Garowe District has an estimated total population of 190,000 residents.[19] As with most of Puntland, it is primarily inhabited by Somalis from the Harti Darod clan confederation, in particular the Majerteen and leelkase Darood clans.

Education

Garowe has a number of academic institutions. According to the Puntland Ministry of Education, there are 30 primary schools in the Garowe District. Among these are Alxikma, Mayle, Wabari and Darwiish, named after Mohammed Abdullah Hassan's Dervish State.[20] Secondary schools in the area include Alwaha, Gambol, Nawawi and Nugal High.[21]

Puntland State University's main campus is also located here. The school grew out of the Garowe School of Management, a women's college in Garowe offering courses in business management, accounting, computer skills and business English. Following the graduation of 60 pupils in its inaugural year, the school was expanded to observe a two-year structure and renamed the Puntland Community College (PCC). In 2004, the PCC again expanded its syllabus, this time offering four-year programs; it was also renamed to Puntland State University (PSU).[22]

Other institutions of higher learning in the city include the Garowe Teachers Education College (GTEC), a primary teachers' training center that caters to the larger region. East Africa University (EAU) also has a Garowe branch, one of its seven campuses in Puntland.[23]

Services

A public library in Garowe.

A number of NGOs also have their main offices in the city, including the local Puntland Development Research Center (PDRC). The PDRC plays a key role in research and funding for the development of peace and effective governance initiatives in Puntland.

Additionally, the Puntland Agency For Social Welfare (PASWE) is headquartered here. Founded in May 2009 by the regional administration, it provides medical, educational and counseling support to vulnerable groups and individuals such as orphans, the disabled and the blind. PASWE is overseen by a board of directors, which consists of religious scholars (ulema), businesspeople, intellectuals and traditional elders.[24]

Garowe is served by one major medical institution, Garowe Regional Hospital, in addition to numerous smaller health clinics. In 2008, the foundations were laid for the construction of a new general hospital, built with assistance from the Somali Manhal agency.[25] Additionally, in conjunction with the Italian government, the Puntland authorities opened another hospital in the city.[26] In 2009, a local non-profit organization also established the region's first mental health facility.[24]

In June 2014, the Puntland government launched a new tree-planting campaign in the state, with the regional Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism slated to plant 25,000 trees by the end of the year. Garowe is among the seven cities and towns earmarked for the reforestation initiative, which also include Bosaso, Dhahar, Qardho, Buuhoodle, Baran and Galkayo. The campaign is part of a broader partnership between the Puntland authorities and EU to set up various environmental protection measures in the region, with the aim of promoting reforestation and afforestation.[27]

In April 2015, the Takaful Insurance Company officially launched a new office in Garowe. The firm provides Sharia compliant insurance for real estate properties and vehicles.[28]

Economy

In April 2013, the Puntland Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources officially inaugurated a new fish market in Garowe. Constructed in conjunction with the UK authorities and the UNDP, it is part of a larger regional development plan which will see two other similar marketplaces launched within the year in Galkayo and Qardho.[29]

In March 2014, the Puntland Chamber of Commerce oversaw a launching event in Garowe for the construction of a new Iftin Bank. The function was attended by Somali business community officials and tycoons, whom the Chamber of Commerce Chairman Saed Hussein Eid encouraged to invest within the region. Highlighting Puntland's commercial potential, its natural resources and large reserves, the regional Minister of Commerce also expressed support for entrepreneurs with investments earmarked for the petroleum, livestock and agriculture sectors.[30]

In October 2014, the firm Tawakal Money Express (Tawakal) also began construction of the four-storey Tawakal Plaza Garowe. The new high rise is slated to be completed by the end of 2015, and will feature a Tawakal Global Bank customer and financial services center, office spaces, multi-purpose rooms, and an upscale shopping mall.[31]

In March 2015, the Ministry of Labour, Youth and Sports in conjunction with the European Union and World Vision launched the Nugal Empowerment for Better Livelihood Project in the Garowe, Dangorayo, Eyl, Godobjiran and Burtinle districts of Puntland. The three-year initiative is valued at $3 million EUR, and is part of the New Deal Compact for Somalia. It aims buttress the regional economic sector through business support, training and non-formal education programs, community awareness workshops, and mentoring and networking drives.[32]

Transportation

Roadside view of a neighborhood in Garowe.

