Chinese firm works on project to beautify Ethiopia's capital

Chinese construction giant, China Communications Construction Company on Monday commenced construction work on Ethiopia's project to beautify the capital Addis Ababa.

The firm will initially conduct work on three square kilometers of riverside land in Addis Ababa, part of a wider plan to clean the heavily polluted rivers in the capital city, reported state media outlet Ethiopian Press Agency.

EPA further reported the firm is expected to finish its share of the Addis Ababa beautifying project by April 2020.

"Beautifying Sheger", as the project is called, is a personal initiative of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who envisions creating a clean, livable environment for the 5 million plus residents of Addis Ababa.

The project will run along the rivers of Addis Ababa, developing green spaces starting from Entoto to Akaki alongside the 56km river streams until they reach Akaki wastewater treatment plant.

The project also envisions building parks, bicycle paths, walkways, planting of trees and development of urban farms.