CHAPTER ONE

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Urbanization is the physical growth of urban areas which result in rural migration and even suburban
concentration into cities, particularly the very large ones. The term represents the level of urban
development relative to overall population, or it can represent the rate at which the urban proportion
is increasing (Wikipedia, free encyclopedia). It is closely linked to modernization, industrialization and the
sociological process of rationalization. It is not merely a modern phenomenon, but a rapid and
historic transformation of human social roots on a global scale, whereby predominantly rural culture
is being rapidly replaced by predominantly urban culture. When more and more people leave villages
and farms to live in towns, urban growth continues.

Even though, it is a global phenomenon, the kind of urbanization and its corresponding consequences
differs from that of developed nations. As some scholars pointed out the rate of urbanization and the
burden of the process are relatively high for developing countries. On the other hand, if it is planned
and well managed, urbanization & urban development constitute an important component of socio-
economic development at both regional & global level; in that urban system have become the nucleus
of local, regional & global economy.

Today the world is becoming increasingly urbanized. The projected number of people living in cities
is expected to double itself in a short period of time. This trend is accelerating in developing
countries with its diversified features. The ever growing demand of human being seeking for better
livelihood makes urban centers more preferable areas of inhabitation than rural parts. The huge
increase in urban population linked to the economic development of cities and towns has given rise to
concern to about the expansion and planned structure of urban centers that would ensure sustainable
development. This would in turn bring multi cultural, social, and economic interests there by creating
over crowdedness in all aspects associated with diversified urban evils. Most of the towns in
developing countries continue to grow without following planned structures in areas where they
appear owing to certain push facture. However, such unplanned growth of towns hinders the possible
developments expected in all aspects.

1
Therefore, urban planning is the discipline of land-use organization which deals with the physical,
social, economic development, political and managerial aspects of urban areas. It guides the socio-
economic and spatial/physical development of a given urban center. Hence, urban development effort
requires the guidance of urban planning. But developing countries like Ethiopia have many
dimensional problems with this regard in that they are least urbanized in addition to this most urban
centers are predominantly unplanned. Under the urban development programs the government
launches the preparation & implementation of basic plans for towns hopping integrated development
in urban and rural areas through strong urban – rural and urban - urban linkages that manifested in
different ways.

Nowadays, with the advancement of science and technology, the growth of towns is supported by the
use of new mapping technologies that could treat the issue of urban centers easily. Hence, the
developments of urban centers mainly become the issue of planning.

1.1.1 General Over View of the Planning Town

The planning town, Gesuba, was established in 1957 E.C having total area of 2,440 hectares. Its
basic plan was made in 1987 E.C. and it has been guiding the town’s overall development activities
since acquired the status of growing municipality. Besides, it is a market and transport center for the
residents found in the surrounding area. Moreover, the town has been serving as the political and
economical center of the woreda. The major municipal services has been rendering for the residences
of the town. However, the scope of the service delivery became limited due to the complete
utilization of land allocated during the last planning period. Thus, the design of new plan is needed to
meet the current land use demand of the town. The revision of a plan carefully identified the existing
problems of the town that delayed the growth and expansion in all areas of development and
considered improved opportunities for the next ten years of planning period.

It has the following significances:

I. It guides and ensures the orderly development of a town

II. It allows the expansion and growth of a town to potential areas where by improving
opportunities for job, education, housing, transportation, etc.

2
III. It puts clear planning boundary that ease the difficulty to manage and control illegal invasion of
land.
IV. It activates the development of physical and social infrastructures
V. To enable the residences to be beneficial from the growing urban services.
VI. Provide plots of land for different services

Thus, the renewal of a plan has a paramount significance for overall aspects of the town. Hence, it is
intended to solve the upper mentioned problems that existed in old structure of the town.

1.2 Vision

The new plan is expected to bring the realization of Gesuba town to be planned, conducive
residential, commercial and agro industrial center which facilitates the development of the region by
promoting linkage with the surrounding rural hinter lands.

1.3. Objective of the Study

The new plan of the town is expected to achieve the following objectives:

 To guide the socio economic and spatial development of the town in a planned manner;
 To enhance proper land management system in the town;
 To strength urban-rural and urban – urban linkage;
 To realize urban good governance; and
 To activate the development of physical and social infrastructures.

1.4. Methodology

To carry out the preparation of the basic plan of the town, the study team has applied different data
collection, compiling and analysis methods. Accordingly, primary data collection was undertaken
through interview, questionnaires, field observation and recording, reviewing the base map and
updating the existing land use plan and road net work, conducting door to door socio economic
census and public and stakeholder discussion. Moreover, secondary data was collected through
reviewing Offa Woreda Finance and Economy Office and CSA data, published and unpublished
socio economic profiles. To produce the final document the study team which are composed of
surveyors, planner and socio economic experts, compiled and analyzed the data collected from
3
different sources. The study has adopted participatory approach from data collection to formulating
proposal by consulting all the stakeholders at each of the planning processes. During field work
consultative meetings were held with the representatives of the community and key stakeholders such
as representatives of business men, religious leaders, and community based organization and elders of
the community through involving in defining and consulting on the issues of the town.

Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used for data analyses and interpretation. In
quantitative analysis statistical methods like ratio, percentage, average, etc were conducted to display
the pattern and nature of different characteristics. Data tabulation has supplemented this analysis. In
addition to this, description of some qualitative phenomena has been conducted. The spatial data
were analyzed in AUTOCAD. Then, identifying of major planning issues and recommendation were
given to facilitate ease condition for the planning works.

1.5 Scope of the Study

As the scope of the study is limited in terms of content and geographical /spatial coverage the special
emphasis was given to physical, environmental, socio-economic services of the town and then
proposing a sound attractive and livable basic plan to Gesuba town. Accordingly;

 The physical characteristics /features of the region and the town;

 The environmental assessment of the study region & the town;
 Land use characteristics of the influence area;
 The condition of the physical infrastructure of the town;
 Municipal service and capacity of the town; and
 The condition of Social services of the town;

1.6 Organization of the Paper

The organization of this paper is arranged in to two main sub-parts based on their content. That are
Regional and urban study which contain eleven subsequent chapters. The first chapter comprises of
the introductory part, which includes the general background of the study, the objectives of the study,
the methodology used to conduct the analysis, scope of the study, and organization of the paper. The
second chapter deals with the physical characteristics of the study region. The third chapter elaborates
the rural economy of the study area. In the same manner, the fourth chapter focuses on the historical

4
development of the town. The emphasis of chapter five is on the physical characteristics of the
planning town. Chapter six deals the physical infrastructure of the town. The demographic
characteristic of the planning town is elaborated under the seventh chapter. The social infrastructure
of the town is assessed under chapter eight. The local economy of the town is discussed in chapter
nine. The existing land use of the town is treated under chapter ten. Finally, to mitigate the prevailing
social, economic and spatial problems of the town, future land use proposal is made in chapter
eleven.

CHAPTER TWO

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STUDY REGION

2.1 Location size and shape of the study town

The study region is found in southern nation’s nationalities and people’s regional state inWolayta
Zone Offa Woreda at a distance of 29 kms away from town Sodo, the Zonal capital. It issituated
Koysha woreda of (Wolayita Zone) in the west and North West, Sodo Zuriya woreda in the north and
Humbo Woreda in the east. Astronomically, the study region is lies at 37 030‘00‘’ east longitudes and
60 45‘00‘’ north latitudes. It covers the total area of about 37,356 hectare. It bordering Kucha Woreda
of Gamu Goffa Zone in the South, Kindo Didaye and Kindo Koysha woreda of (Wolayita Zone) in
the west and North West, Sodo Zuriya woreda in the north and Humbo Woreda in the East.
Astronomically, the study region is lies at 37 030‘00‘’ east longitudes and 60 45‘00‘’ north latitudes. It
covers the total area 37,356 hectare. It is constituted of 22 rural and 2 urban kebele’s. According to
the woreda finance and economy office report of 2006 E.C, the total number of population accounts
127,387. Of which 64,203 are males and 63,184 are females.

5
 .

6
 2.2 Relief/ Topography

The physical nature of the study region is characterized by the presence of diversified features. These
include rugged mountains, gorges, river valleys, and plane. Generally rugged terrain dominates the
topography in the region. Offa Woreda is mostly characterized by rising and falling grounds of
different altitudes which provide it a good-looking over some parts and extensive flat surfaces in
some other parts. The highest point in the region is about 2000 meters above sea level which lies
around the south western corner of the study region where as the lower ground is found in the gorge
around Gogara rural village at south eastern parts which is 1200 meters above mean sea level. Hence,
the altitude of Offa Woreda is within the range between 1200 & 2000 meters above sea level. There
are many places with beautiful natural scene and having great economic potential found in the study
region for instance; Kawo Garuwa and ‘Holoze’ mountains in Yakima rural kebele, bridge of heaven
(locally called as ‘Xossa Zarppe’) along Manisa river near town Gesuba Ahmed Gragng's Stone in
Quanqo Boshshasha rural village, Dimbisso cave in Galda rural kebele which served as garrison
during Italian occupation are some of the notable one.

7
Complete understanding of the topographic structure of the study Woreda gives a fast overview of the
character of the whole site whether it is hilly or flat, sloping gradually or steeply. The purpose of the
physiographic study of the influence area during urban planning is to analyze the impacts of

topography on different economic activities & infrastructure development which play essential role in
linking the influence area with the planning urban center. Moreover, it has a great importance in
generating income for the region through attracting visitors if those potential sites are facilitated with
the basic infrastructure net works like, roads.

2.3 Population

Based on figures published by CSA, and the Offa woreda Finance and economy Office the study
woreda has a total population of 127,387 of which 64,203 are males and 63,184 are females. 5309 or
3.3% of its population are urban dwellers. More than half of the population in the woreda are young
below the age of 20.

2.4 Drainage System

In hydrological analysis surface and subsurface water, the drainage pattern and the catchments areas,
its impacts and economic significances are considered. It includes the surface water and drainage
patterns of the site and the entire study region. The key application of hydrology includes controlling
floods, clearing up water pollution and planning recreational uses of rivers, lakes and other water
bodies in addition to potable water source, potential of water for power supply and use of irrigation.

Fortunately, the study region is endowed with many rivers. Some of them are originated in the region
and others flow crossing along the periphery of the study region. They are intermittent in character
and low in volume of water except river Manisa. Though there are rivers like Maniesa with irrigable
potential, very little of it is under use for crop production depending on the suitability of the relief.
This needs concentrated action in the areas of water shade management and implementation of
extensive practices to maximize agricultural production.

On the contrary, the presence of many rivers can negatively affect the development of physical
infrastructures by increasing the cost of construction and subsequently hinder easy communication
between places.

8
Figure 2.1 Major rivers in Offa Woreda

No Name of the river Source of the Destination of Characteristics of the river

river the river
Source Permanent Seasonal
1 Manisa river Damotta Deme √
2 Urulla Busha kebele Maniesa √
3 Qurtume Busha (Pekaka Maniesa √
Rural village)
4 Zegara Busha (Pekaka Maniesa √
Rural village
Source: Offa Woreda Agricultural & Rural Dev’t Office & Finance & Economy Dev’t Office, 2006EC

According to the information obtained from Offa Woreda Agriculture & Rural Development Office,
most of the rivers are underutilized and contributed less to the economy of the region as they are not
exhaustively treated to the extent that they can support agricultural practices in the region. Rivers are
undoubtedly important for the development of agricultural economy if there be effective
implementation of water shade management and harvesting practices. Therefore, all responsible
bodies need to work hard for the utilization of rivers available in the region.

2.5 Climate

Climate is the cumulative effect of atmospheric condition at a place existed for longer duration of time.
The study region is characterized by diversified agro-climatic climate regions. These include kolla,
dega, woinadega and Berha. Climate change is becoming the most important political issue and the
toughest challenge for mankind in the 21st century. The complexity of\ the situation makes it
imperative/essential to create mechanisms for cohesive action at a global society level.
Over all precipitation and temperature variations affects the entire site, as so wind, cloud and seasonal
changes. It is important to consider both small and large scale climatic phenomena. Many onsite
9
climatic changes are closely related to such factors as changes in topography, slope orientation,
vegetation and the presence of water. Climatic conditions are interconnected with overall regional
climatic patterns as well as with smaller site characteristics. So identifying the type of climate of the
study region is important in affecting various activities undertaken in the region. For instance, climate
directly influences the type of agricultural activities going on & the amount of yield produced in that
region. Consequently, the planning urban center has the possibility of becoming advantageous or
disadvantageous from the degree of productivity of its influence area. This phenomenon is clearly
exhibited by the urban-rural linkage. On the other hand the knowledge of climate is helpful to assume
the prevalence of diseases associated with temperature, & rainfall like malaria.

2.5.1 Temperature

Temperature is the measure of hotness or coldness of an object/a place. Temperature influences every
human activity negatively or positively. The distribution of temperature varies from place to place
largely due the effect of altitudinal difference. So that with change in altitude the amount of
temperature varies. As temperature is the dominant element of climate, it results in the corresponding
changes of the other elements of climate. Temperature influences every human activity negatively or
positively .The effect of it could be serious on extreme situation. According to the information
obtained from Offa Woreda Agricultural & Rural Development Office, the annual average
temperature of Offa Woreda is between 16c0 – 26c0.

2.5.2 Rain Fall

Rainfall is the other important element of weather and climate that determined by the direction and
type of winds occur. Consequently, the study area gains various amount of rainfall during different
seasons. In the study region agricultural production is highly depends on rainfall. The region receives
high amount of rainfall during summer season (June, July, and August). The second important rainy
season is spring (March, April & May).

According to the information obtained Offa Woreda Agricultural Development Office, the highest &
lowest annual rainfall of the study region reaches 1600 mm & 1201mm respectively. This shows that,
the region receives substantial amount of rainfall that can facilitate the production of a variety of
crops.

10
2.6 Vegetation

Although vegetation cover of an area reflects the nature of climatic condition occur in the area, the
direct intervention of human beings seriously damaged the existence of vegetation cover. The
continued change in climate on earth affected all\territories and people alike, without allowing
barriers or boundaries of any kind. Damage caused in a particular part of the globe can have far-
reaching repercussion/impact for other distant and even unrelated areas. The climate change
phenomenon has radically altered the way humans relate to nature. As of the explanation of elderly
people, the study area was covered by thick natural vegetation cover before the appearance of
urbanization. But, when the intervention of man on environment increases added with continued
change in climate has aggravated the loss of native vegetation.

Vegetation types and patterns represent a major visual, recreational and ecological resource and
native vegetation types are closely related to soil as well as to microclimate hydrology and
topography. The presence of vegetation plays a significant role for the environment in many ways.
Some of the basic uses of vegetation are they modify the local climate, maintain aesthetic value of the
environment, break the wind energy, residing place of wild animals, and provide raw materials
(timber) for wood industries, source of log for construction & source of fuel charcoal. Besides, varied
need of vegetation, such as biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, watershed protection, and
nature-based tourism, is receiving attention as a tool for promoting sustainable forest management
based on government intervention. Today measures are being taken to alleviate the complexity of this
issue and highlight the importance of designing and planning government policies to tackle areas
such as agricultural production, energy production, migration, claims by indigenous people and the
consequences of mass loss of vegetation, among others.

