Exercise IA

1. Comments on the need and use of prefabricating building systems for the construction
of residential apartment, office buildings, schools and parking space in major urban
cities in Ethiopia.
Need for Prefabricated Building Systems
Prefabricated building systems can offer significant benefits for the construction of residential
apartments, office buildings, schools, and parking spaces in major urban cities in Ethiopia. With
a growing population and high housing demand, there is a need for fast and cost-effective
construction methods that can keep up with the demand.
Major Cities Population size in Housing Demand Growth rate per Estimated Housing
2010 in 2010 year ( % ) Demand in 2023
Addis Ababa 3,327,498 578,574 15.2 1,143,262
Dire Dawa 331,062 58,577 22.6 172,099
Nazareth 274,887 52,439 26 177,244
Gondar 233,763 35,769 25.6 119,039
Mekelle 201,721 36,389 24.9 117,791
Bahirdar 200,215 37,988 25.6 126,424
Jimma 191,082 30,055 26 101,586
Hawassa 150,545 35,136 25 114,192
Total 4,910,773 864,927 2,071,638
Source (CSA, 2001)
Table 1: Estimated housing demand in major urban cities in Ethiopia
Population in Addressed new Replace Address Contingency Total needed
2023 family formation dilapidation Backlog (20%)
4,408,656 207,015 269,814 500,000 195,366 1,172,195
Source: Addis Ababa City Structure Plan (2017-2027), Lia (2017).
Table 2: Estimated housing need in Addis Ababa in 2023
With the rapid urbanization and population growth in major cities in Ethiopia, the demand for
affordable and adequate housing has been on the rise. According to Table 1, the estimated
housing demand in major urban cities in Ethiopia in 2023 is projected to be 2,071,638. Table 2
shows that Addis Ababa alone will require 1,172,195 housing units in 2023. The conventional
construction methods may not be able to meet the demand within the stipulated time frame.
Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative construction methods such as prefabricated
building systems to address the housing shortage. Prefabricated building systems can help
address this deficit by reducing construction time and costs.
There is also a need for improved infrastructure, including schools and parking spaces, to support
the growing urban population. The use of prefabricated building systems can facilitate the
construction of these structures in a shorter time frame and at a lower cost, compared to
traditional construction methods.

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The use of prefabricated building systems:
The use of prefabricated building systems in Ethiopia offers several advantages.
 It reduces construction time. This is because the components of the building are
manufactured off-site, which reduces the time spent on-site assembling and constructing
the building.
 It offer cost savings. This is because prefabrication reduces the amount of labor required
on-site and improves material efficiency.
 It can improve the quality of construction. Prefabrication leads to better quality control
and reduces the amount of waste generated during construction.
 It can help address the shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry in Ethiopia.
Prefabrication requires less skilled labor compared to traditional construction methods,
making it a more accessible option for the construction industry.
 It can be customized to suit the specific needs and requirements of the project. This
makes it a versatile option for the construction of various types of buildings and
infrastructure.
 It can help reduce the environmental impact of construction. As the components of the
building are manufactured off-site, it reduces the amount of waste generated on-site, and
the construction process can be more energy-efficient.
 It can improve the safety of construction workers. As the components are manufactured
off-site, there is less work required on-site, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
 It offers a faster return on investment for developers and investors. As the construction
time is shorter, the building can be occupied and generate revenue sooner.
1.2. Is there a future for the prefabrication of building elements business in
Ethiopia? Discuss.
Yes, there is a future for the prefabrication of building elements business in Ethiopia due to the
following reasons:
 High demand for affordable housing and infrastructure in major cities.
 Limited competition in the industry presents opportunities for growth and market
expansion.
 Cost savings compared to traditional construction methods due to reduced labor,
materials, and waste.
 Availability of new construction technologies, including advanced 3D printing, which
can speed up the manufacturing process and reduce costs.
 Easy assembly and dismantling, making it suitable for temporary structures such as
offices and schools.
 Reduced construction time, allowing for faster completion and occupancy of buildings.
 Reduced noise and dust during construction and demolition, making it suitable for urban
areas.
 Standardization and regulation ensure quality and safety standards are met.

