Urban Infrastructural Program, which will run starting from March 2018 and which is said to benefit over 7 million Ethiopians, was launched today. “Ethiopia is urbanizing rapidly and has one of the fastest growing urban populations in the world,” said Anne Bakilana, World Bank Program Leader, during its launching program adding that “as in other countries, urbanization in Ethiopia has been associated with high level of economic growth, averaging 10.4 percent between 2003 and 2013.”

According to the World Bank Program Leader, Urban Local Government Development Programs (ULGDP) of 1 and 2 were successful in creating jobs, improved implementing capacity of capital investment and improving urban structure and services. She added that the country’s industrial development policies and rural-urban linkage promotions present good opportunities for promoting more balanced regional development through the creation of a connected system of cities.
Jantirar Abay, Urban Development and Housing Minister, said ULGDP 1 and 2 which were applied in 44 cities, were successful. He added that budget will be appropriated based on the assessment of cities by independent organizations which are related to transparence and accountability of capital investment.

Abraham Tekeste, Finance and Economic Cooperation Minister, said, ““The Program will enhance the institutional performance of participating urban local governments to develop and sustain urban infrastructure, services, and local economic development.”

It is expected that the program will result in enhanced infrastructure, provision of services, productivity and effectiveness in fiduciary management, environmental and social management, and safeguards as well as strengthened accountability and oversight systems.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency