Xaafuun (WDN) — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has visited Xaafuun, highlighting the district’s potential to become an important center for fisheries, tourism, water infrastructure and regional economic development. During his visit, Deni toured the historic port of Xaafuun and the remains of the district’s former salt-processing factory, reflecting an industrial and maritime heritage that stretches back generations.

The President also inspected a desalination plant supplying fresh water to Xaafuun and surrounding communities, as well as a local fish-processing facility whose products are sold both within Somalia and to international markets.

The visit underscores the economic possibilities offered by Puntland’s extensive coastline, where fisheries and fish processing could become major sources of employment and income for coastal communities if supported by investment in infrastructure, cold storage, processing facilities and export networks. But Xaafuun’s potential extends beyond fisheries.

Its ancient port and historic industrial sites offer opportunities for cultural and heritage tourism. With appropriate preservation, infrastructure and international promotion, centuries-old sites along Puntland’s coastline could attract visitors interested in Somalia’s maritime history, archaeology and coastal culture.

Such tourism could create employment for local residents through hotels, restaurants, transportation, tour services, handicrafts and other small businesses while generating new revenue for surrounding communities. Deni also inspected Xaafuun Airport, where he received a briefing from officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports and the district administration.

The President emphasized the importance of developing the airport to improve connectivity for Xaafuun and surrounding areas, particularly as economic and tourism activity expands. The visit highlights a broader development opportunity for Puntland: its coastline is not simply a security or fishing resource, but a potential engine for a wider blue economy and tourism industry.

With investment in ports, airports, fisheries, water infrastructure and heritage sites, coastal communities such as Xaafuun could increasingly connect local resources to national and international markets. For residents, the greatest potential benefit is employment.

The combination of fisheries, fish processing, maritime trade and heritage tourism could create new livelihoods while helping transform Puntland’s historic coastline into an economic asset for the communities that live along it.

Nevertheless, although residents across Puntland, particularly in areas visited by the President, have applauded and welcomed his visits, what they ultimately want are tangible government services, development, and improvements in their daily lives—and that is what matters most to them.

WardheerNews