Transparency, Accountability

The Missing Pieces in Addis Ababa’s Urban Transformation

In February 2024, Addis Ababa embarked on an ambitious urban transformation: the Corridor Development Project. With a staggering budget of 43 billion Birr, this initiative was intended to reshape Ethiopia’s capital, creating a dynamic, modern metropolis that would appeal to residents and tourists. The project aims to redesign the cityscape with new roads, pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, and green spaces, all part of a broader vision for a socially and economically thriving urban environment.

However, despite its ambitious goals, the project has not been without its critics. Urban planners, architects, and local communities have raised concerns about its execution and long-term impacts. These concerns include potential disruptions during the construction phase, the project’s impact on the city’s cultural heritage, and the long-term sustainability of the new infrastructure. At the same time, the government hails the project as a driver for economic growth and modernisation, but the criticisms surrounding its implementation point to issues that could potentially undermine its success.

At the core of the Corridor Development Project is a vision to make Addis Ababa more livable and attractive for residents, tourists, and investors. By focusing on modern infrastructure, such as roads, public spaces, and improved mobility networks, the city seeks to position itself as a hub of economic growth. The project also aims to decentralise development, encouraging investment in underutilised areas to alleviate congestion in the city’s core.

One of the most promising aspects of the Corridor Development Project is its potential to stimulate economic growth. The introduction of modern infrastructure can lead to significant economic opportunities, as smoother roads and better buildings attract local and international businesses. As enterprises establish themselves along the newly developed corridors, the demand for goods and services might rise, thereby boosting the local economy. This influx of investment could particularly benefit the real estate and hospitality sectors, making Addis Ababa more competitive as a regional economic hub. The project also promises to create jobs, improve living conditions, and enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal, contributing to a more vibrant and attractive urban environment.

Improved transportation infrastructure could also address the city’s notorious traffic congestion, a vital issue for residents and businesses. A more efficient transport network could enhance productivity and make the city more navigable, a crucial improvement for a capital that frequently experiences gridlocked roads. This aspect of the project offers hope for a more manageable and less stressful urban environment.

The modernisation of Addis Ababa’s infrastructure is a crucial project component. If executed well, it could significantly enhance urban mobility and create better living conditions for residents. Improved public services such as public toilets, parking, and utilities are also part of the development plan, which aims to distribute resources more equitably across the city. This could profoundly impact underserved communities, narrowing the gap between the city centre and the outlying districts.

However, despite these promises, the project has been criticised, particularly in stakeholder engagement, environmental sustainability, and architectural coherence.

Stakeholder engagement is a critical factor in the success of urban corridor development projects. Critics argue that the Addis Ababa city administration has prioritised informing residents over involving them in decision-making. Ethiopia’s Urban Planning Proclamation No. 574/2008 emphasises the importance of public participation, transparency, and accountability. Yet, Addis Ababa’s top-down approach has created a gap in public acceptance, potentially jeopardising the project’s long-term sustainability.

Even the Addis Ababa City Structure Plan (2017-2027) acknowledges a “lack of sustainable public participation” in previous urban development efforts, citing a breakdown of trust between the administration and potential development partners. This lack of involvement from professional associations, academia, and the general public has led to widespread scepticism.

A key concern with the Corridor Development Project is its perceived inconsistency with the city’s master plan. For example, new regulations requiring land plots to exceed 500 square meters for development permits have been criticised as unfair and contradictory to earlier urban planning guidelines. Through its Urban Redevelopment Authority, cities like Singapore have shown the importance of strict adherence to master plans, ensuring cohesive urban growth through consistent policies and frequent public consultations. In contrast, Addis Ababa’s apparent disregard for its master plan raises questions about governance and urban coherence.

Introducing water-intensive landscaping features, such as lawns and hardscapes, has sparked environmental concerns in a city grappling with water shortages. More sustainable alternatives, such as drought-resistant plants and porous surfaces, could have been employed to mitigate environmental stress, as proposed in the master plan. Instead, the reliance on increased hardscaping and overlooked drainage systems has increased surface runoff and flooding in some areas, like Gurd Shola, exacerbating urban environmental challenges.

The architectural changes introduced by the project have been another point of contention. Critics argue that the city’s decision to mandate a uniform grey and white colour scheme for buildings erodes Addis Ababa’s vibrant cultural identity, creating a monotonous and fogy urban landscape. This directive has been enforced without considering the financial burdens on private property owners or the appropriateness of painting certain materials like aluminium, glass, or brick. The policy has sparked opposition from both professionals and the general public, with many calling for a more thoughtful approach that aligns architectural aesthetics with the city’s master plan zoning code and its rich cultural heritage.

The engineering aspects of the corridor development have also come under fire. One glaring issue is the substandard installation of decorative lighting, with critics pointing out that the “smart” lighting systems are neither energy-efficient nor well-integrated with green energy solutions. Streetlights with excessive bulbs, many of which point upward and fail to illuminate streets effectively, highlight the project’s poor design choices. Strip lights wound around electric poles, buildings are repetitive and uninspired, and streetlight poles could be more varied and efficient. Additionally, afterthought decisions, such as removing strip lights from buildings after installation, reveal a need for foresight and proper planning. These missteps have led to unnecessary reworks, wasting resources and reducing public confidence in the project.

The Corridor Development Project has raised alarms about preserving Addis Ababa’s historic sites. Some iconic landmarks, such as parts of the Piasa district, have been altered or demolished in the name of progress. This has drawn criticism from those who believe that urban development should not come at the expense of the city’s cultural heritage. The potential impact of the project on the city’s cultural heritage is significant. The loss of these historic sites could erode the city’s unique identity and charm. International best practices, such as those seen in Rome and Paris, emphasise the importance of safeguarding historic sites, ensuring that new developments are minimally invasive or reversible. Addis Ababa risks losing some of its critical cultural assets if it needs to consider heritage conservation in its development plans.

The lack of transparency in the administration of contracts for the project has also been a point of contention. Instead of holding open bids per Federal Public Procurement and Property Authority directives, the city administration has been accused of awarding contracts to handpicked firms, raising concerns about favouritism and corruption—transparent procurement processes, using open design competitions to foster innovation and ensure accountability. Addis Ababa could benefit from a similar approach, increasing public trust and potentially leading to better project outcomes.

The Corridor Development Project is undoubtedly a bold step toward modernising and beautifying Addis Ababa but is also fraught with challenges. From the lack of stakeholder engagement to environmental sustainability concerns, the project has drawn criticism from various quarters. By learning from the successes and failures of other cities worldwide, Addis Ababa has the opportunity to improve its approach. Prioritising inclusivity, sustainability, and transparency will ensure the city’s development trajectory benefits all residents while preserving its unique identity.

13th Year • October 2024 • No. 134