Electrification Project Launches in Abdoul Services Saaba 2 City, Burkina FasoOVID Real-Estate Launches New Housing Project in Addis AbabaEthiopia Aims to Elevate Its Aviation Sector to New HeightsBomet County Intensifies Crackdown on Illicit Alcohol and Substance AbuseMachakos County Secretary Credits Women with Key Role in County’s Development

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – The community of Abdoul Services Saaba 2 city expressed their gratitude to the Burkinabe authorities, particularly Minister Bassolma Bazié, for initiating the electrification of their living environment. This announcement was made during a celebration by the Association of Solidarity Residents of the Abdoul Service Saaba 2 city, which also highlighted the themes of unity, cohesion, and sharing. The event marked the commencement of a long-awaited project to bring electricity to the area, a significant step forward for the residents.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Abou Ouattara, the project has been contracted to a private company, PPI, and is expected to be completed within eight months. Ouattara assured residents that the electrification would be extensive enough for every household to have its own power meter. The secretary general of Residents in Solidarity, Mady Sawadogo, celebrated the transition from an improved non-loti to a full housing estate, reflecting on the past challenges where residents feared returning home after 6 p.m. due to safety concerns.

Yssouf Ouédraogo, the president of the Association, extended special thanks to Minister Bassolma Bazié for his pivotal role in revitalizing the project at a crucial time. The minister’s representative, Pama Séni, committed to regular site visits and reporting back to the authorities, while urging community members to stay united. The initiative has also received blessings from local traditional chiefs and notables, who wished for ongoing improvements in the residents’ living conditions.

Additionally, the Association of Solidarity Residents submitted a memorandum to the authorities, outlining further needs for the community, including road, educational, health, and sanitation infrastructure, as well as the construction of a police station and the provision of social amenities like a library, sports field, and recreational areas. Kassoum Kaboré, the prefect-president of the special Saaba delegation, acknowledged these requests and announced plans to inaugurate a CSPS (Health and Social Promotion Center) to enhance the area’s health services shortly.

To conclude the event, the Association of Solidarity Residents of the Abdoul Service Saaba 2 city awarded certificates of recognition to those who contribute daily to improving the community’s living conditions and fostering social cohesion.

ADDIS ABABA—OVID Real-Estate, affiliated with the OVID Group, announced today the initiation of its latest housing project within the Ethiopian capital. In a significant move to address the city’s housing shortage, the company has also offered a one-day sale of homes at a 40 percent discount. These multi-purpose residences, currently under construction in the heart of Addis Ababa, are expected to provide both a solution to housing demands and an enhancement to the city’s visual appeal.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Daniel Abebe, OVID Real-Estate aims to mitigate housing scarcity by introducing various alternative solutions and is actively collaborating with stakeholders in Ethiopia’s housing development sector to achieve this goal. The company’s recent completion of modern residential houses within an 18-month period underscores the potential within Ethiopia’s housing market. Additionally, OVID Group has finalized a project study to launch a public cable car transportation service in Addis Ababa, further indicating its commitment to urban development and innovation.

ADDIS ABABA—The National Air Transport Facility Committee declared Ethiopia’s intention to further enhance its already notable achievements in the aviation industry. This commitment comes as Ethiopian Airlines, the nation’s flag carrier and Africa’s largest airline, continues to introduce modern systems to uphold Ethiopia’s positive image globally.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ethiopian Airlines has garnered international acclaim, winning several prestigious aviation awards due to its operational efficiency and success. These accomplishments were highlighted during a six-month performance review by the committee.

Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime remarked on Ethiopia’s significant progress in air transport, outlining plans to continue this advancement with the implementation of new systems and reforms aimed at increasing global competitiveness. Ethiopian Airlines is not only a source of national pride but also a key player on the international stage, Sime added, promising that the airline will keep addressing challenges with strict discipline and effective operations to remain a preferred global carrier.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tassew, reported a 29 percent increase in passenger numbers, a 14 percent rise in revenue, and a 22 percent growth in profit compared to the previous year. With a fleet of 145 aircraft and additional orders placed for new planes, Tassew stressed the airline’s commitment to continuous improvement and success through the adoption of modern technologies and operational strategies.

Furthermore, Ethiopian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner General, Zelalem Mengistie, assured the ongoing implementation of advanced technologies to maintain safety and security for the airline, with vigilant monitoring of criminal activities around the airport and prompt legal actions when necessary. Ethiopian Civil Aviation Director General, Getachew Mengistie, confirmed the airline’s flight safety standards are in line with international benchmarks, as verified by audits from global organizations.

BOMET, Kenya – Bomet County’s administration, under the direction of County Commissioner Dr. Omar Ahmed, has launched a stringent campaign against illegal alcohol and substance abuse, aligning with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s national directives. The move aims to curb the proliferation of illicit brews and ensure compliance with licensing guidelines across the county.

According to Kenya News Agency, during a county meeting with national government administrative officers, Sub-County Police commanders, and other law enforcement personnel, it was announced that more than 150 alcohol outlets have been operating illegally or without adhering to the guidelines set by the Sub-County Alcohol and Licensing Committee. Dr. Omar emphasized that security officers failing to combat these illegal operations would face severe consequences, including possible interdiction.

The crackdown comes as part of a broader governmental effort to address the adverse effects of alcohol and drug abuse on society, which includes economic downturns, family disintegration, and increased crime rates. The directive mandates that bars and alcohol joints must not operate within 300 meters of school compounds and adhere to operational hours as specified in the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act. Violators risk fines or imprisonment.

County Police Commander Robinson Ndiwa called on police officers to rigorously enforce these directives and warned against collusion with offenders, stating that officers found complicit would face disciplinary action or dismissal. “The government has made itself abundantly clear that illicit alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse will not be tolerated in any form,” Ndiwa said, underlining the government’s commitment to eradicating these issues.

This initiative is a response to the growing concern over substance abuse among the youth, highlighted by the tragic loss of 20 individuals in one village in Kirinyaga County due to illicit brews. The campaign reflects the government’s determination to tackle the challenges posed by alcohol and drug abuse head-on, aiming for a healthier, safer community in Bomet and beyond.

MACHAKOS – During the celebration of International Women’s Day at the Machakos Convention Center, Dr. Ndambuki Muya, the County Secretary and Head of Public Service of Machakos, lauded women for their pivotal role in the development of the county.

According to Kenya News Agency, women, under the leadership of Governor Wavinya Ndeti, have demonstrated remarkable unity and leadership, significantly contributing to the county’s progress through innovative solutions and collaborative initiatives.

Dr. Muya acknowledged the challenges that women continue to face, including gender-based violence, cyberbullying, and discrimination, particularly in the political arena. He emphasized the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day as a means to honor women’s achievements and to motivate them to persist in their struggle for rights and equality.

In alignment with this year’s theme, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ Machakos County announced the awarding of 238 bursaries to special needs students, enabling them to continue their education across various levels without financial burden. Dr. Muya highlighted this initiative as a testament to the county administration’s commitment to inclusive education and its dedication to supporting the aspirations of physically disabled students.

Winfred Kendi, Project Officer at Plan International Machakos, called on women to embrace the theme by focusing on their personal and collective development. Addressing the issue of teenage pregnancies, Kendi stressed the importance of providing affected girls with life skills, psycho-social support, and reproductive health rights to secure their futures. Plan International’s efforts aim to offer a pathway for young women affected by early pregnancies to pursue their dreams undeterred.

The events and initiatives reported underscore the integral role women play in the social and economic fabric of Machakos County, highlighting the ongoing efforts to overcome barriers to equality and inclusion.