The ‘Dine for the Nation’ project which encompasses the development of Gorgora, Wonchi, and Koysha projects, which are situated in the Amhara, Oromia, and southwest Ethiopia State respectively, was launched in 2020 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) aiming to develop country’s tourist attractions. Hence, since the initiative was launched, various activities have been carried out to successfully complete the projects and turn the plan into a reality.
As a result, the projects that were the segments of the ‘Dine for the Nation’ project were accomplished in less than two years. On December 23, 2023, the Elephant Paw Lodge, built inside the Chebera Churchura Park in South-West Ethiopia State and several species of animals like elephants, lions, buffalos, leopards, and greater kudus are sheltering in the park, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Likewise, the Hallala Kella Resort was also inaugurated in May 2023. The Wenchi-Dendi and Gorgora Eco Resorts were also inaugurated in the current year- in January and July 2024 respectively.
The successful completion of the attractions in less than two years has exhibited the government’s commitment to developing the country’s untapped tourist attractions, promoting tourism, and generating significant amounts of earnings, thereby improving the livelihood of the community residing in the areas in particular and Ethiopians in general.
The construction of tourist attraction sites not only has advanced the country’s tourism sector but also created job opportunities for the community. For instance, during the construction phase of developing the Wenchi-Dendi Eco-Tourism Village, 8,000 to 12,000 jobs have been created.
Experts in the tourism sector underscored the economic benefits of the Dine for Nation projects and wide societal impacts. Economically, the construction of such projects will turn up local communities’ income as they come up with alternative sources of earnings. In addition to this, it also teaches how the country’s tourism sector resources are worthy and potentially important.
While stating the development of tourism sites across the country, Tourism State Minister Sileshi Girma said that Projects constructed under the Dine for the Nation project accommodate a greater number of tourists.
All projects are eco-friendly and expected to attract more tourists than usual thereby promoting the overall development including job creation, he indicated.
Currently, after the completion of such ecotourism projects, the government is undertaking enormous steps towards changing the look of various cities aiming at attracting more tourists and making cities suitable for residents.
The other important initiative that the government has launched and it is working persistently is the Corridor Development project. This latest project aimed at improving the social, economic, and environmental well-being of individuals, communities, and nations by upgrading outdated drainage systems, and utility networks among others, and transforming Addis Ababa into a smart and modern city. The projects carried out in different areas of the country are well underway and expanded to states.
In his recent speech, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also underlined the need to prepare Ethiopia’s cities for the future with a focus on dignified living for citizens.
Prime Minister Abiy has also given recognition to the leaders of Addis Ababa corridor development, institutions, and individuals who contributed to the successful implementation of the projects.
“I want to extend my appreciation to everyone involved in developing our corridors. Today’s recognition reflects the hard work and dedication you have shown in creating a better urban environment for our people,” he underscored.
Abiy added that urbanization will continue to be a growing trend. “We have all the tools necessary to create sustainable cities. We have learned many lessons from the first phase, and now we look forward to the second phase, aiming to enhance what we have accomplished with continued growth and ethical considerations.”
The Prime Minister further stated that the current corridor development pace will assist the mayors of eleven other cities across the country as we expand this necessary initiative.
Of like mind, various cities across the country are replicating the steps of the Addis Ababa Corridor Development project. Hawassa, the capital of Sidama State, is the one in this regard. The city has initiated a corridor development project under the theme ‘Corridor Development for the Super Beauty of Our City’ to create a more conducive environment for residents and visitors thereby boosting tourism.
According to Hawassa City Mayor Mekuria Meresha, the development of corridors is designed to enhance living conditions and increase tourist attractions in the area. So far, the corridor project in the city is being implemented in two phases. The first phase focuses on expanding the area, covering 10 roads stretching over 35 kilometers. The second phase aims to upgrade existing roads in the city center, spanning three roads and covering over 5.7 kilometers. The area includes a stretch from South Spring to Haile Resort, with construction covering 3.7 kilometers of road, ranging in width from 40 to 50 meters up to Shafteta Square.
Mayor Mekuria also noted that the City Administration has allocated 140 million Birr for green development projects, specifically in the area from Membo to the Referral Hospital, covering one kilometer. This is considered one of the city’s most significant green initiatives.
He emphasized that various activities are underway in collaboration with stakeholders to improve public service delivery. For example, 25,000 land files have been registered under the cadaster system in partnership with the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure. Modern municipal services and a one-stop service center have been completed resulting in a reduction in public complaints.
“The corridor development includes standard public toilets, fountains, and recreational areas, fostering a new culture of public space utilization. The project is set to be completed in three months, as per the agreement with the contractor,” he added.
Hawassa’s Development and Construction Department Head Mihertu Gebrie stated that the corridor development is crucial for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), increasing tourist inflow, and creating a more livable environment for residents by bridging infrastructure gaps. The project also provides a sizeable number of jobs for the youth, with around 200 jobs already created in just a 1.1-kilometer stretch of the corridor.
Aside from Hawassa, cities such as Bahir Dar, in the Amhara State, and Arba-Minch, in South Ethiopia State, have also initiated their own corridor development projects to facilitate urban transformation and economic growth, emulating Addis’s practice.
Such initiative and commitment coupled with the ever-growing capacity to implement projects by the set timeframe even before, will heighten the success of efforts exerted to transcend the country to a higher level .
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2024
