DESIGN-BUILD- MAINTENANCE

Transcription

1 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Consultancy Services for Design Review, Preparation of Concept Design and

2 SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (Updated Final) Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... I 1. INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE SCOPE OF SERVICES AND OBJECTIVES PROJECT DESCRIPTION POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK NATIONAL POLICIES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK Constitution of the FDRE Environmental Policy of Ethiopia Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP) National Population Policy National Policy on Women Rural Development Policy and Strategy Cultural Policy of Ethiopia Rural Lands Administration and Utilization Proclamation Proclamation on Expropriation of Land Compensation INTERNATIONAL POLICIES AND LEGISLATIONS World Bank/IFC Safeguard Policies INSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Regional Governments Ministry of Transport Ministry of Health Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY GENERAL METHODOLOGY FOR IMPACT IDENTIFICATION METHOD OF IMPACT PREDICTION AND EVALUATION MITIGATION MEASURES EXISTING CORRIDOR BASELINE CONDITIONS PROJECT DESCRIPTION PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Land use SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT Demography Ethnicity and Language... 21

3 5.3.3 Religion Settlement Pattern Economic Activity Mode of Transportation Educational Services Health Services Water supply Energy source Historical and Cultural Heritages GENDER EQUITY ISSUE PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION CONSULTATION DURING FEASIBILITY STUDY CONSULTATION DURING ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY ADDITIONAL CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN DURING THE REVIEW STAGE IN CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY AND LOCAL ADMINISTRATION CONSULTATION WITH NGOS IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION IDENTIFICATION OF IMPACTS EVALUATION OF IMPACTS BENEFICIAL SOCIAL IMPACTS Increased Mobility and Reduced Vehicle Operating Cost Employment Opportunity Induced Development ADVERSE SOCIAL IMPACTS Road Safety Impacts on Public Utilities Adverse Impact on Local Economy Loss of Plots of Land Loss of Houses and Property Adverse Impact on Historical, Cultural and Archaeological Heritages Public Health Impacts of the Project Occupational Health impacts Impacts due to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and HIV/AIDS Impacts due to Traffic Accident Impacts due to Steep Slope Cuts and High Fill Embankments Adverse Impact on Women Adverse Impacts due to Induced Development Impacts due to Access road development IMPACT ENHANCEMENT AND MITIGATION MEASURES ENHANCEMENT MEASURES Increased Mobility and Reduced Vehicle Operating Cost Employment Opportunity Induced Development... 53

4 8.2 MITIGATION MEASURES FOR ADVERSE IMPACTS Impact on Public Utilities Loss of Plots of Lands Loss of houses and property Impact on Historical and Cultural Heritage Occupational health impacts Impact on HIV/AIDS Impact due to Traffic Accident Pressure on local health facilities Dust Impact Impact on women Uncertain and Unforeseen Impacts SOCIAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN Project Location Project Design Construction Operation CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS CONCLUSIONS RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCES ANNEXES ANNEX 1: LIST OF CONTACTED PERSONS ANNEX 4: MINUTES OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION ANNEX KEY ISSUES TO BE INCLUDED IN BIDDING DOCUMENTS CONDITIONS OF PARTICULAR APPLICATION... 73

5 LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1 : CONTRACT DATA... 2 TABLE 2 : GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS OF MAJOR TOWNS AND KEY POINTS ALONG THE ROAD... 3 TABLE 3: LAND USE IN BURE WOREDA TABLE 4: POPULATION DISTRIBUTION BY WOREDA AND SEX TABLE 5: TOWNS ALONG THE PROJECT ROAD TABLE 6: CROPS PRODUCTION IN QUINTALS 2009 & 2010 IN KIRAMU WOREDA TABLE 7: LIVESTOCK POPULATION TABLE 8: TOTAL NUMBER OF ENROLLED, DROPPED OUT AND REPETITION STUDENTS IN PRIMARY 1ST CYCLE (1-4) TABLE 9: TOTAL NUMBER OF ENROLLED, DROPPED OUT AND REPETITION STUDENTS IN PRIMARY 2ND CYCLE (5-8) TABLE 10: TOTAL NUMBER OF ENROLLED, DROPPED OUT AND REPETITION STUDENTS IN SENIOR SECONDARY (9-10) TABLE 11: TOTAL NUMBER OF ENROLLED AND DROPPED OUT STUDENTS IN PREPARATORY SCHOOL (11-12) NEKEMPT TOWN TABLE 12:NUMBER OF SCHOOLS AND CLASSROOMS UNDER GOVERNMENT HOLDING BY THE YEAR 2009 AND 2010 NEKEMPT TOWN TABLE 13: NUMBER OF STUDENT ENROLLED, DROPPED OUT AND REPETITION BY LEVEL OF SCHOOL IN THE YEAR 2009 AND TABLE 14: NUMBER OF TEACHERS BY LEVEL OF SCHOOLS (1-4), (5-8) AND (9-10), VOCATIONAL, PREPARATORY, TABLE 15: NUMBER OF SCHOOLS AND CLASSROOMS UNDER GOVERNMENT HOLDING IN THE YEAR 2009 AND TABLE 16: NUMBER OF TEACHERS BY LEVEL OF SCHOOLS (1-4), (5-8) AND (9-10) TABLE 17: NUMBER OF STUDENT ENROLLED, DROPPED OUT AND REPETITION BY LEVEL OF SCHOOL IN THE YEAR 2009 AND TABLE 18: NUMBER OF HEALTH TECHNICIANS IN THE TOWN TABLE 19: PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL POPULATION SUPPLIED WITH POTABLE WATER SUPPLY IN THE WOREDA TABLE 20: PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL POPULATION SUPPLIED WITH POTABLE WATER SUPPLY IN THE WOREDA TABLE 21: PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL POPULATION SUPPLIED WITH POTABLE WATER SUPPLY IN THE WOREDA TABLE 22: PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL POPULATION SUPPLIED WITH POTABLE WATER SUPPLY IN THE WOREDA TABLE 23: LIST OF MEETINGS TABLE 24: SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION WITH NGO TABLE 25: MATRIX FOR IMPACT IDENTIFICATION OF POSSIBLE (MAJOR) IMPACTS LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1: LOCATION MAP OF NEKEMPT BURE ROAD PROJECT... 4 FIGURE 3: PUBLIC CONSULTATION AT ADMINISTRATIVE WEREDAS FIGURE 4: PUBLIC CONSULTATION AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS... 38

6 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AC ADB ANRS ARRCH BOQ EA EAP EIA ERA ESIA FDRE GTP HIV/AIDS IEC IFC NGO NMT OD OP ORNS PAP PASDEP PCDP RGDP RoW RSDP SIA STDs URRAP WB ZOI Asphalt concrete African Development Bank Amhara National regional State Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritages Bill of Quantities Environmental Assessment Environmental Action Plan Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Growth and Transformation Plan Human Immuno Virus / Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome Information Education and Communication International Finance Corporation Non-Governmental Organization Non-Motorized Transport Operational Directives Operational Procedures Oromia National Regional State Project Affected People Plan for Accelerated and Sustained Development to End Poverty Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan Real Gross Domestic Products Right of Way Road Sector Development Program Social Impact Assessment Sexually Transmitted Diseases Universal Rural Road Access Programme World Bank Zone of Influence

7 Introduction EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) as part of expanding and improving the road network of the country has allocated funds for the Road Sector Development Program (RSDP IV) for the Feasibility Study, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Detail Engineering Design and Tender Document Preparation for Nekempt-Bure Road Design- Build-Maintain Project; and is one of the deliverables of the Service. The following is a review of of Nekempt-Bure Road project. The purpose of this SIA is therefore to provide: i.) All the necessary information for the (ERA), Regulatory bodies, and Financiers to assess the proposed project in social terms; and ii.) Prepare the details of social impacts, mitigation and reinforcement (or enhancement) measures. The study of the project road is also in line with FDRE s Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP) of 2010/ /15. The GTP aims to achieve high development growth of the country by the end of its plan year. It is a pro-poor growth and development strategy which also gives emphasis for enhancing and expansion of infrastructure development. GTP gives emphasis in developing and improving rural roads and access. The GTP by the end of its plan year 2015 plans to achieve the following targets in its road development; increase the road network of the country from 49,000km to 136,000 km, the average time taken to all weather roads from 3.7 hours to 1.7 hours, road density from 44.5km per 1000km 2 to and road density per 1000 population from 0.64 to 1.54, and increase the pproportion of area further than 5 km from allweather roads 64 to 29. Description of the project road Nekempt Bure road project is an existing gravel road which starts at the outskirts of Nekempt town in East Wollega Administrative Zone of Oromia National Regional State (ONRS); and terminates at the town Bure which is located in West Gojam Administrative Zone of Amhara National Regional State (ANRS). It traverses a number of villages and towns such as, Sasiga, Guten Gida, Gida Ayana, Kiramu located in East Wollega Administrative zone and Bure town located in West Gojam Administrative zone. The Project road is gravel-surfaced with a total length of about 258 kms. The project road when upgraded will have a maximum 25 metres of Right of Width in urban sections and 30 metres in rural sections. Policy, Legal and Administrative framework The Policy, legal and administrative framework section discusses Policies and legal frameworks both at Federal and Regional Governments level. At the Federal Government level it discusses the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and other various proclamations and guidelines that are related to environmental and social issue. The Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, which is issued in 1995, has important articles; article 43 discusses the right to development while article 44 highlights about i

8 environmental rights. According to article 44, all persons have the right to a clean environment; all persons who have been displaced or whose livelihoods have been adversely affected as a result of state programs have the right to commensurate monetary or alternative means of compensation, including relocation with adequate state assistance. People have the right to full consultation and to the expression of views in the planning and implementation of environmental policies and projects that affect them directly. Article 43 No.2 of the constitution states that: Nationals have the right to participate in national development and, in particular, to be consulted with respect to policies and projects affecting their community. Expropriation of land in road construction is one of the issues discussed in the policy framework. According to FDRE Constitution, land in Ethiopia is a public property & that no individual person has the legal right of ownership, and hence, rural or urban land could not be sold or mortgaged or transferred; citizens have usufruct right only over land. If the land that is owned by an individual is expropriated by the Government for public use, the person is entitled for compensation. There are also different proclamations that define land use, expropriations and payment of compensation for expropriated properties and assets. These include; Rural land use and Administration Proclamation No.456/2005; Proclamation to provide for expropriation of land holding for public purposes and payment of compensation Proclamation No.455/2005; Regulations on Payment of Compensation for Property Situated on Landholdings Expropriated for Public Purposes Regulations No. 135/2007. The various policies and guidelines that are reviewed in the preparation of the SIA include; National Policy on Population, National Policy on Women, Health Policy of Ethiopia, National Policy on HIV/AIDS, Sector Policy for HIV/AIDs Prevention & Control in the Work Places of ERA, Education Policy of Ethiopia have been reviewed during SIA study. Indeed, Road Sector Policies and Guidelines & Amhara Regional Rural Land Administration and Use Policy are also reviewed. Regional Governments Proclamations and Regulations Regional Government policies and regulations mainly discuss that of Oromia and Amhara National Regional States. Both Amhara and Oromia National Regional State have issued proclamations regarding land administration and land use. Proclamation No 133/2006; the revised Rural Land Administration and Use Proclamation of the Amhara National regional State discusses the following major issues: Right to hold land; Transfer and Obligation of land holding and use rights; Measuring, registering and holding certificate of land; the responsible bodies and the revised Proclamation issued by the council of Amhara National Regional State, Proclamation No.91/2003 for those projects in Amhara Region. Proclamation No. 147/2009 of the Oromia NRS provides for the establishment of Oromia Bureau of Land and Environmental Protection, which came into force as the 5 th of March 2009 and proclamation on Oromia Rural Land Administration and Use in line with the powers given to ii

9 regional governments, the Oromia NRS issued (Proc. No. 55/2002) for those projects in Oromia region. Public Consultation In order to ensure the sustainability of the Project, public and stakeholders consultations were carried out at different level and phases of the study; and it was found that the Project has acquired high level social acceptability and appreciation. This is true especially in the case of the comparison made between the existing road in the towns of Gendo and Ejere and the proposed realignment-the favoured option-through the town of Gida Ayana that has been connected to the existing road by a spur. Stakeholders consultation carried out with Woreda administrations and sector offices to solicit their views and opinions about the potential impacts (benefits and adverse) due to the proposed upgrading of the project road. Public and stakeholders consultations were carried out at Feasibility phase, ESIA and during the review of the ESIA. Potential Impacts It is evident that, while undertaking such development project, the environmental and social issues are expected to be affected either positively or negatively; and it is mandatory that the positive to be enhanced and the negative to be mitigated especially when seen under the lens of the current global poverty and social dimensions. The principal positive social impacts as a result of the Project Road include: Increased mobility; Reduction in transport and vehicle operating cost; Reduced travel time; Temporary and permanent job opportunities for the local people; New development to be attracted to the Area; and Empowerment of women, etc. On the other hand, the major negative impacts would be: Acquisition of land for both temporary and permanent works; Expropriation of properties including houses close to the road; Noise and vibration especially from project activities close to sensitive sites like schools, churches, mosques, hospitals, and residential areas; Possible conflicts between the contractors staff and the locals over common resources such as water; Conflict between the locals and the migrant workers due to cultural differences and other Practices that may not be in line with that of the Project Area; Possible spread of pandemics notably HIV/AIDS; Impacts on historical and cultural sites, and graveyards; Impacts on public utilities, electric line, telephone line and waterline, Incidence of malaria outbreak; Traffic accidents. iii

10 As stated earlier, some of the impacts are positive and hence need to be enhanced while the negative impacts should be mitigated to the extent possible by means of: Good housekeeping of the Contractors in the areas of waste management, employment opportunities for the local people, etc; Keeping the Right-of-way (RoW) to possible and recommended width so that impacts resulting from wide RoW would be substantially reduced; An exclusive local NGO should be commissioned to conduct HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control at workplaces; Protecting religious sites, graveyards and sacred places from damage by addressing the issues in the design and coordinating ancillary works in such a way it will not cause damage to these sites; Compensating the PAPs for property loss and for disturbance based on the value of the product in the local market; Establishing system of motoring to ensure the implementation of the mitigation measures; Avoiding gender based discrimination; Aware the workforces and nearby communities on the traffic accidents, erecting proper signs and warning posts on accident prone areas; Compensating land for land for the farmland loss whenever possible and cash for land at location where there will be shortage of lands. Although mitigation measures are proposed, their implementations require the involvement of different and relevant stakeholders corresponding to each measure. Therefore, responsible bodies for implementing the mitigation measures, along with the cost estimates wherever applicable are included in the Report. Conclusion In general, the upgrading of the existing gravel surfaced Nekempt-Bure road to Asphalt Concrete (AC) is expected to affirmatively contribute to the economic and social wellbeing of the communities within the Project Area in particular and of the country in general. However, like most of development projects in Ethiopia, the Project Road, besides its beneficial impacts, is expected to pose adverse environmental and social impacts of different nature, magnitude and duration. Therefore, the [adverse] impacts arising as a result of implementation of the Road Project will negatively affect the natural, physical and socio-economic environment unless precautionary and mitigation measures will be taken at the right time. In order to effectively enhance the positive and mitigate the negative impacts, all parties to the contract should fulfill their obligations as per the Terms and Conditions stipulated in the Contract Documents. That is, the Client should facilitate conditions, as required, and be cooperative with the contractors and consultants; while the latter, besides acting according to the Contract Documents, should closely work with the local people and stakeholders on relevant issues that may arise on sites and require common efforts. iv

11 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background and Purpose The Government of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) has allocated funds through the Road Sector Development Program Phase IV (RSDP IV) for the Feasibility Study, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Detail Engineering Design and Tender Document Preparation for Nekempt-Bure Road Design-Build-Maintain Project. The following is of Nekempt-Bure Road Design-Build-Maintain project. The purpose of this SIA is therefore to provide: i.) All the necessary information for the (ERA), Regulatory bodies, and Financiers to assess the proposed project in social terms; and ii.) Prepare the details of social impacts, mitigation and reinforcement (or enhancement) measures. Given the importance of the road transport in supporting social and economic growth and in meeting poverty reduction objectives, the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) has placed an increased emphasis on improving the quality and size of the road infrastructure. On this basis, the government of Ethiopia formulated, RSDP since The implementation of RSDP required a huge amount of investment towards improvement of the road network. These investment outlays cover the Rehabilitation or Upgrading of the Main, Trunk, Link and Rural roads and construction of new roads to augment the network. It is in this scenario that the FDRE, represented by the, has allocated budget to finance payments for the consultancy services for Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Preparation of Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), Detailed Engineering Design and Tender Document preparation for Nekempt Bure Road Project (258 km) which will create a link between Oromia and the Amhara National Regional States by connecting the Addis Ababa Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa Nekempt trunk roads. 1.2 Scope of Services and Objectives is a planning tool used in project appraisal and design, in view of ensuring sustainability; and helps to make the project responsive to community and social issue. Accordingly, the fundamental objective of the Social Assessment for the current project is to ensure the proper protection of the socio-economic environment while developing the Road Project. The Terms of Reference (TOR) prepared by the Client, the (ERA) calls for the assessment of impacts of the Road Project on the socio economic environment of the project area; and to identify the potential sources of social impacts. It also requires the consultant to forward mitigation measures for adverse impacts; to undertake public consultation and prepare Social Management and Monitoring Plans. Road projects belong to development interventions that are expected to pose impacts (beneficial and adverse) on the socio economic environment. Therefore, to assess the potential impacts of the project on the society, it is necessary to identify and analyze the potential impact areas of the project. Accordingly, the SIA will deal with the identification, prediction and 1

