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The construction of the Serejeca-Shebah road is one of the biggest projects undertaken in Eritrea following independence. The Project started with the limited capacity and objective in 2001 to provide basic transportation services in the area. However, since the importance of the road that crosses the ‘green belt’ of Eritrea, Semenawi Bahri, and reaches the fertile agricultural land of the eastern lowlands was considered to be important, it took a new dimension.
“We started the construction to make the road not more than 6-meters wide while avoiding the cutting of trees; nevertheless, the Ministry of Public Works wanted the road to meet all necessary standards,” said Mr. Teklebrhan Geresus, Manager of the RODABB Construction Company. The Ministry prepared a new design and the project started with the full speed to complete the mission on time.
Talking about the difficulties they faced in the construction process, Mr. Teklebrehan said, “Since the terrain was rough, it is difficult to carry out more than one task at a time. There is no subsidiary road and we can only use the road we were constructing to transport machineries. Especially in the area called Adey Kibetsni, we were forced to close the road until we complete our job. All the needed materials had to pass before starting our assignment.”
“considering the roughness of the area, only few accidents happened in process. Some of the area was too steep to negotiate. One man died when his car had an accident and five other vehicles were damaged,” said Mr. Teklebrhan.
Stopping all its other activities, RODABB Construction Company shifted its entire workforce to the area to accelerate the project. “Up to March of 2005, we didn’t have enough manpower and machineries. Later however, we made new adjustments. The project was planned to be complete by mid 2006. Thanks to the adjustments, it was completed 7 to 8 months ahead of schedule,” said Mr Teklebrhan.
Other companies also took part in the project and RODABB rented machineries from other companies to facilitate the work.
The manager of the company said, “Since our extra activities were only renovation and other small projects, rescheduling them didn’t have much negative effect. Accelerating the Serejeka-Shebah road will give a great advantage to the national economy.”
Though the repeated changes in the master plan created some difficulties, it didn’t hinder the company from constructing a standard road. The road is 5 centimeters thick and about 150 bridges are constructed in the road. In the hazardous areas, around 10km long wall was constructed to prevent accident. Up to 30-40 km long wall is constructed in the relatively safe area. The difficult part of the project was constructing 40 km long wall in the steep areas. Sometimes, the workers were forced to work chained since there was no place for their legs to land.
Some believe the area will create some difficulties especially for large vehicles since the road is rounded and steep. “In most part, the road is 10 meters wide. In the straight areas, it is 7 meters wide and the narrowest is 6 meters. The steepest is 11% and it is only 160 meters long. The diameter of the corners is 12-30 meters and it doesn’t create difficulties of any kind to vehicles no matter how big they are,” Mr. Teklebrhan stated.
“Since the project is part of the Warsay-Yikealo campaign, 90% of the task is done by members of the defense forces. The dedication of the members of the defense force is something that money can’t buy,” Mr. Teklebrhan admires the role they are playing in building beautiful Eritrea. The successful completion of the project is a living example that the secret behind success is working in harmony. “The project was implemented through participation of and cooperation between different companies,” he added.
Bediho Construction Company for example, constructed the Serejeka-Moguo part. Similarly, the 60 meter long bridge at Solomona was constructed by Gedem Construction Company, and the 30 meters long Filfil bridge by Vision Enterprise.
The road was constructed at a cost of 360 million Nakfa. Enhancing tourism is one economic advantage of the road. In addition, since the road passes through the agricultural center of eastern lowlands, it will play a leading role in transportation and marketing for the farmers. This road could also serve as a subsidiary to the Asmara-Massawa road.
The company was monitoring the project closely and that resulted in an efficient completion of the project 7 to 8 months ahead. The construction of the road will have a great effect in our transportation system since an hour delay could mean a lot in the time where we are in a hurry for economic advancement.
One advantage of the road named ‘belt of green Eritrea’ is accelerating local and international tourism. Ministry of Tourism has drawn several strategies in the region. Being always evergreen and home for diverse species of animals, Semenawi Bahri is one of the areas of the country endowed with nature. In addition to having tourism potential, the area is a national park,” Head of Tourism Development Mr. Hagos Weldu said.
After the completion of Serejeka-Shebah road, the Ministry of Tourism constructed recreation centers in Meguo, Sabur and Medhanit. The constructed huts have already started rendering various services. For those who come in groups for recreation, we have located an area where they could pitch their own tents.
Stating the role of the road in enhancing tourism, Mr. Hagos said, “The construction of the road is a long-term investment. It is a big step in development of local and international tourism.” The area residents could improve their lives by investing in the areas which could attract tourists.
Semenawi-Bahri is rich in wild animals, birds and trees and the Ministry is working for the conservation of trees and animals. The road has 42 switchbacks. In the 40 kilometer Weki-Solomuna segment alone there is a 2350 difference in altitude, which makes it convenient for those who enjoy climbing.
In addition to its importance in tourism, its history in the struggle for independence makes the area more significant. In addition, crossing the area to the Eastern lowlands, you join one of the highly visited and naturally endowed areas of the country, Mai-Wuoi.
Mai-Wuoi has natural hot fountain and many people from in and outside the country visit the area every year. Despite its pleasant appearance, the area is not properly utilized, however. Many people complain for lack of efficient transport, administration and other basic services. It needs great attention since it could serve as means of income for the country.
As part of its campaign to prevent pollution, the Ministry of Tourism provides advice on environmental protection in the area and has plans to put waste containers.
As a continuation of the advertisements made on TV and pamphlets distributed, the Ministry is preparing CDs and video cassettes in Tigrigna, Arabic and English to introduce the area. Everybody should take the area as a natural endowment and should avoid cutting trees and take measures to prevent fires and pollution.
© Copyright 2001-2005 Shaebia.org
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