CONFUSION SQUARE

No square in Addis Abeba is as busy as Meskel square, especially when it comes to rush hours. The square, which is also a public space for various social, political and religious activities, is now under construction, making the busiest road busier. The place that junctions six directions (Africa Avenue, Menilik II Avenue, Ras Mekonnen Street, Jomo Kenyatta Street, Ras Desta Damtew Street and Ras Biru Street) has been narrowed and widened by the construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) in the Capital. Pictured here, the square is being excavated to bury sewer lines, blocking the way of vehicles. Because of this, vehicles are taking a detour to pass the construction site. It seems that the road’s busy nature prevented construction authorities from completely closing the square.