The agreement between the Land Bank and Development Corporation and the Association of Ethiopian Architects marks the beginning of collaborative partnerships set to play a key role in landhold development
ADDIS ABABA (Semonegna)– The Land Bank and Development Corporation (LBDC) of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) has signed a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Ethiopian Architects (AEA) to work in partnership for land holding development and growth of the sector. The MOU was signed virtually between FDRE LBDC’s CEO Lensa Mekonnen and Amanuel Teshome, President of AEA, 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. LBDC 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 FDRE LBDC, 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 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in its operations, the CEO also added that the Corporation has taken all the necessary measures to ensure business continuity.
“Despite the current coronavirus 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 AEA 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.”
About Land Bank and Development Corporation (LBDC)
Land Bank and Development Corporation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE LBDC) is company established for a purpose of identifying all landholdings under FDRE federal institutions and public enterprises, tally all landholdings and secure title deeds; to properly develop and manage landholdings for maximum and all-inclusive economic benefit; to develop landholdings in a manner that facilitates service provision of federal government institutions and public enterprises; to methodically manage landholdings for maximized economic and social benefit; ensure government’s interest is protected when landholdings are transferred to private possession; identify and tally all landholdings under FDRE federal institutions and public enterprises and secure landholding title deed certificates under its name; transfer previously issued title deed certificates to its name and serve as data center for decision making and develop the identified landholdings under its ownership through joint ventures.
About Association of Ethiopian Architects (AEA)
The Association of Ethiopian Architects was established in Addis Ababa in August 1991. Headquartered in Addis Ababa, it is a professional organization for architects in the Ethiopia. The Association’s aim is to promote advancement of architecture in the country, work on a holistic enhancement of cognate culture and tradition and also facilitate training and research. In addition, it works for advancement of professional etiquette. It accommodates architectural vocation as its purport. AEA provides its members with opportunities for vocation advancement, and in building standards and laws, engages in active lobbying and oversees conduct of professionals. It administers design competitions, and for construction industry ratifies model being as documents, and provides professional and design information accommodations. AEA endeavors to meet the desiderata and intrigues of the nation’s architects and the public by raising public vigilance of the value of architecture and the quality of good design. In doing so, AEA organizes annual conventions, workshops, lectures and public exhibitions. AEA also apperceives professionals who make a distinguished contribution to the vocation.