An order issued last week by Mogadishu Mayor and Banadir Regional Governor, Hassan Mohamed Hussein “Muungaab,” has failed to take effect, leaving residents fuming over ongoing gridlock along Zoobe Road.
Mayor Muungaab had given a 48-hour ultimatum to the construction company responsible for upgrading Zoobe Road, demanding that the stretch be opened to traffic. The directive came after his inspection tour, during which he publicly apologized to residents for the congestion and delays.
Zoobe is one of Mogadishu’s key arteries, connecting major business districts and serving as a lifeline for commuters. Prolonged closure has intensified daily traffic jams, delaying workers, halting businesses, and worsening public frustration.
Ordinary Mogadishu residents—especially traders, students, and workers—remain the hardest hit. Voices from the ground highlight widespread anger:
“Zoobe is a main artery. People are suffering every morning. Workers are late because of this mess,” said Hassan Mohamed-Deeq.
“The Mayor’s order was not implemented. This is unbearable. He should return and see the situation himself,” urged Abdullahi Nur Osman, Director of Hormuud Salaam Foundation.
Officials cite seasonal rains and the company’s pledge to build a high-quality drainage-resistant road as reasons for the prolonged closure. However, critics accuse the Banadir administration of weak oversight and empty promises.
Urban infrastructure remains one of Mogadishu’s most pressing challenges. The city, plagued by decades of conflict and weak governance, has struggled to modernize its road network despite surging population and traffic. The Zoobe project was billed as a showcase of improvement—but its delays have instead fueled public distrust.
Mayor Muungaab’s unfulfilled ultimatum has exposed the fragile balance between political promises and practical governance in Mogadishu. As the city continues to choke under unfinished roadworks, residents are left asking: if 48 hours weren’t enough, how much longer must they wait?
