Sudan constructs highway to Ethiopia

March 19, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan has completed the construction of Gadarif – Doka – Gallabat section of the highway connecting Sudan and Ethiopia, said the federal ministry of transport.

The construction of the 156 km-long section was executed by an Egyptian constructor.

Sudan Tribune has learned that the project has cost 30 million USD, 90% of which was from a grant provided by the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) and 10 pct by the Sudanese Government.

The Sudanese minister of transport Omar Suleiman Adam said that the highway would be inaugurated officially within two months.

The new highway is expected to boost the commercial exchange between Sudan and Ethiopia. Furthermore, it will facilitate the agricultural activities in the distant eastern areas by providing easier and faster access of agricultural machinery and materials, and later on easier transportation of agricultural production to the market.

The project execution enjoyed customs-free import of machinery and some other tax exemptions, granted by the Finance Ministry.

(ST)