Kem Semai’n Meret: Extending the Conversation on Development Projects
By: Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion
https://shabait.com/2021/06/23/kem-sema ... -projects/
GENERAL
Jun 23, 2021
The last edition of Eritrea Profile (published on Saturday 19 June) featured a very interesting article entitled, “Transforming Arid Zones into Wetlands”. Written by Kesete Ghebrehiwet and part of a larger series that explores major development undertakings in Eritrea’s Western Development Zone, the article is full of details and it sheds important light on a critical aspect of Eritrea’s national development efforts. I certainly found the piece to be highly informative and can only recommend that everyone takes a moment to read it, when they have the opportunity. It is well worth your time. In the following few paragraphs, I offer a deeper look at some of the points raised in the recent article, sharing some general thoughts and hoping to extend the conversation.
To begin, one of the main reasons I especially appreciated and greatly enjoyed the recent article was because of its broad focus: Eritrea’s rural areas and people. This is important for several reasons. Too often, when we think of and talk about developing countries (or many countries for that matter), we tend to restrict our thinking and discussions to national capitals or large urban areas. This emphasis or “
urban bias” is frequently guided by an underlying sense or belief that these areas are the only places that matter or are somehow of greater importance and more significant. Rural areas and populations generally are undervalued, remaining almost forgotten and basically an afterthought. Unfortunately, there can also sometimes be a harmful accompanying sentiment where rural areas and people are disdainfully looked down upon and considered backward or uncivilized.
However, we must keep in mind the fact that most of the developing world – including Eritrea (60%) – is rural. Rural areas and people are an integral part of our societies and they are vital cogs within our economies. According to the International Labour Organization, over half (with some estimates suggesting as high as two-thirds) of Africa’s population live and work in rural areas, which offer huge land surfaces. Moreover, agriculture represents approximately 65-70% of jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa (corresponding figure with Eritrea is 60%). Thus, Kesete’s recent article, focusing on rural areas and communities in Eritrea, is positive and significant. Not only does it help us to learn more about these lesser known, sometimes overlooked regions and populations, it also encourages us to value and appreciate how pivotal and important they truly are to our society.
Another significant point to note in relation to the article, is the fact that many of the projects and initiatives described (such as dams) are highly effective and functional. They are not simple vanity projects or what are often called, “
tsada harmauz” (“white elephants”) projects. As a brief reminder, white elephant projects are typically large, expensive infrastructure projects that focus more on flash or prestige than efficiency or function. Found across many parts of Africa and the developing world (although not solely restricted to these areas), white elephant projects are often poorly designed and constructed, take “
forever” to build, end up as ineffective or fail to fulfill their original projected purpose, and become very expensive to maintain. It is also quite common to eventually find them sitting idle or get targeted for removal.
In contrast, however, the projects outlined and described in the recent article have been a
driving force for an improvement in the living standards of local communities [in Eritrea].
For instance, they have provided local communities with sufficient water supply for their households and to irrigate their farms. In addition, the projects have brought the convenience of electricity to communities, helping to improve quality of life and supporting education (e.g., many surrounding schools have begun to offer computer classes to students, thus enhancing lessons, while young students with electricity at home have been able to study or complete their homework in the evenings through the benefit of light).
The extent of the positive changes and developments arising from the projects described in Kesete’s article were captured in a memorable conversation that I had, not too long ago, in a small village outside of Asmara. While eating a traditional meal with a group of men, women, and children from the village, I asked them about how exactly a local dam had impacted them or the community. “
We are blessed,” they responded excitedly in unison and without a moment of hesitation.
The change in our lives is amazing…it is like night and day.
The success and effectiveness of the various projects outlined in the recent article, are rooted in several different factors. One is that the projects can only be constructed after a long, comprehensive process of deep study and investigation. Prior to their construction, potential projects must pass a rigorous analysis process where justification for their demand and need must be clearly demonstrated, while the size and type of projects must be shown to be in alignment with their site conditions and objectives. Moreover, the possible environmental and socio-economic impacts of projects are closely studied, ensuring that they will not have any significant harmful impacts on communities and the environment.
Additionally, over many years of constructing hundreds of dams, catchments, and other development projects of all types and sizes, Eritrea has acquired a considerable amount of experience, learned important lessons, developed useful innovations, and also extracted key insights from international partners. This has not only contributed to improved design and construction capability, it has also led to a better ability to address potential issues, challenges, or complexities, substantial reductions in cost, considerable improvements in project safety, and significantly shortened construction times.
