Vol. 26 No. 90 Wednesday, January 8, 2020 Pages 8, Price 2.00 NFA

Senior Eritrean delegation participates at His Holiness Abune Petros and Gulf of Aden States Council gives benediction His Holiness Abune Petros, Archbishop of the Eritrean Tewahdo Orthodox Church, gave benediction in connection with Christmas.

Abune Petros gave his sermon on the background of the Holiday and honored the Eritrean martyrs who paid their precious lives so that the Eritrean people celebrate their Holidays in unity and joyfulness.

Abune Petros also called on the faithful Senior Eritrean delegation capability. ministers focused on scope and to support families of comprising Foreign Minister modalities of cooperation between martyrs and extend Osman Saleh, Presidential Advisor The Ministers that attended the the two Ministries in promoting hands to the disadvantaged nationals. Mr. Yemane Gebreab and Mr. Hagos meeting also signed the Charter of multi-faceted investment and trade Gebrehiwet, head of Economic the Establishment of the Council of as well as security and development Finally, His Holiness Abune Petros wished peace and prosperity to Affairs at the PFDJ, participated Arab and African Coastal States of in the Red Sea. the Eritrean people. at the Ministerial Meeting of Arab the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Cultural program in connection with Christmas celebration Cultural performance was held organization of the event. urban center, for his contribution yesterday 7 January in Gahtelai in the development of the semi- in connection with the Christmas Noting that national Holidays are urban center. The gift was prepared celebration. forums for cultural reverence and by Governor of the Northern Red unity of the Eritrean people, Mr. Sea region, Brig. General Tekle At the event that was attended Omar Haj Yahya, Administrator Libsu, Mr. Omar Haj Yahya, by Mr. Woldemichael Abraha, of sub-zone, wished the Administrator of Ghinda sub-zone, Minister of Local Government, Eritrean people Merry Christmas. and the residents of Gahtelai semi- and Brig. General Tekle Libsu, urban center. Governor of the Northern Red At the occasion, Minister Sea region, Mr. Zeresenai Gaim, Woldemichael Abraha gave a The event featured cultural and Administrator of Gahtelai semi- special Christmas present to Mr. artistic performances by “Rim and African Coastal States of the The document will be presented urban center commended those Ahmed Hamid Shbolain, former Stars” cultural troupe and other Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to the Heads of State of the eight that contributed for the successful administrator of Ghatelai semi- renowned artists. convened in Riyadh. member states.

At the meeting hosted by King After the meeting, King Salman Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received Arabia on 6 January, Minister the Ministers and expressed the Osman Saleh reiterated ’s Kingdom’s commitment to the Red position that the Arab and African Sea Cooperation. Coastal States of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden shoulder major In the same vein, Mr. Yemane responsibility for the security Gebremeskel, Minister of and development of the Red Sea. Information, met and held talks Minister Osman further stated that yesterday 7 January in Riyadh with the objective must be to build an the Saudi Minister of Media, Mr. effective regional organization Turki bin Abdullah Al-Shabanah. with requisite competence and The discussion between the two Merry Christmas Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, January 8, 2020 Vol. 26 No. 90 2

