Physical feature and Municipal serves assessment of Erar LDP Site 2023/24

OROMIA NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE

OROMIA URBAN PLANNING INISTITUTE

Bishoftu, Erar Local development Plan (LDP)

Physical Features and Municipal Service Assessments

Erar

BY: DAGIM H.H. (BA)

December, 2023
Oromiya, Finfinne
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………..……………1
1.1. Background of the study………………………………….…………………...…………1

2. Physical Features Assessment..................................................................................................... 2

2.1. Location ........................................................................................................................ 2

2.1.1. Relative location.. ................................................................................................... 2

2.1.2. Absolute location.................................................................................................... 2

3. The Topography features of Erar LDP Site ................................................................................ 4

3.1. Altitude/Elevation .................................................................................................................... 4

3.2. Slope ............................................................................................................................. 6

3.3. Land use land cover (Built up and Non built up area) identification ............................ 9

3.4. Incomparability of Land Use ...................................................................................... 10

3.5. Soil type and distribution of Erar LDP Site ................................................................ 10

3.6. Natural vegetation distribution and wild life .............................................................. 11

4. Climate ...................................................................................................................................... 12

4.1. Temperature and rainfall ............................................................................................. 13

4.2. Wind Direction............................................................................................................ 14

5. Drainage System (catchment and surface flow) ....................................................................... 15

6. Utility ........................................................................................................................................ 19

7. Road and Transportation ........................................................................................................... 19

7.1. Road ............................................................................................................................ 19

7.2. Transportation ............................................................................................................. 20

8. Natural/Physical and Manmade Constraints Steep ................................................................... 21

8.1. The physical/natural constraints ................................................................................. 21

8.2. Man-made constraints ................................................................................................. 21

9. Conclusions and Recommendation ........................................................................................... 22

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List of Figure
Figure 1 Location of ErarLDP Site ................................................................................................. 3

Figure 2 Highest elevation and lowest elevation in the site............................................................ 4

Figure 3 Elevation Map of Erar LDP Site ...................................................................................... 6

Figure 4 Slope distribution of Erar LDP Site.................................................................................. 8

Figure 5 the figure show the LULC of 2023/24 in the site ............................................................. 9

Figure 6 graph show the LULC of 2023/24 in the site ................................................................. 10

Figure 7 that show the Soil distributions in the study area. .......................................................... 11

Figure 8Show wind direction of Bishoftu, Erer LDP Site ............................................................ 15

Figure 9 show Lake cheleleka Existing situation ......................................................................... 17

Figure 10 Map shows Lake Cheleleka buffer ............................................................................... 18

List of Table
Table 1 Slope Patterns and their development Suitability. ............................................................. 7

Table 2 Slope classification and area coverage in present in LDP Site .......................................... 7

Table 3 Shows the agro climate zone of Ethiopia......................................................................... 12

Table 4 Shows the Average Temperature of 1981-2022 in Bishoftu ........................................... 13

Table 5 Shows the Average Rainfall of 1981-2022 in Bishoftu ................................................... 14

Table 6 Slope and metric buffer standards ................................................................................... 18

Table 7 show the power capacity and buffer in meter .................................................................. 19

Table 8 show the hierarchy of road in Erar LDP site. .................................................................. 19

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1. Introduction

1.1. Background of the study

Bishoftu City is founded in 1917 with the coming of Ethio-Djibouti railway. Located in East
Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State, 47 km south-east of Addis Ababa, the capital city. Erar
LDP Site is relatively located North of Dhibayyu LDP Site, west of Harsadee LDP site and rail
way in north. Erar Astronomically located 492000 to 499000 meters Easting (X) and 967000 to
963000 meters (Y) Northing on Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) on the Universal
Transverse Mercator (UTM).

Urbanization leads to land use land cover (LULC) changes due to the growing population's
demand for land. The terms land use land cover jointly refer to human utilization of the earth’s
physical landscape, and LULC changes indicate changes in humans' utilization and function of
the land. In the urban context, changes comprise the natural landscape mainly being replaced by
an impervious surface which has negative impacts on the ecosystem, the hydrological processes,
biodiversity, microclimate, the ecological habitat, water quality, air quality and the environment
(Das & Angadi, 2022; Li et al., 2014). Urban planners must be aware of the potential
implications of urban expansion on land use land cover (LULC) for effective planning and
sustainable development.

