The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has finished the Garasbaley housing project in Somalia, benefiting 600 vulnerable households. Working with the Iskaashi Union and the Banadir Regional Administration’s Durable Solutions Unit (BRA-DSU), the project aims to provide improved shelter. Prestage Murima, deputy chief of mission of IOM Somalia, highlighted that housing offers safety, dignity, and stability for families to rebuild their lives.
Funded by the EU, the project addresses the urgent need for sustainable housing solutions in cities like Mogadishu, where rapid urbanization and internal displacement have strained resources. The initiative focuses on providing safer living conditions for displacement-affected communities, reducing the risk of evictions.
Through partnerships with various stakeholders, including legal experts and community representatives, IOM secured land tenure agreements and rental arrangements for participating households. These efforts ensure at least five years of tenure security and protection against forced evictions.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the project included capacity-building initiatives for government representatives, community leaders, and technical teams. Training focused on housing solutions, tenure security, disaster risk reduction, and community engagement. The new settlement in the Garasbaley district features transitional housing units, shared facilities, solar lighting, and infrastructure improvements.
Batulo, a mother of three displaced from the Lower Shabelle region, expressed gratitude for the project, stating that her family now feels secure in permanent homes. The initiative has provided stability and a sense of security, offering a better quality of life for vulnerable households.
