Project Name: Dika Somalia Temporary Camp Upgrade

Location: Coastal area near Mogadishu, Somalia

Client: Dika Somalia (UN material supply and engineering services)

Completion Time: 25 days (including procurement, production, and dispatch)

Scope: Design, manufacture, delivery, and installation of modular living, office, and leisure units

Project Background

Somalia’s international image is often dominated by piracy, yet its history is marked by rich traditions and decades of civil unrest that have left it among the world’s poorest nations. Dika Somalia operates adjacent to United Nations camps, providing critical materials and engineering support. Their staff, housed in basic converted containers, suffered from damp conditions and monotonous environments that undermined morale and well-being.

Client Requirements & Challenges

• Create new residential and office facilities to replace aging container units, improving comfort and livability.

• Ensure rapid delivery and installation in a humid, coastal environment prone to corrosion.

• Minimize on-site construction complexity in a security-sensitive area, relying on off-site prefabrication.

Chengdong’s Solution

1. Structural System:

1. Hot-dip galvanized steel framing for superior corrosion resistance in the marine climate.

2. Modular panelized walls and roofing for efficient factory production.

2. Building Typologies:

1. LZA Units: Standard single-story living quarters with integrated electrical, plumbing, and insulation.

2. K-Type Units: Combined office and meeting spaces with built-in HVAC provisions.

3. Light Steel Villas: Two-story communal buildings for recreation and rest, maximizing footprint efficiency.

3. Value-Added Services:

1. Full turnkey delivery including furniture, sanitary fixtures, and window treatments.

2. Skilled installation instructors dispatched to supervise assembly, ensuring on-time, error-free installation despite local security risks.

Implementation & Results

• Accelerated Schedule: Project completed in 25 days, beating the client’s 30-day requirement by five days.

• Durability & Comfort: Galvanized frames and insulated panels delivered dry, mold-free interiors; staff reported immediate improvement in living conditions.

• Safety & Stability: Modular units erected swiftly with minimal welding or heavy lifting on-site, reducing security exposure.

• Client Satisfaction: Daily smiles and compliments from UN staff underscored the positive impact on morale and productivity.

Project Impact

In a region marked by conflict and hardship, Chengdong’s modular solutions provided Dika Somalia with reliable, home-like environments that foster well-being, camaraderie, and operational efficiency. This successful pilot in Somalia demonstrates Chengdong’s commitment to delivering stability and comfort—even in the most challenging settings—and paves the way for broader collaboration across East Africa.