Finally, the overall success and effectiveness of projects has also been an outgrowth of the fact that projects are not solely led and implemented by technical experts and engineers. Instead, local communities are heavily involved, participating in idea generation and proposals, planning, construction, and management of projects (e.g., through open discussions and contributions of cash, kind, and labor). As a result of active community support and involvement, the various development projects have been responsive to the direct needs and concerns of the local people. Moreover, general success and long-term sustainability has been promoted since communities take responsibility, are empowered, and retain a sense of ownership.
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Q&A with Chinese Ambassador to Eritrea
By: Sirak Habtemichael
https://shabait.com/2021/06/23/qa-with- ... eaPrevails
Q & A
Jun 23, 2021
On July one this year, China will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China. On this occasion, our Q&A column had the honor of interviewing the Ambassador of the Peoples’ Republic of China to Eritrea, H.E. Cai Ge.
Q: The year 2021, marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. What major historic contributions has the Communist Party of China made, to China and the rest of the world?
A: July 1 of 2021, marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Over the past 100 years, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has led the Chinese people through the arduous struggle to achieve a leapfrog from standing up, getting rich to becoming strong. China is now, the second-largest economy and the largest industrial country in the world. More than 800 million Chinese citizens, have been lifted out of poverty. The average life expectancy has increased, from 35 to 77 years old. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, China has created two major economic developments and long-term social stability.
China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of international order. China is the second-largest fund contributor to the UN peacekeeping operations and has the largest number of peacekeepers, among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. Over the years, China, with 30% contribution to global economic growth, has become the main engine for world economic growth and has brought unprecedented opportunities to world development. Since the outbreak of Covid-19, China is the first major economy to achieve growth. It is predicted that China’s economic growth will reach 8.3% this year. This is an important contribution to promoting the rapid recovery of the world economy.
China has made a great contribution to the global anti-pandemic cause by supplying medical assistance to more than 150 countries and some international organizations and has provided vaccine assistance to more than 80 countries. Furthermore, China has exported vaccines to over 40 countries, with a total of 350 million doses of vaccines to the international community.
With more than 800 million people lifted out of poverty, China has achieved the poverty alleviation goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule, contributing more than 70% to the world’s poverty reduction. China has established and improved the world’s largest education, social security, and medical system, which can be called a great human rights project and the best human rights practice. China has made important contributions to the cause of human rights in the world.
In terms of addressing climate change, China has also actively fulfilled its commitments, China’s carbon emission intensity per unit GDP in 2018 decreased by 45.8% compared with that in 2005. President Xi Jinping announced last year that China will strive to achieve a carbon peak by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
Q: On the occasion of the 100th anniversary, what development programs have the Communist Party of China charted out?
A: In order to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, the Communist Party of China has established: “
Two Centenary Goals”. The first is to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects, on the 100th anniversary of CPC. In this respect, the Communist Party of China has fulfilled its solemn commitment to the people.
The second Centenary Goal will be achieved by 2049, the year of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and it will be realized in two steps: by the year 2035, basically realizing socialist modernization; from the year 2035 to the middle of 21st century, to build China into a prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful socialist modern country. At that time, China’s material civilization, political civilization, spiritual civilization, social civilization, and ecological civilization will be comprehensively improved. China will become a leading country in terms of comprehensive national strength and international influence. The common prosperity of all people will be basically realized.
The Communist Party of China is fully confident and capable of uniting and leading the Chinese people, to continue to create new development miracles and realize the blueprint for future development. China will create a broader space for all countries in the world to share China’s opportunities, achieve win-win results and common development.
Q.As a major political party that has been thriving for 100 years, what is the key attributes of the Communist Party of China?
A: Over the past 100 years, the Communist Party of China has grown from more than 50 people when it was founded to the world’s largest party with more than 91 million Party members, creating
the greatest political miracle on earth.
The most important magic weapons are: First, the Communist Party of China adheres to the combination of Marxist theory with the practice of Chinese revolution and construction, finds a path suitable for China’s development. The Chinese people are full of confidence in the path, theoretical system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Second, the Communist Party of China adheres to the people-centered position to serve the people wholeheartedly and lead the people to work together. The Communist Party of China, gets full support from the people. According to many polls, more than 90% of the Chinese people are satisfied with the government under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.
Third, the Communist Party of China attaches great importance to the party’s self-construction, emphasizing that the party should manage itself and strictly govern itself to ensure the Party’s advanced nature, purity, and combat effectiveness, and consolidate the foundation of the Party’s ruling.
Q: How do you view the world situation, today?
