Automated Vehicle Inspections to Be Conducted By 11 Firms
15 June 2010
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The Ethiopian Transport Authority (ETA) has selected 11 companies to conduct its annual vehicle inspections by automatically using a machine as opposed to the manual inspections it used to do previously.
The authority, which is responsible for regulating transport operations on roads, decided to automate its annual vehicle inspections following the business process reengineering (BPR) it underwent a year ago. It has now named Aemero Motor Workshop & Engineering, United Automobile Maintenance Plc, Auto Trust, Gigar Trading, Global Insurance, Hagbes Plc, MOENCO Plc, Zebra Drivers Training, Care Tech Plc, MN Drivers Plc, and Tikur Abay Transport SC as partner for the implementation.
These companies will each need to install an inspection machine, estimated to cost 2.5 million Br.
"The machine is costly and we are negotiating how much to charge the clients," said an owner of one of the selected companies.
The ETA started outsourcing the manual inspection four years ago after doing it for decades on its own at its own centres. Sixteen companies had been in charge of that inspection. Hagbes Plc, MOENCO Plc, and Global Insurance are the only original companies of those previously selected that were reselected for the automated inspections.
The machine tests vehicles' brakes, suspensions, and head lights (strength and direction). It also gauges carbon emission levels of diesel and petrol powered cars. It is hoped that these machines will reduce the staggering number of accidents that occur in the country, according to the aforementioned business owner.
During the first half of the 2009/10 budget year, 174 fatal car accidents were recorded by the Addis Abeba Administration Traffic Police Accident Control and Inspection Department.
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Re: Updates on Business and Economic news, Ethiopia
by YEBANDAMERZE » 15 Jun 2010, 13:28
Ethiopia aims to turn itself into a regional energy giantThe Gibe 3 dam on the Omo river will be Africa's largest, providing power to a nation with one of the world's lowest per capita levels of access to electricity. NGOs warn of environmental disaster
Guardian Weekly, Tuesday 15 June 2010 14.00 BST Article history
Ethiopia's government has set itself an ambitious target: in just a few years it aims to take an undeveloped country, with one of the world's lowest levels of per capita access to electricity, and turn it into a regional powerhouse, exporting energy to its neighbours.
To achieve this the prime minister, Meles Zenawi, is advocating a spending spree to develop Ethiopia. Various foreign non-governmental organisations have questioned the reliability of official impact studies, but with a de facto one-party state, controlled by the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, there is little risk of serious opposition.
Ethiopia is pinning its hopes on the Gibe 3 dam in the Omo valley, 350km south of Addis Ababa. Predictably this is also the focus of the NGOs's concern. Work started in 2006 and by 2012 there should be a dam 240 metres high, the largest in Africa. It will feed a 1,800 MW hydroelectric power station producing twice as much electricity as Ethiopia used in 2009.
In January a coalition of NGOs, including International Rivers and Survival International, started a petition calling for work to be stopped.
"The dam, if not stopped, will cause food insecurity, chronic hunger, poor health, food aid dependence, conflicts among the local communities for the control of the already scarce natural resources and a general unravelling of the economy and social safety net throughout the region," the petitioners say. They say that Gibe 3 and its 150km reservoir will lower the level in Lake Turkana by about 10 metres. The lake, which straddles the border with Kenya, draws four-fifths of its water from the Omo river. The changes would threaten several hundred thousand people in both countries, say the NGOs.
Over the past few years not a month has gone by without the opening of a new road, university, school or health centre. In the past two years alone three dams have come into service. "Most of these schemes are funded by international loans or aid, but Ethiopia is one of the few African countries where work is completed and corruption does not swallow all the money," a western diplomat said.
Both the World Bank and the African Development Bank expressed initial doubts about the Gibe 3 scheme, so the government turned to the Chinese. On 19 May the CEO of the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation, Mihret Debebe, and the president of the Dongfang Electric Corporation, Luo Zhigang, signed an agreement worth $459m for Gibe 3. The total cost of the dam is estimated to be $1.8bn (compared with $25bn gross domestic product in 2009). According to Debebe, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China has committed itself to cover 85% of total outlay. The design office at Sinohydro is already working on plans for Gibe 4, also on the Omo.
