Symposium of Ministry of Public Works opens

On Apr 25, 2011

The symposium of the Ministry of Public Works opened today at the Expo grounds here in the capital. In an opening speech, the Minister of Public Works, Mr. Abraha Asfaha, outlined the historical background of the construction sector, as well as the substantial investment the Government has made to reactivate it since independence.

Asmara, 25 April 2011—the symposium of the Ministry of Public Works opened today at the Expo grounds here in the capital. In an opening speech, the Minister of Public Works, Mr. Abraha Asfaha, outlined the historical background of the construction sector, as well as the substantial investment the Government has made to reactivate it since independence.
The Minister pointed out that the Ministry has accomplished significant tasks in the domain of construction in general and the building and repair of roads and bridges in particular. In this connection, Mr. Abraha said that effective work accomplishments have been scored following the launching of the Warsay-Yikealo Development Campaign, including speeding up the momentum of national reconstruction and development. He further indicated that the construction of housing complexes, expanding infrastructure facilities and developing as well as expanding ports and the like are among the future action programs of the ministry.
Also at the symposium, Eng. Kahsai Niguse from the Eritrean Institute of Technology presented a paper on human resources development in the construction sector. Stressing ensuring sound and up-to standard construction works in the country calls for skilled manpower both in terms of educational standard and practical experience, Eng Kahsai explained that the Government has exerted the necessary effort to this end.
Likewise, Mr. Medhanie Estifanos, director general of Urban Development in the Ministry of Public Works, said that survey programs have been carried out for the development of urban centers across the nation over the past 20 years, in addition to census-taking undertakings in 19 major cities and towns. He also outlined future action programs mapped out for the development of urban centers along with the requisite facilities.
Similarly, Eng. Zayid Gebrekidan, director of urban planning in the Ministry presented a paper on urban land utilization. He explained that the availability of advanced information system is of vital importance in urban planning.
Also in a paper he presented, Eng. Asefaw Mesfin, head of construction service in the same Ministry as regards water and sewage systems, stated that increased efforts would be made to ensure the fulfillment of the set tasks at the desired level, particularly in those building complexes under construction.
According to reports, more papers would be presented at the symposium on a number of topics such as the construction of group homes, control and supervision of the standard of building materials, professional ethics in the sector, and development of infrastructure facilities like micro-dams, among others.