Shabait.com (Asmara)
23 August 2008
editorial
Asmara — One of the important events of the week was the inauguration of the modern banana and tomato processing plant (Banatom) in Alebu, Haikota sub zone. The construction of the factory is an added drive to the growing agricultural as well as infrastructural activities around the area. The Gash-Barka region being an area of large-scale banana and tomato production, the presence of a processing plant there not only provides a market for the farmers but will also encourage them to increase their production to a much larger and market-oriented scale.
The most significant aspect of this event is that it brings to light the fact that the Eritrean economic development process is progressing at a pace uniform to all parts of the country. Indeed, such a development process stands out as unique when compared to that of other developing nations. We often hear about some countries scoring a certain percentage of economic growth when in fact only a specific community group reaps the benefits from either the exploitation of natural resources or from foreign investment. Many governments, including those who come to power with the help of the rural majority, only focus on the daily problems in the cities while ignoring or disregarding the rest of the people. Consequently, many have faced failure as their precarious economies based only on erecting tall buildings came tumbling down. But the people and Government of Eritrea have no desire for this type of so-called economic progress.
The Eritrean people had paid a huge sacrifice to secure an independent nation and government of their own, and as such they cannot opt for an economic progress in which a handful stands to gain while the majority wallows in poverty. On the contrary they are working to achieve an economic development that will improve the life of every citizen and secure a much more rewarding life for future generations. Based on the collective desire of the entire people, the Eritrean national development strategy has been able to establish a firm foundation for future development while giving equal attention to all parts of the country. Yet, when viewed from the perspective of our long-term objectives and vision this initial progress is only the beginning.
The changes and progress that are being registered in different parts of the country, particularly in the remote areas is thus a vivid proof as to the efficiency of the development strategy we are pursuing. The development activities accomplished within a few years in exploiting agricultural potential for food security and in the construction of water reservoirs, water diversion schemes and irrigation systems are by all measurements beyond comparison. The fact that we have been able to cultivate the vast plains in the western lowlands at a large-scale and build an asphalt road that connects Tessenei, a town in the western border area with the capital Asmara is no less than a miracle. Today there are hardly towns or villages in Eritrea that don't have roads accessible to vehicles. Moreover, as part of the extensive efforts to provide social services to all the rural areas, a vast majority of the people have now access to potable water as well as educational and health services. The process of introducing electricity supply and communication systems to all parts of the country is also picking up pace.
Thus, to achieve sustainable economic development, there must be an equal sharing of benefits among all communities and progress should come through efficient exploitation of national resources. In short, a real and sustainable economic progress is the one that brings about social justice. And that is why the Eritrean government is striving to achieve economic transformation that originates from the rural areas. Congratulations to the Eritrean people in general and the people of the Gash-Barka region!
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