MOGADISHU, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN migration agency, said Sunday that it has completed Somalia's Garasbaley housing project, providing improved shelter for 600 vulnerable households.

The project was delivered in partnership with the Iskaashi Union, a key community representative body, and the Banadir Regional Administration's Durable Solutions Unit (BRA-DSU).

"Access to housing is much more than a roof over someone's head. It is about safety, dignity, stability, and the opportunity for families to rebuild their lives," Prestage Murima, deputy chief of mission of IOM Somalia, said in a statement.

Murima said rapid urbanization and the internal displacement of more than 3.5 million people have severely strained cities such as Mogadishu, making sustainable housing solutions an urgent priority.

Funded by the EU, the project benefits displacement-affected communities in Mogadishu, providing vulnerable families with safer living conditions while reducing their exposure to evictions.

IOM said it partnered with BRA-DSU, legal experts, landowners and community representatives to secure land tenure agreements, memoranda of understanding and rental arrangements.

These measures provide participating households with at least five years of tenure security and strong protection against forced evictions, according to IOM.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the project trained government representatives, community leaders, camp committees and technical teams.

IOM said the capacity-building efforts focused on housing solutions, tenure security, accountability, disaster risk reduction and community engagement.

The agency developed a new settlement in the Garasbaley district and built 400 transitional housing units, 100 shared latrines, water access points, solar lighting and drainage systems.

It also constructed all-weather roads, footpaths and a community multipurpose center. Meanwhile, 200 nearby households received shelter repair kits, tools and technical support to improve their living conditions.

Batulo, a mother of three displaced from the Lower Shabelle region, spent years moving between temporary shelters that offered little protection, stability or sense of home.

She and her family lived under the constant threat of eviction and lacked any real sense of security.

Reflecting on the impact of the project, Batulo said: "Now, we feel that we are living in permanent, secure homes. I no longer fear eviction. My children feel safe, and we finally have stability." ■