ADDIS ABABA – The transformation of African cities would serve as an engine of the continent’s economic development and beyond, Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abebie told attendees of the Africa Urban Forum yesterday.
Speaking at the three-day Africa Urban Forum, which is being taken place in Addis Ababa with a theme :“Sustainable Urbanization for Africa’s Transformation: Agenda 2063”, Adanech said that making African cities livable, green and safe is the basis of transformation in the continent.
In this regard, she expressed that leadership plays an irreplaceable role in harnessing the potentials of cities in which mayors are at the heart of this role.
Given their limited terms in office, Adanech noted that the determination to leave lasting legacy is always be remembered.
According to her, ensuring habitability, safety and resilience must be a top priority since cities are home to the current and future generation.
Mentioning that Addis Ababa has started the journey of city development, Adanech went on saying that her administration has proven that it can transform cities and harness their potential.
Guided by a people-centered approach that ensures suitable, fair and inclusive transformation, the Mayor said that her administration is “striving to transform the city, benefits of citizens and ensure no one left behind.”
The city administration is committed to facilitate the utmost benefit to the vulnerable. Among all, student and community feeding, early child development program, establishment of women rehabilitation and empowerment center, and job creation have prioritized disadvantaged groups, he noted.
Addis Ababa is rapidly changing towards global competitiveness, she said, adding that the recent corridor development project is yielding remarkable results in renewing, upgrading and revitalizing the capital.
“We are expanding our roads so as to facilitate seamless infrastructure for pedestrians as well as vehicle users.” These interventions coupled with efforts to improve access to public services and green spaces, she added.
For her, developing new public spaces with playground, sports field, parks and fountains do not only increase the beauty of the city, but also enhance equity for all residents.
These efforts are aligned with creating hundreds of thousands of jobs to individuals and revived businesses. According to Adanech, these achievements are occurring amid climate changes, rapid population growth and pressure of modern urban life.
“Our experiences and achievements of the past few months have told us the applicability and the reality of African cities to transform.”
She also called on the participants of the African urban forum to convert and strategize the fate of African cities. “We need to learn from each other and leverage the advantages of being latecomer. Together, we will build our cities and Africa,” she said.
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2024