The study region is endowed with a variety of tree species. According to the information gathered
from Offa Woreda Agriculture & Rural Development Office, the main tree species found in the
Woreda are Gravilia, Bahir Zaf, Wanza, Warka, Bisana, Badanna, Woybeta, Dokima, Tid, Zenbaba,
Woira, etc. As observed in many part of the region, expansion of agricultural land, charcoal
production, fuel wood & lumber production are the main cause for deforestation. As a result of
continuous clearing of trees, adverse environmental conditions are occurring in the region like
expansion of arid condition, unreliability & interruption in rainfall & decreasing in the water volume

11
of rivers & streams. Thus, to tackle the problem of deforestation, it is essential to create mechanisms
for cohesive action at all society level and need urgent response to provide systemic answers to this
global concern.

2.7 Soil

The fertility of soil affects the amount of production in a given geographical area. According to the
information obtained from the Woreda Agriculture & Rural Development Office, there are different
varieties of soils .The most important soil types are Red soil, Brown soil, Black soil & Gray soil.Such
types of soils are helpful to the growth of various types of crops and plants in general.

Soil erosion is severe problem in the study area that usually originate at the center of the town and
resulted with the prevalence of steep slope landscape. According to the information collected, the
volume of soil eroded in the Woreda varies from place to place & the type of activities practiced on
the land. Because of the prevalence of ups & down nature of the land, the rate of soil erosion is
aggravated when cultivation takes place on it. In order to minimize this problem, the Offa Agriculture
& Rural Development Office in integration with other stockholders is taking conservation measures
like construction of terrace on sloppy area, water shade management & intensive awareness creation
activities to the community.

2.8 Energy Resources

The presence of energy resources has a paramount importance for the development of the region. As
of the information from the woreda Trade and Industry Development Office, in the region there were
huge energy resources which have not yet been fully investigated and recognized by the society yet
requires skill and technology to identify and use. These include solar energy, underground water, and
wind energy, construction materials (sands, stones), etc. There were also large number of chief labor
force (human population) that can contribute for the development of the region if there be effective
handling and utilization mechanism associated with the provision of participative projects.

2.9 Regional Urban System

Urbanization is a least phenomenon experienced in the region when compared to the surrounding
regions of the zone. There is only one urban center that accredited the status since 1987 E.C. It has

12
been serving as cultural, commercial, political center of the region. According to the Woreda Finance
and Economy Office yearly population survey report of 2005 E.C, the total population of Offa
Woreda was 127,387. From this, urban population size was only 15,301 which is 12 % of the total
population of Offa Woreda. This level of urbanization is very small when compared with the
Southern Region as well as the wolaita zone urbanization level.

CHAPTER THREE

RURAL ECONOMIC ASSESMENT OF THE WOREDA

3.1 LAND USE OF THE STUDY REGION

The study of land use pattern of the influence region has a paramount significance for the planning
area in general and the study town in particular. The analysis of land use situation considers the areal
coverage of land with the respective use and cover. The study is intended to put identified analyses
and predictions of land use pattern and impact on the socio economic progress of the region and its
potential influence to the planning town. It also enables the planner to propose relevant socio
economic infrastructure distribution mainly to the town under study. In the following parts the details
of land use type and areal coverage is presented.

Fig. 3.1 Land use type of the study region (Offa Woreda)

Woreda Total area Land use type

in ha. Cultivated Cultivable Grazing Forest and Other
land land land bush land land use
Offa 25900 11456 5102 6578 778 1986
% 100 44.2 19.6 25.3 3 7.7
Source: Offa Woreda Agricultural Development Office, 2006 EC.

13
As it can be seen on the above table, 44.2%, 25.3% and 19.6% of land area of the Woreda is
cultivated, grazing land and cultivable land respectively. Other land uses which include uncultivable
portion of the land and swampy areas, constitute together 7.7% of the total land use. This figure
indicated the greatest share of land is used for the production of different crops. In the woreda, the
smallest proportion of land is accounted by forest and bush land which is only 3% of the total area.

3.2 Area Of Land Used For the Cultivation of Major Types of Crop

The type of crops produced in the influence area, indicate the dominant food crops supplied to the
planning town. The production of important food crops in the region contributes a lot for the rapid
growth and development of the study town. It also enables the planner to understand the dependence
of the study town on other region and suggest possible ways of urban-rural economic interaction.

Fig 3.2 Land allocated for the cultivation of major crops in the Woreda, 2006 EC

Woreda Total area covered Cultivated land for crops ( ha)

by major crops Cereals Pulses Horticulture Vegetables Oil
(ha) and fruits seed
Offa 3430 2964 340 126 - -
% 100 86.4 10 3.6 - -
Source: Offa Woreda Agricultural Development Office, 2006 EC

As of the information from the woreda Agriculture Development Office, the largest cultivated land in
the Woreda is devoted for the production of cereals (86.4%) which include crops such as maize, teff,
barely, wheat and sorghum and followed by pulses (10%) which include crops like bean, chick peas
and field peas. Horticulture accounts (3.6%) and the remaining proportion of cultivated land is
covered by diversified production of vegetables and fruits and others.

The agricultural productivity of the influence area affects the degree of sustainability of food crop
supply to the town under consideration and the urban - rural exchange.

Fig 3.3 Volume of production of major crops in Offa Woreda, 2006 EC

Woreda Volume of Production in quintal

14
 production(major Teff Barely Wheat Pulse Maize Sorghum Potato
crops in quintal) s
Offa 152536 20304 5597 19500 7293 67080 7262 25500
% 100 13.3 3.66 12.7 4.7 44 4.7 16.7

Source: Offa Woreda Agricultural Development Office, 2006 EC

As shown on the table 3.3, from the seven major crops produced in the region the volume of
production of maize is the largest (44%) followed by horticulture (potato 16.7%) teff (13.3%) and
wheat (12.7%). The smallest crop in the volume of production is by pulses(4.76%) and sorghum
(4.7%).

3.3 Livestock Rising

The presence of substantial number of livestock population in the influence area of the planning town
has a significant advantage to the economic development of the region. As the supply of the cattle in
the local markets increases the contribution that it adds the agricultural economy also increases. It
also provides high income from the revenue collected during market days and taxation. Hence, it
enhances the financial capacity of the town.

Fig 3.4 Major types of livestock population of Offa Woreda, 2006 EC

Woreda Total Types of livestock

livestock
Population Cattle Sheep Goat Equines Poultry

Offa 159853 76390 11963 12557 4517 54426

% 100% 47.7 7.5 7.8 2.8 34

Source: Offa Woreda Agricultural Development Office, 2006 EC

It can be depicted from table 3.4 that from all types of livestock, cattle population is the largest
(47.7%) followed by poultry (34%) and goat (7.8%). The population of equines is the smallest (2.8%)
in the Woreda. Therefore, it can be taken as there is high potential in the supply of livestock and
livestock products in the region and this in turn create significant job opportunities by establishing
industries that use cattle products and byproducts in the planning town.

3.4 Urban – Rural and Urban – Urban Economic Linkage

15
The analysis of economic linkage is necessary to identify the existing socio-economic conditions and
major constraints that hindered the interactions and linkage between urban and rural economy. And it
is also interested in proposing possible ways of strengthening the interaction in order to enhance the
development of the region in general and the planning town in particular. There are two way
interactions between urban and rural spatial units since commodities are both imported and exported
to both parts which consequently foster their mutual benefits. Accordingly, different primary
commodities which are mainly found in the surrounding areas are brought to the planning town. For
instance, the town gets most of agricultural products from the surrounding rural parts and very little
amount from the other parts of the region. Some food crops that are consumed on daily base are
imported from Soddo and other urban centers found in near distant like Boditti town in D/Gale
woreda of Wolayta zone and Selamber town in GamuGofa Zone. And Similarly, the surrounding
rural community benefited more in establishing strong ties with the planning town. For instance,
when the rural community enter with their agricultural commodities into the urban center in
exchange they can earn industrial products that are important in their daily use.

Fig 3.5 Origin of Major Agricultural products supplied to the study town, 2006 EC

No Type of Product Source/Origin No Type of Product Source/Origin

1 Teff Sodo, Gesuba 11 Red pepper Gesuba/Soddo
2 Maize Soddo Gesuba 12 Spices Sodo
3 Wheat Boditti/Soddo 13 Honey Selamber
4 Barley ,, 14 Butter Gessuba
5 Coffee Gessuba 15 Fruit Gessuba
6 Carrot Soddo 16 Chat Selamber
7 Cabbage Soddo 17 Live animal Gessuba
8 Green paper Gesuba 18 Pea Gessuba
9 Tomato Sodo/ Gesuba 19 Sheep Sodo/ Gesuba
10 Onion Sodo/Gessuba 20 Goat Gessuba
Source: The municipality of Gessuba town, 2006 EC

Concerning manufactured products supply, they are supplied mainly from Wolayta Soddo, Hawassa
and other small towns around the study region . As clearly shown on the table 3.5, the study town has

16
strong interaction with spatial units found in Wolayta Zone. The economic interaction with Wolayta
Soddo towns is higher than others since some important products are directly brought from these
town. To enhance more the economic linkage of the planning town with the surrounding urban
centers, physical infrastructure provision, investment and business promotion works should be
undertaken.

CHAPTER FOUR
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOWN
4.1 Pre-Foundation History
As the oral sources indicated, the area currently urbanized was previously remained forest and graze
land until it was inhabited. Latter, new people come and occupied the area. The new settlers of the
area were agrarians and used the field as a grazing ground. After a time, with the growth of
inhabitants in the area the existing forest cover had been removed. The study town is geographically
situated between two important permanent river valleys named 'Ourulla' and 'Maniesa'. These rivers
are originated from the surrounding higher grounds of mt. Damota and following the periphery of the
town, flow in the south western part of the town. As some sources indicated, these rivers had a
significant contribution for the foundation of earlier settlement in the area. The first inhabitants of the
area were people called as Maraqo, who were from Hadiya ethnic origin. They lived longer in the
area and gradually forced to leave and few people from Wolayta ethnic background occupied the
area. Then it has become more important center and attracted many people from the surrounding
parts of the study region. This has in turn brought new order in the life style of the community
seeking the appearance of different cultural, social, economic and political dynamism and resulted in
17
the flourishing of new mode of settlement. Latter, the development of civilization coupled with the
growing need of the community, contributed the growing of a village. When more and more people
began to leave villages and farms to live in towns, urban growth continues.

4.2 Naming of the Town

The essence to the origin and naming of a given point or feature has its own historical trace. As stated
in the pre foundation history, the earlier inhabitants of the area were believed to be the 'Maraqo',
people who were from Hadiya ethnic background. Among these few figures lived in the area, there
was a person called 'Gessuba' who was prominent and influential among the community. He was
popular among the community members in holding important positions like managing and
controlling social affairs. Thus, he remain influential and become known. Inhabitants of the day
associated the place with the person and began to identify it in the name of him. The late inhabitants
of the area adopted the name and began to call the place 'Gessuba'. Therefore, the name become
formal and accepted as 'Gessuba' after the person. Hence, the study town was named in this manner
and still using this name.

4.3 Development Trend of the Town

Beginning from its pre foundation time to the current status there were remarkable changes seen in all
aspects of the town. Some of the basic social infrastructures were began to establish prior to the
development of a town like Primary school, health centers and agricultural development centers.
Latter for the sake of security and administration purposes government offices began to appear. These
has signified the growth of a village and the introduction of woreda administrative center into the
area mainly accelerated the process of urbanization. The region of administrative center (woreda) was
previously existed commonly with now Humbo woreda. This marked a turning point in the expansion
history of the town.

It was during the reign of Emperor Haile Sellasie Ι in October 1957 E.C, the town Gessuba was
established. The first cite where the earliest establishment took place was located currently at a place
where the current woreda administration buildings are available. Houses constructed in the beginning
were houses made of grass and wood /cultural houses/ however, gradually replaced by corrugated

18
sheets of iron houses. The first elementary school was established in 1964 E.C during the regime of
Emperor Hailesilasie Ι.

During the day there was a person called 'fitawrary' W/Semayat G/Wold, the administrator of the
region (Wolayta area) and founder of the town, officially announced the establishment of a town and
invited people from the surrounding rural parts to come and urbanize in the area. He has made the
first land use plan of the town in allocating inner roads, market place, administrative building cites,
and residential cites. Then many people come to the town and established a living. It was the wolayta
ethnic group who settled in the town at early foundation. Gradually, the settlement get diversified.

During the Derge regime (1975-1991), though the policy and rule of the period put off the growth of
the town, there was some activities observed in the development of the town. These may include the
expansion of different administrative and social facility rendering centers like Youth centers, Union
association centers, etc. Besides, there was limited trade activities which has seen in between the local farmers
and local merchants that established in the exchange of different agricultural products. Generally the period
lacked the road networks that facilitate the interaction in the region.

During the period of EPDR (after 1992), the town has got better opportunity to grow in all aspects and began
to show hopeful progress though there were problems with practical implementation. However, recently the
growth of a town was facilitated with the provision of varies socioeconomic infrastructures such as the
construction of schools (elementary and high school), health centers, road net works, provision of services like
telecommunication, transportation, electricity. Currently the town has shown acceptable growth in trade
activities, transportation, telecommunication and providing other different services to the residence of the
town.

4.4 The establishment of the Municipality

The town Gessuba was established in 1957E.C during the reign of Emperor Haile Sellassie I. The area of a
town was probably selected due to its having relatively comfortable climate condition, the presence of
relatively large market area and suitable farm lands in and around the town, and its being strategic center of
trade activities with boarder areas of Humbo, Sodo Zuriya, and Gamo Gofa region.

Following its establishment the town experienced rapid growing of new urban settlement with multi faceted
features. The physical expansion of the town was not in a way to follow clearly planned structure that guides
and directs the overall development of urban center. There were also socioeconomic infrastructures which has

19
been rendering the service for the urban communities and which at the same time need careful management
and further expansion. In addition, the urban community seek the provision of varies services like cemetery,
sanitation, recreational facility, housing, physical infrastructure, land, etc. The above mentioned issues need to
be maintained and managed in a way that they could fairly be distributed and effectively utilized among the
society. Therefore, it needs the establishment of responsible institution that guides the development and
effective utilization of the towns resource. Thus, the establishment of the institution was a must and the town
has acquired the status of growing municipality since 1987 E.C. Beginning from this time onwards the town's
municipality has been rendering the major services, managing the limited resources, maintaining the basic plan
of the town issued for the first time in 1987E.C., facilitating the expansion and development of socioeconomic
and physical infrastructure buildings, etc.

CHAPTER FIVE

5. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GESUBA TOWN

5.1 Location

Gesuba town is the only urban center of Offa woreda and which is situated at a distance of 29kms
Southwest of Soddo, the capital town of Wolayta Zone, and at a distance of 206 kms Southwest of
the regional capital, Hawassa. The town is situated in between the two rivers. One is river Manisa
which bounded the town in the south west, west, and northern parts and the other one river Ourulla,
which bounded the town in the south eastern and north eastern parts. The remaining part of the town,
in the north and north east part is bordered with Busha, Seer'Esho' and Kodo rural villages.

