Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Said Jigjiga is a model showcasing how working hands can change a country.
The Premier’s appreciation came after he visited the various development projects in Somali Regional State, some of which were inaugurated at his presence.
“Some of the start up here signifies that if we work hard, we really will be able to bring about change that can transform peoples’ lives.”
The premier slammed those who say that growth and change are exhibited only in Addis Ababa. He said they should go out to the rural areas and see the changes there as well.
“When I first came here about 4 and a half years ago, there was only one main road that goes to around 8 kilometers. Now there are two broad roads of 40 kilometers that each side has 3 lanes. The roads have lanes for bicycles and walkways. Now about 2 thousand kilometers of road construction is underway in Somalia region. More than 40 kilometers of the roads are completely done. We also witnessed a hospital that is automated and can even serve people from neighboring countries. It is one of a kind in the Eastern Ethiopia. Regarding electricity, there are about 68 small towns that are provided with 24 hours of electricity,” he said.
The premier mentioned that overall tremendous changes have been witnessed in education, health service, electricity and governmental offices such as the regional parliament that goes with ergonomics.
According to the Premier, Somalia region could be a center of economic transaction that could serve both local and neighboring countries.