URL: http://www.ucbp-ethiopia.com/e2154/e2745/e2408/index_eng.html

Adama steps up with cobblestones

Paving with cobblestones begun in Egypt more than 3.500 years ago. From then on, cobblestone pavements were used worldwide in cities such as Berlin, New York and Paris. In Ethiopia, the GIZ IS cobblestone project was introduced in 2006 as part of the UCBP. Adama was the first city to train workers in the different processes of producing and paving with cobblestones. In only one year, the German cobblestone experts have trained more than 5000 people with whom they have paved 20,000 square meters in Adama city.

After finishing the pavement of the Adama central marketplace and two roads, the third road was completed on 23rd August 2008. This was celebrated with the attendance of H.E. Ato Wondwossen Kiflu (State Minister of Ministry of Education), Ato Muktar Kedir (Vice President of Oromia Region), representatives from the Adama Municipality, GIZ, many cobblestone workers and families benefiting from their works. Adamas town mayor Ato Sesay Negash said on the event that the project allows cities and towns to develop their own infrastructure using local materials. In addition to that it creates more jobs for a number of youth. According to GTZ IS Director Mr. Stefan Helming, the cobblestone paving is labor intensive and can create job opportunities as it uses all natural and locally available materials.

Cobblestones trainings will be given on other UCBP construction sites later in 2008.