KEYIR NEWS — In a sweeping move to curb environmental degradation in Ethiopia’s capital, the Addis Ababa City Administration Environmental Protection Authority has taken administrative action against 3,249 institutions found to be repeatedly violating environmental standards.
The crackdown, which includes the closure of 102 nightclubs, highlights a growing effort by the city to address pollution and enforce sustainable urban governance.
The announcement was made by Dida Driba, General Manager of the Environmental Protection Authority, during a press briefing this week.
According to Dida, the city’s recent efforts have targeted a wide range of violations, including noise pollution, sewage mismanagement, and vehicle emissions, which have significantly impacted public health and quality of life in Addis Ababa.
“Our mission is to ensure environmental protection through accountability,” said Dida. “This year, we set out to monitor 13,485 service providers and manufacturing institutions, but we have exceeded our target by inspecting over 14,800 entities.”
Of those inspected, 3,249 establishments faced administrative sanctions for repeated non-compliance, while 3,666 were issued formal warnings. More critically, 183 institutions, including 102 nightclubs, were shut down for their failure to meet the city’s environmental standards.
The night-time entertainment sector, particularly nightclubs, has been under growing scrutiny due to excessive noise levels and improper waste disposal.
Residents in high-density neighbourhoods have long complained of the disturbances and environmental risks posed by poorly regulated nightlife venues.
In a promising turn, Dida also revealed progress in the city’s fight against greenhouse gas emissions. The Authority had initially aimed to reduce annual emissions by 350,000 tons, but exceeded expectations by reporting a reduction of 459,000 tons.
“This is a major achievement,” he stated. “We are not just enforcing penalties but are actively contributing to global climate goals. Addis Ababa is beginning to walk the talk.”
The Authority has also launched efforts to rehabilitate degraded land and restore mined areas, as part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate natural resources and promote climate resilience in urban zones.
The sweeping regulatory campaign marks a turning point in how Addis Ababa deals with its rapid urban expansion and associated environmental pressures. While critics may argue that closures affect business and livelihoods, city officials counter that the long-term health and sustainability of the urban environment must take precedence.
“We are not against businesses,” Dida emphasised, “but we are against pollution and lawlessness. Those who pollute repeatedly will be held accountable.”
As Addis Ababa evolves into a modern metropolis, its ability to balance growth with sustainability will remain under watch, by its citizens, environmentalists, and the global climate community.
By JEMAL YIMAM | KEYIR STAFF WRITER