Ministry of Public Works implements major projects
The Minister of Public Works, Mr. Abraha Asfaha, said that major projects of strategic significance were implemented in 2010 focusing on the construction of new roads and renovation of existing ones, drafting master plans for urban and semi-urban areas, supervising engineering activities, construction of bridges, water reservoirs and water diversion schemes, among others.
Asmara, 10 January 2011 – The Minister of Public Works, Mr. Abraha Asfaha, said that major projects of strategic significance were implemented in 2010 focusing on the construction of new roads and renovation of existing ones, drafting master plans for urban and semi-urban areas, supervising engineering activities, construction of bridges, water reservoirs and water diversion schemes, among others.
He pointed out that some of the major infrastructure development projects put in place include road networks such as Massawa-Erafaile, Barentu-Tessenei-Talatasher, Massawa-Gilbub, Afabet-Kubkub-Nacfa and Massawa-Assab, as well as Gash Bridge in Alebu. The majority of such projects have been finalized, while the remaining few are in the process of implementation, the Minister added.
Noting that the newly constructed Egla-Foro road would begin service by the first quarter of this year, Mr. Abraha explained that the Himbrti-Mensura-Agordat and the Massawa-Afabet-Agordat roads would be expanded up to mining sites. There are also plans to construct airports in different parts of the country with the development of tourism and agro-industry, he elaborated.
He further stated that although the Ministry has been laying emphasis on the construction of water reservoirs and ponds towards ensuring potable water supply, more and major water reservoirs would be constructed in 2011 so as to reinforce agricultural and animal husbandry activities. Indicating that supervision is being undertaken on the ongoing construction of over 56 schools, Mr. Abraha said that drafting plans and conducting studies would also be among the work programs for this year.
Moreover, the Minister disclosed that construction of residential housing complexes would be given top attention in this year. In this respect, he pointed out that integrated residential housing complexes would be constructed in a number of towns, in addition to the construction of 4 big stadiums, while the existing two stadiums in Asmara would undergo renovation. With the finalization of the Cement Factor, major construction activities would be carried out in 2011, Mr. Abraha asserted. He went on to say that modernization of the Massawa and Assab ports are among the main work programs of the Ministry in this year so as to benefit from marine resources.