Alebu Fresh water factory, 24-hour power supplying generators, animal food processing factory, and dairy farm are some of the major industrial works at the present and these alone indicate what the future holds Alebu. The once scattered small hamlet is just starting on its journey to become a giant national industrial center.
The name Alebu is a Tigre word which relatively means bare or has nothing. Now, everything is there thanks to the endless endeavors of the Government. Years back it was difficult to cross the Alebu stream during the rainy season and I remember that it was one of the toughest parts of the uncomfortable journey. Some were forced to stay for days when the rains were heavy. Now, the construction of the Alebu Bridge has made it possible for travelers to cross it at any time or season.
Most of the residents of Alebu are engaged in farming activities in the Gash River basin in addition to their vast seasonal farming activities and some lead nomadic life by raising all kinds of livestock. The farmers of Alebu are the main sources of fresh milk to the towns around them. Every household herds its own livestock, regardless their number, thus securing their milk and meat needs. Having hot milk and yogurt at the traditional-styled snack bars of Alebu are the favorites of many travelers.
Alebu is located in the Haikota sub-zone, where Eritrea’s armed struggle started in 1961. Now, benefiting a-24-hour power supply from the recently installed generators it is on a fast pace of development. The newly built road that connects it with the Goluj subzone, another agricultural center, also plays a central role for its progress.
Alebu — The Banatom Factory in Alebu has begun processing banana and tomatoes produced in the agricultural projects of Fanko-Gerset, Adi-Omar and Molober.
The Acting manager of the factory, Eng. Yemaneberhan Kahsai, pointed out that it is processing a total of 6,500 quintals of tomatoes within four days and stated that coordinated endeavors have been made to quickly supply quality tomatoes to the factory. He further indicated that the 300 quintals of tomatoes exported for experiment in demand proved to be competitive in the world market. Advanced technology would be introduced to facilitate the processing and controlling system so as to ensure sustainable market for its products, Eng. Yemaneberhan elaborated.
