An ambitious nationwide sanitation drive in Ethiopia has received an overwhelming response, with citizens from across the country and around the world contributing over 154 million birr (approx. $4.2 million) in an overnight telethon led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.
The “#CleanEthiopia” initiative, which initially aimed to raise 50 million birr by sunset on Saturday, far exceeded its target thanks to the participation of over 40,000 Ethiopians in a digitally broadcast telethon.
Donors from various segments of society, including athletes, taxi drivers, intellectuals and investors, came together to support the construction of public toilets in every part of the country.
“Our wish is to build and maintain a better Ethiopia together,” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali stated, lauding the “conscientious and clean” citizens and organizations who contributed to the cause.
The unprecedented outpouring of support underscores the Prime Minister’s ability to rally the Ethiopian people behind his vision of development and progress. The funds raised will go towards improving the nation’s sanitation infrastructure.
“Every time this generation rises and sets, it inherits a bright and solid foundation for future generations,” Abiy Ahmed Ali said, framing the sanitation initiative as an investment in Ethiopia’s future.
The East African nation has undertaken several large-scale projects aimed at modernizing its cities and rural areas under the Prime Minister’s leadership. However, lack of adequate sanitation facilities remains a pressing issue.
By tapping into Ethiopians’ collective desire for change, the government hopes that the #CleanEthiopia drive will catalyze efforts to make public hygiene and cleanliness a priority across the country.
Representatives from Ethiopia’s athletics community, a source of national pride, also threw their weight behind the initiative during the telethon broadcast.
Ethiopia has been battling with sanitation problems, but the strong public response to the telethon highlights the people’s aspirations for positive transformation on the home front.
