The Practices of an Integrated Infrastructure Planning in Ethiopian Metropolitan Cities, the Case of Addis Ababa and Sheger Cities

Integrated infrastructure planning between cities is a strategic approach that aligns critical systems such as transportation networks, waste management, water supply, and digital connectivity across municipal boundaries. This study examines the coordinated efforts of Addis Ababa and Sheger to create synergy between their infrastructure systems, focusing on three core areas: transport and road networks, sewerage and drainage systems, and solid waste management. Effective inter-city collaboration fosters economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity by improving connectivity, resource sharing, and resilience. Conversely, fragmented planning often results in urban sprawl, traffic congestion, poor public service delivery, environmental degradation, and systemic inefficiencies. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study employed convenience sampling to collect data through questionnaires, surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. It processed and interpreted the data using analytical tools such as Microsoft Excel, ArcGIS, and SPSS. The findings highlight opportunities to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of shared infrastructure systems while addressing pressing challenges, such as institutional silos, limited financial resources, and inadequate stakeholder engagement. The study underscored the importance of aligning infrastructure planning with regional development goals, emphasizing coordinated strategies that reduce redundancies and foster sustainable urban environments. Key recommendations include establishing joint planning bodies, enhancing data-sharing mechanisms, and fostering public-private partnerships to optimize resource use. By addressing these challenges, Addis Ababa and Sheger can achieve interconnected, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure systems that serve the broader metropolitan region effectively. This study contributes to the discourse on regional infrastructure planning by providing actionable insights into how cities can collaboratively address shared challenges while supporting sustainable development objectives. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders committed to advancing cohesive urban environments that benefit communities across metropolitan regions.