ADDIS ABABA – The restoration task of Ethiopian and world’s old and damaged heritages Lalibela Rock Hewn Church, Axum Obelisk and Jimma Aba Jifar Palace has been well underway, disclosed Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ARCCH).
Assistant Professor Abebaw Ayalew Deputy General Director at the Authority told The Ethiopian Herald that the restoration work of Aba Jifar Palace has kicked off since last September. The process is supported by three parties, ARCCH, US and Oromia State tourism Office. To see to and catalyze the task, senior wood restoration experts are recruited. There is also a training body which trains the local experts.
“The first stage is jumpstarted. The replacement of woods and the refurbishment of the dilapidated internal rooms of the palace are being handled. The palace should have been refurbished eight or nine years before. The amount of its damage has made the reparation process a challenging now!” he said.
There had been two higher missions to repair Lalibela Rock Hewn Church. The first research had been conducted last year by a mission of France. The second one was conducted taking on board lots of scientists. The research included architectural, geological, sheltering and other parts. The results of this research will be made public the coming December and then the next step will get going.
Lalibela is an irreplaceable heritage. It does not only belong to Ethiopians, it is an international heritage. As such long discussions will be held with UNESCO till June 2020 and the actual work will start soon, he stated. Regarding Axum, the company which is going to repair the obelisk is already aware of its duties and now it has focused on importing needed materials. The process is challenging as a lot of water had passed under the bridge without the obelisk standing a chance restoration, he said.
Adding he said that, the country has a good communication with countries which are supporting the process of repairing. Especially experts of France and Ethiopian have vast relationship. There is a committee which gives decisions and also there is a scientific committee that follows the expertise sector. Ethiopia is also clicking well with US experts on wood restoration.
As to him, it will take Lalibela two or three years before its completion comes to pass. Axum obelisk and Jimma Aba Jifar Palace will also hopefully see completion next year. But, challenges that crop up in the repairing task make prediction of exact days of completion difficult.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition, November 17/2019
BY GENET FEKADE
