Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Urban Blight; in the Case of Dibayu Sub City Bishoftu City,Ethiopia.

Abstract

Urban areas frequently experience deterioration characterized by vacant lots, abandoned buildings, and graffiti, collectively referred to as "Blight." Given its complex nature and wide-ranging implications, addressing blight requires integrated decision-making at both individual and community levels. The impact of blight extends beyond physical deterioration, directly influencing residents' quality of life, values, and behaviours. This research aims to comprehensively assess urban blight and map the spatiotemporal patterns of decay in Bishoftu City, Dibayu Sub City. The study employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to understand the community's and office workers' perspectives on the factors causing urban blight in the city's inner parts. Primary data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews, and observations, and then rigorously analyzed using SPSS, GIS, and remote sensing software. A pivotal component of the evaluation involved image classification utilizing the Maximum Likelihood algorithm and change analysis of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) dynamics from 2003 to 2023. The study findings indicate that a lack of social cohesion among residents and their inability to repair homes and infrastructure contributed to the residential area's failure to maintain its prior positive reputation. Additionally, inadequate maintenance of drainage and sewage systems, along with improper solid waste management, led to sanitation issues and a decline in the quality of the living environment for locals. Overall, the results reveal extensive LULC changes over the study period, with almost all LULC categories changes except for built-up areas, which increased by 3,419.4 hectares, and bare land, which increased by 1,665.3 hectares. Agricultural land, mixed forest, and vegetation decreased by 11.38%, 7.71%, and 1.42%, respectively. The physical composite blight index score of 0.844 suggests that the town is dealing with a comparatively high level of physical blight. Meanwhile, a socio-economic composite blight index score of 0.322 indicates that the area is experiencing a relatively high level of socio-economic blight, suggesting significant room for improvement. The Composite Blight Index, with an average score of 0.58, indicates a moderate level of blight in the study area. This knowledge can be used to inform policy decisions on urban renewal, rehabilitation, and redevelopment, ultimately creating more sustainable and habitable urban environments. The study suggests an integrated strategy for the city in general and study area in particular, emphasizing policies that support development.