In April 2021, a team of workers dispatched by the Ethiopia regional headquarters of the Fuzhou subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC), set foot on the plateau camp in Lalibela for the first time. Aiming to offer international engineering assistance in Ethiopia, the team made every effort to build a well-suited road in Lalibela.
A contract, a promise
In July 2021, the road construction project was halted due to local disturbance. Work on the project officially resumed in March. In April, a team consisting of Chinese engineers and Ethiopian employees set out on a sunny morning to continue their unfinished mission — a road connecting the old holy lands to a larger world.
The team was challenged by rugged terrain, substantial earthwork and an impending deadline. In keeping with the spirit of win-win cooperation, they were able to work out a plan that can maximize the potential of the existing road, upgrade the roadbed design and adjust geometric indicators to narrow the pavement width, so as to ensure high-quality construction at an acceptable cost.
At the opening ceremony for the construction, local residents expressed their gratitude through traditional dances, and governments and religious groups sent congratulatory messages. A project leader urged the team to strengthen their resolve, emphasizing that the project was aimed at improving local people’s livelihoods.
The team conducted an initial inspection in May 2022 and set up temporary camps in June. They began construction the following January and completed the road in just five months.
Since August 2023, conflicts disrupted normal inspection and construction activities. Nevertheless, the team upheld their commitments by maintaining road construction and compliance operation, provided that safety was guaranteed.
The Ethiopian headquarters of the Fuzhou-based CRCC subsidiary, as the team’s initiator, established a comprehensive management system grounded in strict adherence to laws and regulations. It protected the legitimate rights and interests of their employees and adopted transparent procurement and financial audits. These methods reflect the company’s commitment to the contract, its reliability as a partner, its sense of responsibility toward local communities, and its promise to build a road of hope.
Harmony with the community
The team brought maps to local communities to solicit suggestions. By explaining the road plan through straightforward graphics in local languages, they asked questions about the plan’s possible impact on farmlands and irrigation ditches. After on-site inspections and multiparty negotiations, they decided to preserve water sources essential for daily living and those of religious significance.
This respectful and collaborative approach helped build a strong, trusting relationship with the community. The team gave children school bags, notebooks and pens, fostering a sense of warmth and mutual connection. These interactions inspired several young residents, some of whom expressed aspirations to become engineers and contribute to local infrastructure development in the future.
The team determined to provide clean water access for camp residents. At dawn and dusk, women queue cheerfully, balancing jars atop their heads as they collect safe drinking water. The local health station reported a noticeable decline in waterborne diseases with marked health improvements among children and seniors. The water sharing was a testament to China’s promise on common development and a better life.
The new road brings hope to local people. Through the efforts including water conservation, water distribution, and educational support, the team has demonstrated a sincere dedication to enhancing community well-being.
A bridge for cultural exchanges
As Lunar New Year’s Eve drew near, the camp was emblazoned with familiar red decorations. Chinese engineers put up couplets and dangled lanterns with the Chinese character “fu” (fortune). They also made dumplings for the celebration, while drawing local employees to join in. Laughters filled the air, making the worksite in the foreign country feel like home.
When sunshine in September heralded the Ethiopian new year, local employees became cultural ambassadors, preparing coffee for celebration. From roasting beans to brewing the coffee, each step was carried out with solemn beauty. Drumbeats preluded shoulder-shaking dance. Chinese engineers attempted and their efforts met with friendly laughters and careful guidance from their Ethiopian colleagues. Around the bonfire, a sense of mirth was woven through conversations in English, Amharic, and Chinese.
More and more Ethiopian youths have become interested in the Chinese language and culture, while Chinese employees have come to appreciate Ethiopian coffee and dance. The Chinese employees show respect for local religious practices and their Ethiopian counterparts enjoy a pleasant Spring Festival Gala. Simple fellowship activities bridge the two civilizations, thereby promoting people-to-people exchanges.
More than just a transportation route, the Lalibela plateau road embodies cultural exchange and public well-being. The team and its initiator have scrolled out cooperation through advanced technology and responsibility. As the road winds forward, it symbolizes limitless cooperation between China and the world to strive for shared development.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
