ADDIS ABABA – In a bold step toward transforming Shaggar City into a modern and accessible urban center, the city’s administration has reported remarkable progress in the first phase of its flagship ring road infrastructure project.
According to Deputy Mayor and Administration and Service Cluster Coordinator Gugsa Degene, the 38-kilometer first phase of the ring road, part of a much larger 150 km network ,has already reached 20% completion, marking a significant milestone in the city’s broader development strategy.
“The ring road is more than a transport project. It is a tool for uniting communities, improving accessibility, and fostering economic integration,” Gugsa told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) in an exclusive interview.
The project, which begins at Kura Jida and stretches across several districts, is designed to link key urban centers including Taffo, Koye Feche, and Gelan – three rapidly expanding sub-cities within Sheger City in Oromia State. With a budget of 4.5 billion Birr, the first phase represents a strategic investment in easing traffic congestion and expanding public mobility.
Beyond this phase, the city is also undertaking the renovation of 80 km of existing eight-lane roads. Each 50 meters wide improves flow and safety, as well as reinforce the infrastructure needed for future growth.
Gugsa emphasized that Shaggar’s vision includes a 150 km complete ring road system, expected to be executed in multiple phases over the next five to ten years. The Oromia Construction Group is spearheading the implementation, while topographical challenges in some areas could affect the timeline.
“Despite the difficulties in certain terrains, the momentum is strong, and the commitment to complete the project remains unwavering,” he added.
The ring road is expected to serve as a backbone for urban expansion, connecting industrial zones, residential districts, and commercial hubs thereby unlocking new opportunities for investment and social integration.
Urban planners and local officials view the project as a cornerstone in realizing Shaggar City’s modernization agenda, ultimately making it a model for other emerging urban centers across Ethiopia.
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 16, July 2025