Cheleleka Lake is sessional lake and highly affected by sedimentation and degradation. In
Ethiopia, Lake Haramaya and Lake Adele entirely vanished a decade ago (Alemayehu et al.,
2007) and Similarly, Lake Abiyata is currently under a massive threat (Seyoum et al., 2015).
There is urgent need to evaluate the change of lake water storage and to provide evidence for
better management of the lake.

The main purpose of this study is to identify the physical problem and potential resource in
dhibayyu LDP Site and delivery input for plan.

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2. Physical Features Assessment

2.1. Location
Location is an important term in Geography. It is usually considered more precise than place.
Geographical location refers to a specific physical point on the Earth. Location is the area where
Geographical place is situated. It can be expressed either in absolute or relative location.

2.1.1. Relative location

Relative location is a description of where a place is located in reference to other places or water
bodies. It creates and reports a relationship between two or more places and or water bodies.
Relative location can be expressed in terms of distance, travel time, or cost.

Bishoftu city is located to the southeast of Finfinne at a distance of 47 kms along the old
highway. Erar LDP Site relatively located from north Finfinnee to Djibouti railway, from south
Dhibayyu LDP sites, Asphalt road from bishoftu to Dukam until Eastern Industry zone, from
East Har-sadee LDP Site and from the West from Eastern Industry zone road to highway.
2.1.2. Absolute location
Absolute location is more precise than relative location. The absolute location of a place is its
exact set of coordinates on the planet, frequently expressed in degrees of longitude and latitude
coordinates. These two coordinates can be used to give specific locations independent of an
outside reference point.
This geographic location is more precise than area or place. Astronomically, Bishoftu LDP Site
extends in projected or local coordinates; it is located at 492000 to 499000 meters Easting (X)
and 967000 to 963000 meters (Y) Northing. Some part of Dambi Woreda included in to Erer
LDP site.

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Figure 1 Location of ErarLDP Site

Source: Extracted by GIS tool OUP, 2023

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Source: reconnaissance Survey boundary shape file by GIS tools of 2023

3. The Topography features of Erar LDP Site

The major topographic feature of the city is part of the Great Rift Valley of East Africa. The city
is built by the several volcanic crater lakes in and around the city, some of which are deep
craters. The content describes Lake Cheleleka as one of the major lakes in Bishoftu city,
covering an area of 434.34 hectares and located in the Erar LDP Site. Lake cheleleka is known
for its numerous beautiful lakes, and Lake Cheleleka is among the prominent ones due to its size
and significance.
This lake has a beautiful environment full of birdlife and a calm atmosphere. The lake shore is
surrounded by agricultural land and settlements. It is a crater lake within the Bishoftu caldera,
which was formed by volcanic activity. The lake is known for its natural beauty, with clear blue
waters and the surrounding lush greenery. Visitors often enjoy activities such as boating and bird
watching at the lake.

3.1. Altitude/Elevation
Gentle topography is the main feature of this site, with some areas having steeper gradients. The
LDP Site has the highest elevation found in the East on the boundary of Harsadee LDP site with
the maximum peak of over 1980 meters above mean Sea level. From this highest peak, altitude
of the Site gradually declines towards the center and north with the lowest altitude 1880m above
mean Sea level. This implies that there is little altitudinal variation (100meters) between the
lowest and highest points of the site from where flush water originates affecting areas with low
elevation. The Center parts of the Site with covered with Lake Cheleleka. Refer to the elevation
map of the site below.
Figure 2 Highest elevation and lowest elevation in the site

Source: Source: Picture captured by team of (OUPI, 2023)

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Source: DEM 12.5m, 2023

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Figure 3 Elevation Map of Erar LDP Site

Source: DEM Cell size (x, y) 12.5m*12.5m, 2023

3.2. Slope
Slope: is a rate change of elevation from one cell to the next Digital elevation model. Slope is
important component of site selection analysis by using elevation data. It is an analytical process
made on topographic map to make appropriate land uses and overall pattern of slopes. That helps
the site planner in order to determining the buildable portion of the site.
Slope is a critical factor that determines the economic developments, land level and Constriction
and infrastructural distribution. As slope becomes steeper, costs increase because of the amount
of earthwork to construct roads, utilities, and pads for buildings. Slope analysis involves
breaking down of topography into different categories which will establish the desired patterns
for a given land use. The slope categories were established based on Ministry of Urban
Development and Construction, revised structure plan manual, May, 2012 and Pine Nut

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Allotments (NV) Land Use and Development Plan 4 Working Paper – Land Use Suitability
analysis, Nov, 2023.
Table 1 Slope Patterns and their development Suitability.

