Addis Ababa Opens 22km Riverside Corridor Following Major Restoration Works

June 3, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

A 22.25-kilometre stretch of riverside land in Addis Ababa has been redeveloped into public green and recreational space under a new urban restoration project inaugurated on Tuesday by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD).

The Entoto–Kechene Medhanealem Riverside Development Project includes cycling lanes, pedestrian routes, fruit parks and rehabilitated riverbanks that were previously affected by environmental degradation and pollution.

According to the Prime Minister, the initiative forms part of wider efforts to improve living conditions in the capital through urban renewal and environmental rehabilitation. In remarks shared on social media, Abiy linked the inauguration to the period following Ethiopia’s 7th General Election.

The project combined river cleaning operations with soil conservation measures aimed at restoring damaged sections of the corridor while expanding public access to recreational infrastructure.

City authorities developed integrated walkways and cycling paths along the riverside area as part of efforts to improve mobility and create public spaces within densely populated parts of the capital.

Abiy described the development as an example of the government’s push to modernise Addis Ababa while advancing environmental sustainability objectives.