School of Built Environment

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Browsing School of Built Environment by Subject "Addis Ababa"

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    Challenges and Opportunities of Urban Green Infrastructures in Inner Sub Cities of Addis Ababa: the case of Lideta and Kirkos Sub Cities
    (EiABC, 2017-09) Kefale Alemaw; Maru Mulugeta
    Urban green infrastructures are essential elements of cities and contribute to the quality of life in numerous ways by maintaining and regulating the environment. However, increased urbanization and development have placed urban green infrastructures under extreme pressure, while unplanned urban growth has resulted in the loss of urban landscape and ecosystems. Among the Urban green infrastructures in Addis Ababa such as Street sides and medians trees, permeable pavements, recreational parks, and river banks have challenges in inner city Areas. This study has assessed Challenges and opportunities of urban green infrastructures in Inner sub Cities of Addis Ababa: the case of Lideta and Kirkos Sub Cities; specifically assessed urban green infrastructures and challenges of recreational parks, Street sides and medians trees, and Cobblestone roads of the study area. Thus, the study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches with case study methodology where questionnaires (majorly close ended), structured open ended interviews, and observation were used as data collection methods and the analysis was done by using SPSS and Arc GIS. The sampling techniques used to do this research were purposive sampling for selection of study cases, nonprobability convenient sampling for collection of data from park users, and Stratified random sampling to collect data about Cobblestone roads. Different challenges of recreational parks were identified such as social, economic, management, technical, physical, and environmental. Furthermore the study has revealed physical, management, technical, and environmental challenges are the challenges of street sides and medians trees, and cobblestone roads in the study areas. On the other hand the study has identified opportunities of UGIs such as UGI proclamations, standards, strategies, policies, and principles among others. Based on the findings of the study it is concluded that urban green infrastructures, in Inner sub Cities of Addis Ababa, faced different challenges including social, physical, economic, environmental, technical and management challenges. Therefore, recommendations are forwarded to address these challenges and bring Sustainable UGI development and management.
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    Evaluation of Addis Ababa Water Supply System Using Integrated Approach
    (EiABC, 2019-06) Getinet Assabu Ewunetu; Hailu Worku
    Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Construction and City Development, Addis Ababa University, 2019. The city of Addis Ababa gets water from Dire, Gefersa, and Legedadi reservoirs as well as miscellaneous boreholes concentrated around Akaki and scattered at both inside outside the city. Previous studies on Addis Ababa’s urban water supply are fragmented focusing on specific issues without presenting the holistic view of the system. In the present study, we assess range of aspects of the city’s water supply system in the past, present and future periods. Data were obtained through a literature review of relevant documents, personal communication, household interviews, and key informant interviews. The time series data were analyzed by stratifying the time periods, water source, and water supply branches. Descriptive statistics and various plots were used to present the most important characteristics of water consumption and production data. Addis Ababa was initially served by springs located at the foot of the Intoto mountain ridge together with a series of hand dug wells. Population growth, improved standard of life, economic diversification, and increased urban dynamics have increased the water demand over the past several decades. This has led to water source diversification (in terms of location and source type) and complex network system (due to hybrid sourcing, increased customer water line connections, pipeline aging, pressure variations related to topographic variations, service reservoirs, pumping and/or booster stations). In 2014/2015, surface and groundwater sources contributed somewhat equally (51% and 49 %, respectively) and supplied about 49 % of the demand with 45% Non-Revenue Water. Nearly half of the water demand of the city is not met. This supply deficit is causing frequent supply interruptions. The utility is supplying water via water trucks for low pressure areas where water does not reach easily. There are also efforts to develop additional groundwater sources at various well fields and develop the Sibilu and Gerbi dams. When all the proposed projects are completed, 971,483m3/d additional water will be added to the existing water supply which will increase the supply by 273%. While efforts to increase water supply are encouraging, demand side management deserves more attention than it is receiving currently. WEAP model simulations have shown significant unmet future demand for the city even with complete implementation of the proposed projects. Households with greater number of supply failures tend to have the least access to drinking water. Similarly, both water quantity and water quality are deteriorating. A good example of water quality problem is the 2017/18 outbreak of cholera incidence. Customers are highly dissatisfied with the current service delivery characterized by long time persistent problems. Unless the water utility takes immediate action to solve these problems, the current situation which is affecting the health and economic status of water customers will exacerbate. In this study, it is identified that the major causes of the lack of adequate water supply in the city are depletion of groundwater sources, huge leakage volume, population growth, construction boom or enhanced economic activity and wasting of water by customer at lower parts of the city. Unless demand side and supply side management measures are enhanced, the gap between supply and unmet demand will resume as is. : Addis Ababa, Water supply, WEAP Model, Urban water management, Water loss
