Share This past weekend, local Eritrean media reported that a new road between Shambuko and Barentu was being constructed. The new road is being developed as part of the strategic Mendefera – Barentu Highway. Personally, reports and updates about these types of developments are among my favorite – I simply love them. Beyond being informative and enlightening, I always find them to be extremely positive and encouraging. This is particularly because such projects – even those seemingly as “simple” or “basic” as roads – promise to have a positive impact on the livelihoods of locals and promote an array of beneficial outcomes for communities. Inspired by the “good news” shared this past weekend, the following few paragraphs will present a brief look at the general significance of roads and their progress in Eritrea.