Evaluating Urban Land Use Plan Implementation: A Case of Structural Plan of Dukem Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

An Urban Land-Use Plan Is Regarded As A Useful Tool To Achieve Sustainable Urban Development. However, Presently, It Is Unclear How Well The Plan Is Being Implemented, And Major Factors Contribute To The Variation Of Its Implementation In Dukem Town, Ethiopia. This Research Examines The Extent To Which The Land-Use Plan Of Dukem Town, Which Functioned From 2008 To 2018, Guided And Controlled All Spatial Developments During The Planning Period By Measuring The Degree To Which Actual Land-Use Outcomes Over A 10-Year Period Conformed To The Plan's Intention. Land Uses In The Town As Of 2008 And 2018 Were Mapped, And Built-Up Expansion Between 2008 And 2018 At Urban Land-Use Level Was Determined. Built-Up Areas Outside Of The Planned Urban Growth Boundary, As Well As Nonconforming And Unfulfilled Developments Were Identified Through Spatial Overlay Analysis In A Geographic Information System Environment. The Degree Of Conformance Success Of The Plan Over The Planning Period Was Explored Using Two Indicators: Boundary Sufficiency Ratio (Bsr) And Boundary Containment Ratio (Bcr). A Descriptive Exploratory Approach Was Used To Determine Potential Factors Influencing The Plan's Implementation From The Data Collected By Expert Interview. The Findings Show That Overall Built-Up Expansion Has Grown At An Average Annual Rate Of 8.6%. The Extent Of Social Service Land Use Classes Increased By About 216%, Followed By Industry And Storage (141.5%). The Findings Also Demonstrate That Although The Plan Proposed A Reasonable Area, It Has Failed To Guide The Spatial Location Of New Developments In Social Services, Industry And Storage, And Commercial Land Use Classes. The Limitation Is Due To A Combination Of Geographic Variables, An Absence Of Regular Monitoring And Evaluation, And Political Leadership Influence. The Study Would Support The Government And Potential Stakeholders In Formulating Sustainable Spatial Policies And Directions Of Spatial Development With Respect To Sustainable Urban Environments And Creating A Balance Between Ecological And Socio-Economic Needs.