Somali American Womens Foundation

The Abudwaq Airport Project

Project Proposal Submitted to:

The Transitional Federal Government of Somalia

January 2011

Project Background: Abudwaq district, the most populous town in Galgaduud region of Somalia, has suffered from lack of public services since the fall of the last central government of Somalia. Despite its central location and close proximity to strategic towns and its rich livestock resources, Abudwaq suffers from poor access to markets and lower financial activity than it could potentially achieve. The town does not access to a tarmac road or seaport. A group of Somali-American women decided to develop an international airport for the city in order to facilitate access to international markets and create employment opportunities for hundreds of residents. These women serve as the steering committee of the project. A nonprofit organization, the Somali American Womens Foundation, was created and registered in the state of Ohio to generate funds for the project. Project Goal: The goal of the project is to develop an airport that meets international standards for air transportation. The plan is to have a tarmac runway for planes to take off and land, a control tower, and terminal buildings. The planned airport will have capacity for

commercial planes and storage facilities for cargo and other commercial products to meet the import and export needs of adjacent districts and regions. Project Status: The Somali American Womens Foundation initiated efforts to engage local residents of Abudwaq district. A survey has been initiated to identify an appropriate site for the airport and complete an environmental and social impact assessment. So far, the project has raised some funds from Somalis in the Diaspora including cash in hand and pledged funds.

Project Need: The Abudwaq Airport Project is estimated to cost a total amount of $1 million. Of this amount, Somali American Womens Foundation aims at raising 50% which is $500,000. We request a match of the remaining 50% from the Transitional Federal Government through the provision of construction supplies, payment of salaries to professional and support staff for the project, and linkage with aid and development agencies that can help us in the completion of the project. This match can be done in any of the above ways or combination thereof. Timeline: The project was initiated in May 2010 and the target to attain its completion is the end of 2012. The construction is expected to begin in earnest before the end of 2011. A response to this request for support would be appreciated as soon as practically possible. Contact: Somali American Womens Foundation Attention: Amina Abdi Telephone: (614) 516-5285 or (614) 316-6181 Canabafweyne6@hotmail.com

Submitted to: His Excellency, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo Prime Minister of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia. January 16, 2011.