Ethiopia is undergoing renovation activities including its tourist attractions. Large-scale projects are underway across the country. Under the initiatives launched in earlier years including Dine for Sheger, Dine for Ethiopia and Dine for Generations plus the newly introduced projects of Corridor Development, massive renovation and development works have been carried out across the country, reshaping the country’s key tourist attractions. As a result, it was possible to carry out activities that compelled everyone to raise an eyebrow.
One of the most significant projects, the ‘Corridor Development’ initiative, is also revitalizing major landmarks and public spaces across the country, and changing the appearance of the cities, particularly in Addis Ababa.
The renovations and construction activities to iconic sites such as Entoto Park, Friendship Square, Science Museum, and the Adwa Victory Memorial among others are part of this broader effort in this regard. These projects, in conjunction with the ‘Addis Ababa Corridor Development’, are dramatically transforming the city’s urban landscape, improving both aesthetics and accessibility.
The ‘Dine for Nation’ initiative, designed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has also been the other instrumental initiative in enhancing the country’s tourist attractions, with a focus on beautification and green space development.
The newly renovated sites such as the Wonchi, Halala Kella, and Gorgora as well as the Chebera Churchura Elephant Paw Lodge situated in Dawro Zone of South West Ethiopia State, have already seen an increase in visitors, showcasing the success of these initiatives.
In a similar manner, the ongoing renovation works of the historic Fasil Ghebbi (Fasilides Castle), in the historic city of Gondar, are progressing well in a way that preserves the ancient reputation and structure of the heritage.
While speaking in connection to the renovation activity of Fasil Ghebbi in Gondar city, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had said that the in no time, Fasil will be elevated to its former glory.
Recently, Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa visited the renovation works of the Fasilides Castle, where she also observed the progress of the city’s corridor development projects, and launched the renovation of houses of the vulnerable segments of the society.
Following the visit, the Minister said that Gondar is a tourist destination rich in history and culture. The renovation works of the Fasil Ghebbi (Fasilides Castle) and similar activities ongoing under the corridor development projects are works that are designed to preserve the historic legacy of the city. Thus, they are works carried out in a manner fitting the historic reputation and name of the city.
The Minister also discussed with religious fathers and representatives of the people with regard to the progress of the project and praised the efforts exerted to maintain the city’s historical integrity while making it more accessible to tourists.
Tourism State Minister Sileshi Girma on his part said that efforts are ongoing to increase the contribution of the tourism sector to the country’s economic growth by preserving, renovating, refurbishing, and utilizing Ethiopia’s heritage,
Accordingly, the expansion of infrastructure facilities that boost the capacity of the tourism sector such as hotels and resorts, roads, telecommunication, and the like amenities has been constructed and is still ongoing. In the future, works that help to conserve and utilize the historic, cultural, and religious values of Ethiopia will be further strengthened.’
The first Deputy Mayor of Gondar City Administration, Chalachew Dagnachew, on his part, said that the corridor development projects and the renovation works of Atse Fasilides Castles have brought a new working culture among the people. The strong collaboration and participation that the residents of the city have shown by their own free will, is helping the construction activity to move ahead and accelerating the performance of the projects. The corridor development projects and the renovation works of Atse Fasilides Castle will transform and enhance the beauty of the city, which is a historic tourist destination.
Drawing lessons from the experiences of these projects, currently, preparations are finalized to launch the second phase of the urban corridor development project that stretches around 14 km, in the city.
According to him, the ongoing renovation work has created job opportunities for more than 1,200 people. He also extended his appreciation to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his initiative to renovate this historic site and residents of Gondar city for their relentless cooperation and dedication they have shown.
Surrounded by a 900-m-long wall, the city contains palaces, churches, monasteries and unique public and private buildings marked by Hindu and Arab influences, subsequently transformed by the Baroque style brought to Gondar by the Jesuit missionaries.
According to historical accounts, in the 16th and 17th centuries, the fortress-city of Fasil Ghebbi was the residence of the Ethiopian Emperor Fasilides and his successors.
The city previously served as the capital of both the Ethiopian Empire and the subsequent Begemder Province. The city holds the remains of several royal castles, including those in the Fasil Ghebbi UNESCO World Heritage Site for which Gondar has been called the “Camelot of Africa”. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Ethiopia is working committedly to renovate and restore its several palaces, popular tourist attractions and government buildings with the aim of increasing the flow of visitors and generating substantial economic returns from the tourism sector.
Among these tourist sites, that the government allocated budgets, including the Fasiledes Castle, the Guzara Castle, built by Emperor Sertse Dingil in 1572 and located in Gondar Zuria Woreda, the Jimma Abba Jifar Palace and the Sof Omar caves located in Oromia State, the located, were some.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2024
