Editorial
Roads Network, Indispensable Facility for Realization of Economic Development
By Staff
Aug 24, 2005, 17:45

Attaining economic development in a short period requires making use of the energies and capabilities of all citizens as well as exploiting the country's available natural resources in an ideal manner. As demonstrated by the experience of many states the partial exploitation of the available resources and spending the incoming hard currencies in the construction of building towers and skyscrapers in cities i.e. "the walls economy" would not realize sustainable development or political stability. To the contrary, the safeguard and guarantee for peace and stability in any country is the emphasis of social justice issue through effective development programs encompassing all parts of the nation in addition to involving all social sectors in the process. This would ensure the narrowing of the class gap between the social strata. If this is to materialize and bear the desired fruits, the problem of communication and transport has to be resolved through an effective road network.

Roads are important and crucial facilities in the country's infrastructure. It is decisive in the development and reconstruction of homeland as it has a major role in activating trade and economy as well as attracting investments, expanding social services and improving the living standard of citizens. The road network, which connects all parts of the country, is regarded as the lifeline that feeds the other areas with activity and vigor. For the lack of good roads limits productivity even if the country enjoys good economic resources. It also lowers the trade and economic activity thus hindering the rate of development. Thus construction of roads and promoting their network in addition to modernizing communication networks are both vital for raising the development pace in any country.

Proceeding from this understanding the Eritrean government is making great and demanding efforts for constructing roads in the various parts of the country as well as rehabilitating and expanding old roads. On their part the citizens being aware of the importance of roads, they are making creative initiatives for connecting different villages with the main highways. They are doing this by building feeder roads depending on their own efforts and also with the assistance of the concerned government institutions. Due to this popular and governmental endeavors, Eritrea was able in the post independence years to become an example in road construction efforts.

The achievements in the road sector have not been an outcome of the availability of big capital or the presence of technology in the coffers of the government and the people, but they have been an outcome for the clarity of vision and objectives in emphasizing social justice and comprehensive development of homeland. Furthermore, the determination and the dedication, which we possess, constitute the core of our technology and our main tool in attaining our goals. Without exaggeration it can be said that the achievements which we have accomplished with our limited resources in the roads sector by far surpasses what could have been achieved by those who have enough capital and advanced technology.

To be added to this, the gained experiences and qualifications promoted in practical work, are considered as important assets that would help us in our future endeavors and achievements.

In conclusion it has to be stressed that we have been able to lay the solid foundation for our development initiatives and programs by building an extensive road network. We accomplished this during a few years depending on our local capabilities without any foreign support. This gives us another evidence for the soundness and viability of the principle of self-reliance adopted by the Eritrean government in its policy of economic development.