Why the 2024 Corridor Development Plan in Addis Ababa Didn’t Include Housing for Displaced Communities?
As Addis Ababa continues to undergo massive urban transformation, the city’s corridor development projects have led to significant infrastructure upgrades. However, one of the most controversial outcomes of these projects is the displacement of long-term residents, prompting an important question: Why weren’t houses built for those displaced by the development right in their original communities?
Many of the displaced residents have voiced concerns about being forced to leave their neighborhoods, losing the social ties they’ve built over the years. As one commenter noted, "If this is true development, why is it not built for the affected people in the place where they live?" This sentiment reflects the deeper anxiety surrounding the project, which some feel prioritizes investor interests over community needs.
Understanding the Municipality's Perspective
During a forum attended by the city's mayor, Adanech Abebe, residents raised these concerns. In response, the mayor highlighted two primary reasons why constructing homes for the displaced in the same area wasn't feasible:
1. Limited Space for Development:
One of the challenges of urban development is the physical limitation of space. Mayor Abebe explained that building new residential units in the same area would have been impossible due to existing infrastructure needs such as drainage and flood management systems. In many parts of the city, these factors restricted residential use of land.
2. Prioritization of Large-Scale Housing Solutions:
The municipality emphasized its focus on developing large-scale housing projects in areas like Gelan, Gura Aqaki, and the Arabsa compound, where new housing with modern infrastructure was constructed. This approach aims to create long-term, sustainable living spaces for displaced residents, even if these areas are not their original neighborhoods.
The Social Impact: Fragmentation or Re connection?
The relocation of residents to new housing developments far from their previous homes has raised concerns about the potential fragmentation of communities. While many fear losing their social ties, the municipality insists that their approach maintains community cohesion. Mayor Abebe reassured the public that they had reserved specific areas for residents who wished to remain close to their original neighborhoods.
Additionally, displaced residents were given the option to choose condominium units, offering them property ownership opportunities. Mayor Abebe noted that for those residents who prioritize ownership over rental savings, this option provides greater security and stability in their new environment.
A Broader Context: Corridor Development and Housing in Ethiopia
The issue of displacement and inadequate housing solutions isn't unique to this corridor development project. It echoes the broader challenges faced by urban development in Ethiopia, where balancing economic growth with community well-being remains a delicate task. Cities like Addis Ababa, with their rapidly expanding populations, often grapple with ensuring that infrastructure development does not come at the cost of social equity.
For instance, a similar issue arose during the development of Aware, where residents were able to remain in the area post-construction. This has led some to question why this same model couldn’t be applied to the current corridor projects.
What’s Next for Displaced Communities?
While the government’s relocation efforts may not completely satisfy displaced residents, there is a continued focus on ensuring that these communities are given access to better living conditions. The government has pledged to address any infrastructural challenges in new housing areas, ensuring that residents are provided with homes that include complete infrastructure.
For expats and diasporas looking to understand Ethiopia’s housing market, this issue underscores the complexities of urban development. If you're planning to invest in or rent property in Addis Ababa, it's important to stay informed about the ongoing real estate developments and their impact on both the city's infrastructure and its communities.
Related Reading:
For more insights into how Ethiopia's real estate landscape is evolving, check out our blogs on Advancing Urban Development: The Inauguration of the Second Corridor from Mexico to Sarbet, and Transforming Addis Ababa: From Clutter to Cohesion in the Arat Kilo - Kebena - Kenya Embassy Corridor. These articles will provide a broader understanding of the urban transformation happening in the city, and how it may affect both local and international buyers.
Additionally, if you're interested in the broader implications of such development on property prices, our blog on Impacts of Ethiopian Birr Liberalization on the Real Estate Market explores the short-term and long-term effects on property investment in Addis Ababa.
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