TITLE:
Investigating the Challenges in Structural Analysis and Design Practices in Somalia: A Path toward Safer Buildings
AUTHORS:
Abdihalim Mohamed Hussein, Bashir Abdi Elmi, Abdirahim Abdulkadir Mohamed, Ismail Sadi Mohamud, Abdikarim Abdullahi Moallim
KEYWORDS:
Construction Sector, Building Safety, Regulations, Unskilled Labor, Substandard Materials, Mixed Methods Approach, Structural Challenges, Unified Building Codes, Concrete Quality, Material Costs, Financial Constraints, Training Methods, Risk Management, Somalia-Specific Building Codes, National Construction Authority, Vocational Training, Infrastructure Resilience
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Engineering and Technology,
Vol.13 No.2,
March
27,
2025
ABSTRACT: Somalia’s construction sector grapples with systemic challenges threatening building safety, including fragmented regulations, unskilled labor, and substandard materials. Using a mixed methods approach, this study analyzes survey responses from 50 professionals and insights from 15 stakeholders to identify key structural challenges. Key findings reveal that 95% of respondents attribute safety risks to the lack of unified building codes, 85% report poor-quality concrete, and 70% cite high material costs as a barrier to compliance. Interviews with engineers, architects, contractors, and academics confirm that financial constraints, outdated training methods, and inadequate risk management exacerbate these issues. Recommendations include adopting Somalia-specific building codes, establishing a National Construction Authority, and prioritizing vocational training. This study underscores the urgency of systemic reforms to mitigate collapse risks and foster resilient infrastructure.