The Djibouti Integrated Slum Upgrading Project, initiated in 2018, aims to address significant challenges faced by residents of Balbala Ancien, a large suburb of Djibouti City. This project targets slum dwellers in urban areas and two refugee villages in the Ali Sabieh governorate, seeking to improve living conditions and enhance public institutions' capacity under the Zero Slum Program.
Fathia Riyaleh Igee, a former resident of Balbala Ancien, highlighted the unsanitary conditions that plagued her neighborhood. "Our neighborhood was plagued by unsanitary conditions, making it an unhealthy place to live," she said. She also noted the health problems these conditions caused for children.
Balbala houses about 280,000 people and represents over 40% of Djibouti City's population. Residents face issues such as limited access to clean water and electricity and are prone to flash floods due to poor drainage systems. Education is another concern with overcrowded classes requiring double sessions.
Since its inception, the project has created over 270,000 jobs by January 2025 through construction and development activities. As of now, 201 households have benefitted from improved living conditions with a target of reaching 400 households by project completion. Furthermore, 600 houses have been made climate-resilient to protect them from environmental risks.
The project also focuses on enhancing urban mobility by constructing roads; 6.4 kilometers out of a planned 12.5 kilometers have been completed so far. New social centers have been established offering sports and cultural activities to foster community engagement.
Fathia's family was relocated within Balbala to Nasib after losing their home due to infrastructure developments in Balbala Ancien. Initially challenging due to the lack of amenities, Fathia acknowledges improvements over time: "I am grateful because my son lives next door with his family... but we still have a long way to go."
Moussa Abdillahi is another resident who moved early into Nasib where he runs a grocery store since late 2023. He appreciates his new environment: "I am happy here, and my son... has his university 3 kilometers from here."
Looking forward optimistically, Fathia hopes for more infrastructure developments like mosques and cultural centers in her neighborhood: "The house is better in terms of comfort... I will be even happier if our other former neighbors join us."