20
5.2 Population Size, Distribution and Area

As of the information obtained from Gesuba town municipality yearly bulletin prepared in the year
2001 E.C, the total number of population counted as urban side conveyed through house to survey
accounted 9,251. However, currently this number has showed continues increment due to the
growing rate of urbanization and inclusion of additional planning areas. Accordingly, the house to
house survey made in the planning year indicated the total number of population including
administrative boundary area of the town counted to be 19,707 of which 10,661 were males and
9,046 were females. On the other hand, the incorporated planning boundary of Gesuba covers about
2056 hectares. The population density of the town as per the result of the population survey, may
reach 11 persons /per hectare.

5.3 Topography of the town

From the topographic point of view, the town is positioned on relatively plane landform as compared
to the surrounding areas. When we investigate the topography of the planning town in some parts
there are gorges particularly along the river sides in the north east and west periphery. The central
part of the town generally seems flat covering extensive areas of plane with minor irregularities. The
physical appearance usually dominated by table land at central areas and gradually descends towards
south east and west periphery of the town where river Rulla and Manisa drainages occur respectively.
The peripheral representation experiences extensive gorges except in the north and north east sub
parts. Thus, at southern tips and western tips, eroded land features and extensive flat surface at central
parts, river valley are some of the remarkable land features observed in the study town. The lower
part in the town is situated in the Southern parts. Whereas, the higher ground lies at the central parts of the
town stretched towards northern end of the town. Thus, the altitude of the area usually decreases towards this
direction and the highest point is found in the north and north east periphery of the town which is about 1600
meters above sea level and the lowest place is about 1500 meters above sea level. Generally, the average
altitude of the town is within the ranges between1500 - 1600 meter above sea level.

5.4 Physical Expansion

The issue of planning carefully considers the potential areas of further expansion from different perspectives
so as to make decision on appropriate and manageable expansion of urban system. Consequently strong
consideration should be given for the expansion area in the planning process and the basic elements like

21
people’s preference, nature of topography, climate condition, opportunity to physical infrastructures such as
telephone, electricity, water, etc. are considered in the selection of expansion area. Therefore, depending on
the above criteria, the expansion areas of the town are taken. In this respect, since the largest part of the
planning town is bounded by rivers, there is no areas of expansion in this parts except in the east. Hence, the
following parts are selected as potential areas of expansion. These include;

 The north east direction where there is massive flat topography following the entry road from Soddo,
Zonal capital.
 The north western direction with relatively low potential expansion part of the town because where the
land slants towards west associated with flood problem.

5.5. Surface water ( Drainage of the town)

The analysis of surface water drainage of the study area is vital to recognize the amount of water
resource endowment of the region. The presence of much surface water has a positive contribution to
the planning town. This is mainly associated with the potential impact of water in domestic uses
/home consumptions/, agricultural uses and industrial importance. The study town is drained by two
major rivers Maniesa and Rulla. The planning town is established on relatively flat and slightly
inclined topography at central parts, due to this fact flood problem is not a serious one except along
the periphery of the town mainly areas surrounding the two rivers. usually due to the sloppy nature of
the topography smaller channels form following the heavy summer rain and result in the formation of
high erosion. Though these rivers are not effectively utilized economically, their importance for the
local residences settled around is not simple estimated. These rivers do have great economic potential
but, are not exploited to the extent that they could support the economy of the planning town.
However, the new plan is tried to indicate and put responsible areas of water resource utilization
mainly in the areas of urban agriculture and related consumption capabilities. Moreover, it needs
effective practices of water harvesting and management practices so as to maximize the productive
capabilities of these resources. Thus, to realize the implementation of the plan and ensure the use of
the existing resources all responsible bodies need to take a coordinated action as commented above.
On contrary to this, their damaging effect is observed mainly due to lack of drainage ditches and
Culvert as a result the lower part of the town was affected by water erosion. Therefore, drainage
ditches and culverts need to be constructed in erosion prone areas. Besides, additional drainage lines

22
around the newly proposed areas need to be opened. Hence the planners need to consider these things
while planning.

5.6 Climate of the town

Climate is the overall condition of atmosphere at a place for longer duration of time. It is the
integration of the day to day weather condition over a period of many years. Thus, it is the record of
weather elements including wind, temperature, rainfall and precipitation that prevail on a given
region. Climatic conditions are interconnected with overall regional climatology patterns as well with
smaller site conditions. Therefore, identifying the type of climate of the study region is important in
every aspect as it affects various activities undertaken in the region. For instance, climate directly
influences the type of agricultural activities going on and the amount of yield produced in that region.
Consequently, the planning urban center has the possibility of becoming advantageous or
disadvantageous from the degree of productivity of its influence area. This phenomenon is clearly
exhibited by the urban-rural linkage. On the other hand the knowledge of climate is helpful to assume
the prevalence of diseases associated with temperature and rainfall like, malaria, etc. Moreover it is
important for urban planning and designing infrastructure elements such as the capacity of drainage
ditches, types of construction materials used, selecting good locations for sound and air polluting
industries, selecting sunlight direction for good orientation of buildings and other facilities. The
overall precipitation and temperature variation affects the corresponding elements such as winds,
cloud cover seasonal changes, etc. Hence, it is important to consider both small and large scale
climatic phenomena. The climatic analysis considers the major elements that have direct/indirect
impact on a given geographic environment. This include temperature coverage (annually or monthly),
rainfall (annually or monthly), prevailing wind direction, frequency of damaging storms, etc.
Accordingly, the major elements of climate are stated below

5.6.1 Temperature

A place with moderate condition of temperature relatively a greater opportunity to attract large
population size than a place characterize with extremely high or low temperature amount. This
demonstrates that temperature has a significant influence on the settlement of people either negatively
or positively in a given geographical area.

23
In the study town there was no metrological station to obtain real climate data instead the Offa
Woreda Agricultural and Rural Development Office supplied the study through providing relevant
information. Thus, based on the data obtained from the above mentioned institution and the socio
economist's personal field observation point of view the amount of temperature occurring in the
planning town is identified. Whatever its influence, no accurate figure or data has been found for the
planning area due to absence of metrological station in the given area. But, the information obtained
from Woreda Agricultural & Rural Development Office showed that the annual average temperature
of planning town ranges between 20°- 25°c. Therefore, the town is characterized by moderate
temperature zone of Ethiopia called woinadega & to some extent it exhibits a semi arid climate
characteristic. As a result the town is favorable for residence & business activities and suitable for
controlling the environment of the area through forestation.

5.6.2 Rainfall

Rainfall is one of the elements of weather and climate that influences human activities. The formation
and distribution rainfall at a place largely depends on the nature of topography, prevailing wind
direction, the amount of temperature occurs in the area, etc. The study region varies in all these
aspects so that it characterizes differently in the amount and formation of rain, thus, the study region
receives different amounts of rainfall during different seasons. As there was no meteorological station
in the town, it was difficult to get reliable rain fall data. However, the topographic map, which was
produced by the Zonal Finance and Economic Development Department, indicated that rain fall of
the town falls within the range of 900-1200 mm per annum. Accordingly, in the area the dominant
rainfall occur mainly during summer season (June, July, and August) and the second important rainy
season is spring (March, April & May).

This shows that, the region receives insignificant amount of rainfall as compared to the amount
recorded some years before. Hence, the amount of rainfall occurs in the region could not sufficiently
support the production of crops. Therefore, through practicing different environment protection and
improving mechanisms one should maintain the normal condition of the environment so that it is
possible to improve the unreliable rainfall distribution observed in the region.

5.6.3 Wind Direction

24
As there was no meteorological station in the town that records wind speed, wind direction, rainfall,
and temperature, it is difficult to get exact figure regarding the temperature, rainfall and wind
direction that blows over the given area. According to the information obtained from residents and
field observation the prevailing wind over the area can be classified in to two based on the intensity
of the wind as major and minor wind direction.

The Major wind direction is the dominant wind over the town that blows from North east highland
part of the town to southwest lowland parts mainly during bega season. Whereas, the Minor wind
direction in the area concentrate on the opposite side of the major wind direction.

Note

The establishment of emitting urban pollutant activities such as slaughter house, solid waste damping
site, etc are recommended to be on the opposite of the major wind side. In this regard the existing
slaughtering house of the town is located at the southern part of the town.

5.7. Urban Greenery

Green areas are spaces/plots of land that is undeveloped (has no buildings or other built structures)
and accessible to the public. Open spaces provide recreational areas for residents and help to enhance
the beauty and environmental quality of neighborhoods. They can include:

 Green space (land that is partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other
vegetation)
 Schoolyards
 playgrounds
 Public sitting areas
 public plazas /square/
 vacant lots

Green space, animals, insects and other organisms, while also providing corridors and green
ways to link habitats. they prevent soil erosion and absorb the rain water, thereby improving
drainages provide habitat for a variety of birds left after each blocks during urban land
25
 division into different services aimed to bring suitable and add beauty Like other rural towns
of Wolaita zone Gesuba town is endowed with different tree species and vegetation types,
some of the major ones include; Eucalyptus tree, Gravillae, Zigba, wanza, juniper tree, are
some of the trees commonly seen in the town. According to Offa Woreda Agricultural
Development Office, nearly half of the town region is covered by the trees of different species
however, there is limited and scattered forest coverage which is controlled by the individuals
in the area have contributed much. Besides, there are rehabilitation centers in the town which
are recently reforested and grown in previously deteriorated areas of the town.
• Some of the major importance of these trees include:
 they balance the local climate of the town

 they reduce dust problems

 they have scenic value for the area

 they help for the construction purposes

Thus, considering the positive impact of trees on environment within the planning boundary
additional green areas also need to be reserved and the existing open spaces need to be protected and
developed.

5.8. Municipal Service

There are several municipal services which have been offering in the town. Among these the
provision and management of land for different services, the distribution of physical infrastructures
such as road, water, electricity, and other social services such as open market, cattle market,
cemetery, abattoir service, etc.

5.8.1 The Condition of Open Market

Open market of the town is located nearly at the center of the town where most commercial activities
occur in the town. It exists in close proximity to bus station. Most of the town’s hotels, bars, and
restaurants are concentrated surrounding it. This has limited the development of the town in certain
parts. As it could be observed during the planning year, the existence of cattle market, open market,
and bus station associated with micro and small enterprises collectively made areas around the

26
existing open market active center than other parts. Similarly, unsuited actions are taking place
simultaneously with this part of the town and it does not allow holistic development of the town. The
location of existing open market relatively seems on appropriate area though it is crowded and close
to the bus station. However, still it needs expansion space to accommodate the growing demand of
marketers and adjust the partition of market place into different trade items to allow easy movement
of marketers and tax collectors. Thus, to have enough space the surrounding facilities in close
proximity should be shifted into another appropriate sites and their space need to be incorporated.
When the existing cattle market and bus station relocated the existing open market could have
sufficient space which able to accommodate all expected marketing commodities and attendants
particularly during market days.

To keep away from this complication during land use planning it is significant to look for a solution
in proposing appropriate location for the existing bus station and livestock market so that the area of
existing open market could have enough space.

Hence, the existing market posses the following draw backs;

 It did not have enough space to meet the growing market demand .i.e. the existing market area
will not accommodate traders that come from different directions as the growth and
development of the town increases.

 The presence of open meat market which is another problem since it is highly exposed for
contamination.

 It doesn’t have shower, public toilet, electric light and water supply container for solid wastes

 The bus station was also located at the same place with the main market.

 As the market gets partitioned to accommodate different activities, it is not accessible for the
users.

 It doesn’t contain the necessary market facilities like shades, ware house, etc.

Predictable Solution

27
Relocate the existing livestock market and bus station including micro and small scale enterprises
surrounding its compound to other appropriate places. Thus, the relocation will minimize the problem
of congestion by expanding the market size.

5.8.2 Livestock Market

The existing Livestock market is located near the open market and attached to main road that bisects
the town north and south. It causes problems like, some cattle’s may cause physical damage on
human and their waste cause ill health to the user of the market though it is located in relation to the
main livestock entry direction at closer proximity. However, it has now faced new problem that is the
newly designed asphalt road touches part of its compound. Therefore, it should be relocated in other
place in relation to the main livestock entry direction at closer proximity from the abattoir areas
separately from the open market.

According to the information obtained from residents and field observation, the main flow direction
of livestock in order of importance is the following;

 In the South and Southeast direction from the rural village and other part of the woreda

 In the Eastern direction from the rural village and other part of Soddo Zuriya Woreda.

 In the South direction from the rural village and from bordered part of Gamu Goffa woreda.

 In the West and Northeast direction from the Kindo Didaye Woreda rural villages, etc.

Therefore, the Livestock market should be relocated to the place where it meets the criterion such as;
the cattle entry direction, accessibility to the main road, infrastructures and services of the town.

5.8.3 Abattoir Service

The town has proper abattoir and cattle slaughtering site. It is located on the open space at the south
west part of the town near the Rulla river. The service delivery of the existing slaughter house was
behind the market in the area of 25mx25m reserved for slaughtering of cattle. The present status of
the existing abattoir service delivery seemed good, however, as the need for the service increases
with quality and quantity it will not have the capacity to deliver the service. In addition, it was
located near the river Rulla and so that it can easily spoil the river. Therefore, it should be

28
modernized and upgraded in status. The cattle slaughtering site of the town is characterized by the
following conditions:

 Limited diagnostic activities to check the health condition of cattle and shortage of site for
animal quarantine before slaughtering.

 Shortage of basic infrastructure service like access road, transport, electric light, water supply,
drainage;

 Absence of modern waste managing systems;

Thus, considering its future carrying capacity and environmental effect either new place should be
reserved or should be reserved as it is.

5.8.4 Bus Station

The existing site of bus station and fright terminal of the town was not formal site in old plan of the
town but it has been providing the service since the town acquired municipality status. However, its
location in close proximity to the existing open market and having very limited space need a shift to
other appropriate site in the town. Besides, busses that come from Sodo and Gamu Goffa Zone
particularly on a market day entered to the town. Other than this, GOs and NGOs vehicles usually
come to the town. The main road that gives service is graveled and stony one which makes
movement of vehicles difficult. Besides, there were no quality inner roads in the town except foot
paths. Thus, it imposes difficulty on the business transaction of the people of the town. As of
information obtained from the municipality and Traffic police, the town has less traffic flow and
accidents than any other town in the woreda. Due to the absence of Bus terminal and shortage of road
that cross the town, the number of incoming transport services to the town became minimum which
has a negative impact on the economic progress of the town. Thus, the new plan needs to incorporate
bus station which gives service for the entire population. Accordingly; it is advisable if the land for
Bus station is reserved in appropriate site. Moreover, fright terminal has not yet been used in the town
before. Therefore, place for freight is also recommended.

5.8.5 Municipal Cemetery

Municipal cemetery is equally important as religious cemeteries since in any town, there are poor,
helpless and new comers with no relatives who are part of the society and need the municipal service.
29
Therefore, municipal cemetery should be taken as one of the basic issues a given municipality should
own and manage as the service is expected to be provided. The existing cemetery service of the town
has one site which is used for all but, it is too small and found very near to important service sites of
the town. Therefore, it is advisable to solve this problem in the new planning process.

