Bilal Derso
While attending the project's the inauguration ceremony,
Prof. Alemayehu Gebremariamstated that the meticulous infrastructural addition
in the natural splendor makes it Africa's model for ecotourism development. The
scholar has served as a professor at California State University for many
years.
"I was very impressed by the lake's location and its
wonderful natural beauty. Diasporas who have been far away from here could
learn about their home country's natural blessings and promote it in areas of
their living. I understand how immense natural beauty Ethiopia has been endowed
by just witnessing this breathtaking project."
The professor, who mentioned his visit to CheberaChurchura
National Park, Gorgora and other projects, emphasized the need to make
extensive promotional activities to introduce such places to the outside world.
The deep greenery and the spectacular location of the lodge
is really fascinating and its proximity to Addis Ababa and the convenience of
the road make it possible for people to come and visit, enjoy and learn about
the local culture.
Mentioning his acquaint of the local community's culture in
his visit to the lodge, Alemayehu highlighted that the eco-tourism project is a
dependable source of income and displays Ethiopia's beauty to the rest of the
world.
"There are some interest groups who are campaigning to
tarnish Ethiopia's image and harm its economy in a coordinated manner and it is
crucial to repulse these ill-attempts by introducing such places to the
international community.
According to him, the Wanchi-Dandi Project has demonstrated
Ethiopia's success in eco-tourism and would play a significant role in
expediting the tourism industry and supplementing the national economy.
"Also, this ecotourism project would revitalize business in the area and
ensure the benefit of the local community."
Noting the coming of the second-generation Ethiopian
Diasporas to home country, the academician has pleaded them to understand about
the beauty and natural resources of the country by visiting such places.
Women and Social Affairs Minister ErgogeTesfaye (PhD), who
was also attended the inauguration, said that the project's execution has
created a great opportunity and lesson in a way that focuses on the local
community.
Ergoge further stated that the government has designed
various programs to achieve the goal of sustainable development and determined
to all development works should be people-centered. "The Wanchi-Dandi
Eco-Tourism Village and Lodge Project is an example of the government's
dedication for people-centered development by embracing the local
community."
She added, "The project has created an opportunity for
the local community to live a better and modern life without being displaced
and to participate in different economic activities including tour guide and
others."
The realization of the project has made the hidden tourist
attraction of the naturally beautiful area known, and also created a wide
opportunity for the community to connect with other areas and benefit more from
the built infrastructure, the minister emphasized.
It is to be recalled that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD),
accompanied by senior government officials and members of the Addis-based
diplomatic community inaugurated the project, which is part of the Dine for
Ethiopia's Imitative, last Saturday.