ETHIOPIAN CIVIL SERVICE

UNIVERSITY

College of Urban Development and Engineering,

Department of urban planning and Development

Weekend Master’s program

GROUP ASSIGNMENT

URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT

Module Code: UIPM-6081

Title :-“Integration of infrastructure in Addis Ketema Sub-City”.

Prepared By

NO FULL NAME IDNO SECTION

1 Abera Tesfaye Mitafa ECSU2301700 I
2 Getu Debela Tujo ECSU2301447 I
3 Dagmawi Workiye G/TSadik ECSU2301671 I
4 Binyam Murutus G/Yohannis ECSU2301702 I
6 Abayneh Tilaye Feyisa ECSU2301667 I
6 Dagim Temesgen ECSU2301858 I
7 Negesa Birhanu ECSU2300194 I
8 Dita Hailu ECSU2300189 I

Submitted To; Dr Mulugeta

 January,2025
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Contents
1. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................1
2. LOCATION MAP OF ADDIS KETEMA SUB-CITY...................................................................2
3. STATUS OF INTEGRATION ACROSS VARIOUS INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS
AVAILABLE IN ADDIS KETEMA SUB-CITY:..................................................................................3
4 NATURE OF INFRASTRUCTURE AVAILABILITY & PART OR ZONE OF THE SUB-CITY
BETTER SERVED....................................................................................................................................6
I. Nature of infrastructure availability............................................................................................6
II. Which Part Or Zone Of The Sub-City is Better Served & why ?..........................................9
5 THE MAIN ISSUES THAT LOCAL PEOPLE CONSIDER AS A CHALLENGE IN THEIR
SMOOTH FUNCTIONING...................................................................................................................10
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................15

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 1. INTRODUCTION
Addis Ketema Sub-city, one of the most vibrant and densely populated areas in Addis Ababa,
serves as a critical economic and cultural hub. As home to Merkato, Africa's largest open-air
market, the sub-city plays a significant role in the city's daily life and commerce. However, rapid
urbanization, dense population, and limited infrastructure planning have led to numerous
challenges that affect the quality of life and functionality of the area. This report provides a
comprehensive analysis of the status of various infrastructure sectors within Addis Ketema Sub-
city, highlighting their current conditions, challenges, and areas of improvement. By examining
sectors such as transport, market infrastructure, education, healthcare, power supply,
communication, waste management, and open spaces, this document aims to provide a detailed
understanding of the integration and functionality of urban systems in the sub-city. Furthermore,
it identifies critical issues faced by residents and outlines the gaps that need to be addressed to
promote sustainable urban development.

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2. LOCATION MAP OF ADDIS KETEMA SUB-CITY

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 3. STATUS OF INTEGRATION ACROSS VARIOUS
INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS AVAILABLE IN ADDIS KETEMA
SUB-CITY:

Addis ketema sub-city infrastructure Components

Infrastructure Component Description Current Status
Roads Main and secondary roads Needs improvement
Public Transport Buses, taxis, and rail services Limited coverage
Water Supply Pipe network and water sources Inconsistent supply
Electricity Grid and renewable sources Frequent outages
Waste Management Collection and disposal systems Inefficient
Health Facilities Clinics and hospitals Overcrowded
Education Schools and vocational training Limited access

i. . Transport Infrastructure

 Status:
o The area is well-connected to major transport hubs like Merkato and the Addis
Ababa Light Rail Transit (AALRT), which provides transit services through
nearby stations.
o Roads are narrow and often congested due to high vehicular and pedestrian
traffic.
 Challenges:
o Poor integration between public transport systems (buses, taxis, light rail) and
pedestrian pathways.
o Limited parking spaces and inadequate road capacity for the volume of activity in
the area.

ii. . Market Infrastructure

 Status:
o Merkato, the sub-city's centerpiece, serves as a critical commercial hub for the
city and beyond.
o It hosts thousands of vendors and attracts significant foot traffic daily.

