Reforming Addis

Emboldened by ongoing reforms, new council is expected to make Africa’s capital live up to its name

 BY HAILE DEMEKE

For the past years, Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia and Africa, has been going through a novel turn witnessing remarkable growth. And, since the 2018 reform, the city has been undergoing a wide range of economic, social and political changes.

The city also dubbed as ‘small Ethiopia’ for its diverse population witnessed a political transformation by staging a democratic election last June. The general election not only gave Ethiopians the voice but also silenced the cacophony of the self-proclaimed masters.

Most importantly, the new mega projects launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed are giving the growing city a magnificent look adding new tourist destinations sites to its historical, manmade and natural heritage lists.

The name Addis Ababa means “New flower”, and the projects are to be fit this name. Beautifying Sheger project is a project initiated by the Prime Minister to uplift the image of Addis Ababa. Unity park, Entoto, Sheger Riverside and Meskel Square projects with some already finalized have given the city new looks attracting local and foreign tourists.

The Sheger project has two parts; the first is the cleanup and beautification of Addis’ rivers sides, the other is transforming Entoto Mountain. The project runs along the rivers of Addis Ababa, developing green spaces starting from Entoto to Akaki alongside the 56km river streams until they reach Akaki wastewater treatment plant. The project is part of the comprehensive works that the government is undertaking to foster tourism and beautify the capital.

The second part of the project is Entoto Park which comprises various indoor and outdoor facilities including a library, sports centres, entertainment, restaurants and coffee shops, an artificial lake and fountains walkways, bike, scooter, and cart routes.

Those mega projects are intended to give Africa’s political capital a facelift, and generate revenue through higher land values and urban tourism.

Speaking at Meskel Square project, Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa Adanech said that the inauguration of numerous mega projects in the capital has brought about significant outcomes for residents and the economy of the metropolis in general. She said that the successful accomplishment of mega projects including Unity Park, Sheger Park and Entoto parks and Meskel Square, among others have brought tangible results in ensuring the socio-economic benefits of residents and generating a large number of jobs for the city residents.

Accordingly, the smart parking, green cafeterias, and other services providing small shops installed in Meskel Square employed a significant number of citizens. “The Meskel Square-Municipal project is not only a project but it is a showcase to demonstrate the government’s ability and perseverance to complete such a mega project in a scheduled time.” The Square would host various political, social, economic and religious events including sports activities.

By the same token, expert in the tourism development sector, Yonas Andargie the inauguration of the mega projects in the city and the completion of the projects timely without delay plays crucial role in promoting the tourism sector and stimulating the economy. “The newly inaugurated projects will make the city one of the most preferable destinations for international tourists thereby enabling the metropolis generating substantial revenue from the sector.”

Apart from stimulating Ethiopia’s tourism industry, Unity, Sheger, and Entoto parks encourage local and multinational investors to explore new investment opportunities in the unexploited sector. Likewise, the effective completion of projects would enhance the city’s capacity to host international trade shows, conferences, sports events and concerts thereby enhancing foreign currency earnings, Yonas stated.

Besides the infrastructural and economic booms, the city last June staged a historic election. The poll that saw a high turnout was democratic, fair and peaceful.

 This week, a new council will be formed and expected to come up with strong leadership that would be entrusted to sustain the reform works.

Researcher and Lecturer of Political Science and International Relations at Dire Dawa University Surafel Getahun told The Ethiopian Herald that the launching and timely completion of developmental projects will inspire the new leadership for more work and what is expected from the new leadership is filling the existing gap and benefiting the city’s residents. Lessing living costs, widening the political landscapes, sustaining economic changes, exploiting the untapped tourism potential of the city are among the major homework of the new council and leadership.

The city is known as Africa’s diplomatic capital because it hosts the African Union (AU), UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) also serving as the capital of Ethiopia. The works in this regard should match the city’s name and fame.

Previously, mega projects were delayed incurring extra finances. But since the new administration took office in 2018, almost many of the projects were completed within the scheduled time. This is stark manifestation of the government’s commitment towards changing the country in general and changing the livelihood of the society at all. The new leadership should come up with projects that are centered at benefiting the poor people and creating job for citizens who live in low level life economic conditions.

 On the other hand, this year Ethiopia has conducted historic election and people elected their representatives and the election result grants Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed a five-year term. Many expected that the election is another chance for Ethiopia to transit the country to the path of democracy. Ethiopia embraces democracy for the first time with the new administration excepted to take further measures to institute the changes being registered the past few years.

The election clearly showed that the commitment of Ethiopian people for peace, democracy and their eagerness for the development. On the other hand, it shows the commitment of the people for protecting the sovereignty of the country.

The special significance of this time is essential. Ensuring a democratic system of government is still working quite well in the nation against all the odds, in stark contrast to the doom and gloom picture of the country portrayed by the international media and agencies.

This time, Ethiopian government and the people are well aware of the opportunities and pitfalls to be overcome. In this regard, the new city administration should continue to be at forefront in coordinating residents in fighting the terrorist TPLF group and fending off foreign pressure waged by some imperialists. Drawing lessons from past experiences, the new leadership is expected to pave a way for a more democratic reform that would strengthen democratic institution. In the end, investing in the capital is investing in the country.

The Ethiopian Herald September 28/2021

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