BY LEULSEGED WORKU
The problem of housing is not something peculiar to Ethiopia or Addis Ababa. Rather, it is a problem all over the world. Even countries with better economic performance and advanced urbanization encounter such a problem. However, using all the available resource and policies, countries are seen working aggressively to alleviate the challenge.
Starting from the time of its foundation, Addis Ababa City is growing rapidly. Unfortunately, this economic growth is not accompanied by proper housing facilities or other infrastructures at the required level.
The economic gap between the haves and the have-nots is one of the serious challenges that is witnessed in the city. The housing problem is one of such economic disparity between the rich and the poor. Understanding the problem, the City Administration Bureau is trying every means to narrow the gap.
In fact, the housing problem, which is one of the serious challenges of Addis Ababians had been economic and social challenge to all regimes. Those shanty houses, which were constructed either in times of Emperor Haile-Selassie I or during the Dergue, are outdated and have become a serious problem not only for the residents themselves but also to the image of the City. They are also not compatible to the vision of the Administration. Most of the people who are living under such old houses are either found in poor economic conditions or are elderly citizens who could not refurbish the house.To give a sigh of relief for those poor people, lessen their burden and beam ray of hope in the hearts of the needy people, the City Administration and the Prime Minister Office are trying all their level best to renovate or reconstruct those old houses with the active involvement of stakeholders.
Lately, the City Administration has laid a corner stone to build a five storey building at Lideta Sub City, at a place customary known as Geja /Kereyu village; here in Addis Ababa.
Speaking on the event, City Mayor, Adanech Abiebie said that the Administration is working aggressively to alleviate the housing problem in the capital. According to her, whenever the housing problems are relieved both economic and social challenges can also be addressed.
The Mayor also said that the Administration is working aggressively to win the expectations of Addis residents by facilitating economic and social opportunities. “When we all do whatever we can, societies’ hope retrieve and they work industriously.”
Starting from the time the Administration took power, it is working aggressively to fill publics’ economic and social gaps. Feeding centers, housing project, urban agriculture are some of the areas of Administration’s intervention.Being an observer cannot be a solution to all forms of challenges; be it social or economic. Supporting that particular society with the available means is the right solution. “Whenever we are part of that project and support the community, we will brighten their darkness. This, in turn, encourages the society to work hard and be part of the economic progress”.
The Mayor also urged individual investors to contribute their share in this regard.
Speaking on the event, Lideta Sub City CEO, Asegedew H/Giorgis on his part said that the Sub-City is working persistently to fill the economic gaps of those communities that are found in poor economic conditions. He said, in this regard, the Sub-City has designed projects that benefit the mass.
Appreciating the effort of the City Administration in the areas of Green Legacy and other development activities, Speaker of the House of Federation, Agegnehu Teshager, said that the City Administration is engaged in multidimensional activities to change the socioeconomic status of the capital. “As part of its determination, the Administration is working committedly to support those economically deprived members of the society. Addis Ababa is a city where economic disparity is visible and economically poor people, senior citizens are found. The City Administration is working relentlessly to fill these gaps. This is worth appreciating. The experience and the positive results that are being witnessed in the City can be taken as a model to other cities.”
Several encouraging projects are being carried out in Addis Ababa. Poverty reduction, peace and security works, city beautification activities are part of this effort. Every day is a new day in Addis Ababa. This is the product of strong commitment of the Administration.
According to him, the new change that is being witnessed in Addis Ababa is encouraging. It truly is a good indication of City’s Administration commitment towards better and bright future.
Indeed, despite all the economic challenges that occurred all over the country and all over the world, Addis Ababa is still moving fast. All the projects that are found throughout the city are the true manifestations of Administration’s commitment.
Addis Ababa is not only the capital city of Ethiopia. It is also the capital city of Africa. Since its establishment, a century ago, tremendous political and economic changes have been witnessed. With the change of regimes, the lifestyle of the City has also changed. However, the economic situation of the poor had never been given attention. Luckily, now, impressive changes are being witnessed. The City Administration together with stakeholders is working their assignment to alleviate the social and economic hurdles of the people. This is especially true in areas of housing development, feeding programs for school students and the unfortunate ones.
What is more, realizing the skyrocketing goods prices, especially in basic food items, the City Administration is supplying goods at a reasonable price. This intervention has truly helped the majority of the people, particularly, the one who are found under critical economic situation.
The housing problem is the other major area where the Administration is witnessing change. Despite the fact that housing problem is still challenge for the majority, the Administration is using all opportunity to lessen the burden. Needless to say whenever the housing problem is alleviated; both the social and economic challenges can be minimalized. This is what killing two birds with a single stone means.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 30 JUNE 2022
