Cities are lively, dynamic environments that foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and development while providing socio-cultural diversity and economic opportunity. But these advantages come at a high price.
Green cities, as many experts have acknowledged, not only benefit the environment but also stimulate economic expansion and wealth creation. They may provide a plethora of job opportunities by promoting industries like sustainable transportation, green building, and renewable energy. In addition to lowering resource consumption and raising productivity, sustainable transportation and building designs also result in cost savings.
Green neighborhoods tend to attract better valuations for real estate, hence generating wealth for owners from lower and middle class backgrounds. Additionally, the shift to green cities can draw talent and enterprises, promoting economic growth and innovation.
In light of the worldwide environmental and climate crises, the idea of “green cities” is not only a utopian concept but also a necessity for existence as the globe continues to move towards urbanization. A cleaner environment, healthier inhabitants, economic success, and resilience in the face of environmental problems are the rewards of a difficult but worthwhile path. Future cities will be dynamic, green environments that support humankind and the environment.
Most of the African cities do not meet the aforesaid criteria for various reasons. Some are struggling to alter their former shabby and ugly faces, while others prefer to remain as they are. As the innate behavior of human beings needs sustainable change, even though they are financially weak due to global influence, they are forced to change due to the ever-increasing population and progress of other cities.
Nothing static, be it natural or manmade phenomena, forced cities to alter their previous status. Some countries build new cities without taking the desires of their people into account. They finally demolished it. Others prefer to renew old cities instead of constructing new ones. Through this process, they make cities environment friendly. No one detests this vision of being equivalent to the world’s big cities by creating clean and neat spaces that are convenient for dwellers. Understanding the aforesaid truth, Ethiopia is now undergoing various tasks with the mission of creating a beautiful and tourist-friendly city.
As part of making cities neat and clean, the Addis Ababa corridor development project has given a special emphasis to making the city green and neat as a new pin. This will make the capital a beautiful flower, like its name suggests. With such a vision, the corridor and reconstruction development works have been carried out as per the pledge of the incumbent government to Addis residents during the previous election campaign.
The project includes massive and human-oriented development projects. Among the development works that have been done so far, for instance, are the construction of the municipal office, Meskel Square, Friendship and Unity Park, the Science Museum, the Abrehot Library, Pushkin Square, Gotera Akaki Bole Road, and so on. Thus, the project is believed to be connecting all the aforesaid domains of development.
In view of the size of the corridor development, the government is working hard to complete the road and green development work in Piassa, Arat Kilo, and Bole lines by the end of May.
Climate change brings with it a host of challenges, including extreme weather events and rising temperatures. Green cities, by design, are better equipped to weather these changes. Green and blue infrastructure can mitigate urban heat islands, manage storm water, and reduce the risk of flooding.
Addis Ababa City Mayor Adanech Abiebie agreed with the aforesaid statement, saying that the existing and ongoing mega projects and corridor development have given prime attention to minimizing environmental pollution and aligning with the aspiration for green growth.
In the launch of an advocacy campaign named “Stop Pollution, Beauty Awakens,” organized by the Addis Ababa City Administration Environmental Protection Authority, the mayor said that the metropolis is surrounded by hills and mountains and covers 76 rivers that cross over 600km.
Its good weather, coupled with the groundwater and preserved forest that cover 1,300 km, has made Addis Ababa a preferable diplomatic hub and tourist destination. However, its progress has not been well managed as an old city with 130 years, she emphasized.
“There was a huge gap in preserving the metropolis’s natural resources that has caused pressing environmental pollution and exposed its residents to different complications, including health problems.”
Citing the Sheger riverside project, which is the initiative of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), as the landmark that aims to curb Addis Ababa’s rampant environmental problems, the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), has increased Ethiopia’s forest coverage from 2.8 to 15%. Apart from swift image building, this and other greenery initiatives have tremendous significance in creating a climate-resilient and sustainable economy.
“The policy that was devised with regard to electric cars is another huge commitment taken by the government to ensure green growth.”
Nonetheless, Adanech indicated that the sewage system that has been operated by industries, institutions, and households has remained a major challenge. To this end, the sewerage system and flood management have gained major priority in the recent corridor development.
She also brought up another type of pollution, such as noise pollution, that needs the collaborative efforts of society as well as institutions. Implementing different campaigns would play a pivotal role in sustaining the ongoing efforts for environmental protection, enhancing public awareness, and implementing laws and regulations.
Mayor Adanech called on citizens, industries, and institutions to contribute their share in making Addis Ababa a clean, attractive, and best tourist destination that could be transferred to future generations.
Yimegnushal Tadesse is the Deputy Bureau Head of Addis Ababa City Beautification and Greenery Development. The ongoing corridor development project in the capital is set to significantly enhance the city’s green coverage. As the rapidly growing population of Addis Ababa has led to an increased demand for infrastructure development over the years, the city administration has been undertaking various initiatives to address longstanding challenges in this area. One such initiative is the corridor development project.
The Bureau “Once completed, this project will not only address the community’s infrastructure needs but also transform the city’s overall appearance and aesthetics.”
Indicating that the previous development projects were not well-integrated with greenery development efforts, she added that it was hindering the city from achieving an appealing appearance. However, over the past five years, the city’s growth has been aligned with greenery development, leading to concerted efforts to create a clean and attractive environment for residents.
The recently launched corridor development project is expected to provide additional impetus to these efforts by addressing challenges that have hindered the implementation of greenery development guidelines in line with the city’s standards. This project will play a crucial role in promoting tourism and extending visitors’ stays in the city by enhancing its aesthetics and green coverage, she pinpointed.
According to data from the bureau, greenery development efforts undertaken over the past five years have increased Addis Ababa’s green coverage from 2.8 percent to 15 percent. The corridor development project is part of the city administration’s broader strategy to address infrastructure needs while promoting a sustainable and eco-friendly urban environment for its residents and visitors.
The corridor development project will change the former image of Addis Ababa into a great and globally competitive city, apart from making its residents lead a comfortable lifestyle. For the realization of the project, every organization should discharge the responsibility expected to do so.
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
The Ethiopian Herald April 28/2014