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  Challenges:
o Inadequate infrastructure for waste disposal and sanitation in the market area.
o Congestion from a lack of organized transportation and pedestrian routes.

iii. . Educational Infrastructure

 Status:
o The sub-city has several public and private schools, ranging from primary to
secondary levels, but the facilities are often overcrowded and under-resourced.
 Challenges:
o Limited integration of educational institutions with other infrastructures like
transport and open spaces.
o Shortage of recreational facilities for students.

iv. . Health Infrastructure

 Status:
o Several health centers and private clinics operate in the sub-city, but demand
often exceeds supply.
o Larger hospitals are located in neighboring sub-cities, requiring residents to travel
for specialized care.
 Challenges:
o Poor connectivity between health facilities and transportation systems.
o Limited sanitation infrastructure in informal settlements exacerbates public health
risks.

v. . Power Infrastructure

 Status:
o Most residents and businesses have access to electricity, but power outages are
frequent due to overloading and aging infrastructure.
 Challenges:
o Illegal connections and unplanned urban expansions strain the system.

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 o Insufficient integration with renewable energy solutions.

vi. . Communication Infrastructure

 Status:
o Mobile networks and internet access are available, though coverage and speed
vary widely.
 Challenges:
o Limited fiber-optic infrastructure and network congestion in densely populated
areas.

vii. . Waste Disposal Infrastructure

 Status:
o Waste collection services are present but inconsistent, leading to illegal dumping
in some areas.
o Markets like Merkato generate significant amounts of waste, straining disposal
systems.
 Challenges:
o Poor integration of waste management with urban planning and limited
community awareness.

viii. . Open Space Availability

 Status:
o The sub-city has very limited open and green spaces, with most areas occupied by
dense residential or commercial buildings.
 Challenges:
o Encroachment of informal settlements and markets on potential open spaces.
o Lack of parks or recreational areas for residents.

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 4 NATURE OF INFRASTRUCTURE AVAILABILITY & PART OR
ZONE OF THE SUB-CITY BETTER SERVED

ADDIS KETEMA SUB-CITY

INTEGRATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE

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I. Nature of infrastructure availability

a. Transport Infrastructure

 Nature:
o The transport infrastructure is characterized by a mix of formal and informal
systems, including buses, taxis, minibuses, and the Addis Ababa Light Rail
Transit (AALRT).
o Roads are narrow and often poorly maintained, reflecting the historical
development of the area without modern urban planning.
 Condition:
o Overcrowded and congested, especially around Merkato, due to high pedestrian
and vehicular traffic.
o Limited pedestrian-friendly pathways and cycling lanes.

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b. . Market Infrastructure

 Nature:
o Dominated by Merkato, Africa's largest open-air market, which serves as the
economic backbone of the sub-city.
o Comprises thousands of small-scale vendors, wholesale businesses, and retail
outlets operating in informal and semi-formal settings.
 Condition:
o The market area is vibrant but chaotic, with limited infrastructure for sanitation,
waste management, and organized transport.
o Insufficient storage facilities and market zoning contribute to inefficiencies.

c. Educational Infrastructure

 Nature:
o Includes government-run schools, private institutions, and informal learning
centers catering to a range of age groups.
o Educational facilities are concentrated in certain neighborhoods, with uneven
distribution across the sub-city.
 Condition:
o Many schools are overcrowded, with limited classroom space, teaching materials,
and recreational facilities.
o Schools often lack integration with safe transport and nearby open spaces.

d. . Health Infrastructure

 Nature:
o Health services consist of government health centers, private clinics, and
pharmacies, catering to basic healthcare needs.
o Larger hospitals are located in other sub-cities, requiring residents to travel for
advanced or specialized care.
 Condition:

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 o Basic health facilities are under-resourced and overburdened, especially during
public health crises.
o Poor sanitation and waste disposal infrastructure exacerbate health challenges in
densely populated areas.

