War-ravaged bridges readied to accelerate public transport to Tigray region: ERA

Addis Ababa, February 5, 2023 (FBC) – The Ethiopian Roads Administration (ERA) has announced that all the bridges and roads damaged by the conflict have been repaired and made ready to speed up the resumption of land transport to Tigray region.

According to ERA’s Director of Bridge and Structure Works, Getnet Zeleke, the mandatory activities were undertaken to complete the maintenance works of the war-damaged bridges on the routes to Tigray region.

In particular, the Official indicated that following the peace agreement, the land transport routes have been maintained and reopened to accelerate the service to the region.

Accordingly, two bridges on the Tekeze River have been repaired and re-opened for public transport services, he said.

In an exclusive interview with Fana Broadcasting Corporate’s Melaku Gedif, the Director added that Alawuha, Chireti, Tsilari and Gobu bridges have been reopened for traffic by making necessary maintenance and constructions.

He noted that out of the six bridges, the Alawuha bridge, located near Kobo town of Amhara region – in the Woldia-Kobo-Alamata-Mekele route, was repaired for the second time, while Gobu bridge was newly constructed.

Getnet also mentioned that the other bridges were demolished during the conflict. However, a prefabricated bridge was built over them to expedite humanitarian services.

More than 173.17 million Birr was spent to repair the bridges and reopen them for public transport services, the official confirmed.

He stated that asphalt roads leading to Tigray region in all routes have been prepared for dry transport service.

It is to be remembered that the Ethiopian Ministry of Transport and Logistic has recently issued instructions to the cross-country public transport associations to be ready to resume services to the Tigray region.