The UPDF Battle Group XXX VII serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in the Lower Shabelle region, together with their partners; Bankroft Global Development started clearing the nine-kilometer (9kms) stretch of Buufow – Janaale route.
Once cleared of thick vegetation (Algarobu) and sand, the road will ease accessibility to different towns and the movement of travelers will be unfettered.
Col Charles Kibaate Asiimwe, the Battle Group XXXVII Commander, says Al – Shabaab uses the thick vegetation along the routes to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and to lay ambushes that terrorise travelers. “Many people have lost their lives and property as a result of IEDs planted by Al – Shabaab terror groups.
Thus, route clearance is aimed at improving transport connectivity between the two districts by removing all IEDs and clearing the bush beside the road,” remarked Col Charles Asiimwe.
Mr. Jasper Genis, the head engineering team at Bankroft Global Development says that the aim is to secure the road by opening the roads and removing every obstacle therein so that there is free movement of goods and services. “Al – Shabaab remains a threat to the social and economic well-being of the people of Somalia by continuously laying bombs along the routes. Our contribution to this noble cause is to enhance security along the Main Supply Routes and ease transport of persons and goods which will ultimately spark social economic development,” Mr. Jasper explained.
The Buufow local leader, Mr. Mohamed Yusuf thanked ATMIS leadership for enabling his people to move along this road without any harm as a result of the Al-Shabaab mayhem.
