ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian capital is set to undergo significant transformation with the launch of the “Clean Streets and Healthy Livelihood” campaign by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This initiative aims to revolutionize the city’s public sanitation infrastructure, improving the quality of life and enhancing the environmental health of Addis Ababa.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the campaign focuses on the construction of modern, hygienic public restrooms throughout the city’s urban areas. This move addresses longstanding issues with public sanitation services, which have forced many residents to use unsanitary alternatives. The new facilities are designed to boost public health, reduce the spread of waterborne diseases, and create employment opportunities while fostering a sense of dignity among citizens.
The government has also initiated a digital telethon to support this project, encouraging cash and in-kind contributions from the public, individual donors, and institutions. The telethon, named “Clean Streets – Healthy Lives,” aims to raise 50 million Birr within a ten-hour period on Sunday, May 12th, 2024. Prime Minister Abiy has called upon all Ethiopians, including the diaspora and international community in Addis Ababa, to contribute to this cause, highlighting the power of collective action in achieving sustainable urban development.
This initiative not only targets the enhancement of the city’s landscape but also serves as a vital step towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive Addis Ababa. It underscores the administration’s commitment to setting a precedent for urban management across Ethiopia and the broader African continent.