Majority of projects under execution with over 44mln birr finalized in Harrari state

Harar, August 30, 2006 (WIC) - More than half of the 67 new and outstanding projects carried out with an outlay of over 44 million birr in Harrari state have been finalized during the just-ended fiscal year, according to the regional Finance and Economic Development Office.

Office head, Arif Abdulhafiz, told WIC yesterday that the projects were executed in 38 urban and rural kebeles of the state.

He said 35 of the projects were new and the rest outstanding ones whose implementation had been underway since the previous budget year.

The projects, according to Arif, focus on education, urban development, agriculture, water, health, capacity building and social development.

The head said 10 of the projects were nearing completion, while the remaining would be finalized by the end of December. Upon going fully operational, the projects would benefit 100,000 residents.

Over 165mln birr allotted for potable water, sanitation projects in Harrar, Kibre Mengist towns

Addis Ababa, August 29, 2006 (WIC) - More than 165 million birr has been earmarked for the execution of potable water and sanitation projects in Harrar and Kibre Mengist towns this fiscal year, the Ministry of Water Resources disclosed.

Water Development Fund Office Director General with the ministry, Mohammed Abdulwhab, told WIC today that of the total budget 135,870,000 birr would be allotted to the implementation of the projects in Harrar and the rest to Kibre Mengist town.

Accordingly, efforts have been exerted to supply sufficient and reliable provision of potable water to the towns in the budget year, the Director General said.

Of the total budget earmarked for the execution of the projects, 158.1 million birr was obtained in aid and loan, and the remaining 11.2 million birr from the government.

Activities are also underway to raise the potable water and sanitation coverages of towns across the country from 86.6 and 57 percent respectively to 100 percent in the coming seven years, he concluded.

Office conducting study to identify potential investment resources of Harari state

Harar, August 28, 2006 (WIC) - The Harari Investment Office disclosed that it has been undertaking a study to identify the untapped investment resources of the state.

Office head, Abduselam Abdosh told WIC today that the office has been conducting the study since last year with over half a million birr budget earmarked by the regional state.

The head said the study would be instrumental in identifying and promoting potential agricultural wealth of the state.

The study would also help to detect the investment opportunities and suitable investment areas in the state, he said, adding that it is expected to get finalized by next December.

The study has been undertaken by professionals and consultants drawn from the regional Trade and Industry Department, Urban Development, Municipality, Finance and Economic Development Bureau, and Investment Office.

Meanwhile, the Office has issued licenses to 95 investors with an aggregate capital of 163 million birr in the just-ended budget year.

Abdusalam said the projects would create employment opportunities to 852 citizens on going operational.

Harris Corporation to deliver High-Power AM Systems to Radio Ethiopia

Harris Corporation have announced a turnkey radio transmission sale to Radio Ethiopia, a segment of the Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency (ERTA). Harris will deliver high-power AM transmitters to stations in Harar (3DX-D100, 100 kW) and Mekele (DX-D200, 200 kW) this fall through Technology Systems and Solutions, a Harris dealer representative based in Ethiopia. The transmitters, which are ready for DRM and HD Radio conversion, will deliver a higher quality signal to a large part of the country. The new transmission system will dramatically improve the quality of AM radio transmissions throughout the country by the end of 2006. According to Alemayehu Atomsa, general manager of ERTA, Harris was selected for its ability to offer turnkey systems and services, technical superiority and the company's ongoing presence in Ethiopian radio facilities. Atomsa commented: "By upgrading our high-power AM transmission infrastructure we will have the ability to deliver radio broadcasts to a much larger population." Debra Hutttenburg, Vice President and general manager of Harris Broadcast Communications Divison's Radio Broadcast Systems business unit commented: "Harris is pleased to announce the sale of high-power AM transmission systems to Radio Ethiopia as it prepares to take a major step toward improving national communications." Huttenburg added: "Harris has long been active in Ethiopia, with more than 40 transmitters currently installed in radio facilities around the country. Radio is the best means of communication for many African countries, and therefore it is crucial to maintain a healthy transmission infrastructure. Our 3DX and DX high-power AM transmitters are among the most reliable on the market and will offer a robust AM signal to the Ethiopian population for years to come." The transmitters to be delivered under this contract have a proven record of reliability and high efficiency with installations around the world. This operational efficiency ultimately reduces costs for the broadcaster. Further promoting cost-efficiency, Harris will deliver the transmitters as the central piece of a turnkey package featuring antennas/towers, transmission line and additional RF equipment. Harris will also provide civil work and integration services leading up to installation. (DS)

More than 11,000 farmers engage in regular, household extension program in Harari state

Harar, August 26, 2006 (WIC) - More than 11,000 farmers have been engaged in regular and household agricultural extension program in Harari state this season ,the regional Agriculture and Rural Development Bureau said.

Bureau head , Abdurkadir Adem, told WIC today that the rainy season is suitable for farming despite its negative consequences in some parts of the country.

He said 51 development agents deployed in 17 rural kebeles have thus been providing training and education on crops and backyard vegetables development, animal rearing, post-harvest technology ,soil and water conservation.

Efforts would also be made to engage farmers in household agricultural packages so that they could become food self-sufficient in short period of time by producing various backyard vegetables and crops, he added.

According to Abdurkadir ,the bureau has been supplying over 2,000 quintals of fertilizers, 100,000 quintals of select wheat and haricot bean seeds, and pesticides to farmers engaged in the extension program since last month.

