Addis Ababa, April 23, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has lauded the remarkable transformation of the Kazanchis area in Addis Ababa, a key component of the second phase of the city’s beautification and corridor development project.
Inaugurating the renovation of Kazanchis area, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the stark contrast between its previous slum areas state and the current modernized urban centre, emphasizing the project’s significance for national pride and future development.
A few months ago, the appearance of Kazanchis was vastly different from what we see today. It was unsuitable for living, filthy and unsanitary, the prime minister stated.
He attributed the area’s previous condition to decades of unplanned and haphazard development, leading to inadequate infrastructure and an unsightly urban landscape. Especially when viewed from the air, Kazanchis was among the most disgusting areas in Addis Ababa, he remarked.
This understanding prompted us to include Kazanchis area in the second phase of the corridor development project, the prime minister said.
It is a source of great pride to witness Kazanchis transformed into such a beautiful area in just a few months, he said.
Prime Minister Abiy also noted that he had visited community members relocated from Kazanchis to Gelan Gura during the Easter holiday.
Their new living conditions have been significantly improved compared to their previous living environment. They now have access to learning, recreational, and dining facilities for their children, he noted.
Acknowledging that further improvements are possible, he stressed that the current living conditions are strikingly different from the previous ones.
Those I spoke with confirmed that their current situation is much better, he added.
The corridor development project which is a brainchild of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed aims to revitalize key areas of Addis Ababa, transforming them into modern, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing urban centers.
The initiative addresses the city’s rapid urbanization challenges by enhancing infrastructure, promoting green spaces, and improving the overall quality of life for residents.
“The transformation of Kazanchis should be viewed from the perspective of self-respect and how others perceive us,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
Abiy added that seeing Kazanchis in its current state is a significant achievement for us and a source of pride for our people.
He recalled the national aspiration to provide children with modern amenities and recreational spaces, moving away from improvised play areas on asphalt roads.
The prime minister also addressed the positive feedback from international visitors, who have been impressed by Addis Ababa’s rapid development.
The comments we receive from foreign visitors are encouraging. They see a city with hope and a foundation for smart city development, he said.
He further explained that the project lays the groundwork for a modern city with clean water, green spaces, and safe recreational areas for children.
Moving from our previous state to this beautiful condition requires relentless endeavor. We understand that this process may have disrupted the lives of some individuals, but it was done for the common good and the future of our children, he said.
He urged the leadership to avoid complacency and continuously strive for progress.
Vision is essential, but hard work is required to make it a reality. We must not rest on our laurels but continue to dream and work towards the next vision, he said.
The prime minister emphasized the urgency of accelerating national development, as called by POA English.
If we work diligently, Ethiopia will emerge stronger, and our children will not have to endure the hardships we have faced, he pointed out.