Relief options for Addis' highways

BY WORKU BELACHEW

Addis Ababa is in a reconstruction process in various aspects. The previous shabby look that was a great disgrace of the capital compared to its functions as an international seat for various prestigious organizations has now been made to be utterly turned into a magnificent one. Still, the reconstruction process is underway and there are huge backlog of such task ahead. Previously, automobiles, trucks, buses and the likes had been regulars on the thoroughfares that connects the different segments of the city. Nowadays, however, other construction machines like bulldozers and excavators have become a usual scene at every corners of the city. These machines are excavating and razing the aged East African hub to transform it into a much livable metropolis. In terms of infrastructure,for instance, the construction of Light Rail Transit (LRT) take for easing the ever roaring transportation challenge of the city— which is also the theme of this piece— has reached a promising stage.

From Hayat, eastern outskirt of Addis to Maichow Square— i.e.,central part of Addis— and from Saris, southern Addis to Maskel Square the construction of LRT is accelerating. Hence, most arterial roads are unable to function temporarily. As a result, vehicles as well as pedestrians cram every detour available including alleyways to rush for their business. Particularly, in pick hours when workers and students hurry to get to their respective destinations these detours host the busiest traffic, ascribing for road traffic jamming worsening by accidents resulting from it. Worst of all, it fuels the transportation shortage which is already defining the city. The shortest trip which may take ten minutes at normal circumstances now eat up not less than an hour. Staying for so long by the roadsides in search for a taxi and involving in the ruthless wrestle to get on a taxi, that seems nonexistent on their routes compared to the demand, are amidst the toughest tasks residents must confront almost in every hours of the day. In addition, the road closures in most places lack accompanying signs that inform the conditions of the roads partially closed, meaning able persons may use the partially open roads whilst physically disabled persons may not use them at all. Due to that, persons that use crutches and senior citizens who uses canes are seen exposing themselves to more injuries.

Rebuilding the capital would not be a matter of dispute. All the inconveniences being encountered now are short lived ones. But, it does not also mean that we should ignore them. Those who have a stake in general and the city administration in particular look like they have backlog of tasks remaining undone regarding the issues under discussion. In one hand, road closures should not be carried out haphazardly. Residents need to get prior information about matters like possible road closures and detours available ahead of installing fences on roads. In so doing, pedestrians and vehicle drivers would not get confused and waste their time. Researching on achievable solutions to overcome transportation challenges aggravated by LRT construction could be a task worth priority, on the other.

As the success of one sector should not be at the expense of the other, the LRT construction— which residents view it as a reliable hope to wipe out the transportation shortage for good— need not be blamed for reduced efficiency in both government and private institutions. As a solution, pertinent government bodies can perhaps use their vehicles to transport students and other people who desperately await for taxis by the road sides. It is obvious that dozens of code 4, public institution's vehicles are coded with number four on their numberplate, vehicles roam about the city, often with unoccupied seats. For this to be real, the genuine cooperation of decision makers is critical importance.

Side by side with such efforts, recurring public relations works are crucial to topple the menaces mentioned thus far. In relation to that, raising awareness of the general public so that even people who have private vehicles can cooperate to arrest the problem temporarily. It is crystal clear that the development of this city positively impacts on everyone of us. And overcoming challenges is not also a matter left only for the city administration. It is our collective endeavours that help all the ambitions of the city to be accelerated at an equal pace.