Slope Category (%) Description Development Suitability

1-5 Generally Flat Highly buildable
5-10 Gently rolling Moderately buildable
10-15 Gentle to mild slopes Moderately difficult to build
15-20 Mild to steep slopes Difficult to Build
20 and above Harsh, steep slopes Unbuildable
Source: Planning Manual, 2012
Table 2 Slope classification and area coverage in present in LDP Site

Slope Hectare Percentages Development Suitability

classification (%)
(%)
Less than 1 431.55 19 Subjected for flooding and water
stagnation
1-2 203.32 9 (good for urban agriculture)
2-5 830.28 37 All municipal services, basic social and
infrastructure services
5 - 10 667.07 29 Any land use proposal, but best for
residence
10 - 15 100.22 4 For residence and organized play ground
15-20 21.36 1 Forest development, agro forestry,
recreation
Above 20 16.96 1 Excessive slope for urban development
activities (Left for conservation)
Total 2,270.76 100.00
Source: GIS Slope Analysis from DEM 12.5m

The slope category that covers the largest area of Erar LDP Site ranges from 2-5%. It is found
scattered in different parts of the Site and covers an area of 830 hectares or 37% of the total
area of the LDP Site. This slope category is a gently rolling and allow for moderately buildable.
This slope class is suitable for all municipal services, basic social and infrastructure services.

Slope category less than 1% is severing and that represent the lakes and wetland of the site. This
area of water body and marshy area should be excluded from the proposal of any of the land uses

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for Local development plan. This type of land is 432 hectare of the total area that is 19%. This
area is excessively plain and exposed to flood. These areas are mainly low-lying areas that can
be used for urban Agriculture. In order to minimize flooding of these areas it is recommended
that the city should work on watershed management of the surrounding ridges or the upper
stream. The steep slope above 20 percent covers 17 hectares (1%). This hinders easy
development of basic infrastructures like road, water supply, electric line, telephone line,
sewerage line and etc. in the city. Therefore, the steep slopes can be proposed for protective
forest, greenery and park to improve micro-climate, manage the severe soil erosion and etc.

The slope of Erar LDP site topography is the reflection of the relief features of the city. Refer to
the map showing the slope of the LDP site.
Figure 4 Slope distribution of Erar LDP Site

Source: GIS Slope Analysis from DEM 12.5m

Generally based on this analysis from the total area of LDP Site 1-10% = 1700.7 ha (74.89

%) suitable for settlement.

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3.3. Land use land cover (Built up and Non built up area) identification
The term Land cover and land use are often using interchangeably; their actual meanings are
quite distinct. Land use can often be made from land cover (Basudeb, 2011).According to
Basudeb, the two terms are described as follows:
 Land cover indicates the physical land type/ observed biophysical coverage over on
the earth’s surface like natural areas, forests, buildings, lakes, wetlands, impervious
surfaces (roads, parking lots, and sports fields) and agriculture.
 Land use refers to the land socioeconomic use/ how people are using the landscape of
land for different purpose such as agricultural use, commerce, residential use,
recreational area; at any place, there may be multiple and alterative land uses.

Figure 5 the figure show the LULC of 2023/24 in the site

Source: Sentinel Satellite Data 10m, supervised classification image, 2023/24

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According Analysis of the Sentinel Satellite Data 10m, supervised classification image, 2023 in
the study area majority of land covered were by Agriculture land. From total area of Erar LDP
Site Agricultural Land cover 1177.04 ha (51%), Settlement covers 562.3ha (25%), Vegetation
cover 428.74 ha (19%), and Water bodies 125.24 ha (5%) of the LULC in the study area.

Figure 6 graph show the LULC of 2023/24 in the site

Source: LULC Analysis, 2023/24

3.4. Incomparability of Land Use

Majority of land use in the site are Agro industry, Elphora/Hen livestock, and Nursery site.

