What constructive values does the ongoing Addis Ababa corridor development project entail for the society? What besetting challenges of the city are expected to be addressed? What prospects does the project hold for its residents? These are some of the prime questions this article desires to entertain as much as possible. The article also makes every possible effort to cover the essential components that should be considered for the better bright future of the capital.
In historical terms, Addis Ababa is said to have made progressive social and economic changes through ages owing to myriads of reasons that could be attributed to it. The city came through steady transformation in its development of various facets through all the systems since its inception 130 years ago. The political capital and the diplomatic hub of Africa is undergoing numerous aspiring changes in the recent days than ever before. Especially, the current corridor development project which is underway with the government taking robust leadership for its successful completion is expected to come up with the audacity of hope for social and economic prosperity.
The corridor project is mainly aimed at improving the well-being of the people. It is a project with the far-reaching vision of approaching the social challenges besetting in the society. The continual stance of population booming urges for a better way of insight to handle. The drastic increase in population alongside with the poor housing conditions came to intensify innumerable challenges in the city. Consequently, the government came up with the steadfast policy to address the housing challenges in the city by formulating various strategies in alignment with the affordability. Improving the uneven housing conditions of the city is one of the city administration’s objectives to address.
Further to addressing the housing challenges of the city, preparing sufficient playing grounds for children and recreational space for the elderly are some of the strategies the urban planning project foresee to deal with. The project in its second phase is relentlessly responding to the demands of the youth and the elderly. It tirelessly responds to the society’s demand for pastime areas for better psychological and cognitive wellbeing.
The strive for clean environment is the other picture the project is envisioning to achieve. The access for well-organized disposal of waste and sewerage facilities is the other the project strides to realize.
The corridor development project in the capital is comprising of expanding opportunities for people in the business sector. It caters conducive and accessible areas for merchandizers providing commodities. It gives more attention to the business involving in the hospitality sector. Such a monumental project in the country will have the prospect to meet the ever-growing demands on tourism and hospitality industry. The expansion of the project will bring further economic opportunities scaling up the living standard of the society.
The capital-intensive urban development project is being underway with the grand plan of effective land utilization. The project will give the chance to control the plot of land which has been dispersedly available in parts of the city. The residential areas which are not build in accordance with the city plan will be considered to be restructured in line with the city plan.
The corridor project is thought to tackle needs and aspirations of the residents of Addis Ababa. It mainly focuses on the wellbeing of its residents’ expanding opportunities for their future progress. The African term for referring to human centeredness is Ubuntu. Hence, the project is the ubuntu-looking at the humanity in mind. The human-centered corridor project of Addis Ababa is not imposed by anyone else but it is a home-grown indigenous need for the better future. It is a project that emanates from the society to satisfy their short- and long-term needs and aspirations of the past present and future for the process towards development.
The project is primarily aimed at meeting the tangible and intangible needs of human aspirations. The tangible needs of the society such as the better housing, transport and utilities are given prime attention. It also endeavors to satisfy the intangible needs and aspirations of the society such as the essence of equal opportunity and inclusiveness.
Addis Ababa is a hub for different international organizations. It is a headquarter for the African Union and a place for the world Bank and United Nation’s institutions and so much more. Hence, the headquarter for different international institutions should align itself with the technological advancement of the 21th century. The infrastructure mainly the roads should be in parallel with the demands of the global institutions. The corridor project will do all its best to make the facilities convenient for tourists coming into the country. The expansion of the corridor project will give the opportunity for the city to attract foreign investment.
In Conclusion, the corridor project will come up with various opportunities for the improvement of the city. The city which had been stagnant for a number of years is up for readjustment for the better provision of facilities for its residents alongside with the diasporas and all the nationals making their way to the city. This grand development project will open up immense extent of tourism and market opportunity for city realizing its insatiable hope for advancement.
Wondwossen Haile was a university lecturer. He can be reached at wondwossen.a.haile@gmail.com
BY WONDWOSSEN HAILE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2024
