Tekombya is a town located in the upper Gash sub-zone of the Gash Barks Region in Eritrea. With a population of 1362 families from 8 different ethnic groups, the town is located some 48 kilometers from Barentu, the region's capital. According to elders in the town, it was named after two Kunama words, Tekom, meaning hot, and Buya, water due to a spring that produced hot water in the region. Over the years, the town has experienced modest development to include a health center, 3 schools; 2 of which are joint elementary and junior; 1 high school and two preschools, and two administration zones.
Mr. Alem Ghebru, one of the earliest settlers of the town, reminisces on the early days when his parents settled in the area, over 60 years ago. He fondly remembers growing up as a 4-year-old and using the railway that extended all the way to Akordat for transport. He also says that back then, the area was home to a variety of wild animals and birds as a result of the Gash River which provides life to the zone.
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