Under gloomy skies in Addis Abeba's rapidly expanding Lemi Kura District, residents gathered anxiously in a Noah Real Estate compound parking lot, in the Bole Beshale neighbourhood. Facing sudden demands from local authorities to cease sewage disposal or face hefty fines of up to 400,000 Br, homeowners expressed confusion and anger. Community leaders captured their uncertainty, warning an urban nightmare is unfolding as residents produce around 300,000ltrs of wastewater daily, far exceeding their overwhelmed septic systems. The crisis is part of a broader chaos in Addis Abeba, where urban growth has vastly outpaced infrastructure. Noah Real Estate's executives criticised the authorities for imposing "unreasonable demands," shifting responsibility onto developers and residents without prior notice.

The tension between developers, residents, and authorities is citywide. Prominent real estate companies like Flintstones Homes and Tsehay Real Estate have faced similar penalties and have been blamed for neglect. Authorities defend their strict approach, insisting that developers ensure sewage infrastructure before transferring homes. The Addis Abeba Environmental Protection Agency officials consider stringent enforcement overdue, noting urban dwellers’ complacency toward pollution. However, experts caution that this approach is dangerously misguided. They forewarn that the city's heavy-handed enforcement will likely backfire without substantial infrastructure improvements. They argue that current regulations are "the cart before the horse," urging for strategic planning and cultural change, rather than punitive action alone, as thousands remain trapped between harsh regulations and inadequate facilities.