Addis Ababa Announces Second Phase: 8 Corridors Spanning 132 Kilometers

September 28, 2017 (Ahadu Radio) – The Addis Ababa City Administration has launched the second round of its corridor development initiative, aimed at improving infrastructure and living conditions in the capital. The project was formally announced by Mayor Adanech Abebe, who also addressed questions from media representatives regarding the scope and details of the initiative.

According to the mayor, the second phase of the development spans 132 kilometers and covers an area of 2,817 hectares. The project includes the construction of over 4,000 residential houses for residents who will be relocated, as well as land allocation and 5 billion birr earmarked for compensation for those affected.

Mayor Adanech explained that this corridor development is part of a broader strategy to improve the city’s infrastructure and overall livability, with a focus on inclusive development. She emphasized that the plan aims to ensure that all residents, including marginalized groups, benefit from the improvements.

Key Components of the Corridor Development
The second round of corridor development involves a variety of infrastructure enhancements, including:

• Road construction
• Green spaces and recreational areas
• Bicycle paths and footpaths
• Playgrounds for children
• Taxi and bus terminals
• Parking facilities
• Sports areas and public toilets
• Drainage systems and city-standard lighting
• Telecom infrastructure and security technologies

The project is largely financed and managed by the city itself, with significant support from Ethio Telecom, the Federal Housing Corporation, and the Electricity Service. These organizations are expected to play a key role in upgrading their respective infrastructures to contribute to the broader aim of transforming Addis Ababa into a “smart city.”

The eight corridors included in this phase of development are as follows:

1. Kazanchis to Estinfanos Corridor
   This corridor is 40.4 kilometers long and covers 1,000 hectares, including key areas such as Meskel Square, Mexico, Churchill, and Arat Kilo.
2. Southgate to Meskel Square Corridor
   Spanning 7.1 kilometers and covering 128.7 hectares, this route connects Southgate, Haya Hulet, and Meskel Square.
3. CMC to New Africa International Convention Center Corridor
   Covering 146 hectares and extending 10.8 kilometers, this corridor includes the VIP terminal at Bole Airport and the Summit Goro area.
4. Sar Bet to Fury Square Corridor
   This corridor is 15.9 kilometers long and covers 565 hectares, connecting areas such as Birsate Gabriel, Lafto Square, and Abo Mazoriya.
5. Anbessa Garage to Jacross Goro Corridor
   This route is 3.1 kilometers long and covers 16.58 hectares.
6. 4 Kilo to Gulele Botany Center Corridor
   Covering 314 hectares and extending 13.19 kilometers, this route connects Shiro Meda, Entoto Maryam, and Gulele Eswat Center.
7. Kebena Riverbank Corridor
   Covering 372.5 hectares and stretching 20 kilometers, this corridor focuses on the development along the Kebena riverbank.
8. Entoto to Peacock Park Riverside Corridor
   Spanning 21.5 kilometers and covering 274 hectares, this corridor will develop areas surrounding Entoto and Peacock Park.

The mayor stated that the project is in line with the Prime Minister’s directives and that further clarifications will be provided as the work continues. She also noted that the city administration has made significant preparations to ensure the smooth relocation of affected residents, including the construction of schools, work sheds, and more than 500 commercial shops.