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  Overall advancement in the construction industry in Ethiopia, with a focus on
modernization and technology adoption.
Therefore, the prefabrication of building elements business in Ethiopia has significant potential
for growth and expansion in the future, providing numerous benefits for both investors and the
government.
2. What do you understand by the term “Low cost housing”?
Low cost housing refers to residential units that are affordable and accessible to low-income
households (Manjesh S. & Vikas K., 2017). These housing units are designed and constructed to
be cost-effective, using affordable materials and building techniques to reduce the overall
construction cost. The primary objective of low-cost housing is to provide decent and affordable
shelter for people who are unable to afford conventional housing. Low-cost housing units often
come with basic amenities such as electricity, water, and sanitation facilities. The concept of
low-cost housing is not limited to a particular type of building system, but it can be achieved
using various building methods, including prefabrication. The goal of low-cost housing is to
provide housing for low-income families, while also ensuring their safety and comfort.
2.2. Do we have low cost housing scheme in Ethiopia?
Yes, Ethiopia has a low-cost housing scheme, which started as a collaboration between the
Ethiopian government and the German government in the late 1990s. The collaboration aimed to
develop affordable housing construction techniques, resulting in the Low-Cost Housing (LCH)
project. The LCH project initially tested housing construction through the LCH technology on
test sites located in the regional state of Tigray and the city of Addis Ababa. The LCH
technology resulted in construction costs of ETB 500-800 (USD 59-95) per square meter, a 40%
reduction of average building costs in Ethiopia at the time.
In 2004, the government launched a large-scale housing scheme, the Addis Ababa Grand
Housing Program (AAGHP), which was partially due to a change in national development
policy. The AAGHP was launched with the inauguration of its pilot project at the Bole-Gerji site,
which extended the LCH technology to buildings of four to five stories.
The AAGHP was further scaled up to the Integrated Housing Development Program (IHDP) in
2006, targeting middle and low-income households. The IHDP set ambitious goals, including
reducing slum dwellings by 50%, building 150’000-200’000 housing units, creating 60’000 jobs,
and reorganizing the existing training procedures for the domestic construction sector. The cost
of the pilot project remained within the upper range of the LCH project's costs, at ETB 800-900
(USD 92-104) per square meter (Delz, 2016)
2.3. Comment on the effort made by the Ethiopian government to promote the effort to
promote the prefab elements in the construction of condominium buildings.
The Ethiopian government has made significant efforts to promote the use of prefab elements in
the construction of condominium buildings. This effort is mainly aimed at providing affordable

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housing for the low-income population. The government-owned condominium projects have
been using prefab building elements such as precast concrete beams, blocks, pipes, lintels, PVC.
Windows, and poles to minimize the need for timber for formwork and to speed up the
construction process.
There are also private prefab factories in Ethiopia, such as Yibel Industrial Plc, which was
established in 2009 and has been constructing residential houses, guest houses, and project camp
houses using prefab technology. The factory produces steel building structures, magnesium
board, agro-stone panels, light gauge steel frames, and PVC doors and windows.
However, there are limitations to the quality of prefab building elements produced in Ethiopia.
The quality differs from one producer to the other, and there is no standard requirement or
quality assurance procedure to ensure conformity and consistency in the production of prefab
elements. The quality is supervised on behalf of consulting firms that administer the contracts
and supervision of works, but most of them only count the amount of produced blocks without
checking their quality, size, and conformity to the standards.
Overall, the Ethiopian government has made commendable efforts to promote the use of prefab
building elements in the construction of condominium buildings for low-income populations.
However, there is a need for standardization and quality assurance to ensure consistency and
conformity in the production of prefab building elements.
3. Discuss in detail on the environmental effects of prefabricating concrete building
elements.
Prefabrication of concrete building elements has gained popularity in recent years due to its
numerous benefits, including increased efficiency, reduced construction time, and improved
quality control. However, it is important to consider the environmental impact of this
construction method.
 One of the most significant environmental impacts of prefabrication is the energy
consumption involved in the production of the precast concrete elements. The manufacturing
process of precast concrete requires a considerable amount of energy for mixing, casting,
curing, and transportation. This energy consumption results in the emission of greenhouse
gases (GHG) such as carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change.
 Moreover, prefabrication involves the transportation of precast elements to the construction
site. This transportation can result in environmental impacts such as air pollution, noise
pollution, and traffic congestion. These impacts are particularly significant in urban areas
where construction sites are often located in densely populated areas.
 Another environmental impact of prefabrication is the waste generated during the
manufacturing process. The production of precast concrete generates waste materials such as
concrete slurry, excess concrete, and packaging materials. The disposal of these wastes can
result in environmental pollution and contribute to the depletion of natural resources.