e. . Power Infrastructure

 Nature:
o Electricity is primarily supplied by the national grid through the Ethiopian
Electric Power Corporation (EEP).
o The sub-city relies on a centralized distribution network, with limited use of
alternative or renewable energy sources.
 Condition:
o Power outages are frequent due to aging infrastructure and high demand.
o Informal settlements often have illegal or unsafe connections.

f. Communication Infrastructure

 Nature:
o Telecommunications infrastructure includes mobile networks, broadband internet,
and landline services managed by Ethio Telecom.
o Mobile phone penetration is high, but internet access is uneven and often limited
to mobile data.
 Condition:
o While improving, the infrastructure is still insufficient to support digital
transformation and reliable connectivity across the sub-city.

g. Waste Disposal Infrastructure

 Nature:
o Waste management relies on municipal collection services, informal recyclers,
and community-based efforts.
o Facilities for waste segregation and recycling are minimal.

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  Condition:
o Irregular waste collection and inadequate disposal sites lead to illegal dumping
and environmental pollution.
o Markets and informal settlements generate large amounts of uncollected waste.

h. Open Space Infrastructure

 Nature:
o Very limited green or recreational spaces, with most of the sub-city occupied by
dense residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
o Existing open spaces are often informal, such as unused lots or areas near
markets.
 Condition:
o Poorly maintained or encroached upon by informal activities.
o Lack of parks or dedicated recreational spaces for residents.

II. Which Part Or Zone Of The Sub-City is Better Served & why ?
1. Areas Around Merkato

 Reason for Better Services:

o Economic Importance: Merkato is Africa's largest open-air market, attracting
significant attention from both the government and private investors. The
economic activity drives the development of better road networks, utilities
(electricity, water), and communication services to support businesses.
o Transport Connectivity: The proximity to major roads and the Addis Ababa
Light Rail Transit (AALRT) provides better transport services. Public buses and
taxis also heavily serve this area due to the high foot traffic.
o Public Utilities: Water, electricity, and waste collection services are more regular
here, given the importance of maintaining the functionality of such a vital
economic zone.

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 o Health and Education: Larger numbers of clinics, pharmacies, and educational
institutions are found here to cater to the dense population and workers in the
market.

2. Western Zones Closer to Main Roads

 Reason for Better Services:

o Accessibility: Areas closer to arterial roads connecting Merkato to the rest of
Addis Ababa tend to benefit from better transportation and utility services. Roads
in these areas are more likely to be paved and maintained.
o Urban Development: These zones attract more formal development, including
residential and commercial infrastructure, as they are seen as prime locations.

5 THE MAIN ISSUES THAT LOCAL PEOPLE CONSIDER AS A

CHALLENGE IN THEIR SMOOTH FUNCTIONING
a) . Overcrowding and Congestion

 Description:
o Addis Ketema is one of the most densely populated sub-cities in Addis Ababa,
with a mix of residential, commercial, and informal settlements.
o Crowded markets, streets, and public spaces make movement and daily activities
challenging.
 Impact:
o Traffic congestion, overcrowded public transport, and limited pedestrian
pathways disrupt smooth mobility.
o High density creates pressure on resources like water, electricity, and sanitation
services.

b) Poor Waste Management

 Description:

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 o Waste collection is irregular, and illegal dumping is common, especially in
market areas like Merkato and informal settlements.
 Impact:
o Accumulated waste leads to unsanitary living conditions, health risks, and
environmental pollution.
o Poor waste management disrupts businesses and daily life in heavily populated
areas.

c) Inadequate Water Supply

 Description:
o Access to clean and reliable water is a persistent issue for many residents,
particularly in informal settlements.
 Impact:
o Residents spend significant time and resources securing water, which affects
productivity.
o Insufficient water supply disrupts domestic life and hygiene.

d) Frequent Power Outages

 Description:
o Electricity supply is unreliable due to overloading of the grid, aging
infrastructure, and illegal connections.
 Impact:
o Interruptions disrupt small businesses, which are heavily reliant on power,
especially in market zones.
o Households face challenges in cooking, lighting, and using electrical appliances.

e) Limited Public and Green Spaces

 Description:
o Open and recreational spaces are almost non-existent in Addis Ketema, with most
land occupied by dense residential and commercial buildings.

