The residents of Addis Abeba are pragmatic. They do not expect the city to become the shining city on a hill, although that would not displease them. They do not cry foul when the glittery, animated design-concept renderings of a project created for public consumption fail to materialise in their brick and mortar edifices. What they really want their city administration to do is to clean the filth off the streets, provide a decent public transportation system, control rising rental costs and keep the peace. Uppermost in the minds of 50 city residents interviewed by Fortune were the problems of public transportation and failed infrastructure. The interviewees came from six different locations in the city - Qera, Piassa, Bole, Mesqel Flower, the Stadium area and Haya Hulet - and from various occupations and lifestyles.
Diversity is crucial they said, as is the preservation of the city’s cultural and historical heritage.
Collectively, they are exasperated by the unceasing power and water shortages, drainage problems, transportation challenges and the unclean conditions of the city. They are exasperated by the rising cost of living that is spiraling out of control and persistent unemployment that is gnawing at their aspirations. They registered their discontent about the business environment in the city and insecurities about the rule of law. Unless these issues are addressed by the municipal authorities, they cannot envision a thriving city on a hill.
The residents of Addis Abeba are pragmatic. They do not expect the city to become the shining city on a hill, although that would not displease them.
Residents want their city to live up to its name - New Flower - vibrant, clean, at peace and run by an approachable government. Diversity is crucial they said, as is the preservation of the city’s cultural and historical heritage. They want to see the city administration and mayor have an entrepreneurial spirit and govern with pragmatism and loyalty toward the residents.
They are repelled at rampant homelessness, numerous street children and the income inequality that exists in the city. They are longing for good governance that takes their concerns into account during the decision process.
You can read the full story here
PUBLISHED ON
Apr 26,2019 [ VOL
20 , NO
991]
Agenda | May 23,2021
Fortune News | May 23,2025
Fortune News | Jun 19,2021
Fortune News | Jan 09,2021
Radar | Jan 26,2019
Radar | May 26,2021
Editorial | May 23,2021
Sponsored Contents | Aug 16,2021
Fortune News | Feb 09,2019
Dec 22 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Charged with transforming colossal state-owned enterprises into modern and competitiv...
Aug 18 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Although predictable Yonas Zerihun's job in the ride-hailing service is not immune to...
Jul 28 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Unhabitual, perhaps too many, Samuel Gebreyohannes, 38, used to occasionally enjoy a couple of beers at breakfast. However, he recently swit...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Investors who rely on tractors, trucks, and field vehicles for commuting, transporting commodities, and f...
Jun 28 , 2025
Meseret Damtie, the assertive auditor general, has never been shy about naming names...
Jun 21 , 2025
A well-worn adage says, “Budget is not destiny, but it is direction.” Examining t...
Jun 14 , 2025
Yet again, the Horn of Africa is bracing for trouble. A region already frayed by wars...
Jun 7 , 2025
Few promises shine brighter in Addis Abeba than the pledge of a roof for every family...
Loading your updates...