A: In nowadays’ world, there is the overlapping impact of major changes and global pandemic unseen in a century. Unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonism are rampant. Human beings are facing a variety of non-traditional security threats, such as climate change, environmental pollution, and epidemic diseases. International order and world peace are facing severe challenges.
China firmly upholds the international system with the United Nations as the core and the international order based on international law firmly upholds the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and firmly upholds genuine multilateralism of mutual equality and win-win cooperation. China’s diplomacy has always adhered to the principle of equality whatever big or small countries. China opposes power politics, sanctions, and threats of sanctions, and opposes arbitrary interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the excuses of so-called human rights issues.
Human beings live on this very earth, no country can face the challenges alone. The only way to deal with global problems is to build a community of shared futures for all mankind. All countries in the world should strengthen unity and cooperation, take the road of peaceful development, jointly promote the construction of a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation, and build a world of lasting peace, common security, common prosperity, openness, inclusiveness, cleanness, and beauty.
Q: How do you evaluate the importance and key role of the Chinese government in the African continent, especially in the Horn of Africa?
A: China and Africa are good friends, partners, and brothers. Strengthening solidarity and cooperation with African countries is the unchanging priority of China’s diplomacy. China and African countries support each other on issues, concerning our respective core interests and major concerns. The cooperative achievements between China and Africa, can be seen everywhere in Africa. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative, has made significant contributions to the local development and the improvement of people’s lives. China has built more than 6000 kilometers of railways, 6000 kilometers of roads, nearly 20 ports, and more than 80 large-scale power facilities in Africa. China has assisted in the construction of more than 130 medical facilities, 45 gymnasiums, and more than 170 schools. China has sent 21,000 members of the medical team to 48 African countries and treated about 220 million African patients. China is a constructive participant in African peace and security affairs and has sent the largest number of peacekeepers, among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. We support Africa in its effort to solve African problems, independently.
After the outbreak of the pandemic, China and Africa helped each other and united to fight against COVID-19. Not long ago, China and African jointly launched the “
Initiative on Partnership for Africa’s Development”. China has never attached political conditions to its corporation or aid to Africa, let alone interfering in Africa’s internal affairs.
China and the countries in the horn of Africa, are good friends. China pays close attention to the situation in the horn of Africa and sincerely hopes that lasting peace and stability can be maintained in the region, so as to realize regional integration and development. China opposes interfering in regional affairs and other countries’ internal affairs under the excuses of, “
human rights” and “
democracy”. China opposes the implementation of sanctions, or the threat of sanctions. China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace, stability, and development in the Horn of Africa.
Q: On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 30th anniversary of Eritrean independence, how do you assess the strong and long relations between the People’s Republic of China and Eritrea?
A: China and Eritrea, have a profound traditional friendship. This friendship was established in the process of striving for national independence and liberation, national development, and construction. Nowadays, our friendship is even stronger than before. China and Eritrea, have always treated each other with respect and equality. We trust each other in politics, support each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns, and jointly safeguard the interests of both sides and international fairness and justice. The Communist Party of China (CPC) and People’s Front for Democracy and (PFDJ), maintain communications and exchanges of experience in governance. The cooperation between our two sides in infrastructure construction, education, agriculture, health care, human resources, mining, and other fields is fruitful. Projects of friendly cooperation between our two sides can be seen in the capital-Asmara and other cities. During the pandemic, bilateral cooperation has not interrupted and moved forward. For example, the Chinese medical team to Eritrea sticks to their posts together with the Eritrean colleagues in hospitals to help treat the patients. The Chinese Embassy in Eritrea holds two online training courses or seminars every month, on average.
On the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, China’s development has entered a new stage. The 30th anniversary of Eritrean independence, also ushers in new opportunities for national development. The top leaders of the two Parties have sent congratulatory letters to each other, expressing that they attach great importance to the in-depth development of friendly and cooperative relations between our two countries. Eritrea stressed that infrastructure, energy, transportation, agriculture, health care, and human resources are the key development areas of Eritrea. China has advantages, in the above areas. The two sides have obvious complementary advantages and a solid foundation for cooperation. China is willing to expand and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, in accordance with the needs of Eritrea and make due contributions to the development of Eritrea and the improvement of Eritrean living standards. Meanwhile, Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and The Belt and Road Initiative (B&R) have provided new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. In one word, the prospect of deepening cooperation between China and Eritrea is very broad, which will surely yield more fruitful results and further benefit the two peoples. The Chinese Embassy in Eritrea and I will do our best to promote friendly cooperation between our two countries and deepen the friendship between our two peoples.
