Background

Department of Civil Engineering was started at 2000 EC.Infrastructure is the thing that supports our daily life-access to drinking water and shelter from the weather, roads and harbors, railways and airports, hospitals, sports stadiums and schools. Infrastructure adds to our quality of life, and because it works, we take it for granted. Only when parts of it fail, or are taken away, do we realize its value. Civil engineers worldwide endeavor to overcome the challenges of creating and maintaining infrastructure for today, and for future generations. Civil Engineering as defined by the London based Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) is a great art, on which the wealth and well-being of the whole of society depends. Its essential feature, as distinct from science and the arts, is the exercise of imagination to fashion the products, processes and people needed to create a sustainable physical and natural built environment. It requires a broad understanding of scientific principles, knowledge of materials and the art of analysis and synthesis. It also requires research, team working, and leadership and business skills.

A Civil Engineer is someone who practices all or part of this art. Civil Engineering concerns the study of conception, design, construction and maintenance of large public and private projects. Civil engineers build and maintain bridges, highways, railways, tunnels, airports, dams, water treatment and distribution systems and large buildings, along with many other structures. Environmental considerations, such as water supply, pollution control and preservation of soil quality, are also a part of the course of study. With thorough knowledge of both the principles of construction and the possible environmental consequences of a structure, the Civil engineer's expertise is one that is essential to our present Civilization and one that will become ever more valuable in the future.

 In a developing country like Ethiopia, Civil Engineering has great role and contribution to the economic development and improvement of the living standard of the people. As infrastructure developments are indicators of improved livelihood and ways of investment attractions and tourism, contribution of Civil Engineering in this regard is very crucial. Therefore, this area of study by which many Ethiopians would be produced to serve our country must have clear focus areas that enable speeded up and sustainable achievements in improving the country’s infrastructure facilities.