"Ethiopia has enormous hydro-electric potential," says Debay Tadesse, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies in the capital. The government aims to achieve a ninefold increase in capacity in just a few years, rocketing from 1,000 to 9,000 MW.
Just 2% of Ethiopia's rural population (80% of its 80 million inhabitants) have access to electricity. "It is inconceivable to develop the country without electrical energy. How else can we power the schools, hospitals, businesses and irrigation systems?" Tadesse asks.
Over and above the problem of connecting homes in Ethiopia to the power grid - which raises the question of a transmission and distribution network - the prime objective is to export energy and earn foreign currency. This should soon be the case thanks to the dam on Lake Tana - at the source of the Blue Nile - built by an Italian firm, Salini, and officially opened last month. A contract to export electricity to Sudan is slated to bring in $150,000 a day. Other contracts have been signed with Kenya and Djibouti.
Guardian Weekly, Tuesday 15 June 2010 14.00 BST Article history
Ethiopia's government has set itself an ambitious target: in just a few years it aims to take an undeveloped country, with one of the world's lowest levels of per capita access to electricity, and turn it into a regional powerhouse, exporting energy to its neighbours.
To achieve this the prime minister, Meles Zenawi, is advocating a spending spree to develop Ethiopia. Various foreign non-governmental organisations have questioned the reliability of official impact studies, but with a de facto one-party state, controlled by the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, there is little risk of serious opposition.
Ethiopia is pinning its hopes on the Gibe 3 dam in the Omo valley, 350km south of Addis Ababa. Predictably this is also the focus of the NGOs's concern. Work started in 2006 and by 2012 there should be a dam 240 metres high, the largest in Africa. It will feed a 1,800 MW hydroelectric power station producing twice as much electricity as Ethiopia used in 2009.
In January a coalition of NGOs, including International Rivers and Survival International, started a petition calling for work to be stopped.
"The dam, if not stopped, will cause food insecurity, chronic hunger, poor health, food aid dependence, conflicts among the local communities for the control of the already scarce natural resources and a general unravelling of the economy and social safety net throughout the region," the petitioners say. They say that Gibe 3 and its 150km reservoir will lower the level in Lake Turkana by about 10 metres. The lake, which straddles the border with Kenya, draws four-fifths of its water from the Omo river. The changes would threaten several hundred thousand people in both countries, say the NGOs.
Over the past few years not a month has gone by without the opening of a new road, university, school or health centre. In the past two years alone three dams have come into service. "Most of these schemes are funded by international loans or aid, but Ethiopia is one of the few African countries where work is completed and corruption does not swallow all the money," a western diplomat said.
Both the World Bank and the African Development Bank expressed initial doubts about the Gibe 3 scheme, so the government turned to the Chinese. On 19 May the CEO of the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation, Mihret Debebe, and the president of the Dongfang Electric Corporation, Luo Zhigang, signed an agreement worth $459m for Gibe 3. The total cost of the dam is estimated to be $1.8bn (compared with $25bn gross domestic product in 2009). According to Debebe, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China has committed itself to cover 85% of total outlay. The design office at Sinohydro is already working on plans for Gibe 4, also on the Omo.
"Ethiopia has enormous hydro-electric potential," says Debay Tadesse, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies in the capital. The government aims to achieve a ninefold increase in capacity in just a few years, rocketing from 1,000 to 9,000 MW.
Just 2% of Ethiopia's rural population (80% of its 80 million inhabitants) have access to electricity. "It is inconceivable to develop the country without electrical energy. How else can we power the schools, hospitals, businesses and irrigation systems?" Tadesse asks.
Over and above the problem of connecting homes in Ethiopia to the power grid - which raises the question of a transmission and distribution network - the prime objective is to export energy and earn foreign currency. This should soon be the case thanks to the dam on Lake Tana - at the source of the Blue Nile - built by an Italian firm, Salini, and officially opened last month. A contract to export electricity to Sudan is slated to bring in $150,000 a day. Other contracts have been signed with Kenya and Djibouti.