5.8.6 Solid Waste Management

There was no site of solid waste disposal in the town. Residencies of the town simply avoiding solid
wastes using holes dug at two sides of the town. This kind of waste disposal is ineffective and usually
aimed at providing temporal relief for more suffocated condition. Besides, most liquid wastes are
removed anywhere in the town. it is obvious that such kind of waste removal has a dangerous effect
on the life of the community in general and normal health condition in particular. In general both
solid and liquid wastes disposing system in the town was not in a manageable way. However the
town is not in difficult condition of solid waste managing problems due to the amount and nature of
wastes produced in the town. As it is observed during planning period, most of the wastes producing
in the town was dry and organic in nature. Thus, their duration of existence is short as they easily
decay and dry. There were different sources of solid waste in the town, such as; market place,
individual houses, the slaughter house, and manufacturing areas, but mainly composed of domestic
and agricultural. Whatever is it advisable to propose appropriate location for both Solid and liquid
waste disposal and management.

30
CHAPTER SIX

6. Urban Infrastructure

In this chapter the major existing urban infrastructures type which are providing the dwellers with
basic services such as transportation, electricity, telecommunication, postal service and water services
are discussed in detail.

6.1 Transports system

The growth of a town can be measured by its development level of transportation system in that it
involves the movement of persons and goods from one place to another and thereby brings physical,
social, economic, cultural and technical interaction/integration among people.

The existing transport system in the planning town seems weak. It is simply connected with the zonal
capital, Wolayta Soddo and in the western part with Kindo Didaye woreda situated at a distance of 45
kms. It is also connected with the regional capital, Hawassa via Wolayta Soddo at a distance of 206
km in the Northeast. The road which connects the town with the zonal capital and other woreda
towns was gravel road and constructed by Rural road authority that connects with rural parts was
earthen road which is difficult to use in rainy days.

Due to this reason the access to transport service was limited and market days may facilitate the
availability of the service than other days. As a result of the low flow of traffic the rate of accident
was also low however, currently with the increasing introduction of motor cycle transportation
service the rate of accident get increased.

6.1.1 Road

31
Gesuba town is situated at a distance of 29kms away from the zonal capital, wolaita Soddo through a
graveled road. The town is also connected at western part to the seat of Kindo Didaye Woreda
capital, Hallale and Wamura through earthen road. It is also connected with Gamu Goffa Zone towns
such as Selam Ber and Sawla at South west corner through a graveled road. Besides, there are many
small connector roads with rural kebele's which are under construction by Universal Rural Road
Access Program (URRAP). Most of the roads in the region are earthen and poor in quality all need
periodic maintenance and improvement. As to the information from the Woreda Transport
Department Office, the condition of most of the existing road were poor quality that are not well
designed and suitable for easy movement and are earthen road. The internal feeder routes (connector
roads) were also not maintained and opened properly which still need improvement and upgrading at
the same time many of the internal roads are substandard. In addition to this, in some parts of the
town no connector roads were developed and maintained except foot paths which the settlers of the
area are using. Therefore, during planning periods barriers that hinder internal movements are need to
be solved by arranging different types of road as per the standard. Moreover, roads that cross the
town to different places should be important and the level of significance that the road would gave to
the residences was very high. Beside this, road that ease internal movement within residences
connectors are also need to be planned based on the standard.

The following are the main problems identified in respect to roads of the town:

 Most are low standard earthen roads;

 They are highly affected by erosion and in some areas hinder movement of motorized and non
motorized transports;

 They are poorly designed without keeping norms and standards and not suitable for easy
traffic flow;

6.1.2 Traffic flow

The main transport types in the region include bus (car), motor bicycle, cart, and pedal cycle. There
are about 40 buses, 220 private and government motor bicycles, 50 pedal cycles, and 160 donkey
driven carts. This showed increment of transport facility and service delivery in the town since
2003E.C. On average the number of vehicles crossing the town (buses,5), (dry trucks,18). Moreover,

32
there are many other vehicles of different sizes like government and non government organizations,
crosses the town at any time. On the daily basis, particularly on market days the number of vehicles
crossing the town make the traffic flow overcrowded. The existing traffic flow in the town can be
considered as high, medium, and low based on the type of materials it loads. Accordingly, high traffic
flow was observed in public transportation means's and low flow rate was observed in pedal cycle
and small sized cars. On the other hand in terms of occurrence highest annual flow rate was observed
during the time between (September to December), medium flow rate was observed during January to
march), and low traffic flow was observed b/n (April to August) where as on the daily base high flow
was occurred on Monday and Saturday, as these days are main market days in Gesuba and Soddo
towns respectively. The traffic inflow and out flow of Gesuba town can be summarized below in the
following tables.

Table 6.1 Inter and Intra urban transport linkage

No Origin Destination Road type Distance in Travel frequency

km
1 Gesuba Soddo earthen graveled 29Km Always days in week
and asphalt
2 Gesuba Selam Ber graveled 35km 2 day in a week
3 Gesuba Boditti graveled and 47km Market days
asphalted
4 Gesuba Wachiga Earthen 15km Market days
5 Gesuba Dakaya Earthen 10km Market days
6 Gesuba Mancha Earthen 12km Market days

Source: Offa Woreda Transport Office, 2006 E.C

Even though the level of traffic accident in the town was currently low, those factors which aggravate
the accident like the standard of roads, absence of road side traffic signs, absence of bus terminal and
pedestrian walkways should be adequately designed.

6.2 Communication System

6.2.1 Telecommunication
33
The presence of telephone service at every urban centre obviously facilitates urban-urban and urban
rural economic and social linkages as just like what is observed in Gesuba but the net work is not
sufficient in the planning town. The town's telephone service was limited largely to telephone calls.
However, it has little importance to fax, and internet services. this is due to low capacity installation
networks has got wire and wireless telephone service in 1998 E.C. However, it needs some
improvement the town has net work which enables the residents to use mobile phone. Therefore,
network for mobile need to be upgraded during the planning period.

6.2.2 Postal Service

The existing post office of the study town was established in 2004 E.C which is located near the
central part of the town. It has been serving since its establishment and become one of the main
important means of communication. There were about 50 boxes being used by clients. It has been
rendering the following services like; message transmissions (EMS), money transferring, SIM card
distribution, etc. Even though postal service is the cheapest means of communication, the service was
not rendering in advance. It is obvious that the presence of postal Service facilitates the linkage and
interaction of knowledge so that the service need to be modernized and upgraded. The place of
existing post office is adequate and appropriate in the next phases of planning periods so that the new
plan need not consider the new plot for the service.

6.3 Electricity and Power Services

The town has begun to use the service since 1985 E.C. from the national grid hydro electric power
source. It is from the Sodo district substation that the town gains the 24 hours service. There was no
distribution center in the town. According to the information from the Electric Power Corporation
office, the current amount of supply can not sufficiently support the demand of consumption. It needs
about 400 kilo watt hour additional power to meet the demand. In some parts of the town
transformers has not yet distributed and this has resulted in the shortage of power.

In general the town's electric light service experienced the following problems;

34
  The absence of straight lights in the town
 power shortage
 shortage of transformers in some parts
Therefore, the concerned bodies should look for the solution for the mentioned problems. The new
plan should consider places for straight lights following the main roads of the town.

6.4 Potable Water Supply

The existing condition of potable water supply in the town seems sufficient in amount of distribution.
The sources of potable water for the residents of the town were bore holes. The most important bore
holes in terms of water discharge is located at the right side of the warehouse beside the open market
and developed by an NGOS in cooperation with the community and provide service since1991E.C. It
works by pressure from fuel engine and stored in two reservoir of accumulated capacity 40,000 liters.
There are two water points in different parts of the town to distribute water to the resident The other
sources of potable water in the study area were wells, springs, streams and rivers.

The hydrological feature of the town shows that there is relatively good water potential however
small percentage of population has got clear water.

The following are problems related to water supply of the town:

 The fuel consumption of the engine and increasing price of the fuel

 The supply is not balanced with the ever increasing water demand of the residents;

 The presence of limited number of public taps Generally, the town administration and the Offa
woreda administration Office in collaboration with stack holders and NGOs are expected to
solve the shortage of potable water supply of Gesuba town.

35
CHAPTER SEVEN

DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERSTICS OF GESSUBA TOWN

The analysis of demographic structure and composition of the study town has a paramount significance to do
effective urban plan that considers specific socioeconomic issues. The analyses considers the basic population
dynamics and components which include the size of population, sex distribution, age structure and growth rate,
ethnic and religion composition, dependency ratio and population projection. Based on these demographic
data, each variable is basically considered and different social services are proposed for the coming ten
planning years (2006 - 2016 E.C). It also helps to compare the distribution of existing resources in terms of the
residents in the town.

Analysis of population size and related data is very crucial for the preparation of urban basic plan. In
this regard comparing the existing population size with that of the anticipated population size of the
planning period is important to determine the size of social service available in the future. Therefore,
depending on the socioeconomic data, the issue of planning is aimed at working towards creating
responsive environment for the residents in providing sufficient social services.

7.1 Population Size and Growth

36
According to the house to house census conducted by CSA in 2007/8 Geessupa town has a total of
5,851population of which 3,012 male and 2,839 female populations in line with this the 2012GC
projection made by CSA the population of Gesupa is 7,343 of which 3,777 male and 3,566 female
populations. However, four neighborhood rural kebeles were incorporated with in the new basic plan
of the town thus for the sake of land use planning the socioeconomic team made house to house
census in detail to extract all the relevant data related to population. Accordingly, the total size of
population, growth rate, age structure, population projection and other demographic features of the
town were computed. Hence, the total population size of the town in 2006 is accounted 19,707. Among the
total population males found to be 10,661 and females accounted 9046. The high variation in population size is
mainly due to the incorporation of expansion areas in both direction of the town . Thus, population result was
taken from the census conducted on including both planning and administrative boundaries of the town. As of
the information from the Offa Woreda Finance and Economy Development Office, the annual rate of growth is
similar to that of Regional urban growth (SNNPR) which is 2.96%. This rate of growth was also observed in
the study town i.e. 2.96. The sex ratio is 1to 0.85 this means there are 0.9 females for every 1 males showing a
slight difference between females and males. See the table bellow ;

Table7.1 Distribution of Population by Age Category

Age Category Male Female Total

Under year 1 146 226 372
1 -4 884 795 1679
5-9 1419 1304 2723
10 - 14 1562 1445 3007
15 - 19 1372 1203 2575
20 - 24 1072 1107 2179
25 - 29 1064 958 2022
30 - 34 910 803 1713
35 - 39 708 640 1348
40 - 44 647 285 932
45 - 49 307 143 450
50 - 54 179 65 244
55 - 59 86 31 117
60 - 64 277 23 300
65 - 69 11 7 18
70 - 74 9 6 15
75 + 8 5 13
Total 10,661 9,046 19,707

37
 Source: House to House census, 2006E.C

Table7.2 House to house population Census result of Gessuba town

Age category Male Female Total

0 - 14 4011 3,770 7781

15 - 64 6622 5,258 11,880

+65 28 18 46

Total 10,661 9,046 19,707

Source: Computed from the Census Data, 2006E.C

7.1.1 Population Projection

To forecast the population size of a given study area for the coming ten planning years (2006E.C to
2016 E.C), we need to project by using available projection methodology. In this study, a simple
mathematical function (exponential) is used to project the population size of the study town for the
next ten planning years and is possible to use the regional urban growth rate i.e. 2.96 percent to
project the population of the ttown.

7.1.2 Population Projecion formula

The population projection of Gessuba town in the next ten planning years

Pt= Poert

2006 = 19,707

2011 = 22,742
38
 2016 = 26,244

According to the population census made house to house, a total of 19,707 population is counted in 2006 E.C.
On the bases of this data the ten Years population projection has been made (2006 -2016 E.C) by taking the
regional growth rate 2.96. See the table below.

Table 7.3 Projected population of Gessuba town, (2006E.C - 2016 E.C)

Age 2006E.C 2011E.C 2016E.C

categ Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total
ory
Under 146 226 372 169 261 429 195 301 495
1
1 -4 884 795 1679 1020 917 1938 1177 1058 2236
5-9 1419 1304 2723 1638 1505 3142 1890 1737 3626
10- 14 1562 1445 3007 1803 1668 3470 2081 1925 4004

15 - 1372 1203 2575 1583 1388 2972 1827 1602 3430

19
20- 24 1072 1107 2179 1237 1277 2515 1427 1474 2902
25- 29 1064 958 2022 1228 1106 2333 1417 1276 2692

39
30- 34 910 803 1713 1050 927 1977 1212 1070 2281

35- 39 708 640 1348 817 739 1556 943 853 1796
40- 44 647 285 932 747 329 1076 862 380 1242

45- 49 307 143 450 354 165 519 409 190 593
50- 54 179 65 244 207 75 282 239 87 325
55-59 86 31 117 99 36 135 114 42 156

60-64 277 23 300 320 27 346 369 31 399

65-69 11 7 18 13 8 21 15 9 24
70-74 9 6 15 10 7 17 12 8 20
75+ 8 5 13 9 6 15 10 7 17
Total 10,661 9,046 19,707 12,302 10,439 22,742 14,197 12,043 26,244

Source: Population Projection Computed From Census Data, 2006 E.C

7 .2 Age and Sex Structure

Based on the age sex distribution result, the age structure of the town clearly manifests a similar age
structure pattern with those of many developing countries i.e. wider base at the bottom and narrow
and narrower as it grows to the top. This implies there is a significance difference between younger

age categories & older age categories. The ratio of female to male is almost the same i.e. 0.9:1 But, it indicated
that there is slight difference in between the two i.e. the number of female population is less than that of the
male populations.

7.3 Dependency Ratio

Dependency ratio is the ratio of every dependent population over 100 independent populations. Hence, the age
groups below fifteen years and above sixty five years are grouped under dependent population and that of the
age between fifteen and sixty five years are grouped under independent population. Studying dependency ratio
is important in understanding the burden the independent population has because of the dependent
(unproductive) population.

Thus, Dependency ratio = age < 15 and age > 65 x 100

40
 Age between 15 and 65

Hence, the dependency ration of Gessuba town is calculated as given

 Under 15 years old population = 7781

 above 65 years old population = 46
 population b/n 15 years and 64 years population = 11,880
7781 + 46 X 100 ≈ 66

11,880

Generally, the dependency ratio for Gesba town is 66. This means that there are 66 dependent peoples on
every 100 independent peoples.

Table 7.4 Age Dependency Ratio of Gessuba Town

Age group Population Percent Dependency ratio

0 - 14 7781 39.5 65.6%
15 - 64 11,880 60.3 -
65+ 46 0.2 0.4%
Total 19,707 100 66%
Source: Computed from a census conducted in the town

The above table shows that the young dependency ratio of Gesuba town in 2006 E.C is calculated to

be 66% percent which implies that 100 persons in their productive age are expected to support
around 65.6 young dependents aging (0-14). In addition to this, old age dependency ratio is 0.4 %.
This means 100 persons in the productive age are expected to support about 1 old age persons. Total
age dependency ratio is therefore the sum of young and old age dependency ratio gives total age
dependency ratio of the town. Hence, total age dependency ratio of the town is 66 percent. It means
again 100 people in Gesuba town feed 66 people including themselves. Generally the number of
dependents exceeds the number of independents which is true for almost all African countries.

