Forest Project’s role in transforming Addis, its surroundings

Development projects that are built as a result of a great vision and idea have a greater role in building the country’s economy and image. A good example of this is the various mega projects that are being undertaken in Addis Ababa, including the Forest Project.

In particular, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) is the one who came up with the Forest Project that is currently being built. Along with being important for the country’s economic growth, building roads and Forest Projects also has the ability to modernize Addis Ababa and provide jobs for inhabitants. To guarantee the nation’s sustainable development, they also establish complementary capacities.

More crucially, Ethiopia’s Forest Project is a project intended to protect and restore the country’s natural forests. The initiative aims to reforest, conserve, and sustainably manage the forest while constructing infrastructures. The project’s purpose is to maintain the forest’s biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and enhance the livelihoods of residents who rely on the forest for food. The project is part of Ethiopia’s larger attempt to prevent deforestation and desertification while also promoting sustainable land management techniques.

Furthermore, the project is significant for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city, because it supports the country’s attempts to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable urbanization development without affecting the economy. Besides, the Forest Project benefits not just only the local populations and the ecology of Addis Ababa, but also the greater community of the surrounding area.

Because the project includes leisure houses and resort villages that appeal to both domestic and international visitors. According to reports, the Forest Project will include three manmade lakes. Taking these benefits into consideration, the Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives (HPR) applauds the administration, particularly Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s (PhD) noble endeavor to bring the project to fruition.

In the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the HPR held its fourth regular session of the sixth year and third tenure. The House is expected to approve a motion in support of the 2016 Ethiopian fiscal year government plan, which President Sahlework Zewdie presented on 9 October 2023, as the joint session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) and House of Federation (HoF) began its sixth year and third tenure.

 “We have seen that the major developmental projects being built in Addis Ababa, including the Forest Project, have changed the lives of citizens. We have observed that the human-centered and various infrastructure works being built in Addis Ababa city are being carried out rapidly. In particular, the Forest Project and the house renovation work of the needy have been able to change the lives of the citizens,” stated members of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR).

The Forest Project, which is being built under the initiative of the Prime Minister, will help to speed up the development of Ethiopia beyond the construction of a palace. The project is also imperative to build the image of the country, to use the resources properly, bring economic benefits, to the creation of job opportunities for the youth, and so on, they added.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) addressed yesterday the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) regarding the issues raised in President Sahlework Zewde’s opening speech to parliament last month. He further stated, “We promised to make Addis Ababa as beautiful and flowery as its name.” As a result, “We have tried and completed various development projects such as Friendship Square and Entoto Park.” I can assure you that, regardless of what the media says, after a few years, residents of any country who will be driving in Addis Ababa will be able to provide their witness of the beauty of Addis Ababa without the need for anybody to speak.”

He assures, “We will make Addis Ababa one of the best cities in Africa. The Forest Project that is being built in the city is a project where at least 100 km of road will be built, stating that 50 km of road has been built with high quality so far”. He pointed out that the project will create a city half the size of the current Addis Ababa.

He also stated that the Forest Project, which will significantly improve Ethiopia’s image, is part of the plan to establish a satellite city. But there were murmurs three years ago when we declared we’d make Addis Ababa worthy of its name. Indeed, the project is imperative in beautifying Addis Ababa not only for current use but also for the coming generations. Because beautifying Addis Ababa has numerous benefits for its residents and visitors. When a city is well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing, it can have a positive impact on the overall well-being and quality of life of its residents.

Residents are more likely to take pride in their town when their city is beautiful and well-maintained. This can result in a stronger sense of community and civic participation. It also has economic benefits: The beautification of a city can attract more visitors and enterprises, thus boosting the local economy. A city’s attractive streetscapes and well-kept public areas might make it more desirable to tourists and potential investors.

It also provides environmental benefits such as tree planting, green space creation, and the implementation of sustainable design methods. These can have a good impact on the environment by enhancing air quality, lowering urban heat islands, and giving wildlife habitat. The forest initiative is also projected to improve societal social cohesiveness by creating possibilities for social engagement and community gatherings. Parks, plazas, and other public areas can serve as community gathering places, encouraging social cohesiveness and a sense of belonging.

In general, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) the Forest Project is important for improving the overall quality of life for its citizens and contributing to a livelier, prosperous city and community.

 BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2023

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