BOLE

The modern airport of Addis Ababa, Bole International, separates the village of Bole Bubula from the city perimeters, forcing hours of walking along a bumpy dirt road for those who wish to travel to the city. The Akaki River separates villagers living across the river in Glan-Gurra further, adding crossing time and hazard to the journey should they wish to sell their goods, send their children to school, or seek treatment for the sick.

The community members of Kaliti live with this reality every day. So, the elders from the communities of both sides of the river gathered one day in October, 2003 under the shade of a grove of trees by the river bank. When asked what they really needed and were willing to work the hardest for, they replied: “A bridge will open our eyes, for now we are in the dark.”