Addis Ababa launches major project to develop Kebena River and its surrounding area

The new project to develop the Kebena River will mark an important step in transforming Ethiopia’s capital into a world-class city, improve residents’ quality of life and further strengthen Addis Ababa’s position as an attractive destination for tourism and investment, said the city’s mayor, Adanech Abiebie. Her comments were reported by Fana Media Corporation, a partner of TV BRICS.

The project covers an area of 87.6 hectares and a 10.5-kilometre stretch along the Kebena River. One large and 16 small dams, as well as three flood-control embankments, have been constructed there; 20.2 kilometres of riverbank have been reinforced; and 1.2 kilometres of footpaths have been laid.

In addition, three artificial waterfalls and a water source were created, and over 36,900 square metres of gabion and terrace reinforcements were installed to protect the soil from erosion.

Particular attention was paid to landscaping the area: around 60 hectares of green spaces were developed, and over 50,000 trees were planted.

The project involved the construction of 10.62 km of tarmac roads and 33.2 km of footpaths, all of which were fitted with lighting along their entire length. In addition, over 19 km of sewerage and stormwater drainage networks were laid, and 23 public sanitary facilities were installed.

To facilitate easy access between the two banks of the river, 32 bridges of various designs were built, including footbridges, suspension bridges, steel bridges, and reinforced concrete bridges.

The redeveloped area now features public and recreational infrastructure: nine sports grounds, seven car parks with a total capacity of 695 vehicles, four public spaces, seven squares, four pavilions, two amphitheatres, ten cafés, seven children’s playgrounds, and two public libraries, as well as commercial premises.