Future-Smart: Transforming the Public Sector for Improved Service Delivery
A targeted urban governance initiative implemented by PADet in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to make public services in Addis Ababa inclusive, accessible, and citizen-centered.
Demonstrating that inclusion is a practical governance standard
Implemented in Bole Sub-City Woreda 7, the Future-Smart project addressed systemic physical, communicational, and institutional barriers that excluded persons with disabilities, older persons, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups.
Through an integrated approach combining infrastructure development, capacity building, and policy support, PADet transformed a municipal service environment into a model for dignified and equitable access.
Project Goal
To promote inclusive, accessible, and citizen-centered public service delivery by strengthening infrastructure, institutional capacity, and accountability mechanisms at the local government level.
How this shows up in our programmes
1. Infrastructure Development & Accessibility
Constructed 2 fully accessible, gender-segregated inclusive toilet facilities with ramps, handrails, and a 10,000-liter water tanker system, alongside upgraded tactile paving and aluminum partitions.
2. Signage & Independent Navigation
Installed 30 Braille overlays and signage points, an intuitive ground-level floor plan on walkways, and a central service signboard to enable independent mobility for visually impaired and other users.
3. Institutional Capacity Building
Developed and validated a standardized Inclusive Service Delivery Manual (translated into Amharic) and trained 50 municipal staff and kebele representatives on rights-based service delivery.
4. Behavioral Change Communication
Installed a lobby screen broadcasting a documentary on inclusive service rights featuring Amharic audio, English subtitles, and sign language interpretation to educate visitors and staff.
5. Modernizing Training Infrastructure
Renovated the Woreda training center into a modern, inclusive learning hub equipped with a 75-inch screen, 50 chairs, and a desktop computer to support continuous staff development.
6. Catalyzing Systemic Change
Triggered a concrete institutional shift resulting in the municipality's autonomous decision to allocate a new, accessible office space to the local Association of Persons with Disabilities.
Project at a Glance
Structural parameters and core execution details of the Future-Smart initiative.