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The Addis Abeba City Administration’s decision to suspend all land-related services has created uncertainty for residents and businesses in the city. The suspension includes services such as land registration, transfer of ownership, and issuance of building permits.
According to Kenia Yadeta (PhD), chief of the Addis Abeba Land Management Bureau, the suspension is necessary to combat illegal land occupation and ensure the proper use of land in the city. He stated that the suspension will help the city administration identify and take legal action against individuals and organizations that are occupying land illegally. However, it remains unclear how long the suspension will last and what specific measures will be taken to address the problem.
This is not the first time that land-related services have been suspended in Addis Abeba. In August 2021, similar measures were taken in an effort to combat illegal construction in the city. However, those services were resumed four months later. The partial and complete halt of land-related services over the last year has resulted in significant financial losses for the City Administration, totaling over half a billion Birr in lost revenue from service fees and capital gain taxes.
The suspension has also created challenges for residents and businesses who rely on these services. Many have expressed concerns about the impact the suspension will have on their ability to conduct transactions related to land and property. Some have also raised concerns about the potential for corruption and abuse of power during the suspension period.
The city administration has assured residents and businesses that it is committed to resolving the problem of illegal land occupation and that the suspension is a temporary measure to achieve that goal. However, they have also encouraged individuals and organizations to comply with the suspension and refrain from illegal land occupation.
In conclusion, the suspension of land-related services in Addis Abeba by the City Administration is an attempt to combat illegal land occupation and protect the proper use of land. However, the lack of clarity about the specific measures that will be taken and the duration of the suspension has raised concerns among residents and businesses. It will be important for the City Administration to provide clear and transparent communication and to take action that minimizes the negative impact on those who rely on these services.
