Barentu — President Isaias Afwerki conducted an inspection tour of development programs in Gash-Barka region from August 18 to 19.

The President visited Fiesko micro-dam in Haikota sub-zone and observed the farmlands being irrigated from the micro-dam. He subsequently visited Fanko Rawi Dam in Tessenei sub-zone under construction through Segen Construction Company. Experts informed President Isaias that the dam is expected to be finalized next year and will have a capacity of holding 20 million cubic meters that could irrigate over 3,000 hectares.

Also in the course of the inspection tour, the President visited the Gerset Dam in Golij sub-zone and observed the plots of land ready to be put under cultivation through the waters of the dam. He also inspected the rain-fed 3,000 hectares of sorghum and cotton plantation that was put under cultivation for experiment, during which experts explained that the farms are in good condition. He also visited a water diversion scheme in Engulit and exchanged views with experts

Moreover, President Isaias inspected the newly constructed brick factory around Prima Kantry, Barentu sub-zone. The factory could produce 70,000 bricks per month and that it is playing significant role in supplying the material for reconstruction programs in the area. The President observed a vegetable farm of an individual farmer made possible through constructing a water reservoir and expressed words of encouragement to the farmer.