7.4 Ethnic and Religions Composition

7.4.1 Ethnic Composition

41
The ethnic compositions refers to a social group of people who identify with each other based on
common ancestral, cultural, social, or national experience. There are different ethnic groups living in
wolaiyta zone. In the study town the largest ethnic group is Wolaita ethnic group who are native
people to the area. However, there are few people living in the town other than the wolaiyta ethnic
group, who came from different places due to socio economic reasons and established the living.
According to the population count made house to house, it is the wolaita ethnic group who dominated
the residents of the town. They are estimated to be more than 98% of the residents of the town.
Whereas the rest of the ethnic group of the residents are insignificant in number. These include
Amahara, Oromo, Hadiya, Gamo, Guraghe, Kambata, etc. However, the ethnic composition of the
town is expected to increase in the future with the socio economic development of the town.

Table:7.5 Ethnic Composition in Gessuba, 2006 E.C

S.N Ethnic Group Number of Amount in Remark

Ethnic Group Percent
1 Wolayta 19,457 98.9
2 Gamo 67 0.3
3 Hadiya 43 0.2
4 Amhara 38 0.16
5 Guraghe 65 0.3
6 Kambata 12 0.05
7 Oromo 25 0.1
Total 19,707 100
Source: House to House Census, 2006 E.C

7.4.2 Religion Composition

The issue of planning carefully considers about the religion composition of the town under study
mainly to arrange compatible distribution among the various religious institutions and provide
appropriate solution for problems associated with the need of religious institutions such as the place
for worshiping, cemetery, and religious conferences. Accordingly, different types of religious
institutions found in the study town are stated as follows.

42
Table 7.5 Religious Compositions in Gessuba, 2006 E.C

S.N

of

of

Those with
own
worshiping
Those with
their own

cemetery
place

their
worshiping

adherents
Religion

Gessuba

Number

Number

Remark
Have

Have
Sites

have

have
not

not
Do

Do
1 Muslim √ 1 656 √ √
2 Meserte Kirstos √ - 339 √ √
3 Orthodox √ 1 2814 √ √
4 Kale-Heywot √ 1 - √ √
5 Mulu-Wongel √ 1 - √ √
7 Hewot kal √ 1 107 √ √
9 Hiwot Berhan √ 1 550 √ √
10 Luteran √ - 38 √
11 Hawaryat √ 1 - √ √
Total 11 7 6 3 2 7
Source: Computed from House to house census, 2006 E.C

As indicated in the table above, some religious institutions such as Meserete Kirstos, did not have
own worshiping place in the town. Most religious sectors did not posses their own cemetery. Thus,
during the coming ten planning years appropriate site should be reserved with in the planning
boundary of the town for those religious institutions that lacked worshipping and cemetery sites at
present.
N.B The sum of the adherents in each religious institution is larger than that of the total number
residents of the town due to some religious sectors have their members from neighboring rural
villages.

7.4.2.1 Worshipping and Cemetery Places

One of the main characteristics of urban centers is the presence of different ethnic and religious
compositions. Currently there are different kinds of religious institutions that exist in the town and
followers of each of them became increasing from time to time. At the same time each of them need
to have their own worshiping and cemetery places in the town. Based on the observation and
43
information from Gessuba town municipality, only Orthodox Christianity and Muslim religious
sectors have their own worshiping and cemetery sites. The other religious sectors particularly the
protestant religious sectors use one cemetery site in common. The existing cemetery of the town
which is located at north eastern part of the town was at present incorporated to the center due to the
expansion of the town so that the new land use plan should consider its relevance in relation to
location and expansion of the town. It was also incompatible to use in common for all protestant
religious sectors together. There were also no places reserved in the town for the celebration of
religious holidays and undertaking of religious conferences. Therefore, the land use plan has to solve
these problems by allocating sufficient and appropriate land for worshiping, cemetery and the
celebration of different Religion holidays and conferences to all religion at one appropriate site
/Public square / places based on the need of the residents.

CHAPTER EIGHT

SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND OTHER SOCIAL SEVICES

44
Social infrastructure includes Educational service, health service, sport and leisure time facilities,
market, slaughter house, etc. These infrastructures are vital requirements for the existence, survival,
and continuation of life of the society. The availably & accessibility of these services is essential in
urban centers. In this regard data related to social infrastructure like education and health services &
related data are collected & analyzed briefly as follows.

8.1 Education Service

Education is a base for the civilization of any society and it is a tool to create and develop all rounded
personality that think critically, act morally, and behave socially. The role of school centers in this
respect is not simple estimated. According to the data obtained from Offa Woreda Education Office
and schools of the town, there were four schools in the town. These include one private kindergarten
school, two Primary Schools (1 - 8) and one Secondary School (9-12) in operation. Though there was
no government kindergarten school in the town, students were learning using both primary school
class rooms.

The following table states educational service distribution in the study town.

Table 8.1 Distribution of Schools by Level of Education and Ownership

School level Ownership

Government Private Total
Kindergarten - 1 1
Primary (1-8) 2 - 2
High School (9 –12) 1 - 1
Total 3 1 4
Source: Offa Woreda Education Office, 2006 E.C

As it can be seen on the table above, there was only one private school in the town and the rest were
owned by the government. The two elementary schools were located at two different parts and
rendering the service for the residents of the town and students coming from the surrounding rural
villages in common. There was one government secondary school serving the residents of the town
and almost all students coming from junior schools of woreda. It also serves as preparatory school.

45
8.1.1 The Students to Class Rooms, School to Class Rooms and Teachers to Students Ratio in
the Schools of the Town

8.1.1.1 Students to Class Rooms Ratio

The class rooms to students ratio as to the MOE standard for kindergarten and high schools is 1: 40
and for primary schools 1:50. In the case of the study town there were students enrolled for
kindergarten in government primary schools, however they were not sit in formally reserved class
rooms. In private kindergarten school there were 93 students learning in three class rooms .i.e. 1:33
and is below the standard set by the MOE. The class rooms to Students ratio of primary School was
1:60 for Gesuba #1 and 1:55 for Gesuba #2 primary school. The ratio for secondary school grades(9-
10) was 1to 60 and for preparatory grades (11-12) was 1:48. This indicated that the average number
of students learning in a class room was higher than the standard set by the Ministry Of Education. It
was similar in both levels (primary and secondary). In such condition it is difficult to exercise
suitable teaching learning methodology. Thus, it has a negative impact on the intended academic
achievement and quality of education. Therefore additional classrooms need to be constructed in
order to alleviate the problem in the coming years of planning.

8.1.1.2 Schools to Number of Class Rooms Ratio

As it can be seen from the table below, the school to class room ratio as stated by the Ministry of
Education for kindergarten is 1:40, for primary 1:50 and 1:40 for high school whereas the number of
class rooms for Primary School #1 Grade (1-8) was 25 and for primary school #2 grades (1-8) was
17, and the secondary school serving from grade (9-12) in a common place has 21 class rooms. This
showed that in both schools, there were limited number of class rooms which can not sufficiently
support the teaching learning activities. It also implies the number of students learning in a classroom
in both primary school level and secondary school level were beyond the standard set by the ministry
of education which is slightly congested.

8.1.1.3 Teacher to Students Ratio in the Schools

As illustrated on the table below, the teachers to students ratio of schools in the town was 1:75 for
Kindergarten, 1:60 and 1:55 for primary schools (#1 and #2) and 1:68 and 1:48 for secondary school
grades (9&10) and (11&12) respectively. Whereas the standard stated by the Ministry of Education

46
 for kindergarten is 1:40, for primary 1:50 and 1:50 for high school. The teacher to student ratio of the
schools in the study town exceeds the standards set for Kindergarten and primary and secondary
schools. Therefore, it is important to recommend that additional teachers are required especially to
Primary and secondary school levels. As the ratio goes higher, the contact between teachers and
students becomes insignificant. This may in turn make the class room not manageable so that the
teacher could not handle his/her students effectively and provide relevant support individually.

Table 8.2 Students to Class Rooms, Schools to Class Rooms and Teachers to Students Ratio in the

Schools of the Town, 2006 E.C

Class room to Teacher to School to class

S School Level Number of students ratio students ratio room ratio
.
N
Existi

Existi

Existi
Stand

Stand

Stand
Stude

Class
room

teach
Scho

ard

ard

ard
nts

ers

ng

ng

ng
ol

1 Kindergarten 1 25,093 23 2 1:125 1:40 1:125 1:40 1:2 1:6

Shalom KG. 1 2 1:31 1:40 1:46 1:40 1:2 1:6
2 Gessuba No.1 (1-4) 668,657 25 12 1:60 1:50 1:55 1:50 1:25 1:32
Primary (5-8) 11 1:60 1:50 1:50 1:50
School
3 Gessuba No. 2 (1-4) 688,359 17 13 1:60 1:50 1:60 1:50 1:17 1:32
Primary (5-8) 8 1:55 1:50
School
3 Secondary (9-10) 1,812,451 21 27 1:60 1:40 1:68 1:50 1:21 1:20
school (11-12) 10 1:45 1:40 1:48 1:50
Source: Offa Woreda Education Office, 2006 E.

Table 8.3 Teachers by sex and qualifications

School level
Qualification Kindergarten Primary #1 Primary #2 High School
M F M F M F M F
Un certified 2 - - - - - - -
Certificate 5 2 - -
Diploma 15 10 4 -
Degree 3 6 67 6
Master

47
 Total 2 - 23 18 71 6
Source: Offa Woreda Education Office and Schools of the Town, 2006 E.C

As illustrated on the above table number of teachers for Kindergarten and primary school is bellow
the estimated standard of MOE. There is shortage of teacher to facilitate the teaching learning
process. But, there is very good condition in the number of teachers with estimated standard of MOE
in the Secondary school.

8.1.2 Students Enrollment Trend

The Student enrolment trend shows the total number of students enrolled in each consecutive
academic year sometime in the past. This data may not include drop outs in between those academic
years. The study team tried to overview the student enrollment trend of the schools found in the town
for the last three consecutive academic years. This data reveals that there were and is higher
participation that exerts higher pressure on the existing schools. According to the data obtained from
Offa Woreda Education Office from 2004 E.C to 2006 E.C, the total number of students enrolled in
formal education centers of the planning town showed variation. In Primary and secondary School
levels there was a decreasing trend and in kindergarten level it showed increasing trend. The number
of students enrolled in 2004E.C were higher than number of students enrolled in 2005 E.C and 2006
E.C this is due to the establishment of elementary school in neighbor rural villages. Whatever it is the
student enrolment in formal education centers is increasing. The following table shows students
enrollment trend in the last three consecutive academic years.

48
Table 8.4 Students Enrolment Trend By School Levels in Town Gessuba

School Levels Total Number of Students

2004E.C 2005E.C 2006 E.C
M F T M F T M F T
Kindergarten 70 72 142 42 58 100 70 80 150
(Gov.)

Kindergarten
Private
48 45 93 45 45 90 48 45 93

Primary School 863 1013 1876 754 936 1690 616 709 1325
#1
Primary School 519 507 1026 476 487 963 475 492 967
#2
Secondary 1943 1579 3522 1426 1206 2632 1191 1072 2263
School
Grand Total 3443 3216 6659 2743 2732 5475 2400 2398 4798

Source: Schools in Gessuba, 2006 E.C

As it is shown on the table above, the enrollment trend may vary depending on various socio
economic factors and expansion of schools may affect the trend to go in reduction from time to time.
However, the increment of the participation in schools create awareness to the responsible bodies to
plan about the construction of additional classes.

8.1.3 School Age Population (SAP) and Enrolment Projection

The school age population size can be calculated by using available formula based on the age
structure of population of the town. In the same way, student enrollment projection is also calculated
using available formula based on the three consecutive academic years enrollment data of students.
Thus, based on the Existing Enrolment trend, MOE Standards and results obtained from student age
populations, the present gap and future requirements of school services is analyzed. The following
table depicts present gap and future requirements of school services.

Kindergarten

49
 P4-6 (KG) = 0.14 P0-4 + 0.704 P5-9

Primary

P7-10 (pr.sc.) = 0.688 P5-9 + 0.2 P10-14 - (0.072 P0-4 + 0.016 P15-19) 1213

P11-14 (pr.sc.) = -0.064 P5-9 + 0.848 P10-14 + 0.016 P15-19 1256

Secondary

P15 – 16 (S.sc.) = 0.072 P10-14 + 0.376 P15-19 - 0.048 P20-24 577

P17 – 18 (S.sc.) = - 0.056 P10-14 + 0.472 P15-19 - 0.016 P20-24 543

PE = X 100

Where, SAP = school age population

EN = Enrollment

PR = Percentage

Table 8.5 School Age Population, Enrollment trend and Participation Rate of Students

Academic Kindergarten Primary School Secondary School

Year in E.C SAP En PR SAP En PR SAP En PR

2006 EC 1143 393 34 2469 2292 93 1120 2263 202

2011 EC 1321 455 34 2854 2652 93 1295 2618 202

2016 EC 1527 526 34 3299 3068 93 1497 3029 202

Source: Computed from Schools Data in Gessuba, 2006 E.C

As it can be observed from the table above, there is low student participation than school age

population because new schools are being established which were not available in some parts of the
surrounding rural villages. Generally, the participation rate of students in the town's schools varies
from smaller grade levels to higher grade levels. The participation rate observed is low at
Kindergarten level .i.e. 19%. This due the absence of schools or some parents send their children to
informal schools like churches. The participation rate for secondary education level is higher than
50
primary and kindergarten levels participation .i.e. 41%. General, at primary levels and Secondary
level the participation rate is better than at kindergarten level. The rate of participation may increase
in the coming years because the new land use plan incorporated vast areas of the surrounding rural
villages into its expansion parts.

8.1.4 Issue Related To Education Services

 The existing Kindergarten schools were not in convenient locations. They are found dispersed
in the compounds of primary schools. Therefore, they need to be separated and built at separate
places. So that during the first five planning years two kindergarten schools need to be
constructed at different parts of the town. In addition to this, expanding the existing primary
school would be mandatory at a place where it is located. Thus, for the construction of
additional primary school classes and building of two new kindergarten schools appropriate
plot need to be reserved.

 During the planning years additional High school /Secondary school will not be required
however, expanding the existing school is mandatory. So that, it needs expansion area at
existing place for the construction of additional classes. Therefore, additional place need to be
reserved at its appropriate side.

 During the first five years of planning period one new Technical and Vocational Education
Training Institution will be built. Thus, land should be reserved at appropriate site.

8.2. Health Service

8.2.1. Existing Condition of Health Institutions in the Town

Planning for development without healthy generation usually ends without success. It is vital to
assess the existing health facility provision in the community terms of catchment population, location
and space requirement in the due process of urban planning. Health service is one of the main social

services that need to be studied in detail. The existing health services in the town seemed sufficient to
give adequate services for the entire dwellers as well as people from the influence areas. But,
practically it is impossible to cover the whole dwellers with limited health professionals and

51
equipments in the existing health centers and health posts. Generally, there were five private clinics,
one health station and two health posts in the study town.