Re: Updates on Business and Economic news, Ethiopia
by YEBANDAMERZE » 15 Jun 2010, 20:26
LAKE BESEKA ISLAND, Oromia Region | Resort, Lodge, Cinema, Island development | U/C
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Saudi-US company launches eco project on 133.8ha island
Quote:
Company’s 120mln birr lodge project in Metehara at stake
By Hayal Alemayehu
Sal Joil Saudi-American Investment Plc, a company owned by a Saudi and US investors, has launched what will become the first private eco tourism project in the country to be built on a 133.8ha island on Lake Beseka, in the environs of the town of Metehara 197km east of Addis Ababa, it was learnt.
The Oromia Investment Commission, which about three years ago provided the same company with a 14ha land on the shores of the lake for a 120 million birr lodge project, has given the island to the company, a good portion of which lease-free.
“The commission handed over the island to us following our request,” Seid Dirar, the manager and sole representative of the company told The Reporter. “The commission was willing to do so after it evaluated the resort project we are undertaking. I think they are convinced we can do more in the eco tourism field.”
According to an expert in the Oromia Investment Commission, both projects being executed by the Saudi-American company are believed to attract more tourists in the country as they are unique and huge resort projects. The expert said that the lodge is expected to be the largest and the first of its kind in the country when it is completed.
The company this week kick-started the eco tourism project on the island which involves the construction of traditional lodges and stone steps chiseled out of the hilly areas of the island as well as preserving the ecology across the island, according to Seid.
Two-and-a-half-years ago the company launched the resort project on the shores of Lake Beseka, which includes the construction of artistic lodges that accommodate up to 150 people.
There are about 49 Indonesians working on the project which involves a cinema, horse circus, a museum, a swimming pool, a library and a nightclub, among others, according to Seid.
The resort sports a 50 meter-long pier inside the lake. Along the pier there are rooms while at the tip of is an excursion area.
The resort will render motor boats service on the lake.
Visitors who come to the lodge will visit the island using motor boats the company will import from abroad, according to Seid.
The company also plans to build an airstrip alongside the resort in a bid to cater for visitors who might opt to visit the place by plane, according to the manager. Both the eco project at the island and the resort on the shores of the lake are projected to be completed in one-and-half-year, Seid revealed.
Aside from the resort and the eco project on the island, the company will render game hunting services to guests from different parts of the country. The company is currently in the process of acquiring the license to render such service.
All the same, the Saudi-American investment project is faced with “an unprecedented” challenge due to the expanding Lake Beseka currently overflowing on the edges of the lodge. The overflow has already caused some damage to the sides of the lodge while the company is trying to avoid further damages by building a retaining wall.
“We can not avoid the potential damage that the overflowing waters of the salty lakes could inflict on the lodge,” Seid said. “To this end, the company is seeking the support of the government to save the project from a potential damage.”
The lake has for the last several months been threatening the inhabitants as well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saudi-US company launches eco project on 133.8ha island
Quote:
Company’s 120mln birr lodge project in Metehara at stake
By Hayal Alemayehu
Sal Joil Saudi-American Investment Plc, a company owned by a Saudi and US investors, has launched what will become the first private eco tourism project in the country to be built on a 133.8ha island on Lake Beseka, in the environs of the town of Metehara 197km east of Addis Ababa, it was learnt.
The Oromia Investment Commission, which about three years ago provided the same company with a 14ha land on the shores of the lake for a 120 million birr lodge project, has given the island to the company, a good portion of which lease-free.
“The commission handed over the island to us following our request,” Seid Dirar, the manager and sole representative of the company told The Reporter. “The commission was willing to do so after it evaluated the resort project we are undertaking. I think they are convinced we can do more in the eco tourism field.”
According to an expert in the Oromia Investment Commission, both projects being executed by the Saudi-American company are believed to attract more tourists in the country as they are unique and huge resort projects. The expert said that the lodge is expected to be the largest and the first of its kind in the country when it is completed.
The company this week kick-started the eco tourism project on the island which involves the construction of traditional lodges and stone steps chiseled out of the hilly areas of the island as well as preserving the ecology across the island, according to Seid.
Two-and-a-half-years ago the company launched the resort project on the shores of Lake Beseka, which includes the construction of artistic lodges that accommodate up to 150 people.
There are about 49 Indonesians working on the project which involves a cinema, horse circus, a museum, a swimming pool, a library and a nightclub, among others, according to Seid.
