Investigation of Conservation and Restoration Practices for Historical Buildings in Arada Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia, renowned for its rich history and cultural diversity, possesses a wealth of tangible and intangible heritage that reflects the nation’s socio-economic, political, and spiritual legacy. Among these, historical buildings stand out as irreplaceable cultural assets that preserve architectural and artistic traditions while serving as enduring symbols of collective memory and identity. Despite their significance, conservation and restoration practices in Ethiopia remain in their infancy and are constrained by inadequate resources, insufficient expertise, weak policy frameworks, poor documentation, and limited financial allocation. These challenges are further compounded by material obsolescence, lack of proper maintenance tools, unavailability of original materials, and ineffective administrative systems, including unclear contractor selection criteria. This study investigates conservation and restoration practices in Arada Sub-City, Addis Ababa, with a focus on processes, professional roles, and the challenges associated with selected historical buildings. Four significant sites were purposively selected for analysis: St. Taeka Nigist Be’ata Le Mariam Church, Dejazmach Kebede Tassama’s Residence, Teshome Berhe’s Residence, and Addis Ababa Library, Archives, and Information Center. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining surveys, interviews, questionnaires, personal observations, and case studies. The findings indicate that while adequate planning and information gathering were undertaken during the planning stage, the implementation and execution phases encountered substantial obstacles. Preservation strategies were formulated, and contractors were selected through shortlisting, negotiation, and open bidding methods. Professionals involved included conservation architects, historians, archaeologists, structural engineers, conservation specialists, and heritage managers, whose expertise was critical for the interventions. However, issues such as insufficient funding, limited technical capacity, and incompatible materials hampered progress. The research underscores the importance of integrating international standards with local practices to ensure the authenticity and functional integrity of heritage structures. The study emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary collaboration among stakeholders, targeted training programs for professionals, and policy reforms to strengthen heritage management. It further recommends leveraging modern technologies, adopting adaptive reuse strategies, and ensuring regular maintenance and sustainable utilization of heritage buildings. By addressing these challenges, conservation practices can be enhanced to safeguard Ethiopia’s cultural legacy, promote tourism, and support socio-economic development.