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    Exploring the Therapeutic Role of Urban Parks on Mental and Physical Health of City Residents: The Case of Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2026-02-01) Shimengus Blen ; Wondwossen Debebe
    Rapid urbanization in Addis Ababa has led to increased environmental problems, making the issue of urban parks as a tool for mental and physical health support regains the lead on the agenda. This paper investigates the perceptions of the residents of Addis Ababa on the mental and physical health benefits of selected urban parks in Addis Ababa and the extent to which these parks satisfy therapeutic urbanism principles. A concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design was employed, combining a cross sectional survey that was conducted among 372 park users, and data were collected through a five-point Likert scale. This was further supported by an observational assessment based on the standards of therapeutic urbanism through domains of accessibility, amenities, design quality, place making, and sustainability. Semi structured key informant interviews with relevant authorities was conducted. Survey respondents were selected through on-site convenience sampling with proportional allocation across eight selected urban parks in Addis Ababa, representing diverse park typologies. Quantitative analysis using weighted mean analysis showed that stress reduction was the factor that gained the highest perception score (M = 4.62), which was then followed by the overall improvement of mental well-being (M = 4.26), thus indicating very positive psychological outcomes. Over 96% of the respondents were in agreement that visits to the park help in reducing stress. The observational study results showed differences in therapeutic design compliance among the parks, with the better performing parks having stronger place-making and sensory design elements. The results revealed that urban parks in Addis Ababa are mainly operating as places of psychological restoration and function as informal restorative infrastructure. Thus, they support Stress Reduction Theory and Attention Restoration Theory, but they require stronger integration of therapeutic design standards and equitable access strategies to enhance mental-health outcomes citywide. The research also demonstrated that the principle of therapeutic design should be involved in urban planning if one wants to make the most of the mental health benefits obtained from rapidly urbanizing cities.
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    The Impact of Urban Land Use Changes on Residential Property Values the Case of Bole Sub City, Addis Ababa
    (EiABC, 2018-10) Degualem Mekuriaw Alemu ; Eyasu Kumera
    study investigates the impact of urban land use changes on residential property values. For this, a case study approach was employed by the CMC-Safari area of Bole sub-city, Addis Ababa-Ethiopia. The primary data was gathered from 50 households and real estate brokers practicing in the study area using structured questionnaires, 15 key informants through interviews and observation. Brief survey of literature and different published and unpublished data available at different offices was also part of the information collected using secondary sources. The data collected were analyzed with Relative Importance Index (RII) technique, regression analysis, and simple descriptive analysis, particularly with frequencies and percentages. Also, valuation of affected residential properties was conducted, value changes trend analysis was carried out using appropriate software applications. The findings of this study indicated that the study area has undertaken a significant level of change in land use in the last two decades from farmlands to different urban land uses such as residential, commercial, mixed-use, social service, greenery & open space, administration, and small-scale manufacturing. Based on the RII value, housing demand (0.956), road construction and transport access (0.896), agglomeration of business activities (0.848), utility development (0.832) are identified as the most significant attributes (in their order of importance) for land use change that affected residential property values in the study area. Other important factors discovered include broker’s interference, social class influx (high-income groups), an intervention of financial institutions, and real-estate development while public service development was found to be the least influential determinant. The regression analysis result have shown that, 81.7% of the variation in the dependent (single- family residential rental value) variable can be explained by variations in the independent variables (determinants of land use change). It was also found that land use change positively affects residential property values and correspondingly increases its value (both rental and sale) in the study area. The study suggests that there is need to put an efficient scheme to minimize broker’s negative role in distorting value determination. There is also a need to emplace a land value capture tax on owners for the benefits gained from public investment (example: - road construction).
