Final ESIA of Shekhusen Mechara Road Project July 2022

FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA
ETHIOPIAN ROADS ADMINSTRATION
Feasibility Study, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), RAP, Detail
Engineering Design and Tender Document Preparation for the Shekhusen-Mechara Road
Project
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
Final Report
July 2022
Feasibility Study, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), RAP, Ethiopian Roads Administration
Detail Engineering Design and Tender Document Preparation for the
Shekhusen-Mechara Road Project ESIA (Final) Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................................i
List of Figures..........................................................................................................................................ii
LIST OF PHOTOS....................................................................................................................................ii
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATION.....................................................................................................1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.........................................................................................................................1
E1. Introduction...............................................................................................................................1
E2. Environmental Policy and Legal Framework....................................................................1
E3. The methodology.....................................................................................................................1
E4. Description of the Baseline Condition................................................................................2
E5.Stakeholders Consultations...................................................................................................3
E6. Potential Environmental and Social Impacts and Mitigation Measures.....................4
E7. Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan..........................................................5
Environmental Management and Monitoring Costs...............................................................5
E8. Conclusions and Recommendations...........................................................................5
1. INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................8
1.1 Background............................................................................................................................8
1.2 Scope of the Report..............................................................................................................8
1.3 Objectives of ESIA Report...................................................................................................8
1.4 Project Description and Location.....................................................................................9
2. Approach and Methodology.........................................................................................................1
2.1 Review of Policies, Regulations and Previous Studies...........................................1
2.2 Environmental Scoping...................................................................................................1
2.3 Field Survey and Data Collection..................................................................................1
2.4 Stakeholders Consultation.............................................................................................1
2.5 Data Analysis and Report Preparation.........................................................................2
2.6 Team Composition for the ESIA Works.......................................................................3
2.7 Assumptions and Knowledge Gaps.............................................................................3
3. POLICY, STRATEGIES, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK...............................4
3.1 Constitution of Ethiopia...................................................................................................4
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3.2 Policies and Strategies....................................................................................................5

3.2.1 Environmental Policy of Ethiopia..................................................................................5
3.2.2 Environmental Policy of Regions..................................................................................6
3.2.3 Policies on Land Tenure, Expropriation and Compensation.................................7
3.2.4 Policy on Public Health....................................................................................................7
3.2.5 Policy on Ethiopian Wildlife............................................................................................8
3.2.6 Policy on Biodiversity Conservation and Research and Development...............8
3.2.7 National Population Policy.............................................................................................9
3.2.8 National Policy on Women..............................................................................................9
3.2.9 Cultural Policy of Ethiopia............................................................................................10
3.2.10 National Policy on HIV/AIDS.....................................................................................10
3.2.11 ERAs Workplace HIV/AIDS Policy...........................................................................10
3.2.12 Conservation Strategies............................................................................................11
3.2.13 Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy.........................................................11
3.3 Proclamations and Regulations..................................................................................13
3.3.1 Proclamation on Environmental Impact Assessment............................................13
3.3.2 Proclamation on Environmental Pollution Control.................................................14
3.3.3 Proclamation on Forest Development, Conservation and Utilization of Forests
14
3.3.4 Proclamation on Expropriation of Land Compensation (Proc. No. 1161/2019)
15
3.3.5 Proclamation on Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage....................17
3.3.6 Proclamation on Ethiopian Water Resource Management...................................18
3.3.7 Public Health Proclamation..........................................................................................18
3.3.8 Solid Waste Management Proclamation....................................................................19
3.3.9 Proclamation on the Development, Conservation and Utilization of Wildlife. .19
3.3.10 Labor Proclamation (Proc. No. 1156/2019)..........................................................20
3.3.11 Regulation for Expropriation of Landholdings and Payment of
Compensation (Reg. No.472/2020)...........................................................................................20
3.3.12 ERA’s Resettlement/Rehabilitation Policy Framework......................................21
3.4 Administrative Frameworks..........................................................................................22
3.4.1 Federal and Regional Administrations......................................................................22
3.4.2 Environmental Council..................................................................................................22
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3.4.3 Federal EPA......................................................................................................................22