The town's health center was first established as junior clinic and gradually upgraded into health
station. It had 12 patient beds that give service to the patients of the hinter land. The other health
centers were also providing the service for the study town including the surrounding rural kebele’s.

Regarding health personnel working at health station, there were 13 Nurses, 4 laboratory technicians,
and 4 pharmacy technicians, and 4 health officers. There were 4 health professionals working at two
health posts.

Thus, the total number health professionals within the existing health center and health posts of the
town were 29. It was with these facilities and professionals that the health center of the town
providing:-

 General Health Treatment and medication service

 Family planning & counseling service
 Accidental treatment and medication service
 Volunteers HIV/AIDS counseling and blood test service
 Pre and post birth follow up and delivery service
 Diarrhea, lung cancer
 Tuberculosis, Malaria, Typhoid
 ART,VCT, and etc. services.
8.2.2. Ten Top Diseases

The ten top causes of mortality in the town and its hinterlands are:-

 Acute Febrile Illn (AFI)

 Malaria
 Trauma
 UTI
 Typhoid fever
 Pneumonia

52
  Dyspepsia
 Skin Infection
 Other Respiratory Diseases
According to the information from the administrator of the health center, the health center has the
following problems;

 Shortage of infrastructure
 Shortage of skilled man power
 Shortage of vehicle to send patients to hospital
 Shortage of medical equipments
Thus, the concerned bodies need to solve the aforementioned problem by constructing treatment
classes, transportation vehicles and other problems in terms of their priority.

8.2.3. Issues Related with Health Service

 Only one health center and two health posts gives health service (preventive) to population of
the area.
 According to the standard, one health station renders service for 25,000 people. Thus, no
additional health center is required for the next ten Planning Years. However, the exiting health
centers need to be fulfilled with the necessary medication instruments.
 The existing health post of the study town were not sufficient enough to meet the expected
demand so that on appropriate site additional health post need to be constructed. Thus, plots of
land should be reserved on appropriate place
8.3 Housing Condition

As housing is one of the basic necessities of human beings, the issue of urban planning considers the
analyses of housing condition essentially. According to the census made by the study team there were
about 3465 housing units in the town. Majority of the houses in the town were detached and raw
houses. As it can be observed and assessed that the number of households is greater than the
available residential housing units which showed housing shortage clearly. The new land use plan
should consider the potential requirement of urbanization as recommended in population projection.

The following are problems observed during the planning year related with housing condition;
53
 Shortage of residential housing units observed
 Presence of houses used for mixed use i.e. dwellings and commercial purposes
 Old and shanty houses along market area
8.3.1 Issues Related With Housing Requirements

According to the house to house census conducted in planning year 2006 E.C there
were19,707peoples including those who are incorporated in the new census/Planning/ boundaries of
the town. Thus, a total of 3285 households were found of which 436 were female headed. The
average house hold size is therefore 6. Therefore, based on this, the existing housing need and future
housing requirements are presented here.

As the data revealed, there were a total of 3165 housing units. This indicated that the total number of
households exceeding the total number of housing units. Most of the houses in the town were
providing dual purpose, residence and mixed use; i.e., for both commercial and residential services.
Regarding the quality of housing units in the town, most houses are raw houses and detached in that
most housing owners construct raw house/services/ considering the cost of construction and its
immediate benefit. Most of the houses lacked any kind of ceilings, where as the floor material of
most housing stocks are earth or mud.

According to the municipality, many applicants for residential houses were in waiting list for land
provision. This implies that households did not own residences in that they demand plots of land for
constructing own residence.

Therefore,

 In the planning year 2006 EC the data revealed 120 existing additional housing unit need.
 At the end of the first five planning years, i.e. in 2011 E.C, total number of population of the
town would be 22,742 and the total house hold would be 3790. Number of additional houses
required would be 625.
 At 2016 E.C the total number of population would be 26,244 and the total number of house
hold would be 4374. Number of additional house units required would be 584.

Accordingly, during the ten planning years a total of 120+625+584= 1329 additional housings are
required. In addition to the mentioned housing need figure, the family size is expected to decrease in
54
years coming ahead due to growth in human thought for having large family size and dependence on
number of children on the one hand and expansion of family planning services on the other hand.
Hence, assuming that the total area of land to be provided for the construction of 1462 housing unit is
needed for the coming ten consecutive planning years including 10% contingency without
considering land for other services (roads, green areas, etc.

8.4 Sport Field and Recreational Centers

There were few existing sites of recreation in the town which were developed recently by the
municipality. However, it was limited to certain portion of the town and could not carry the high
potential demand of recreational facility. In this regard, the town has many potential developable
areas at different courses of the town. As it was observed during the planning year, there was only
one developed functional recreational place observed in the town where youths of the town spend
spare times. But, there were no optional formally organized and subsidized recreational centers to
spend their time. As a result, youths were exposed for addiction and other behavioral problems
which may lead to loss of ethical and creative youths. Therefore, in the new land use plan recreational
areas (sport fields, public libraries) need to be reserved. Therefore, the spatial planer should consider
reserving place for sports and recreational facilities like;

1. Play Grounds
1. Public libraries
2. Youth centre and other recreational centers
3. Green space
4. Playing loots
5. Cinema house
6. Public hall
7. loges

55
 CHAPTER NINE

URBAN ECONOMY

9.1. The Economic Activity of Gesuba Town

Economic survey of a particular town is very much important in the preparation of appropriate town
plan. This survey provides basic information on the economic potential such as major income
sources, employment conditions, commercial activities and availability of industries in and around
the site (local economy contribution and impact on the site). On the bases of this analysis, during
planning years emphasis should be given to local economic development strategy which is essential
tool to generate employment opportunities for the people and tax revenue for the local governments
to provide and improve public services. The economic activity of town exclusively depends on
agricultural products such as livestock and livestock products maize, coffee, root crops, teff, wheat,
honey and fruits which come from the town and the surrounding rural side are widely exchanged and
exported to different towns of the zone as well as rural side.

Consistent with the socio-economic survey of planning town, the majority of the populations in were
engaged in commercial activities followed by agriculture and government employment activities. In
addition to their trading activities. So, the largest employment sectors in the town was found to be
commercial activity followed by agriculture.

The following table illustrates the major economic activities of the town.
56
 Table 9.1 Economic Activities Distribution in Gesuba Town

S. major economic sectors % of people engaged

N
1 Agriculture 15
2 Commerce 75
3 Employees 5.4
4 Daily Laborers 1.2
5 Others 3.4
Total 100
Source: Computed from Census Data, 2006 E.C

9.1.1 Commercial Activities of the Town

The level of development of the town is manifested by its economic activities which in turn
manifested by its trading activities .Trade is one of the most dominant economic activities in the
town. The activity allow vast exchange of tradable items with one another in particular. The service
trade, retail trade and informal trades are dominantly exercised commercial activities in the town and
which are analyzed briefly with their related problems and proposed solutions will be given below .

9.1.1.1 Retail Trade Establishments

The retail trade establishment of the town were found in the vicinity of the general market
predominantly along with the main road. They are not fairly distributed over the town due to this
most resident of the town are forced to make long journey from their home. There were 75 retail
trades with 15 types from which 33 are general commodities that take the largest proportion from the
total 75 . The retail trade in the town has not satisfied the need or demand of resident since some of
the retail trades like most construction materials, textile shops are not available. During land use
planning, these problems should be considered and appropriate areas should be allocated to the
activities to make services easily accessible for customers.

9.1.1.2 Service Rendering Establishments

57
Urban centers are expected to be areas where varies types of social and economic services are given.
Like the retail trade, most service trade establishment of the town were concentrated in the vicinity of
the general market predominantly along with the main road. The rest parts of the town are inactive
because they are purely residential area. According to the table illustrated below there were 280
service rendering establishments with 8 types. The number and types of services that provided in the
town did not match with the demand of the town and the surrounding area. In addition, there were in
sufficient service trade institutions like garage, computer service and training centers, Typing training
centers, fuel station, laundry, Motel, Hotels, Bar, pension, Café …etc.

During planning these problems should be addressed and appropriate areas should be allocated to the
activities to make services easily accessible for customers. Therefore, land allocation should consider
these activities in active areas especially on the main roads where the service are easily accessible for
customers.

Table 9.2 Service Rendering Establishments

S.N Name of the Service Giving Number Remark

Establishment
1 Hotels 10 formal
2 Restaurant 48 formal
3 Tea House 52 Non formal
4 Tailor 45 Non formal
5 Garage (Gomista) 6 Motor cycle
6 Shoe polish 52 Non formal
7 Barber 59 Non formal
8 Photo Center 8 Non formal
Total 280
Source: Gesuba Town administration, 2006E.C

9.1.1.3 Informal Trade

58
Informal trade refers trades and manufacturing establishments that involve a few people with lesser
capital. They do not pay tax due to this their activity can affect the formal trades. The dominant
informal trades that are observed in the town were:

 Second hand clothes trading

 Fruits and vegetables
 Shoe polishing
 Small shops
 ‘Tella', 'Tej’, 'Kineto', ‘birz’ houses and ‘Arakie’ sellers
Most of the activities described above are informal trades. An increase in such activities may harm
the revenue of the town. In addition, it initiates tax payers to be out of tax paying.

To solve problems related to informal trades:

 These business runners should be organized in micro and small scale enterprises

 They should be provided with training and technical advice;

 Create awareness about entrepreneurship;

 Awareness creation about advantage of tax paying

 They should be provided land and loan for them;

Some of the problems associated to trade activities in the town:

 The absence of plan resulted in the construction of business establishments;

 The poor quality of road networks that connected to the zonal, and other woreda towns,

 The dominance of similar types of trade activities concentrated in limited part of the town

 Limited business knowledge (entrepreneurship) of trading communities;

 shortage of qualified hotels & restaurants and related other business activities

Proposed Solutions for the Problems:

 The town should get its plan so as to solve the problem related with planning;

59
  Financial institutions have to be established and strengthened;

 Roads and transportation services should be improved.

 Trading communities should be provided with training and technical advice

9.2 Handicrafts and Small Scale Manufacturing

The handicrafts and small scale manufacturing activities are the initial point to begin the
transformation from agricultural based economy system to industrial based economic system and
dominantly these activities take place in urban center due to the encouraging condition in urban
center. Based on this consideration there were enormous number of handicrafts and small scale
manufacturing activities existed in the planning town. The main ones include; 15 Grain Mills, 19
Wood work and Metal work as well as housing construction materials are available in the town.

There was no small scale manufacturing industries in the following establishments such as;

Hollow concrete production, Metal and Wood Work Shops, Coffee Processing, Modern type of
wooden and metal manufacturing, milk processing and some others. However, the town is
surrounded by influence areas where cash crops production Coffee, livestock and livestock product
is high. To sum up, during the process of planning it is obligatory to reserve land on appropriate
areas based on rules for both different types of manufacturing and trade activities.

9.3. Ware House and Storage

In the town Gesuba there is considerable trading activities and high agricultural production of almost
all types food crops, vegetables, fruits and cash crops in and the surrounding of the town. In addition
to this, the town has strong economic linkage to the surrounding rural villages of the border areas of
Sodo Zurriya and Humbo woreda which import their agricultural products to the town. There were
two large storage warehouses owned by local government and ten small ware houses owned by few
Business men’s found around the market areas. But, the existing warehouse and freight terminals
were limited in number and not effectively functioning except for limited services. For example;
sometimes government warehouses are occupied by agricultural inputs like fertilizer and selected
seeds. Some privately owned storehouses were too old and located at inconvenient sites. Farther more
no place has been prepared and delivered for the construction of ware house so far in the town. Thus,

60
during land use planning land for Warehouse and Storage purposes need to be allocated at
appropriate site.

9.4 Financial Institutions

9.4.1 Bank and Insurance Service

Financial Institutions are very limited in type and number in the study region to render service for
economically active business establishments. The dwellers of the town get service from the zonal
center Soddo town. There was only one government bank in the town which was Commercial Bank
of Ethiopia established in 2003 E.C. The bank has not yet built its building due to lack of appropriate
building site. It was using rental building to deliver the service. There were no other
banking/insurance institution that renders service for economically active business establishments.
Thus, the planner should reserve land on an appropriate area for different government financial
institutions.

9.4.2 Micro Finance Institutions

The one and dominant ways of generating employment opportunity and alleviating poverty is that
providing credit through micro finance institutions and loan from responsible bodies for the poor and
low income category. As it was observed from different activities and encouraging economical
consequence in different urban center and different parts of the country the role of micro finance in
alleviating poverty and generating employment opportunity for the poor and low income category is
undeniable fact. Many have changed their life through the credit support offered by micro finance
institutions. According to the information obtained from town administration and field observation
the existing institutions were rendering the service this include; local money saving and loan
association and Omo Micro Finance institution agent who was working together with Micro and
Small Scale Enterprises in the town. However, the service was limited and not working fairly as
targeted. The coverage was also limited as the institutions rendering the service are less in number
but are trying to serve the entire poor society reside in the town and surrounding rural villages.
However micro finance institutions played a vital role in alleviating poverty and solving
unemployment problems especially in urban community they are not this much active further more

61
they do not have adequate place to accommodate their customers . Thus, the planner should reserve
land for this financial institution in an appropriate area where the customers are easily accessed.

9.5. Micro and Small Scale Enterprises (MSSEs)

MSSEs are an Enterprise which plays an important role for poverty alleviation and minimizing
unemployment and poverty in the town under consideration. Micro and Small Scale Enterprise
activities in the town seems active but not growing as expected mainly due to some reasons like
absence of governmental institutions guide, lack of place for working and demonstrating their
products however Micro and Small Scale Enterprise is playing an important role for generating
employment opportunity and alleviating poverty in the town under consideration. Among the
beneficiaries residing in the town that low income and unemployed youth and women are more
advantageous than the other subdivision. However, small scales enterprises have no distinguished
working and demonstrating places which the town administration prepared to facilitate a good
working environment. Therefore, during the process of planning it is obligatory to reserve land on
appropriate areas based on rules for both for work and demonstrations.

9.6 Investment Climate of the Town

Investment activity of the town was limited and insignificant to the economic growth of the town.
Although, the town endowed with many investment potentials and have posses a good investment
opportunities, the entire contribution the sector for the economic development of the town is
insignificant. Even if, the town posses excess land for investment it did not attempted to transfer for
the rich who want to invest his/her capital and did not also identified the investment potentials of the
town so as to attract the rich to the sector. Beside this, due to the absence of land use plan, investors
did not take the risk of establishing business activities in the town. According to the Municipality,
those investors who want to invest in the town should have a better opportunity to get access to plots
in that the presence of many vacant places at the forefront side of the town would be a big
opportunity to invite many investors to the town.