12 evaluation of the impacts of the proposed Road Project. Following the identification and evaluation of impacts, it also identifies and proposes measures aimed at avoiding or minimizing adverse impacts on the one hand, and enhancement measures of the beneficial ones on the other. 1.3 Project Description The project road starts at the outskirts of Nekempt town located some 300 km from Addis Ababa. The town of Nekempt is located in the Western part of Ethiopia in East Wollega Administrative zone of Oromia National Regional State (ONRS). The terminal point of the project road is Bure town, located in West Gojam Administrative zone of the Amhara National Regional State (ANRS). It connects Amhara and Oromia regional states in Western Ethiopia. The road corridor creates cultural, economic and social ties and relationships with the people residing in both regions. The project road starts at the northern outskirts of Nekempt town and terminates at Bure town after approximately 258 kms heading North/North-East direction and crossing the Abay (or Blue Nile) River at approximately 190 kms from Nekempt. The end of the project is after Bure town, at the junction with the Trunk road Addis Ababa-Debre Marcos-Bahir Dar. The Project Road is classified as Link road B32; and its current status is gravel/earth road with variable width between 5.5 and 9 meters. Most section of the project road is located in Eastern Wollega Administrative zone. The Right of Width (ROW) of the project road in urban areas reaches a maximum of 25 meters and in rural areas it is 30 meters and may vary depending on the limit of work (slope stake) in deep excavation sections. Table 1 : Contract Data Road No Project Name B32 Nekempt-Bure Road Upgrading Project Region / Zone Starting Point Description Ending Point Description Length (km) Design Standard ROW Road Functional Classification Climate Classification Elevation (m) (min max) Oromia and Amhara/East Welega and West Gojam Nekemte town, located at about 300 km from A.A., on the Addis- Asosa Trunk Road. It is capital of East Welega zone of Oromia Region. Bure town, located on the Addis-Asosa_Debre Markos-Bahir Dar Trunk Road. It is capital of Bure Woredaof West Gojam Zone Amhara Region. 258 kms DS4 25 meters in urban and 30 meters in rural Major Link 823 m minimum altitude and 2300m maximum altitude 2

13 In addition, Figure 1 depicts the location of the Project Road in the country accompanied by the detail (map) of the Project Area. Table 2 : Geographic Locations of major towns and key points along the road Item No. Change Description East North Distance from Addis Nekempte town km Anger Gutan town km Gendo town km Gida Ayana town km Egerè town km Agamsaa town km Blue Nile river bridge km Bure town round about km End of project. Junction km with Addis-BahirDar 3

14 Figure 1: Location Map of Nekempt Bure Road Project 4

15 2. POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK This chapter presents relevant social policies and legislative framework at the Federal and Regional level in which the Nekempt-Bure Road Project is proposed and that will or may be triggered by the project and with which the project must comply. The policies and legislative works reviewed include that of sector Ministry policies and legislation that are relevant to the project road. The chapter also presents International financiers policies and guidelines that are pertinent to the project. 2.1 National Policies and Legal Framework Constitution of the FDRE The Constitution of the FDRE, which entered into force on August 21st 1995, forms the fundamental basis for enactment of specific legislative instruments governing environmental matters at the national level and which are relevant to the Project Road. Articles 43, 44 and 92 of the Constitution specifically deal with the right to development, environmental rights and environmental objectives respectively. Thus: In a section that deals with the right to development (Article 43): Article 43 (1) gives broad right to the peoples of Ethiopia to improved living standards and to sustainable development; Article 43 (2) acknowledges the rights of the people to be consulted with respect to policies and projects affecting their community; and Article 43 (3) requires all international agreements and relations by the State to protect and ensure Ethiopia s right to sustainable development. Regarding land ownership and holding right: Article 40 (3) vests the right to ownership of rural and urban land, as well as of all natural resources, in the government and in the peoples of Ethiopia. It recognizes land as a common property of the Nations, Nationalities of and peoples of Ethiopia and prohibits sale or any other exchange of land; Article 40 (4) guarantees the right of farmers to obtain land without payment and protection against eviction from their possession; and Article 40 (5) guarantees the right of pastoralists to free land for grazing and cultivation as well as the right not to be displaced from their own lands; In recognition of the value of human input on land, Article 40 (7) states that Every Ethiopian shall have the full right to the immovable property he builds and to the permanent improvements he brings about on the land by his labor or capital. This right shall include the right to alienate, to bequeath, and where the right to use expires to remove his property, transfer his title, or claim compensation for it Environmental Policy of Ethiopia The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (EPE) was approved by the Council of Ministers in April 1997 (EPA/MEDAC 1997). It is based on the CSE which was developed through a consultative process over the period

16 It is fully integrated and compatible with the overall long-term economic development strategy of the country, known as Agricultural Development-Led Industrialization (ADLI), and other key national policies. The EPE s overall policy goal may be summarized in terms of the improvement and enhancement of the health and quality of life of all Ethiopians, and the promotion of sustainable social and economic development through the adoption of sound environmental management principles. Specific policy objectives and key guiding principles are set out clearly in the EPE, and expand on various aspects of the overall goal. The policy contains sectoral and crosssectoral policies and also has provisions required for the appropriate implementation of the policy itself. The section of the EPE concerning ESIA sets out a number of policies, key elements of which may be summarized as follows: The need for ESIA to address social, socio-economic, political and cultural impacts, in addition to physical and biological impacts, and for public consultation to be integrated within the ESIA procedures; Incorporation of impact containment measures within the design process for both public and private sector development projects, and for mitigation measures and accident contingency plans to be incorporated within environmental impact statements (EISs); Creation of a legal framework for the ESIA process, together with a suitable and coordinated institutional framework for the execution and approval of ESIAs and environmental audits; Development of detailed technical sectoral guidelines for ESIA and environmental auditing; and Development of ESIA and environmental auditing capacity and capabilities within the Environmental Protection Authority, sectoral ministries and agencies, as well as in the regions. The Policy has been developed as a national instrument enhancing the objectives of the Constitution and setting out clear cut directions with respect to environmental concerns particularly in terms of regulatory measures adopted as well as in the process of design, implementation and operation of development projects. Its recognition of the significance of addressing cross-sectoral environmental issues in the context of a national approach to environmental assessment and management integrates the efforts of a wide range of institutions across the country. It provides a sound and rational basis for addressing the country s environmental problems in a coordinated manner Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP) FDRE s Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP) is a five year pro-poor growth and development strategy 2010/ /15. The GTP has five major objectives, which includes maintaining at least an average real GDP growth rate of 11% and meeting Millennium Development Goals (MDG), expanding and ensuring education and health services by achieving MDG for the sectors, creating stable democratic development state and maintaining stable macroeconomics framework. The GTP aims to achieve high development growth of the country by the end of its plan year. In its infrastructure development, GTP gives emphasis in developing and improving rural roads 6

17 and access. The GTP by the end of its plan year 2015 plans to achieve the following targets in its road development; increase the road network of the country from 49,000km to 136,000 km, the average time taken to all weather roads from 3.7 hours to 1.7 hours, road density from 44.5km per 1000km 2 to and road density per 1000 population from 0.64 to 1.54, and increase the pproportion of area further than 5 km from all-weather roads 64 to 29. The Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP) is the third development strategy document in series since 2005 to date. The development policies and strategies pursued during the two five year Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Programs (SDPRP) (2005/ /2014), together with the vision expressed in and achievements realized by the SDPRP, were the foundation for the design of the next document; namely: Plan for Accelerated and Sustained Development to End Poverty (PASDEP). The PASDEP was implemented during the five-year period of 2005/ /10 based on achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDGs) targets and the Government vision for development. Based on the foundation laid for achieving the MDGs through the strategic pillars of the PASDEP, and with an ambition of a target of higher rate of economic development than that of the PASDEP, the [current] GTP has been framed for the period 2010/ /15. During the plan period, the GTP encompasses qualitative and quantitative targets set in the areas of macro-economic performance, performance of economic and social sectors (including: agriculture, trade and industry, mining, transport, telecommunication, energy, water and irrigation, construction and urban development, education and health) and cross-cutting sectors (including: gender and children affairs, youth and sports development, HIV/AIDS prevention and control, social welfare, population development, labor affairs, culture and tourism, science and technology development and environment and climate change) National Population Policy This National Population Policy (NPP) was issued in April 1993 and aims at closing the gap between high population growth and low economic productivity through a planned reduction in population growth in combination with an increase in economic returns. With specific reference to natural resources, the main objectives of the NPP are: Making population and economic growth compatible and the over-exploitation of natural resources unnecessary; Ensuring spatially balanced population distribution patterns, with a view to maintaining environmental security and extending the scope of development activities; Improving productivity of agriculture and introducing off-farm non-agricultural activities for the purpose of employment diversification; and Maintaining and improving the carrying capacity of the environment by taking appropriate environmental protection and conservation measures National Policy on Women In 1993, the government introduced the National Policy on Women (NPW) for Ethiopia. Among the major objectives of the NPW are creating conducive environments to ensure equality between men and women so that women can participate in the political, social, and economic decisions of their country, and facilitating the necessary condition for rural women to have access to basic social services. The policy is also intended to create the appropriate structures 7

18 within the government offices to establish and monitor the implementation of different gendersensitive and equitable public policies. Following the policy recommendation of creating an appropriate government structure at the various tiers of government, there are now ministries/bureaus/offices of women s affairs. At the federal level, one of the duties and responsibilities of the ministry for women, youth and children affairs is conducting and monitoring women s affairs activities at the national level and creating an environment for the implementation of the NPW in different sectors. At regional, zonal, district, and Kebele levels, there are respective offices (at Kebele level). On the other hand, those situated in line sectors/ministries are mandated to identify issues of gender gaps and develop strategies to address inequalities in the respective line ministries and their sub-sectors. The Women s Affairs Offices are formally accountable to their respective councils, many of which have women s affairs or social affairs committee that are engaged in oversight activities. The plans included steps to enhance rural women s access to and control over productive resources like land, extension, and credit Rural Development Policy and Strategy The Agriculture Development-led Industrialization s (ADLI s) core tenet is that increased agricultural productivity is the engine for both agricultural and industrial growth. That is, through the use of Green Revolution technologies, the low productivity of traditional Ethiopian farming systems would be substantially improved. The ADLI is reflected in the Rural Development Strategy (2001) which further stresses the role of increased agricultural production as the basis for the country s development. The strategy is driven by the quest for ensuring food security and enhancing rural employment opportunities. The Strategy is made up of eight building blocks; namely: i. Technology generation and dissemination; ii. Food security, including resettlement and water harvesting; iii. Agricultural extension and vocational training; iv. Agricultural marketing (of inputs and outputs); v. Rural finance; vi. Development of cooperatives; vii. Rural transport; and viii. Rural land administration and management. In most of the above building blocks, environmental considerations are included in an implicit manner. Explicit consideration is rather given to the need to sustain production through use of appropriate technologies, development of tailored extensions and trainings to agro-ecological zones, and sustainable land management and land use. Resettlement, which is included under the food security block, also includes the need for careful assessment of land resources and disease problems in the resettlement sites. It also calls for communities to take responsibility for environmental protection and rehabilitation within resettlement areas. 8

19 2.1.7 Cultural Policy of Ethiopia Article 51/3 of the Constitution of the FDRE declares the Federal government shall establish and implement national standards and basic policy criteria for the protection and preservation of cultural and historical heritage'. Based on this, the Council of Ministers of FDRE endorsed the cultural policy of Ethiopia in October 1997 and issued the Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage Proclamation No.209/2000. Protection and Conservation of Cultural Heritage from manmade and natural hazards is one of the goals of the Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage. Article 42 of the same proclamation states under Reserved Area that the Authority has the power of issuing building permission for any work to be carried out in an area declared reserve by the Council of Ministers. There is also an article that states the removal of any cultural ruins is to be carried out under strict supervision of the responsible authority, Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritages Rural Lands Administration and Utilization Proclamation The Constitution leaves the detailed implementation of the provisions concerning tenure rights over rural land to be determined by subsequent specific laws to be issued at both the Federal and Regional levels. Accordingly, at the Federal level, the Rural Lands Administration and Utilization Proclamation were enacted in 1997 to further determine the land use system and use rights in the country. The Proclamation provides that land administration laws to be enacted by Regions should be based on the provisions provided therein and specifies the basic principles of rural land distribution and utilization including the scope of land use right which Regional laws should grant. Similar to the Constitution, the Proclamation provides that peasants and nomads (pastoralists) shall have the right to get rural land holding the size of which shall be determined based upon the particular conditions of the locality and free of charge Proclamation on Expropriation of Land Compensation The Federal legislation on Expropriation of Land for Public Purposes and Compensation (Proclamation No. 455/2005) in effect repealed the outdated provisions of the Ethiopian Civil Code of 1960 regulating land acquisition and compensation for the purpose of public projects. This new legislation established detail procedures setting the time limits within which land could be acquired after a request is received from a proponent, principles for assessment of compensation for properties on the land as well as for displacement compensation. It also empowered the Wereda administration to establish valuation committees to value private properties. In the case of public-owned infrastructures to be removed from the right-of-way, the owners of the structures would assess the value of the properties to be removed. Additionally the legislation provided for appeals on valuation decisions but such action would not delay transfer of possession of land to the proponent or contractor appointed by the proponent. This Proclamation helps to undertake smoothly issues related to expropriation of land holdings and compensation which will be the main agenda during the construction and implementation of the Nekempt-Bure Road Design-Build-Maintain Project. 9

20 As discussed earlier, the Constitution lays down the basis for the property to be compensated in case of expropriation as a result of State programs or projects in both rural and urban areas. Art clearly states that All persons who have been affected or whose livelihoods have been adversely affected as a result of state programs have the right to a commensurate monetary or alternative means of compensation, including relocation with adequate state assistance Thus, persons who have lost their land as a result of acquisition of such land for the purpose of constructing roads are entitled to be compensated to a similar land plus the related costs arising from relocation; assets such as buildings, crops or fruit trees that are part of the land etc. Hence, the project plans must include an attractive and sustainable resettlement strategy, offering adequate compensation and incentives to the loss of livelihood of the project affected people (PAPs) at least as per the provisions of the proclamations No. 455/ International Policies and Legislations In addition to national environmental legislations, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is also a party to a number of regional and international conventions and protocols pertaining to environment and social issues which are of relevance to the project World Bank/IFC Safeguard Policies In order to address the environmental and social impacts of the Project Road from the WB/IFC perspective, the following relevant Safeguard Policies are triggered for application. Safeguard Policy: OP4.01, Environmental Assessment (EA) Summary of Provisions: States that all projects proposed for World Bank Group funding require EA review/analysis to ensure that they are environmentally and socially sound/sustainable; An EA evaluates a project s potential environmental impacts; examines project alternatives; identifies ways of preventing, minimizing, mitigating or compensating for adverse environmental impacts and enhancing positive impacts; EA considers: the natural environment (air, water and land); human health and safety; social aspects (involuntary resettlement, cultural property); as well as, trans-boundary and global environmental aspects; Projects are categorized based on environmental significance. Category A projects require a full ESIA undertaken by independent EA experts; Project sponsors for Category A projects must prepare a Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan (PCDP) and an Environmental Action Plan (EAP). Project sponsor must consult project-affected groups and local NGOs at least twice: before TORs for EA are finalized and once a draft EA report is prepared; and During project implementation, the project sponsor reports on compliance with (a) measures as agreed upon with IFC, including implementation of an EAP; (b) status of mitigation measures; and (c) the findings of monitoring programs. 10

21 Safeguard Policy: OP4.11, Cultural Property (WB), OPN11.03, Cultural Property (IFC) Summary of Provisions: Operational Policy 4.11 is forthcoming; projects must comply with OPN 11.03, Cultural Property in the interim. Policy aims to assist in the preservation, protection, and enhancement of cultural properties and to avoid their elimination; If there is any question of cultural property in the area, a brief reconnaissance survey should be undertaken; and Cultural property definition includes unique natural environmental features (canyons, waterfalls) with cultural values. Safeguard Policy: OP 4.12, Involuntary Resettlement (WB), OD 4.30, Involuntary Resettlement (IFC). Summary of Provisions: Operational Policy 4.12 is forthcoming; projects must comply with OD 4.30, Involuntary Resettlement in the interim; Aims to avoid or minimize the involuntary resettlement of people required for Projects; Applied wherever land, housing, or other resources are taken involuntarily from people; Sets out procedures for baseline studies impact analyses and mitigation plans for affected people; Project sponsors must implement a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP); RAP must address both physical resettlement and economic effects of displacement. Safeguard Policy: Policy on Disclosure of Information (IFC) Summary of Provisions: Sets out IFC policy on disclosure of information, minimum requirements for public consultation and describes materials which the public has the right of access to; Public consultation required at least two times for Category A projects: during the setting of project terms of reference in the scoping stage and during the review of the draft EA; Project sponsors are required to make project information publicly available at or near the location of project for all Category A and B projects; Summary of Project needs to be disclosed in local language(s) at project site; Once Category A project EAs are complete, they are released through the World Bank s Info Shop and simultaneously in the host-country at least 60 days before proposed Board date, closing date, or management approval date; EA reports must contain details of public consultations made from EA preparation including location and dates of meetings, description of parties consulted, overview of issues discussed and resolved and necessary future action. Main public comments and consultation are included after the EA is released; and After negotiations between IFC and sponsor, the EAP is updated and re-released publicly to reflect final understandings between IFC and the project company on measures taken to manage mitigate and monitor environmental and social issues. 11

