Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s recent visit to China put various successes in store including the inking of agreement to finance the “development of a plaza and 12km of the ‘Beautifying Sheger’ river bank project.” The entire project will have a span of three years, according to information obtained from Office of the Prime Minister (PMO).
It says the works focus on two biggest rivers of Addis. The Rivers could stretch 23.8kms and 27.5kms respectively from Mt. Entoto in the north part to Akaki south of the city. The riverside development could significantly improve the image of the city. “The facilities that will take shape as a result of the project “will provide various historical and nature based activities as well as areas of respite for visitors,” the PMO document states.
It as well would offer employment to the city’s dwellers. This is not to mention its benefits in facilitating service economies alongside the river bank and in the public spaces through set up of the cafes, restaurants, city tours, among others. The PMO indicates that up on completion, the project is sure to “increase the real estate value of current and future property development alongside the rivers project.
Enhance the green coverage and build the image of Addis Ababa as a city reflecting its name- New Flower.” The entire cost of the riverside development is projected to cost 29 billion Birr. Addis Ababa City Administration installed a 2.5-billion Birr budget to the pilot project that would lie on a-50 hectares of land in front of Sheraton Addis.
Valnero is the construction company. The city’s residents are expected to raise over five million Birr on voluntary basis. Concrete jungles have become a defining attributes of Addis particularly in recent time. The city beautifying project is expected to offer large open space and greenery to residents and visitors alike.
The Ethiopian herald April26/2019
BY STAFF REPORTER