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 In addition, the use of precast concrete elements in building construction can have a positive
impact on the environment. Precast concrete has a high thermal mass, which can reduce the
energy consumption of buildings by regulating internal temperatures. This reduced energy
consumption can result in lower GHG emissions and contribute to mitigating climate change.
 Furthermore, precast concrete has a longer lifespan than traditional construction methods,
resulting in reduced maintenance and repair costs over the life of a building. This reduced
maintenance can result in a lower environmental impact by reducing the amount of waste
generated during building maintenance and repair.
4. Could prefabrication helps to stabilize increasing construction costs in Ethiopia?
Discuss.
According to a study by the Belachew, prefabrication has the potential to reduce construction
costs by up to 36% (Belachew, 2019). This is because prefabrication allows for the construction
of building elements in a controlled environment, which reduces waste, improves efficiency, and
reduces the need for on-site labor. Additionally, prefabricated building elements can be
manufactured in bulk, which can lead to economies of scale and lower material costs.
Moreover, prefabrication can also help to address the issue of material shortages that can lead to
cost increases. In Ethiopia, there have been instances of cement and other construction material
shortages, which have resulted in higher prices for these materials. However, by prefabricating
building elements, construction companies can reduce their reliance on on-site material
deliveries, thereby reducing the impact of material shortages on construction costs.
Furthermore, prefabrication can help to reduce construction time, which can lead to a reduction
in bank interest and other costs associated with delays. According to the Raul study,
prefabrication can reduce construction time by up to 50%, which can result in significant savings
(Raul, 2023).
Example on quantitative cost comparison
The cost comparison between prefabricated building systems and conventional construction
methods in Ethiopia.
Parameters Conventional Prefabricated Building
condominium building
Building Type 2B+G+12 residential Modularized B+G+8 Prefabricated
building Building
Area 13,776.04 square meter 8,232.84 square meter
structural floor area
Function For Public Housing Office Housing in ICT park
(customized for use as a condominium
house)
Location of Site Addis Ababa Addis Ababa
Construction method Conventional Building Method Practiced By PBPPE
Construction method

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 Building Element Ribbed slab and solid Slab frame system.
slab
Price for structural frame 4,042.54 Birr 4,005.65
per square meter
Project Duration 18 months 12 months
Interest Paid 9,212,353.98 4,719,897.85

Early return revenue to be

collected form rent - 0 - 7,632,000.00

Consultancy fee saving due 0 256,637.28

to early completion of the
project
Adjusted Price for 4,042.54 2,964.51
structural frame per square
meter
Cost is 36% higher than Cost is 36% less than conventional
Conclusion prefabrication building building construction system.
system
Source (Belachew, 2019)
Table 3: Summary of the building
Based on the quantitative cost comparison presented above, it is clear that prefabricated building
systems can help to stabilize increasing construction costs in Ethiopia. The study found that the
adjusted price for the structural frame per square meter was 36% less for prefabricated buildings
compared to conventional construction methods. This is because prefabricated building systems
can be produced in large quantities, resulting in lower costs, and can be assembled off-site and
transported to the construction site, reducing labor costs and construction time. As a result,
developers and individuals can build homes and other structures at a faster rate and at a lower
cost using prefabricated building systems.
5. A privet property developer is interested to invest on high raised medium quality
residential apartment blocks (20-30 storeys) in the south-west part of Addis Ababa.
a) Considering yourself as an Employee of the developer:
i. How do you sell the idea to Potential buyers?
As an employee of the developer, I would sell the idea to potential buyers by highlighting the
following factors:
 Comprehensive construction process: We would explain the entire construction process
in detail to potential buyers, emphasizing the quality and durability of our buildings. We
would also highlight the safety measures we put in place during construction.

