Dire Dawa, Ethiopia – In Dire Dawa, a plot of unused land has been transformed into a thriving green space thanks to a community upliftment initiative supported by Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Ethiopia.
Recognising the need to rehabilitate the land, create employment opportunities, and improve the quality of life for the community, CCBA partnered with local authorities to revitalise the area. The new development features ablution facilities, a landscaped green area, a pedestrian walkway, and a coffee and grocery kiosk – offering both dignity and economic opportunity to residents.
The ablution block includes separate showers and toilets for men, women, and people with disabilities. To prevent future flooding and stagnant water, a retainer wall has also been constructed along the riverbank. The facilities will be managed by an association of unemployed people identified by the city government.
“At CCBA, we are committed to operating with integrity, creating shared value for our business and the communities we call home. We continue to strengthen our social license to operate, ensuring our business creates lasting positive impact,” said managing director at CCBA in Ethiopia, Melkamu Abebe.
“People are at the centre of everything we do – from our employees to those who touch our business, to the communities we call home. Community involvement allows us to bring positive, measurable change to both the communities in which we operate and to our business,” added Melkamu.
CCBA in Ethiopia actively participates in community programmes, including initiatives that help improve access to clean water. Most recently, the company, in collaboration with Drop of Water, local communities and the Amhara regional state Water Resource Bureau, completed a clean water supply project in Bahir Dar Zuria Woreda, Amhara Regional State. The company contributed 3 million Birr to the total project budget of nearly 3.9 million Birr, with the remaining funds provided by Drop of Water and the beneficiary community.