Garowe is traversed by a 750 km north–south highway. It connects major cities in the northern part of the country, such as Bosaso and Galkayo, with towns in the south.[33] In 2012, the Puntland Highway Authority (PHA) completed rehabilitation work on the central artery linking Garowe with Galkayo.[34] The transportation body also began an upgrade and repair project in June 2012 on the large Garowe–Bosaso Highway. Additionally, plans are in the works to construct new roads connecting littoral towns in the region to the main thoroughfare.[35]

In October 2014, Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali laid down the foundation for a new highway connecting the presidential palace in Garowe with various other parts of the administrative capital. Financing for the project was provided by the Puntland government. According to the Head of the Puntland Highway Authority Mohamud Abdinur Adan, the new thoroughfare aims to facilitate local transportation and movement. Puntland Minister of Public Works Mohamed Hersi also indicated that the Puntland authorities plan to build and repair other roads linking to the regional urban centers.[36] In March 2015, Puntland President Ali inaugurated additional newly built, paved roads in Garowe. The streets were constructed by a local company through the JPLG program.[37] Puntland President Ali also inaugurated another new two kilometer asphalt road in Garowe, a construction project that was implemented by the municipal authorities. According to the Nugal province Governor Abdullahi Aw-Isse, the highway links the city's eastern neighborhoods with the downtown area, and aims to buttress the ongoing local infrastructure and commercial development initiatives. It is the eighth bitumen road completed in the town since 2014, with the Garowe municipality aiming to convert to asphalt all of the city's streets.[38]

In March 2015, Ali in conjunction with EU Ambassador to Somalia Michele Cervone d’Urso and German Ambassador to Somalia Andreas Peschke also launched the Sustainable Road Maintenance Project. Part of the New Deal Compact for Somalia, the initiative's implementation is facilitated by 17.75 million Euros and 3 million Euros provided by the EU and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), respectively. Among other objectives, the project aims to renovate the highway between Garowe and Galkayo, including funding refurbishments on the damaged segments of the road and construction of check dams and flood control structures. The initiative also involves a routine annual maintenance program, which focuses on side brushing, clearing bridges after floods, drainage and culvert clearance, and pothole filling. Additionally, the project will offer policy support to the Puntland Ministry of Public Works and the Puntland Highway Authority, and local contractors will receive on-the-job training to upgrade their skills.[39]

Local air transport needs are served by Garowe International Airport, a major airport situated about 12 km from the city center. It was officially opened in 2010 under the aegis of the Ministry for Civil Aviation and Airports. The first phase of the airport's construction was completed through a public-private partnership over a period of seven years, with the Garowe-based Mubarak construction company having assisted significantly in completing the project. The airport also attempts to adhere to the air transport standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).[40]

In March 2015, a business meeting was held in Dubai to evaluate tenders from various firms that are bidding for a contract to build a new airport in Garowe. The construction project was organized by the Puntland aviation and finance ministries, with the Kuwait Fund providing assistance. Four companies were reportedly awarded the contract, with the tender winner(s) scheduled to be officially announced in April of the year.[41]

Sports

Garowe is home to Mire Aware Stadium, a sporting facility with a crowd capacity of over 15,000 spectators. In 2010, it hosted the Somali National Football Tournament, the first nationwide football competition held since 1987 and the ensuing outbreak of the civil war. Organized by the Puntland administration in conjunction with the Somali Football Federation, the tournament also marked the first time that the event was held outside of Mogadishu.[42]

Media

Various media organizations are based in Garowe. Puntland TV and Radio has offices in the city.[26]

Radio Garowe, the sister outlet to Garowe Online, is also centered here. In May 2013, the broadcaster launched an additional FM station in Bosaso.[43] Radio Daljir, Puntland's largest radio station, also has a studio in Garowe, with its main headquarters in Bosaso.[44] The broadcaster's network of 7 FM transmitters reaches most of Puntland as well as part of the neighboring Galmudug region to the south.

Accommodation

Entrance to the Meka Hotel in Garowe.

Additionally, Garowe has various places of accommodation. Among these hotels and guest houses is the Meka Hotel, situated downtown.

