A total of 27 kilometers of cobblestone–paved roads were constructed in a fraction of the time it would have otherwise taken (a few months instead of a few years). By avoiding the need for mass transport of construction materials in and out of the city, the project significantly reduced traffic disruption, environmental impacts, and overall project costs were reduced by up to 26%.
We supported the capacity building of local stakeholders. Many of AACRA’s staff received training in advanced engineerig designs, technologies, and techniques. A focus was placed on enhancing climate resiliency, minimizing the environmental and social footprint of project, and creating sustainable long-term solutions to local communities.
The project served as a turning point for AACRA and later for other road authorities in Ethiopia, in how they approached road design and construction. It helped shift the focus toward integrating climate resiliency into road pavement designs.
Added value from AnyWay Solutions
Through its innovative and holistic approach to the challenges faced by the project, AnyWay was able to increase the social, economic, and environmental impact of the project.
Social Impact – The designs created meaningful opportunities for community-based SMEs to participate in the construction phase. Accelerated project implementation helped minimize disruptions typically caused by infrastructure work in a dense urban setting like Addis Ababa, thereby reducing inconvenience to residents and businesses. In the longer term, the improved road network has significantly enhanced access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and markets. Access to these important services has improved and remained reliable in various climate conditions, including the extreme climate events that have occured in recent years.
Economical Impact – It is well documented that better roads have a positive significant impact on economic development in areas surrounding them. This was clearly seen in neighborhoods like Gerji, where upgraded access benefited numerous markets, as well as in newly developed residential areas such as Jemo, where the new roads supported the growth of commercial centers and markets. The improved mobility has stimulated business activity, job creation, and property development across these communities.
Environmental Impact – There is less congestion and pollution by reducing the need for transport trucks in and out of the city and less damage to the environment by reducing the need to quarry pavement materials. In the long term, the transformation of dusty dirt and gravel roads into cobblestone pavements has greatly reduced airborne dust and pollution in the city. Smoother traffic flow has also helped reduce vehicle emissions, further contributing to improved air quality in Addis Ababa.