Out of Africa, Into Helpful Hands

By Megan Greenwell

Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, July 27, 2006; Page B03

When Wendell Chesson came to the District from Liberia 25 years ago, he did not know where to find housing, where to learn English or how to locate health care. Now, he said, new African immigrants won't have to face the same challenges.

Chesson and dozens of other African-born District residents celebrated the opening of the African Resource Center yesterday at a converted house on Vermont Avenue near U Street NW. The center is part of a growing effort by African immigrants to provide a voice for their community.

In order to be heard, we have to build an institution," said Abdul Kamus, an Ethiopian immigrant who devised the plan for the African Resource Center and will serve as its executive director. "Starting today, the community is in charge of helping each other through this center."

About 16 percent of new immigrants in the region are from Africa, according to a 2001 Brookings Institution study, but community leaders said African-born people have less of a cohesive identity than do Latino or Asian immigrants. The D.C. Council voted in March to create an Office of African Affairs, many years after similar offices were founded to serve the Latino and Asian/Pacific Islander communities.

"We have many cultural differences, but when it comes to achieving benefits, we have to do it for all Africans," Chesson said. "There might be a few Ethiopians here and a few Nigerians there, but if we put all the countries together, we are a big group."

The African Resource Center will teach people about their rights and provide information about education, health care, immigration procedures, language access programs and other services, Kamus said. The staff will work with the Office of African Affairs to bring relevant issues to the attention of elected officials.

"We have always thought immigration was about Latinos," said Juan Carlos Ruíz, general coordinator of the National Capital Immigration Coalition. "We've been illuminated and educated, and we pledge our full support for the development of this organization."

One initial focus of the African Resource Center will be trying to develop solutions for the problems created by the law, passed in 2001 but enforced only recently, that does not allow taxi drivers to register the vehicles they own in the District unless they live in the city. Most of the city's drivers live outside the city, and Kamus said a majority are African immigrants. D.C. Taxicab Commission Chairman Causton Toney attended yesterday's celebration and promised to work with community leaders to find solutions.

"The invitation for me to come here was a clear indication of the desire to bridge the gap between the government and the community," Toney said. "Now we can work together."

THE 11TH HARARI SPORTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL;

THE 11TH HARARI SPORTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL;
July 19, 2006 Fellow Hararis; THE ORGANZING COMMITTEE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL VOLUNTEERS AND ALL THOSE DEDICATED TORONTONIAN HARARIS WHO SUPPORTED US PHYSICALLY, MORALLY AND FINANCIALLY. WE THANK ALL OUR YOUTH WHO CONTRIBUTED IMMENSLY ANDTHE HARARI COMMUNITY OF ONTARIO BOARD AND ITS DEDICATED MEMBERS WHO WERE ALSO THE ESSENTIAL PART OF THIS SUCCESS. Toronto, the city where the Harari Sports and Cultural Federation (HSCF) was established and its First Constitution was ratified, had the privilege of hosting the 11th Annual Harari Sports and Cultural Festival. By the viewpoint of the overwhelming response we received from the attendees, the event was a great success, especially, with the massive turnout, which turned out to be the most on record. Nevertheless, considering all the effort we have exerted and the sacrifices we have made, we sincerely apologize and regret a few of our shortcomings that did not meet our guests’ expectations. The presence of our Harari Regional State President, His Excellency Murad Abdulhadi and his entourage along with the magnificent Hablul Band added significant value and color to the entire event and made this year’s festivities quite a winner. The event was kicked off Sunday by a Musical Bercha Session that went well into the night. During the week long event, the transportation department, lead by Jamal Durri did an incredible job in transporting material back and forth between the community center and the field. The coordination and team work of the food and beverage team, lead by Ayni Abdella was pretty impressive. There was plenty of food available for all during the entire event. The financial committee headed by Fakiha Muktar, did well with regard to the sales of foods, beverages and T-shirts. The lack of space for parking was a nuisance, especially, on the first day. While others were lucky, we regret that some did get parking violation tickets. The Security and First Aid Team headed by Meftuh Shash did a wonderful job even though some of our kids were difficult to handle. The first aid area was covered well and only two minor incidents were reported and treated in a timely manner. The sports teams of both the youth and the adult, headed by Esmael Sukar and Afandi Waber were seen fiercely competing. We extend our thanks to our Field Organizer – Fuad Mohammed Issa, MC Zaidan and the Camera Men Megas Abdureshid and Jamal Yusuf who have captured the historical moments of the event. As a tradition, the Mawlud led by Sheikh Jamaa was very exciting to all. Men dressed in white and ladies in their colorful traditional dresses, chanting Zikri, gave the celebration its rightful significance. By all accounts, Ziwariqa day was the day that everyone relaxed. It was beautiful day weather wise, and it appeared that everyone had a good time. Harari Day was always an event that many people look forward to. Even though, the timing was delayed and the closing event was pushed further, the show in itself, once started was great. Even though some had reservations with the choice of the Friday Gala night venue, Hablul rocked the place but was cut short by how late the party has started. Selling snacks like Sambusa and drinks was a good idea. Saturday Gala Night was the night of all nights with Hablul Band entertaining the crowd once again. Lot’s of people showed up – and danced the night away. Thanks to our guests, Hablul Band and Nawala, and to our local artists Murad Bulle and Zinat Basha for their efforts in making the event a success. Thanks to all who came to Toronto and made this festival one of a kind.

Released by: The Organizing Committee.