The role and legal status of urban local government in the implementation of planning law in Ethiopia : the case of Amhara National Regional State

Abstract

This study investigated the role of urban Local Governments (ULGs) of Amhara National Regional State (ANRS) in implementing planning laws. Most of the ULGs in the developed world, unlike their counterparts in the developing world, have been executing planning laws for years. As a result, their system of urban planning and development has attempted to deal with the emerging problems of urbanization. In federal Ethiopia, ULGs are vested with the planning laws implementation authority. But the developments of urban centres in the study area show that ULGs have not been effectively exercising their power as mandated by law. This study therefore intended to find out why ULGs in the study area are not effective in the implementation of urban planning laws. The study was dictated by the fact that the understanding of the involvement of LGs in implementation of urban planning laws has paramount importance. Such argument was taken because ULGs are closer to the challenges confronting urban development at the local level and they are in a better position to address them. The study employed document analyses. To lay down the general theoretical and philosophical background the existing scholarly writings; the relevant federal and regional laws; research and seminar papers, journals etc. were analysed. The examination of these materials revealed that although ULGs studied have suitable legal status and they are better positioned than other stakeholders in areas of their jurisdictions, they are not effective in exercising their authority and were not able to address the planning needs of their community. The problem identified were low financial capacities of LGs, weak capacities of human resources and lack of comprehensive regulations for carrying out certain provisions of the planning processes and procedures. The study therefore recommended that ULGs must undertake capacity building measures for the staffs and the city administrator entities. It is also suggested that there shall be a move towards improving the legislative quality of planning laws. It is also recommended that RSs shall endeavour to enhance the financial capacity of ULGs by providing additional funds. Besides, it is advised to create legal instruments which govern IGR issues by clearly defining the power and duties of each entity in the relation.