22 3. INSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 3.1 Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) comprises Nine Regional States members and two city administrations. The power and duties of the Federal, Regional and Local governments have been defined by Proclamations 33 of 1992 and 41 of 1993, and 4 of Under these proclamations, duties and responsibilities of Regional States include: planning, directing and developing social and economic development programs, as well as the protection of natural resources of their respective regions Regional Governments The Nekempt-Bure Road Design-Build-Maintain lies inside Oromia and Amhara Regional States. Regional states are divided into zones and weredas. Wereda is sub-divided into several Kebele Administrations, which is the basic administration unit. Each administrative unit has its own local government elected by the people. Based on the powers and responsibilities vested in the regional governments during establishment, the Regional Governments under consideration have established Sectoral Bureaus, Commissions and Authorities The (ERA) was established in 1951 through proclamation No.63/1963 as Imperial Highway Authority with responsibilities for the construction, improvement and maintenance of the Country s major road network. However, the Organization has undergone through different areas of jurisdiction and was re-established for the second time in 1997 under Proclamation No. 80/1997 with major responsibilities of initiating policies, determining design standards, road classification. In 2011, it was also re-established for the third time as an autonomous Federal Government Agency and accountable to the Ministry of Transport by the Council of Minister s Regulation No. 247/2011. ERA is managed by a Board and whose members are assigned by the Government. Its day to day management is carried out by a Director General appointed by the Government. ERA in its reestablishment proclamation was made responsible to develop and administer roads, create conducive conditions for the coordinated development of road networks; and ensure the maintenance of standards in road construction. The construction of roads requires land acquisition and expropriation for the ROW, Access road construction, Campsites, Quarry sites; borrow pit and other similar activities. According to the reestablishment of proclamation of ERA; it is responsible for the preparation of RAP for road projects and to initiate land acquisition and expropriation. As stated in its powers and duties ERA is responsible for the following activities that are directly related to land acquisition and many others. Prepare or cause the preparation of designs and feasibility, environmental and other related studies required for road works; determining the extent of land required for its activities in the adjacency of roads; 12

23 cause the use of, free of charge, land and quarry substances required for the purpose of road works, camp, offices, storage of equipment and other related services; acquire land required for road works by paying compensation for land possessors and property owners in accordance with the law; Take necessary measures to protect the environment whenever road works are undertaken. Following its reestablishment in 2011, ERA has now become a Regulatory body which has a number of regional Directorates or offices. Its previous, organizational setup is restructured and the own force account has become an independent public enterprise agency. ERA s Environmental and Social Management Team (ESMT): The ESMT was first established in January 1998 as Environmental Monitoring and Safety Branch (EMSB) under the Planning and Programming Division of the Engineering and Regulatory Department. Then, it was changed into the Environmental Monitoring and Safety Branch (EMSB) with major duties and responsibilities including: setting and implementing ERA s environmental guidelines in support of and in line with the national level requirements, playing the role of advisory, coordination and supervision aspects that are pertinent to the road environmental impacts and implication assessment, and co-ordination with the respective ERA district offices. In addition, it represents ERA at different levels in the areas of environment and road safety matters. In 2010, the EMSB was transformed into ESMT mainly assuming the roles that have been played by the EMSB minus the handling of safety and related issues; and is situated in the Planning and Programming Directorate. The Team is currently staffed with six professionals: one Environmentalist (Team Leader), one Senior Ecologist, two Sociologists, one Hydrologist and one Geologist. There are also two professionals assigned exclusively for HIV/AIDS prevention and control at ERA workplaces Ministry of Transport The is currently made accountable to the Ministry of Transport which shall have, among others, the powers and duties to: promote the expansion of transport services; ensure that the provision of transport services are integrated and are in line with the country's development strategies; ensure the establishment and implementation of regulatory frameworks to guarantee the provision of reliable and safe transport services; ensure that transport infrastructures are constructed, upgraded and maintained; In addition, the powers and duties given to the Ministry of Transport by the provisions of other laws, currently in force, with respect to matters relating to the transport sector are hereby given to the Ministry of Transport Ministry of Health According to proclamation No. 471/2005, the Ministry of Health shall have the powers and duties to: 13

24 Formulate the country's health sector development program; follow up and evaluate the implementation of same; Support the expansion of health services coverage; follow up and coordinate the implementation of health programs financed by foreign assistance and loans; Direct, coordinate and follow up implementation of the country's health information system; Devise and follow up the implementation of strategies for the prevention of epidemic and communicable diseases; Follow up and coordinate the implementation of national nutrition strategies; Take preventive measures in the events of emergency situations that threaten public health, and coordinate measures to be taken by other bodies; Ensure adequate supply and proper utilization of essential drugs and medical equipment in the country; Prepare the country's health services coverage map; provide support for the expansion of health infrastructure; Supervise the administration of federal hospitals; Collaborate with the appropriate bodies in providing quality and relevant health professionals' trainings within the country; Provide appropriate support to promote research activities intended to provide solutions for the country's health problems and for improving health service delivery; Expand health education through various appropriate means; and Ensure the proper execution of food, medicine and health care regulatory functions Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage Research and conservation of Ethiopian cultural heritage are regulated by Proclamation No.209/2000 of Ethiopia. This defines cultural heritage broadly as anything tangible or intangible which is the product of creativity and labour of man in the pre-history and history times, that describes and witnesses to the evolution of nature and which has a major value in its scientific, historical, cultural, artistic and handcraft content. Protection and conservation of cultural heritage from man-made and natural hazards is one of the duties of the Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ARCCH). Prior approval of the Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage is required to remove an immovable cultural heritage from its original site, (Art. 21/1). Whenever a registered movable cultural heritage is encountered during the execution of the project it is possible to remove such property by notifying the Authority in advance (Art. 21/2). However, it is also stated that the removal of any cultural ruins is to be carried out under strict supervision of the responsible authority, ARCCH. Any person who destroys or damages cultural heritage intentionally shall be punished with gregarious imprisonment not less than 10 years and not exceeding 20 years (Art. 45/2/). Article 42 of the same proclamation states under 'Reserved Area' that the Authority has the power of issuing building permission for any work to be carried out in an area declared reserved by the Council of Ministers. 14

25 4. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY 4.1 General The Study is based on two principal sources of data; namely: Primary and Secondary Sources. The secondary data was obtained through review of socio economic data, different and related literatures/documents including the following: Woreda Socio Economic Profiles; The National Laws, Policies, Regulations, Directives, etc.; Donors, notably the World Bank s, Safeguard Policies; and Other documents (statistical, reports, etc.) The SIA study began by scoping process in which the limits and project influence areas were defined; activities to be undertaken were listed, and valued social components were identified and impacts to be studied during the assessment were preliminarily defined. The scoping process involved consultation with stakeholders; including: regional government institutions, NGOs, community representatives and the communities that would assume Project Impact (Project Affected Persons/PAPs). Meetings and discussions were held at different levels of; Zonal and Woreda and Local Administrations. The study area comprises the project road route corridors and all surrounding areas that will be under significant influence, i.e., where the social impacts of the road can be felt. Influence Area or Zone of Influence (ZOI) refers to the area in which the project will cause an impact either in the form of a direct impact or an indirect impact. It encompasses the proposed road as well as offsite and/or ancillary works such as borrow pits, quarries, construction water sources, access roads and detours etc. Direct observations on site during field work have also assisted the Consultant Team to identify sensitive social components in the route corridor and influence areas, and on this basis, observations that have contributed to identification of potential beneficial and adverse impacts of the proposed project were made. Questionnaires and site inventory forms were developed and used to gather baseline social information including information related to impacts. Possible changes to earlier proposed alignments for the route were discussed and evaluated together with the relevant Interested or Project Affected Persons (PAPs) as well as with the engineering design team of the consultant. The SIA process follows the guidelines of the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Environmental and Social Procedure Manual of the (ERA). In general, The SIA study process covers: scoping; description of the proposed Road Project works, assessment of baseline socio economic conditions; analysis of potential social impacts; analyses of alternatives if any; development of mitigation and compensation measures; preparing social management and monitoring plans. 15

26 4.2 Methodology for Impact Identification The identification of impacts resulting from projects takes into consideration and brings together project characteristics and baseline social characteristics with the aim of ensuring that all potentially significant social impacts (adverse or favorable) are identified and taken into account in the SIA process. There are different methods of impact identification depending on the nature and complexity of the project under consideration. For the project road under consideration, it has been sensed as sound that the simple matrix be applied as it is based on the following criteria and aims that suit the characteristics and anticipated impacts of the road project. i. Compliance with regulations; ii. Comprehensive coverage of social impacts; iii. Uses qualitative and quantitative information; iv. Easy to use; v. Unbiased, consistent; and vi. Summarizes impacts for use in EIS. 4.3 Method of Impact Prediction and Evaluation The objective of prediction is to identify the magnitude and other dimensions of change with a project or action, in comparison without project or action. The primary objective of impact prediction and evaluation is to explicitly identify and (qualitatively or quantitatively) determine the nature and magnitude of the impacts resulting from undertaking the Project. Once impacts have been predicted, there is a need to assess their relative significance. Criteria for significance include the magnitude of the likelihood of the impact and its spatial and temporal extent, the level of public concern and the political repercussions. When choosing prediction methods, one should be concerned about the appropriateness of the methods for the task involved in the context of available resource. Methods or models for prediction could broadly be classified as explorative and normative approaches. The method of evaluation of impacts can be of various types including simple or complex, formal or informal, quantitative or qualitative, aggregated or disaggregated. The most formal evaluation method is the comparison of likely impacts against legal requirements and standards (like quality standards, etc.). As such standards are not readily available in Ethiopia, the evaluation of the impacts of the project under consideration will depend on the qualitative, and wherever possible quantitative, approaches to evaluate the extent of the impacts in the short- as well as long-term. 16

27 4.4 Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures are measures envisaged in order to avoid, reduce and, if possible remedy significant adverse impacts that have resulted from implementation of undertakings. Implementation of mitigation measures follow the hierarchy given below: Avoid impacts at the source; Reduce impacts at source; Compensate in kind; Compensate by other means. 17

28 5. EXISTING CORRIDOR BASELINE CONDITIONS 5.1 Project Description The project road starts at the outskirts of Nekempt town located some 300 km from Addis Ababa. The town of Nekempt is located in the Western part of Ethiopia in East Wollega Administrative zone of Oromia National Regional State (ONRS). It is a major administrative town and trade center in that part of the country having high potential for growth and development. The terminal point of the project road is Bure town, located in West Gojam Administrative zone of the Amhara National Regional State (ANRS). It connects Amhara and Oromia regional states in Western Ethiopia. The road corridor creates cultural, economic and social ties and relationships with the people residing in both regions. The project road starts at the northern outskirts of Nekempt town and terminates at Bure town after approximately 258 kms heading North/North-East direction and crossing the Abay (or Blue Nile) River at approximately 190 kms from Nekempt. Most section of the project road is located in East Wollega Administrative zone. The end of the project is after Bure town, at the junction with the Trunk road Addis Ababa-Debre Marcos-Bahir Dar. The existing road is classified as Link road B32; and its current status is gravel/earth road with variable width between 5.5 and 9 meters. The Project under study is Design-Build-Maintain. The Right of Width (ROW) of the project road in urban areas reaches a maximum of 25 meters and in rural areas it is 30 meters. The construction of the project road will cause land acquisition temporarily and permanently. Some of the properties and assets that will be affected due to the widening of Right of Way (ROW) include; Trees planted along the route such as, eucalyptus plantations for domestic use and for market along the project road particularly near the project start and in small towns; Houses located along the road particularly in Gida Ayana and in other towns; Public utilities like electric lines, telephone lines and waterlines; Churches that belong to Orthodox Christians and Protestants; and mosques along the project road; Graveyards/burial sites along the project road particularly in the compound of Orthodox Christian church and Muslim burial sites on the outskirt of Ayana towns; Social service giving institutions, schools; Farmlands that belong to small holders and also large farms along the project road. 5.2 Physical Environment The topographic makeup of the area has characteristically three fold. These are flat, highly rugged, and major Valley. The valley have steep slope extending more or less uniformly along length of the valley. On the other hand the rugged topography has several low relief but dense topographic highs and lows. Quite significant part of the road passes through mainly flat topography but on varying elevation. The climate of the Project Area is mostly temperate (Woina Dega) and receives relatively sufficient amount of rainfall. 18

29 5.2.1 Land use The land use in the project road corridor is mainly agricultural land. The project road traverses through mostly cultivated areas with about 33% flat, 48% rolling or undulating, 6% mountainous and 13% escarpment topography. According to Bure woreda OoARD (2006) land use data, area covered by annual crops accounted for 46.6% of the total area of the woreda. In the same year, the proportion of the landmass under forestland was 8.4% while area under natural pasture was 6.0%. Because most of the landmass is under cultivation, cow dung and crop residue are the major source of energy both in the rural and urban areas. Crop residue is also the major livestock feed resource in the area. Both practices of using cow dung and crop residues for fuel accelerate the process of soil nutrient depletion on croplands. Most of the bush and forestland were the major sources of fuel wood. Currently these resources are depleted and some remnants are found in the low altitude areas which are inaccessible. The vegetation cover of this area can be rehabilitated by organizing local community members as gum and resin producers and enriching the area with such tree species. Table 3 shows the land use of Bure Woreda. Table 3: Land Use in Bure Woreda Land use type Area (Ha) Percentage Cultivated land 33, Pasture land 4, Shrub 10, Natural Forest 6, Water bodies Construction (road and houses) 4, Perennial crops Wasteland 11, Total 72, Source: Bure Woreda, OoARD (June 2007) 5.3 Socio-Economic Environment The socio-economic environment discusses the background about the demography, ethnic background and religion, economic activity and urbanization and social service infrastructures in the project road corridor Demography Under this section the demographic condition of the direct project woredas has been discussed. Based on the 1999 population and housing census result, the population of Nekempt town is projected to be 80,452 in While male population is slightly higher than the female population and expected to grow by about 4.11 percent per year as that of national urban standard. The average household size of the town is estimated to be 6. Religion wise, Orthodox and Protestant Christianity are followed by about 50 and 40 percentage of the town s population respectively. The remaining balance is mainly contributed to by followers of Islam. Sasiga Woreda has a rural population of 79,236 according to CSA, Of the total population in the district, % is the rural population and the mean of the rural family size of the population are 7 and at urban the average family size of the district is 5 children. The population 19

30 of Guto Gida district is estimated to be 95,312 with 3.35 % urban population effective of year The percentage of urban population for the district doesn t include Nekempt town population for that it has got its own urban administration power. From the total population in the district % is the rural population. The crude population density of the district in the same year was about 92 person s per. Km 2. Gidda Ayyana woreda based on population and housing census conducted in 2007 G.C was 119,559 and 123,270 in 2009 and 2010 respectively. By the year 2010 from 123,270 total populations of the woreda 60,403 (49%) were males whereas about 62,867 (51%) were females. During this year about 79.53% of the total populations were rural population, which are directly engaged their life with even the back bone of the country called agriculture. The crude population density of the woreda in the year 2010 was persons per. km2. The majority of the population of the woreda were included in the age group and family size of the woreda were seven for rural and three for urban. Gida Kiramu on the other hand has a rural population of 131,944,391 according to National atlas Based on figures published by the Central Statistical Agency in 2005, this woreda has an estimated total population of 102,721, of whom 52,398 were males and 50,323 were females; 10,420 or 10.14% of its population are urban dwellers, which is greater than the zone average of 13.9%. According to 2007 population and housing census based projected population for the woreda for the year 2010 Rural and urban total population was (male and female 25649). Whereas urban population for the same year is 5597 total and male 2810 and female was Human population of Bure woreda of Amhara Regional State is 169,609 of which 143,854 (85%) live in rural areas. In general, the male population is relatively lower than female population in the woreda however; male-headed households are around 6 times higher than female-headed households. The number of agricultural households, 21,793, is about eight times higher than the households in the urban areas. This indicates that the livelihood of most of the woreda population is dependent on agriculture. Table 4: Population distribution by woreda and sex Woreda Total Male Female Nekemte town Sasiga Guto Gida Gida Ayana Kiramu Amuru 102,721 52,398 50,323 Bure Total Source: Respective Woreda Administration 20

