Some of the actions of the Ethiopian government are akin to fire-fighting. It dashes here and there to put out fires on different fronts while it could have taken preventive measures beforehand. It cannot be argued that firefighting measures should not be taken when a fire breaks out, however belated the measures may be, because, otherwise, the resulting damage would have far worse consequences.

In view of this, we believe the government should shift its strategy from fire-fighting to fire prevention. We are seeing some positive and encouraging developments in this regard.

It is common knowledge that the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) was wilfully embezzeled of its resources when the Derg was in power. During the rule of the EPRDF, too, the corporation's officials were able to take advantage of the government's inaction to enrich themselves. Some of them have even bought properties overseas and have begun to make their living there.

Nonetheless, the government twice shuffled the corporation's leadership, albeit after unnecessary delays, without, however, taking any meaningful measure against those who were at the apex. But lately it has arrested the former top executives of ETC and charged them with corruption.

Although belated, this measure of the government is commendable. It has demonstrated and sent a message that the government is ensuring respect for the rule of law and that anyone who thinks he is untouchable can be held accountable for his actions. In consideration of the fact that this measure can engender trust within the public that nobody is above the law, we believe it is encouraging and a ray of hope.

When certain traders were arrested in connection with the gold scam which rocked the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), suspicions were raised over why no one from the bank was not held accountable. However, a measure which gives rise to hope was taken recently when officials of the bank were detained and are undergoing investigation. Although it would have been preferable to take preventive measures, it is laudable that officials of different government organizations suspected of being involved in the scam have been arrested.

NBE announced some two weeks ago that one of the state-owned banks–the Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE)–incurred a loss amounting to 700 million birr in the last fiscal year. There is no denying that precautionary measures should have been taken to avert such a loss. But it is also equally undeniable that NBE acted properly when it audited and publicized DBE's loss, rather than hush it up, a it is helpful in finding a solution for the problems afflicting the bank.

The inactivity of the Government Financial Institutions Supervising Agency over the last three years has had unpleasant consequences. Enabling the Agency to resume discharging its duties and encouraging it to play its vital role in the financial sector is an optimistic sign given that this will benefit all sectors of the economy.

Ensuring that different land holding certificates are not issued to more that one person for the same plot of land should be a normal thing. Unfortunately, such certificates have proliferated in Addis Ababa, causing damage and inconvenience to both the public and the government. In spite of their belatedness, the measures taken by the government to protect the public from being deceived and unscrupulous characters from benefiting by way of forged or improperly should also be appreciated.

The fact that solutions have not been sought sooner has had a catastrophic effect. The government can not escape censure for this  failure. Nonetheless, it deserves praise for the recent corrective measures it has taken. Its belated action is not attributable to lack of information. It has to do more with its lack of willingness to listen to others. It is imperative to lectern to other.

So, what should be its strategy from now on? Should it be to use vaccines to arrest the spread of the diseases or to sound the alarm after the disease has spread? The government needs to critically assess its performance thus far in this regard and chart a course for the future.

Ethiopians are a poor people. On top of that our country is burdened with a large  amount of debt. It would be saddening to see our development agenda, which we hope to accomplish using funds secured after negotiating several hardles, thwarted by corrupt persons.

The measures presently being taken by the government signify the beginning of a large process and are not an end in themselves. The cases that have been brought before courts of law should be brought to a satisfactory close by the courts themselves. On its part, the government must, with the public, promptly do whatever it is legally entitled to in order to bring about lasting solutions.

One thing should be unequivocally stated here: positive measures are being taken, however belated they may be. These measures need to be augmented by the positive contribution of the public at large.