Addis Ababa has suspended all land-related services until the completion of reorganizing its structure and staff, according to an announcement by the city's Land Development Administration Bureau.
The restructuring process introduced a new organizational structure for the city administration and required an exam for over 15,000 public servants.
The suspension of land services will remain in place until the transition under the new structure is finished.
While no official reason was given, observers note this is likely an attempt to avoid corruption and malpractice that could arise during the uncertain period of change.
Land management offices often deal with high-value transactions, so authorities believe suspending services temporarily reduces opportunities for bribery or abuse of power by outgoing staff seeking to profit before leaving their roles.
The Bureau said services will resume once the restructuring is complete and staffs have been properly assigned under the new system.
