Judge Grants Police Two-Week Custody of Commissioner Mitiku, Son

Jul 17 , 2022


[ssba-buttons]

Mid last week, a judge at the Federal First Instance High Court granted federal investigators 14-day custody of Mitiku Kassa, head of the National Disaster Risk Management Commission. Mitiku and his son, Eyasu, were detained by federal police the day prior on suspicion of "corruption, misuse of public property, and abuse of office." Police say they suspect the Commissioner was an actor in embezzlement activities involving Elshadai Relief & Development Association, a local charity. Elshadai was established in 1990 by Yemane Woldemariam, according to the charity's website. Police suspect Mitiku was involved in the misappropriation of aid items such as wheat and edible oil under the purview of the Commission for personal gain. The federal police suspect a three-storey building in Hawassa town was acquired in Commissioner Mitiku’s wife’s name using close to 10 million Br in misappropriated funds and rented out to Elshadai.


Radar

Ministry Showcases Arada Branch Revenue Gains

Arada District's Land Development & Administration Branch pulled in over 150 million Br in just 70 days, beating its 90-day target. Most of the revenue came from annual lease collections and service fees. The office also billed 126 property owners for roof and fence valuations, already securing 20 million Br of the expected 46 million Br. Officials issued warnings to 15 allottees slow to start construction and recommended land right revocations in 11 cases. Leaders credited a more efficient...


Radar

Ministry Backs Blended Finance for Micro, Small Enterprises

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is partnering with Ministry of Finance to expand financial access for micro and small enterprises through blended finance and digital tools. Off-balance-sheet facilities are designed to attract private investors and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) by reducing risk and improving capital flow. Digital platforms, including mobile money and digital IDs, will lower transaction costs and broaden reach. The initiative supports job creation and...


Radar

National Electricity Network Set for Upgrade

Ethiopia Electric Utility (EEU) plans to expand the national electricity grid by 8,689 km in the 2026 fiscal year, Yohannes Tonja, head of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, said. The rollout includes 86,789 km of medium-voltage lines, 92,572 km of low-voltage lines, and pre-maintenance on transformers. EEU will also rehabilitate 1,218 km of medium-voltage lines, install 1,893 transformers, and upgrade 308.7 km of low-voltage infrastructure. Operational targets include cutting power interrup...