The resort sports a 50 meter-long pier inside the lake. Along the pier there are rooms while at the tip of is an excursion area.
The resort will render motor boats service on the lake.
Visitors who come to the lodge will visit the island using motor boats the company will import from abroad, according to Seid.
The company also plans to build an airstrip alongside the resort in a bid to cater for visitors who might opt to visit the place by plane, according to the manager. Both the eco project at the island and the resort on the shores of the lake are projected to be completed in one-and-half-year, Seid revealed.
Aside from the resort and the eco project on the island, the company will render game hunting services to guests from different parts of the country. The company is currently in the process of acquiring the license to render such service.
All the same, the Saudi-American investment project is faced with “an unprecedented” challenge due to the expanding Lake Beseka currently overflowing on the edges of the lodge. The overflow has already caused some damage to the sides of the lodge while the company is trying to avoid further damages by building a retaining wall.
“We can not avoid the potential damage that the overflowing waters of the salty lakes could inflict on the lodge,” Seid said. “To this end, the company is seeking the support of the government to save the project from a potential damage.”
The lake has for the last several months been threatening the inhabitants as well.
Re: Updates on Business and Economic news, Ethiopia
by YEBANDAMERZE » 20 Jun 2010, 12:15
[b]SATTELITE PRICE GOES STRATOSPHERE
The price of satellite dishes has risen by 45 percent in Addis Ababa markets over the last few weeks.
In the electronics section of Merkato, around Anwar Mosque, the price of a single receiver has increased by over 500 birr to 1,800 birr. A non-TV card receiver with other accessories, which cost around 1,200 birr, now sells for around 1,500 birr, according to traders.
Following the launch of a new 90 centimetre dish by Multi Choice a few months ago, demand has shot up, traders said. Most traders agree that rising demand has led to the price increase, suggesting that the coming football World Cup is one of the reasons.
“It is usual during this kind of international occasion, although the current tournament will be transmitted by Ethiopian TV (ETV),” the traders said.
Some of the traders and shoppers Capital interviewed said the new 24 hour satellite television station, ESAT, which launched its transmission from the US in Amharic last month, is also a factor. The new station is available on the freeview ArabSat service.
Other traders believe the new Multi Choice channel packages offering cheaper deals is also a contributing factor.
Ethiopia has only the state broadcaster, ETV. Some regional administrations recently launched their own stations, and others are also preparing to do so.
Private satellite dishes emerged after the downfall of the military Derg regime 19 years ago. ESAT is the first station transmitting from abroad in Amharic.[/b]
The price of satellite dishes has risen by 45 percent in Addis Ababa markets over the last few weeks.
In the electronics section of Merkato, around Anwar Mosque, the price of a single receiver has increased by over 500 birr to 1,800 birr. A non-TV card receiver with other accessories, which cost around 1,200 birr, now sells for around 1,500 birr, according to traders.
Following the launch of a new 90 centimetre dish by Multi Choice a few months ago, demand has shot up, traders said. Most traders agree that rising demand has led to the price increase, suggesting that the coming football World Cup is one of the reasons.
“It is usual during this kind of international occasion, although the current tournament will be transmitted by Ethiopian TV (ETV),” the traders said.
Some of the traders and shoppers Capital interviewed said the new 24 hour satellite television station, ESAT, which launched its transmission from the US in Amharic last month, is also a factor. The new station is available on the freeview ArabSat service.
Other traders believe the new Multi Choice channel packages offering cheaper deals is also a contributing factor.
Ethiopia has only the state broadcaster, ETV. Some regional administrations recently launched their own stations, and others are also preparing to do so.
Private satellite dishes emerged after the downfall of the military Derg regime 19 years ago. ESAT is the first station transmitting from abroad in Amharic.[/b]
Re: Updates on Business and Economic news, Ethiopia
by YEBANDAMERZE » 20 Jun 2010, 12:32
GUESTS BUNDLED OUT OF FORECLOSED RESORT
The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) foreclosed the Bekele Mola Hotel at Lake Langano this week with everything left inside the compound.
The hotel’s management called the action illegal and said it has created immense problems for its customers and workers who were forcibly ejected from the premises.
