EU commences a project to advance the Batalaale Coast.

A project to develop the Batalale coast of Somaliland, funded by the European Union, had its foundation stone laid on Saturday in the presence of officials including the EU’s representative on Somalia, Nicolás Berlanga Martínez.

The project, which will be implemented by Berbera Municipality and UN-Habitat over the next seven months, is part of the EU-funded urban development project launched in 2020.

Berbera Coast Project, which will focus specifically on inclusion and creation of livelihoods, will have a site for couples, a unique place for women, Games and services needed by young people, a shopping mall and a relaxing place for people to go to Berbera Beach.

“The new Berbera coastal project will not only be attractive to the people of Berbera, but will also be a unique economic opportunity. It will attract a large number of tourists and thus generate revenue for the region, business opportunities for private companies, and direct and indirect employment for residents, ”said the EU Ambassador to Somalia, Nicolas Berlanga Martinez.

Ishaku Maitumbi, UN-Habitat Somalia Program Officer, urged residents to protect Berbera’s coastal ecosystem and attract tourists and increase social services, job creation and raising local income.

The Berbera Municipality said the Batalaale coast is a priority site for the renewal of the city of Berbera following current trends in urban growth and recommendations from the 2017 Environmental Development Strategy Review.