Project Construction Stakeholders Urged to Prioritize Safety and Minimize Harm – Engineer Mesfin Negwo (Dr.)
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Addis Ababa, September 26, 2025 (ENA): Project construction stakeholders should give top priority to construction safety by minimizing harm to people and adhering to the precautionary principle, according to Engineer Mesfin Negwo (Dr.).
The Ethiopian Construction Authority, Construction Management Institute, Addis Ababa City Building Permit and Control Authority, and the Ethiopian Contractors Association have signed an agreement to collaborate on construction safety and health.
Speaking on the occasion, Engineer Mesfin Negwo (Dr.), Director General of the Ethiopian Construction Authority, noted that the country’s construction industry is experiencing rapid and progressive changes. While acknowledging the sector’s positive contribution to economic growth and job creation, he stressed that inadequate safety practices during project implementation continue to put people at risk.
He emphasized that the newly signed cooperation agreement will play a vital role in reducing deaths, injuries, and property damage linked to safety lapses in the construction process. He further underlined the need to raise awareness among workers and consistently remind them to adhere to safety principles while on duty.
Engineer Tamrat Mulu, Director General of the Construction Management Institute, explained that many construction-related deaths and injuries are caused by gaps in the implementation of building proclamations and regulations. He noted that contractors are expected to ensure worker safety and health precautions are in place to prevent harm to lives and property. He also stated that ongoing training for contractors and industry stakeholders on safety and health protection systems will be further strengthened.
Engineer Hiwot Samuel, Director General of the Addis Ababa City Building Permit and Control Authority, pointed out that numerous permitted construction projects are underway in the capital. She said continuous monitoring is being conducted to address safety gaps that put people at risk of injury or death during project implementation. She added that the cooperation agreement will help construction sector actors in the city to better comply with safety and health protection systems.
Engineer Yousuf Mohammed, President of the Ethiopian Contractors Association, affirmed that the association is committed to addressing safety shortcomings in construction by effectively implementing the cooperation agreement.
Summary:
In Ethiopia, construction stakeholders have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen safety and health standards in the sector. The Ethiopian Construction Authority, Construction Management Institute, Addis Ababa City Building Permit and Control Authority, and the Ethiopian Contractors Association agreed to collaborate on reducing deaths, injuries, and property damage linked to unsafe construction practices.
Engineer Mesfin Negwo (Dr.), Director General of the Ethiopian Construction Authority, emphasized that while the construction industry significantly contributes to economic growth and job creation, inadequate safety measures continue to harm workers and the public. The agreement aims to improve awareness, training, and regulatory compliance among contractors and project implementers.
Nationally, the move reflects Ethiopia’s response to rising construction activity in urban areas such as Addis Ababa, where safety monitoring has become increasingly critical. Internationally, it aligns with global efforts—guided by organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO)—to improve occupational safety in construction, one of the world’s most hazardous industries. The Ethiopian initiative demonstrates a commitment to adopting international best practices while addressing local challenges of weak regulation and enforcement.