Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) today signed a 1.5 bln birr contract with China First Highway Engineering Co. Ltd (CFHEC) for the Dessie-Kutaber-Tenta road upgrade project, Walta Information Center (WIC) reported.

The 67.5 km long ten meters wide asphalt road upgrading project will link South Wello Zone to North Wello in the Amhara Regional State.

The Dessie-Kutaber-Tenta has a 24 km asphalt road built during the Italian occupation, which is now in poor condition from years of service. The remaining 34.5 km is a gravel road will be upgraded to asphalt.

“This project is part of the 2013/14 fiscal year annual plan. We believe the project will contribute to the overall economic growth of the area and it’s environs,” Zaid Woldegebriel said during a signing of the agreement at ERA's headquarters today.

Financing for the project will come from the Ethiopian government and the Kuwait Fund, according to WIC.

“We treasure this opportunity. This project will be very challenging but we will make sure we finish it ahead of time with the required quality,” Yong Sheng, representative of CFHEC, said during a signing ceremony.

Established in April, 1963, CFHEC is an affiliate of China Communications Construction Company which has 15 years presence in Ethiopian road construction. CCCC major recent road projects in Ethiopia include the Addis Ababa – Adama Expressway and Africa Avenue (Bole Road) projects.

Source: Walta Information Center