In pictures: China's African road gangs

Despite some concerns, those working on the project seem happy enough, and most of the key engineers and designers are Ethiopian.

Engineer David Sentayahu, 23, is grateful for the opportunity to work, and is realistic about life in Ethiopia.

"Labour-based work is the most common type of work in a developing country. Because we have 80 million people in Ethiopia, this is the best way for us to work."