The Aksumite civilization which was flourished between 1st and 8th century AD has left many irreplaceable heritages. The magnificent obelisks that are still standing in the town of Aksum are major legacies of the Aksumite Kingdom. However, these timeless heritages have been facing risk of collapse since recent years. Especially the obelisk which was returned from Rome, Italy 12 years ago creates concern of falling down.
The Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ARCCH) has taken the responsibility of renovating and conserving heritages. Though it has signed an agreement with Italian company named Latanzi to renovate it, it has not yet started due to many factors, pandemic blamed as major reason for delay.
The renovation work will include the palaces of emperors which are found around the obelisk and research and contract has been finalized, Authority Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage Director General Dr. Mulugeta Fiseha said.
“When we say renovation of Aksum obelisk, we are talking mainly about stelae number three and the ground water which has been affecting the obelisk for many years. The other heritages which need refurbishment are the palaces and tombs of emperors. These problems were there for more than 10 years. To address the problem, we first hired MH Engineering consulting company, local
company to make a research. In addition to this, to create UNESCO acceptance we consulted Italian consulting firm studio croci.’’ he explains. Adding: “We passed
the research stage and necessary materials were prepared since last March and we finalized agreements with Latanzi company, a company which re-erected the obelisk
upon its return from Italy,’’
He states that the agreement signed between
ARCCH and Latanzi was to finish the refurbishment works within 11 months.
However, the Director General admits that it is not going as planned due to some mechanical problems and COVID-19 pandemic.
“Finally, according to our agreement, the renovation work was planned to be started last April. We know the risk that might happen on the obelisk would be serious. But MH Engineering’s research show that no new problem has caused so far. The problem was there since the stelae return from Italy,’’ he underlines.
Nevertheless, ARCCH understands the threat and having understood this, the government has allocated more than 100 million Birr for its revamping works.
“Aksum and Lalibela has been prioritized due to their seriousness. Our authority was not sitting idle from the very beginning. It was watching it cautiously and working to rescue such incredible heritage. We are looking at its budget, works and research. But we are lagging behind due to one major obstacle. COVID-19 pandemic is the main reason for the delay since the Italian company could not come on time as Italy was the epicenter of the virus,’’ Dr. Mulugeta notes.
As to him, four containers full of materials which are need for renovation works have already arrived in Ethiopia via the port of Djibouti and the authority is tirelessly working to start operation.
‘‘We know the stelae is at risk of collapsing. That is why we are trying our best to do whatever necessary to refurbish it. We have daily contact with Lataniz, MH Engineering
and other stakeholders. In addition to this, as it is world heritage, UNESCO have given us approval for the research’s importance and accuracy. We are contacting the contractor to come and renovate it taking necessary cautiousness on the pandemic,’’ the Director General explains.
For his part, Aksum Culture and Tourism Office Head, Gebremedhin Fitsumbirhan says unless urgent rescue mechanism is
undertaken, the unique heritage could fall down.
‘‘Water is flowing under the cellar of the obelisk. There is high possibility of eroding its soft sand that could cause a danger of destrcution. Not only this, palaces and tombs of emperors are also facing similar problems. We have been pleading for immediate overhaul. But the promise has not yet materialized,’’ the head emphasizes.
Hence, he urged concerned bodies to exert their maximum efforts to renovate it overcoming the challenges being witnessed.
‘‘Our forefathers had bequeathed such mesmerizing symbol of ancient civilization. We will not replace it if it falls down due to our negligence. Thus, we have to act as quick as possible. ARCCH has to fulfill its plans of refurbishing it on time,’’ Gebremdhin insists.
The Ethiopian Herald June 21,2020
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
