FMUDH and Public Universities Holds Consortium
The Federal Ministry of Urban Development and Housing and Public Universities held their national consortium on January 17, 2017 at ECSU Hidasse Hall. On the consortium public universities’ presidents and vice presidents, federal and regional bureau directors and other stakeholders participated.
On his opening speech His Excellency Dr Ambachew Mekonen, Minster for Ministry of Urban Development and Housing said we are now on a process of state building. In the process of state building urban development plays a great role and it helps to solve complicated urban problems which may occur in advance. Hence with the objective of integrating universities with urban development programs, this consortium plays a very important role, Dr. Ambachew Mekonen, said.
He also emphasized that the rapid urban development registered in our country needs to go hand in hand with our urban transformation activities. We also need to lead town and cites development based on researches and knowledge. For this, we expect a great contribution from this consortium. An integrated urban planning and the contribution of stakeholders are also important. Urban issues relate with many other social and economic issues, Dr. Ambachew Mekonen added.
On the program The Federal Ministry of Urban Development and Housing and Public Universities cooperation consortium work structural draft document has been presented by Ato Solomon Dadi from Ministry of Urban Development and Housing and the house discussed on basic issues raised on the document. On the draft document the importance of the consortium, its objective, its structure, work execution strategies and budget related issues were presented in detail.
Participants of the consortium on the part expressed their readiness to work together with concerned institutions to meet the objectives of the consortium. It is very important to organize this type of cooperation between universities and government administrative bodies to solve the problems in cities and towns. Our cities and towns need to have an integrated urban planning and the commitment of both government and universities. It also brings a mutual benefit for them by enhancing the strength of the universities and bringing urban transformation. The consortium may contribute for the country by thoroughly examining the process of urban development process and propose policy reformations ideas to the government, the participants said.
On his concluding remarks, Professor Fikre Desalegn, president of Ethiopian Civil Service University and president of the Consortium said the main objective of this cooperation is to bring urban transformation and ensure sustainable development. By current man power and situation in cities and towns it is difficult to reach at the intended result. Therefore it is very important to come and work together for the transformation of urban areas. On the practical process there might come other ideas to be incorporated on the draft document.