Urban Street Design Manual Launched  

Addis Ababa  November 23/2024 (ENA) Ethiopia's Ministry of Transport and Logistics launched Urban Street Design Manual in Addis Ababa today.  

This came during the Ethio Green Mobility 2024 Symposium at Huajian International Light Industry City in Addis Ababa.

A symposium showcased innovations and panel discussions on green transport solutions.

Speaking at the occasion, Logistics and Transport State Minister, Dhenge Boru said that Ethiopia’s commitment to sustainable green mobility is more important than ever as we faced the dual challenge of urbanization and climate change.

Ethiopia’s abundant renewable energy resources uniquely positioned the country to lead the way in green mobility, he stated.

“We stand at the crucial juncture in fostering green mobility in Ethiopia. Ethio Green Mobility 2024 exhibition and symposium hosted by our ministry served as a platform not only for showcasing innovations but also for engaging vital discourse and panel discussions around green transportation solutions, best practices, challenges and opportunities in green mobilit,” he said.

Emphasizing that the time is now for Ethiopia to translate its commitment for sustainable green mobility into action, he pointed out that his ministry is striving for promoting the use of rentable energy sources in transport sector to create a healthier environment. 

“By prioritizing mass transportations and non-motorized transportations, we can reduce traffic congestion, improve health quality and create a healthier environment for future generation,” Dhenge said.

The Urban Street Design Manual, developed in collaboration with Institute for Transpiration and Development Policy (ITDP) is intended to provide guidelines for creating efficient transportation networks that accommodate various modes of transport, including vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians in all cities of Ethiopia.

 

ITDP Africa Program Director, Christopher Kost said that the Urban Street Design Manual is aimed to promoting safety, improve accessibility, support sustainable development by encouraging eco-friendly transport options and integrating green spaces as well as  enhances the development of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

Moreover, it envisions to create a healthier urban environment by promoting the construction of pedestrian pathways alongside improved cycling infrastructure, ultimately foster a healthier citizenry with encouraging healthier lifestyles through increased physical activity, he added.

“ITDP collaborated with the government of Ethiopia to develop the Ethiopia’s Urban Street Design Manual to guide the design of streets that are safe and efficient. We want to make sure that people can move around Ethiopia’s cities efficient,” he said.