ADDIS ABABA – The corridor development and the unfolding mega projects in the capital remain a practical example for the rest of African cities transformation, African cities forum participants commented.
In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), South African Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister Dickson Masemola (PhD) said that the government of Ethiopia has made exemplary achievements on corridor redevelopment, cultural and historical preservation activities.
Cherishing big thumbs up to the leadership for the successful executions of massive projects in the metropolis, he emphasized that the historic Adwa Victory Memorial Museum is well built onto emboldening all the sacrifices paid not only to the country but also for the entire black people.
Dickson (PhD) said, adding that the capital embracing skyline buildings, parks, historic monuments among many other projects would have a paramount importance for improving the people’s lifestyle and country’s development at large.
Advocating for continued efforts, he stated that the ongoing massive construction in the capital offered valuable lessons for other countries in the continent to make proper decisions for the interests of their people in their respective countries.
He said, “We all came from various countries to look for better life, services, education, health and other related social services and witnessed that the government is far ahead to improve full-fledged services and the lifestyles of not only its people but also all the African families and other international countries.”
Witnessing the people’s hospitality and the diverse cultures during his short stay, he emphasized the need to leverage these blessings for promoting cultural tourism.
Urging for consistent regional collaboration, he has also underscored that the Adwa site should be a magnetic hub for investments, exchange of ideas to promote the benefits of Africans’ shared future through Pan-Africanism spirit.
Appreciating the commitments of the leadership, he noted that this noble deed should be expanded to other parts of smart cities to create decent jobs, investment among others.
For his part, Ugandan National currently working in Nairobi at Regional Center for Resource Management Director Paul Idude said that Ethiopia has made notable milestones in redevelopment activities that would be a good lesson for other African capitals.
Witnessing the integrated infrastructural facilities which includes roads, walkways, bicycle lanes, public service delivery, and infrastructure connectivity in Addis, Paul said that this effort requires firm political commitment, chunk of money and the people’s will.
He said, “The capital is extremely changed to the extent I feel like I’m in Europe. I am committed to learning from this initiative and implementing it in my city.”
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2024