According to the management, the bank claims in its letter to them that it has taken action because the hotel’s owner, the National Trading Company (NTC), failed to comply with the terms of a loan agreement. The loan was so NTC could buy Tana Department store in Merkato from the Privatization and Public Enterprises Supervisory Agency (PPESA) in 1995.
CBE claims to hold the Langano hotel as collateral for this loan. However, owners of the Bekele Mola said there is no agreement for the hotel to be used as collateral for the deal.
The hotel closed when security forces from the Arsi Negele Administration Office forced employees and guests out of the hotel.
The management said in a statement: “The bank, without giving enough warning and time, and also without having a court execution order, has taken this illegal action. The workers of the hotel were removed by force, even without taking their bare necessities.”
The statement added that long time residents, including members of the international community, have expressed their sorrow at the complete disregard for their human rights by the security personnel. “Their rooms were locked up with their clothing and furniture inside them” it read.
The Court of Cassation on March 5, 2010, ruled in favour of CBE to take the Langano Bekele Mola Hotel in a litigation that started in 2001.
PPESA put Tana Market Centre out to tender in August 1995, for which National Trading Corporation successfully won the bid with an offer of 68 million birr. CBE sold Tana Department Store, with a 7,500 square metres compound, at the centre of Merkato, for 43 million birr. The property has a four storey building of 6,000 square metres. It also has a 6,000 square metres vacant plot for further development.
The owners of the department store said the property, which was bought by Dashen Bank at an auction after it was foreclosed, was valued in 1995 at around 115 million birr.
The Langano Bekele Mola Hotel, which is 220 kilometres south of Addis Ababa, has been a popular recreation spot since it opened around 50 years ago. The hotel is known for its beach and camping area.
The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) foreclosed the Bekele Mola Hotel at Lake Langano this week with everything left inside the compound.
The hotel’s management called the action illegal and said it has created immense problems for its customers and workers who were forcibly ejected from the premises.
According to the management, the bank claims in its letter to them that it has taken action because the hotel’s owner, the National Trading Company (NTC), failed to comply with the terms of a loan agreement. The loan was so NTC could buy Tana Department store in Merkato from the Privatization and Public Enterprises Supervisory Agency (PPESA) in 1995.
CBE claims to hold the Langano hotel as collateral for this loan. However, owners of the Bekele Mola said there is no agreement for the hotel to be used as collateral for the deal.
The hotel closed when security forces from the Arsi Negele Administration Office forced employees and guests out of the hotel.
The management said in a statement: “The bank, without giving enough warning and time, and also without having a court execution order, has taken this illegal action. The workers of the hotel were removed by force, even without taking their bare necessities.”
The statement added that long time residents, including members of the international community, have expressed their sorrow at the complete disregard for their human rights by the security personnel. “Their rooms were locked up with their clothing and furniture inside them” it read.
The Court of Cassation on March 5, 2010, ruled in favour of CBE to take the Langano Bekele Mola Hotel in a litigation that started in 2001.
PPESA put Tana Market Centre out to tender in August 1995, for which National Trading Corporation successfully won the bid with an offer of 68 million birr. CBE sold Tana Department Store, with a 7,500 square metres compound, at the centre of Merkato, for 43 million birr. The property has a four storey building of 6,000 square metres. It also has a 6,000 square metres vacant plot for further development.
The owners of the department store said the property, which was bought by Dashen Bank at an auction after it was foreclosed, was valued in 1995 at around 115 million birr.
The Langano Bekele Mola Hotel, which is 220 kilometres south of Addis Ababa, has been a popular recreation spot since it opened around 50 years ago. The hotel is known for its beach and camping area.
Re: Updates on Business and Economic news, Ethiopia
by YEBANDAMERZE » 21 Jun 2010, 06:26
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa is ideally located in the heart of the Ethiopian capital, also known as the capital city of Africa and host city for the African Union. The city has more international delegations represented there than the UN has in New York. The new Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa is adjacent to United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC)-, offers its guests ultra-modern facilities and high-quality service. With 204 well-appointed guest rooms, including 16 suites, the new hotel will be an exclusive oasis for both leisure and business visitors. Boasting seven large meeting rooms, and a fully-serviced Business Centre, it is also the perfect venue for everything from small get-togethers to major conferences. For guests who need to unwind, there is a large, well-equipped wellness centre and fitness room, with a comfortable and exclusive bar for evening relaxation. Eating in will be a pleasure in the hotel's spacious restaurant offering international Brasserie “Verres en Vers” cuisine with its wide range of local and international dishes. All in all, this new hotel will provide everything you need for an enjoyable and successful stay in Addis Ababa.
