The Africa Hall, the permanent
headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Ethiopia is set to undergo renovations
projected to cost US $ 56.9m.
The Economic Commission for Africa
and Ethiopia (ECA) signed
an agreement which marked the beginning of the iconic project which is where
the predecessor of the African Union (AU), the Organization of the African Unity (OAU), was established.
According to ECA, the project will undergo modernisation
while still preserving the historic heritage. Currently, in its planning and
design phases, it is expected to invite contract bidding soon. Construction
cost is to be covered through the UN’s regular budget and voluntary
contributions from member states.
The Africa Hall was built to ensure heritage
preservation and conservation as a permanent symbol of Africa’s history and
unity. The structure, which was built in 18 months, was completed in February
1961. It covers a total area of 75,000 m2 with an operational area
of 13,800 m2 consisting of 3,600 m2 of conference halls,
5,500 m2 of offices and 4,700 m2 of general facilities.
In 1971, construction funded by the United Nations
to extend the structure started. It was completed in 1975. It contains a block
of 800 new offices, a 6-storey building to house the vast library and other
edifices for general facilities.
The building hosts the late
Maître-Artiste World Laureate Afewerk Tekle’s most famous work, Total
Liberation of Africa, a 150-m2 stained glass artwork.
The renovations aim to rectify a multitude of deficiencies and deterioration within the Hall to ensure it remains safe, functional and is in strict compliance with the highest international standards for conference facilities while preserving its originality. Completion of the project has been set for 2021. https://constructionreviewonline.com/2019/05/africa-hall-in-ethiopia-to-undergo-us-56-9m-renovation/
