Ethiopia: A crumbling Metro reveals failed promise of China’s billions in Africa..

Once hailed as a game-changer for Addis Abeba’s transportation, the city’s light-rail system now stands as a symbol of broken promises, Originally designed to carry up to 60,000 passengers per hour, the system’s reality falls short, with only one-third of its trains operational, Frequent breakdowns, inadequate maintenance, and operational constraints have left commuters frustrated…

Yared Mekuanint, a regular user, describes waiting times of up to 25 minutes between services, only to find overcrowded trains upon arrival, Despite being one of 70 mega-projects funded by a $14.8 billion loan from China, the light rail struggles to repay its debt. The project, managed by Chinese firms, faces challenges like power outages and limited access to spare parts.

Critics argue that short-term political goals overshadowed long-term sustainability in planning the project. Frangton Chiyemura, an expert in China-Africa relations, highlights the need for better planning and local skills development. Addis Abeba officials are now taking steps to address these issues, transferring management of the system to the city transport agency. Meanwhile, commuters seek alternative transportation, signaling a shift away from the once-promising light-rail system