Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) disclosed upgrade work for the Dire Dawa – Dewele road has been started and it is expected to cost the Authority 3.9 Billion Birr.

The road which is part of Ethiopian road development program is going to be upgraded to asphalt paving. The construction work going to be done by the Chinese construction firm, CGC Overseas.

According to Dereje Hailu, ERA Communication Directorate Team Leader, some 85 percent of the road construction cost is financed by a loan secured from China Exim bank. On the other hand the rest 25 percent is going to be covered by the Federal Government.

Upon competition, Dereje explained, the road will ease the traffic congestion the Awash-Mile-Djibouti road on and the time of drivers.

The project is scheduled to be completed in three years. By the time the road is completed it is expected to have a width of 19 meters in urban areas and 10 meters in rural areas, Dereje explained.

Source: Walta Information Center