Sidama Regional Government's Anniversary Speech: What They Didn't Tell Us

 

As the Sidama Regional Government celebrated its fourth anniversary, Head of Government Mr. Desta Ledamo took the stage to highlight the administration's achievements and future plans. However, many critical issues were conspicuously absent from his speech, raising concerns among residents and observers. The omissions include high inflation, mass arrests of Sidama youth, youth unemployment, the decline of Hawassa city administration, rump corruption in the region, the lack of sustainable development projects, arbitrary arrests in general, and the overall lack of justice in the region.

Today, Mr. Ledamo proudly stated that his administration would work hard to ensure the universal benefit of the people in the Sidama region over the last four years. However, this statement falls flat when considering the significant gaps in what has been promised versus what has been delivered.

The head of government highlighted progress in road infrastructure, noting that over 1.3 billion birr has been invested in the repair and maintenance of new roads. While it is commendable that road projects have been undertaken, Mr. Ledamo conveniently omitted the fact that several critical road projects have seen little to no progress. For instance, the Tula-Yaye-Worancha Asphalt road, a vital project for the Yaye/Arbegona city area, has stagnated at just over 6% completion over the last four years. This lack of progress continues to affect the local population, especially during the wet seasons.

Mr. Ledamo claimed that the region's clean drinking water coverage had increased from 38% to 64% due to new water projects. However, this figure remains unverified by any federal government data agencies. On the ground, the daily struggle for water is a reality for many in the Sidama region, particularly in the Boricha, Blate, and Hawasa Zuriya woredas. This discrepancy between government claims and actual conditions raises serious questions about the administration's transparency and accountability.

His speech included promises to tackle budget deficits, poverty, and unemployment. Yet, Mr. Ledamo did not address the regional government's capacity to generate significant revenue or the rampant corruption that plagues both the region and the nation. The economic struggles of the region's youth remain largely unaddressed, with more than half a million Sidama youth still jobless.

Perhaps most glaringly, Mr. Ledamo's speech ignored the ongoing mass arrests of Sidama youth and the arbitrary detention of citizens. These actions have fostered an environment of fear and repression, stifling any potential for meaningful community involvement in regional development. Despite this, the administration continues to tout its commitment to inclusive governance and community-based development, claims that ring hollow to many.

The administration's neglect of Hawassa city was another significant omission. Once a thriving urban center, Hawassa has experienced a marked decline under the current administration. Issues such as inadequate city services, poor infrastructure, and a lack of sustainable development projects have left the city struggling.

While Mr. Desta Ledamo and his administration celebrate their perceived achievements, the people of Sidama are left to contend with unfulfilled promises and a lack of genuine progress. The omission of critical issues such as youth arrests, unemployment, and declining city administration in Hawassa casts a shadow over the administration's claims of success. It is clear that for the Sidama region to move forward, these pressing issues must be addressed with transparency, accountability, and genuine commitment to the people's welfare.

The anniversary celebrations may have been intended as a showcase of progress, but the glaring omissions tell a different story. It is high time the Sidama Regional Government acknowledges these challenges and takes concrete steps to address them, ensuring a more just and prosperous future for all its residents. What a shame that the reality does not match the rhetoric!