FERTILE FANCIES


FERTILE FANCIES

A corrugated tin fence is painted over with greenery and trees around Arat Kilo as the corridor development project snaking through the neighbourhood nears its end. The high fences have become ubiquitous across Addis Ababa, hielding locations incompatible with the city's reimagined aesthetic. Mayor Adanech Abiebe revealed two weeks ago that the ambitious project tallied up to around 33 billion Br with meticulous spending.The project, closely overseen by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), is reviewed every 100 days for performance and progress. While the majority of the architectural concepts stem from a city-wide structural plan devised nearly seven years back, novel elements were introduced by the current administration toward realizing 'smart city' goals. A concerted effort has been launched by authorities to replace combustion engine vehicles with electric alternatives, endorse cycling and promote waking


In-Picture

TRUNK T-SHIRTS

A seller and buyer discuss the price of a t-shirt from the open trunk of a parked yellow Toyota Vitz around the Bole neighbourhood. The car is filled with various garments and is part of hustles seen in Addis Abeba where vendors sell anything from eggs to solar powered flashlights from their vehicles. These mobile shops have the chance of changing locations to reach a wider customer base and avoid the costs associated with renting a physical store. It is common in many parts of the world, especi...


In-Picture

LEGACY RENAISSANCE

The Tayitu Centre for Culture & Education sits in rubble as its benefactor Alemtsehay Wedajo seeks the completion of the restoration of a 120-year-old historical house in front of St George Cathedral, on Menelik II roundabout. Located in the former Arada division court compound, the house was originally the residence of former mayor Bitwoded Hailegiorgis Weldemichael and served as the city's first municipality. Now 95pc complete, remaining works include lighting installation and other finish...


In-Picture

TIMQET TRUMPET

Timqet, or Epiphany, features various musical instruments that enhance the celebration. The trumpet (or turumba) signals the presence of the Ark, prompting reverence from believers. Other instruments like the begenna, tsenatsen, and bells create a joyful atmosphere, accompanying the Ark throughout the holiday. These sounds foster community and enrich the spiritual experience...