GAROWE, Somalia May 15 (Garowe Online) - A World Bank delegation visited the capital of Somalia's self-governing federal State of Puntland and signed a grant with Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed "Farole," Radio Garowe reports.
The World Bank delegation was led by Mr. Eric Johnson from Washington, D.C., and the hours-long meeting held at State House in Garowe, the capital of Puntland.
Gen. Abdisamad Ali Shire, Puntland's vice president, was present at the meeting alongside Finance Minister Farah Ali Jama, Planning Minister Farah Adan Dhala and the Chief of Cabinet, Mr. Ali Barre Jama Gibin.
Puntland President Abdirahman Farole
President Farole offered the delegation an overview of recent developments in Puntland, including the peaceful presidential election in January, and discussed the region's development needs.
Mr. Johnson commended the peaceful situation in Puntland and pledged that the World Bank would support the regional government with a US$1.5million grant, according to Planning Minister Dhala.
"The [Puntland] administration plans to use the funds for renovation of the Port of Bossaso, the paving of a tarmac road to and from the port, and the construction of a vocational school," the Planning Minister told Radio Garowe after the conclusion of the meeting.
It is the first grant the new administration led by President Farole has received from the international community since assuming office in January.
A World Bank officer was present in February when the Puntland government hosted a two-day seminar in Garowe entitled "Re-engaging with the International Community," where the United Nations and international non-governmental organizations were present.
Puntland, located in northeastern Somalia, declared itself a federal state within Somalia in 1998 and has held three peaceful elections since.
Source: Garowe Online
you will see all that money Faroole will eat it up
