BITTER BUBBLES


BITTER BUBBLES

Foam bubbles near a pedestrian sidewalk around Bole as water infiltrates beneath the asphalt layer with pockets of air causing the eerie phenomenon. While the capital was hit with untimely rainfall over the past few weeks, the bubbling is a result of cracks or gaps in the asphalt due to poor drainage around the paved surface or a combination of both. The absence of rigorous transparency when awarding public projects and poor technical skills have shaved off billions of birr in several projects across the country.


In-Picture

HIDDEN REMEDIES

A pharmacy in Gotera has adapted its advertising strategy after the city administration's corridor development project left its building with limited frontage. The corrugated metal sheets surrounding the structure left only a small doorway, making traditional signage impossible. Undeterred, the pharmacy has found a resourceful way to announce its presence, demonstrating resilience and commitment to serving the community—and upkeeping its owner's livelihood—despite the challenges posed by the...


In-Picture

CRANE CHAOS

A crane is working on Africa Avenue (also known as Airport Road or Bole Road), Addis Abeba's main throughfare, near Skylight Hotel. This construction has forced pedestrians off of the new granite walkways. These walkways, part of a recent corridor development project, were donated by Midroc Investment Group, the same company that owns the Millennium Hall across the street, which is also slated for renovations...


In-Picture

BENCH BOXES

In the lobby of its headquarters, Ethio Post, one of Africa's oldest postal services, has repurposed old post boxes as metal benches. Established in 1894 by imperial edict, the Ethiopian national postal service has a long history. While initially part of the broader communications infrastructure, postal and telecommunications services were separated in 1953. Ethio Post's head office building was finished in 1969...