 Incompatibility of land use: residence with elphora/ Hen livestock: risk for health.
 So it has to be considered in the plan preparation to appropriately use and in not by taking
relocating strategies.

3.5. Soil type and distribution of Erar LDP Site

Soil is a unique and vitally important part of the terrestrial ecosystems. Vertisols are a group of
heavy-textured soils which occur extensively in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate
zones and are known as Dark Clays, Black Earths, Black Cotton soils, Dark Cracking soils,
Grumusols and Regurs in other classification systems (Dudal 1965). Vertisol with a moist
chrome of 1.5 or less within the upper 30 cm is grouped as pellic Vertisol; it is called a chromic

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Vertisol when the moist chrome is greater than 1.5. This type of soil comes deep crack during
the dry season and sticky in the wet season. High cost for constriction and very high flooding
hazard soil type respectively. Vertisols are very important soils for agriculture in the country.
Figure 7 that show the Soil distributions in the study area.

Source: Soil type classification in Ethiopia (FAO, 1984)

3.6. Natural vegetation distribution and wild life

The vegetation of Ethiopian rift valley varies with the climate. Acacia-Commiphora woodland is
the largest of Ethiopian vegetation types, containing many unique species. Some of the most
common species in this vegetation type are Juniperus procera, Podocarpus falcatus, Olea

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europaea subsp. Cuspidata, and Eucalyptus (Friis et al., 2010). The area is characterized by a
variety of vegetation types, including Acacia woodland, bushland, shrubland, and wooded
grassland. These diverse vegetation types contribute to the overall biodiversity of the site,
creating habitats for various plant and animal species diversity.
Birds, also known as Aves, are the best-known class of vertebrate animals that occur worldwide
in nearly all habitats (Wenny et al., 2011; Sekercioglu, 2012). Birds have different spatial and
temporal distributions in any wetland (Fletcher and Hutto, 2008). The diversity of these
organisms is one of the most important ecological indicators to evaluate the quality of habitats
(Manjunath, 2012). Furthermore, they do add enjoyment to our lives, because of their distinctive
colors, attractive display, unique songs and calls.
The diversity and distribution patterns depend on birds’ mobility, food availability, habitat
suitability, geo-physiological structure of a wetland and the size of the wetland (Akosim et al.,
2008). The terrestrial habitat adjoining the Lake Batu, Shala abijata supports a rich diversity as
compared to other Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes (Sairam, 2014). Selekleka wetland is slightly
acidic (humic acid) due to the large biomass degrading in the standing water (Zerihun Desta,
2003). Distribution of ecosystem resources provides information on the resource that is
contained in an ecosystem, resource relationships and).
the environmental factors that influence their distribution and diversity (Bibby et al., 2000).

4. Climate
The climate of the city in general belongs to Badda Dare Agro climatic zone leis between 1500-
2300m above sea level. The site Elevation is 1860 -2020m.
Table 3 Shows the agro climate zone of Ethiopia

Climate Zone Elevation Average Average

Temperature(0c) rainfall
in(mm)
Wurch(cold) >3200 <10 <800
Dega(cool-cold) 2300-3200 10-16 1000-2000

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Weina dega(warm- 1500-2300 16-20 1200

cool)
Kolla(hot-warm) 500-1500 20-28 600
Berha(hot) <500 28-34 <400

4.1. Temperature and rainfall

Temperature and Rainfall is an important element of climate. The warmest months March, April
and May with daily mean temperatures ranging from 20 to 21 °C. The coldest temperatures 17
°C summer Rainfall 902 mm.
Table 4 Shows the Average Temperature of 1981-2022 in Bishoftu

Source: Bishoftu City Climate data from NASA, (1981-2022)

The above graph shows the Temperature data of years ago. Temperature increases seriously
from 1 11 and received maximum point in 1 . Then again declined to 1
but it’s the temperatures increasing throng out the time.

