Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Rediet Wondwossen Delelegne
Welcome to my city, Addis Ababa.
I have lived in Addis Ababa for 10 years of my life and love my city because everytime i think of the orange steel corrugated roofs of houses that sit uphill, the sweet sound of jazz plays in head. I joined the Youth Mayors programme at UWC Maastricht because i was looking for an opportunity to make influence and touch people's lives today and not tomorrow. The phrase ‘ When im older…..’ I have used too many times, today is also full of experiences.I am particularly interested in social problems with a main focus of immigration and human trafficking. These topics hit home because members of my family have been under unpleasant circumstances caused by the above topics.
My City
Addis Ababa was founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik pre Queen Taytu’s choice.The City’s name directly translates to “ New Flower’. The 3rd highest capital city in the world. It is also the diplomatic capital of Africa as the HeadQuarters of the African Union is situated there. My city is facing a growing population with almost 400 citizens arriving everyday; the infrastructure is exhausted, healthcare providers need more resources, transportation shortages,..etc. Currently there is a widespread infrastructure boom throughout the city but the quality control is poor and unsustainable.
Another problem we see is that there is a lack of human centered design in the city, roads are not built to withstand the rainy season,does not consider pedestrian citizens, traffic control issues,..etc.
Snapshot
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Population size: estimated 4.6 million ( 2007 census 3.6 million)
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Africa’s largest open market is found in the city, it is called Merkato district
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Originally a military encampment of Emperor Menelik II
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Genre of Ethio Jazz emerged in the city
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6 kilo the branch of Addis Ababa university was originally the palace of the Emperor Haile Selassie
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Home of the African Union HeadQuarters
