Addis Ababa City Mayor Adanech Abebie launched the construction of the Window of Africa mega project on Tuesday 6 June.
The Window of Africa project comprises five lots with various features in each; the first lot is awarded to China First Highway Engineering Company while the rest four lots will be done in partnership with Ethiopian business people.
Addis Ababa City Mayor, Adanech Abebie and China First Highway Engineering Company Ethiopia, General Manager, Wei Qiangyu laid a cornerstone to commence the development of the project.
During the launching ceremony, Addis Ababa City Mayor Adanech Abebie said the mega project will change the image of Addis Ababa as an Ethiopian capital, African Union Headquarters as well as a major diplomatic seat for many international organizations.
Recognizing that Addis Ababa is not only the capital city of Ethiopia but it is also the seat of the African Union, the government has been undertaking various mega projects which add values to the city and enhance tourist attractions, she noted.
“This mega project is designed for Africans to view Addis Ababa as a window of Africa,” the mayor pointed out.
The contractor is expected to complete the construction of Lot 1 in a year and half. And it lies on 14.5 hectares of land, comprising flower garden and recreational areas.
According to the mayor, the remaining four mega project will be carried out in partnership with Ethiopian investors.
“We awarded the first lot for the Chinese contractor. But the remaining four will be done in partnership with Ethiopian business people in order to improve working culture and put our joint fingerprints on the country’s development,” Addanech added.
The remaining projects comprise Africa Museum, five Star hotel, residential apartments, and water park among others.
The mayor stressed that the completion of the project on time and with high quality will truly improve the image of the city, lure Africans coming to Addis Ababa for any purpose where they can see the Window of Africa that reflects African cultures, heritages and history.