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  Quality materials: We would use high-quality materials that are known to last for a long
time. We would explain the benefits of using such materials and how it adds value to the
apartments.
 Affordability: We would emphasize that our apartments are priced affordably, while still
ensuring that they meet all necessary functionality standards. We would provide a
comparison of our prices with other similar properties in the area to demonstrate our
competitiveness.
 Alternative designs: We would offer alternative designs to potential buyers, allowing
them to customize their apartments according to their preferences. This would enable us
to cater to a wide range of customers with different needs and preferences.
 Location: We would highlight the strategic location of our apartments in the south-west
part of Addis Ababa, which is a highly sought-after area. We would explain the benefits
of living in this area, such as access to amenities and good transport links.
ii. Prepare and discuss a check list that is crucial before the design of blocks is
started.
Checklist for High Raised Medium Quality Residential Apartment Blocks in South-West Addis
Ababa:
 Research the Local Market: Conduct research on the local real estate market to
determine the demand for high raised medium quality residential apartment blocks in the
south-west part of Addis Ababa.
 Identify the Target Market: Identify the target market for the apartments, such as young
professionals, families or retirees, and understand their needs and preferences.
 Analyze the Site: Analyze the site for the apartment blocks, including factors such as
accessibility, availability of utilities, zoning regulations, and topography.
 Engage with Local Authorities: Engage with local authorities to ensure compliance with
building codes, zoning regulations, and other legal requirements.
 Consider Sustainability: Consider sustainability measures such as energy-efficient
design, water-saving features, and waste management systems.
 Determine the Number of Units: Determine the number of units that can be
accommodated in the high raised medium quality residential apartment blocks based on
the available land area and local regulations.
 Assess Amenities: Assess the availability of amenities such as parking, elevators, fitness
centers, swimming pools, and community spaces to provide an attractive living
experience for potential residents.
 Plan Building Layout: Plan the building layout and unit sizes to optimize space
utilization while ensuring comfortable living spaces.
 Evaluate Cost: Evaluate the cost of construction, including labor, materials, and other
associated expenses, to determine the financial feasibility of the project.
 Hire an Experienced Design Team: Hire an experienced design team that can provide
innovative design solutions while adhering to local regulations and building codes.

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 iii. Do you think preliminary and detail feasibility study is essential before
embarking on such investment? Discuss.
Yes, preliminary and detailed feasibility studies are essential before embarking on such
investment. This will help to assess the financial viability of the project, identify potential risks
and challenges, and determine the return on investment. The feasibility study should include an
analysis of the local real estate market, the cost of construction, and the availability of financing,
the potential revenue streams, and the overall financial projections for the project. This will help
to ensure that the investment is financially sound and has a high likelihood of success.
b) Considering yourself as a government officer in charge of infrastructure
development within the city administration:
i. What is your reaction to the idea in solving the housing demand of Addis
Ababa?
I acknowledge that there is a high demand for housing in Addis Ababa, and building high raised
medium quality residential apartment blocks in the south-west part of the city could potentially
address this issue. It is important to carefully evaluate the proposal and ensure that it aligns with
the city's development goals and priorities, and that it meets certain preconditions before
receiving full backing from the city administration. Overall, any development should be done
with a long-term perspective and a focus on creating sustainable and liveable communities.
ii. What are the preconditions to be fulfilled by the investor, if there are any, to
get your full backing?
As a government officer in charge of infrastructure development within the city administration,
the investor would need to fulfil certain preconditions to get full backing. These preconditions
may include obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, adhering to building codes and
regulations, ensuring the safety of the building and its occupants, and providing amenities that
meet the needs of residents.
In addition, the investor should also be willing to work collaboratively with the city
administration to ensure that the project aligns with the city's development goals and priorities.
This may include incorporating sustainable design features and addressing environmental
concerns.
iii. What would you advice your boss, the mayor, in implementing such
investment proposals?
As a government officer, I would advise the mayor to carefully evaluate the proposal and
consider the following factors before making a decision:
 Infrastructure Capacity: The development of high raised residential apartment blocks
would require significant infrastructure support such as water, electricity, sewage, and
transportation. Therefore, it is important to assess whether the existing infrastructure in

