ADDIS ABABA – Integrating multilevel governance is necessary to shape urban continental landscapes and address immediate urbanization woes, Addis Ababa Deputy Mayor urged.
While addressing the panelists and attendees, with the Rank of Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa city, General Manager Wondimu Seta (Eng.) emphasized that the integration of multilevel governance system plays a significant role to addressing the immediate challenges of urbanization and anticipating future needs and progress.
Wondimu has also stated that supported by national policies, the metropolis has experienced and offering valuable lessons and exemplifies a robust local governance frameworks to empower local authorities to make decision that directly impact the wellbeing of their communities.
During the panel discussion which sought to explore dynamics of urbanization, the challenges of territorial and urban planning in the African context, the deputy stressed to fostering partnership and leveraging shared experience, across all level of government to make the citizens resilient, vibrant and inclusive.
“As urban areas expand, the unpresented rates of understanding and addressing the dynamics is essential for sustainable growth and making African cities engines for structural, economic and social transformation.”
According to him, African cities should also be catalysts for broader economic and social transformation by enhancing productivity and promoting social inclusion.
The future of Africa’s development lies in its cities, so developing insights and strategies would be instrumental in unlocking the potential in shaping the urban landscapes of the continent, he indicated.
“It is also critical to address financing as cities grow innovative financing mechanism and the role of public private partnership mechanism for mobilizing the necessary resources to meet the demands of urban development,” Wondimu said.
For her part, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach stated that the local governments should promote and implement participatory multilevel governance, recognizing the relevance of having national frameworks that support urbanization and development in cities.
She has also recommended that these governments should be at the forefront on the development of their own territories propelling the people and housing at the center.
As about 50% of the African population is living in informal settlements with infrastructure gaps such as water, electricity and quality of life, she advocated for wise utilization of resources as a crucial aspect of social and ecological function.
“It is also very critical to balance the general ecosystem and conserve the natural diversity to mitigate climate change and ensuring food security,” the Executive Director remarked.
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2024
