BY TEWODROS KASSA
SEKELA– A new strategy of developing a tourism project at the source of Abay River has been introduced aimed at harnessing the potential of attracting huge local and international tourists to the area.
The fourth Ghion day celebration was held yesterday at the source of Abay River;SekelaWoreda near Gish hill. On the occasion, various high ranking national and state officials as well as other experts conducted wide consultations on how to develop the Sekela tourism project.
Amhara State Chief Yilkal Kefale (PhD) said that currently the Ethiopian government has given due priority towards harnessing the country’s untapped tourism potentials. Developing such tourists destinations will have greater role towards creating ample jobs to the future generations and improve peoples’ living conditions, he added.
“Abay is a historical, blessed, and internationally known river. Thus, undertaking such tourism projects on the river will have a significant contribution towards attracting numerous local and international tourists. The state government will work closely with pertinent stakeholders like; universities, private investors, experts, among others to develop the SekelaAbay River’s source for tourism,” he underscored.
As to him, it is time to properly utilize the river’s water and fulfil the country’s socio-economic development endeavours within a short period. “We are hopeful that we will realize our objective if we are united against all odds and work in strong commitment. The annual Ghion day celebration immensely helps to promote Sekela’s tourism and investment potentials and largely creates awareness about the exact source of the river.”
The state chief orders a new committee led by Bahir Dar University President FrewTegegne (PhD) to be establishedand start the project implementation very soon and calls upon experts, investors, the area residents, among others genuine participation towards the project accomplishment.
Business Tycoon Belayneh Kinde for his part said that developing the source of Abay River for tourism should not be an assignment left for tomorrow. The active involvement of everyone is fundamental to promote the area’s tourism and investment potentials, he said. Accordingly, the source of Abay River embraces untapped tourism potentials that are not developed yet.
The Ethiopian Herald January 20/2022
