News Archive LAST UPDATE  August 6, 2006
August 21-22, 2006 Peace Boat to visit Eritrea, bringing goodwill to the Horn of Africa
A Japanese 'curved mirror' donated by NAC KS Co Ltd., in Eritrea
Supporting road safety in the Horn of Africa
Peace Boat's 54th Global Voyage has set sail from Yokohama, July 21, 2006. On August 21 the ship will be calling at the port of Massawa, Eritrea. Thanks to a donation by Japan-based manufacturer NAC KS Co Ltd., who are Japans leading producer of 'curved mirrors' (mirror devices which help automobile drivers see any oncoming traffic at blind corners – see photo)
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The 'curved mirror' and supporters
Peace Boat has successfully loaded 35 of these devices onto TSS The Topaz in order to bring them to Africa's youngest nation, Eritrea. This initiative was started by Eritreans living in Japan who noticed the widespread use of these curved mirror devices. Although simple, this technology is highly effective in preventing road accidents on the mountainous roads of Japan as well as the highly crammed streets of its urban areas. Eritreans are all too familiar with mountainous and treacherous roads, especially between the nations primary port of Massawa and the capital, Asmara.
Asmara is located at 2300 metres above sea level located in very mountainous terrain, and the ancient arterial road which serves the capital from Massawa is highly prone to road accidents which claim many lives per year.

Urged by the Eritrean community in Japan, Peace Boat has taken the initiative to bring this technology to Eritrea. In partnership with the Eritrean Ministry of Transportation and NAC KS Co Ltd., Peace Boat is helping to improve road safety in the hope of saving lives and improving the infrastructure of the African nation.

“Eritrea has a long history and a state policy not to depend on international aid. I believe that they have seen too many of their neighbouring countries become dependent on international aid in order to survive” says Peace Boat staff member Ichinose Emiko. “However, it was through Eritrean civilians living in Japan and the fact that Peace Boat has a long standing relationship of trust with the people of Eritrea and the cooperation from NAC KS Co Ltd., has made this project a reality. I hope that we will expand it to include a 'cultural exchange' of technical expertise and know-how, not just one of goods,” she continued.