Mogadishu, 5 June 2015 - Project partners – including the Mayor and Vice Mayors of Mogadishu and delegates from the European Union – recently attended the closing ceremony of the Sustainable Employment Creation and Improved Livelihoods for Vulnerable Urban Communities (SECIL) project in Mogadishu.

For the past three and a half years, the project has worked in close partnership with the local authorities in Mogadishu to ensure the sustainability of project activities. The project was funded by the European Union and was implemented by UN-Habitat, Benadir Regional Administration, CESVI, and Human Relief Foundation between September 2011 and March 2015.

The project supported the design and implementation of activities geared to improve livelihoods, stimulate enterprise development, and enhance economic, social, and environmental sustainability. SECIL has rehabilitated key markets, established a sustainable solid waste collection system, strengthened regulations and skills in the construction sector, established laboratories for testing the quality of water and construction materials, improved access to safe drinking water, established a technical training centre, and provided valuable employment and livelihood opportunities to community groups engaged in low-cost energy fuel production.

At the closing of the project, the EU, UN-Habitat, and the Benadir Regional Administration highlighted the unique approach of the SECIL project and praised its developmental outlook. They also emphasized the strong commitment of the local authorities to take over and maintain project activities for the future. The Mayor of Mogadishu thanked the EU and UN-Habitat on behalf of the Somali people.