I witnessed firsthand how development can destroy humanity. I’ve heard many heartbreaking stories of people whose homes were suddenly demolished in the name of development. While this saddens me, I must approach the issue with balance and objectivity. Without careful examination, my opinion may be skewed. The story I’m about to share is not just history; it’s about a person who contributed to the development of a country and society.
This is his life story: As a teenager, he left his rural home and walked 250 kilometers to Addis Ababa. There, he found work at a private business. After some time, he purchased a plot of land on the road leading to Bela, where he built a beautiful house and established his life. He raised 12 children, educated them, finished his career, and even saw a grandson. Now, at 94 years old, he remains strong, kind, hardworking, playful, and loved by all. He is devoted to his faith and is respected by everyone around him. His passion for gardening has turned his yard into a lush paradise filled with grapevines, avocado, peach, apple, and coffee trees. His love for gardening extends beyond his home; he plants seedlings in the homes of neighbors and relatives.
Recently, this strong man lay on his sickbed and said, “I’ve lived long enough. Don’t take me to the hospital. Let me stay in the old house where I’ve lived.” His children honored his request. Surrounded by his family, neighbors, and relatives, he stayed home as they cared for him.
On New Year’s Eve, August 5, 2016, news spread in the village: officials from the district were going around registering homes for development projects. The day after the holiday, on September 2, families were told that their houses would be demolished within 20 days for development, with a meeting scheduled for the next morning, September 3. The family couldn’t believe what they were hearing—it felt like a nightmare. No official documentation was provided.
During the meeting on September 3, attendees were not allowed to bring phones or recording devices. They were told their homes would be demolished for a development project. But why? For a forest development project? Families were given until September 20 to vacate their homes. In disbelief, they asked, “We’ve just enrolled our children in school, bought uniforms, and have a sick family member at home. How can we manage this in such little time?” Elderly parents, mothers, and fathers cried out in desperation. “I depend on the rent from my home for daily sustenance,” one said.
Two weeks? How is two weeks enough to uproot entire lives without any plan in place? What about the elderly, the sick, weddings, newborns, and pregnant women? Why the rush? Even if development is necessary, shouldn’t there be a long-term plan that prioritizes the residents? How can a person be told they must leave in a matter of days without even being told where they can go? Isn’t human life a priority? Development is supposed to be for humans, right?
This family, which has contributed so much to the community and country, is now facing demolition. The father, a respected elder and peacemaker, bedridden and awaiting the day he meets his Creator, was told his home would be destroyed by September 20. How does a man like him cope with this? Where can he go? His beloved neighbors, his community—won’t they stand by him? Isn’t the essence of a country tied to its people? What kind of country would refuse its citizens a place to mourn their fathers?
No one hates development, learning, or progress. But when it strips away humanity, brings sudden danger, and forces people to live in fear, wondering when it will be their turn, it becomes something to despise. Development should not come at the cost of dignity, safety, or life.
To those of you who support development, I ask you to reflect: do you not dream of a better country? When a nation develops, should it be done with disregard for its people? You may think those affected are obstacles to development, but in truth, it’s the lack of consideration for their well-being that obstructs true progress. Development should lift people up, not crush them.
If your home were suddenly destroyed, what would you do? How would you cope? Share your story—your emotions and memories. Let us use our voices to offer constructive suggestions to the authorities, so that development can proceed without destroying lives or homes, and in a way that works for all.
