Prime Minister Abiy Launches Crusade for Clean and Healthy Ethiopian Cities

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has launched a campaign to revolutionize public sanitation infrastructure, unveiling a vision for modern, hygienic, and inclusive restroom facilities across the nation’s urban landscape.

The plan launched on Saturday, emphasizes community engagement as a cornerstone of the initiative, and resonates with a broader commitment to fostering cities that cater to the needs of all citizens.

Prime Minister Abiy has urged Ethiopians to join hands in creating cities that prioritize cleanliness and inclusivity.

“As we embark on this new initiative, I call upon all Ethiopians to contribute their share in creating cities that are conducive for everyone,” he posted on X.

The campaign dubbed “Clean Ethiopia,” builds on his six-year tenure marked by transformative endeavors aimed at enhancing urban environments and public amenities, as highlighted in a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office issued via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Etsegenet Yimenu Bezabih is actively participating in the campaign. On Sunday she posted on X urging citizens to take part.

As part of her participation, she has made a monetary contribution towards the campaign. “Clean Ethiopia” includes a fundraising component under the theme ‘Clean Cities –Healthy Lives,’ with proceeds going towards constructing public facilities.

Among the notable initiatives spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy, is the ongoing city-wide road cleaning campaign, which has been instrumental in maintaining urban cleanliness since its launch in 2019. The commitment to urban well-being extends further with demonstrations of urban agriculture within the Prime Minister’s office compound, complemented by the annual Green Legacy program, emphasizing both food security and aesthetic enhancements through widespread planting efforts.

In addition to beautification endeavors, there has been a concerted push to improve pedestrian infrastructure and community spaces, including health facilities and sports fields, reflecting a holistic approach to urban development.

This ground-breaking endeavor aims to address the dearth of public toilets in urban areas, with a strong emphasis on community involvement and fundraising efforts.

The overarching goal of the initiative is threefold: to improve accessibility, promote hygiene awareness, and elevate public health standards. By fostering a culture of dignified toilet usage and cleanliness, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s vision for modern sanitation infrastructure aligns with a broader agenda for a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant urban environment.