AMN PLUS-October 26, 2026
Mayor of Addis Ababa City Adanech Abiebie announced in a social media post this morning that the riverside development project stretching from Kechene through Ambassador and Irreecha to Bambis, as part of the Entoto Peacock Riverside Development, has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and opened to the public.
The major development project is expected to enhance Addis Ababa’s beauty, improve residents’ quality of life, strengthen the city’s tourism appeal, and stimulate economic activity.
The city is transforming its riverbanks from polluted, environmentally degraded, and disaster-prone areas into suitable spaces for green development, recreation, sports, business, and social interaction. Beyond restoring the natural environment of the rivers, the project aims to make Addis Ababa more livable, attractive, and convenient for its residents.
Major Achievements of the Project
The riverside development project, stretching from Kechene through Ambassador and Irreecha to Bambis, covers an area of 351 hectares and extends for 10 kilometers. It incorporates various modern infrastructure facilities and public amenities.
1. Environmental Protection and Conservation
The project includes soil and water conservation, river cleaning, flood prevention measures, expansion of green spaces, and landscaping.
2. Modern Road and Pedestrian Infrastructure
The project has delivered the following infrastructure:
16 kilometers of asphalt roads;
20 kilometers of bicycle lanes;
22 kilometers of pedestrian walkways;
5 kilometers of running tracks;
18 vehicular bridges; and
23 pedestrian bridges, including newly constructed and renovated structures.
3. Facilities for Sports, Recreation, and Social Interaction
The project incorporates 12 sports and fitness centers, modern sports fields, gymnasiums, and futsal courts.
It also includes:
21 children’s playgrounds;
15 plazas and amphitheaters;
Eight fountains and water display features; and
Public toilets constructed at various locations.
4. Economic Activities and Job Creation
To stimulate the city’s economy, benefit young people, and expand employment opportunities, 30 cafés and 185 shops have been provided. Banking services have also been incorporated into the development.
A center has been established for the production, display, and sale of handicrafts, taking into account the livelihoods and living conditions of residents in the surrounding riverbank areas.
The project also includes a center for displaying and selling agricultural products.
5. Water Supply, Wastewater, and Stormwater Drainage Infrastructure
To modernize urban utilities and improve wastewater management, the project includes:
Six kilometers of clean water pipelines;
11 kilometers of wastewater drainage pipelines;
12 kilometers of stormwater drainage pipelines;
Five small dams;
Six water-flow control dams; and
Three water treatment facilities.
These infrastructure facilities are expected to play an important role in protecting water resources, reducing flood risks, and improving environmental health.
6. Infrastructure for Sustainable Transportation and Environmental Protection
To address climate change and expand convenient parking facilities, the project includes 22 parking areas and eight electric vehicle charging stations.
The charging stations can accommodate more than 100 vehicles simultaneously.
7. Facilities Promoting the City’s History and Culture
The Riverside Development Museum and the monument titled Back to Origin have been constructed and prepared for public use.
The facilities are intended to showcase the city’s history, culture, and natural resources.
Improving Residents’ Quality of Life
Mayor Adanech stated that the primary objective of the development is to improve people’s lives.
She noted that the project is not merely about creating attractive spaces but also about providing residents with a healthy environment, recreational opportunities, economic prospects, and better living conditions.
The mayor emphasized that developing the city while protecting nature, using its limited land resources for public benefit, and ensuring that the benefits of development are accessible to everyone remain key principles guiding the city’s efforts.
She congratulated Addis Ababa’s residents on the inauguration of the project, describing it as a shared public asset.
The mayor also called on residents to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness, protecting green spaces, and properly using the infrastructure to ensure its long-term service to the public.
She expressed the city’s commitment to making Addis Ababa a place where natural beauty and modern development come together to create better living conditions for its residents.
By Leta Teresa
