Challenges of Urban Plan Implementation in Small Towns of West Showa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The purpose of this study was to examine challenges of urban plan implementation in small towns of Ethiopia, in the case of Babich town West Sowa Zone, Oromia Regional State. Mixed research approaches and cross-sectional design were used. Primary data were collected by using questionnaire, FGD, and KII from residents of the town. Secondary data were collected from published and unpublished documents. Quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics such as percentage using tables, while qualitative data from FGD and KII were analyzed using thematic analysis method. The result indicated that poor plan implementation was emanated from the establishment of town before plan, socioeconomic issues such as less awareness of the society about the importance of the town plan, lack of budget, lack of skilled man power in the town, and environmental issues such as conflict with surrounding kabeles on paying compensation for land plot. The basic plan of Babich town is not properly implemented. It lacks plan implementing strategy, monitoring, and evaluation. There is irregular and irrational development and also incompatible land uses in the town. The concerned bodies have to preparing implementation guidelines, performing scheduled monitoring and evaluation, providing capacity building by giving training for town plan implementer