Beautifying Sheger facts for kids
Beautifying Sheger is a special project in Ethiopia. It aims to clean up rivers and build new public spaces in the capital city, Addis Ababa. The project started on February 27, 2019, and was launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. It is planned to last for three years.
Contents
Why is Beautifying Sheger Important?
The Beautifying Sheger project has several big goals. It wants to make Addis Ababa a more attractive place for tourists to visit. It also aims to improve the daily lives of people who live in the city. By creating green spaces from the Entoto area all the way to the Akaki waste treatment plant, the project hopes to help reduce the effects of climate change. Plus, it plans to create many new jobs for people. The project also encourages citizens to join in the cleaning efforts, as the city needs help reducing waste from businesses and homes.
How China is Helping
Ethiopia and other African countries, like Kenya, have been working with China. This partnership is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative. This initiative helps countries get stronger economies and become more modern through loans and increased trade. Today, China is Ethiopia's biggest trading partner and investor.
On April 25, 2019, the Chinese ambassador to Ethiopia, Li Keqiang, agreed to help fund part of the project. China promised money to build a plaza and 12 kilometers (about 7.5 miles) of the project's path. China also agreed to extend the time Ethiopia has to pay back a $4 billion loan for the Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway. Instead of ten years, Ethiopia now has thirty years to pay it back.
Dine for Sheger Fundraising Event
To help raise money for the project, the Ethiopian government held a special dinner. This event, called "Dine for Sheger," took place on May 19, 2019, at Menelik Palace. About 300 business leaders and representatives from international companies attended. Each person paid $173,000 for a seat at the dinner.
The entire Beautifying Sheger project needs an estimated $1 billion. The "Dine for Sheger" event successfully raised $25 million. Donors included the United Nations, the Italian government, the African Development Bank, and the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. Prime Minister Ahmed also shared that Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta supported the initiative. Donors received a special plaque with their name on it, which would be placed along the project's route. They also got a private photo with Prime Minister Ahmed.
What the Project Includes
On October 1, 2019, funding was secured for 12 kilometers (about 7.5 miles) of the total 56-kilometer (35-mile) project. This part is being built by the China Communications Construction Company. This section will not just be a road. It will also include a fun recreational space, an artificial lake, and even a wedding venue. All of this will be built in front of the Sheraton Addis hotel. The construction of this part was expected to be finished by May 2020.
Images for kids
-
Participant at dining hall
-
Dine for Sheger- Palace entrance
