BY STAFF REPORTER
Youth Tesfahun Yenealem is a resident of Addis Ababa. “Friends and I never misses heading to the Meskel Square to bear witness to the magnetizing anniversary that reenacts the finding of the true cross. The square was not that comfy for all types of events. The fact that the event is due to be held for the first time after the square is rebuilt renders the spot celebrants-friendly,” he reflected approached by journalists.
He expressed hope that the seats will afford comfort for all specially the elderly and people living with disability. Without any trouble anybody that sets foot on the square could go back home with the urge of coming back again for the same rewarding experience. Its attractiveness and neatness lend luster to the event. Especially, the bulbs aglow at night accentuate the Meskel event to be held early into the night, he noted.
It was while visiting the square crisscrossing it journalists approached Chalachew Temesgen. He run out of words to express how stunning he found the square built anew. “I never thought the square will see the light of day in so short a time. Nor did I entertain hope the square will emerge glamorous. In light of all the infrastructural facilities it entails like the one we see in developed countries one could easily surmise country’s initiative for affluence and determination. It is unforgettable vibe the square affords the event.
After nothing that the project is not a windfall born to life without a painstaking procedure Chalachew added every member of society should project it with a sense of belongingness. He also noted that the spot will entitle the country to celebrate international, continental local events successfully.
Manager of the project Ayalew Mengesha told journalists that though the square was a congregating spot for long it was deficient of basic facilities. The projected conducted with a huge investment fee and handled as per schedule had many shortcomings. The project does not only solve the problem that was there but also change the image of the nation.
A parking problem was the major challenge when big public, religious and state programs were held on the square. The square was a hub of the city but it was not equipped with the necessary facilities. Even if the spot was good for various events it was stripped of fundamental services essential for the proper conduct of events, noted Ato Ayalew. To redress the challenge related with parking, two parking lots are built under the Plaza. All together the lots could accommodate up to one thousand four hundred vehicles. They are built in such a way they render services round the clock assisted by cameras and a taskforce for the same purpose. It as well has health professionals that could give assistance to celebrants and employees on top of first aid workers on the toes to troubleshoot possible mishaps. As compared to the previous services the current ones demonstrates a leap.
The spaciousness of the upper layer or the plaza helps for keeping distance to parry the contagious COVID-19 pandemic Various university students are seeking the spot for graduation ceremonies. The lanes for jogging are in a better shape. They are attractive for practicing running too. Those who want to take a rest could use the seats. Wi-Fi is available so that celebrants enjoy sufficient internet services. Anyone could get information there enjoying oneself. The spot could accommodate more than 100,000 people.
“The design is made in consultation with religious leaders so that it will not lose its former vibe. That is why the place where the bonfire is set is not asphalted. It as well is accentuated by fountains and special lamps. The seats are so special that they will cater to the demands of both local and foreign celebrants. The topnotch service is sure to be an advertisement for the nation. Well treated tourists could come up with fellow celebrants from their country. It also could play quite a role in giving a kiss of life to the intangible heritage we failed to tap to the required level. To ward off security risks, guards, federal police, and A.A police are working jointly fortified by CCTV camera.
There are also professionals at the backend. Things are done in such a fashion no problem surfaces during celebrations including Meskel. There are five huge screen boards that convey messages related to the tangible situation in the country. The screens are prepared in such a way anyone could directly attend all necessary detail from any corner avoiding thronging. As the finding of the true cross will be transmitted live on the screens it will have a better coverage than ever before.”
Security head of the exhibition center Girma Derese noted that previously as the square was devoid of enough light the spot was somewhat scary. This problem is no more as the square is built anew fulfilling the necessary standards. We were forced to use organized volunteer guards from the area. Also many cross-country busses used to throng the square. But now all these problems are solved. Unlike in the past, the square rendered clean now creates job opportunities alongside generating income for the country. Restrooms are also upgraded and expanded.
Previously, there was fear that unless precautionary measures are taken when the bonfire is lit it could cause heavy damage on the surrounding areas. It is a recent memory that three standby firefighter vehicles were deployed every year.
But now three big pumps are built together to avert the possible outbreak of fire and reduce anxiety. As vehicles are prohibited entry into the plaza security fears are downsized. Also public communication gadgets are put in place they could prod celebrants to calmly take care. The square is better readied for religious events, gatherings and musical concerts. Billboards that were eyesores now cut a better posture after digitalized. Recalling electric black out used to affect events, he said now an automatic generator is erected to address the challenge.
The confluence of all these will make the colorful event awe inspiring.All said, it is due to capitalize the city administration needs a tap on the back.
The Ethiopian Herald September 25/2021