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 Impact:
o Lack of parks or playgrounds deprives residents, especially children, of
recreational opportunities.
o Crowding in residential areas worsens quality of life.

f) Health and Sanitation Challenges

 Description:
o Health services are inadequate, with limited clinics and health centers struggling
to meet demand.
o Sanitation infrastructure is poor, with many households lacking proper toilets or
sewer connections.
 Impact:
o Public health risks, such as disease outbreaks, are high, especially in informal
settlements.
o Residents face difficulty accessing affordable and quality healthcare services.

g) Transportation Issues

 Description:
o Public transport systems are often overcrowded, unreliable, and poorly integrated.
Roads are congested, narrow, and prone to flooding during the rainy season.
 Impact:
o Daily commuting becomes stressful and time-consuming.
o Businesses suffer from delays in transportation and logistics.

h) Rising Cost of Living

 Description:
o The cost of essential goods, housing, and services is increasing, driven by high
demand and limited supply.
 Impact:

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 o Low-income residents struggle to afford basic necessities, such as food, housing,
and transportation.
o Businesses face higher operating costs, reducing profitability.

i) Informal Settlements and Housing Issues

 Description:
o Many residents live in informal settlements with inadequate infrastructure and
services. Housing shortages exacerbate overcrowding.
 Impact:
o Poor living conditions affect residents’ health and well-being.
o Limited housing options force many to live in substandard accommodations.

j) Limited Job Opportunities

 Description:
o While the Merkato area provides numerous informal jobs, there is a lack of formal
and stable employment opportunities.
 Impact:
o Residents often rely on low-income, informal work, which is unstable and lacks
social protections.
o Youth unemployment is a persistent issue.

k) Inadequate Education Infrastructure

 Description:
o Schools in the sub-city are often overcrowded, with insufficient resources and
facilities.
 Impact:
o Children face challenges in accessing quality education, limiting their future
opportunities.
o Parents struggle to find affordable and nearby schools for their children.

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 l) Insecurity and Crime

 Description:
o The high population density and economic activity create opportunities for petty
theft, pickpocketing, and other crimes.
 Impact:
o Residents and business owners feel unsafe, particularly in crowded areas
o Businesses incur additional costs for security measures.

m) Poor Urban Planning and Governance

 Description:
o Urban development in Addis Ketema sub-city often occurs informally, with
limited government oversight and coordination.
 Impact:
o Infrastructure development lags behind population growth, worsening existing
problems.
o Residents face challenges advocating for better services and fair treatment.

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Conclusion

Addis Ketema Sub-city, as a bustling and densely populated area of Addis Ababa, plays a vital
role in the city's economic and social landscape. Despite its significance, the sub-city faces
numerous challenges stemming from limited infrastructure integration, overcrowding, and rapid
urbanization. Key sectors, including transport, market, education, health, power, and waste
management, are marked by inefficiencies and gaps that hinder the smooth functioning of daily
life for residents and businesses.

The analysis highlights the urgent need for a coordinated and sustainable approach to urban
planning and infrastructure development. Enhancing transport connectivity, improving waste
management systems, expanding educational and health facilities, and addressing the challenges
of informal settlements are critical priorities. Moreover, investing in renewable energy solutions,
increasing public and green spaces, and strengthening urban governance will be essential to
ensure equitable and resilient growth.

Addressing these challenges will require collaboration between local authorities, community
stakeholders, and private sector actors to create a more inclusive, functional, and livable
environment for the people of Addis Ketema Sub-city.

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