Eritrea's Coastal Marine and Island Biodiversity Conservation Project

- The distance from the sea (setback) is very often too short and the infrastructure will be subject to erosion by the waves, during winter storms or on
the long term with the expected sea level rise linked to climate change.
- The crossing of wetlands and the breach of the natural exchanges between sea and land or land and sea inducing the disappearance of ecosystem such
as the mangroves protecting the shore.
- The closure of temporary rivers (wadis) stopping or reducing the transport of sediment or nutrient to the sea and accelerating the natural erosion of
the shoreline.
6.4. Railway
The railway between Massawa and Asmara (119 km) was established between 1890 and 1920. This section covers an altitude that ranges from sea
level to 2,330m, with an average incline of 2% with many switchbacks, bridges and tunnels. Nonetheless, comparing its time of inception due to the
continuous political instability that persisted for decades the railway system did not develop and was instead demolished.
In the wake of independence, enormous efforts have been made to revitalize the railway infrastructure. The section between Massawa and Ginda has
been recently rehabilitated but the remaining part is not totally operational.
6.4.1. Threats from the railway
There is presently no real threat form the railway but in reverse, its reactivation and use for transport of goods, in particular from Massawa harbour to
Asmara, could reduce the traffic on the road and limit the number of truck accidents.
6.5. Electric Power
Since 1999 Massawa has become the power house of electricity for most parts of the country. With the installation of an 80Megawatts electrical power
generating engines in the outskirts of Massawa namely Hirgigo; electricity is distributed from the station to the major cities such as Massawa, Ginda,
Asmara, Keren, Dekemhare, Mendefera etc. However, islands and resorts in remote coastal areas lack electricity supply. Power generation will need to
be provided on site by the resort developers or the integrated resort development company.
State of the Coast Eritrea, 2006-2007 44