31 5.3.2 Ethnicity and Language The major ethnic groups in the project area are Oromo, who speak Afan Oromo as their first language for Oromia zones (East Wollega and Horo Guduru Wollega) and Amhara who speak Amharic in Bure woreda of West Gojam Zone. There are also other ethnic groups along the project road.the two largest ethnic groups reported in Amuru Jarte were the Oromo (81.12%), and the Amhara (18.7%); all other ethnic groups made up 0.18% of the population. Oromiffa was spoken as a first language by 81.18%, and 18.7% spoke Amharic; the remaining 0.12% spoke all other primary languages reported Religion In the project road corridor, there are two major religions Christianity and Islam. The majority of Nekemte town inhabitants are Protestant Christians, with 48.49% of the population reporting they observed this belief, while 39.33% of the population said they observed Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, and 10.88% were Moslem. The majority of Sasiga Woreda inhabitants observed Protestantism, with 62.7% reporting that as their religion, while 21.55% were Moslem and 14.21% observed Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The majority of Guto Gida inhabitants observed Protestantism, with 53.11% reporting that as their religion, while 30.16% observed Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, and 14.61% were Muslim. The majority of the inhabitants were Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, with 70.32% of the population reporting they observed this faith, while 15.1% of the population said they were Muslim, 9.86% were Protestant, and 4.23% practiced traditional beliefs in Amuru Woreda Settlement Pattern The major part of the Project area is rural and undeveloped, urbanization in the project road corridor is at its rudimentary level. The project road crosses 12 towns and most of which are small in size and having a population that is less than 10,000. The major urban centre that exists in the project road corridor is the town Nekemte, which is the administrative and commercial capital in East Wollega and has a population slightly less than 100,000. Bure is the second largest town touched by the subject road. Gida Ayana is the third largest and also one of the oldest towns in East Wollega which was established in 1813 before the Country s capital city, Addis Ababa. Others towns along the project road corridor include Tsige Mariam, Guto Hayarat, Uke, Kokofe, Ayana, Kiramu, Haro, Agemsa, Migir, Joji, Bekotabo, Santom, Kochi, Addis Amba and Alefa Basi. The following table list down all the towns along the road project with their corresponding geographic coordinate. Table 5: Towns along the project road No Name Elevation(m) Coordinate Woreda 1 Nekemte (project start) , Nekemte 2 Tsige Mariam , Sasiga 3 Guto Hayarat , Guto Gida 4 Uke , Guto Gida 5 Anger Guten at km (71.3) , Gida Ayana 6 Ayana , Gida Ayana 7 Kokofe , kiremu 8 Kiramu , Kiramu 21

32 No Name Elevation(m) Coordinate Woreda 9 Haro , Kiramu 10 Agemsa , Amuru 11 Migir , Amuru 12 Joji , Amuru 13 Bekotabo , Bure 14 Santom , Bure 15 Kochi , Bure 16 Addis Amba , Bure 17 Alefa Basi , Bure 18 Bure (project end) , Bure Economic Activity Mixed agriculture (crop farming and livestock keeping) is the mainstay for the majority of the population in the project area. Apart from crop farming and livestock keeping, there is very small economic activity in the project influence area. The livelihood of the population in the urban sections mainly depends on small scale businesses, and employment in public and private sectors. The major source of income for households include salaries, earning from selfemployment, domestic work and causal labour, petty trade and pension. In terms of agricultural development, all the woredas traversed by the project are surplus producer. Crop production is the major agricultural activity in the corridor followed by livestock keeping; and the major cereals produced include, Teff, Barely, Wheat and Maize. In Sasiga woreda the main crops are Teff, Barely, wheat, maize, sorghum, millet; oil seeds like Niger seed, Rape seed and sesame; root crops Fabian and Soya bean. Some of the crops produced in Guto Gida woreda are Maize (361744), sorghum (338277), Teff (23678), millet (24885), sesame (25366), Neug (18032), haricot bean (11308) and wheat (5260). Table 6: Crops production in quintals 2009 & 2010 in Kiramu Woreda Crop under production Area (hectare.) Production Area (quintals.) (hectare.) Production (quintals.) In meher season Maize 6, ,679 6, ,255 Sorghum 2,610 65,250 2,710 75,508 Teff 8, ,771 8, ,583 Wheat , ,992 Barely 2,190 48,302 2, ,875 Finger millet 5,809 84,196 5,889 94,150 Bean , ,375 Haricot bean ,640 1,070 16,500 Peas 205 3, ,500 Sesame 2,523 25,310 2,807 28,413 Soya bean 302 3, ,934 Miger seed 5,156 37,263 5,570 42,985 Total 36, ,225 37,083 1,362,070 Source: Kiremu woreda Agriculture and Rural Development Office 22

33 Total grain production in the woreda in the year 2010 was 529, Qt whereas total pulses products in was 9976Qt and the oil seeds production was Qt. Land holding size of the woreda in 2010 families having land less than 1ha are 1134, 1-2ha are 1662 households who own 2-3 are 1462 HHs who own 3-4 ha are 1014 HHs who have 4 ha land are 217 and families who own land greater than 4 ha are Like in other parts of the country, farmers in Bure woreda practice crop-livestock mixed farming system. Bure Woreda has ideal soil and climatic condition for the production of many crops. Maize, bread wheat, teff, pepper, finger millet, potato, vegetables, coffee, Nueg, sugarcane, haricot bean and sesame are grown in this farming system. Subtropical and tropical fruit crops like mango, avocado, banana and papaya can easily grow in the area. The lion share of the total crop land is covered by maize. However, it is mainly grown for household consumption. Among the crops grown in the area, pepper and bread wheat are serving as the major cash crops to the community. The livestock population in Sasiga woreda are Cattle (86888), Sheep (7808), Goat (10361), Horse (3), Mule (81) and Donkey (5794). The livestock in Guto Gida are Cattle (66213), Sheep (8965), Goats (7852), Horse (89), Mule (259), Donkey (3904) and Poultry while that of Gida Ayana are Cattle (87576), Sheep (17194), (10866), Mule (277), Donkey (4310). Table 7: Livestock population Year Cattle Sheep Goats Mules Horses Asses ,062 10,193 33, , ,474 20,458 34, ,484 Source: Kiremu woreda Livestock Development, Health and Marketing Office. The livestock population in Amuru woreda cattle , sheep 15152, goats 20401, mules 247, horses 176, donkeys 7694, and poultry and the total livestock population were 245,462 in According to the Bure woreda OoARD report (2006), 71,924 cattle, 8,794 goats, 15,225 sheep, 47,159 poultry, 6013 donkey, 85 mule and 586 horses are available in the woreda. Cattle and sheep are major livestock types in this farming system. Poultry is also important considering the surplus grain production and the presence of known local chicken breed called Tilili in the area. Cattle and sheep fattening is becoming common practice in the area but it lacks scaling-up and needs improving the practice in terms of selecting animals, feeding and health care. There is also good initiation to expand dairy in the area. Farmers rear and use to fatten different local sheep breeds like Dangela and Horo types. The Horo type is more adapted and widely reared in relatively warmer part of the woreda while the Dangela type is dominant in the mid and high altitude areas of the woreda. Based on the available information from the Guto Gida district, the most chronic diseases affecting the livestock resources are internal parasites, trypanosomiasis bacterial infection, Leamphanetics, external parasites, anthrax & black leg. Internal parasites attack bovine, ovine, goats, and equines. Trypanosomiasis attack: bovine, ovine, goats, equine and poultry. External Parasite attacks bovine, goats equine. Anthrax attacks bovine & equine, black leg attacks bovine. Based on the available information from the Gida Ayana district, the most important diseases affecting the livestock resources are internal parasites, trypanosomiasis, bacterial infection, epizootic lymphangities inpanosomi, external parasites, ovine pas, black leg, bor, past and other infections. Internal parasites mainly attack livestock such as, cattle, goat, sheep, and mules. Trypanosomiasis spatially attacks cattle population. External Parasite attacks bovine, goats equine. Anthrax attacks bovine & equine, black leg attacks bovine. The major livestock 23

34 population feeds in the Guto Gida and Gida Ayana districts are natural grasses, crop residue and sharps. Internal and external parasites are the common diseases in Kiramu woreda. In Bure Woreda area which falls in the lowland animal disease transmitted by Tsetse fly called Trypanosomes is a bottleneck for animal production. Despite this fact, farmers still rear and fatten cattle in the area. Recently, efforts are underway to introduce pour-on in order to control trypanosomes. Other animal diseases such as liver fluke, anthrax, black leg and gastrointestinal parasites are also prevalent in the area. The veterinary service in the woreda is very weak due to drug shortage and budget problems Mode of Transportation Modern transport coverage is low in the rural areas. Travel and transport in the project area is mainly carried out by walking on foot. It is estimated that more than 90% of households in the project area walk on foot to reach different social services and facilities. Use of pack animal is the second mode of transport available. In the rural areas, one has to cover on average 5-hours walk on foot to access transport service. The road network of Nekempt town at the end of 2010 was totals about km. This includes 12.5 km Asphalt, km Gravel & 17 km dry weather roads as well as other road types. In Guto Gida woreda on other hand, there was 4 km asphalt road giving service and the road (gravel) exist in the woreda during last two years was about 52 km. There was also 143 km rural road in the woreda that connects kebeles with the town and/or other kebeles. The length of gravel road in Gida Ayana woreda by 2009 was about 106 km and increased to 154 km by 2010 and the length of rural road by the year 2010 was 20 km which connects kebele with kebeles and with woreda. The length of gravel road in Kiramu woreda in 2009 and 2010 was about 35 km and the length of rural road by the year 2009 and 2010 was 156 km and 180 km respectively which connects kebele with kebeles and with woreda. According to Amuru woreda report there is no asphalt road but 10 km was gravel road and 34km was 34km all-weather rural road and 146km was dry weather road. All-weather road 93 km, community road 51km and totally 244 km is serving the community in Bure woreda. Sasiga has a road constructed by Oromia rural road construction in labor base project that has been serving the district to both towns Galo and Geba Jimata. The district has 32 kilometres constructed road effective of the year Educational Services The existing educational facilities are ill equipped and under staffed and lack the capacity to provide the services required. Nekempt town has 1 government, 18 private and 4 nongovernment kindergartens schools by the year The number of government primary school by the year 2009 was 10 of which, 1 were first cycle and 9 were second cycle. By the year 2010 there were one senior secondary school, one preparatory (11-12) school, one technical school, two colleges and one university under government ownership. 24

35 Table 8: Total number of enrolled, dropped out and Repetition students in primary 1st cycle (1-4) Non- Government Private No Situations in Sex Government school Total M 2,753 3, Enrolment F 3,048 3, T 5,801 6,398 1,801 1, Dropped Out M F T 510 1, Repetition M F T Source: Nekempt Town Education Office According to the above table primary education 1 st cycle student s enrolment and dropout were increased under government, private and non-government ownership during last two years. Table 9: Total number of enrolled, dropped out and Repetition students in primary 2 nd cycle (5-9) Non- Government Private No Situations in school Sex Government Total Enrolment M 2,644 2, F 3,173 3, T 5,817 6, , Dropped Out M F T Repetition M F T Source: Nekempt Town Education Office Accordingly to the above table Primary education 2nd cycle student s enrolment was increased under government, private and non-government ownership during last two years. Table 10: Total number of enrolled, dropped out and Repetition students in senior secondary (9-10) Non- Government Private No Situations in school Sex Government Total Enrolment M 2,159 2, F 2,231 2, T 4,390 5, Dropped Out M F T Repetition M F 355 1, T 578 1, Source: Nekempt Town Education Office 25

36 The student enrolment of senior secondary school under the three ownership type stated above was increased for the last two years. But the number of student dropped out was decreased only under nongovernment ownership during the year 2009 and Table 11: Total number of enrolled and dropped out students in Preparatory school (11-12) Nekempt town Government Private Non- No Situations in school Sex Government Total Enrolment M F T 1,221 1, Dropped Out M F T Source: Nekempt Town Education Office Table 12: Number of schools and classrooms under government holding by the year 2009 and 2010 Nekempt town Number of schools and classrooms under government holding No Type of schools School Room School Room 1 Primary 1 st cycle Primary 2 nd cycle Senior secondary (9-10) Technical/vocational Preparatory(11-12) TOTAL Source: Guto Gidda woreda Education Office As explained in the above table the number of school is increased from 32 in 2009 to 35 in the year 2010 and the number of class rooms was also increased during last two years. 26

37 Table 13: Number of student enrolled, dropped out and Repetition by level of school in the year 2009 and 2010 Student Enrolled, dropped out and Repetition by level of school Year Sex Total Enrolled Primary school First cycle Second cycle Dropped out Repetitio n Total Enrolled Dropped out Repetitio n Total Enrolled Senior secondary (9-10) Dropped out Repetitio n M 6, , F 5, , T 11,775 1, , M 6, , F 6, , T 12,717 1, , Source: Guto Gida woreda Education Office According to the above table the primary school, first cycle, students total enrolment was increased to 12,717 in 2010 from 11,775 in 2009 where as second cycle student enrolment is decreased to 5,503 in 2010 from 6,198 in By the year 2010 there were 32 adult education centres with 1058 total numbers of participants of which 783 were male and 275 were females in the Guto Gidda woreda. Table 14: Number of teachers by level of schools (1-4), (5-8) and (9-10), vocational, preparatory, Number of teachers under government No Level of school Level of ownership education M F T M F T 1 Primary 1 st cycle(1-4) TTI Primary 2 nd cycle(5-8) Diploma Senior secondary school(9-10) BA/BSC Source: Guto Gida woreda Education Office Table 15: Number of schools and classrooms under government holding in the year 2009 and 2010 Number of schools and classrooms under government holding No Type of schools School Room School Room 1 Primary 1 st cycle Primary 2 nd cycle Senior secondary (9-10) Technical/vocational Preparatory(11-12) TOTAL Source: Gidda Ayana Education Office 27

38 As explained in the above table, the number of school was increased from 48 in 2009 to 51 in 2010 and the number of class rooms was also increased during last two years. According to the Woreda Education Office report the primary school, first cycle, students total enrolment was increased to 16,527 in 2010 from 12,950 in 2009 where as second cycle student enrolment was increased to 9,525 in 2010 from 9,020 in Table 16: Number of teachers by level of schools (1-4), (5-8) and (9-10) No Level of school Level of education 28 Number of teachers under government ownership M F T M F T 1 Primary 1 st cycle(1-4) TTI Diploma Primary 2 nd cycle(5-8) TTI Diploma Senior secondary school(9-10) MA/MSC BA/BSC Diploma Vocational BA/BSC Diploma Preparatory BA/BSC Diploma Source: Gidda Ayyana Education Office One Kindergarten under private ownership provides service in Kiremu town by the year 2009 and The number of student enrolment in kindergarten is decreased from 52 in 2009 to 27 in Total first cycle enrolment in 2010 was 7328 and grade 5-8 in the same year was 4617 and grade 9-10 enrolment was There is no preparatory school in the woreda. By the year 2010 there were 63 adult education centres with 396 total numbers of participants of which 279 were male and 115 were females in the Kiremu woreda. There were 32 teachers participated on learning teaching process in Kiremu Secondary School by the year 2009 and this figure was increased to 42 in Table 17: Number of student enrolled, dropped out and Repetition by level of school in the year 2009 and 2010 Student enrolled, dropped out and Repetition by level of school Primary school Senior secondary First cycle Second cycle (9-10) Year Sex Total Enroll ed Drop ped out Repet ition Total Enroll ed Drop ped out Repet ition Total Enroll ed Drop ped out M F T M F T Source: Sasiga woreda Education Office Repet ition

39 According to the above table the primary school, first cycle, students total enrolment was increased to 10,554 in 2010 from 2,622 in 2009 similarly the second cycle student enrolment was increased to 5,043 in 2010 from 4,974 in In 2010 there are 64 male and 72 female students in the kindergartner school in the urban center. In grade 1-8 there are total students in Amura woreda and among than 7976 are male and 7121 are female students. There are 19 health institutions health centres, clinics and health posts in Bure woreda of Amhara regional state. Health personnel are 33 male and 100 female health professionals and totally 133. About 9362 women are family planning service user in the woreda mothers who used prenatal care wage791 and postnatal care 3462, delivery service 791, post-delivery care, 353 women growth follow up given to 2611 babies, children who given ant diarrhoea care are Health Services The distribution of health services and facilities, and also that of health professionals has not yet reached to its expected level in the zones and in the project road corridor. Nekempt town has one hospital, two health centres (of which one is under nongovernment), and forty five clinics (of which thirty nine were under private and four were under non-government ownership), four pharmacies under private ownership by the year The most challenging diseases (the ten top diseases) in the town are as acute febrile illness, pneumonia, helminthiasis, all forms of TB, gastritis, URTI, rheumatism & connective tissue, UTI, dental Cerise, and skin infections. Table 18: Number of health technicians in the town Review Period with Type of Ownership No Health Technicians Government Private Non - Government Doctors Nurses Health assistants Health Officers Laboratory technicians X-ray technicians Sanitarians Community health agents Pharmacists Source: Nekempt Town Health Office A health facility in the woreda indicates that there are two health centres, 10 health posts, and nine clinics under government ownership providing health services for the community in There are also five rural drug vendors and three drug shops under private ownership by the year Health professionals exist in Sasiga woreda by 2010 were 36 nurses, one health officers, three health assistants, two lab technicians, three pharmacists, four sanitarians, and 27 community health agents operating in health institutions under government ownership by the year In the other case it is possible to understand that the health coverage in the woreda was found on a good position in the indicated year. For example in 2009 which was 62% grew 29

