In a tragic turn of events during the demolition of Lombardia Restaurant near Wabi Shebele, the incident claimed the life of a bookseller. Getnet had entered the premises to retrieve books from a warehouse within the restaurant when the government carried out the demolition. Unfortunately, the demolition process resulted in a fatal accident, leading to the untimely death of the bookseller.
The devastating incident unfolded as the government proceeded with the demolition of Lombardia Restaurant, and the bookseller, seemingly unaware or unable to evacuate in time, found himself caught in the tragic turn of events. The demolition not only resulted in the loss of a historically significant structure but also led to a personal tragedy with the loss of a life.
This unfortunate event adds another layer of sorrow and raises concerns about the safety measures and coordination involved in such demolition activities. The incident underscores the need for thorough planning and execution of such endeavors to ensure the safety of individuals who may be present in or around the affected areas. As the community mourns the loss of both a cultural landmark and a member of its community, questions may arise regarding the procedures and precautions taken during the demolition process. The circumstances surrounding the bookseller’s death further highlight the potential risks and consequences associated with urban development and heritage preservation efforts.
The historic Lombardia Restaurant
The historic Lombardia Restaurant, a 90-year-old landmark in Addis Ababa located near the Wabi Shebele Hotel in Lideta Sub-City, Woreda 9, has been demolished despite its legal protection as a heritage site. The restaurant obtained heritage status on February 15, 2023, after meeting the requirements. The Federal Court of First Instance issued a ruling declaring the delisting of the building as illegal, directing the decision to the Addis Ababa City Administration Culture, Arts, and Tourism Bureau, the Federal Housing Corporation, and other relevant institutions.
Despite its legal protection, Lombardia Restaurant was razed to make way for development, with officials justifying the demolition by claiming the building was not a heritage site. When Lideta Sub-City initially attempted to demolish the historic structure, the Heritage Trustee Association, government institutions, and heirs of the edifice took the case to court to prevent its destruction.
The Director General of the Heritage Protection Authority, Abebaw Ayalew, explained that the decision to remove Lombardia Restaurant from the list of heritage sites was based on criteria set by his office. According to Ayalew, a building must fulfill six criteria to be designated as ‘urban heritage,’ and Lombardia Restaurant did not meet these requirements. He emphasized that the age of a building alone does not qualify it as heritage, stating that mere age, whether 100 or 200 years old, is insufficient.
Ayalew acknowledged the challenges in determining the status and appearance of heritage in Addis Ababa, citing the recent registration of the Eyerusalem Building as a heritage site based on inaccurate information. He expressed the need for the Addis Ababa City Administration to initiate a new registration process using updated heritage criteria. This, he believes, will ensure proper evaluation and resolution of the issues surrounding heritage sites in the city. The Director General emphasized the importance of following guidelines in the registration process to address concerns and facilitate more accurate recognition of heritage structures.
