Elmi Construction, a leading construction company in Ethiopia, is proud to announce the completion of the ET-302 Memorial – a significant project commemorating the 157 lives lost in the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 tragedy. This memorial stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality, culturally responsive infrastructure.
Located at the actual crash site in Gimbichu, Oromia Region, the 40,000-square-meter memorial was designed by Alebel Desta Consulting Architects and Engineers, who handled the full architectural and preliminary design. Elmi Construction took charge of the final design development (excluding architectural work) and led the comprehensive construction process.
The memorial guides visitors through a symbolic journey reflecting the flight’s final six minutes and 44 seconds. Four red-tinted concrete monoliths rise along this path, each representing a continent affected by the tragedy. At the heart of the site, a curved wall features 157 aluminum plaques shaped like airplane windows, each inscribed with a victim’s name, offering a space for personal reflection.
Our scope of work encompassed the construction of the burial site, healing monument, amphitheater, rock garden, and visitor service areas. Each element was executed with meticulous attention to detail, honoring the emotional and cultural significance of the site.
Sustainability was integral to the project. The memorial incorporates green roofing systems, solar energy solutions, and water harvesting infrastructure. As part of the landscaping effort, over 120,000 plants were installed, with three native species selected to reinforce the memorial’s connection to the Ethiopian environment.
As a trusted general contractor in Ethiopia, Elmi Construction is honored to have contributed to this meaningful project. The ET-302 Memorial exemplifies our dedication to delivering projects that resonate culturally and emotionally, solidifying our position among top construction companies in the region. View Project here
– Photos By Aron Simeneh
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