40 to 75% in According to the data obtained from Sasigga Health Office the total numbers of children vaccinated during the year 2010 were 2,114 of which 1057 were males and 1057 were females. A health facility in the Gida Ayana Woreda indicates that there is one hospital, four health centres, four pharmacies, 22 health posts, and one malaria controlling centre under government ownership providing health services for the community in There are also five rural drug venders and three drug shops under private holding and one clinic and one health post under nongovernmental organization ownership by the year Health professionals exist in Gidda Ayyana Woreda in 2010 were five doctors in government and one in private, 98 nurses of which 51 were government nurses, 44 were working in private health intuitions and 3 were nongovernmental organizations nurses, nine health officers, ten lab technicians, 2 health assistants, three sanitarians, 506 community health agents & seven pharmacy technicians operating in health institutions in the year The health coverage in the Woreda was found on a good position in the year under investigation. For example in 2009 which was 88.56% grew to 91.50% in According to the data obtained from Gidda Ayyana Health Office the total numbers of children vaccinated during the year 2010 were 4,006 of which 1,963 were males and 2,043 were females. In this woreda the major child health related problems in the woreda were most of URTI and pneumonia, acute gastro enteritis (AGE), malaria in low land area, intestinal parasites. A health facility in the Kiramu woreda indicates that there are one health centre, one clinic, three drug shops of which two were private, and 13 health posts in the year Health professionals exist in Kiremu woreda in 2010 were two health officers, two lab technicians, 1 pharmacist, and two sanitarians operating in health institutions in the year Human Disease is any harmful change that interferes with the normal appearance, structure, or function of the body or any of its parts. The major causes of death of children in the woreda are NNT, measles, malnutrition, CDD and others. In the other case it is possible to understand that the health coverage in the woreda was found on a relatively good position in the year under investigation. For example in 2009 which was 60% grew to 75% in In general this trend shows a better health attention in the woreda. According to available data from Amuru woreda health office, there were 1 health centre, no clinics, 1 malaria control centre, 20 health posts, 6 beds are giving services. Regarding health personnel 16 Nurses, 1 Lab. Technicians, 1 health assistants and 29 community health agents 2009 and 3 Health Officers, 24 Nurses, 2 Pharmacy Technicians, 2 Lab, Technicians, 1 Sanitarians and 43 community health agents 2010 in health institutions of the woreda 43% health coverage in % health coverage in 2010 have got a service. Most of the diseases in the project road corridor and in the zone are diseases that could be controlled and cured if appropriate health and hygiene education and awareness exist and that nutrition level of the population improves. The top 10 diseases in Project Woredas in 2010 include; Malaria, Gastritis, URTI, Helminthiasis, Skin infection, RTI, Typhoid fever, Rheumatism, Pneumonia and Intestinal Parasites. The most challenging diseases (the ten top diseases) in the Nekempt town are as acute febrile illness, pneumonia, helminthiasis, all forms of TB, gastritis, URTI, rheumatism & connective tissue, UTI, dental Cerise, and skin infections. The most challenging diseases (the ten top diseases) in Guto Gida woreda are as malaria, parasities, pneumonia, respiratory diseases, genitor unitary diseases, digestive system diseases, skin diseases, anaemia, diarrheal, and others. The most challenging diseases (the ten top diseases) in Gida Ayana Woreda are as 30

41 malaria, gastritis, URTI, helminthiasis, skin infection, respiratory tract infection, typhoid fever, rheumatism, intestinal parasite, and pneumonia. The most challenging diseases (the ten top diseases) in Kiramu woreda are as malaria, intestinal parasite, fever of unknown origin, diarrhea, skin infection, gastritis, rheumatism, common cold, and pneumonia and eye disease. Types of disease attacking population in the woreda are mostly, internal parsites, respiratory infection, fever of unknown origin, Diarrhea, Rheumatic, FUO, Gastritis, Eye disease, Malaria, skin diseases, and Anaemia, Teeth Gum disease & other disease Water supply Water resource is ample in the area. Springs emanating from the hills and mountain sides are found here and there. However, coverage of adequate potable water supply is still in short. Most of the rural community depends on water from unprotected sources (springs, rivers and ponds). No major pollution sources are prevalent in the area, except fecal pollution risks. Simple source protection and spring developments could enable obtain good quality water for domestic consumption. In the year 2010, Nekempt town population supplied with potable water were 62,860 which is 66.1%. The sources of Nekempt town water Supply are tap water, well and spring water. There is water supply project started in the year 2006 which will be completed at the end of 2012 and will raise the water supply to 95%. Available information from the Guto Gidda Water, Mineral and Energy Office indicates that out of the total population in the district 31.60% by 2009 and 45.60% by 2010 are supplied with potable water. The sources of drinking water according to their importance in the woreda for urban areas are tap water, spring, river, well and pond whereas the rank according to the importance of sources of drinking water for rural areas in the woreda are spring, river, tap water, well and pond. Table 19: Percentage of total population supplied with potable water supply in the woreda Number of Centres Total population of the woreda Population supplied with potable water %age of pop. supplied with Year potable water Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total ,047 4,500 93,547 26,714 2,925 29, ,047 4,500 93,547 38,946 3,150 42, Source: Guto Gidda woreda Water, Mineral and Energy Office 31

42 Table 20: Percentage of total population supplied with potable water supply in the woreda Year %age of pop. Total population of the Population supplied Number of centres supplied with woreda with potable water potable water Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total ,678 46, ,971 11,374 39,681 51, ,204 46, ,516 50,779 39,365 90, Year Source: Gidda Ayana Water, Mineral and Energy Office Table 21: Percentage of total population supplied with potable water supply in the woreda Number of Centres Total population of the district Population supplied with potable water %age of pop. supplied with portable water Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total ,860 26,140 72,000 5,872 7,304 13, ,550 26,450 72,000 12,550 10,953 23, Source: Kiremu Water, Mineral and Energy Office Available information from the Kiremu Water, Mineral and Energy Office indicates that out of the total population in the woreda 18.30% by 2009 and 32.60% by 2010 are supplied with potable water. Table 22: Percentage of total population supplied with potable water supply in the woreda %age of pop. Total population of the Population supplied Number of centres supplied with Year woreda with potable water potable water Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total ,424 8,698 84,122 37,893 7,593 45, ,893 8,429 86,322 44,582 5,825 50, Source: Sasiga woreda Water, Mineral and Energy Office Available information from the Sasigga Water, Mineral and Energy Office indicates that out of the total population in the woreda 54.00% by 2009 and 58.80% by 2010 are supplied with potable water. There are 244 water schemes in rural and urban areas of Bure Woreda, the rural water supply coverage is 74.1% and in urban the coverage is 89.1% and average safe water supply for both rural and urban is 73.4% in Generally information from all the woredas along the project road indicates high potential of availability of ground water. The problems in the project influenced woreda are developing the surface or ground water to fulfil the need of the community. Indeed, there are indicators of availability of the ground water particularly in woredas like Ayana, Kiramu and Bure. There is 32

43 wide area of wetlands which indicates availability of the ground water and shallow water table as well. But there is no documented comprehensive study in any of the influenced wereda regarding the availability of ground water Energy source The major energy source is biomass including fire wood, crop residue and animal dung that are used extensively. Electricity is only available at urban centres, where it is used for lighting. The sources of domestic energy supply according to their importance Nekempt town are charcoal, firewood, kerosene, electricity, and dung. According to the information obtained from Sasiga woreda administration office, sources of energy for both rural & urban residents are mainly from wood. Firewood holds the highest rank and charcoal in the second place for urban dwellers. Firewood & crop residue serve as energy supply in first & second place in rural area. The sources of domestic energy supply according to their importance in the woreda for urban areas are electricity, firewood, kerosene, charcoal, and crop residue; whereas the rank according to the importance of sources of domestic energy supply for rural areas in the woreda are firewood, crop residue, kerosene, charcoal and electricity. The numbers of towns with hydro sources of electric supply by the year 2010 were Nekempt, Uke and Tsige. The sources of domestic energy supply according to their importance in the Kiramu woreda for urban areas are firewood, charcoal, kerosene, electricity and crop residue whereas the rank according to the importance of sources of domestic energy supply for rural areas in the woreda are firewood, kerosene, charcoal, and crop residue. The numbers of towns with diesel sources of electric supply by the year 2010 are three Historical and Cultural Heritages There are no as such physical cultural heritages which will be adversely affected by the project and which cannot be saved by good engineering practices. However, there are Orthodox and protestant Christian churches close to the subject road which need attention in the design and precautions during the construction. Some of these are St. George Church on the outskirt of Nekempt town which is situated very close to the project start. There are also graveyards close to the road which will be affected unless the road centreline will be shifted to the right. At this particular point the road centreline should be shifted to the opposite in order to avert the damage on the graveyards and the consequent public complains. In similar manner Tsige Mariam Church at about km at the outskirt of Tsige village is in the corridor of influence but outside of the 50m ROW, the maximum ROW width, for the asphalt concrete standard road at the flat terrain according to the design manual of ERA, Protestant Evangelical Mekane Yesus Church is also found at km RHS but similar to the previous one it is outside of the 50m if the existing centreline maintained. In Sasiga Wereda St. George and Michael churches exist at km Mosques are also found at km before reaching Uke town in Guto Gida Wereda and at km Anger village. Indeed, there are Muslim graveyards at about km at the outskirt of Ayana town towards Ejere village before crossing Labu River. The road at this point should also be shifted from the path followed by under Universal Rural Road Access Programme (URRAP). The existing community road was very close to the graveyards. Therefore, it has to be shifted to the left in order to prevent this graveyard for damage. 33

44 There are also a number of Protestant churches on the way towards the Kiramu town. But these churches are located outside of the ROW and will not be affected during the implementation of the project road. But spoil materials should not be dumped in the vicinity, quarries and borrow pits should not be selected, and camps should not also be established close to these sites. In Kiramu wereda there are sacred places like Dire Aba Foka the place where Gada system in the area is celebrated and Welbe Mountain a site where different battles were taken place and also at the same time the worshipping site for traditional believers or followers of Waqefana ancient Oromo belief. Welbe Mountain is outside of the project influence zone while Dire Aba Foka is close which needs protection in one way or another. Both are outside of 5km diameter approximately from the existing road centreline. Crossing the Abay River there are also few Orthodox Christian churches. These churches are outside of the direct impact zone. Therefore, it will be possible to keep them untouched and control the adverse impacts from ancillary works. Alfa Michael in Alfa Basi town is the typical example. Nekempt town is an old town which has made over 100 years and has high potential to attract tourist. In the old days it used to be the center of the onetime leader of Kelem Wollega. The old Palace of Kumsa Moreda is found in Nekempt town. Welbe Mountain was the battle places and a place where Oromo traditional believers Waqeffana give thanks to Waaqaa God. It is thanks giving place. Dire Aba Foka is also another site where the local people celebrate Geda system. Warabessa waterfall in Kiramu Woreda is also one of the tourist potential areas. The scenic view of Abay gorge from Amuru as well as Bure side is one of the tourist potential sites. 5.4 Gender Equity Issue Gender equity issue is highly important and critical for socio economic development of a nation and without maintaining gender equality it is highly unlikely to attain required development goals. In the project area, there is gender inequality as it is also the case in most part of the rural community of Ethiopia. The role that women play in the socio economic development and in particular in agricultural activities is highly paramount in rural Ethiopia. In the project road corridor, Women participate equally in development activities including agricultural activities in the field as the men do. In addition to farm work they are responsible for day to day household duties and for taking care of children. They are also the ones who carry their agricultural products to the market places for sale and in return to buy household commodities for consumption. However, their involvement and role in decision making and development planning is minimal. As per the results of discussions conducted with each woreda and also in line with the comment given by community representatives, women are the most disadvantaged & affected due to inadequacy of the road infrastructure. There are frequent death causalities reported due to delays in reaching health centres especially during pregnancy and delivery period. The hardship of carrying heavy loads to the market places and back home is also the burden of the women. The implementation of the road infrastructure would substantially improve the transportation facility in the area, there by alleviating most of the difficulties that women are currently experiencing. Woreda level women affair offices do their utmost effort to create awareness about the role and responsibility that women play in the community and at household level. Bure woreda Office of Women Affairs made efforts to solve some of the cultural, social and economic problems of 34

45 women in the woreda. The primary focus of the office is to organize women in the form of women association at kebele level and in other forms like HIV/AIDS victim women associations and government employee women associations. At present 1678 women are organized under 27 associations. 6. PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION The primary purpose of public consultation is to inform and create awareness all concerned stakeholders and the local community about the implementation of the project and the potential impacts due to the construction and also to solicit the views of all the concerned stakeholders. Public consultation gives opportunity for the affected people to influence the project to reduce adverse impacts, maximize additional benefits, and ensure that their concerns are addressed properly. It also helps that the interest of affected persons/communities, especially the poor and vulnerable groups is taken into account. FDRE Constitution also reaffirms the participation of the public, in policies and projects that affect their livelihood. Article 43 No.2 states that: Nationals have the right to participate in national development and, in particular, to be consulted with respect to policies and projects affecting their community. In the project road corridor, public and stakeholders consultation was carried out through formal meetings held with woreda and kebele officials, sector office heads in each of the woredas, focused group discussions, and also through informal meetings held with different sections of the community. Public and Stakeholders consultation was also conducted to increase the participation of all the stakeholders, including people residing in the project area, local government officials, Kebele administrations and Woreda experts and professionals from every sector and in almost all locations where the road traverses. Stakeholders consultation was held with the objective of influencing the identified stakeholders in each key stage of the study of the project road, and that concerns of stakeholders are reflected in the road design and construction works. The consultation was held in every woreda capital located in the project area. The different groups of public and private organizations, community groups and individuals who participated in the public and stakeholders consultations include; Elders and informal leaders, Woreda Administration and Sector Offices, Kebele Administrations (rural and Urban), School Teachers, Health Workers and Agricultural Development Agents, Business men (Hotel and Restaurant owners, Transporters, Traders, etc), 6.1 Consultation during Feasibility Study Along the project road, a first meeting was held with Gida-Ayana town authority representatives on January 27 and in this occasion they explained that their request for the road realignment was already officially submitted to the Ethiopians Roads Authority in 1998, 1999 and more recently in 2006 during the design activities carried out by CORE Consulting Engineers PLC. 35

46 The above matter was discussed on Wednesday 1st of February with ERA s Western Regional Contract Management Directorate (Ato Nuru Daud and Ato Malka Bekele) and subject of a letter addressed to ERA s Director General Ato Zaid Wolde Gebriel dated February 2nd In the same letter, it was also underlined that the option of the Gida-Ayana town realignment, was somehow out of the contract s scope of works, as in fact this will concern a new road design but, most important, it was requested that ERA s decision was to be made as soon as possible, in order to avoid-minimize any possible impacts on the Consultant s work program also considering that the topo-surveying activity was already in the area. ERA s decision to follow the new alignment was then communicated by letter MM3/89/ dated February 13, Table 23: List of meetings Description Date Comments Introduction meeting at the western Regional Directorate Presentation meeting with Nekemt district engineer Presentation meeting with Bure town authorities Presentation meeting with Gida-AYANA town authorities Meeting at western Regional Directorate January 12, 2012 January 23, 2012 January 25, 2012 January 27, 2012 February 1 st The project team leader (G.CESARONI) met the Western Regional Contract Management Directorate: The Company s surveyor (A.MERHAZION) met the District engineer in Nekemt ATO.Efrem Afere The Company s surveyor (A.MERHAZION) met Bure s authorities ATO. Berahun Tadesse to discuss the Master plan and the end of project location. The Company s surveyor (A.MERHAZION) met Gida s authorities ATO.Mosissa Godo to discuss the road alignment in this area and record their request The project team leader (G.CESARONI) together with the Surveyor A.Merhazion met ATO NURU (AG.DIRECTOR) and ATO MALKA (PR.ENGINEER) to discuss about the Gida-Ayana realignment option 6.2 Consultation during Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Study Public consultation meetings and interviews were held at selected woreda centres and with the woreda administrations at their respective offices and localities as the situation allowed. Consultations meetings were held in the Nekempt town administration office, affected kebeles of Sasiga woreda, Guto Gida woreda administration office, Gida Ayana worede administration office, Kiramu woreda administration office, Amuru woreda administration office and Bure woreda administration office. The participants of the meetings were woreda administrators, representative of different bureaus, elders, religious leaders, youth and women representatives, project affected persons, NGOs representatives. The minutes of the meetings formally held were attached as annexes. Issues discussed and briefings given include the following topics; 36

