Towards a New Chapter !

By Girmachew Gashaw

The government has drawn a number of lessons from the project

Like the bright sun that flickered a ray of light early in the morning to bath the city with warmth, last Sunday proved a bright spot in Ethiopian history especially for residents of Addis Ababa. Early in the morning, people from all walks of life rushed to Addis Ababa Stadium to be an eyewitness to history on the making-- the commencement of the first light train service.

Guest of Honours, in droves, headed to the small stadium that abuts the main one. By the gate beautiful young ladies presented to celebrants with red roses and miniature of Ethiopian and Chinese flags. In the stadium, both Chinese and Ethiopians Officials, guest of honours, invited Addis Ababa City residents, local and international journalists taking a seat were awaiting the launching of the programme.

Artists made the event colourful with a spectrum of traditional music and grooving styles from almost all ethnic groups. Right after that the handing over of standardized certificate of compliance took place between Shenzhen Metro Association and Ethiopian Ministry of Transport, Ethiopian Railway Corporation.

Accordingly, Ethiopia received four types of certificates -- of infrastructure, of running stock, of qualified personnel, regulations and manual as well as general certificates of operations.

After a ribbon cutting performed by Ethiopian and Chinese officials, guests boarded to commute from the stadium to Menelik II square. Before the train started moving, Train Masters passed important messages in Amharic and English to occupants of the train.

It was from Lagos Metropolitan the person who sat in front of this writer came from, He was Transport Authority Rail Project Manager. He goes by Peter Olaseni Akinwunmi.

Responding to the questions this journalist asked he said: "This is a great achievement. Transportation problem is acute in Africa. Such projects enable to provide fair mass transit service to people quickly, efficiently and safely from place to place."

He indicated such developmental feat in Addis Ababa would usher in growth in the economic, business and social aspect of residents. If one city does it, others see the importance and follow suit, Akinwunmi said. "In Africa, we have huge opportunities to develop our infrastructure, our communities and our people. So, this bold step forward is the first step of many to bring Africa to the same level as developed countries. That is one reason why I take this as exemplary for us."

Ali Musa is a journalist from Kenya. He said: "I am happy to witness this project through. I feel envious actually. Because Kenya does not have such infrastructure. This is a big developmental leap to Ethiopia. I wish Kenya would follow suit."

He recalled that he had visited Ethiopia five times previously in which he observed people queuing for transportation service. "So, if this light rail can transport over 1,000 commuters per day, it can ease the problem. In addition, African countries should draw a lesson from Ethiopia. I think all African countries should emulate this move."

Onasanya O. Emannuel, is another invited guest from Lagos. He said: "Ethiopia has chosen the right option. For residents of Lagos, especially, transportation is a major problem. The development of infrastructure in railway and light rail is, therefore, advisable. And we are working hard to turn such dream into reality."

Joining hands with our government and looking outside the shores of the continent to bring in quality operators, quality developers and quality builders, we have to be able to bring this kind of infrastructural development within the domain of possibility, he added.

"The rail is electrified. This is a good way to run it although there are challenges. But to avert the disruption of service, we must ensure regular power supply. In my country Nigeria, this has already been addressed."

"During the last couple of months we have had tremendous improvement in the supply of electricity. And stepping up the good work we have to ensure quality delivery that guarantees a better rail service," he added.

After 13 minutes, the train completed its journey reaching Menelik II square.( North-South 27th station.). With bright faces, commuters queued in front of St. George Church to witness the historic event. Surprisingly, very many people were eagerly waiting to witness.

This writer approached Alem-Tsehay Moges a pregnant woman. She said: "I am moved by the commencement of this service as it would certainly ease city transportation problem. I came here in person to express my happiness defying all the pressures in the hassle."

"I consider myself lucky to watch the service I see in the movies happening in my life," said the 62-year-old Buruk Taddese. He added: "I strongly believe that it can ease transport problem besetting the city."

Acknowledging the patience and cooperation of Addis Ababa City residents during the course of the railway construction, Transport Minister Workeneh Gebeyehu said that the government has drawn a number of lessons from the project.

He also congratulated stakeholders who took part in the construction of the Addis Light Rail Transit Project. Though the project doesn't give a lasting solution to the city transportation problem, it in no doubt tackles the problem.

The Minister called upon the public to make preparations to buttress the second of phase railway project in GTP II.