A
place of beauty and diversity
By Addis Mulugeta
The Southern Nations and Nationalities and People’s Regional
State (SNNPRS) in Ethiopia has diverse biological resources and
endemic mammalian and avian fauna.
South Omo in SNNPRS, is where wild life resource of the region,
including Omo National Park, one of the largest parks in Africa,
exists. Cultural and ethnical attractions of South Omo embraces
16 ethnic groups that have their own languages and cultures. The
peoples have diverse and unspoiled culture reflected in their life
style, body decoration, dress, jewelries and way of life. Each of
the nationalities have their own wedding, burial, religious and
other cultural ceremonies.
Jinka, 751 km from Addis Ababa, is the center for the 16 ethnic
groups of South Omo. In Jinka, besides the ethnic groups, people
from Gojjam, Wollo, Gurage, Oromia are found. The largest of the
16 ethnic groups are the Ari.
The economic activity of the population is based on tourism, small
scale business centers, hotel services, transportation, cattle raring,
fruits and vegetables, as well as agriculture. The society is very
sociable and welcomes warmly all visitors.
Among the problems the town of Jinka faces is a shortage of drinking
water. According to the town’s Water Resource Bureau, the
water problem worsened from October 8, 2007 onwards due to damage
to the pump. Unfortunately, the shortage of water reflects acutely
on the economic activity of the town. Hotels have no showers for
their guests, and the local community is forced to use unclean underground
water and rivers, resulting in health problems.
Electric light is another problem for which a sole generator is
the only option for the population. Business activities are limited
because power is turned off early into the night.
Though the area attracts international tourists, there are few hotels
available. Rooms are 300 birr per night for foreigners and 100 birr
for local people, which give priority to the highest payer. Ethiopians
can ensure a room if they can afford the 300 ETB price, but advance
reservations are a must.
Coins are very scarce in the market places and hotels. According
to the community members, coins are used for other purposes such
as making jewelry by melting it.
Unemployment is a crucial problem as you can find a number of youngsters
idle in the town. A few youngsters have come together and formed
small business enterprises by borrowing money.
Due to the problems of water, lighting and infrastructure, the number
of investors is very low.
Students, government officials, business centers and the likes are
inconvenienced, due to the problem of transportation. Recently about
20 scooter Bajajs serving as taxis were introduced in the area.
Regarding educational centers, there are only one health college
and one technical and vocational institutes for the population.
Ethiopian Television is sometimes not accessible in the area and
Internet access remains unreliable.
Cars and other vehicles are driven in any direction living the population
and visitors exposed to accidents.
Addressing these issues requires urgent attention by all concerned,
both the residents and federal and local government, in order to
develop the area and the inhabitants benefits from its diversity
and beauty.
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