Ethiopia Institute of Technology- Mekelle

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    Assessment of the Performance and Challenges of Public Procurement of Works in Semera, Afar National Regional State
    (Mekelle University, 2025-09-25) Ali Amin Ibrahim
    Public procurement is a pivotal mechanism linking project aspirations to the delivery of quality infrastructure. In Semera, Afar National Regional State, despite substantial investment in public works, procurement outcomes have often fallen short of expectations. This study assessed thirty public works projects implemented between 2018 and 2023, revealing systemic inefficiencies, delays, and quality shortfalls. Only 58% of projects complied with national procurement guidelines, procurement cycles averaged 6.5 months, and cost overruns affected 40% of projects, with an average escalation of 18% above contract values. Time and quality performance were also suboptimal, with less than half of projects completed on schedule and only 60% meeting technical standards. The analysis identified several institutional and market-related challenges undermining procurement performance. Capacity constraints were significant, with 72% of procurement staff lacking formal training and high turnover reducing continuity. Planning weaknesses were widespread, as 65% of procurement plans were delayed or incomplete, often without adequate market analysis. Transparency and accountability were insufficient: only half of tenders were openly advertised and nearly a third lacked complete bid evaluation reports. Market limitations further constrained performance, with an average of only three bidders per tender and contractor capacity often insufficient, resulting in project suspensions or abandonment. The consequences of these challenges were evident in persistent cost overruns, project delays, and compromised quality, particularly in essential infrastructure such as schools, roads, and health centers. Stakeholder confidence in procurement was low, with 68% rating performance as ineffective. These systemic weaknesses reduce the value for money and delay the delivery of public services, highlighting the urgent need for institutional reforms and operational improvements in public procurement practices in Semera. To address these gaps, the study recommends capacity building, improved planning, enhanced transparency, stronger oversight and accountability, and support for local contractors. Implementing these reforms will enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality in public works, promoting sustainable economic development in Afar.
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    An Assessment of Integration Levels and Implementation Challenges in Smart City Development: The Case of Mekelle City, Ethiopia.
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-20) Zemichael Hailemariam Gebrihet
    The aspiration to develop smart cities is seen globally as a strategic solution to urbanization challenges, aiming to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of life. In developing countries, the potential for smart cities is high, but significant challenges hinder successful implementation. Smart, sustainable city development in developing countries is not as closely studied as it has been in developed countries. Furthermore, academic studies about smart sustainable city development preparedness have been applied largely to the narrow context of developed countries. This study is an effort to help fill that gap. This study focuses on Mekelle City as a case study to assess the extent of smart city development, the integration and implementation challenges faced, and assessment to overcome these challenges. The research adopts a multi-method approach, including a comprehensive literature review, surveys and interviews with key informants, and field observations. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted using tools like SPSS, supported by materials such as questionnaires, interview guides, and access to relevant documentation in Mekelle. The findings aim to provide valuable insights into overcoming the barriers that developing countries face in their efforts to build sustainable, livable smart cities. The study identifies several key challenges: limited financial resources, deficiency of coordination and externalities, governance inefficiencies or lack of public-private partnerships, lack of smart city operational framework, lack of system integration and sustainable focused strategies, and a lack of integration between technology and urban planning. To address these issues, strategic solutions are proposed, including raising revenues and diversifying financing sources for smart city development, stepping up the effort to fulfil basic infrastructure needs, constructing regulatory frameworks for smart city governance, creating a supportive ecosystem that nurtures start-ups and strengthening public private partnerships, promoting public-private partnerships, and improving policy frameworks. The study concludes that, while Mekelle faces significant hurdles, it has the potential to achieve sustainable smart city development. By implementing socioeconomic, human, legal, and regulatory reforms and focusing on innovation, capacity building, and governance, Mekelle can serve as a model for smart city development in developing regions, particularly in the Tigray region.