Addis Ababa, June 28, 2026 (FMC) — Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie said the newly inaugurated Entoto–Kebena River and Riverside Development and Kebena Dam Project reinforces the capital’s transformation into a world-class city, describing it as a major addition to the city’s expanding portfolio of modern public infrastructure.
Speaking following the inauguration of the project by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday, the mayor said the development reflects the city administration’s continued commitment to addressing residents’ priorities through the timely delivery of high-impact infrastructure projects.
She noted that the project, completed in accordance with the Prime Minister’s direction, has enhanced the beauty and livability of the capital while reinforcing Addis Ababa’s vision of becoming a world-class city. Together with the city’s corridor development and other riverside initiatives, she said, the project is expected to further strengthen Addis Ababa’s position as an attractive destination for tourism and investment.
According to the mayor, the development covers 87.6 hectares and stretches 10.5 kilometers, featuring a wide range of public amenities, environmental restoration works, and modern urban infrastructure.
The project includes one major dam, 16 smaller dams, three check dams, 20.2 kilometers of river retaining walls, and 1.2 kilometers of walking trails. It also features three artificial waterfalls, one water source, and 36,928 square meters of gabion and terraced landscaping designed to support soil and environmental conservation.
As part of its environmental component, nearly 60 hectares of green space have been developed, while more than 50,000 trees of various species have been planted to improve the area’s ecological sustainability.
The project also incorporates 10.62 kilometers of asphalt roads, 33.2 kilometers of pedestrian walkways, an equal length of modern street lighting, and more than 19 kilometers of sewage and stormwater drainage infrastructure, alongside 23 public sanitation facilities.
To improve accessibility, the development features 32 bridges, including pedestrian, suspension, steel, circular, and concrete bridges connecting both sides of the river.
Public recreational facilities include nine sports grounds, seven parking areas with capacity for 695 vehicles, four gathering spaces, seven plazas, four pavilions, two amphitheaters, ten cafeterias, seven children’s playgrounds, two community libraries, and commercial spaces intended to support business and leisure activities.
The mayor also expressed appreciation to leaders at all levels, project teams, and members of the local community for their collective efforts in completing the large-scale project within the planned timeframe while maintaining the required quality standards.