In recent days, a series of tragic accidents at the Ayat Real Estate construction site near the CMC Mikael area in Addis Ababa has brought renewed attention to the state of construction safety and worker protection in Ethiopia’s booming real estate sector.

 

On June 21, 2025, two construction workers reportedly lost their lives after falling from the fourth floor of a building under development. The incident occurred during plastering work, when a lift — commonly referred to as a winch — failed due to what witnesses described as a cable malfunction. One of the workers died at the scene, while the other was transported to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. Despite efforts to save him, he too later passed away. Additionally, another worker located near the base of the building was fatally struck by the falling lift equipment.

 

This tragic event follows similar accidents that have occurred at the same site within just a short span of time. On June 20, 2025 (Sene 12, 2017 E.C.), two other workers also died in a separate incident, and three others sustained serious injuries. On June 19, another two lives were lost and two more workers were injured.

 

These back-to-back incidents have raised pressing questions about workplace safety regulations, enforcement, and the responsibility of companies operating in Ethiopia’s construction sector. Workers and bystanders have voiced their concerns, stating that such accidents have become distressingly common, with some claiming that similar occurrences happen almost every week.

 

A Pattern That Cannot Be Ignored

 

Although construction is inherently risky, especially in high-rise developments, the frequency and similarity of these incidents suggest that the risks may not be fully mitigated by existing safety measures. According to workers on the scene, the malfunctioning lift system had shown signs of wear, and concerns had been previously raised regarding its safety. However, it appears that those warnings may not have received adequate attention.

 

In many parts of the world, such an incident would trigger an immediate investigation by labor and occupational safety authorities. It is unclear at this time what actions have been taken by Ethiopian regulatory bodies in response to the accidents at the Ayat construction site. There is also no public record of an official statement from the real estate developer regarding recent events.

 

Worker Safety: A National Issue

 

The situation highlights a broader problem affecting many construction projects across Ethiopia. The country is experiencing a construction boom, particularly in urban centers like Addis Ababa. From commercial towers to residential complexes, cranes, scaffolding, and concrete structures are a daily sight. But with this rapid growth has come increased pressure on construction companies to complete projects quickly and affordably — sometimes at the cost of safety.

 

Workers in the construction industry are often among the most vulnerable. Many of them are employed on a temporary or daily basis, lacking job security, health insurance, or access to adequate safety training and equipment. When safety systems fail — such as malfunctioning lifts, insufficient harnessing equipment, or poor structural design — the consequences can be devastating, both for the workers themselves and their families.

 

Experts say that enforcing construction standards, conducting regular site inspections, and holding contractors accountable are all necessary steps to prevent avoidable tragedies.

 

A Call for Action

 

These repeated incidents should serve as a wake-up call to stakeholders across Ethiopia’s construction and labor sectors. Employers, government agencies, and private contractors must prioritize occupational safety, not only to comply with regulations but also to uphold basic human dignity.

 

The cost of failing to act is measured not only in legal or financial terms but in the permanent loss of life and the long-term suffering of grieving families. Prevention is both possible and necessary.

 

Calls are growing louder from civil society groups, media outlets, and worker unions for the implementation of stricter safety oversight. Clear accountability, transparent investigations, and proactive risk assessments must become the norm rather than the exception.

 

The Human Toll

 

Beyond statistics and policy, each lost life represents a story: a family member who will not return home, a young person whose future was cut short, and a community that bears the emotional and economic weight of such a loss.

 

In light of the recent tragedies, many are expressing their condolences and standing in solidarity with the families affected. Messages of sympathy have flooded social media, and community leaders have urged construction companies to demonstrate leadership by putting people before profits.

 

Moving Forward

 

Construction in Ethiopia will undoubtedly continue to grow. But progress should not come at the expense of human lives. The country must learn from these recent events and take urgent, meaningful steps to improve safety standards across all sectors of development.

 

We join others in calling for a thorough investigation into the recent incidents at the Ayat Real Estate site and for immediate steps to prevent future occurrences. Lives are too valuable to be lost due to preventable negligence.

 

May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may comfort be with their families.

Source : Ahadu Television