2018/2019 from development perspective

Simon Weldemichael and acted. The ways to achieve our goals have never been blurred and Helped by the auspicious we have a strong belief that our regional developments and internal goals are attainable. We are more commitment, Eritrea has managed motivated, energized, and persist in to build a reliable bridge that crossed the face of hindrances. The resilience over the lake of frantic threat of in the face of obstacles, the creativity aggression and unjust sanction to the in finding solutions and the patience banks of peace and cooperation. The in maintaining the peace Eritrea has normalization of relations between shown is extraordinary. Eritrea and reinvigorated the development endeavors of Eritrea Last year Eritrea strengthened its in many ways. 2018/2019 was a year national action and international co- of relative peace and progress. The operation for a healthy and secure year 2018/2019 marked the end development. Important positive of the state of war between Eritrea measures were taken that reinforced and Ethiopia. It closed a chapter of the development endeavors of the conflict and unhealthy competition country. Renovation, expansion and and has opened a new chapter of construction of roads was one of the peace and cooperation between the greatest post peace achievements two countries and the Horn of Africa of the year. The construction of in general. transport infrastructure has become one of the main priorities of Development can be easily Eritrea in its attempt to achieve the curative and rehabilitative health Education is another factor that There is ample evidence that measured by the quality of life of the sustainable development the world care services to the Eritrean people plays a role in human development. 2018/2019 is the harbinger of a people and the social cohesion of a has sought to achieve by 2030. (NHP 2010). In order to speed up Education is a human right with bright future. In the new era of peace, nation. The development strategy of The government recognized the and improve the health condition immense power to transform the are united and determined Eritrea aims at transforming the lives contribution of road transportation of the people, the Government of people’s lives. Eritrea has for to develop the country and to make of the people, not simply transforming in the overall development plan of Eritrea did its health policy review long recognized the prominence up for the lost opportunities. Peace the economy. In his New Year the country. Transport along with in 2019. The Ministry of Health has of education for the development enables development and is critical message to the people of Eritrea, other supporting infrastructures is made an in-depth assessment of the of the country. The Government in widening opportunities. We need President Isaias Afwerki pointed out an enabler of development. Within sector and chartered a two-year plan. of Eritrea considers education to to promote development that does that “we are bidding farewell to the one-year, Eritrea has been able to Health service is a fundamental right be the cornerstone of all national not destroy our natural environment year 2019 perched on the pinnacle modernize its existing roads and lay of every Eritrean in rural and urban development efforts. Eritrea has been and social virtues. Sustainable of hope and confidence.” The people new infrastructures that would serve areas. The government has scored a able to make basic education available development is the pathway to and government of Eritrea are proud as a springboard for economic and remarkable achievement in its efforts to all. As Eritrea is now embarking the future we envision. Our goal of their accomplishments, but they social development. to ensure a fair distribution of health on a new era of peace and rapid all- should not be development, but remain humble. services throughout the country. round development, the government development based on social justice. After the peace and friendship Eritrea, which has already achieved is committed to achieve education More than ever before, the people In the darkest hours of invasion agreement was signed in July 2018 the MDGs, is expected to achieve for all at 100%. To maximize the and government of Eritrea have faith and sanction we believed in ourselves between Eritrea and Ethiopia, the the Sustainable Development social and economic benefits of and confidence in their capacity to renovation and expansion of roads Goals in health ahead of time. In education, equity and quality should develop. that connect the two countries has 2019, a successful nationwide have equal importance. Regarding been given high priority. The road immunization as well as hygiene and equity in enrolment at all levels Eritrea’s assets to overcome from Nefasit through Dekemhare to sanitation services was undertaken. of education, Eritrea has scored obstacles such as the country’s Serha, which has strategic importance, Over a quarter of the villages in encouraging results. Girls’ enrolment political stability, the people’s was completely expanded. Another Eritrea have already been declared in secondary and vocational schools discipline and the culture of strategically important road that “Open-Defecation-Free”. Eritrea as well as colleges is continuously resistance have to remain the same. was constructed in the previous is committed towards ending open rising every year. In order to give Considerable attention must be Published Every year goes from Dekemhare through defecation in the upcoming year. safety to our development efforts, paid to preserving and enhancing Published Every the newly built Gergera dam to Environmental sanitation would help we should continue to put as many our national unity since it has the SaturdayPublished & Wednesday Every Wednesday & Saturday Teraemni. An elaborate and modern to boost the prevention and control resources as possible into education capacity to make a great contribution Saturday & Wednesday road from Adiquala to Endagergis of many communicable diseases. and health. to the development of Eritrea. was also constructed to connect Eritrea with the northern part of Acting Editor Ethiopia. Therefore, all the roads Acting Editor Amanuel Mesfun that connect Eritrea and Ethiopia are Amanuel Mesfun completely renovated and expanded, [email protected] ready to give fast and safe transport [email protected] service. The construction of these P.O.Box: 247 roads will have a positive effect on P.O.Box: 247 the development of the country and Tel: 11-41-14 its relationship with neighboring Fax: 12-77-49 countries. Initiatives have also been Fax: 12-77-49 taken by Eritrea to modernize the E-mail: Assab-Burie line. All these roads [email protected]@[email protected] zena.gov.er are likely to take the two countries Advertisement: 12-50-13 to prosperity and will contribute Advertisement: 12-50-13 substantially to peace building and encourage trans-border trade. Layout Layout In addition to the modernization AAzmerazmera BerhaneBerhane of infrastructure, the development Sara Alem of the health sector is the top priority AidaSara JoharAlem of Eritrea. The mission of the health sector in Eritrea is to promote and provide high quality preventive, Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, January 8, 2020 Vol. 26 No. 90 3

