- Study suggests urban land lease system reform
ADDIS ABABA- The Federal Policy Studies Institute (PSI) said it has been conducting over 50 studies and researches in the current fiscal year that aim to supplement Ethiopia’s development journey
The institute presented research on the “characteristics of urban land lease markets in Ethiopia” yesterday.
PSI Director General Professor Beyene Petros said in his opening remark that the institute is collaborating with domestic and foreign stakeholders to conduct the studies that would have a profound importance in Ethiopia’s path to prosper.
Prof. Beyene also noted that land management and use systems are crucial for the development and benefit of cities including the capital Addis Ababa. “There is a gap in land management and use in terms of the level of development and the desire to grow in cities across the country. Hence, urban land management and use should be improved.”
The land management study that was conducted by the institute in 10 state capitals and city administrations indicated poor documentation of lease information and it came to an understanding that the management and use of urban land is becoming a national challenge.
To address the challenge, the institute’s land management study suggested the improvement of urban land lease systems with an integrated information system. It also recommended the monitoring of leased lands for development purposes and systematically managing long-term land lease supply, considering city master plans and organizing land supply.
The director general further mentioned the study’s findings that 71 percent of the land taken by 636 auctioned plots in 10 cities was undeveloped. “The study was carried out in 10 cities including Addis Ababa and it has shown its relevance in solving problems that have been encountered in the process of transferring land by lease.”
The research recommended putting in place effective, integrated, modern lease systems and processes, implementing a digital system for documenting lease information to reduce paperwork and increase accuracy.
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 19 APRIL 2024
