The Association of Ethiopian Architects (AEA) and Land Bank and Development Corporation (LBDC) of Ethiopia signed a collaborative agreement to work in partnership for land holding development and growth of the sector.
The MOU was signed virtually between Land Bank and development corporation CEO Lensa Mekonnen and Amanuel Teshome, president of the Association of Ethiopian Architects, from their respective offices. Cities of Ethiopia are showing fast urbanization rates either through migration or internal growth. Consequently, urban planning and design under conditions of rapid and massive growth calls for approaches that streamline quickly to respond to their demand.
Land Bank and Development Corporation was established to identify and develop all landholdings under the federal government’s institutions and public enterprises to bring about an all inclusive economic benefit and keep up with the ever changing landscape in land development. CEO of Land Bank and Development Corporation of Ethiopia, Lensa Mekonnen during the virtual signing ceremony stated “forming a collaborative partnership with such associations will enable to easily and effectively utilize the great potential of such associations through aligning the work we do with them in our endeavors to develop land holdings. We will be able to share experiences and tap into the skilled manpower required for the success of our vision”.
Speaking on the virtual signing of the MoU and the Corporation’s response to minimize the impact from the Corona Virus pandemic in its operations, the CEO also added that the Corporation it has taken all the necessary measures to ensure business continuity. “Despite the current Corona virus pandemic that has affected the working conditions in the world, LBDC has put in place a system that enables us to make sure that our work continues as usual. We have to be very innovative and prompt to react to such situations; we need to solve problems, we need to use all the available technology. This should not just be practiced on top level of government however by all of us.” added Lensa.
The collaborative agreement will enable the two parties to co-assess and make baseline analysis of Addis Ababa City Development related plans, designs and strategies, to conduct international base line analysis for development of Federal Government Office District including analysis on the re-location of head of state, to co-design Federal Government Office District, co-design and host workshop series on topics pertinent to landholding development in strategically selected regions/city administrations as well as strengthen the capacity of the association for continued and scaled up partnership and co-mobilize resources.
Talking about the significance of the collaborative agreement, Amanuel Teshome, president of the Association of Ethiopian Architects indicated “ AEA has appreciated the mandate of the Corporation as it will highly contribute in the integrated and holistic development of Urban Space and Facilities in cities. Through the signing of this MoU, we hope to contribute inputs of our members towards the creation and regeneration of cities that are well suited for the Socio-Economic wellbeing of citizens.“