47 Knowledge about the intended road project; Attitude of the community on the road project implementation; Major benefits of the road improvement project; Major adverse impacts that may be caused due to the road project implementation, especially of the roadside settlers and properties in the ROW; Possible compensation and needs for resettlement of people in those towns and villages; Road design in the major towns like Ayana and Kiramu was raised and discussed; Other mitigation measures proposed for the other adverse impacts. At the first instance on most of the meetings, the participants underlined as the upgrading of the road is a long time question of the society. The upgrading of the road is the prime question of the local people forwarded to the government officials on different forums. It is one of the issues raised by the public during the recent Federal and Regional level elections for parliament. The consultation meetings demonstrated communities / stakeholders positive view about the project. The community and the respective woreda administrations showed willingness to cooperate in administering and handling the compensation and resettlement issues for the affected group, in spite of all the adverse impacts (dislocation of houses and people, damages to properties in the right of way). Regarding social concerns, the community has weighed both positive and adverse consequences of the project and gave their opinions freely. It is pointed out that access to market places and availability of transport facility will improve the price for their products, which at present are undervalued due to difficulties in transporting their goods to Regional and Central markets. Almost all of the weredas traversed by the road project are surplus producing woredas. Be it woredas in East Wollega Zone, Amuru Woreda of Huru Guduru or Bure of Amhara Regional state, all these woredas are surplus producer. Cereals, oil crops, honey, and various types of fruits are produced in abundance in these woredas. In terms of the livestock also all the woredas have large number of livestock population regardless of the different animal diseases challenging this sector due to lack of adequate medication. However, there is no reliable and good road to transport the agricultural products be it crops, cereals, fruits or animal products to the central market. As a result the development of the area has lagged far behind. 37

48 Figure 2: Public consultation at administrative weredas Figure 3: Public consultation at different locations Since the existing road is muddy and slippery during the rainy season it takes longer time to transport goods and passengers to the different destinations. Similarly, during the dry season the road is dusty and it creates inconvenience to drivers and the local people. Due high dust problem there were incidence of respiratory diseases in the villages and towns crossed by the road. Indeed, there were incidences of accidents created by invisibility due to the dust. According to the consultations held with the three influenced kebeles in Sasiga woreda (Tokuma Tsega, Beraso Jarso and Anbelta) health diseases like asthmatics, respiratory diseases, eye diseases) and accidents due to dust was raised similarly. Lack of transportation is one of the impacts due to car owner apprehension of breakdown which leads to high cost of spare parts. During the consultation held in Gida Ayana and other villages and town in the woreda, the elders remembered the establishment year of the woreda which was 1813 i.e. before the capital of the country Addis Ababa. They also regretfully mentioned the bypassing of the Ayana by existing road due to absence of consultation with people and without their consent. The Gida Ayana public have been requesting and demanding for the construction of the road since the time of Emperor Haile Selassie s rule, which was toppled down by the military Government in September

49 The public have stressed the importance of the road connecting the town of Gida Ayana. They said this road will not fully achieve the objective if it bypasses Ayana on the existing route. The participant also confirmed the best option for the section is diverting from the existing at Gendo (Gida Gudina kebele), then through Ayana joining the existing road at Ejere (Ejere Kebele). The other request made by the public was to make the design for the road a double carriage way, which has pedestrian walk way and parking lanes in Ayana. Kiramu woreda representative also made a similar request. Kiramu wereda participants discussed on the same and strengthened the same arguments made by the former woredas. Indeed, they requested ERA to provide double lane, walkway and parking although it was explained to them the road design and number of carriage ways will be determined by the number of traffic and the town master plan. They have mentioned as Kiramu does not have master plan so far that their request should not be undermined or overlooked due to the absence of the master plan. Other issue raised during the consultation and in particular to Kiramu was the problem of large gullies that are located in the outskirt of the town. They are worried that the construction of the road might aggravate and worsen the existing condition of the gullies. To minimize the problem and the risk that might be caused due to the gully, the public have proposed that the contractor to use it as spoil disposal site by having made proper treatment after levelling. Consultation in Amuru woreda on other hand gave high weight to the problem of transportation. People and commodity have been transported together due to absence of the transportation. Due to absence of public transport service in the area people are forced to use trucks for public transport. It is common to see medium sized trucks which has loading capacity of 35 quintals (or 3.5 Tones) carrying each time about 200 people to be transported. Some of the participants of the consultation meeting complained that they have been indirectly denied their constitutional right of ownership of property like a vehicle while having the capacity to do it. They mentioned absence of road as a cause for poor living standard in the rural area contrary to their high agricultural production and productivity. There are large numbers of investors in the woredas traversed by the road. But it is reported that some of the investors were discouraged by the poor road condition which will have its own impact on the local job opportunity and economic development. Participants have thanked ERA for pre-informing them concerning the adverse social impacts of the project. The local administrations promised to avail replacement land for the land loss, for the house loss and for business house loss provided that ERA is ready and willing to pay compensation for properties and assets that will be affected due to the construction works. They also positively responded not to carry out any activity within the ROW after this consultation. All minutes of consultation meetings are annexed. 6.3 Additional Consultation Undertaken During the Review Stage in Consultation with local community and local administration A public consultation was undertaken at three representative towns of the Oromia and Amhara Regional States through which the road construction project extends. The public consultations/minutes of meeting on Nekemt-Bure road project is summarized as below. Two public consultations were conducted at Gida Ayana and Agamsa towns representing respectively the East Wallaga and Horo Guduru zones of the Oromia Regional State and the 39

50 third public consultation was held at Kuch town of the Amhara Regional State. A total of 137 participants have attended the consultation meeting (23 in Agamsa, 50 in Ayana and 64 in Kuch town). The main issues that were raised during the public consultations are summarized as follows; The consultant has briefed participants, which included residents of the towns, nearby farmers, community elders and town/woreda/kebele administration about the government s plan in the construction of Nekempte Bure Road Project. Although the consultations were held in different localities, very similar opinions were expressed with regard to the points of discussion mentioned above. Accordingly all residents of the towns, farmers, community elders and woreda/town/kebele administrative personnel agreed on the following major points: All the participants of the consultations expressed that the construction of the road has of paramount importance for the development and well being of the society in terms of economic, social, cultural and political values. They are all eagerly waiting for the implementation of the project as the road construction will improve their current persisting socio-economic problems such as lack of access to health services, educational facilities, poor connectivity with other regions/towns thereby decreasing the earnings of the society as a result of lack of ease of access to market to sell their agricultural products. All the participants also agreed that compensations have to be paid for all people whose properties (including but not limited to buildings, housings, farm lands, grazing lands, tree plantations, etc) will be demolished due to construction of the road as per the national law. It was also agreed that no one is going to exercise/carry out any development activities such as construction of houses, tree planting and farming inside the ROW limit or within the premise of meters from the centre of the road along both sides of the road and/or on the envisaged width of the Master Plan of town sections. Municipalities have also agreed and promised to maintain the ROW limit and monitor that no construction activities are carried out inside the ROW. The participants expressed that they are all committed to work towards the implementation of the mitigation measures for the potential economic, social and environmental impacts of the project with the contractors/ consultant(s). All participants of the meetings requested that the road width at the town sections must be to the standard in order to avoid accidents and for future development and growth of the towns Consultation with NGOs Consultation was also made with two NGOs intervene alongside the Nekemt-Bure project road and their attitudes on the implementation is summarized as below. 40

51 Table 24: Summary of consultation with NGO No. Name of NGO 1 SLM (Sustainable Land Management) 2 AGP (Agricultural Growth Program) Description and Functionalities of the NGO Funded by the World Bank based on bilateral agreement with the government of Ethiopian, SLM is carrying out the following major activities in the project area: Rehabilitation of degraded lands, Providing trainings to farmers, Providing small scale irrigation systems, Establishment of nursery sites, Distribution of improved seeds, and Construction of Kebele to Kebele access roads AGP is also a WB funded NGO operating in the project area with very similar functions as SLM and with relatively wider range which include the following: Training, Small scale irrigations, Distribution of farm tools, Provision of office furniture and facilities for farmers training, Demonstrations of irrigations schemes, Dissemination of new agricultural technologies, Construction of Kebele to Kebele access roads. Reflections of the NGOs on the Project The NGOs expressed that some of the micro water shades (5 in case of SLM) are accessed through Nekemte Bure Road. They commented that the level of the services that they are providing to the community will be improved/upgraded if the road is asphalted. They also reflected that the accidents arising from the current/existing road will be reduced if the project is implemented. It also reduces the health risks of field experts due to dust. Implementation of the project also facilitates the delivery of supply and inputs for the projects that the NGOs are providing to the society. Generally, the NGOs concluded that their overall activities will be smoothened due to implementation of the road project. Contact Person & Address Name & Telephone No. Responsibility (Mob.) Mr. Tayachew Atinafu, SLM local coordinator Teshager Yadete, National Resource Management Coordinator Michael Teklehaimanot, AGP local coordinator

52 Consultation with the Gida Ayana town residents, community elders and local administration (April 2013) Consultation with community elders, residents and local administration at Agamsa town (April 2013) 42

53 Consultation with the Kuchi town administration, residents and community elders (April 2013) Discussion with East Welega Zone administration Consultations with Gida Ayana wereda Administrator 43

54 7. IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION Like many other development projects, the Nekempt-Bure Road is expected to have impacts on the socio economic environment. However, the impacts occur due to different activities of the Project during construction and operation phases; and are different in their nature, magnitude, duration, etc. The following sections present: i) the overall impact identification; ii) overall impact evaluation; iii) beneficial impacts; and iii) adverse impacts. 7.1 Identification of Impacts Table below depicts the anticipated impacts as a result of underrating different components of the Nekempt-Bure Road Design-Build-Maintain Project on various components of the environment. Table 25: Matrix for Impact Identification of Possible (Major) Impacts Major Project Components During: Construction Operation Impact types Camps, Quarries & Borrow Clearing, Grubbing & Access Earthwork Structures Pavement Traffic Mgmt. Maintenan ce Mobility X X Employment X X X X X X X Macro Economy X X Social Services X X Resettlement X X Cultural Heritage X X X X Occupational Safety X X X X X X Road Safety X X X X X X X 7.2 Evaluation of Impacts On the basis of impact evaluation method in the Methodology section of the Report, the possible impacts resulting from the project under consideration are summarized in Table below. 44

55 Type Effect Geog. Extent Duration Period Reversibilit y Beneficial Adverse Direct Indirect Social Impacts Mobility (and accessibility) X X X X X Employment opportunities X X X X X Contribution to macro X X X X X economy Social Services (schools, X X X X X health centres, etc.) Traffic flow (road safety) X X X X X X X Resettlement of affected X X X X X X people Effects on cultural heritage X X X X X X sites Local Widespread Short Long Construction Operation Reversible Irreversible Remark Table 24: Evaluation of Possible (Major) Impacts 45

56 7.3 Beneficial Social Impacts The implementation of the road project connecting woredas in East Wollega zone of the Oromia Regional State and Bure Woredas of the Amhara Regional State brings substantial economic and social benefits to the localities and to the neighbouring woredas of the both regional states; as well as at national level. The major beneficial impacts due to implementation of the Project Road are the following: Increased Mobility and Reduced Vehicle Operating Cost Impact Origin and Characteristics One of the benefits of the Nekempt-Bure Design-Build-Maintain road project is an expected increase in mobility within the project area, from the Project Area to other places and vice versa. That is, due to improved riding quality and geometry of the road, the movement of people and goods would be enhanced with reduced travel time. In addition, due to the improved infrastructure, the vehicle operating cost (VOC) would be expected to be reduced contributing to the household (HH), local as well as the national economy Employment Opportunity Impact Origin and Characteristics The nexus between transport and poverty reduction is manifested, among other aspects, through creation of employment opportunity for the local communities along the road corridor. The road project under consideration, especially during construction, will therefore create employment opportunities for the local people in general and women in particular where the latter will be engaged in petty trade in and around construction sites contributing to increment in the respective HH incomes Induced Development Impact Origin and Characteristics As the transport infrastructure is improved (so that mobility is enhanced and VOC and travel time are reduced), people from the Project and or elsewhere will be attracted to the Area for investment; and this will positively contribute to growth in the micro- as well as the macroeconomy. 46

57 7.4 Adverse Social Impacts Road Safety Impact Origin and Characteristics Road safety could be considered at two stages; namely: during implementation and operation phases of the Project. During project implementation, crashes are expected to occur as the traffic movement (both the contractor s fleet and the through traffic) will be made mostly on detours and unfinished roadways. Dust will also contribute to crashes by reducing visibility. Although there is a built-in objective of enhancing road safety on the newly upgraded road, experience from other rehabilitated and upgraded road in the country reveals that the rate of road crashes has been found increasing in lieu of decreasing. And thus, it is expected on this Project Road after completion that there is a possibility of increment in the rate of road crashes as a result of improved road surface that will obviously tempt drivers to [over] speed Impacts on Public Utilities Disruption to public utilities would be that moderate for this project as the route mainly falls less developed rural settlements. However, at some villages and along road sides, there are utility service lines that fall within the ROW width and may need relocation. Public utilities that may be affected due to the construction of the project road include overhead telecommunication and electricity poles and cables and water supply lines Adverse Impact on Local Economy The number of people coming to the project area (immigrants) would increase especially during the construction. Such influx of people can create increased demand for goods and services. The price of the available commodities may increase and adversely affect the local consumers, while on the other hand it benefits those who sale the goods and services. The project area is known by high immigrants particularly in the influenced woredas of Oromia region even before the project. There were also cases of ethnic conflict due to unmanageable number of immigrants. Therefore, due to the implementations of the project road high numbers of immigrants are expected to flux to Gida Ayana and Guto Gida woreda where there were high numbers of immigrants before. The problems created by immigrants will not be limited to the social problems. But it will also cause some social problems as well. According to the information gathered during the public consultations held in each woreda illegal settlers have been raised as the main cause of environmental degradation particularly deforestation where the settlers need virgin land to produce sesame they practice slush and burn mode Loss of Plots of Land Loss of agricultural land or grazing land can occur either temporarily or permanently. The road follows mainly an existing old road alignment and does not require significant size of new land. However, there will be alignments to connect Ayana the centre of Gida Ayana Woreda, clearing and grabbing works were already done during the site survey under Universal Rural Road Access Programme (URRAP). Land would be required in those sections where the road widths 47

58 have to increase and for the segments that divert from the existing alignment. Plots of land required for this purpose would be permanently removed from use for other purposes. Substantial area of land would be required temporarily for quarry and borrow pit, for access road to the material extraction sites, for detour roads, for camps and garages including for crashers, explosives storages and for asphalt plants establishment. Loss of plot of land is expected at the proposed quarry site at km (LHS) and at km (100LHS) Loss of Houses and Property Loss of property, utility service lines and houses shall encounter especially in town and village centres including Nekemte, Uke, Ayana, Kiramu, Haro, Amuru, Kucki towns and in some other villages where houses and infrastructures in the ROW have to be removed and relocated for widening of the carriage width and shoulder construction. There are patches of tree hedges along the road sides at many locations and at material sites that are expected to be affected during the construction work. Eucalyptus is the major tree to be affected near Nekemte, Ayana and in the affected towns in Bure Woreda Adverse Impact on Historical, Cultural and Archaeological Heritages The area has had long period of exposure to external culture and traditions. The road is also an existing one and communication with other neighbouring and central urban and rural community has existed for long. There is no marginalized minority and indigenous community and culture as defined by the World Bank Safeguard policies, whose culture is expected to be affected. Hence there are no significant adverse impacts expected to the traditions and customs of the community as a result of the project implementation. But there are a number of Orthodox and Protestant Christian Churches and also about two mosques. Indeed, as elsewhere in Ethiopia there are graveyards in the premises of the churches particularly in Orthodox churches. Gorgis churches in Nekemte town 04 kebele, Tsege Mariam Church in Tsige village, Alfa Michael in Alfa Basi of Bure woreda can be mentioned as crucial example. There is also one Muslim graveyard on the realignment section on the outskirt of Gida Ayana town before crossing Labu River. Dire Aba foka and Welbe Mountain are also the known sacred places in Kiramu woreda. The construction activities will not cause adverse impacts on these places. But care must be taken while selecting disposal area, borrow and quarry sites Public Health Impacts of the Project There are a number of potential health problems that may occur during road construction works. The health problems vary from minor health cases to the more serious ones. Some of the potential health impacts that may occur on the local communities due to the construction works of the project road include: a) Noise and Vibration Impacts Noise and vibration result from construction activities in general but particularly from operation of heavy machinery. Other operations generating significant noise include concrete mixing plants, blasting in areas of rock excavation and stone crushing. Noise and vibration sensitive sites encounter especially town sections. Sustained noise levels during construction are expected to be much higher than the ambient noise level in the project area. If blasting of quarry sites and other construction works are carried 48

