Addis Ababa City Corridor Project Explained

Addis Ababa City Corridor Project
Location:Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Est Completion:2025
Main Contractor:China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation
World Bank (since 2016)
Developer:Addis Ababa City Roads Authority

The Addis Ababa City Corridor Project, also known as Smart City Project,[1] is an ongoing urban planning project in the city of Addis Ababa initiated by the Addis Ababa City Administration in December 2022 to upgrade key routes and improve connectivity among the corridors. Due in 2025, the project aims to expand metropolis that incorporates the construction of bicycle routes, spacious pedestrian walkways, better roads, parks, libraries, and additional housing.

The Addis Ababa City Roads Authority awarded three million birr contract to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and the World Bank, the latter previously contracted since 2016.[2] The Corridor project has been controversial due to relation with the current house demolition in Addis Ababa.[3]

Overview

The Addis Ababa City Corridor Project was launched by the Addis Ababa City Administration on 29 December 2022 to upgrade key routes and improve connectivity among the corridors. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials like Mayor of Addis Ababa Adanech Abebe.[4] Targeted places and routes were from Mexico to Sar Bet and Wollo Sefer.[5] [6] It was expected to be completed in 2025.[7] The project aims to expand metropolis that includes projects for the construction of bicycle routes, spacious pedestrian walkways, better roads, parks, libraries, and additional housing. To improve quality of life, drainage systems would fully developed, upgrading utility networks such as power and internet. During a meeting with project leaders on 27 March 2024, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the necessity of project with the goal of transforming Addis Ababa to "hospitable and livable metropolis" for its citizens, He acknowledges the potential effect on government-owned or leased properties, low-income communities, and the private sector during the project phase and stakeholders would benefitted from the involvement.[8] [9] [10]

The City Administration prepared land plot auction amidst the project, primarily in Piassa.[11] The corridor project often has been related to widespread house demolition in the city. In May 2022, the corridor project launched Chaka Project, aiming toward the renewal of forest in Yeka sub-city and added scenery of artificial lakes, resorts and residencies. Its operation maintained by a contractor named E-tollo with 500 billion birr.[12]

References

  1. Web site: FM Taye Briefs Diplomatic Community on Addis Ababa Smart City Project. 4 April 2024 .
  2. Web site: Fortune . (Addis) . City Roads Authority Awards Three Projects . 2024-05-04.
  3. Web site: Account . 2024-03-30 . Corridor project and heritage demolition in Addis Ababa . 2024-05-03 . Borkena Ethiopian News.
  4. Web site: 2022-12-29 . Addis Ababa’s Smart City Project officially launched . 2024-05-10 . Welcome to Fana Broadcasting Corporate S.C.
  5. Web site: Addis Ababa Corridor Dev't Project Advancing Rapidly . 2024-05-03 . ENA English.
  6. Web site: Fortune . (Addis) . In Addis Abeba, Progress Measures Success in Square Metre, Lost City Soul . 2024-05-03.
  7. Web site: Pioneering project in Ethiopia's capital completed - Addis Ababa City Smart Mobility 2025 - PB Consult GmbH . 2024-05-03 . pbconsult.de.
  8. Web site: Writer . Staff . 2024-04-09 . Update: Addis Ababa City Corridor Development Project . 2024-05-03 . Abren.
  9. Web site: 2024-04-30 . PM Abiy reviews progress of Addis Ababa corridor dev't projects . 2024-05-03 . Welcome to Fana Broadcasting Corporate S.C.
  10. Web site: 2024-03-27 . PM Abiy presides over assessment of progress of Addis' corridors dev't project . 2024-05-03 . Welcome to Fana Broadcasting Corporate S.C.
  11. Web site: Solomon . Wanofi . 2024-03-30 . City Admin To Auction Piassa Plots Appropriated For 'corridor Development' . 2024-05-03 . thereporterethiopia.com.
  12. Web site: Account . 2023-05-12 . Premier’s palace project awarded to three contractors . 2024-05-10 . Borkena Ethiopian News.