Urban Public-space Utilization and Management in the Metropolis: The Case of Meskel-Square and Jan-Meda, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Public-spaces are the mainstay of the urban settlements. Recently, more attentions were given to the expansion of buildings, industries, business centers, companies and institutions than preserving public-spaces. This study examined the utilizations and management of public-spaces of Addis Ababa; the case of Meskel-square and Jan-meda. To this end, the study involved 120 sample respondents using a random sampling method; and employed descriptive and explanatory type of research designs. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. For the analysis, both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The results showed that the current state and management of the public-spaces is poor. The spaces are not attractive, not comfortable, not accessible, and lack services. The major factors that thwart users from visiting the spaces were absence of natural and artificial landscapes, absence of adequate services, and less attractiveness. Unpleasant and illegal activities, lack of shelters, and congestions were other problems. The multiple regression output suggested that the frequency of using public-space is influenced by the socio-economic and space related factors. Similarly, the spearman rho’s correlation coefficient, independent samples t-test, and the multinomial regression model produced important results. The city government faced challenges including weakness of the public actors, lack of planning and policy direction, weak regulatory and legislative frameworks, and vulnerability of many public-spaces to improper uses. Therefore, this study recommends that the city administration should consider the planning, preservation, expansion, and management of the public-spaces to enhance the quality of life of the residents and aesthetic value of the city.