Ethiopia: Historic Ethio-Djibouti Railway Track Worth Br20 Million Stolen

Individuals are dismantling and selling the historical Ethio-Djibouti railway line near Adama town. Addis Alemayehu, head of the Adama station, told The Reporter that individuals are dismantling and selling the steel structure of the railway line between Modjo and Adama towns. According to Addis, the individuals are also stealing the railway line that lies between Adama and Wolenchiti towns.

Addis said that the culprits sell the steel structure to foundries established by Chinese citizens in Adama town and near Koka. According to Addis, so far railway lines worth 20 million birr have been stolen. He claims that with the help of the Federal Police, steel rails worth two million birr have been recovered at different localities. "With the help of the federal police we have been able to apprehend some of the individuals and those who bought the railway line. We have brought them to justice," Addis told The Reporter. The foundries owned by Chinese citizens reprocess the steel and manufacture iron bars. Addis is the only custodian of the Adama railway station. The Ethio-Djibouti Railway Enterprise ceased operations in 2010. "There is no adequate budget to hire people to guard the railway line, stations and other properties of the enterprise," Addis said. Individuals have settled on land that belongs to the Adama station. "We are also in a tug-of-war with the Adama town administration that wants to take the land away from us."

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