Heritage Watch in Nekemet, Eastern Wollega

Seated, the mayor of Nekemet and standing Professor Tessema Ta'a, addressing the audience during the introduction of the project proposal.

Ato Girma Kebede, head of Oromia Culture and Tourism Bureau and Hailu Zeleke, former head of conservation at ARCCH.

​Two civil society, non-profit, non-political organizations; Heritage Watch Association, Oromia Hotel and Tourism Professional Association have joint together to implement the ‘Moti Kumsa Moroda Palace Valorization Project!

This project will bring together government entities that are by law custodians of this regional/national heritage site. Unfortunately the palace most recently had been used as a prison and is in a deplorable condition.

This event was planned for the purpose of having a public discussion regarding the project. Therefore, the two organizations with the financial and technical support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the office of the president of Oromia region, authority for research and conservation of cultural heritage, Oromia region culture and tourism Bureau participated in a public gathering in the city of Nekemte during a one day forum, on Wednesday March 4th 2020.
This event was made possible by the sponsorship and great diligence of the Eastern Wollega Oromia zone Administration, the city Mayor’s office, Wollega University, Aba Geda, Nekemte Culture and Tourism Bureau and the residents of Nekemte at large.

The forum included a group tour of the Moti Kumsa Moroda Palace. Unfortunately the palace most recently had been used as a prison and is in a deplorable condition. The recent good news is that the authorities have removed the prisoners and the palace is free for the time being.

​The immediate and concerted effort for the rehabilitation of this site is one of the biggest agenda for heritage Watch! This treasure deserves our attention and we will make a national as well as international appeal for all your involvement. Stay tuned!