Major investment potential of the town

 Hotel industry, Restaurants, lodges

62
  Dairy farming, Beef farming
 Coffee processing
 Poultry, etc.
9.7 Urban Agriculture

In the planning town it is important to examine urban agriculture to show its contribution to the local
economy, its opportunities and challenges. Urban agriculture is one of the most important sectors that
supplies agricultural products such as animals and animals products, food crops, fruits, root
crops ,cash crops like coffee as well as vegetable to the town. The existing types of urban agriculture
in Gessuba town were traditional types and most of the products are used for household consumption
and the rest amount is brought to the market. Its supply is not sufficient for the town as its product
covers only a few share of the towns’ demand as a result, most of agricultural products are supplied
from other various sites.

Although traditional type of agriculture was dominant in the area, it is an important source of income
for significant number of families including businessmen and other residents of the town which have
their own farm lands.

Table 9.3 Crops Produced in and Around Gesuba Town

S.N Crop Types Grown

1 Grains maize, ‘teff’, wheat, barley, Sorghum, etc
2 Perennial crops coffee, ‘enset’,
3 Fruits &Vegetables cabbage, avocado, mango, banana,
4 Root crops potato, sugar beet, sweet potato, cassava, etc
Source: Gesuba Town Municipality, 2006E.C

Generally, there was no formal uses of land for different types urban agriculture so during the process
of planning land should be allocated for animal husbandry like dairy farming ,breeding and poultry,
fruit and vegetables cultivation and grazing purpose in compatible sites of the town.

9.8 Capacity of the Municipality

9.8.1. Manpower of the Municipality

63
Gesuba was designated growing status of Municipality since 1987 EC. The new service supplying
system is being implemented in most municipalities and other public sectors in the SNNP Region.
According to the data collected from the municipality, currently the municipality possessed 19
employees. Among these, 14 were males and 5 were female employees. The municipality was
rendering the service with these employees but, when compared with the service provision the human
power was much lower so that it had impact on the provision of the service. Thus, the needed human
power should be fulfilled to provide effective and efficient service.

9.8.2 Financial Capacity of the municipality and Service Delivery

Towns are the places where essential public services are provided to the residents. The revenue of the
municipality is the major income by which it delivers public services and builds urban infrastructure.
A town which collects large amount of revenue can ensure both economic and social development of
the town.

Gesuba is a town with an old municipality that was established in 1987 E.C. It has been running a lot
of tasks since its establishment. Among those tasks, the major ones include collection of revenue
from different economic and social activities. Although collection of revenue from different
economic and social activities was previously the task of municipality, currently it is left for the
Revenue Office. The task of municipality must be planning and generating new sources of revenue
and scaling up the potential of income.

According to the data the municipality in 2004 E.C collected a total amount of Birr 1,502,683.51 and
in 2005 E.C, 1,937,093 birr. Though, this is a fact for the mentioned years, the tax base of the
municipality should be widened to enhance the revenue of the town to be increased.

To increase the revenue of the town, good management and effective budgeting system should be
applied. The municipality should work together with the Woreda Administration and the residents of
the town.

9.8.3 Assets of the Municipality

An asset of municipality is a base that can facilitate the performance of expertise that enables to
render efficient and effective services to customers. The assets available in Gesuba municipality

64
include fixed assets and equipments that are owned by the municipality. In order to implement the
Basic plan and provide efficient service the municipality should have to posses different equipments.
Especially plan implementation needs computer and its accessories and surveying equipments thus
fulfilling the materials needed helps to facilitate a good ground for the land use plan implementations.
However, the municipality was not equipped with all the necessary assets. There were some
equipments the municipality use to provide public services for the residents. This were couldn't
enable to provide effective and efficient service.

Table 9.4 Assets of the municipality

S.N Type of Assets Number Current condition

1 Office Building 1 Functional
2 Table 10 ,,
3 Box 1 ,,
4 Chairs 20 ,,
5 Computer & printer 1 ,,
6 Shelves 5 ,,
7 Wireless telephone 1 ,,
8 Wire telephone 1 ,,
9 Engineering equipments Each in pcs Available in type
fixer, tracing paper, meter,
scale measure, set square,
rapido colored pen, etc.)
10 Donkey pulled cart 1 ,,
Source;- Gesuba Town Municipality, 2006 E.C

From the above illustration, it can be understood that the municipality was not equipped sufficiently
with basic materials like office equipment, computers, printers and vehicle to perform its daily
activities. Generally, much is expected from the administration and other stakeholders in facilitating
and fulfilling all necessary materials for the municipality.

SWOT Analysis

65
Accordingly to the reality observed and reliable data collected from different source for the planning
town the Strength, weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis are made below

Strength

 Strong economical linkage with the surrounding area

 Strong integration of the Woreda administration with the town administration

 Active participation of the administrative and governmental bodies in development programs.

 Investment strategies designed by the woreda administration

 Relation of the community with Woreda administration and with the town administration

Weakness

 The nature of the road network that connecting the town to different local centers

 Weak organizational structure of the town administration

 Insufficient man power of the municipality

 Failure to identify their potential

 Poor urban center infrastructure

 The lack of proper solid waste disposal site, like landfill and transfer stations

 There were no other housing delivery systems than the self-help scheme.

 Unauthorized developments and illegal land subdivisions.

 Shortage of basic facilities & infrastructures.

 Absence of important office materials in the town administration

 Lack of technical materials

 Poor data handling system of the municipality

 Shortage of financial institutions

 Lack of awareness on problem solving for victims of social problem

66
  Less attention given for MSSEs establishments

OPPORTUNITY

 Good Topography, and climatic condition of the town and the surrounding

 The fertility and richness in agricultural productivity of the land

 Presence of excess land

 Eagerness of peoples about the development of the town

 Potential availability of food crops, vegetable and fruit

 Potential availability of cash crops like coffee

 Potential availability of livestock and livestock products in the area

 The presence investment farms beside the town

 The surrounding region food crop and livestock Potential

THREAT

 Increased deforestation rate due to urbanization

 Global warming

 Globalization

CORE Problems

 Presence of excessive land holdings

 Absence of land provision that are needed for different purposes

 Absence of skilled manpower that can give training to the MSSEs operators.

 Prevalence of informal trade in the area both retails and whole sale except few formal ones.

 Existence of Poor and dilapidated residence

 Poor solid waste management techniques

 Lack of Working areas for MSSEs

67
  Absence of technical engineering materials

Proposed Solutions

 Providing municipal workers with frequent training on municipal revenue enhancement and
Growth and transformation plan.

 Preparing and providing Land for MSSE operators both for production and demonstration. The
production site can be on the out skirt of the town where as the demonstration site should be on
the central part of the town.

 Offering a regular training for members of MSSE operators and office workers

 Fulfilling technical engineering materials

 Constructing ditches ,culverts and drainage storms in the areas where exposed to flood

 Implementing the new plan as per the rule and regulations of urban planning

68
 CHAPTER TEN

10. SITIUATIONAL ANYLYSIS OF EXISTING LAND USES

10.1 Existing spatial situation of Gesuba Town

Gesuba town has three main gates. The main gravel road bisects the town in to east and west parts. This Road
connects the town with the zonal center Wolaita Sodo in the north and Sawula via selamber in the south. The
other gate is the road connecting the town with Halale which is the administrative center of Kindo Didaye
Woreda.

The town is bounded by Manisa river in the Southern and Western part and Rulla river in eastern part, Plain
ground situated in Busha kebele of Ofa Woreda in the North. The existing settlement pattern of the town is
nearly compacted. The Predominant expansion direction towards to Busba area and to east towards Sere Esho
Kebele. Its development is restricted in the southern and western direction by manisa river.

10.2 Major spatial problems

The land uses of Gesuba town have several problems which hinders its development. Among these problems
the major are:

 Concentration of administrative service on the core and along major road to cross sodo.
 The general open market is overcrowded, land use incompatibility inefficient land use due to the
combination of bus terminal, micro and small scale enterprises and cattle market.
 Absence of Open spaces, Green areas and public parks have created discomfort for the circulation and
insufficient play and recreational grounds for youth and children;
 Poor Urban land use development and management/poor urban land use plan;
 Poor sanitation practice and waste management system in which solid waste is disposed along road
sides, with in back yard and in front of residential plots; and
 Weak financial capacity of the municipality to develop the infrastructure and social service in the town.
10.3 The pattern of the Existing Land Use by Major Land Use Categories

69
The classification of the existing land use and road network of the town was taken using topographic map that
was produced and updated by Wolaita Zone Urban Origination Plan Preparation and Monitoring Business
Process.

Table: 10.1 The breakdown of the existing land uses under major land uses categories

S. Land use categories Area Percent of built Percent of Remark

N (ha)
up area urbanized
area

1 Residence Pure

Mixed 93.36 26.46 5.72

2 Administration 7.32 2.07 0.45

3 Commerce 55.65 15.77 0.34

4 Manufacturing and storage 12.35 3.50 0.76

5 Service 49.08 13.91 3.01

6 Transportation and Road 59.67 16.91 3.65

7 Recreation 15.36 4.35 0.94

Built up Area 352.79 100 21.62

8 Urban Agriculture 697.56 54.55 42.75

7 Formal and informal 135.54 10.6 8.31

Green

10 Special function 445.67 34.85 27.31

70
 Non - built up 1278.77 100 78.38

Total 1631.56 100 100

Source: - Calculated based on the existing land use Map of the town

10.3.1 Residence

Under residential land uses, there are pure and mixed residences in the town. The total area currently occupied
by pure and mixed residence is 93.36 hectare which constitutes about 26.46 of the total built up area.

10.3.2. Administration

Mostly this activity is concentrated along the road leading to Gesuba from Wolaita Soddo. It is not fairly
distributed in the town and there for it requires rectification. The total land covered by this function is 7.32
hectare which is about 2.07% of that total built up area.

10.3.3. Commerce

In Gesuba town, most of the commercial activities are under taken around the general market and along the
main road. The total area currently occupied by commercial land uses is 55.65 hectares which is about 15.77%
of that total built up area.

10.3. 4. Services

Service land use category consists of education, health facilities, Social well fare, utilities and Religion
institutions. Concerning the Spatial distribution of education institution, one primary school is located near
high school and also one is near to sport field in under construction near Orthodox Michael church.

There is one secondary school and one technical and vocational school is under construction in the town. In
the town, there is one health center near Inter Aid TB center and only one health post at the locality.

The most dominant service land use is occupied by religion institutions such as Orthodox; Protestant that are
distributed in different areas of the town. Most of the religion institutions have excessive land holding system
which resulted in misuse of land. Therefore, it requires rectifying the existing large land holding to promote
economic land holding system. The location of cemeteries is not in a right site. The other social service existed
are inadequately and need the proposal of new one in the town. The total area occupied by a variety of service
is 49.08 hectare which corresponds to 13.91% of the total built up area.

10.3. 5. Road network and Transportation

71
The existing road network connects one part of the town with other parts as well as with other towns and rural
areas. The roads are defined by their condition, width, and the type of construction materials and the capacity
of traffic movement. The first primary road is the road which connects the town to Sodo and Sawula via
Selamber town. This gravel surface road has 30 meters width. Several roads which connect one part of the
town to the other parts of the town have 12 to 25 meters width.

The encroachment and physical deterioration /substandard curvature of the roads are dusty during dry and
muddy during raining seasons. These problems decrease the quality and condition of the roads.

In addition to these, the improper location of bus station, lack of garage, and other transport facilities make the
traffic movement discomfort able. Therefore, it requires rectification.

The total area occupied by Road network and Transportation 59.67 hectares which correspond to 16.91% of
the built up area.

10.3. 6. Manufacturing and Storage

In Gesuba town, there is no large scale manufacturing but a few numbers of small scales manufacturing like
grain mills all are located near agricultural office and the general market area. Therefore, it requires additional
proposal in different parts of the town.

The total area put under manufacturing and storage is 12.36 hectare which is about 3.5 % of the built up area.

10.3. 7. Recreation

In the planning town, there is no area to be noted as a recreation area. Most urbanized areas are designed for
other land uses. Recreation and related functions which include open space occupy a total of 15.36 hectare
which is about 4.35% of the built up area.

10.3. 8 Urban Agriculture

In this town, there are formally occupied agricultural lands owned by private farmers at the expansion area
which will be changed in to other urban land uses in the future proposal land use. The total land covered by
agricultural function is 697.56 hectares which is about 54.55% of the non- built up area.

10.3. 9 Special function

Areas categorized under this function include both manmade and natural features such as water logged,
marshy area, gorges, vacant land and forest area.

72
In the town, mostly the land is covered by this function due to two water bodies which bound the town. There
is wide forest covered area in front of Manisa River. In the future, large area should be proposed for such kind
of activity due to the nature of the topography. The total land covered by special function is 445.67 hectares
which is about 34.85% of the non- built up area.

10.3. 10 Formal and informal Green

The total area occupied by this type of land use is 135.54 hectares which is about 10.6% of the non- built up
area.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

11. PROPOSED LAND USES

11.1 Planning Issues

Existing land use planning problems (issues) of the town

From the analysis of the existing land use of the town and its surrounding, current situational analysis
of spatial and socio economic challenges ,the potential and constraints for the development of the
town the following major issues have been identified :-

 The housing unit need to cater for backlogs of basic infrastructure and services as well as the
requirements of additional population which is estimated to reach 1908 at the end of the
planning period;
 Poor management system of liquid and solid wastes;
 Inadequacy of social services, physical infrastructure and commercial services;
 Absence of buffer zones along rivers;
 The need to relocate incompatible functions that are found in already built up areas;
 Inconvenient Physical layout of land;
 Absence of open space, recreation, green area and Public Park;
 Deterioration and encroachments of the roads which distorted the uniformity
and hierarchy of
- Road network at core area of the town

73
 - Outlet and inlet roads
 Less accommodation capacity and improper location of existing cattle market and bus terminal;
 Uneven distribution and nearness of administrative and social services;
 The need to create drainage facility and control flood plain;
 The need to conserve/control the formation of gullies by rainfall erosion;
 Poor construction control system; and
 The presence of uneconomic land use /large holdings in the centre as well as in the periphery
of town.

11.2 Intervention Area

Table: 11.1 Strategic Intervention Areas on Existing Land Use

S.N

Intervention Area Planning Implication Planning option

1 Bus terminal - improper location combined with open market - Relocate to the existing cattle market

2 Cattle market - improper location combined with open market - Relocate near to the existing slaughter
house

3 Excessive land - Reduce permeability and accessibility - The need to provide or

holding system and
- Uneconomical land uses propose road network
large blocks

- Develop standard for

land allocation

74
 - Rectify the existing

large holding based

on the standards

4 Inadequate open - Decreases city attractiveness - Reserving, protecting and

spaces, recreational
- reduce permeability developing adequate number
areas, green and
public parks of green area, open space

and public park

5 Administrative concentration of administrative service on the - distribute administrative services to all

offices core area along major road to sodo which is the direction
major investment site

11.3. Conceptual Frame Work

The Concept of plan is the result of:-

 Public participation in planning process;

 Standards and norms;
 a different sectorial analysis and incorporate findings that have spatial dimension; and
 Government policy and strategies
Accordingly, a conceptual framework that has served a guiding principle in elaborating the proposal
plan has been derived based on a rough analysis and synthesis of the various sect oral issues
identified by the various sectoral studies.

