The corridor development project which is designed to enhance the infrastructure and living standards within the capital city has remarkably changed the image of Addis Ababa and created conducive and attractive areas for the residents of the city and beyond. Accordingly, the government has successfully completed the first phase of the project which has transformed the city to be more livable and appealing.
Following the successful completion of the first phase of the corridor development project,the city administration has announced the second phase of the project in various areas. The primary objective of the corridor project is to enhance the beauty and cleanliness of the capital, making it a comfortable and attractive place for its residents, while maintaining the status of being diplomatic hub.A few days ago,Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has reviewed the second phase of the Addis Ababa Corridor development after the successful execution of the first phase activities. In a social media message posted on X, Abiy expressed that he reviewed reports on the second phase of the Addis Ababa Corridor development, which encompasses eight corridor pathways across 2,879 hectares in the city.
Significant progress has been made so far, drawing from the experiences of the first phase to makethe cities in the country more conducive to growth and livability, he stated, mentioning that the city redevelopment projects are part of the national endeavor towards achieving sustainable development.
“We must focus on three essential tasks: first, building cities that are fit for the next generation; second, nurturing a generation capable of thriving in transforming cities; and third, cultivating leadership equipped to guide these cities effectively,” he wrote.
Commending the corridor development project being implemented in the capital, Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia EvgenyTerekhin,told The Ethiopian Herald that the project has significantly transformed the capital and elevated the image of the diplomatic capital to the next level.
Considering that the headquarters of the African Union (AU), UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and other international organizations are located here, the corridor development has played great role in Addis Ababa’s transformation to a more modern and attractive city.The transformation of the city befits its name, (which literally means new flower,) apart from complying withinternational smart city standards.
Seconding to the ambassador’s statement,Africa Leather Products Institute,Executive Director Nicholas Mudungwe, said the image of the capital is significantly changed since the implementation of the corridor development in accordance to the government’s initial plan of uplifting the image of the capital and the country as whole. “I am here over the past many years witnessing the transformation of the capital to more appealing and attractive manner,” he noted.
“I have lived in Ethiopia for the past six years and the beautification of the city is really catchy. My first time in Addis Ababa was long time ago which is completely different from today’s image of the city. Now I have seen a complete cycle. I like running but it was difficult to run, I run three kilometers and then I will give up because of limited space. But now I am doing 25 KM because the space is there,” Mudungwe expressed.
He believed that the development projects being undertaken in the capital are impressive,unfolding every dayas he witnessed the transformation of Addis Ababa with firsthand over the past few months. This showcases the government’s commitment in elevating the diplomatic capital of Africa to live up to its name, he added.
The government has taken bold steps in exploiting the untapped tourism potentials of the country as the nation has ample resources in the hospitality industry. In order to exploit the unexploited tourism sites, the government has identified tourism as one of the key pillars of the homegrown economic reform considering the country’s rich history, heritage, culture and natural endowments.
BY HAILE DEMEKE
The Ethiopian herald November 17/2024