59 out after sleeping hours at night it may affect/disturb the sleeping of the local community. Therefore, to minimize noise disturbance to the population around the sites, it is recommended not to undertake activities producing nuisance noise level during rest hours and during night time. The timing of blasting operations should be arranged with the local administration, and the surrounding dwellers informed prior to undertakings. Blasting should also be avoided at residential and town premises. b) Polluting of Water Points There is high possibility that drinking water points (rivers, springs, and etc), could be polluted if different types of chemicals, oils from vehicles and machineries, wastes from camps and garages are discharged to water points. Washing of vehicles near or in the rivers could also create similar problems. The local people use streams and rivers along the project road for domestic use as well as for their livestock. Pollution of the rivers and streams will not only affect the health of human being and that of domestic animals. But also it has a potential to pollute the downstream ecology based on the level of pollution and the type of chemicals used which is more serious. Chemicals internationally designated as red list should be strictly forbidden. There are different aquatic organisms as listed under fauna resources in the Anger and Abay rivers which might be affected. c) Spread of Malaria and other Water borne Vectors Quarry sites and borrow pits are good sources for the breeding of mosquito and other water borne diseases. If quarry sites and borrow pits are left unfilled after construction works, there is a very high potential for malaria and other diseases to easily spread in the area. All the project woredas have serious cases of malaria. Almost half of each woreda areas are categorised to mid altitude agro-ecology to lowland. Particularly low lands of Gida Ayana, Kiramu, Amuru and Bure are more vulnerable to incidence of malaria. Therefore, there will be high incidence of malaria. d) Dust Nuisance Dust is a major nuisance to nearby villages during construction works. It affects local communities located by the roadside and passers-by using the road. Social service giving institutions, businesses and markets may suffer from the dust if regular watering of the road is not carried out. The dust from quarry sites, crusher plants and road construction works may also affect crops. One of the importances of the Design-Build-Maintain of the project road according to the Kiramu wereda administration is impact from the dust. As per the woreda administration there were a number of incidences of car accidents due to dust Occupational Health impacts During road construction works, accidental discharge or spillage caused from inflammable, toxic, explosive and chemical substances could create health risks on the workforce. Similarly failure to provide protective clothing and failure to ensure that appropriate safety measures are adopted by the workforce might create unnecessary health risks and problem on the workforce Impacts due to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and HIV/AIDS The trend in HIV/AIDs prevalence indicates that higher prevalence rate is recorded in densely populated urban centres, and in areas with higher transactions like in Bure city and Nekempt as 49

60 compared to the less accessed areas of rural woredas. Increase in population flow, incoming workforce, passer by business men and tourists can have potential for exposing the community to higher rate of prevalence. Road construction and other similar type of construction works are considered to be having high potential (due to their mobility) for the spread of communicable diseases, such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and HIV/AIDS. The spread could be from the construction workforce to the local population and vice versa. This is partly true because construction workers are mostly young and sexually active group of the population and are mobile, and have more income than the local population to spend. This will attract sex workers and bar owners to come to the nearby towns to camp sites and start such businesses. Hence, the increase in the number of sex workers and alcoholism are believed to contribute to the spread STD and HIV/AIDS. Impacts from the construction camps will be severe if camps are built close to the local settlement areas and may contribute more to the spread of communicable diseases such as STD and HIV/AIDS Impacts due to Traffic Accident Road accident/causality in Ethiopia is the worst in the world. According to a recent accident survey statistics, it is reported that Ethiopia stands first in the rate of causalities among the surveyed countries, followed by Nepal. The report indicates that Ethiopia has over 150 deaths for every 10,000 licensed vehicles, as compared to less than 2 deaths per 10,000 licensed vehicles in Great Britain, Sweden and Norway. The major contributing factors are reported to be 95% human factor, 28% road environment factors and 8% vehicle factors. The general problem is the poor driving skills as well as inadequate road infrastructure and technical condition of the vehicles. The majority of the fatalities of road accident occur on pedestrians and bus users. The Nekempt-Bure road is currently of low traffic load and basic road traffic regulation requirements are also lacking. Though, recoded statistics for traffic accident could not be obtained along the stretch; it is expected to have similar trends of causalities if traffic flow increases. Hence, appropriate safety and traffic regulation measures have to be adopted during the road construction works. Road safety aspects are important in all villages traversed due to numerous movements of people and livestock. Especially on market days the risk of accidents between pedestrians and passing cars /trucks/ could be high. In the future, improved road and the anticipated increased traffic (or with increasing movement of vehicles) would change safety aspects along the roadside. Roadside business and markets would lead to higher risk of accidents due to cars /trucks/ stopping at those points. The project road may also become a cause for fatalities, injuries and death to the community through increased traffic accidents. Some of the road accidents could occur due to; Pavement and shoulder condition; The presence of roadside poles, trees, ditches, steep slopes, and barriers; Poor signs, markings, intersection layout and control; Poor roadside access, absence of zebra crossings, lack of parking and bus stop arrangements; Markets and businesses operating on the roads; Increased speed of vehicles around major towns, villages and settlement areas, Inadequate allocation of road space for non-motorized transport. 50

61 Impacts due to Steep Slope Cuts and High Fill Embankments Steep slopes cut for the road work can interfere with community walkways and accesses, and also with animal and wildlife passage corridor to grazing and watering points. This impact will be significant at settlement sites like Gida Ayana town and escarpment section before reaching Gindo and at some villages, where steep slope cuts are required within the settled areas. Such cuts and fills are done to fit into the geometric design requirements. It can also encounter at wildlife habitat and animal grazing grounds. Houses and facilities adjacent to the cut and fill sites may suffer from blockages of access to their domiciles, businesses, work places etc. At such sites, land slide and land slip possibilities are also there, unless proper protection measures are put in place. The other major constraint will be community s reaction to the impacts. Community leaving along the steep cut slopes and high embankment fills will be forced to find their way (create make shift access), when their normal access is blocked. Make shift access roads will be created by hand digging of the road side slope at different locations. The impacts of such actions, however, will have the potential of triggering and aggravating the erosion effects to the slope sides; can create deep cut and gullies, gradually leading to slope instability, sliding and collapse. The cuts made by the community for make shift access road construction; open up opportunity for water seepages and percolation into the soil, there by destabilizing the soil structure Adverse Impact on Women In Ethiopia, there is high gender disparity and this is also believed to be one of the major bottlenecks for development. This high gender disparity between men and women negatively affects the development of a nation and its wealth distribution. Among the negative social impacts, resettlement/relocation of PAPs may affect women more than men. Resettlement/relocation leads to the breakdown of community social networks and this has direct impact on women more than men, because women rely and depend on community and social networks for their emotional, family and practical supports. In road construction works, women always do not receive equal employment opportunities; and the contractors, in most cases, favour to employ men rather than women and female workers do not obtain particular attention due to their biological and physical condition. Hence, the discrimination against women will negatively affect those women who want to work in the road construction work. Such discriminatory acts and lack of other employment opportunities may force women to carry out other marginal activities and to be engaged as sex workers for survival, which exposes them to increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDs and unwanted pregnancies. The negative impacts of the project road on women include; Increased risk of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies, Price increase of consumer goods due to the coming of large number work force to the area in particular will make FHH vulnerable to economic crisis, Most construction companies prefer to employ only men, and this will lead to unequal treatment women during employment of the construction work force. 51

62 Adverse Impacts due to Induced Development The project area particularly East Wollega zone is a destination of immigrants from Gojam zone and from the Northern part of the country for long period of time. The existing social structure might not be significantly affected due to induced development since the road has been in use for long period and the areas have already adapted communication with others. Resource sharing and stresses on limited services like health, water supply etc. may encounter due to the immigrants to the area following the implementation of the road project. Change in way of life of the farmer community would have positive results instead. Increased development and investments that follow the road improvement would create conditions for income and expenditure patterns Impacts due to Access road development The principal social concerns are related to the construction of access road to quarry and other related sites. If a temporary access road has to be constructed across cultivated land, there is a strong possibility that the land will suffer long-term reduction in productivity as a result of soil compaction by haulage vehicles. This cannot easily be reused for farming activities using simple local ploughs and draught animals. Compensation paid by contractors for temporary loss of use of the land is unlikely to take this factor into account, and adverse financial effects on landholders are likely to result. Access roads can also concentrate runoff and lead to increased erosion in adjacent lands, and can also contribute to adverse visual impacts. It is considered very unlikely that quarries would be developed in agricultural land, since most suitable sites will tend to be in areas where there are rock outcrops, and these are generally unsuitable for agriculture. However, if this does occur, landholders would be displaced with similar effects as described above in the case of access roads. 52

63 8. IMPACT ENHANCEMENT AND MITIGATION MEASURES 8.1 Enhancement Measures Increased Mobility and Reduced Vehicle Operating Cost In order to provide a sound infrastructure that enhances mobility during its design life, the sustainability of maintenance of the road after completion should be ensured for prolonged service life with adequate comfort and safety Employment Opportunity It is proposed that the contractor should give preference to the local labor in positions or vacancies that are suitable for the latter with special consideration in encouraging women to be engaged in labor and income generating schemes in and around construction sites Induced Development The local authorities at different level should facilitate the process (such as introducing attractive packages, efficient bureaucracy and reduced paper works) for developers coming to the area to invest in different sectors. 8.2 Mitigation measures for adverse impacts Impact on Public Utilities ERA has to liaison and advises all service providers of the intended road works program areas. Collect the necessary document and plans and also provide facility owners with the road design so as to plan for the relocation or in situ protection as the case may be. ERA should then notify the appropriate authorities of the relevant dates, and pays completion of relocation works before the commencement of the construction works. Once the compensation is paid to the service provider of the utility lines, it is expected that relocation/ removal will be done within 60 days from the date of receipt of the compensation Loss of Plots of Lands The principles of compensation/rehabilitation will be triggered wherever there will be land acquisition and where there will be adverse social impacts. Based on the Resettlement Action Plan findings that identify the number of persons to be affected by the subject project, Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) is being prepared to compensate and relocate the PAPs as the case may be. Since the loss of farmland is distributed all along the project road, there will not be households who will be displaced or relocated to a different location. Those who lose their land temporarily for the project shall be compensated in monetary terms for the lost value of crops to be harvested during the land occupation by the project and until the next harvest from the plot of land could be re gained. The project proponent should consider that appropriate measures are taken to ensure affected persons are compensated.the procedure and mode of compensation shall be determined in 53

64 accordance with the relevant standard procedures and regulations as set by national proclamations (Proc no. 455/2005), regulation 135/2007 issued by the council of ministers and international guidelines like that of World Bank Operational Policies (Ops) for resettlement and compensation of displaced people. The resettlement and compensation shall follow procedures as set in the RAP report. Proclamation No. 455/2005 discusses the procedures and methodologies to be followed for the implementation of the land acquisition and compensation payment for the land holder. Council of Ministers Regulation No.135/2007, Regulation on payment of Compensation for property situated on land holding expropriated for public purposes. This regulation discusses the assessment of compensation for properties, provision of replacement land and payment of displacement compensation. These proclamations also state the delegated power to expropriate rural or urban holdings for public purpose, where it should be used for a better development projects to be carried out by public entities or investors. Accordingly Woreda or an urban administration shall up on payment in advance of compensation, have the power to expropriate. ERA re-establishment proclamation; proclamation No. 80/1997 also has provision for expropriation of land holdings for road construction purposes. ERA s Resettlement / Rehabilitation Policy Framework, follows the basic principle to address the importance of compensation payments for the loss of assets at replacement cost, giving opportunities to locals to share project benefits and assisting PAPs in relocation/rehabilitation. These legal documents have a more or less parallel similarity to the World Bank OP and BP 4.12 procedures. Depending on the availability of land, permanently cultivated land lost to the Project will be compensated on a land - for - land basis. Permanent loss of perennial plantations will be compensated with sufficient cash to the project affected person. Residential plots of land, houses, buildings and other utility infrastructure losses will be directly and fully compensated at replacement cost. Proper compensation will be monitored at different levels; ERA, Supervision consultant and the local administration will participate in the follow-ups of the measures Loss of houses and property The ROW is the boundary set by law not encroached by the community and do not assigned for other developmental activities by local administration as well. The width of the ROW depends on the design standard of the particular road. The Nekemte-Bure road is expected to be asphalt concrete standard which require 50m ROW as per the design manual of ERA. But this width is very wide and previously not protected as there is the standard difference between the existing road and the envisaged road. As a result there are many properties which will be affected due to the width of the proposed road. Some of the properties are farmland, public utilities (telephone line, electric line, water line), private building, institutional building, fruit trees, commercial trees like eucalyptus, there are also public water source Bono, business houses, graveyards. Impacts on these properties are separately treated above. But it was difficult to quantitatively describe all the loss of properties in the ROW as it is beyond the scope of the SIA and will be seen in RAP. 54

65 As per the findings during the field observation the impacts will be high on the farmlands in the rural area and on the housings in the urban section like Uke, Anger Guten, Ayana, Kiramu, and Bure. Therefore, the ROW should be reduced below the requirement of the design to minimize the consequent loss. In most cases ERA considers 30m in the rural area and 20m in the urban area including the working space unless when the cross section of the road require more than that in the escarpment section. 40 in the rural and 30m in the urban section is also another option. These all alternatives should be compared in order to reduce the impact on the property during the RAP preparation. Any permanent loss of land, houses and other immovable assets such as perennial crops due to the construction of the road need to be identified and project affected persons (PAPs) compensated prior to commencement of construction activities on the basis of Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) of ERA. The design will attempt to avoid or minimize damages to properties as far as possible. In case avoidance is impossible, project Affected People (PAPs) have to be compensated both in monetary terms and by providing plots of land at some other places. Owners of other infrastructures and utility lines likely to be damaged by the project shall be compensated. Relocation of these utility lines (water supply line, electricity, and telecommunication lines) shall be effected either by the utility owner or by the road construction contractor as arranged, but should be done prior to mobilization of the road project. This will ensure the continued service delivery without creating disruptions and inconveniencies to the community. Compensation and relocation procedures will be affected as per the RAP report of the project Impact on Historical and Cultural Heritage Mitigation measures or avoidance for the archaeological/cultural heritages if encountered will be accomplished as per the requirements of the available legal frame work Proclamation No.209/2000, a proclamation to provide for research and conservation of cultural heritage. This proclamation describes the management of cultural heritages under Part two of the document. Some of the issues discussed include; Owner of cultural heritage, establishment of museums, classification of cultural heritage, registration of cultural heritage, duties of owners of cultural heritage, conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, preservation of cultural heritage, removal of cultural heritage etc. Part four of the proclamation discuses on reserved areas, Inspection, duty to cooperate and penalty. Under this part it is indicated that unless it has been decided by the council of ministers, no person may, without a permit issued by the authority, carry out building or road construction, excavations of any type or any operation that may cause ground disturbance in an area declared reserved. This is requirement is triggered for this project as there are such reserved physical and Cultural Resources (PCR) sites in the road route corridor. Accordingly; The design has to give due considerations for the PCRs falling within the road ROW corridor, and include design options for protection and preservation of the resources. Avoidance, by re-alignments is to be given priority when condition allows, over other 55

66 mitigation measures. Damages to locally significant sites like religious places, funeral places, grave yards, Holly springs shall be avoided by alternative routes; Protection and preservation requirements for Historical & Cultural heritages, Archaeological sites and aesthetics of Landscape shall be specified in the construction contract documents for contractors; The contractor should consult the responsible bureau in the area in cases of findings of such properties on the site before removal and damage; Any archaeological findings encountered up on excavation shall be reported immediately to the concerned bureau or department to register and guide the conservation and protection of such a heritage; The woreda environmental protection and land administration office and woreda culture and tourism desks should be informed upon mobilization of the construction activities and also be involved in the site environmental management and monitoring processes Occupational health impacts Establish safety procedures; provide training and create awareness to the workforce on safety measures, precautions and the use of safety devices; Provide protective devices and clothing for the workers; Ensure that accidental discharges or spillages may not be caused from inflammable, toxic, explosive and chemical substances; Provide first aid kits at all work places; Supervise and enforce the proper use of the protective devices and clothing at all times when on duty. The contractors are not expected to provide full medical facilities for the workforce, but provision of adequate first aid facilities for emergency and which can also provide a limited service to the local community, should be required. The contractor may make arrangements with the nearby health institutions for major injuries and treatments required by the workers. Therefore, it is recommended that: The construction contract should include a clause to the effect that the contractor must provide a first-aid post at the base-camp, and is staffed on a full-time basis by a fully qualified paramedical attendant. Simple first aid materials, suitable for dealing with minor injuries should be available at all times, at all worksites. Medical facilities provided by the contractor for his own use, as much as possible are made available in emergencies to local communities at marginal cost, as a goodwill gesture. The woreda health facilities and institutions can provide assistances based on their available spare capacities, but without affecting their regular community services Impact on HIV/AIDS Design awareness creation program to address the problem of spread of HIV/AIDS among project workers and local communities; Provide education for local communities regarding the spread of HIV/AIDS and STDs in public places, schools, and through community clubs and groups; Work closely with local health service giving institutions to control the spread of STD and HIV/AIDS; 56

