Trilateral Connection

Kechene is at the very upper stream of the akaki river, located at the north edge of Addis Ababa, it is a place that forest, river, and human habitat are physically hydrating with each other. The mountains and rivers shaped the complex natural environment here, and the people settled decades ago. But all of these resources are not being effectively used.

Trilateral connection is a combination of several water, eco and local economy related programs turning the river into a valuable resource that benefits both the local economy and the environment.

There are three three pilot sites and three phases in this project.

At the wooden bridge site, the plan is to clean, store, and make the water usable for daily life and handicraft production. A series of check dams and contour trenches will be built along the river to serve as filters, reservoirs, and water delivery systems. This will reduce the pressure on those relying on tank runners for water and help stimulate local handicraft businesses.

At the concrete bridge site, the focus is on exploiting the growing market for small businesses and cooperatives. The plan includes building check dams and trenches in the first phase to lower production costs for handicraft businesses. In the second phase, a pilot market will be established to integrate production and sales, giving more revenue to practitioners and reducing reliance on agencies.

At the stony cross site, environmental improvements are prioritized. This includes renovating public toilets and developing a sewage system. A Shembeko planting program is proposed to provide rent or tax-exempt options for residents. Additionally, dam production may be added as a new business opportunity.

The first phase of the intervention will focus on water purification, storage, and making it usable for production and living. In the second phase, efforts will center on leveraging market potential and reducing reliance on intermediaries. The third phase will aim to enhance the handicraft industry and living conditions by developing experiential retail and public spaces for community activities, fostering both local tourism and community engagement.