BY BETELHEM BEDLU
Whenever there is a conflict, (especially if it is in cities it is common to experience severe damage, aside from the human cost, sufferings and displacements. Public and private properties; and facilities would be looted, burned and destroyed. Infrastructures which were built with fortunes damaged and economies of cities distressed or face fragility.
Following the invasion of the terrorist TPLF enterprise in Amhara and Afar states; and the destructive acts the insurgents perpetrated on areas they invaded for a short period of time, conflict-affected towns experienced disruption to normal life; and economic activities.
Among these conflict-affected towns, Dessie and Kombolcha are the ones. The rebels turned both towns into battlefields and in both towns they have exhibited the extent of their cruelty. The lives and livelihoods of residents were suffered, they compelled to witness the harsh features of the conflict, public and private properties were looted, deliberately damaged, and peoples’ socioeconomic activities were disrupted.
However, currently following the peacefulness of the areas, efforts are underway to rehabilitate and reviving the areas by stimulating various mechanisms. To this end, conference tourism has gotten due attention to revive the economy of war torn areas through hosting important events in those towns.
In an interview with local media, Golden Gate Hotel CEO Wubetu Tegegne said the business in Dessie Town has returned to its normal state. “We are doing everything to compensate for the time that was wasted simply due to the conflict.”
Highlighting that the business, in this season, used to be high under normal circumstances, he stated that the business seem to flourish and become encouraging even after the conflict.
Furthermore, he appreciated both the federal and State government as well as the Dessie Town Administration as they have given due emphasis to stimulate the business and took the initiative to host various national forums in the towns.
As to the CEO, the fact that the Dessie town hosted huge important stages such as intellectual forum did not only encourage the hotel and tourism industry but it has also corrected the wrong perception that people had about the TPLF still controlling the city.
For his take on the issue, Lucy Hotel Human Resource Manager Tadele Gugesa said that since January, the hotel has returned actively to its usual business adding that they have held different programs. He further indicated that 88 percent of the hotel rooms are occupied.
By the same token, Dessie Town Tourism Service Quality Accreditation Expert Yosef Haile noted that the Town has become one of the best destinations among the hotels located in states.
The State has given due emphasis for not only hosting historical events but also holding vital programs that would motivate the economy, according to Mesfin Mekonen, South Wollo Zone Culture and Tourism Head Officer.
Reminding that the 126th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa was celebrated in Wereilu Town, he emphasized that such efforts are
being exerted to return the Town to its normal activities.
Meanwhile, Resident of Dessie, Worku Dagne, said that the Dessie Town has returned to its day-to-day activities. Normal lives have already resumed and business institutions are reopened. Transportation is available and hospitals are partially opened.
Though many things have been vandalized and destroyed by the invading forces, with the full participation of the residents, along with the administration, and partners, the city has already returned to normal, he underlined.
However, Worku underlined that the government, stakeholders and investors as well as resident of the Town should join hands to alleviate the challenges that unemployment and inflation has created on the society.
Salih Yemer, another resident on his part said that the towns of Dessie and Kombolcha have returned to their normal day-to-day activities. Seconding Salih’s view, Lealem Adane, a resident of Dessie said, after he came back to the town, he noted that he has shown promising changes and the transport and business have returned to normal.
The Ethiopian Herald March 22/2022