67 Adopt FDRE and ERA s Policy on HIV/AIDS, and provides special care and support to HIV/AIDS positive staff and AIDS patients; Carry out voluntary testing; Free distribution of condoms both male and female type; Produce leaflets and road side posters about HIV/AIDS; Organize community drama groups; Discourage the influx of sex workers (in some cases young and under aged girls) from major towns and cities to the project area; Monitor the above mitigation measures through proper monitoring indicators Impact due to Traffic Accident The contractor must post warning signs specifying speed limits at the different locations, provide speed bumps and signs about careful driving; Provide alternative walkway or path routes during construction works for pedestrians and ensure that walk ways and path routes are not blocked for children and women; Provision for pedestrian crossing and improving or widening shoulders for the use by pedestrians and NMT; The construction crew needs to pay special attention to child safety during construction of the project road; Putting traffic signals (signs) at roadsides using local languages to minimize accident and death of pedestrians and motorists; Improving visibility by removing sight limiting obstacles; provision of reflective studs and painting of zebra crossings; Police should enforce speed restriction measures in town sections and mountainous areas; ERA and local authorities need to conduct road safety education programs in schools and also in public gathering locations to create awareness among the population before and after the completion of the construction works; Prohibiting roadside open markets and if such type of markets exist along the project road should be located away from the roadside; Institutional strengthening and capacity building of traffic police men working along the project road; Provide separate locations for the parking of non-moterable vehicle animal drawn carts and bicycles Pressure on local health facilities The contractor has to establish his own well-staffed & equipped clinic and provide health service to the construction workforce. The clinic should meet a standard where basic diagnosis and treatment can be provided; and should be able to identify patients to be referred for further treatment at more qualified health centres/hospitals. The professionals assigned should have the necessary qualification, language ability (at least English language ability) to be able to communicate with the patients for diagnosis. The establishment of the clinic should be according to the standards of the ministry of health, corresponding to the population to be served; Make Ambulance services available for the construction workforce on site; The clinic to work closely with local Government health institutions; 57

68 8.2.9 Dust Impact Avoid blasting during evening time (sleep time) around homesteads; Sprinkle water to the road so that it could minimize the dust created by the road construction works; Locate quarry & crusher plant site away from villages/settlements and from crop fields. Once construction works are completed in the area fill up borrow pits to stop stagnant waters from becoming breeding places for mosquitoes and other vectors; Avoid spilling of oil from vehicles and machinery near water points and settlements; and washing of cars in the rivers; Avoid use of different types of organic materials and chemicals near villages, farmland, grazing areas, near schools, and other social service giving areas Impact on women The following mitigation measures need to be addressed by the contractor; Ensure women's participation and improve their employment opportunities by developing guidelines and regulations to ensure that women receive equal employment opportunities and to avoid discrimination against women; Provide education and awareness creation on reproductive health, STD and HIV/AIDS to women residing in the project influence area; Support FHH and other women interested or willing to provide catering services to contractors work force. Such measure will encourage local women be able to generate income to support their families; Assign female workers to those works that are accepted to be appropriate for their biological and physical condition; Give special attention for female headed households in employment and delivery of other services; Since the different types of negative social impacts affect more on women than men, there is a need for women to be consulted concerning the proposed mitigation measures to address those negative impacts. The cost for awareness creation of women on STD and avoidance of unintended pregnancy is included with in the budget for HIV/AIDs program implementation Uncertain and Unforeseen Impacts The likely potential impacts from the implementation and operation of the subject road are not limited to the above mentioned impacts. There will also be unforeseen impacts that might be emerged during the construction. For instance, there might be archaeological or artifacts underneath. In such cases the contractor should inform the responsible authority before taking action. On the other hand there might be incidence of fire in related to the activity of the contractor or contractors workforce. To halt the damage might be occur from fire the contractor should take precautionary measures like putting fire extinguisher where it will be available for the workforces and in the camps and workshops. Indeed, training on the use of fire extinguisher should be given to the workforces. The other unforeseen but will be likely outbreak of epidemic diseases like malaria. Therefore, the contractor should liaison with the local health institution in advance in addition to availing the clinic in the main camps and first aid service in sub camps. 58

69 9. SOCIAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN 9.1 Social Management Plan A principal Project goal is to achieve an appropriate balance in the social protection of the Nekempt-Bure Road and its immediate surroundings. It is achieved through enhancement of Project benefits and avoidance or mitigation of potential adverse impacts associated with the Project. Towards this goal, social management is recommended. In order to be effective, social management must be fully integrated with the overall project management effort at all levels, which itself should be aimed at providing a high level of quality control, leading to a project which has been properly designed and constructed and functions efficiently throughout its life. Appropriate road alignment and design issues need to be addressed as well as specific construction related activities, construction labor issues, and resettlement and compensation management issues prior to implementation of an environmental management and monitoring plan. Some of these management issues are sectoral in nature, requiring outside participation of other Government authorities or the private sector. Most of the project social management activities will be carried out during the construction phase, since this is when most impacts can be expected to arise. Management will very largely be concerned with controlling impacts which may result from the actions of the Contractor, through enforcement of the construction contract clauses related to protection of the environment as a whole and of the components within it. In this respect, it is important to recognize that successful mitigation of construction impacts can only be achieved if the environmental protection measures, as set out in the construction contract, are properly enforced. On this basis, the tables below encompass the impacts predicted, proposed mitigation measures, responsible body for the mitigation measures and the estimated cost of mitigation measures (where applicable) as a result of project location, design, construction and operation. 59

70 9.1.1 Project Location Predicted Impacts Enhancement/Mitigation Measures Responsible Body Estimated Cost, Birr Accessibility and mobility would be enhanced in the Project Area contributing to the enhancement of socio-economic welfare of the people The Road should be maintained timely (on regular basis) during operation to keep accessibility and mobility to the level required. DRMC, ERA/DED [To be] yearly estimated budget depending on work load The Road contributes to (new) induced development in the area. The Road requires additional (expropriated) land when upgraded Properties of project affected people-paps (in rural and urban areas) could be expropriated Vegetation within the RoW of the Road would be removed (minor deforestation) Investors interested in the area should be encouraged through provision of incentives and facilitating the formalities through increased bureaucratic efficiency. The design should provide the minimum possible land acquisition (for ex., the RoW width can be made 30 m in urban areas and 20 m in rural settings); and Adequate compensations should be paid for properties on land to be taken inevitably The design should consider minimum expropriation of properties like houses; Adequate compensations should be paid for properties to be expropriated; and Resettlement of affected PAPs should be conducted as per the existing Laws and Legislations The right-of-way (RoW) should be kept to the minimum practicable (like reducing to minimum of 20 m) especially in forest areas; Adequate monetary compensation should be made for commercial trees to be removed within the RoW of the Project Road or access roads; and Planting (esp. indigenous) tree species (by the contractor) in lieu of those cut Local Administrations at different levels, Investment Office Designer, ERA, Local Administration Designer, ERA, Local Administration Designer, ERA, Contractor, Supervisor N/A Part of Design Cost; Cost to be included in RAP Part of Design Cost; Cost to be included in RAP Included in Design and RAP costs; 60

71 9.1.2 Project Design Predicted Impacts Enhancement/Mitigation Measures Responsible Body Improvement in Health (Eye and Upgrading the road from gravel to asphalt Designer, DRMC, Respiratory Diseases) surface and maintaining it on sustainable ERA/DED basis The Road requires additional (expropriated) land when upgraded Properties of project affected people- PAPs (in rural and urban areas) could be expropriated With improvement of the riding quality of the road after implementation, traffic accidents are expected to increase due to drivers being tempted by the improved road surface. The design should provide the minimum possible land acquisition (for ex., the RoW width can be made 30 m in urban areas and 20 m in rural settings) The design should consider minimum expropriation of properties like houses Traffic calming structures such as rumble strips and humps should be designed for major towns and populated villages. Designer, ERA Designer, ERA Designer Estimated Cost, Birr Part of design cost [To be] yearly estimated budget depending on work load Part of design cost Part of design cost Part of design cost 61

72 9.1.3 Construction Predicted Impacts Enhancement/Mitigation Measures Responsible Body Estimated cost, Birr Construction creates job opportunities for the N/A local labor contributing to poverty alleviation Pollution of surface and ground water as a result of earthwork operations and improper handling of hazardous materials Conflict on the Water Conflict between local and migrant workers The contractor should be advised towards local labor preference for appropriate jobs (with preference and encouragement to women depending on the suitability of the jobs) The contractor should limit most of the earthwork to the dry season Used oil and lubricants from garages should be collected in sealed containers (through the proposed process and disposed for recycling or reuse; Fuel, lubricants and oils should be stored in containers that do not leak Providing and developing shallow wells as alternatives particularly near the town section where there are water deficit The contractor should be advised towards local labor preference for appropriate jobs (mostly the unskilled labor) and settle, as immediately as possible, any dispute in an amicable way possible Contractor, Supervisor, Local Labor Office, ERA 1 Contractor, Supervisor, ERA, Regional EPA 2,500, Contractor 1,000, * Contractor, Supervisor, Local Administration N/A Spread of HIV/AIDS in and around construction sites due to presence of large number of A firm (such as a local NGO) should be given a sub-contract for activities (ranging from Contractor, Subcontractor, 3,000, Most of ERA s roles in this EMP are to follow-up ensuring that the proposed mitigation measures have been implemented. 2 At least two vehicle washing and servicing areas, for each lot (assumed two lots or contracts), are assumed to have the proposed oil separation schemes; and includes running cost and waste water analysis laboratory expenses 3 Assuming three contracts; and assuming a lump-sum of birr 1,000,000 per contract *the cost of providing shallow water well based on the local market is about 30,000.00ETB. 18 shallow wells are required near the main towns. 1, 000, lump sum required for this item. 62

73 Predicted Impacts Enhancement/Mitigation Measures Responsible Body Estimated cost, Birr concentrated workers in one area (labor camps) awareness creation to conducting voluntary counseling and testing-vct) to prevent and control of the spread of HIV/AIDS at workplaces Supervisor, Local Administration, Local Health Office Spread of diseases related to poor condition of sanitation in construction site(s) Traffic accidents as a result of poor traffic management activities in construction site(s). Improper waste (solid as well as liquid) management will cause health problems Camps and workplaces should be kept clean Workers should be given awareness (knowledge) on basic sanitation Water should be made potable (at least through boiling if there are no other means of treatment) Wastes of all types should be disposed properly Roadway should not be reduced or blocked with stockpiles or windrows for long time Flagmen should be assigned to let the traffic flow safely especially at narrow/critical sites Slippery and other dangerous spots should be maintained or corrected frequently Latrines and septic tanks should be sealed not to leak into the soil Solid wastes should be disposed properly (to landfill, incineration, etc.) generally following waste disposal hierarchy Reuse of materials like plastic bags should be practiced as it contributes to waste reduction Clinical wastes should be burned in exclusive chambers Contractor, Supervisor, Local Health Office Contractor, Supervisor, Local Police Contractor, Supervisor, Local Health Office 200,000 for training/awareness; and 5,000,000 for water treatment 500, ,500,000 For construction of latrines at different sites 4 Salary for ddeploying a total of 30 flagmen (for three contracts) for (assumed) three years implementation period 63

74 9.1.4 Operation Predicted Impacts Enhancement/Mitigation Measures Responsible Body Estimated cost, Birr Vehicle Operating Costs are expected to decrease as a result of improved road (surface) condition. Road maintenance should be done regularly to avoid further deterioration (basics of road maintenance policy) and adverse effect on DRMC, ERA-DED Annual Budget depending on prevailing condition There is a possibility that accidents increase due to improved riding quality of the road that tempts drivers to (over) speed vehicle performance Humps and rumble strips provided should be maintained as required and new ones on new sites if identified as requiring in this phase The principles of Engineering, Education and Enforcement (the three major Es) should be practiced at different areas and levels DRMC, ERA-DED, Transport Authority, Local Police, Local Education Office, Mass Media 750,000 (for additional humps and rumble strips) Total Operation Phase 3,250, This cost is a one-time investment for the proposed actions and excludes annual budgets that will (should) be allocated based on the extent of requirement of the corresponding action. 64

75 10. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 10.1 Conclusions The Design-Build-Maintain of the existing gravel surfaced Nekempt-Bure road is expected to affirmatively contribute to the economic and social wellbeing of the communities within the Project Area in particular and of the country in general. However, like most of development projects in Ethiopia, the Project Road, besides its beneficial impacts, is expected to pose adverse social impacts of different nature, magnitude and duration. Therefore, the [adverse] impacts arising as a result of implementation of the Road Project will negatively affect the socioeconomic environment unless precautionary and mitigation measures will be taken at the right time. In the town section demolition of some houses may lead to loss of business and income; similarly, in the rural section there is a possibility that some farmers will lose strip of farmland due the widening of the ROW and realignment in some sections. Generally, the overall project benefits are expected to outweigh the possible social impacts provided that proper mitigation measures will be implemented Recommendations In order to alleviate the possible adverse impacts resulting from implementing the Nekempt- Bure Road Project, the following measures are recommended to be undertaken: The Client should create a conducive environment for the implementation of the Project (especially for the implementation of social mitigation measures); The contractor and the supervisor should abide by contractual obligations; The proposed mitigation measures should be implemented. To this effect, the supervision should be effective; and The contractor and the supervisor should closely work with the relevant local Authorities that strictly require the participation or consultation of the latter. 65

76 REFERENCES 1. EPA. EIA Guideline Document (2000). 2. EPA. Procedural EIA Guideline (2003). 3. ERA, Draft Road Safety Audit Manual, ERA. Environmental Procedures Manual, ERA. Environmental and Social Management Manual, ERA. HIV/AIDS Policy, ERA. Resettlement/Rehabilitation Policy Framework, FDRE, A Proclamation for the Establishment of Environmental Protection Organs (Proclamation No. 295/2002). 9. FDRE. Proclamation for the Establishment of ERA, Proclamation No. 80/ FDRE. Proclamation for to Provide for the Expropriation of Land Holdings for Public Purposes and Payment of Compensation (Proclamation No. 455/2005) 11. FDRE. Proclamation on Rural Land Administration and Land Use (Proclamation No. 456/2005). 12. FDRE. The Constitution of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, FDRE. Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation (Proclamation No. 299/2002). 14. FDRE. Environmental Pollution Control Proclamation (Proclamation No. 300/2002). 15. FDRE. The Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia, FDRE. The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia, FDRE. A Proclamation to Provide for the Definition of Powers and Duties of the Executive Organs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Proclamation No. 691/ Glasson, J. et al. (1999). Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment, 2nd ed. SPON Press. London. 19. Masters, G. M. (2003). Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science. Prentice-Hall of India Private Limited. Eastern Economy Edition. New Delhi MoLSA. (2007); The Occupational Safety & Health Directive. Addis Ababa. 21. Wiss, J.F. Construction Vibrations: State of the Art. Journal of the Geotechnical Division. ASCE, v no.gt2. Proc. Paper , Feb. 1981, pp World Bank. (1997). Roads and the Environment: A Handbook. World Bank Technical Paper No Washington, D.C. 23. World Bank. Safeguard Policies. Washington, D.C. 66

77 A N N E X E S 67

78 A nnex 1: List of Contacted Persons Name Position Mr. Merga kene'a Mr. Tadele Takele Mr. Merga Bakele Mr. Getachew Siyum Mr. Emiru Negasa Mr. Firomsa Legese Mr. Mesela Goda Mr. GetahunTolera Mr. Bekele Gerbi Mr. FikaduNemera Mr. Amanu Hirpa Mr. Dereje Tadese Miss Zewuditu Geleta Miss Bekelu Tekle Mr. Gudisa Yadeta Miss SuseMerga Mr. Regasa Duguma Miss Alemitu Amenu Miss Abebu Amenu Mr. Gudina Gobena Mr. Mulugeta Feyisa Mr. Tarekegn Gemechu Mr. Teshome Sibhat Mr. Tesema Mr. Tsegaye Hailu Mr. Jemera Desalegn Ayana Wereda, Chief Administrator Gida Ayana Environmental Protection Team Leader Public Affairs Gida Ayana Representative of Rural Road of Gida Ayana Rural Road of Gida Ayana Wereda Meteorology Representative of GidaAyana Station Mayor, Ayana Town Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Office, Gida Ayana Speaker, Ayana Wereda Council AyanaWereda Land Administration Office Chief Elders AyanaWereda Trader AyanaWereda AyanaWereda Dweller AyanaWereda Dweller Finance Office Chief AyanaWereda Water Department, Ayana Deputy Mayor, GidaAyana Town Dweller, GidaAyana Town Dweller, GidaAyana Town Dweller, GidaAyana Town Nekemte Town Administrator/Deputy Mayor OPDO Representative of KiramuWoreda Representative of KiramuWereda Administration Office Youth Representative of KiramuWereda Representative of Political Affairs of KiramuWereda Experts of Water and Soil Conservation of KiramuWereda 68

79 Annex 2: Site Photo Gallery Anger Gutin town, km Alefa Village at Km 248 Lebu River - upstream at km New bridge in the re-alignment section Consultation at Agamsa town Consultation at Kuci town, at km