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    Measuring The Effect of Public Space on Property Value: A Hedonic Pricing & Multi-Attribute Analysis in Addis Ababa, Sheger Park’s Friendship Square
    (Addis Ababa University, 2026-01-01) Fehim Seid; Amha Ermias
    Urban public spaces and recreational areas are vital components of city life, providing environmental, economic, and social benefits. They act as "green lungs," enhancing air quality, offering recreational opportunities, and adding aesthetic value to urban environments. In Addis Ababa, however, urban development has historically neglected the importance of such spaces, often resulting in their reduction or complete loss. This neglect has had adverse environmental, economic, and social consequences. Moreover, the direct economic value of green amenities is rarely quantified in monetary terms, and empirical studies on urban green amenity valuation in developing countries, including Ethiopia, remain limited. This study focuses on the economic valuation of public spaces, with particular emphasis on Sheger Park and its surrounding water features in Arada Sub-city, Addis Ababa. It examines how proximity to these public spaces influences residential property values, including both sales and rental prices. The study employs the Hedonic Pricing Method (HPM) to analyze the impact of key environmental attributes, such as distance to Sheger Park and views of the park or artificial lakes, on property values. The regression results indicate that both homebuyers and renters are willing to pay a premium for properties located near public spaces or those with scenic views. Specifically, the value of owner-occupied houses increases by approximately 183,359.2 ETB for every 100-meter reduction in distance to Sheger Park. The model explains 64% of the variation in residential property prices (R² = 0.64), indicating a good model fit, while the remaining 36% is attributed to other unobserved factors. The 95% confidence interval for the distance coefficient ranges from −137,608.8 ETB to 370,890.3 ETB, suggesting that property prices increase within this range for every 100-meter decrease in distance to the park. Similarly, rental properties located closer to public spaces exhibit a statistically significant increase in value. These findings confirm that public spaces, such as parks and lakes, are critical amenities influencing housing prices in Arada Sub-city. This indicates that residents are willing to pay for green amenities in their neighborhood. Incorporating green amenities in designing urban residential areas and real estate developments can provide premium benefits to investors. Despite the clear demand for public spaces in Addis Ababa, their availability remains limited, making them highly sought after. The economic benefits estimated in this study highlight the importance of incorporating such spaces into urban design and land use planning. However, the redevelopment of Sheger Park has also triggered gentrification, displacing over 800 households to the city outskirts. This displacement has disrupted social ties, destabilized livelihoods, and caused psychological distress for affected families. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to urban development that recognizes the value of public spaces while minimizing the negative impacts of gentrification. Policymakers must prioritize inclusive planning strategies that address the needs of displaced residents and ensure equitable access to urban amenities.
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    Potential of Cemetery for Microclimate Regulation; The Case of Kechene Medhanealem Cemetery
    (2020-12) Kedr Husniya; Yeshitela Kumelachew
    Cities in developing countries like Ethiopia are prone to impacts of urban heat island effect. It is well established that increasing the amount of urban green space help to cool down local climates on a different scale. Like other tree dominated habitats, existing cemeteries may provide various social and environmental services. This study aims to assess the prospect of integrating a green cemetery design approach into Kechene Medhanealem cemetery to accommodate microclimate regulation service, simultaneously add value to the benefits usually expected from parks and urban green spaces. The study follows four methodological steps; microclimate regulation capacity assessment using temperature and humidity record, and user perception analysis on thermal comfort; secondly, the existing situation is analyzed then, third case study analysis; and finally, evaluate future usability of the site as urban green space. The results showed maximizing canopy cover, ensuring permeable surface covers and modifying the spatial experience of Kechene Medhanealem cemetery, may help for the provision of microclimate regulation and recreational services for the society. Research findings can be used to other municipal cemeteries in the city then, the cumulative effect of forming green cemeteries in Addis Ababa can significantly help the efforts made to regulate urban heat island effect and serve as a replacement for lost green spaces in the city.
