Addis Ababa undertaking 44-KM riverside dev’t projects

Addis Ababa, June 17, 2025 (FMC) – The Addis Ababa City Administration is undertaking a 44‑kilometer riverside development initiative aimed at rehabilitating the capital’s polluted and degraded river systems, according to the Environmental Protection Authority.

Dida Diriba, Head of the Authority, told Fana Media Corporation that comprehensive studies conducted by universities and the Authority have revealed that many of the city’s small rivers have lost their natural ecological character due to increasing pollution.

“In response, we are implementing a 44‑kilometer riverside development project to restore and protect these rivers,” Dida said. He noted that the initiative includes the construction of public recreational spaces, sanitation facilities, children’s playgrounds, sports areas, and urban parks along the riverbanks—designed to promote both environmental protection and urban livability.

In parallel with the development project, regulatory measures are also being enforced to ensure long-term sustainability. Nigatu Dagnachew, Deputy Director of the Addis Ababa Code Enforcement Authority, announced that a new River Development and Pollution Prevention Regulation has been enacted.

The regulation imposes financial penalties ranging from 2,000 to 1 million birr on individuals and institutions found discharging pollutants into rivers.

The city administration hopes the combined efforts of infrastructure development and strict regulation will revitalize the capital’s waterways, improve public health, and create greener urban spaces for residents.

These riverside projects complement Addis Ababa’s sweeping modernization efforts—such as the multi‑phased Corridor Development projects launched since late 2022. The ongoing corridor initiative spans hundreds of kilometers of upgraded roads, pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, green pockets, sports facilities, and smart‑city infrastructure. One notable corridor, the Mexico–Sar Bet route, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in mid‑2024 and is already reshaping the city’s landscape.

These corridor upgrades have revitalized aging neighborhoods, introduced modern drainage and utilities, and improved mobility for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The current riverside project furthers this vision, extending beautification efforts to the city’s waterways—creating cohesive green corridors that enrich urban life while protecting natural assets.

Together, these initiatives illustrate Addis Ababa’s holistic push to modernize infrastructure, elevate environmental standards, and transform into a sustainable, livable capital for its residents and visitors.