The changeable behaviours of local climate are characterized by increases in temperature,

decline in rainfall and increase in evaporation. In general, the result of this study showed that
there was a detriroratution of local climate change. Similarly, Funk et al. (2012) argue that if

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recent warming trends continue, most of Ethiopia will experience more than a 1.0°C increase in
air temperature. This warming will intensify the impacts of droughts, and could particularly
reduce the amount of productive crop.
Table 5 Shows the Average Rainfall of 1981-2022 in Bishoftu

Source: Bishoftu City Climate data from NASA, (1981-2022)

For the last 29 years, there was a variability of annual rain fall (Figure _). The Climatic data of
analysis showed that the Annual rainfall pattern has been declined and fluctuated for the last 29
years (1981-2022). The peak annual rainfall has been received in Bishoftu City in 1987:
1260mm of precipitation and 2000-2004 received very low amount of annual rainfall from
(343mm-495mm), gradually increasing to 1186mm in 2020 then it’s going to decline 753mm in
2022. Therefore the fluctuation may vulnerable for flooding and other devastated. So panning for
standardized ditch is very important.

4.2. Wind Direction

The wind is most from the east for 9 months from September to June. Common wind direction in
the city is easterlies, north east and south east.

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Figure 8Show wind direction of Bishoftu, Erer LDP Site

Sorce: Global wind direction

5. Drainage System (catchment and surface flow)

Bishoftu City is the drainage basin of Awash River. Oromia is also gifted with crater lakes.
Cheleleka Lake is among eight crater lakes of Bishoftu City. Lake Cheleleka drained by seasonal
flood that originates from attributer of surrounding chains of uplands of Erar Mount face towards
the lake.

Lake cheleleka photo during field survey and Map

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a) Lake Cheleleka
Lake Cheleleka is one of the most accessed and utilized wetland of Bishoftu city. During the
field survey it was observed that the part of the lake was utilized as grazing land and production
of vegetables. The land formerly constituted by water body of the lake is dried and serving as
farming plot. Especially on the north and eastern part of the lake, vast farming activities are
being taken place. There are also unrestricted cattle grazing areas. Lake Cheleleka was among
eight lakes of Bishoftu city, which is believed to be formed by the rain waterfalls from the
surrounding hills.
The uplands of Erar Mount are sources of seasonal streams that drain parts of Cheleleka and
marshy area adjacent to the Finfinne-Adama express way.
Particularly this lake is well known for being seasonal home from September to March, for
thousands of birds and flamingos, which are known for their recycling migration in eastern
Africa. It gives amazing view to see a group of flamingos, flying together and settling here for
some periods.

Existing situation of Lake Cheleleka

 Liquid and solid waste without any filter flow in to the lake.
 This soil erosion and sedimentation from higher upland tributaries flow into Lake
Cheleleka. This is mainly due to the encroachment of vegetable farms, which deposit soil
and suspended materials into the wetland during the rainy season. As a result, the wetland
becomes saltation. That problem may lead lake to extinction need treatment.
 The Lake used for varies purpose such as for irrigation, Agriculture activity, fisher and for
recreational. This suggests that the human activity and environmental change sedimentation
and soil erosion are impacting the quality of the water in the lake and potentially affecting
the agricultural activities in the area.
 The lake feeding Water from rain and from Erar mount tribute as well as the linkage from
city canal toward the lake.
 Lack of Public accessibility to Cheleleka Lake particularly in front of defense Hospital.
 The Lake needs highly treatment.

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Figure 9 show Lake cheleleka Existing situation

Source: Plates captured by the planning team of OUPI, December 2023/14

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Lake Buffer

To protect the inner water shade of the lake Cheleleka, it is important to have a defined buffer
zone width based on the steepness of gradient for lakes according to the California Forest
Practice Rules (2013). According to this rule, the buffer width for the lakes Cheleleka should be
30 m buffer. We need to make some special strips in the grass to help protect the wet land. These
strips need to be made a certain way so that they can do their job well.
Table 6 Slope and metric buffer standards

Slope Metric buffer width (m)

< 30% 23
30 – 50 % 30.5
> 50 % 46
Source: California Forest Practice Rules, California Code of Regulations, 2013
Buffer zone of Cheleleka is important to protect the inner water shade of the lake by protective
forest that can adapt to the agro-climatic zone of the area. This protective forest can be home for
different bird life and wild animals that in the future serve as City Park. Besides, the inner water
shade defined for the protective forest controls the down slope mass movement of
unconsolidated materials because of any interference of humans.
Figure 10 Map shows Lake Cheleleka buffer

