ADDIS ABABA- Ministry of Urban Development, Housing and Construction is to establish Inspection Authority for Construction to ensure quality and architectural standards of ongoing and new buildings throughout the country.
Public and International Relations Head at the Ministry Sisay Derbe told The Ethiopian Herald that among the various activities, making sure that quality and comfortable buildings are constructed in more than 200 cities and towns across Ethiopia is one of the major goals the Ministry has given priority.
According to Sisay Ethiopian Building Proclamation stated that the buildings should consider easy access for people living with disabilities. He said even though the proclamation obliges and has set standards based on international conventions, there are still limitations on implementation. As to him, inadequate skilled manpower and awareness gaps on societies are the main factors that are challenging the effort to realize the intended goal effectively.
Particularly, the existence of corrupt leaders in the sector is another major challenge affecting the sector, which made safeguarding the country’s and societies interests a little difficult, he stress. Apart from this, both Contractors and Architects have other challenges due to inadequate knowledge in terms of implementing the proclamation efficiently.
He also added that, creating comfortable environment for residents is not the responsibility of a single sector, it is rather the responsibility of citizens from all walks of life. in danger and doing an activity of awareness raising and advocating for peace, both within the communities and political classes. Facilitating and supporting peace processes and acting directly as brokers or as part of the negotiating team for peace and also providing jobs for rebellion groups.
Mesenbet for her part said that building bridges between different communities and between state and society, removing discriminatory practices and promoting reconciliation in the workplace will minimize the problems. Legitimacy and impartiality are considered necessary attributes of a peace-building actor, including the local private sector. This is crucial for acceptance from conflicting parties as well as from affected communities.
The FDRE government introduced Proclamation No. 341/2003 to establish chambers of commerce and sectorial associations in line with the federal structure. Business Membership Organizations (BMOs) under each chamber have also been formed so as to harness the potentials of the private sector and to facilitate business-friendly climate, apart from protecting the interests of the business community.
Sisay said that the Country allocates huge amount of budget for the sector and it needs to be led by qualified experts and officials with best ethics. On the other hand, state towns have supervisors that inspect the effective implementation of the proclamation although much effort is still needed. Compared to the previous trends, the new Inspection Authority for Construction is expected to comprise more skilled manpower, knowledge, and proper structure. It will play indispensable role that help forming quality and comfortable environment across the nation and safeguarding its resources, he underscored.
The Ethiopian Herald, January 5/2019
BY MESERET BEHAILU
