Environmental Sustainability of Squatter Settlements in Yeka Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

The problem of squatter settlement is a global agenda; however, its magnitude is higher in developing countries. As one of the cities in developing nations, Addis Ababa has encountered a fast rate of squatter settlements which is resulted due to illegal construction of residential homes. The purpose of this study was to assess environmental sustainability of squatter settlements in Addis Ababa City.  Descriptive type of research and qualitative research approach was applied. Both primary and secondary data source was used for data analysis.  The finding identified  factors that force people to settle illegally in squatter areas were poverty, inability to purchase land legally, absence of land provision by the government, less costly availability of farm lands   and  continuous increase in rental houses that makes a house un affordable to  low income groups. Even though squatter settlements provide affordable houses for low income groups the spread of poorly controlled settlement has resulted in many environmental problems. Uncontrolled settlement development is causing physical environmental degradation and pollution risks. Finally City administration should formulate strategy to control fast land sprawl in the sub city, focus on preventive measures rather than reactive and formulate housing strategy that addresses the low income groups.