Addis Ababa: Participants of Africa Urban Form have commended the infrastructure development of Addis Ababa city. Addis Ababa has been convening the First Africa Urban Forum for three days where participants including high ranking officials from across the continent are in attendance. Participants of the urban forum have visited new tourist attraction sites of the city including Friendship and Unity Parks. The visit has been instrumental to showcase the critical role public spaces play in transforming the city thereby fostering inclusive and vibrant communities. Addis Ababa has made commendable strides in upgrading its infrastructure, according to Zimbabwe's Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe. Speaking to ENA, Zimbabwe's Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, commended the significant and impressive infrastructure facilities that Addis Ababa has accomplished. He highlighted the city's remarkable progress and the commendable efforts put into operation, under scoring the transformative changes seen in the Ethiopian capital. The city has made impressive efforts in terms of infrastructure upgrading and building better vertically, he added. 'I was here last year in Addis Ababa. What was Addis like last year is totally diffident from what it looks like today. The city's development trajectory is both commendable and marvelous. We really appreciate it,' according to the minister. During his visit to Friendship and Unity Parks, Garwe said these parks are not only beautiful but they also reflect who Ethiopians are. 'Ethiopians are building Ethiopia. This is what we are experiencing here, and you're building your country. We are sharing experience in terms of what is happening in Ethiopia as well as what is happing in Zimbabwe,' he elaborated. Given Ethiopia is home to the African Union, it is important to launch the inaugural Africa Urban Forum in Addis Ababa, he said. Chairperson of Human Settlements and Urban Agenda National Working Group, SALGA, Xolani Sotashe o n his part appreciated the bold decision that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has made by opening Unity Park to the public. This move is highly commendable because it allows people to appreciate the park's natural beauty and learn about the country's history. The inclusion of a botanical garden, a zoo, and other features in Unity Park represents a significant and progressive step forward, he added. Another notable development is the Corridor Development projects being undertaken throughout the city, he said, adding this initiative is a testament to the country's forward-thinking leadership. 'Addis Ababa is setting an example for other African nations to follow suit,' he added. He stressed that it is necessary for us to walk the talk and Addis Ababa is already demonstrating how to do so effectively. Another participant of the forum, Nasima Shaikh from Zambia remarked that this is her first visit to Addis Ababa. Before arriving in Ethiopia, I had a different perspective on the city, she said, adding however, f rom the moment I landed at the airport, from the airport to the hotel and to the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, 'I was mesmerized by the country's beauty.' The wide roads and ongoing infrastructure development across the city are impressive, she stated. 'The city's skyline is breathtaking, especially at night when the green parks and recreation centers enhance its charm. The rapid transformation of Addis Ababa into such a stunning city is truly remarkable and offers a valuable lesson for other nations,' she elaborated.. The biggest question we keep asking ourselves through is as to how Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, has managed to transform itself in the short period of time to this breathtaking beauty, she wondered. Source: Ethiopian News Agency