Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Ethiopia is making strides in ensuring affordable housing and strengthening urban resilience through conducting various mechanisms, according to Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure.
Addressing a high-level panel on housing in Ethiopia and across Africa, Urban and Infrastructure State Minister Hellen Debebe said the Government of Ethiopia has been conducting different housing provision mechanisms to alleviate housing problem.
Housing “is central to our national development priorities, and we remain committed to working hand-in-hand with partners to expand access to affordable housing, strengthen urban resilience and uplift the most vulnerable groups,” she added.
In this regard, more than 200,000 housing units have been renovated and upgraded during the last seven years through the initiative of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The initiative focuses on upgrading houses of vulnerable groups and the elderly.
For the state minister, the road ahead will require continued partnership among the government, the private sector, civil society, and local communities.
“Together, we can transform housing from a challenge into a driver of development. Therefore, we need to strengthen our partnership.”
Affirming the commitment of Ethiopia to strengthen collaboration especially with Habitat for Humanity, she said the government is carrying out various initiatives to alleviate housing problem for low income and vulnerable groups.
On her part, Habitat for Humanity Africa Vice President Rudo Kayombo stressed the need for strengthening collaboration to reach many states that are represented by the African Union, who still have to make strides in the housing sector.
According to her, working in close collaboration is instrumental to respond to the rising need for affordable and sustainable housing; and also habitats that can withstand the impact of climate change and some of the challenges that continue to affect the communities.
Leveraging the policy frameworks that are established by continental bodies like the African Union and national governments and local governments is also critical, she pointed out.
Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia National Director and Representative to African Union, Yitna Tekaligne, said the housing challenge in Africa remains profound, driven by rapid urbanization, affordability gaps, and climate vulnerabilities, among others.
By joining forces, we can elevate housing as a central pillar of human development, economic growth and social inclusion, he added.
“Together, we can unlock the potential of housing to transform lives and communities in Africa.”
Under its agenda 2063, the AU recognizes adequate housing as a cornerstone of inclusive development, urban resilience and social equity with the aim to address the continent’s housing deficit and promote sustainable urbanization.
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