ADDIS ABABA – The Addis Ababa City Administrationhas promised to carry out the reconstruction of a four-storey multi-purpose building and to hand it over to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (EOTC) shortly.
Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abebe and Patriarch of the EOTC His Holiness Abune Mathias launched yesterday the construction of a new building that would replace the one which was demolished due to corridor development.It is to be recalled that the building that was owned by the church and located in the Piassa District was demolished due to corridor development.
Speaking at the occasion, Mayor Adanech said that the old building was demolished so that the area would be compatible with the corridor development.
The city administration will cover the entire construction cost of the new 1B+G+4 building and hand it over to the church by at the beginning of the next Ethiopian year.
According to Adanech, the main aim of the building is complementing with other development activities in the city and providing special service in the future.
The corridor development is taking place in five different directions of Addis Ababa whilst many historical heritages are located in Piassa District. Due to the project, tourist inflow to the city will be increased and it would also create a conducive environment to residents, she remarked.
Patriarch of the EOTC His Holiness Abune Mathias said that the efforts made to beautify the city are admirable; calling attention to be given not to harm the poor in the corridor development. “If everything is to be beautiful, citizen-based development should be implemented whilst peace become priority.”
The Patriarch also expressed optimism that the city administration will rebuild the demolished building in the better quality and facility.
General Manager of the Archdiocese and Archbishop of Bahir Dar and North Gojam DioceseHis Holiness Abune Abraham said that the development works that have been started should continue in a way that benefits everyone.
According to Abune Abraham, when it was decided to demolish the building, which is traditionally known as the Mahmoud Music Hall, the church agreed.
“The EOTCis still playing a significant role in development activities whenever and wherever it is. Besides, combined effort will play a crucial role to bring the expected result in the sphere of development,” he remarked.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 30 APRIL 2024