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 the area can support such a development or if additional infrastructure investment will be
required.
 Environmental Impact: The development should be done in an environmentally
sustainable manner with minimal negative impact on the surrounding areas.
Environmental assessments should be conducted to identify potential environmental risks
and mitigation measures.
 Community Engagement: It is important to engage with the local community and
stakeholders to understand their concerns and needs, and ensure that the development
aligns with their interests. Community participation can also help to build support for the
project and minimize potential conflicts.
 Affordable Housing: The development should also consider the need for affordable
housing in the city. The government could incentivize developers to include affordable
housing units in their developments or set aside a certain percentage of units for
affordable housing.
c) Can prefabrication of elements be considered as an option in executing the task?
Discuss.
Prefabrication of elements can be considered as an option in executing the task of developing
high raised residential apartment blocks in Addis Ababa. Prefabrication is the process of
constructing building components in a factory or off-site and then transporting them to the
construction site for assembly. This method can offer several benefits, including:
 Time savings: Prefabricated elements can be manufactured simultaneously with site
preparation, which can reduce the overall construction time.
 Cost savings: Prefabrication can reduce labor costs and material waste, leading to cost
savings.
 Quality control: Prefabrication allows for consistent quality control in a controlled
factory environment, reducing the risk of defects and errors.
 Sustainability: Prefabrication can reduce the environmental impact of construction by
reducing on-site waste and improving energy efficiency.
However, it is important to ensure that the prefabricated elements meet local building codes and
regulations and are compatible with the local climate and environment. The investor should also
consider the transportation and logistics involved in transporting the prefabricated elements to
the construction site.
6. Cobblestone construction is becoming popular in many Ethiopian cities.
a) List and discuss the advantages and drawbacks regarding: environmental issues,
maintainability, durability, safety, job creation, technology and other associated
matters.
Advantages of cobblestone construction:

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  Environmental issues: Cobblestones are a sustainable and environmentally friendly
material as they are made from natural stones and do not require any chemical
treatments or processing.
 Maintainability: Cobblestones are easy to maintain, as they can be replaced individually
if damaged, and they do not require regular maintenance such as sealing or painting.
 Durability: Cobblestones are extremely durable and can withstand heavy traffic and
harsh weather conditions. They can last for decades without needing replacement.
 Safety: Cobblestone roads provide good traction for vehicles and pedestrians, reducing
the risk of accidents.
 Job creation: Cobblestone construction can create employment opportunities for local
communities, particularly in rural areas where there may be limited job prospects.
 Technology: Cobblestone construction requires minimal technology and can be done
using traditional methods, which can help to preserve cultural heritage.
Drawbacks of cobblestone construction:
 Environmental issues: The extraction and transportation of natural stones used for
cobblestone construction can have environmental impacts, including habitat destruction
and pollution.
 Maintainability: Although cobblestones are easy to maintain, repairs can be costly and
time-consuming, particularly for large areas.
 Durability: While cobblestones are durable, they can become uneven over time, which
can cause discomfort for pedestrians and damage to vehicles.
 Safety: Cobblestones can be slippery when wet, which can increase the risk of accidents.
 Job creation: Cobblestone construction may not provide long-term employment
opportunities, particularly if the project is short-term or limited in scope.
 Technology: Cobblestone construction requires specialized skills and knowledge, which
may not be readily available in all areas.
Overall, cobblestone construction can be a sustainable and durable option for road construction
in Ethiopia. However, it is important to carefully consider the environmental impacts,
maintenance requirements, and safety concerns, as well as the potential for job creation and
preservation of cultural heritage.
b) Taking a stretch of 2km and a width of 10m in Addis or Hawassa or Mekelle or
Bahirdar, compare the cost of cobble stone pavement against asphalt and concrete
road. You can make reasonable assumptions, but should be stated.
a) By taking the sample project in Addis Ababa which is located in Tuludimtu
Neighbourhood Lot 2 site access road. Which is constructed by cobblestone, the
cost breakdown is estimated hereunder with considering the following assumptions.
 The cost of clearing, Excavating, Disposal of waste materials from site and
Sub-grade preparation and compacting cost is considered as similar for both
cobble stone and asphalt project.

