Salini dies at 92
ADDIS ABABA –Ethiopia is indebted to the renowned builder Simonpietro Salini, for his contribution to the country’s development through constructing mega projects including Abbay Dam, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said.
Extending condolences on the death of Simonpietro Salini, a prominent Italian architect and builder and friend of Ethiopia, who died in Rome last Sunday at the age of 92, Abiy stated that the architect has contributed a lot for Ethiopia’s development involving in various development projects for many years now.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Simonpietro Salini and the entire Webuild Group on his passing. Ethiopia is indebted to Simonpietro Salini for his contributions to the construction of the Legadadi Dam, Addis Ababa University’s Kennedy Library, the Tana Beles Project, the Gilgel Gibe 1, 2, and 3 hydroelectric power projects, and the GERD,” he wrote on X.
In his post on 21 July 2024, Abiy also stated that the architect’s love for Ethiopia is exemplified through his involvement in the nation’s enduring development projects—a legacy continued by his son, Pietro Salini. “May his soul rest in peace.”
The country has acknowledged the builder’s company for its invaluable role in the construction of various public infrastructures including school facilities and power plants. Accordingly,Abiy had presented the honorary doctorate degree awarded to the current CEO of the Group by Addis Ababa University. By the time, Prime Minister Abiy posted on X stating that the recognition has been given for the great contributions to the field of engineering.
Following the death news of the architect, the company announced in a presser that Simonpietro Salini was a beacon to his country’seconomic boom during the 1960s, with his work on major infrastructure projects and buildings.
His innovative approach first turned to Africa, a continent that offered the greatest opportunities at that time for companies specialized in large-scale projects, the Group stated noting that the builder contributed to realize major infrastructure projects in some African countries including Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Algeria and Libya.
His commitment and dedication to the company, combined with his entrepreneurial talent, catalyzed the transformation of a family business into a major industrial group.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 23 JULY 2024
