Tana-Beles sugar project underway as per schedule: project manager

Addis Ababa, July 25 (WIC) – Tana-Beles sugar development project, one of the sugar projects included in the Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP), is underway as per the schedule, according to the project manager.

The project, comprising of two sugar factories with a crushing capacity of 10,000 tcd and with 25,000 hectares of sugarcane plantation each, is underway since last year in Amhara Regional State.

“All activities of the project are in good progress and in accordance with the plan,” Melke Tadesse, project manager told WIC.

Despite the harsh summer weather, the 13 enterprises and contractors are working in all their potential to finalize the project as per scheduled time limit, he said.

The Amhara Water Works Enterprise, which took the contract to build a 30-kilometer canal, has so far constructed a 15-km water canal, making the land preparation and installation of irrigation pipe easy, he said.

Similarly, the Ethiopian Metal & Engineering Corporation, which was assigned to erect the two sugar factories, is finalizing preparations to commence construction works, he said.

“Machineries and building materials are being transported to the project site so as to begin the construction of the two factories soon,” Melke said.

The Amhara Housing Development Agency, which signed the contract to build around 7,000 residential units for the factories, has so far built 1,900 houses, he said.

According to Melke, the remaining houses will be finalized and readied for service in this Ethiopian budget year.

Melke said the project has contributed a lot in creating jobs for residents of the area and providing them with the infrastructural facilities that comes along with the project.