By: Yusuf M Hasan
LAS QORAY (Somalilandsun) – Residents of Las qoray are set for improved livelihoods.
The newly rehabilitated port of Las qoray has attracted a number of laden ships and dhows from the United Arab Emirates and other ports. The arrival of these ships is the first in over 21 years.
The docking at the port for the numerous ships and dhows has been made possible by massive reconstruction undertaken with funding from the government and residents of the town mainly based in the Diaspora.
The last time a ship laden with goods docked at the Las qoray port was during the era of Dictator Siyad Barre that is over 21 years ago.
Most of the formerly full time idle residents are now engaged in various capacities at either as port employees or coolies servicing the ships that are laden with diverse commercial goods for the local as well as other Sanaag regional markets.
The residents are said to have committed to observe fasting as per the dictates without fail owing to the fact that the new developments at the port coincided with the holy month of Ramadan.
The goods that have already been offloaded from the ships or pending , include various foodstuffs, building materials and clothing, items that are in great demand not only due to Ramadan but hitherto high prices that were occasioned by the high fees charged at the port of Bosaso.
While others are rejoicing in employment opportunities, merchants are jubilant as the port’s operation negates their need to utilize the Bosaso port where Puntland authorities are said to have been charging exorbitant fees due to the merchant’s allegiance to Somaliland.
With the Las qoray port now operational, residents of Sanaag region expect a discernible price reduction in various commodities as apart from the Las qoray port, the region is home to numerous others like Maid, Hiis, and Wagderia