Source: California Forest Practice Rules, California Code of Regulations, 2013

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6. Utility
According to the standard set by the Revised Standards for Structure Plan Preparation and
Implementation (2012, page 56). Electric line Located from Hirna to babogaya road, Hirna to
Circle. The 33KV and 15KV should also be buffered by 4 meters and 3 meters, respectively from
buildings.
Table 7 show the power capacity and buffer in meter

No. Electric line capacity Clearance from

building

1 33 KV 4 meters

2 15 KV 3 meters

7. Road and Transportation

7.1. Road
The City Administration has been working on upgrading and constructing new and existing road
networks within the city. The data obtained from the Municipality office revealed that the total
length of the road within the Erar site is 198.5 km.

Table 8 show the hierarchy of road in Erar LDP site.

Road Hierarchy Shape Length Km Area in Hectare

Bike way 4894.8 1

Pedestrian way 2408.6 0.5
Gravel Road 9468.1 5
Earthen Road 242059.3 130
Asphalt Road 38253 53
Cobble Road 14034.9 9
Source: OUPI, Base map data 2023/2024

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Source: OUPI Base Map of 2023/24

7.2. Transportation
The existence of a modern transportation system is mandatory for city development. Currently,
the main modes of transportation in the city are bus, minibus, taxi and bajaj and horse transport.
On the other hand, transportation infrastructure such as roads and parking is lacking according to
the city's standards, which is causing a serious impact on the supply and quality of transportation.
Plan and design parking facilities for NMT (cycles, carts, for transport animal…). Determine the
location and the size of bus stations, bus and taxi stops (try to locate the stations in transport
network interchange areas and incorporate bus and taxi stops at 200-300 meters interval along
arterial and sub-arterial roads).

On existing situation due to Narrow road Lack of road accessibility.

Lack of Tax terminal in the site: High Number of bajaj and majority of them Street
parking.
Lack of road accessibility, large block, Different land use and no road between
organization particularly road from hirna to babogaya in front of defense hospital.

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Particularly identified Location of Street parking:

o At Hirna cross road in to four direction: In North to Condominium, In East to

Circle, In West Road to Admas College and in front of Cheleleka Office.

o At Zukala junction toward new road Admas College street parking.

Source: Google earth 2023

8. Natural/Physical and Manmade Constraints Steep

8.1. The physical/natural constraints
There are different natural and manmade constraints in Erer LDP Site. The natural constraints
include the different uplands of steeper gradients for Infrastructural delivery for community and
highly gentle slope vulnerability for flooding. Slope and hilly areas, marshy/swampy (lakes
Cheleleka and wetland of the site), hinders easy Urban development activity, plain and gully

areas, areas exposed to rock falls, flood and Sedimentation prone areas, etc.

8.2. Man-made constraints

Manmade constraints are the substation lines located in different parts of the city are also some
of the few manmade constraints for the site. Man-made constraints particularly for road

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accessibility to community. Occupation of large tracts of land by various organizations,

electricity cables religious centers industrial sites.

9. Conclusions and Recommendation

Erar LDP Site Suitability analysis has identified Slope Classification with appropriate
suitable land use. Therefore the urban planner should take under consideration each and
every classified and buffer zone during land use proposes. Particularly Buffer of Lake
cheleleka.
The fact that upland topography of Erar mount, by tributary the flood come to toward
cheleleka lake, due to this the Lake sedimentation and degradation as well as saltation of
the lake happen if not get appropriate treatment gradually the lake cheleleka may Extinct
like lake Haramaya.
Cheleleka wetland had complementary bird assemblages; some species were restricted to a
specific site. Although, the study sites harbor diverse bird species, interferences with these
habitats were observed. Therefore, conservation measures are needed to protect the
biological diversity of the area.
There are different incompatible uses in different parts of Erar LDP site. Many Agro-
industries located in this site and with residential. That has contributed highly air pollution
which leads health case for community. Eg Agro-industry: dairy farms and poultry activities,
Private abattoir, Euphoria and residential.
In connection with incompatibility of land uses, it is important to avoid pollutant land uses
that generate wastes (liquid and solid) around the lakes Cheleleka. In this regard, Private
Abattoirs and poultry activities around Lake should be prohibited in the land use proposal.

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