Dehai News

• People have so many dreams and desires in their lifetimes. Some want to travel the world, and some want to see the world’s highest mountains and so on. Likewise, Signor Benneto Alessandro’s lifelong dream was to visit the city he grew up in as a child. The sweltering love of Asmara would not let him rest even after more than 50 years. Now 87, Signor Benneto grew up and lived in Asmara for almost 27 years of his life. While he was living in the city, he built some of Asmara’s houses, churches and sidewalks that are considered of great works of Art deco. To make his long awaited trip possible, Signor Benneto sold his favorite car and made the visit.
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• During his rather short stay in Asmara, he took a tour around and visited the sidewalks and buildings he once built. He was surprised to find an engraving he did on the sidewalks of Liberation Avenue more than 60 years ago. Signor Benneto couldn’t control his emotions as he burst down to tears, “Ajokum, Ajokum”, telling the people he loves, the Eritreans, to stay strong in Tigrigna. He also told us that he would care less if death would come and get him now that he has finally seen Asmara. Q&A presents to you a brief story of a man with great love for a city he calls home.
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• Q: Memories of the youth

I was just a six year old boy when I first came to Asmara. It is a place where I grew up with lots of love and comfort which has a great place in my heart. My father was a construction contractor, the reason I was inspired to be just like him. He is the one who influenced me to have the determination and working spirit since my young age. My father has built numerous buildings: houses, churches, factories such as Meloti beer factory and sidewalks which still exist. He taught me the construction business. That is how I later started my own business, basically with my father’s employees. I was also a sportsperson, I enjoyed cycling and swimming, I was a diver. Cycling, I used to race against the famous cyclists back then, such as Yemane, Gerezgihier, Berebere and others. I was playing in the 2nd division. I loved living in Eritrea. It is because I had a great time and met great people that I haven’t been able to forget Asmara for so many years.

• Q: The buildings and pavements

I was fortunate to have the chance to work with Eritrean colleagues in the construction business. We worked on several buildings and sidewalks mostly in Asmara. I would not find words to express the skills, potentials and, most of all, will of work Eritreans have. We used to work and eat together, just like families. The construction in Eritrea was one of the best, all the materials were made locally and were one of the best qualities. We used to do the jobs without any shortages and complications. I mostly did the sidewalk works of Asmara, for instance, the sidewalks of the Liberation Avenue, the buildings near Midian Hotel, the Kidane Mihret church and also my family house, now residence of the French Ambassador in Gezabanda. By the way I was so happy to see that the house is kept in good condition and taken care of. So these are few of the works I have done over the years. Honestly speaking, I am overjoyed to see the work I have done, but most of all, I am happy to see most of it is in good condition.

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  An emotional moment for Signor Benneto talking about Asmara and Eritreans

  Q: The return

The love I have for Eritrea and Eritreans goes way back. I loved and enjoyed growing up here, so much so that I couldn’t stop thinking about the country the past 52 years. I missed the people I grew up with and worked with every minute that passed. Now that I am getting old I just had to make this trip. I wanted to see Eritrea, especially Asmara, one more time before I die. It is a delightful feeling to walk around pavements I built. I have visited almost every part of Asmara, and every step I took brought me a great memory of my youth, my friends, my work, and my time as a youth.

I am grateful to have found people who still speak the Italian language even though I haven’t f o r g o t t e n Tigrigna language. They have helped me in a tremendous way, guiding me during my stay. I was very excited to meet my old friends but I was not fortunate enough to find most of them, only few. However, the highlight of my trip was to find an inscription I engraved on the side of the Liberation Avenue. It is a more-than- 60 year- old inscription I did when my friend convinced me to write something so it could be a memory. One of the happiest moments of my life. I

Old friends greeting ( Signor Benneto and Modici)

• Q: Memory of an old friend Signor Rino Modici (an Italian who never left the country.)

Benetto was one of the strongest and most loyal people I know. I remember that he used to go to work by bicycle. He enjoyed riding and racing. He was a strong sportsperson. He even used to dive for about 3 to 5 meters without an oxygen tank to get a fish. I can see that he is a very happy man now that he has come and seen Asmara once again, I can see his happiness every time he runs into his old friends and his sadness when he learns that his friends are no longer alive. Benetto was strong as a young man and, he still is. I am glad that he has lived to see a city he dearly holds close to his heart.