The Addis Ababa city administration said it will take measures against houses built illegally in 116 woredas.
The measures will be taken as of January 11 in joint operation by the Federal, Addis Ababa and Oromia police commissions.
Takele Uma, deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa, met with pertinent bodies to discuss on the measures.
The measures will be taken based on Proclamation No. 721/2004 to deter the increasing illegal constructions and seizure of lands, said mayor office of the city.
Getu Aragaw, Commissioner of the Addis Ababa Police Commission, told journalists after the meeting that the only target of the measures is to ensure rule of law.
Individuals and government officials, who have involvement in these illegal practices, will be held accountable, the Commissioner noted.
City Administration to take measures against illegally built houses
House approves anti-terrorism draft bill
The House of Peoples Representatives of Ethiopia (HPR) approved the anti-terrorism draft bill.
It endorsed the bill, which was drafted by the Attorney General and forwarded to it by the Council of Ministers, in majority vote with one abstention.
It was noted that the law would help prevent and control terrorism, protect the country from threats of terrorism and fill the gaps in the previous law.
The House will deliberate and refer to pertinent Standing Committee the bill drafted to approve the deal signed between Ethiopian and Qatar for investment promotion and protection.
It will also review and send to relevant bodies the draft bill to approve the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired and print disabled.
Moreover, the House will discuss on Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Older Persons and the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention).
Premier visits Addis Ababa Riverside Green Dev’t Project
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited the Addis Ababa riverside green development project section being built around Sheraton Addis hotel.
The project is part of the 56km ‘Beautifying Sheger Project’ that runs from Entoto to Akaki river.
Initiated by the Prime Minister, the project aims to lift the image of the capital city, create jobs and increase urban tourism.
The first phase of the project runs from Entoto to Bambis Bridge and will be built by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).
It features open space for recreation, artificial lake, and wedding venue on 42 square meters of area in front of Sheraton Addis hotel.
The total cost of the Beautifying Sheger Project is estimated at $1 billion and completion of the first phase, which is now at 45%, is scheduled for May 2020.
The first phase has created about 1,300 job opportunities, with a potential to reach more than 3,800 in construction peak.
Once completed, it will generate more than 5000 jobs.
Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund approves 22 shortlisted project proposals
The Board of Directors of the Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund (EDTF) said it has completed project proposal reviews.
EDTF announced the first ‘call for project proposals’ under the theme ‘Ethiopian Diaspora-Partnership to Improve Social and Economic Wellbeing of Ethiopians in Need,’ last September.
The Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund Secretariat coordinated the project review process following receipt of over 300 project proposals in mid-September 2019, said the Fund in a statement.
The 22 shortlisted projects will undergo a final implementation capacity assessment and budget review focusing on organizational resources, management and effectiveness to deliver on proposed project outcomes.
Project proposals were reviewed by volunteer Ethiopian experts in a variety of fields recruited from Ethiopia and the global Ethiopian Diaspora community.
Among the key proposal evaluation criteria included are sustainability of the proposed project, potential impact, relevance, scalability, innovation and creativity, cost efficiency, accountability, transparency and communication.
Regional equity was also taken into consideration in deciding the short-listed applicants.
Zafu Eyesuswork Zafu, Chairman of EDTF Board of Directors said, “the donated funds will be fairly allocated among projects selected through a transparent and comprehensive review process for its critical need, project design, practicality of implementation and financial soundness.”
A total of $4 million is allocated to finance projects in the first round of funding.
The minimum and maximum amount that will be granted per project is approximately $200,000 and $350,000, respectively.
Final project awards will be announced following the signing of project implementation contracts with grantees on the 30th of January 2020.
