“Beautifying Sheger Project”, which is a riverside development initiative of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, is getting supports from foreign and local sources. The Office of the Prime Minister indicates that business owners, company CEOs, international organizations, heads and members of the diplomatic community and countries have been buying the dinner tickets for ‘Dine for Sheger’ aimed at raising 5,000,000 Birr per plate.
The Chinese government has already inked agreement to develop the 12 kilometers of ‘Beautifying Sheger’ riverside project, including a central square. This was revealed on the margins of the Belt and Road Forum, visited the China Urban Construction Design and Research Institute to review and discuss the proposed design and development plan.
The two rivers that would be developed could stretch 23.8 kms and 27.5 kms respectively from Mt. Entoto in the north section of the capital to Akaki south of the city. The development is said to award residents with greenery, jobs and healthy life.
It suffices to say the project will make the city to live upto its name as the equivalent of Addis Ababa is New Flower. The Chinese engineers are committed to contextualize the development to the needs of the city, and direction was given for the development to commence, according to statement released by his office.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also met with the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on the margins of the Belt and Road Forum Leaders’ Roundtable held last April 26. While the Italian government has pledged to renovate the historic Axum obelisk, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte also confirmed ‘Dine for Sheger’ participation paying 5 mln Euros.
Earlier in the week, business people and construction experts have pledged to support big projects of the city administration, including Sheger Project after discussion with Addis Ababa Deputy Mayor, Takele Uma over the project.
The Office released individuals and companies that confirmed participation by purchasing tickets. Apart from ensuring the vision of Addis to be cleaner and greener, the project has such grand objectives of changing livelihood of its residents, reviving the city’s economy, and boosting urban tourism.
Recently, the Office of the Prime Minister has also released list of Chinese companies that confirmed participation in the dinner event. The diplomatic hub of Africa and one of the three international seats of the UN and above all the proud Ethiopians capital deserves such facilities to award visitors a new lease of life.
The Ethiopian Herald, May 10/2019
BY STAFF REPORTER
