ADDIS ABEBA – Sheger Park has been inaugurated in the presence of top government officials on Thursday – the eve of Ethiopian New Year.

Ethiopia, with its own 13-month calendar that is about seven years behind the Gregorian calendar, celebrates the start of 2013 on Friday. Wishing all Ethiopians a happy New Year, President Sahle-Work Zewde said the Sheger Park would better elevate the image and status of Addis Ababa.

The construction of the park could also “be a testimony to what we can do if we work together”, the president said. “If our efforts of beautifying our nation go hand in hand with other development efforts, we can change the image of the country within a short period of time,” the President said during the inaugural event attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, religious leaders, and invited guests.

During the event, the Prime Minister gave certificates of recognition to the Chinese government and individuals who contributed to the construction of the park. “Thank you to all that have made the completion and inauguration of Sheger Park’s Friendship Square a great success,” the PM said. “Your prints remain a part of generational legacy”.

The park is part of the 58 kilometers long Entot-Akaki Riverside Beautification project which was started eight months ago and comprises cultural centers, an art gallery, and places of Science and technology, it was learnt. According to officials, Sheger project, together with Entoto, is constructed using foreign aid and other supports secured following Prime Minister Dr. Abiy’s initiative, with no government finance.