* This new, ultra-modern hotel is strategically located in an exclusive business district adjacent to the African Union Conference Centre, which draws many international visitors to Addis Ababa.
* Situated close to major arterial routes, the hotel provides fast and easy access to Bole International Airport which is approximately 8 kilometres away.
* The hotel offers 204 well-appointed guest rooms including 16 luxury suites.
* Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and the country's chief administrative and business hub; it is also the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the African Union.
* Large Wellness Centre and Fitness Centre with state-of-the-art facilities
* A cosy bar and well-stocked shop will make you feel at home
* Good indoor parking facilities, with room for 30 vehicles
* Spacious, 250-square-metre restaurant offers high-quality international cuisine.
* The hotel is an excellent venue for conferences and smaller events, with five well-equipped meeting rooms between 280 square metres and 47 square metres.
Re: Updates on Business and Economic news, Ethiopia
by YEBANDAMERZE » 01 Sep 2010, 07:50
Company’s 120mln birr lodge project in Metehara at stake
By Hayal Alemayehu
Sal Joil Saudi-American Investment Plc, a company owned by a Saudi and US investors, has launched what will become the first private eco tourism project in the country to be built on a 133.8ha island on Lake Beseka, in the environs of the town of Metehara 197km east of Addis Ababa, it was learnt.
The Oromia Investment Commission, which about three years ago provided the same company with a 14ha land on the shores of the lake for a 120 million birr lodge project, has given the island to the company, a good portion of which lease-free.
“The commission handed over the island to us following our request,” Seid Dirar, the manager and sole representative of the company told The Reporter. “The commission was willing to do so after it evaluated the resort project we are undertaking. I think they are convinced we can do more in the eco tourism field.”
According to an expert in the Oromia Investment Commission, both projects being executed by the Saudi-American company are believed to attract more tourists in the country as they are unique and huge resort projects. The expert said that the lodge is expected to be the largest and the first of its kind in the country when it is completed.
The company this week kick-started the eco tourism project on the island which involves the construction of traditional lodges and stone steps chiseled out of the hilly areas of the island as well as preserving the ecology across the island, according to Seid.
Two-and-a-half-years ago the company launched the resort project on the shores of Lake Beseka, which includes the construction of artistic lodges that accommodate up to 150 people.
There are about 49 Indonesians working on the project which involves a cinema, horse circus, a museum, a swimming pool, a library and a nightclub, among others, according to Seid.
The resort sports a 50 meter-long pier inside the lake. Along the pier there are rooms while at the tip of is an excursion area.
The resort will render motor boats service on the lake.
Visitors who come to the lodge will visit the island using motor boats the company will import from abroad, according to Seid.
The company also plans to build an airstrip alongside the resort in a bid to cater for visitors who might opt to visit the place by plane, according to the manager. Both the eco project at the island and the resort on the shores of the lake are projected to be completed in one-and-half-year, Seid revealed.
Aside from the resort and the eco project on the island, the company will render game hunting services to guests from different parts of the country. The company is currently in the process of acquiring the license to render such service.
All the same, the Saudi-American investment project is faced with “an unprecedented” challenge due to the expanding Lake Beseka currently overflowing on the edges of the lodge. The overflow has already caused some damage to the sides of the lodge while the company is trying to avoid further damages by building a retaining wall.
“We can not avoid the potential damage that the overflowing waters of the salty lakes could inflict on the lodge,” Seid said. “To this end, the company is seeking the support of the government to save the project from a potential damage.”
The lake has for the last several months been threatening the inhabitants as well.
SOURCE : TheReporter
By Hayal Alemayehu
Sal Joil Saudi-American Investment Plc, a company owned by a Saudi and US investors, has launched what will become the first private eco tourism project in the country to be built on a 133.8ha island on Lake Beseka, in the environs of the town of Metehara 197km east of Addis Ababa, it was learnt.
