Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh, officially inaugurated over the weekend the Bahir Dar City One-Stop Service Center, known as Mesob, declaring the initiative a tangible sign of the government's commitment to delivering rapid services and addressing public demands.
DPM Temesgen Tiruneh stated, "The establishment of a One-Stop Service Center is a clear demonstration of the government's commitment to swiftly respond to public inquiries." The new service center is now officially open for operation in Bahir Dar.
The inauguration ceremony saw the attendance of top federal and regional officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, Amhara Regional State Chief Administrator Arega Kebede, and Bahir Dar City Deputy Mayor Goshu Endalamaw.
During his address, DPM Temesgen Tiruneh praised the efforts to quickly complete the center, stating that the naturally endowed city of Bahir Dar "deserves efficient and modern service."
He categorized the One-Stop Service initiative as a key element of the homegrown reform ideas, emphasizing its role in correcting service deficiencies and providing prompt responses to the community's questions. The DPM further noted that following the lead of the cities, lower administrative levels, specifically Kebeles (sub-districts), are expected to join the reform to bring the single-center service closer to the public.
Amhara Regional Chief Administrator Arega Kebede stressed that the 'Mesob' centers must become institutions that boost public satisfaction and improve the government's credibility.
"The centers must deliver services through which the community recognizes that it is the government's obligation to serve and the public's right to be served," the Chief Administrator stated.
Acknowledging persistent issues like poor service delivery and capacity constraints, he committed to fighting corruption, stating, “We are focusing on strengthening institutions and modernizing operations to combat the unscrupulous practices that are currently exploiting the community.” He assured the public that the new service center implements a system for efficient and fair service, where any official who fails to provide the required service within the allocated time will be held accountable.
Bahir Dar City Deputy Mayor Goshu Endalamaw confirmed that the Bahir Dar Mesob center will provide 92 services delivered by 12 institutions consolidated under one roof.
The Deputy Prime Minister concluded with a direct appeal to the public, urging the community to be owners and active participants in improving the service. He advised citizens not to "sell their rights for money" or compromise their obligations through corruption, such as nepotism and illicit benefits, calling for cooperation and coordination to ensure the center’s success.
