Practices and Challenges of Integrated Infrastructure Planning between Addis Ababa and Sheger Cities, Ethiopia
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Date
2026-06-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Rapid urbanization in Addis Ababa and the emergence and expansion of Sheger City have increased the demand for coordinated infrastructure development and service delivery. Although urbanization can improve access to infrastructure and promote economic growth when effectively planned and managed, fragmented and uncoordinated infrastructure planning can result in inadequate infrastructure provision, urban sprawl, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and inefficiencies. These challenges motivated this study to investigate the practices and challenges of integrated infrastructure planning between the cities in Ethiopia. Specifically, the study aimed to examine existing practices of integrated infrastructure planning and the extent of coordination in infrastructure development, identify major institutional, financial, legal, technical, and operational challenges, and propose strategies for strengthening integrated infrastructure planning between the two cities. The study employed a mixed-methods research design, combining explanatory and descriptive approaches. Purposive sampling was used to select relevant experts and stakeholders. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires; key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), field observations, and document review. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, using SPSS and Excel, while spatial information was analyzed using GIS. Qualitative data from interviews and FGDs were analyzed through thematic and content analysis. Triangulation of data sources and methods was employed to strengthen the validity and reliability of the findings. The findings revealed major barriers to effective integrated infrastructure planning, including weak financial integration, inadequate policy direction, the absence of a robust legal framework, shortages of skilled manpower, and weaknesses in planning and design processes. Significant gaps were also identified in metropolitan governance, inter-city coordination, and stakeholder collaboration. These institutional and operational challenges contribute to disparities in integrated infrastructure planning between the two cities and constrain coordinated responses to metropolitan infrastructure needs. The study concludes that effective integrated infrastructure planning requires stronger institutional, legal, financial, technical, and participatory mechanisms. It recommends establishing a clear legal framework, creating metropolitan governance or coordinating institution, diversifying financing mechanisms, promoting public-private partnerships, strengthening community participation, and effectively utilizing technology and sustainable development principles. These measures can support coordinated, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure development in the two cities and provide lessons for rapidly urbanizing metropolitan regions in Ethiopia and beyond.
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Keywords
Addis Ababa, challenges, Infrastructure planning, Sheger city, urban governance