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  For sub-grade improvement, 60 cm thick and 40cm thick sub-base material is
backfilled and compacted for cobble stone and asphalt pavement respectively.

a. Cost of cobble stone paving per meter for 10m width of road.
Description of items unit Quantity Unit cost (Birr) Amount(Birr)

Back Filling crushed stone sub- base

material, compaction is in layers not M3/ml 4 250.00 1000.00
more than 150mm. With a minimum
compacting capacity of 12 tons of
compactor.
Back fill 100mm thick fine aggregate M3/ml 1 350.00 350.00
size of 00 for cobble stone bedding
Cobblestone Paving M2/ml 10 120.00 1,200.00

TOTAL COST PER ML (Birr) 2,550.00

GRAND TOTAL COST FOR 2KM (Birr) 5,100,000.00

b. Cost of Asphalt Pavement per meter for 10m width of the road
Description of items unit Quantity Unit cost (Birr) Amount(Birr)
Back Filling crushed stone sub- base,
compaction is in layers not more than M3/ml 4 250.00 1000.00
150mm. With a minimum compacting
capacity of 12 tonnes of compactor.
Back Filling crushed stone base course M3/ml 2 350.00 700.00
material, thickness is 200 mm
First layer asphalt treatment with
AC85/100 Asphalt Applied with M2/ml 10 195.00 1950.00
2KG/m2 over 12-20mm aggregate
spread at 22kg/m2
Second layer asphalt treatment with
AC85/100 Asphalt Applied with M2/ml 10 130.00 1300.00
1.43KG/m2 over 6-10mm aggregate
spread at 12kg/m2
Third layer asphalt treatment with
AC85/100 Asphalt Applied with M2/ml 10 120.00 1200.00
1.1KG/m2 over 0-5mm aggregate
spread at 7kg/m2

TOTAL COST PER ML (Birr) 5,150.00

GRAND TOTAL COST FOR 2KM (Birr) 10,300,000.00

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Based on these assumptions, cobblestone pavement would be the most cost-effective option at
approximately 5 million ETB. Asphalt road at approximately 10 million ETB. It is equivalent to
twice of the cost of coble stone. However, it is important to note that these costs can vary
depending on factors such as location, availability of materials, and labor costs.
REFERENCES
 Belachew y., 2019. Prefabrication Construction as an Alternative Structural Frame
Construction Method for 40/60 Housing Projects in Addis Ababa – A Case Study on
Megenagna Site. Addis Ababa University
 CAD, 2001. Housing Conditions and Demand for Housing in Urban Ethiopia. Addis Ababa
 Delz S., 2016. Ethiopia’s Low-Cost Housing Program – How Concepts of Individual
Home-Ownership and Housing Blocks Still Walk Abroad. No Cost Housing Conference,
Zurich, Switzerland.
 Lia (2017). Addis Ababa City planning period 2017-2027 Lia, https://c40-production-
images.s3.amazonaws.com
 Manjesh S. & Vikas K., 2017. The Methods of Using. Low Cost Housing
Techniques in India. Journal of Building Engineering.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2017.11.001
 Raul J., 2023. Examining the Advantages of Prefabrication and Modular Construction
Techniques for Enhancing Speed, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Construction Projects.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368543021

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