The basic principles which are envisaged to establish the fundamental concepts that will guide more
detailed planning activities are:-

 Selecting area suitable for the town’s future expansion with a view of achieving a compact
urban form;
 Developing a system of sub centre with a view of achieving an equitable distribution of
infrastructure, service and facilities;
75
  Creating a well structured town with a view of achieving a harmonious development
between the existing and future proposed settlement; and

 Establishing a flexible zoning system for each land use class in general appropriate location for
those environmentally, economically and socially sensitive functions.
Some of the specific proposals that have emanated from the conceptual framework include:-

 Integrating all parts of the town by introducing newly proposal roads;

 Ensuring a balanced distribution of activities within the town by creating sub centre that has
already developed in the centre of the existing built up area and envisaging other sub-centers
within the proposed expansion area; and
 Resolving the problems associated with incompatible activities by way of relocating some of
the activities or providing for buffer zones.
11.4 Growth trend and planning Boundary

The expansion of urban settlement on the adjacent agricultural land is a major problem and still
continuous in the attempt to meet limitless demand of population. The growth rate of the regional
urban population is 2.9% per annum. Accordingly, each year, the increasing population has no other
means but settle on agricultural land. Considering this, on the prepared Basic Plan of Gesuba town,
additional 631 hectare of land is proposed for the coming 10 planning years. This means, an average of
63.10 hectare of agricultural land per year will be changing to different land use starting from year 2014 to
2024. The demand of land for housing, infrastructure, social service and other construction works, agricultural
land is claimed mainly in Busha and Koddo area which exhibit fast growth trend. But, its physical growth is
not permitted to southwest and west due to the existence of river,deep gorges and hills.

11.5 Selection of area suitable for the town’s future expansion

The major criteria employed in selecting the town’s future expansions are:-

 Availability of sites with reasonable slope ranges;

 Impact of topographic characteristic on the cost of infrastructure (mountain side, ridges stream,
gorges and gullies);

76
  People’s preference;
 Existing natural &man made constraints;
 Existing opportunities;
 Existing land use types;
 Proximity and/or access for physical infrastructure; and
 Proximity and/or access for social and other urban facilities.
In consideration of the above mentioned criteria, the potential growth direction is therefore south
eastern and northern part of the town.

11.6 PROPOSED LAND USES

The future land use is proposed based on detail investigation of relevant socioeconomic, spatial
factors, public discussion, and current growth trend of the town and functional compatibility of
various activities (see the proposed land use map of 1:5000 and 1:2000 scale dawning).

Table: 11.2 Proposed Land Use of Gesuba town

Total Percent out of Percent of the total

area (ha) total built up area urbanized area
S.N Land use categories

1 Residence Existing 73.13 8.10 4.48

Mixed 23.26 8.06 1.42

Proposed 215.50 23.75 13.21

Sub total 311.89 34.38 19.12

2 Commerce 81.88 9.02 5.02

3 Administration 10.76 1.19 0.66

4 Service 87.32 9.62 5.35

77
 5 Manufacturing and Storage 41.42 4.56 2.54

6 Transport and Road 329.81 36.35 20.21

7 Recreation 40.17 4.43 2.46

Built up 907.25 100 55.61

8 Urban Agriculture 124.61 17.20 7.64

9 Forest 117.87 16.27 7.22

10 Special Function Buffer 176.80 24.41 10.83

Conserved - - -

Reserved 305.03 42.11 18.69

Sub total 481.83 66.52 29.53

Non-built up 724.31 100 44.39

Total 1631.56 100

Source: - Calculated from the proposed land use map of the town

11.6.1 Residence

Residential area often account the largest share of total land use budget in the urban context .This
encompass housing units, access roads and facilities required to support the basic requirement of
residential activities. Thus, such areas are arranged by logical structuring of roads conditions for
dwelling and in harmony with other urban functions.

According to the results of demographic projection made as part of the present study, the total
number of housing units that need to be constructed in the planning period is estimated as 1462 .In
the region urban land lease rules and regulation currently in the place, the maximum size of
residential plots for eligible per household are determined at and 300m 2. The total area that would be
required to construct the above mentioned housing units are therefore, estimated to be around 43.86
hectare. On the other hand, in the rural or/and urban expansion, the average area occupied by per

78
farmer is about 0.5 hectare (Source:-Ofa Woreda Agriculture & Rural Development Office). This
means, an average of 315 farmers that are expected to be relocated due to the town’s horizontal
expansion. Urban land lease rules and regulation of the region has determined a maximum of 500m 2.
Taking 500m2 plot sizes, the total area to be allotted for the above mentioned households with in the
proposed town boundary is therefore, estimated to be 15.75 hectare. Therefore, the total area that
would be required for residential purpose is about 59.61 hectares. Considering an allowance of 10
percent of this figure to accommodate road access as well as neighborhoods level residential services,
it is estimated that a total of 65.57 hectares (this figure is considering in mixed and proposed ones)
will be required for residential development which is to be accommodated with in fill and new
expansion area. The major portion of residential area to be proposed during the planning period is
envisaged in expansion area of the town. The types of residential areas development for seen are:-

 Private housing development where detached, duplex or row types houses shall be
developed and
 Co-operative housing development where buildings of different duplex and rows types
should be encouraged.
Residential areas could be categorized under pure residential and those that are mixed with other
compatible activities in this regard, a major portion of the existing residential area is proposed to
remain as it is and some of them are changed to commercial and mixed land uses. Accordingly,
mixed residential land uses are proposed near or back to newly proposed sub-centers and along main
roads. Moreover, areas under the residential land use category include subsidiary activities that
constitute neighborhood level service. Accordingly, neighborhood centers are envisaged to provide
daily services for a given neighborhood .The service to be catered by such centers are low order
services that include among other social service (such as kindergarten and health post), play ground
and/or green area, commercial services (such as Guilt ,bakery, butchery ,flourmill, and small kiosks.
The total area allocated for residence is about 311.89 hectares which are about 34.38 % of the total
built up area.

11.6.2 Administration

Most of the areas occupied by administrative function is maintained in the proposed Basic plan.
Some are relocated. More over, additional sites for administrative uses are proposed in different

79
location especially within the locality of expansion area and near trade and industry office. The total
land covered by this function is about 10.76 hectares which are about 1.19 % of the total built up
area.

11.6.3 Commerce

The commercial function consists of commercial activities, market place, and financial intuition. The
existing commercial activities are located within the locality of general market and along main road
of the town. The existed ones are maintained and the new ones are proposed along the road to Soddo
and Selamber. The existing general (open) market is maintained and the cattle market is relocated
near to the site of slaghter house for the purpose of providing better market services.

There is no financial institution (Bank) in the town. There for, it is proposed in front of Woreda
administration office. The total area which will be covered by commerce and trade activities are
about 81.88 hectares which is about 9.02 % of the total area to be built up during the planning period
(see proposed land use Map).

11.6.4 Service

Service facilities are the most important land use type for the development of urban centre. These
activities serve the entire population of the town to enhance the achievement as intermediate function
within the town and nearby areas. The main types of these facilities are discussed below.

11.6.4 .1 Education

The existing educational facilities are maintained and new ones are proposed within expansion area.
According to socioeconomic study, one secondary (9-12) is needed during the planning period.
Eventhough the enrolment trend don’t permit, kindergartens are proposed considering the topography
of the town and an appropriate sites are selected taking in to account the location of the existing ones
and envisages settlement pattern in neighborhood concept. A secondary school which has preparatory level
is proposed with the locality of Inter Aid France. The location of kindergarten is envisaged mostly within
expansion & in fill area. Accordingly they are proposed in expansion area.

11.6.4 .2 Health

80
Currently, the existing health facility gives adequate health service in the town. According to
Socioeconomic sectoral study,one district hospital and two health posts are need in the town in the
planning period for which appropriate sites are selected taking in to account the location of the
existing health institutions and envisaged settlement pattern in neighborhood concept. On the other
hand, Clinics and pharmacies are to be established by private business men within the commercial
and residential zones which will be determined by local authority.

11.6.4 .3 Cultural and Social welfare Services

Cultural and Social welfare services are expected to comprise public worship, cemeteries, social and
cultural services, and social and welfare center and office for civic organization. The existing cultural
and social welfare services are maintained. Additional ones are envisaged and appropriate sites are
selected at equitable level in the expansion and in fill area. All of the currently existing religion
institutions are maintained in the basic plan but the present land holding system is very wide and
underutilized. Thus, the institutions themselves should propose partly for compatible urban function.
More over allocation of lands for different religions should be handled administratively by the
Woreda administration in collaborations with the representatives of the concerned religions and the
municipality. As far as the existing cemeteries are concerned, most of the burial grounds are saturated
and are not in appropriate places. To this end, a burial ground site is reserved on the basic plan for
other uses and new cemetry site is proposed for all religion followers including municipal cemetery
in the appropriate location along Manesa River and near Orthodox cemetry taking in to account the
existing and envisaged settlement pattern. The division of plot for each religion is left for the local
authority to be decided on the number (size) of followers. The cemetery site of protestant and
musilim religion followers should be relocated to the site mentioned above since the area is very
important for other land use purpose. Public Square is reserved on a site located in the centre of the
town near Orthodox Church. The others should be managed administratively by the municipality.

11.6.4 .4 Municipal Service

Municipal services like abattoir, waste disposal site, municipal cemetery and public toilet are
proposed in different parts of the town. Regarding abattoir, it is it is maintained in its exsting place. A
buffer zone is created to control waste discharge in to the nearby river and hence to protect
environmental pollution. According to the socioeconomic study, solid waste disposal site is required.
81
Therefore, one waste disposal site is proposed near Manisa site. As far as public showers and toilets
are concerned, the municipality is expected to revitalize public shower and toilet facilities and
construct public shower and toilet in different areas of the town which are characterized by high
traffic movement like in general market place, public spaces, bus terminal. The existing
telecommunication office is maintained on the basic plan. The total area that is envisaged to be
covered by a variety of activities categorize under services is about 87.32 hectare which is about
9.62% of the built up area.

11.6.5 Manufacturing and Storage

The existing wood work, Metal work shop, Grain mill and small storages that are situated in cluster form and
compatible to other land use are maintained on the basic plan. The incomputable ones are relocated and newly
proposed ones are located in clustered form in the existing and proposal sub centre. The flour mills could be
developed integrated with the market centers . There is no Garage and fuel station in the town. There for, it
requires proposing for the planning period. Accordingly, appropriate site in expansion area is proposed at the
out let of the main road to Sodo and Selamber. The total area which will be covered by manufacturing and
storage is about 41.42 hectare which is about 4.56% of the total area to be built up during the planning period.

11.6.6 Transport and Road Network

Transportation system Planning is vital for promoting efficient traffic movement within the urban
centre. In Gesuba town, bus station is combined with open market. It is necessary to propose for the
future planning period. There for, the existing area of cattle market is investigated for the purpose of
this function. In order to provide maximum accessibility with in all parts of the town, the following
considerations should be taken in to account in the layout of road net work.

 To establish a hierarchical set of road system;

 To locate traffic generating and attracting activities in the central accessible area of the town or
along the main roads;
 To resolve the existing road network challenge; and
 To propose new roads especially in the expansion and/or at periphery of the town
The encroachment and narrow width of other existing roads should be proposed as:-

Out let and inlet roads

82
  Soddo to sawula gravel road is widened to 30 meters;
 Gesuba to Halale road is widened to 25 meters;
Inner roads

 Other inner roads are proposed as collectors (15-20meters) and local roads
(10-12meters) width.

The new proposed urban-rural and urban-urban linkage Roads and the accessible roads in the
expansion or at periphery of the town are designated as:-

 Minor roads - 20-25 meter wide

 Collector road -14-18 meter wide
 Local roads - 10-12 meter wide considering right of way (see proposed land use map).
The total land covered by this function is about 329.31 hectare which accounts 20.21 % of the total
area.

11.6.7 Recreation

Recreation is one of the fundamental aspects of human life. It’s conception and roll in the
community need is to be considered in a positive terms. The existing recreational functions are
maintained and others are newly envisaged in planning concept.

The main sport centers such as sport field and play ground are reserved at different parts of the town.
Sport fields at at back site of agricultural office, different open spaces (green area) are envisaged at
different parts of the town.The total area account by this function is about 40.17 hectares which is
4.43% of the built up area.

11.6.8 Forest and Informal Green

There is a good potential for forestry development in surrounding hill sites and river areas. Therefore
a forestation is envisaged on the chain of mountains & hills sides. Moreover, the rivers, the associated
stream sides and gullies that are not suitable for urban activities development are proposed to be
buffered by forest land. The size of total area that is envisaged to be covered by forest and informal
green is about 117.87 hectares which is 16.27 % of the total non- built up area.

83
11.6.9 Urban Agriculture

Urban agriculture plays vital roles as a viable productive means to manage the urban environment.
On the other hand, it can help a town to become self sufficiency with food, provide employment
opportunity, liquid and solid waste absorption, greenery and create livable and safe environment.
This function cover areas in different parts of town are envisaged for urban agriculture that include
animal husbandry, horticulture, crop production, poultry farm. Moreover the existed urban agriculture
activities are maintained and the incompatible areas should be relocated administratively by local
authority.

To this end, the Basic Plan has reserved areas along rivers and streams that are suitable for crop
production and horticulture production and the area around liquids and solid waste disposal sites is
perform for poultry farm and animal husbandry production.

The total area covered by this function is about 124.61hectares which is 17.20 % of the total non-
built up area.

11.6.10 Special Function

The activities which are categorized under this function are areas for unforeseen projects, slope
above20 percent, high/medium tension buffer, river basins gorges/Gully, Marshy area, quarry site and
reserved areas. Except reserved area, other activities are located at, rivers basins and gorges along
rivers and other conserved areas with views of accommodate unseen regiments that could probably
arise during the planning period of the town. In case of reserved area is envisaged at the expansion
area. This has an environmental value and accommodates the activities that are not considered in the
planning period. Its function decided administratively by public participation and local authorities in
considering compatible of other nearby activities. The total land covered by this activity is about
481.83 hectares which are about 29.53% of the total urbanized area. (See proposal land use map).

11.7 The implementation of Spatial Development Framework (SDF)

84
The Basic plan incorporates almost all the necessary social, physical and economic facilities for the
town. Finally the following points are suggested to facilitate the implementation process:-

 To translate (implement) the Basic Plan of the town in to locality, detail plan should be prepared
by local authority integrate with Zonal Urban Organization Plan Preparation and Monitoring
Process or the consultancy office.
 Public participation should be consider during plan or designing project for implementation
 The area currently occupied by the farmers located adjacent to the town and which are proposed
for urban expansion should be studied in detail.
 Road net-work proposals should be implementing based on detail studies to be carried out by
local authorities. In particular the widening of existed roads should be executed with the main
intent of improving traffic circulation in a given area.
 Property lines of existing functions that could not be readily identified during the physical survey
of the town need to be clearly consider during implementations.
 Local authority should be encouraging the residents to construct standards housing units.
 Open spaces which are reserved with residential neighborhood to accommodate play ground and
other community level functions should be used for their designated purposes.

85