Ato Million Mathewos, Chief Administrator of the Sidama Zone,
Distinguished Guests,
Community Members of the Bensa Woreda, in particular those from the Bonbe Kebele,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Endemen Walachehu.  Kero Hosini.

I am most grateful to all of you for your very warm welcome.  This is my fifth trip to the SNNPRS, and I am glad to be able to visit Sidama today, one of the most celebrated coffee producing areas in Ethiopia.  I enjoy your coffee very much as well as this lovely Sidama jacket!

Now, it is a great pleasure for me to have this opportunity to celebrate the completion of this Abore Bridge with you here in the Bensa Woreda.  This project was funded by Japan’s grant-in-aid scheme for grassroots and human security projects, amounting to USD 112,359, based upon the grant contract we signed last September.  Our project partner is the Sidama Zone Administration, a most competent local authority.

I remember this project very well as it has a unique history.  The project proposal was once turned down by my predecessor since its financial requirements exceeded the upper limit of the GGP guidelines.  Then I spoke with H.E. Ato Shiferaw, President of the regional state, on this issue in Hawasa one year ago, and we came to a common understanding that the project was very important for the local communities.  Therefore, I suggested to the President that the project could be revived if the size of the bridge and its cost estimate were reviewed so that the project proposal would fit the GGP guidelines.  Subsequently, through several rounds of talks, Shoko, the then GGP project coordinator, and Ato Aberu, the Head of the Water, Minerals and Energy Department, worked out a mutually agreeable revised proposal, which was finally approved by Tokyo last September.  It is, therefore, really moving for me to share this joyous moment with you by celebrating the completion of the project here today.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Improving access to social and economic services and vitalizing local economies in isolated areas are great challenges in Ethiopia, and the Bensa Woreda is no exception.  In this woreda, residents in three villages, namely Bonbe, Shanta Wene and Huro Tibro depend on Daye town across the Bonora River for major social and economic services, including markets, health and education.  Previously, a small temporary bridge constructed by the local community over the river provided the only means for the residents to access the town.  However, it was too small and fragile for vehicles to pass and good only for pedestrians.  In addition, it was easily washed away when there was flooding during the rainy season.  Each time the bridge became unusable, the villagers had to take a detour, walking an extra 30km.

In these circumstances, the residents had been waiting a long time for the construction of a solid bridge that would vitalize economic and social exchanges across the river.  This project, therefore, aimed at improving access for the residents to social and economic services across the Bonora River by constructing a bridge of reinforced concrete, 20 meters in length and 5.6 meters in width, with 29 meter bridge wings.  Through this project, the 40,000 residents living in the three villages will be able to cross the river safely throughout the year.   Vehicles will also be able to use the bridge to transport agricultural products and other materials across the river.  As a result, the living conditions of the residents will be improved, and their economic opportunities will be increased.  The strengthened commercial activities and business transactions will bring significant benefits to the entire Bensa Woreda, which has the potential of further development as one of the major Sidama coffee producing areas, with 36 coffee factories.

There is one more point worth mentioning about this project.  It is a community endeavor in which the residents participated by offering their labor and construction materials.  It is also worth noting that the Sidama Zone made a substantial financial contribution to the project by allocating a budgetary appropriation.  In addition, the Zone Administration facilitated this project with us, completing it ahead of schedule, taking only six months, in collaboration with the local community and in line with the project guidelines.  I do appreciate such an excellent partnership!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The newly built bridge is now handed over to the community and the Zone.  I am confident that you will make the most use of it and enjoy great benefits.  At the same time, please keep in mind that it is equally important to maintain the bridge in good condition so that it will serve the local interests for a long time.  Finally, I do hope that this Abore Bridge becomes a symbol of friendship between people in Sidama and people in Japan.  Also, I do hope that we can work together again in the future for the economic and social benefit of underprivileged people in rural areas of Ethiopia.  I thank you again for your warm hospitality and also the Heavens for today’s lovely weather well suited for this inauguration ceremony.

Amesegenalehu.  Galatinemo.