In addition, technical investigations are required to resolve the engineering aspects of a project. Further investigations may be required on sub-project likely to affect the environment; economic, social or environmental studies may need to be undertaken in such cases.

For a project of such magnitude, in an area of 64 sq. km. in densely populated inner city (Merkato area), the need for economic, demographic or other studies is pre-requisite of its success.

This brings me to the issue I would like to pronounce is very crucial and timely. The involvement of the public into the proposed scheme, here I mean 'the larger public', as Merkato is not only a neighborhood but also the nations unique market place may be comparable to 'The City' in London or 'Wall Street' in New York. Any redevelopment must consider this symbolic aspect as well. Merkato has always been a tourist attraction for the foreigners and they are all fascinated by it. Above all, most of our unique household products pass through Merkato. Every corner of the country is represented, by name or by product Gojam Berenda, Chew Berenda, Sidamo Tera, Goffa Berenda (I still don't know why it is called American Gbi), Berbere Tera, Gesho Tera, Wollega Hotel, Chillalo Hotel, Kbe Tera, Kuchira Banki, Somali Tera etc.

The planners, if they are wise, will benefit from the public involvement at this early stage. the execution of most projects of this magnitude and complexity affects the public in some way. Although the general public may benefit from most of the activities, there are usually some people who could suffer. For example, the shop owners whose land is compulsorily acquired for the redevelopment scheme, and the house holder who experiences noise nuisance as a result of the construction of the redevelopment, may both reasonably have objections to a proposed scheme. Attempts should be made to involve the public in the decision-making process at an early stage.

There is also another dimension to the redevelopment project. I call it the historical dimension. Should we ignore the historical past of our heritage, don't we have any nostalgia of Merkato the redevelopment may take away? Is there any Ethiopian who has not used something that has passed through Merkato, may be every week or so, for the whole of his life? Should we one day make up and face a monstrous compact new city, perhaps a concrete jungle, or should the designers integrate the existing good aspects of Merkato with modern functional buildings? These are the question I would like to ask.

The would-be-problems and possible solutions must be publicized, and the public must be encouraged to express their views and preferences, which are duly taken into account during the feasibility and planning stages. Involvement of the public in the planning stage of a project can reduce objections and eliminate the need for a public inquiry; if we can arrive at a common ground on the proposal, it can also produce constructive ideas to the benefit of the project.

Whereas the questions of need and city policy may be generally matters for Addis Ababa City authorities, proposals for a particular detail of the project are of concern mainly to those who live or work in the area.

At the end, I suggest for such a major project; provision should be made by statute for holding a public inquiry, which is a public hearing of objection to a particular part or all of the proposal.

Normally an independent inspectors chairs the public inquiry. At the hearing the investor puts his case for the scheme, calling witnesses in support as necessary. The objectors are then heard. Parties are frequently represented legally, and expert witnesses are called if the objections in the scheme are of a highly technical nature. As part of his duties, the inspector visits the site during the proceeding looks at all the supporting evidence in front of him.

After the public inquiry, the inspector writes a report, which he submits, to the appropriate government department. This report contains an outline of the evidence given at the inquiry, the inspector's findings and his recommendations. In due course, the government department makes its decision, which does not necessarily have to be in accordance with the inspector's recommendations. Appeal against the government department's decision is possible on legal grounds but not on the merits of the decision.

I believe the Merkato community has not been consulted so far or no pressure group from the community end has come to demand for explanation. Although the matter may seem premature it is to the advantage of the success of the proposed project and all the stakeholders that public consultation begin as soon as possible.

Let's face it, in this type of project every one has agenda. Naturally the investor may have a vision for Merkato but he also has a business plan and he may be looking at the pay-back period and the bottom line of his financial summary. His professional advisors should be delighted to be involved in such an inspiring and breathtaking job, while the contractors are preparing for the challenge and of course good returns. The government is also watching if everyone is playing by the rules of he game. Above all these, it is the 'Good Old Merkato' community who are excited to see their neighborhood be a better place than its dilapidated current state.

But to create a win-win scenario to all involved, that is to the investor, his professional advisors, the public, the city authorities and the Merkato community, it is prudent to invite a public consultation platform and encourage a public debate into the issues before it is too late.