ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday announced the official launch of the Kasanchis segment of a major urban corridor development project, describing it as a milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its cities.

Once viewed as a rundown and neglected area, Kasanchis has undergone a rapid transformation, which the prime minister hailed as a symbol of “hard work and collective progress.”

The redevelopment is part of a broader initiative aimed at creating cleaner, greener, and more livable urban spaces.

“A few days ago, we visited residents who were relocated from this area to a new, more conducive environment,” Abiy said in a social media post.

He said this reflects Ethiopia’s “unwavering commitment to ensuring dignified living conditions for our communities.”

The prime minister emphasized that the newly completed development lays the groundwork for smart city planning.

He acknowledged that such projects require considerable effort and can cause temporary disruption, but said they are necessary sacrifices for long-term improvement.

Abiy said such progress must continue, for it carries renewed hope “especially for the future of our children.”

The corridor project is part of Ethiopia’s wider urban modernization plan, which aims to reshape the capital and other cities into sustainable, forward-looking centers of growth.