Ethiopian Cities’ Forum Underway in Jigjiga

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Jigjiga February 16/2019   The 8th Ethiopian Cities’ Forum has kicked off today with the presence of President Sahlework Zewde and other senior government officials Jigjiga, Capital of Somali region.

The forum has also drawn some 169 cities across the country and from neighboring countries including Djibouti, Sudan and, Eritrea, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, President Sahle-Work noted that urbanization has become imperative in Ethiopia as more people are tending to live in urban areas.

These areas have also play significant contribution in cultural exchange among people from different parts of the country.

However, Sahele-work said it is important to work hard to make the cities centers of unity.

The President said that urban areas and dwellers in Ethiopia have been facing similar challenges, including unemployment and lack of basic services and good governance.

Noting that these problems could not be addressed in the usual way, Sahele-work emphasized the need to conduct knowledge-based activities in order to enable the cities meet standards and demands of dwellers.

Urban Development and Construction Minister Jantirar Abay said urbanization has been steadily growing, despite unemployment and lack of standardized infrastructure remained a bottle neck.

The government of Ethiopia has given due emphases for planned urban development so as to create conducive environment for dwellers, he indicated.

One of the mechanisms that aimed to bring planned development in the cities is facilitating experience sharing platforms such as the Ethiopian Cities’ Forum.

According to Jantirar, tangible results have been gained in strengthening bondages and exchange of experience among different cities, since Ethiopia started celebrating cities forum’.

The six-day forum will be celebrated by exhibition, panel discussions, and experience sharing events.

Ena

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