Assessing Development of Potential Vacant Land in Urban Area; Case of Gelan Sub City, Sheger City, Ethiopia.

Abstract

This study aims to assess the development potential of vacant land in urban areas by examining the extent, characteristics, and root causes of undeveloped plots in Galan Sub City, with the goal of identifying idle land and proposing actionable development strategies. Unmanaged vacant land can affect property values, quality of life, and even mental health on society. Vacant land in poor condition is often an indicator of poverty in the most distressed places, whereas intentional green space is an indicator of prosperity. Utilizing secondary data, the research identified approximately 353 undeveloped residential plots covering around 94.29 hectares across three key woredas: Gelan, Sida Awash, and Andoodee. but from field survey identified by analysis area of 924.217 hectares in totals are undeveloped and vacant plots. Despite nearly 90.3% of these plots being legally titled and over 92% exceeding 200 square meters in size, a significant portion remains unused. The land use distribution shows that 61.7% of plots are allocated for residential purposes, while the rest are intended for commercial, mixed-use, or unspecified developments. Ownership history indicates that 52% of landholders acquired plots through formal leasehold agreements, 12.8% via informal purchases from local farmers, and 10.7% through inheritance. Alarmingly, 43.9% of the plots have remained undeveloped for more than a decade, indicating chronic underutilization. Spatial analysis, based on GPS mapping and land use data, further highlights the distribution of underutilized land across different sectors. Five plots designated for social services, covering 16.47ha, remain entirely undeveloped, despite their intended role in supporting schools, health centers, and community infrastructure. Similarly, 26 mixed residential plots (19.98ha), 11manufacturing and storage plots (269.82ha), and 17 commercial plots 14.13ha remain idle, some for over ten years. These patterns reflect systemic inefficiencies in land management and enforcement. The potential development of vacant plots vacant land near commercial or residential zones may have higher development potential. Although Areas categorized under green fields, open spaces, or bare lands in LULC maps often correspond with undeveloped parcels. The study recommends stricter enforcement of development timelines, financial support for low-income landowners, public awareness campaigns, and the formalization of informal land transactions. Additionally, infrastructure development in high-vacancy zones and the strategic use of reclaimed land for affordable housing and community services are essential. Implementing these measures can enable Galan Sub-City to solve the development potential of idle plots, promoting efficient land use, improved urban living, and sustainable growth.