The Oromia Investment Commission, which about three years ago provided the same company with a 14ha land on the shores of the lake for a 120 million birr lodge project, has given the island to the company, a good portion of which lease-free.
“The commission handed over the island to us following our request,” Seid Dirar, the manager and sole representative of the company told The Reporter. “The commission was willing to do so after it evaluated the resort project we are undertaking. I think they are convinced we can do more in the eco tourism field.”
According to an expert in the Oromia Investment Commission, both projects being executed by the Saudi-American company are believed to attract more tourists in the country as they are unique and huge resort projects. The expert said that the lodge is expected to be the largest and the first of its kind in the country when it is completed.
The company this week kick-started the eco tourism project on the island which involves the construction of traditional lodges and stone steps chiseled out of the hilly areas of the island as well as preserving the ecology across the island, according to Seid.
Two-and-a-half-years ago the company launched the resort project on the shores of Lake Beseka, which includes the construction of artistic lodges that accommodate up to 150 people.
There are about 49 Indonesians working on the project which involves a cinema, horse circus, a museum, a swimming pool, a library and a nightclub, among others, according to Seid.
The resort sports a 50 meter-long pier inside the lake. Along the pier there are rooms while at the tip of is an excursion area.
The resort will render motor boats service on the lake.
Visitors who come to the lodge will visit the island using motor boats the company will import from abroad, according to Seid.
The company also plans to build an airstrip alongside the resort in a bid to cater for visitors who might opt to visit the place by plane, according to the manager. Both the eco project at the island and the resort on the shores of the lake are projected to be completed in one-and-half-year, Seid revealed.
Aside from the resort and the eco project on the island, the company will render game hunting services to guests from different parts of the country. The company is currently in the process of acquiring the license to render such service.
All the same, the Saudi-American investment project is faced with “an unprecedented” challenge due to the expanding Lake Beseka currently overflowing on the edges of the lodge. The overflow has already caused some damage to the sides of the lodge while the company is trying to avoid further damages by building a retaining wall.
“We can not avoid the potential damage that the overflowing waters of the salty lakes could inflict on the lodge,” Seid said. “To this end, the company is seeking the support of the government to save the project from a potential damage.”
The lake has for the last several months been threatening the inhabitants as well.
SOURCE : TheReporter
Re: Updates on Business and Economic news, Ethiopia
by YEBANDAMERZE » 01 Sep 2010, 07:54
Addis Ababa, June 21, 2010 (Addis Ababa) - Prime Minister Meles Zenawi laid a cornerstone where a New Office Facility of the Economic Commission for Africa will be built here in the capital at a cost of 7.5 million US dollars.
The construction of the New Office Facility which will be carried by local construction firm known as Rama will be completed in a period of 18 months.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony, Abdoulie Janneh said this good will manifest at the onset by the generous provision of Africa Hall and has been maintained in this particular project by the provision of Africa substantial piece of land for the New Office Facility as well as administrative and diplomatic support of various government Ministries and agencies.
Indeed, he said the Addis Ababa Municipality has also gone to great lengnths to undertake civil engineering and infrastructural support for the take-off the project.
He seized this opportunity to express sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Meles and through him to the government and people of Ethiopia for their support and understanding over the years.
The decision to build the new Office Facility is ample testimony to the faith that the UN has in the ability of Ethiopia to continue to provide the conducive environment of a clam and tranquil setting with the necessary facilities and infrastructure.
The New Office Facility will be the forth major structure in the UN compound, following on the Africa Hall Complex, the present ECA building, the United Nations Conference Center.
In keeping with Addis Ababa's role as Africa's diplomatic capital, the number of UN offices, funds, programs and agencies located in Addis Ababa has grown substantially.
The new office facility is therefore being constructed to provide accommodation for over 500 more staff with the aim of having a UN compound that can accommodate the needs of Addis Ababa based entities.
The construction of the New Office Facility which will be carried by local construction firm known as Rama will be completed in a period of 18 months.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony, Abdoulie Janneh said this good will manifest at the onset by the generous provision of Africa Hall and has been maintained in this particular project by the provision of Africa substantial piece of land for the New Office Facility as well as administrative and diplomatic support of various government Ministries and agencies.
