Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is rapidly urbanizing and faces a housing crisis, as 80% of the population lives in informal settlements. In 1986, the Ethiopian government passed a law that forbid people to maintain houses without foundations, which generally means informal housing. While many parts of the city were renovated and upgraded, others were left unmaintained – resulting in Addis Ababa’s geography of people with very different socioeconomic backgrounds living in close proximity to each other. A project began in 1993 to focus on upgrading informal settlements and providing infrastructure, but there remains stark differences in the living conditions of people of different socioeconomic statuses.
The Integrated Urban Slum Upgrading Project began in 2017 with the aim of helping vulnerable people become homeowners and gain access to sanitation and safe water. This project works in conjunction with the Integrated Vulnerable Groups Housing Program, which assists people with complex poverty, health, and disability issues to become homeowners. Since 2019, 1,650 families have benefitted from these programs due to their strong partnerships, long-term vision, and integrated approach.
Source:
Habitat for Humanity International. (2021) Building Solid Ground. Habitat for Humanity International.