GALKAYO (WDN) – Puntland Member of Parliament Muna Ahmed Abdalla, widely known as Muna Diyaano, has sparked public debate following her pointed remarks accusing residents of Mudug region—particularly in Galkayo—of being the primary obstacle to resolving the city’s chronic drainage problems.

Speaking in response to recent protests by Galkayo residents demanding increased government attention and investment, the lawmaker, whose constituency lies in the heart of Mudug, criticized the community for what she described as self-sabotaging behavior that undermines development efforts.

“The people of Mudug are standing in the way of their own progress,” MP Diyaano said. “They’ve built structures on land designated for drainage, and whenever attempts are made to open roads or demolish illegally built houses, resistance immediately follows. If attitudes don’t change, no amount of external support can fix the problem.”

Diyaano further alleged that residents were unwilling to cooperate with government initiatives, including urban planning and infrastructure projects. She argued that the community’s refusal to relocate from water-logged zones or allow the opening of key access routes had paralyzed Puntland’s efforts to address flooding and stagnant water issues in Galkayo.

“There is no viable solution when every drainage route has been blocked by unplanned construction. Even raising these concerns meets hostility,” she added, calling for introspection within the community.

Her comments have drawn mixed reactions online and from civil society, with some echoing her concerns about unregulated urban sprawl, while others criticized her tone as dismissive of genuine grievances over government neglect.

The remarks come amid growing frustration in Galkayo, where seasonal rains often leave neighborhoods flooded due to outdated or nonexistent drainage infrastructure. Residents have repeatedly urged Puntland authorities to take decisive action to improve conditions in the city, which straddles a historically tense regional divide.

As the debate continues, MP Diyaano’s remarks underscore the complexity of balancing community engagement with effective governance in Somalia’s rapidly urbanizing towns.

WardheerNews