Ethiopia boasts awe inspiring natural and manmade heritages. The Aksum obelisk, Lalibela rock-hewn churches, Harar Jogol wall and Fasil Ghebi castle are among the tangible manmade heritages Ethiopia has managed to get inscribed in UNESCO’s lists.
Aksum obelisk, time tested for more than two centuries, is a sign of Ethiopia’s remarkable civilization. However, due to many factors, it has been confronted by challenges that could threaten its existence. Especially the obelisk that was returned from Italy in 2008 is on the brink of collapse.
While visiting Aksum on 10 June 2019, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has confirmed to Akusm residents that the government will do whatever necessary to renovate the outstanding and precious obelisk.
The monolithic stele of Aksum that showcases fascinating architectural style is in urgent need of renovation. The government has already requested the Italian government for support, the Authority for Research and Conservation for Cultural Heritage (ARCCH), Public and Internal Relations Directorate Assistant Director, Fanta Beyene told The Ethiopian Herald.
‘‘We understood that the 24 meters tall obelisk that is weighing 160 tons is slanting backwards. The government, in collaboration with the Italian government, is striving to rescue this prestigious heritage from collapse,’’ he said.
As to him, a study that was undertaken by MH
Engineering Consultancy and the Italian Studio Croci has indicated that the
historic obelisk badly needs renovation works.
‘‘Since the obelisk was taken to Rome, the Italians know it very well. They have good understanding, technical skills and a wealth of experience how to overhaul it,’’ the director underlines.
Italian Lattanzi Company would take the responsibility of refurbishing the monolithic obelisks and the government has allocated fund, Fanta stated.
Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Emanuela Del Re has travelled to Aksum to observe the situation of the obelisk. She promised the Italian government would do everything necessary to restore the historic heritage.
Aksum Tourism Head Gebremedihn Fitsumbirhan for his part warned that it would be a big loss for Ethiopians and stakeholders who are concerned on such ancient heritages if the monolithic obelisk faces collapse.
‘‘Water is flowing under the basement of the obelisk. There is fear that it could erode the foundation. If so, the magnificent heritage, we all are proud of, may suffer a collapse. That would certainly be an embarrassment for this generation,’’ he added.
Sometimes renovating such heritages may damage its historical appearance. Mindful of this, the Italians have been consulted to undertake it as they better understand the obelisk, which was in Italy for decades, Gebremedihn notes.
Though there are promises of restoring it by the federal government, tangible works have not yet begun. Every stakeholder should take swift measure before irrepressible damage surfaces, he emphasizes.
Among the monuments in Aksum, the tallest one which is 33 meters tall has collapsed and the others are facing similar fates if urgent renovation works are not done on time.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition 4 August 2019
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
