New regulations from the Addis Abeba City Cabinet dictate minimum distances buildings must be built from roadways. Buildings must be at least 10m from the main road edge while five meters and two metres distance is required from sub-main roads and neighbourhood roads, respectively.

The regulations arose from the experience of developing the massive corridor project over the past three months, which led to the demolition of several buildings and homes located on the roadside. The grand corridor development covering 47.5hct across five main routes will entail around 400 building renovations, 70 public parks, 100Km of bicycle lanes and 96Km of pedestrian sidewalks upon completion. While the project has not been completed in the three-month schedule initially announced certain parts of the capital have already been permanently transformed.

According to the statements made last week, a "smart city" requires an environment devoid of immediate threats to pedestrians from tall buildings, complementary aesthetic standards of buildings, and smooth traffic flow.

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