In Araeta subzone, the sea is the lifeline of the communities that live there. The marine species found in the subzone is the biggest in Southern Red Sea region, making fishing in the subzone more than just a job. Fishing is life itself.
The number of boats in the subzone is more than in any other in the region. There are over 90 big fishing boats and more than 300 small and medium-sized boats that give transport service to the subzone’s people. Beyond the bustling seashores of Ti’o, the sub-zone’s vibrant capital, numerous small and large boats are seen sailing.
The climate in the subzone is inarguably the hottest in the country, with temperatures reaching more than 50 degrees Celsius during the summer season. The subzone enjoys two rainy seasons, which means plenty of grazing land for animals. The domestic animals in the subzone are predominantly goats and sheep, and camels are the most common pack animals. When the grazing land gets dry, the Ministry of Agriculture often provides hay to communities that raise animals.
Mr. Gebreab Habteab
Araeta subzone is one of the country’s most important tourist attractions. Its ancient rock engravings and paintings of various animals, including beasts with eight limbs, are breathtaking. There are several natural and man-made caverns and the over 1300 years old historic mosque at Me’dr village, which are magnificent. The landscapes created by molten rock, and the hot springs are also remarkable.
Mr. Gebreab Habteab, administrator of Araeta subzone, said that the mosque is one of the subzone’s ancient historical buildings that has stood the test of time, and he called on relevant authorities to restore it for proper preservation. There are three large wells at some distance from one another but are linked at the bottom so that people could fetch water from the well closest to their village. They were made when the region was ruled by the Ottoman Empire, and, according to local elders, these wells were the principal sources of water for the people who lived around Ti’o’s harbor.
The subzone teems with wild life, marine life and coconut palm trees. There are a large number of gazelles, duikers, wild asses, steenboks, ostriches, hyenas, and foxes. A tourist does not need to travel far from the roadway to see wild animals in their natural habitat because nearly all of the wild animals in the subzone, from the largest to the smallest, are seen roaming not far from the road. In fact, they appear to be quite familiar with humans, as if they were recruited to welcome visitors to the subzone. The abundance of water resources and safety are two important reasons why this location is a safe haven for these creatures. Over and above adding color to the beauty of the land scape, the raffia of the palm trees is used as animal food and as strings for making handicrafts.
Araeta subzone has very important mineral resources, including most of the potash deposits in the country and minerals for the production of cement. Hu’da, a new hotel under construction that is about seven kilometers from the town of Ti’o, will be ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the tropical sun at the beach. It is located near a gorgeous beach with clean water, fine sand and a lovely view of the sea.
Mr. Gebreab said the subzone is endowed with abundant water resources, and that more than 85% of the subzone’s people now have access to clean drinking water. The exceptions are communities in Me’dr village and its surroundings, and their problem is expected to be solved in the near future based on a study that has been carried out by experts from the regional office.
When it comes to other social services, Mr. Gebreab noted that the big size of the subzone and nomadic lives of the communities pose a challenge. The number of students in the subzone has been increasing over the years, and many boarding schools have been built to make education accessible to students who come from villages in remote locations. The boarding school at the town of Ti’o serves approximately 500 high school students. In collaboration with the National Union of Eritrean Women and other organizations, the subzone’s administration office has been campaigning to raise the public’s awareness about the importance of educating girls. As a result, the number of girls enrolled in secondary school is increasing.
There is one community hospital, three health stations, and three health centers, with the fourth set to begin service soon. In addition to the main Asmara-Massawa-Assab road that also goes through the heart of the town of Ti’o, there are three roads: a 150-kilometer road that connects Asakala to Ayumen, an 85-kilometer Wu’eima-Eiladeben road, and an 85-kilometer Sororyta-Igroli-Ferer road.
Araeta subzone, the largest subzone in Southern Red Sea region, borders Northern Red Sea region to the north, Central Denkalia subzone to the south, the Red Sea to the east and Ethiopia to the west. It has a population of approximately 26,000 people who live in 54 villages.