Landscapes as Museums:

Abraham Zerai present generation draws lessons the evolution of the biological Danakil Depression of Eritrea from the interaction of past and behavioral characteristics can thus be used to educate the societies with the landscape. In that define humanity. The present generation the impact brief synthesis of the interactions Eritrean Rift valley (Danakil of climate on the future of the of past communities with the Depression) matters in writing society. diverse landscapes of Eritrea, narratives of human antiquity. the following sketch of instances The rift valley, which includes As far as environmental will be useful for the present the Eritrean Danakil Depression stresses are concerned, one of the generation to communicate with with its north-south orientation, hallmarks of antiquity has been its past. is believed to be the dispersal the transformation from hunting- corridor for humans and mammals gathering to domestication Glancing at the events in human from interior landscapes of of cereals over the last 5000 evolution over the past 6 million eastern Africa northward up to years ago in this part of the years, there is a considerable link the Red Sea basin and adjacent Horn. The western lowlands of between the world´s climatic regions. Eritrea have been identified as patterns and some important one of centers for the origins milestones in human evolution. As with our past, our fate will of plant domestication in sub- Scholars agree that the beginning likely depend on future climatic Saharan Africa in antiquity. The of human settlements across of variable global climate conditions. Therefore, we should trend which is substantiated Geography and history go a the past millennia need to be throughout the last 6 million years not only be concerned about by archaeological evidence long way towards providing understood. The past landscape and particularly the repeated where we stand now, but also culminated in the rise of settled explanations about the where our species will stand communities before 4000 years relationships between humans in the distant future. Our place ago and eventually stimulated the and their landscape. Museums in nature and the patterns of emergence of civilizations which may be defined as exhibitions interactions we forge as groups flourished in this part of the Horn. in an artificial setting. Yet, the and individuals continue to be This instance remains to be a interaction of nature and man shaped by the environment. pivotal point by which pastoral has proved to be a snapshot to Patterns in food consumption, communities in our region before different dynamism over the pollution, environmental stresses 4000 years ago found alternative past millennia. Cultural remains and infectious diseases will affect solutions to resource exploitation left by humans on the landscape how we will appear or behave in amid growing drought of the attest to the way humans the future. The growing concerns Sahara. interacted with their environment. of global warming urge us to Understanding the ways in which reflect on human antiquity, how Another feature as concerns the natural and architectural features past climatic changes have interaction of past communities were experienced by humans shaped the path to humanity, and with their landscape has to do in the past and how the ancient how humans can secure their with resource over-utilization. modification of the landscape place in nature in the course of can be interpreted as a reflection future environmental changes. of ancient culture and thought is historic because it has been cycles in the last 2.5 million The record contained in the continued on page 5 processes are central to the shaped by people responding to years ago were instrumental in geological formations of the services archaeologists could the surroundings they inherit. It offer to the present society. Of contains a unique and dynamic the several questions raised about record of past human activity, the use of studying the past, the which reflects the aspirations, most pressing one regards how skills and investment of the present society communicates successive generations. People with past landscapes. The work value this historic environment of the archaeologist thus should as part of their cultural and be to find patterns on the use of natural heritage. It reflects the landscapes in the past and provide knowledge, beliefs and traditions a coherent narrative about it to of diverse communities. It gives communicate the public. distinctiveness, meaning and quality to the places in which Eritrea´s diverse landscapes we live, providing a sense and the long human presence of continuity and a source in its territory compels us to of identity. It is a social and look into what the ancient economic asset and a resource landscape embraces in terms of for learning and enjoyment. patterns of resource utilization This historic environment and exploitation by various should therefore be sustained communities who inhabited the and shaped by our generation in land since the cradle of humanity. ways that allow people to use, Furthermore, the opportunities enjoy and benefit from it and and challenges the landscape enable the future generation to posed to these communities do the same. For this synergy to adapt to different phases to occur, it is paramount that the Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, January 8, 2020 Vol. 26 No. 90 4

