Addis Ababa:Bogotá Former Mayor of Bogotá, Enrique Peñalosa, has praised Ethiopia's urban development efforts for enhancing quality of life, promoting social equality, and making cities more appealing to both residents and tourists.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Peñalosa, who served two terms as mayor of Colombia's capital, highlighted the urban development initiatives in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu during an exclusive interview. He emphasized the expansion of pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes, parks, and illuminated football fields as key factors in reducing social inequalities and providing equal recreational opportunities for people from different economic backgrounds.
Peñalosa, drawing on his experience as an international consultant in urban design and transport, noted that Ethiopia's development of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and recreational facilities is significantly improving urban life. He stated that the improvements in public spaces contribute to the overall happiness and equality among residents.
He further suggested that Ethiopia's urban development strategies could serve as a model for cities across Africa and beyond. He stressed the importance of protecting sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and parks from vehicle encroachment to ensure safety and enjoyment for all users.
Regarding climate resilience, Peñalosa highlighted Ethiopia's favorable weather as a benefit for promoting bicycle use, which consumes less energy and supports efforts to combat global warming. He noted that compact urban development and shorter travel distances can further reduce energy consumption.
Ethiopia has been actively pursuing urban development projects in cities like Addis Ababa and Bishoftu, focusing on improving infrastructure, expanding public spaces, and enhancing urban mobility. These initiatives aim to encourage walking and cycling while elevating the quality of life for residents.
