Tessenei, 18 August 2009 – President Isaias Afwerki said that nationals who are living around the major dams constructed over the past couple of years are leading a secure and improved standard of living. The President made the remarks in the course of an inspection tour of development programs in different parts of the Gash-Barka region, including Golij, Tessenei and Aligidir from August 15 to 17.

He observed the sorghum plantations in the sub-zones of Golij and Tessenei which are already mushrooming thanks to this year’s rainy season. Also in the course of a visit to Gergef, President Isaias inspected and conducted discussion with pertinent heads on the effectiveness of the land plots allotted for agricultural and other service purposes. The President subsequently held a brief meeting with the inhabitants of Gergef, during which he asserted that the Government would extend enhanced support to their all-round agricultural activities.

President Isaias also visited the Gerset, Fanko-Rawi and Fanko-Tsimue dams and inspected the amount of water they have accumulated in this year’s rainy season. Besides, he observed the putting in place of agricultural infrastructure facilities aimed at shifting from traditional practice of farming to modern irrigation farming, during which he exchanged views with experts on the progress of the task.

Moreover, the President inspected the 20,000-cubic meter of water tanker being constructed around the highlands of Gerset and the putting in place of canals to this end. Also in the course of the tour to Adi-Omar, he observed the newly constructed Gash Bridge which is the first of its kind in terms of its durability, width and depth. In this regard, President Isaias assessed the durability of the bridge, which gone operational over the past few months, in relation to the current flowing river waters.

The President later on observed the construction of a 600 meter-long wall undertaken within the framework of the Warsay-Yikaalo Development Campaign with a view to preventing the possible damage on extensive farmlands due to excessive flooding of the Gash River.

Furthermore, he visited the construction of the Aligidir Water Diversion Scheme that is expected to provide added impetus to the ongoing endeavors to achieve food security. Commending the employees and national construction companies that are actively engaged in the putting in place of agricultural infrastructures, construction of canals and other facilities as regards the diversion scheme, President Isaias conducted discussion on future action programs and the required budget for its implementation.

Also in the course of the visit to a bridge under construction in Tokombia administrative area which is nearing finalization, the President received briefings by heads of the project on the remaining tasks that need to be accomplished.

In the course of the tour of inspection, President Isaias was accompanied by a number of officials, including Ministers Woldenkiel Gebremariam and Woldai Futur, the Administrator of Gash-Barka region, Mr. Kahsai Gebrehiwet, Army commanders and managers of various construction companies.