\nForeign Affairs State Secretary Alfredo Mantica this morning inaugurated in Ethiopia Africa’s longest tunnel, built by Salini Costruttori. The tunnel, 26 km in length, goes down to a depth of 1,200 metres, and will connect the waters of two rivers, creating a new hydroelectric power plant, Gilgel Gibe II: this will become operational in the autumn. The global project is a high-priority in Ethiopia’s national development plan: with its target of 420 megawatt of power, Gilgel Gibe II will be a concrete response to rising demand for electrical power in the country. Mr Mantica explained: “This is a very complex project, for which the contribution of major international organisations will be needed. We know that it is a project of vital importance for Ethiopia, and I hope that Italy will continue to support the Addis Ababa government”.
\nThe whole project has been carried out by Salini with the funds of the Ethiopian Government, the European Investment Bank and the aid of the Italian Government. \n<\/p>\n<\/p>","image":"117web.jpg"}