Indeed, he said the Addis Ababa Municipality has also gone to great lengnths to undertake civil engineering and infrastructural support for the take-off the project.
He seized this opportunity to express sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Meles and through him to the government and people of Ethiopia for their support and understanding over the years.
The decision to build the new Office Facility is ample testimony to the faith that the UN has in the ability of Ethiopia to continue to provide the conducive environment of a clam and tranquil setting with the necessary facilities and infrastructure.
The New Office Facility will be the forth major structure in the UN compound, following on the Africa Hall Complex, the present ECA building, the United Nations Conference Center.
In keeping with Addis Ababa's role as Africa's diplomatic capital, the number of UN offices, funds, programs and agencies located in Addis Ababa has grown substantially.
The new office facility is therefore being constructed to provide accommodation for over 500 more staff with the aim of having a UN compound that can accommodate the needs of Addis Ababa based entities.
Re: Updates on Business and Economic news, Ethiopia
by YEBANDAMERZE » 01 Sep 2010, 07:57
By Yohannes Anberbir
HOCHEIMY Enterprises, subsidiary company of AL Mamoon Group a giant Qatar company wants to jump into the hotel and housing business in Ethiopia. Nabih Hochieimi general manager of HOCHEIMY Enterprises visited Ethiopia last week and proposed a multimillion dollar investment license for a hotel business in Addis Ababa.
The manager talked with Capital about suitable business areas in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is a stable country and a diplomatic core of Africa. There are many hotels in the capital city; however the sector doesn’t meet its demand, he said.
“My company has recognized the gap and is interested into constructing a congress palace hotel if the authorities can offer me suitable and appropriate land here in Addis Ababa”, he told Capital.
“I know how to work with Ethiopians because there are over 425 Ethiopian construction professionals working for my company which is currently undertaking expansion work for the Qatar Intercontinental Hotel at a cost of 200 million dollars” Hochieimi said.
The company also plans to engage in a low cost housing project. They say they will be able to provide housing at competitive prices especially with the rising housing costs. “I had been close to media reporting about Ethiopia since 1997 and my current visit to Ethiopia made me think more highly of the country,” the manager added.
“The good strategy of Ethiopia’s prime Minister has put the country in the international scene and dominant position in Africa, but the war against poverty and economic growth has just begun. he said based on his observation during his stay.
“Ethiopia needs devoted technocrats who are not concerned with internal political cuisine, who believe in the future of the country”, he said.
He advised authorities to see the benefit from the booming real state construction and road construction. He recognized the investor’s effort to engage in the housing construction but prices of many homes are not affordable to Ethiopians and quality of roads should be given serious attention.
from CapitalEthiopia
HOCHEIMY Enterprises, subsidiary company of AL Mamoon Group a giant Qatar company wants to jump into the hotel and housing business in Ethiopia. Nabih Hochieimi general manager of HOCHEIMY Enterprises visited Ethiopia last week and proposed a multimillion dollar investment license for a hotel business in Addis Ababa.
The manager talked with Capital about suitable business areas in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is a stable country and a diplomatic core of Africa. There are many hotels in the capital city; however the sector doesn’t meet its demand, he said.
“My company has recognized the gap and is interested into constructing a congress palace hotel if the authorities can offer me suitable and appropriate land here in Addis Ababa”, he told Capital.
“I know how to work with Ethiopians because there are over 425 Ethiopian construction professionals working for my company which is currently undertaking expansion work for the Qatar Intercontinental Hotel at a cost of 200 million dollars” Hochieimi said.
The company also plans to engage in a low cost housing project. They say they will be able to provide housing at competitive prices especially with the rising housing costs. “I had been close to media reporting about Ethiopia since 1997 and my current visit to Ethiopia made me think more highly of the country,” the manager added.
“The good strategy of Ethiopia’s prime Minister has put the country in the international scene and dominant position in Africa, but the war against poverty and economic growth has just begun. he said based on his observation during his stay.
“Ethiopia needs devoted technocrats who are not concerned with internal political cuisine, who believe in the future of the country”, he said.
He advised authorities to see the benefit from the booming real state construction and road construction. He recognized the investor’s effort to engage in the housing construction but prices of many homes are not affordable to Ethiopians and quality of roads should be given serious attention.
from CapitalEthiopia
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