BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
The successful accomplishment of both Sheger and Entoto parks within a year, has inspired many Ethiopians to take bold and courageous actions to the further progress of other similar projects in various corners of the country.
Many jobs were created and boosting the service economies apart from changing the look and feel of the capital city.
The previous projects which were carried out by the initiative of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed demonstrated innovation, purposeful planning and execution within a short timeframe and, most importantly, highlight the benefits of Ethiopia’s abundance, which can be effectively utilized to bring prosperity.
The projects are in Gorgora, south of Gondar on the north shore of Lake Tana, in the Amhara region; Wonchi, in the Oromia region, with a legacy of once powerful volcanoes, hot springs and waterfalls, where a crater lake is “a piece of paradise”; and Koysha, uniquely situated in the green hills and lush forests of the Southern region.
With the Koysha hydropower plant in progress and the Chebera Churchura National Park in proximity, the new integrated eco-project in Koysha aims to enhance existing endowments and create a service industry and jobs in the area.
The three dine for Ethiopia projects are said to contribute some for the growing economy with tourism and huge employment opportunities thereby sustaining Ethiopia’s growth.
‘Dine for Ethiopia’ is an initiative launched by the Prime Minister last August to mobilize funds for the Koysha, Wonchi and Gorgora projects. It mobilizes funds for three projects – in Gorgora, Wonchi and Koysha. Accordingly, all Ethiopians at home and abroad have been contributing their share to make ‘Dine for Ethiopia’ initiative a success.
According to information from the Prime Minister’s office, it was planned to collect three billion birr but the initiative surpassed its target as Ethiopians in the country and abroad raised 4.2 billion birr for the three projects.
As they have shown their commitment to realize Sheger and Entoto projects government and non government organizations, investors, foreign organizations promised to support dine for Ethiopia projects until they are realized.
Belayneh Kinde, who contributed five million Birr for Sheger Beautification Project, said that considering the astounding performance of the prior projects, “We are ready to contribute our share for the realization of the ‘Dine for the Nation’ to boost the tourism sector.”
Belayneh said: “The impressive task turned our mindset that the government can do better than the private ones. The project areas are very ideal and it initiates us to support Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s initiative.”
“Unless we are committed to ensure economic growth and development throughout the country, who will come to us? Though our resources are limited, we should support such development projects to see prosperous Ethiopia.”
Belayneh further promises, “I will initiate and advise other investors to follow my footsteps in contributing their shares to their beloved country”
Apart from that as a funding committee member, he said that he is striving to coordinate other investors to do so. “A man cannot eat or drink beyond his limit. And as the Sheger Beautification Project is convincing and is being finalized with great quality in a short period of time, all citizens should contribute their share to make this country prosperous.”
Belayneh further said “At the beginning I had a doubt on the realization of the Sheger Beautification Project but now it is very inspiring it is completed within a short time with quality construction. I am confident that the projects will attract tourists after the end of COVID 19 era.”
The other investor Alemayehu Ketema who also contributed five million Birr to the Sheger Beautification Project, said “What first inspires us to contribute our share is the love we have to the nation. When you see a good task that adds something to the prosperity of the nation and see the reality of the plan, you build trust in the government. Therefore, we contributed 10 million Birr for the “Dine for Nation” initiative.”
Gemshu Beyene another investor also said, “Because we know the benefit of the project, we contributed our share for the realization of beautifying the Sheger project and we will further strengthen our support and will be part of development projects.”
In his tweet, the Prime Minister recently thanked all those who contributed for the project. “To all Ethiopians in the country and abroad that have enabled a successful Dine for Ethiopia through their contribution, I thank you deeply,” he said. “In unison we shall reach our aspired destination.”
“Our diversity, cultural, historical and natural assets are the untapped potential to lift our nation to prosperity,” the premier said.
Local investors also confirm to scale up their commitments on the prior projects to ‘Dine for the Nation’ Premier initiative to assist its enhancement to increase tourist inflow and to resolve limitations of foreign currency.
Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, Business and Hospitality Consultant, Kumneger Teketel said that the ongoing projects in Gorgora, Wonchi and Koysha in Amhara, Oromia and SNNP states would have a paramount importance to ensure more tourism investment and community benefits.
Noting the absence of major tourism projects during the past three decades, Kumneger indicated that the new initiative enables tourists to pay visits to historical and natural tourist attraction sites. Private investors will follow the initiative to carry out the government’s massive investments in the area.
The successful completion of the initial projects developed trust between the public and the government and paved the way for the equitable participation of both genders. They also encouraged volunteerism, patriotism and cultivated respect and love for fellow citizens.
Dine for Ethiopia will raise resources, be completed to schedule, jobs will be created and there will be a strengthening of public-private partnerships. Ethiopia’s potential for economic growth is enormous and the new projects will further develop future prosperity.
The Ethiopian Herald February 25/2021