The Merry Season of Christmas: Yearning

Natnael Yebio W. Armed with axes and ropes to do the Christmas has now been silenced job, the neighborhoodfor kids wokea upSimpler forever. Time A long time ago, holidays were in the dead of night and marched, greatly anticipated in our country accompanied by friends, towards Simba the dog gets some bones especially those that necessitated the the woods to execute their sordid whose marrow has been sucked spilling of animal blood followed plan unperturbed by the thought of empty and eaten by the members by a copious banquet. In those government or divine chastisement. of the family. Simba is grateful to days, holidays meant a sheep to be get at least a gnawed-up bone from slaughtered and eaten, new clothes Hack….Hack…..Crack…. a family that prided itself on the to be worn and many errands to be Thud…. The forest warden knew that solidity of its molars. run. something was amiss. He somehow knew that it was not the sound of Lili the cat however had to meow Upon arrival, the sheep shared the angels proclaiming peace on earth itself hoarse in order to get some same compound with the dog who and goodwill to men. More than chewable pieces of meat from the barked the whole night at the sight of anybody else, he looked forward to members of the family spat on the the weird guest. He also barked by a very silent night before Christmas, floor with a warning that its next way of self-identification (in case) in vain. meow would be its last. brewing coffee. Guests are arriving hand. for at the crack of dawn, a member wishing a Merry Christmas to one “No way,” roars Simon who feels of the family with a shining knife Like it or not, the Christmas looters In the afternoon, when the family and all. But no one says Happy New the job too demeaning for a youth in his hand approached the sheep were now in his turf. He had to act felt that children were neither to be Year, as that holiday is now about like him who only yesterday took to finish it off. And the feast would fast before they destroyed his forest seen nor heard, the kids knew it was four months old according to Geez Danait, his date, to Asmara Palace begin a few hours later. and his rather dull career. time to leave. The cinema would be time reckoning. for an expensive dinner (Cappuccino their preferred hangout. and cakes did not break par with the As a child, my father waited for A skirmish, a chase and about two Sewa and Araki are served to significance of the holiday). It cost Christmas to come with all the kilometers of breakneck running The sales from the sheep’s skin every newcomer. Some guests don’t him a fortune, but he didn’t care. mind mixing the three: coffee, sewa and araki. Suppose Danait dropped by as he struggled with the sheep to slaughter “How time flows and things it. It’s a nightmare. Maybe Danait change beyond recognition,” would tell him that she would never contemplates my old granddad. see him again. “Now our youth know nothing about Christmas except that it falls on the So the family has no choice but 25th of December,” he continues. to call a ‘slaughter boy’ to kill the sheep, which cost about 100 Nkf. Which reminds me of a joke: A man in Tokyo who on a Christmas It’s Christmas! The sheep is now day said to his American friend: “Oh, cooking in the bowl. But Simon and do you also celebrate Christmas?” his brothers who spent half of the Because for the Japanese Christmas night somewhere else are now in is business. bed, snoring the roof off.