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    Public Rental Housing as Housing Delivery Strategy in Addis Ababa: The Case of Apartments Constructed by Agency for Government Houses (AGH)
    (Addis Ababauniversity, 2016-06) Hailu Yehanew; Alemayehu Yonas
    Rental housing takes the biggest share in Addis Ababa’s housing stock; above 50 percent. 37% is the share of the private rental sector; which is characterised by continuous rise in rent price and is becoming unaffordable for many poor households. Contrary to this is the public rental housing sector (PRH); it provides the most affordable housing units so far. With unrevised rent price and contract the sector has become permanent affordable shelter for many. Government policy that promotes home ownership has frozen the production of new PRH units. The study examines existing PRH stock in Addis Ababa in search of potentials and lessons for further developing the sector in the future. It focuses on apartments constructed by Agency for Government Houses (AGH); and studies development process, target group and management. Based on findings the study also proposes a strategy for developing the sector anew. For the purpose of in-depth understanding of the sector a Case Study method is used; cases were selected based on availability of data and rational of the study. Purposeful random sampling was used for selecting interviewed tenants. Data are collected through interview, questionnaire and reviewing archival materials; tenant satisfaction survey was used to shed light on the management performance of AGH. Additional data were also collected from secondary sources as part of contextual and background study. Data on development process were analysed in comparison with current housing development trend. The study came up with three basic findings; first, it was the decisions made at different times by the central government that had led to the construction of the apartments rather than pre-planned consistent strategy. The central government (Ministry of Urban Development and Construction) played the major role in the development process. All involved actors were public institutions; including those who participated in the design and construction. AGH financed the construction of the apartments with money collected from rent; which makes AGH financially self-sufficient back then. Second, Current tenants are mainly high and middle income households, opposed to low income households which are considered to be the right target group of such PRH programs . The units are also rented for different purposes; for housing, office and shop. Third, the management is found to be satisfactory in some aspects and unsatisfactory in others; with big problem on repair and maintenance. The study also found potentials for further developing the sector, such as huge underdeveloped land in the city centre; occupied by low-rise and poor quality PRH units and rent money collected from these units. Current institutional structure of AGH and government housing policy and strategy are challenges for further developing the sector. Based on the findings the study provides detail strategy proposal. Program design, land acquisition, financing mechanisms, target group and management are discussed in detail in the strategy. Key words: Public rental housing, tenant, Agency for Government Houses, housing management, tenants‟ satisfaction, development process, Addis Ababa
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    Satisfaction Level Assessment of the Integrated Housing Development Program (Ihdp) Residents: The Case of Key Bahir and Mickey Lay Land Condominium Sites
    (EiABC, 2019-06) Seleshi Kelkay Nardos; Imam Mahmoud Hassen
    Residential satisfaction is individual residents' subjective evaluation of their comprehensive satisfaction regarding their housing and neighborhood environment. Many researchers in different fields have examined the personal, physical, economic, social, institutional and managerial dimensions of housing satisfaction.The Integrated Housing Development Project (IHDP) is the flagship housing project in Ethiopia since 2005. It is implemented by the government targeting to provide affordable housing to low and middle income sections of the society. This research assessed the satisfaction level of the IHDP condominium residents in Addis Ababa. It took the case of two condominium sites that have been lived in for a number of years, one in the inner city and one in the outskirts of the city. I.e.Key Baher and Mickey lay land site. Out of the internationally used dimensions of housing satisfaction survey, this research chose the two most affecting dimensions (i.e. Physical and social dimension)to measure the satisfaction level by relating it to the objective and implementation of the IHDP.Case study methodis used as a research method. Qualitative method is applied for collecting data and quantitative method to compute and analyze the collected data. The target populations are taken from condominium houses constructed by AAHCPO and distributed to beneficiaries through lottery system or any other means.Purposive selection method was used to select sample residential houses to conduct the interviews. In order to make the study fair and representative of the whole study site, the samples are taken from each block /building typologies, each floors and housing typologies (Studio, one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom). The main finding of the study is that the residents of both condominium sites are generally satisfied by having a dwelling for their family. There were variation in the level of satisfaction among residents depending on whether the condominium is located in inner city or urban periphery, weather their housing unit is top floor or ground floor, better housing structural quality, proximity to major public service and utilities, absences of children playground, absence of adult recreation center, neighborhood cleanness,day and night bar noise and lack of living experience in multi-story houses were the main contributing factors to the lower satisfaction level of residents.