Districts

Garowe is subdivided into several administrative districts:

Sister cities

In November 2014, the Garowe Municipality announced that it was slated to meet with the Gebze Municipality in Turkey in order to finalize a sister city agreement between Garowe and Gebze.[45]

Notable residents

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Garowe Urban Baseline Report" (PDF). Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit Somalia. May 17, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  2. ↑ http://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/rapid-needs-assessment-drought-situation-bari-nugal-and-sanaag-regions-puntland
  3. ↑ الاتحاد الأفريقي يرحب بالاتفاق الذي تم التوصل إليه في مؤتمر غاروي الثاني حول دستور الصومال; English translation
  4. ↑ http://www.britannica.com/place/Nugaaleed-Valley
  5. ↑ Africa research bulletin: Political, social, and cultural series, Volumes 10-11, Africa Research Ltd: 1973), p.2721.
  6. ↑ Somalia: Puntland's Experience in Peace-building and State-building
  7. ↑ "Garoowe, Somalia". Falling Rain. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
  8. ↑ "Qalqalooc, Somalia". Falling Rain. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
  9. ↑ "Distance from Garowe to Gardo". DistanceFrom. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
  10. 1 2 "Garoowe". Weather-Forecast. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
  11. 1 2 "Garoowe, Somalia - Weather". AccuWeather. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  12. ↑ "Garowe City Council elects new mayor". Garoweonline. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  13. ↑ "Somalia: Puntland leader inaugurates two new government centers". Garowe Online. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  14. ↑ "Somalia: Puntland VP Lays Foundation Rock for New Ministry of Civil Aviation Building". Garowe Online. 16 January 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  15. ↑ "Somalia: President Farole inaugurates new presidential palace". Garowe Online. 16 April 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  16. ↑ "Somalia: Parliament elects Dr. Abdiweli Gaas as new Puntland President". Garowe Online. 8 January 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  17. ↑ "Garowe Local Government Enforces House Numbering". Goobjoog. 28 February 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  18. ↑ "Cleaning campaign due to commence in Garowe". Goobjoog. 24 March 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  19. ↑ "District Development Framework (DDF)" (PDF). Garoowe District. September 2011. p. 9. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  20. ↑ "Puntland - Primary schools". Ministry of Education of Puntland. Retrieved 26 May 2013.
  21. ↑ "Puntland - Secondary schools". Ministry of Education of Puntland. Retrieved 26 May 2013.
  22. ↑ Puntland State University - History and Background
  23. ↑ "A programme for improving governance, leadership and management capacity of the three health authorities in Somalia". Mannion Daniels Limited. Retrieved 20 June 2013.
  24. 1 2 "Somalia: Puntland leader launches welfare agency". Garowe Online. 22 May 2009. Retrieved 2 November 2013.
  25. ↑ "http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_A_new_hospital_for_Puntland_capital_as_security_improves_printer.shtml". Garowe Online. 9 February 2009. Retrieved 1 November 2013. External link in |title= (help)
  26. 1 2 "Somalia: Italy pledges revival of stalled projects to Puntland". Garowe Online. 27 October 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2013.
  27. ↑ "Somalia: World Environment Day celebrated in Puntland, Govt calls for tree plantation". Garowe Online. 5 June 2014. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  28. ↑ "Somalia: First insurance company opens in Puntland". Garowe Online. 27 April 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  29. ↑ "Somalia: New Fish Market opens in Garowe". Garowe Online. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  30. ↑ "Somalia: Puntland Chamber of Commerce calls for investment". Garowe Online. 19 March 2014. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  31. ↑ "SOMALIA: Tawakal Money Express announce building projects to house upcoming Tawakal Global Bank in Somalia". Raxanreeb. 14 October 2014. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  32. ↑ "EU and World Vision Support Livelihoods in Puntland". Goobjoog. 17 March 2015. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  33. ↑ The First 100 Days in Office
  34. ↑ "Puntland to rehabilitate Bosaso-Qardo road". Sabahi. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  35. ↑ "Puntland to upgrade Bosaso-Garowe highway". Sabahi. 28 June 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  36. ↑ "Puntland president lay foundation stone of new road". Goobjoog. 16 October 2014. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
  37. ↑ "Puntland president officially inaugurates new paved roads in Gorowe". Goobjoog. 10 March 2015. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
  38. ↑ "SOMALIA: Puntland President Abdiweli Gaas opens new 2-km asphalt road in Garowe". Raxanreeb. 29 March 2015. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
  39. ↑ "EU AND GERMANY REHABILITATE GAROWE-GALKACYO CORRIDOR". Goobjoog. 11 March 2015. Retrieved 12 March 2015.
  40. ↑ Garowe International Airport Opened
  41. ↑ "Somalia: Dubai meeting reviews Garowe airport bid". Garowe Online. 23 March 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  42. ↑ Mogadishu team wins Somalia football cup held in Puntland
  43. ↑ "Somalia: Radio Garowe launches new FM station in Bossaso". Garowe Online. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  44. ↑ "Radio Daljir". Radio Station World. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
  45. ↑ "Somalia: Garowe to clinch Sister City Partnership with Turkey's Gebze". Garowe Online. 5 November 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
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