As far as youth are concerned, every They will wake up when the smell holiday in this country is an occasion of Zigni (spiced hot meat stew) for total celebration accompanied by tickles their nostrils. much spending, irrespective of the amount the family’s income. To make matters worse, Robel, the youngest of the family, feels mighty Everything is to be bought low because he doesn’t like the jeans eagerness and anticipation of a later, the young tree was finally sitting covered cinema and some chewing whatever the cost: Christmas tree, that mother bought him from the king. To the little children of those in the little family room propped by gum expenses. If the money was not sheep, clothing, pastry, drinks, and market. days the presence of the Christmas a pile of stones and waiting to be enough for the brothers, they could on top of that the children expect tree and the usual holiday sheep decorated. always ask strangers to contribute. their weekly or holiday allowances. “If you think I am going to wear meant everything and they attached this for Christmas, forget it,” he says significance to the real meaning of Cotton wads for snow, wrapped The film that has been set aside for “Gone are the days when a to his mother. that special day. candies for bulbs, silver paper from the holiday by the cinema owner was swashbuckling film featuring Errol cigarette packets for stars, cut-out one with plenty of action. The more Flyn sent us to seventh heaven,” That is how holidays end up in Back then, they never thought of figurines of the holy family propped the actors fought among themselves, would add my dad. Frankly speaking families with spoiled brats like buying a Christmas tree. The easiest up near the crib. the more satisfied they were for I have no idea who Errol Flyn is. Simon and Robel, not to mention way of obtaining it was to steal it from investing their money on something Helen, who has not yet shown up the city park of Betgiorgis. To do that Welcome a copious meal. The worthwhile and beneficial to their “Simon dear, will you be a good for the feast; probably a victim of an a looting party had to be organized a sheep is now a memory. Its bleating wellbeing. boy and slaughter the bleating sheep unscrupulous lover boy! few days before Christmas. Now all that kept the whole family happy and for our Christmas dinner?” suggests that sounds pretty fun and exciting! the dog irritated for two days before Back home, the womenfolk are the mother, a shining knife in her Merry Christmas to all! Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, January 8, 2020 Vol. 26 No. 90 5

Workshop on health to members of regional assembly local news The Ministry of health organized a workshop to members of the Assembly of the focusing on the prevention of communicable diseases, report disclosed.

