Ethiopia is building East Africa's largest integrated rehabilitation center

Ethiopia is bui

lding East Africa's largest integrated rehabilitation center. Ethiopia is taking a major step forward. The center will set a new standard for healthcare in Ethiopia. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in Gefersa, Sheger City. Gefersa is primarily known for two things: - Gefersa Dam: This is a historic reservoir west of Addis Ababa. It was built during the reign of Emperor Menelik II in the early 20th century (around 1900) to provide the growing capital with a reliable water supply. It was one of the first major modern water supply projects for Addis Ababa. · and the Gefersa area. The name also refers to the surrounding area, known for its natural beauty. It is a popular spot for locals to escape the city center and enjoy picnics, birdwatching, and nature. The area is characterized by its hilly landscape and the reservoir. And Sheger City (Sheger Akaki Kaliti Integrated Development Project). "Sheger City" is a much newer and extremely ambitious project. It is a large-scale urban development project of the Ethiopian government. The official name is often "Sheger Akaki Kaliti Integrated Development Project." The purpose of Sheger Akaki Kaliti is to become a new, modern satellite city to alleviate the enormous population pressure and housing shortage in the main centers of Addis Ababa. The city will be built on the southern outskirts of Addis Ababa, mainly in the suburbs of Akaki and Kaliti. The project is massive and is expected to cover tens of thousands of hectares. Hundreds of thousands of housing units (apartments and villas) will be built, with modern infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals, and shopping centers. There will also be industrial parks and business districts to create jobs. It is one of the current government's most important megaprojects and marks a significant shift toward planned urban expansion and modern living in Ethiopia. Some more history. Sheger is the traditional name of present-day Addis Ababa. The city was founded by Emperor Menelik II in the wider "Sheger" region. The Gefersa Dam was built to supply water to "Sheger" (Addis Ababa). The new Sheger City project bears this historic name to reflect its role as the next evolution and expansion of the capital. The new center transforms a 40-year-old facility into a leading continental rehabilitation center. By consolidating 17 facilities, it will provide comprehensive, integrated care for people with physical, intellectual, cognitive, psychological, or physical disabilities. Mekdes reiterated the government's focus on health policy, particularly with regard to non-communicable diseases. The complex covers 17 hectares and comprises 13 building blocks with the following services: medical, therapeutic, residential, recreational. In addition, urban agriculture programs will be integrated to: support patient care, provide therapies, and create jobs. Upon completion, the National Integrated Rehabilitation Center will be the largest in East Africa, offering specialized treatments for injuries, chronic diseases, and congenital conditions.