PRESCIENT PALLIATIVES


PRESCIENT PALLIATIVES

A road around Cassanchis area receives a quick fix as renovation projects ramp up across the capital. Despite the rarity of cement in the country and inflationary headwinds, road renovations have progressed unimpeded in most parts of Addis Abeba. Nocturnal construction workers are increasingly becoming a staple of the night as the capital's road authority juggles increasing vehicle numbers and limited infrastructure. The Ministry of Transport & Logistics has recently signalled a possible restriction on private automobiles allowed to operate during rush hours in a bid to increase public transport traffic flow. Even though Ethiopia only has around 1.5 million vehicles roaming the country, an underdeveloped road infrastructure gives the appearance of being overburdened by cars.


In-Picture

FADING FLAVORS

A historic building around Piazza area that housed restaurant Castelli within its walls is undergoing renovations. Its story dates back to the Italian occupation. Piazza, meaning "open square" in Italian, was imposed as the name by Mussolini's forces during their 1930s occupation of Addis Abeba, particularly the Arada District. Piazza has thrived as a centre of commerce and culture until the ongoing development project which has resulted in the demolition of some areas. Few buildings such as...


In-Picture

TOTTERING TOWERS

A hurried renovation transpires on a conjoined pair of small buildings around the Mercato area. Many old buildings in the vast marketplace are remnants of shops built by Yemeni merchants who relocated from the old Arada area in the 1930s. The area has a thriving informal sector economy from which thousands earn daily bread. According to studies by the Centre for International Private Enterprise, nearly one-sixth of Ethiopia's urban employment is in the informal sector. Some studies have esti...


In-Picture

SOULFUL SIDEWALKS

A row of seats and plastic water bottles await followers of the Islamic faith for preparatory 'Udu' proceedings around the Bethel area. The closely parked minibus taxis and shops right across also await customers on the cloudy Thursday afternoon. An aesthetic reformation ambitiously being pursued by the City administration will see fewer and fewer cars on the street as parking permits become part of the urban automobile experience. Ample walking and cycling space is p...


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