Tour of youth workers At the workshop conducted in Seminars on traffic the port city of Assab, the Head of Communicable Diseases to development sites Prevention unit in the Ministry regulations of Health, Dr. Araia Birhane, 90 youth workers from the city of Barentu have conducted tour on 28 gave briefing on the causes and The Commander of Police in the Southern region, Col. Zemichael and 29 December to the dams of Misilam and Tekera and the agricultural consequences of HIV/AIDS, TB, Teklia, conducted seminar on 27 December to the Adi-Keih Business developments in the areas as well as the solar system project and Mai- malaria, and other communicable and Social Science students focusing on law. Nefhi College of Social Science. diseases. Indicating that the mission of police is to control the prevalence of Mr. Abdulwehab Suleiman, head of the National Union if Eritrean Youth Stating that owing to the crimes and bring to justice that committed crimes, Col. Zemichael and Students branch in Barentu sub-zone, indicated that the objective of the awareness raising campaigns called on the students to avoid from committing crimes and cooperate program was to increase the understanding of the youth on the development conducted in the region, the with the Police in preventing crimes. activities being carried out outside their areas and expressed appreciation prevalence of communicable to those who contributed to the success of the program. diseases in general and that of Pointing out that lack of knowledge of the law does not make HIV/AIDS in particular has anyone free from accountability, Col. Zemichael called for increased Underlining the significance of the tour, the participants said that the significantly declined, Dr. Araia understanding of the law and take care from traffic accidents. briefings they received from the project coordinators has contributed in called for reinforced contribution increasing their understanding and called for organizing similar programs on the part of the society, members In the same vein, the Police Traffic in the in cooperation to other parts of the country. of regional Assembly and heads with Road Traffic Safety Association organized seminar focusing on of Government institutions for increasing the awareness of the public on traffic regulations. At the occasion, the Chairman of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and better outcome. Students, Mr. Saleh Ahmedin, conducted seminar to the tour participants Col. Tadesse Birhane, Head of Traffic Police in the Central region, on the objective situation in the homeland and on the opportunities being Dr. Araia further stated that and Mr. Estifanos Habtemariam, Chairman of the Road Traffic Safety created and called on the youth to take advantage of the opportunities and more focus will be given to Association, called on every driver and pedestrian to abide by and strengthen participation in the national development drive. control the prevalence of Hepatitis respect the traffic regulations. which is one of the dangerous communicable diseases. Landscapes as . . . continued from page 3 The decline of major urban the Dahlak islands are peculiar over a formidable terrain. The civilizations in highland Eritrea evidences for the ancient water remnants of the fortifications in and the by the 7th conservation management the town reflect a pattern which century is mainly the result of strategy in the world. The ancient strongly held safe the future environmental degradation from water management strategy of the nation. The interaction overexploitation of resources as witnessed from the Dahlak of various logistical and and changes in the international Archipelago evokes the wise use institutional facilities in the Nakfa trading in the Red Sea region. of resources in an ecologically landscape during the struggle for This trend has been also attested formidable landscape, which the independence reflects tangible from various civilizations and the present society can contemplate. human agency of Eritrean depletion of resources through freedom fighters which made over-utilization entails with it While natural factors and the independence of the nation lessons which can be learned by environmental stresses in the possible. This interaction with the present and future generations. landscape create challenges and the landscape also helped mold On the other hand, management of opportunities for societies, the the cherished national identity in scarce resources is demonstrated modifications that past societies the shape of the tenacity, heroic from the past cultural imprints made on the landscape in turn technological advancements offer echoes inspirations drawn from deeds and martyrdom of freedom left in the Dahlak archipelago. become sources of inspiration opportunities to find alternative styles and unique architectural fighters in the frontline and The ancient water cisterns built and learning for the present solutions to harmonize old-age forms celebrating technological evoke pride and inspirations in in the 7th-8th Century AD in civilizations. In an era where amenities with modern ones, innovations of the last century. the present generations. inspiration from the evolving These inspirations are sources landscapes is significant. One of to local urban planners, cultural In summary, all these instances the significant sources to such heritage planners and the public to have been drawn here to highlight inspiration comes from urban sustain the historic cityscape and the relationship of humans with settings of Asmara that evolved the heritage values constituted in the diverse landscapes of Eritrea through centuries. Instead of it. across the segments of human imitating the nature, creativity history. Geography and history reflected in urban planning process Similarly, where the creative will continue to shape the country to realize ideals of modernity processes matter to make in the future. Communicating to stimulate to understand a spirit modifications to the landscape the interaction of humans with the of a city in its wider notions. for utility by humans, the record past landscapes and sustaining the The modernist city of Asmara kept in the historic town of Nakfa historic landscape of the country stands to be an ideal instance of becomes a prime example. The therefore, becomes important to this phenomenon. Reflections landscape becomes a reference draw lessons, inspirations and on the heritage embraced in to an effective warfare machinery enjoyment for the present and the urban setting of the city of the Eritrean struggle forged future generations. Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, January 8, 2020 Vol. 26 No. 90 6

Red Sea Bottlers Sh .Co. (Coca-Cola) Happy New Year & Merry Christmas to the People and the government of Eritrea. Red Sea Bottlers Sh.Co. (Coca-Cola) Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, January 8, 2020 Vol. 26 No. 90 7

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Bisha Mining Share Company is inviting applicants for the Data management skills and Problem solving skill. following position for Bisha site project. Behavioral Skills Position: Data Clerk • Communication (English and Local language); Department: Safety & Health Assertiveness; Interpersonal Relations; Integrity; skill

Number required: (01) • Prioritizing skills & multi-skilling; Accuracy; Ability to work towards strict deadlines; High level of accuracy; Discretion and Self-motivation. Contract type: Indefinite

Primary Purpose General Information and other requirements:

• Responsible for maintaining an accurate database and filing ..Place of Work: Bisha. system, with all relevant records and information. Perform ..Salary: As per Company salary scale. data quality checks on data collected and ensure good .. quality of data produced. Type of Contract: Indefinite

• Assists Department with necessary “secretarial duties”. Additional requirement for Nationals:

..Having fulfilled his/her National Service obligation and Main Functions provide evidence of release paper from the Ministry of • Planning Defense.

..Present clearance paper from current/last employer. • Implementation ..Testimonial documents to be attached (CV, work experience • Reporting and Data Control credentials, a copy of your National Identity Card etc.).

