Finance Minister Confers with Chinese Delegation to Discuss Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit.

Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide held talks with a Chinese delegation about Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit. The Chinese technical team delegation was led by Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Chen Hai.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the main objective of the meeting is to undertake a review on Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit (AALRT) to investigate the problems in the project areas and make recommendation to make it efficient and effective in its operation. The Finance Minister briefed the meeting why the review of the project is required highlighting the interest of the Government to make the project efficient and effective. Moreover, Ahmed stated that Addis Ababa is currently undertaking urban corridor development, which requires harmonizing the project with city developments.The technical team led by the China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Company (CREGC) presented a report on the visit made by technical experts. The report explaining the main reasons of the traffic congestion and some of the challenges on the project, suggested to connect the project with the development of the city taking into consideration of the significant of the project by highlighting that the Government to give due attention on the improvement of the maintenance system and operation harmonizing the project with city developments.Finally, the review meeting assigned Addis Ababa Transport Bureau to lead the Ethiopian technical team to work together with the Chinese expert team giving the joint technical team, mandating to undertake comprehensive assessment and come up with workable solutions.