A Pollcy Challenge In A Period of Transition To Market Oriented Economy: The Case of Kebele Residential Houses In Woredas 4 And 7, Addis Ababa
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Date
2003-07
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Addis Ababauniversity
Abstract
The situation of residential Kebele houses, which make up 44.4% of the total residential
housing stocks in Addis Ababa is worthy of study in the present context of a global
housing policy of moving away from public housing to embrace a more market oriented
housing sector. It is particularly important since this trend is also influencing the housing
policy of Ethiopia in the country's period of transition to a more market oriented
economy.
Kebele houses represent the largest proportion of public housing in the country at large
and in Addis Ababa in particular, housing substantial number of urban households. The
Kebele houses suffer from poor public administration and neglect which led to the
deteriorating condition of the housing stocks. The houses also occupy large central
places in the city, producing a negative city image.
This study has tried to asses the condition of the housing units and the situation of tenant
households in selected two Kebeles of Addis Ababa; one located in 'Abnet' area and
another in 'Kuwas Meda' area. The study has tried to asses the risks of lack of
intervention and continuation of the current public tenure system on one hand and risks
associated with inteiference on the other hand. Both of the Kebeles selected in the study
are located adjoining the Mercato area. The Kebeles show similar characteristics in
economic activities, occupation and livelihood strategy of tenant households.
The findings of the study in the two Kebeles show that Kebele houses are found in
congested situation, with poor quality service and physical infrastructure provision and
poor physical condition. But, unlike predictions of previous studies on Kebele houses, the
houses are not falling apart getting beyond repair and turning out of use. The houses are
kept standing by long term upgrading and individual maintenance efforts of tenant
households.
The Kebele houses in the study areas have given shelter to the most vulnerable and poor
urban households. Most Kebele house tenants in the study area depend on the double use
of a residential Kebele house, and the location advantage it provides them with its
proximity to central and market areas to earn their lively-hood.
In addition, the findings show a mere transfer of tenure to sitting tenants through
privatization is not likely to result in improvement of the condition of Kebele houses
unless the dwellers are financially supported to undertake housing improvement and
unless the problem of congestion is relieved.
Finally, the study has tried to indicate the severity of social cost that will be involved in
government intervention and risks associated with continuation current public system of
tenure
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Case of Kebele Residential Houses In Woredas 4 And 7, Addis Ababa