Import xml file (defined in build.xml) to eclipse

Question

I have the following entry in my build.xml with all other jar files defined

<import file="/qa-properties.xml" />

When I clean the project it gives the following error.

BUILD FAILED
/home/pv40143/tools-2.3/build/subdirs.xml:54: 
The following error occurred while executing this line:
  /home/pv40143/automation/fb_vasip1028/common/build.xml:5: 
Cannot find /home/pv40143/automation/qa-properties.xml imported from 
  /home/pv40143/automation/fb_vasip1028/common/build.xml

I have the qa-properties.xml file placed in the correct location.

Any Idea why this is coming?