The effect of land use planning and implementation on the urban environment: The case of Dukem sub city, Bishoftu city; Ethiopia.

Abstract

Nowadays urbanization, environment, and climate changes are the main issues in developedand developing countries. Therefore, in any development planning of a given urban centerconsiderations of environmental problems are mandatory. This study, therefore, isundertaken effect of land use planning and implementation on the urban environment: Thecase of Dukem sub-city, Bishoftu town; Ethiopia. The study used a descriptive researchmethod. To undertake the study both primary and secondary data have been employed. As aprimary data tool, a questionnaire for 60 households, interviewees for six professionals andofficials, and two focus group discussions have been utilized. To analyse the effect of landuse planning and implementation on the urban environment: The case of Dukem sub-city,the data will be, an aerial photograph from Bishoftu City Urban Land Development. Theresult of the study reveals that the land use planning and its implementation were ineffectiveas a result of the problems of the preparation of the plan due to lack of public participation,shortage of the given time in plan preparation, lack of commitment of officials, shortage ofimplementation tools, skill manpower, community awareness and lack of finance toimplement the plan. These situations, in turn, have resulted in an unhealthy naturalenvironment in the town through various urban development activities such as abattoirs,waste disposal, urban greenery, etc. Moreover, insufficient urban greenery coverage, poorwaste disposal management, noise and air quality, and poor environmental managementhave led to several social and health problems, environmental pollution, and poor urbanimage. Among the recommendations forwarded by this study, due consideration should begiven to entertaining the greenery areas sufficiently as per the planning, relocation ofincompatibly and unsuitably implemented land uses, boosting the financial collectioncapacity of the municipality, and increasing all possible expenditures for planimplementation and facilitation can be mentioned.