Addis Ababa is the main centre for economic, social and political affairs of Ethiopia and lies between 2000 and 3000 meters above sea level, enjoying mild, Afro alpine and warm temperature climates. The current population of the city is estimated at around 3,000,000 with a population density of about 4990/km2. The standard of living amongst the city population is poor and below acceptable standards. Provision of basic facilities such as housing, potable water, sanitation, energy and health care services is in evolution and still at infancy. Environmental degradation is threatening at an alarming scale and remains a threat to the socio-economic development of the city.

The Addis Ababa Water & Sewerage Authority (AAWSA) is responsible for water supply services to the city from its two treatment plants and several deep wells that have a total capacity of about 210,000 m3/day. The water supply coverage is estimated to be 97% of the population but with a demand satisfaction of only 70%. AAWSA operates under the Addis Ababa City Government.

Studies estimate that 30% of households of the city lack private or communal sanitation facilities and some of the available toilets are sub-standard. A total of 70 public toilets are available to those who do not have domestic toilet facilities. The public toilets are not evenly distributed in the City and most of them are not accessible by the population who need them. Thus all available vacant spaces within the city (green areas, and riverbanks) are common defecation sites.

Appropriate solid waste disposal sites are scarce and the ones available deliver inadequate services. Addis Ababa is estimated to generate 765 tons of solid waste each day. Of this volume, 65% is collected and transported to the disposal site at Repi. The remaining 35% is left unattended in the various corridors of the city. Solid wastes are not segregated at the points of generation before their transportation to the disposal site.