..Only shortlisted applicants will be considered as potential Unique requirements / other information candidates for an interview.

• Ability to work in a high pressure, fast paced, multicultural ..Application documents will not be returned to sender. environment which demands various skills and experiences to provide effective human resources services to the organization. ..All applications should be sent through the post office.

..Deadline for application: 10 days from the day of publication Qualifications: in the Newspaper. • Grade 12 + 2 ..Address: Please mail your applications to; Bisha Mining Share Company, Knowledge and Experience: • 2-3 years relevant experience P. O. Box 4276 Asmara, Eritrea ..Note to Non- Eritrean applicants: Technical Skills Please send a copy of your application to • Computer Literacy (MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint– Aliens Employment permits Affairs, Advanced); Planning & scheduling; Attention to detail; P. O. Box 7940 Asmara, Eritrea. Eritrea Profile,Wednesday, January 8, 2020 Vol. 26 No. 90 8

New Year’s and Christmas Ceremony in Gahtelay

A ceremony for the year 2020 Eritrea’s liberation. a great deal of advanced skills and Christmas was held on the from our experience in building grounds of the Crop and Livestock Gahtelay, which is 42 km. it. We keep on finding new ways Corporation at the thriving small away from , is situated on how to design much larger and town of Gahtelay on Saturday 4th on the sides of the road leading better dams. So far, without a January 2020. Ceremonies at a from Asmara to Massawa. The shadow of doubt, this dam, here national level have usually been town also provides an additional at Gahtelay, will simply be our held in major cities primarily for strategic road, which leads to finest dam, specially when we their convenience in providing May Weuy, a place that provides consider the tremendous amount essential amenities that can help hot bathes to several thousands of of man-power, cement and bars in carrying-out such important Eritreans and tourists, and She- of metals used in constructing it.’ ceremonies easily and smoothly. ib. The dam is built on a foundation, which goes down as deep as 25 The small town of Gahtelay Tigre, Saho and Tigrinya are metres, with 1.5 km. in length was chosen for the first time to the main languages used by the and 42 metres in height. hold this year’s New Year and residents. An elementary and Christmas holidays. Preparation secondary school is available at When completed, the dam for the ceremony started in Gahtelay. Tigre and English are is expected to provide potable the early weeks of October used as languages of instruction is mainly used as farm-lands and is expected to hold 50 million water not only to Gahtelay and 2019. The organisation and co- at the schools. Tuesday is the animal farms, the dam is thought metres cube of water. Engineer its environs but also to places to help advance agricultural products immensely. The town of Gahtelay is found about 310 metres above the sea level and the climate is reasonably less hot than Massawa. It has about 3, 500 residents, 50% of whom live as farmers and herders. The main crops and other farm products are maize, sorghum, peanuts, watermelon and milk. The town supplies milk to the residents of Massawa.

A large dam is being constructed at the south-eastern side of ordination for the event, which market-day of the town. Gahtelay. Nearly four kilometres hosted more than 5, 000 invited away from this town, it is the 3rd Teumay Berhane says: ‘Every as far as Massawa. Moreover, guests and numerous members As the countryside of this town largest dam in the country and time we construct a dam, we learn a tremendous amount of water the defence forces, was overseen is going to be available for by the administrator of the Sub- irrigation covering swathes of Zone of Gindae, Ato Umer Yahya, pieces of land, which is estimated and the administrator of Gahtelay to be 30, 000 hectares. This will and its environs, Ato Zereisenay be the finest opportunity to create Gayem. an additional food-basket for Eritrea. The fast developing small town of Gahtelay was established in The ceremony was attended by 1986 with at least 25 well planned Ato Woldenkiel Abreha, Minister restaurants, snack bars and shops. of Local Government, Brig. Initially, this town had started General Tekle Lebsu, Governor with six people, owning wooden of Northern Red Sea region, shelter, snack bar and shops at the high-ranking government and piece of land situated between the PFDJ officials, defence forces two bridges, near the grounds on and residents of Gahtelay and its which the present huge branch environs. office of the Crop and Livestock Commission was built after Dr. Haddis Gebre-Meskel Merry Christmas