3.4.4 Regional Environmental Agencies..............................................................................23
3.4.5 Ethiopian Roads Authority............................................................................................23
3.4.6 Responsibility of Managing ROW Issues..................................................................24
3.4.7 Sectoral Environmental Unit........................................................................................24
3.4.8 Directorate for Environment, Social and Occupational Safety Management...24
3.4.9 ERA Road Safety Audit (RSA)......................................................................................25
3.5 Environmental Assessment Guidelines....................................................................25
3.5.1 The Procedural ESIA Guideline...................................................................................25
3.5.2 The Technical ESIA guideline......................................................................................26
3.5.3 Guideline for Reviewing ESIA Reports......................................................................26
3.5.4 Guideline on Ambient Environment Standards.......................................................26
3.5.5 ERA’s Environmental and Social Management Manual.........................................27
3.6 International Conventions.................................................................................................27
3.6.1 Convention on Biological Diversity............................................................................27
3.6.2 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD)..............................28
3.6.3 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC, 1992)......28
3.6.4 The Stockholm Convention..........................................................................................28
3.6.5 Convention on the protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage..............28
4. BIOPHYSICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF THE PROJECT AREA....29
4.1.1 Topography and Terrain of the Project Road................................................................29
4.1.2 Climate...............................................................................................................................30
4.1.3 Geology.............................................................................................................................30
4.1.4 Soil......................................................................................................................................32
4.1.5 Soil Erosion and Gully Formation...............................................................................36
4.1.6 Water Resources.............................................................................................................37
2.2 Land use................................................................................................................................38
4.2.1 Flora...................................................................................................................................40
4.2.2 Fauna.................................................................................................................................43
4.3 Socio-Economic Environment.........................................................................................56
4.3.1 Socio-Economic Environment.....................................................................................57
4.3.2 Population.........................................................................................................................57
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4.3.3 Sex Composition.............................................................................................................57

4.3.4 Dependency Ratio...........................................................................................................58
4.3.5 Population Density.........................................................................................................58
4.3.6 Population Settlement Pattern.....................................................................................58
4.3.7 Ethnic Groups, Language and Religion.....................................................................59
4.3.8 Household Livelihood....................................................................................................59
4.3.9 Land Use Cover...............................................................................................................59
4.3.10 Agriculture....................................................................................................................60
4.3.11 Household Landholding Size and Farm Oxen.....................................................60
4.3.12 Agricultural Calendar.................................................................................................61
4.3.13 Crop Production..........................................................................................................46
4.3.14 Large Scale Private Farm..........................................................................................48
4.3.15 Irrigation........................................................................................................................49
4.3.16 Livestock Population.................................................................................................50
4.3.17 Apiculture Development............................................................................................51
4.3.18 Development Agents and farmers Training Centers..........................................52
4.3.19 Major Livestock Diseases.........................................................................................53
4.3.20 Veterinary Service and Personnel..........................................................................54
4.3.21 Major Agricultural Constraints................................................................................54
4.3.22 Unemployment Problems.........................................................................................55
4.3.23 Project Woredas’ Potentials.....................................................................................56
4.3.24 Social Service Conditions in the Project Woredas.............................................57
4.3.25 Energy Supply.............................................................................................................58
4.3.26 Health.............................................................................................................................58
4.3.27 Education......................................................................................................................46
4.3.28 Gender Issues..............................................................................................................48
4.3.29 Tourist Attractions......................................................................................................49
5. PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATIONS..............................................................59
5.1 Government’s Policy on Public Consultation and Participation.............................59
5.2 The Consultation Process.................................................................................................59
5.3 Methodology for Public Consultation and Discussion Issues.................................60
5.4 Consultation Meeting Participants and Date of the Meeting....................................61
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5.5 Discussions and Stakeholders’ Engagements............................................................63

5.6 Consultation with Hawi Gudina Woreda Administration, Elders and PAPs
representatives..................................................................................................................................65
5.7 Consultation with Gololecha Woreda Administration................................................66
5.8 Consultation with Dire Shekhusen Kebele Administration, Elders and
Representatives of PAPs................................................................................................................67
5.9 Consultation with Authority of West Hararge Zone Administration.......................59
5.10 Consultation with Seru woreda officials and elders, Arsi zone Road and Logistic
office and Oromia Regional Road and logistic Office.............................................................60
6. SUMMARY OF ROUTE SELECTION.........................................................................................62
6.1 Description of the proposed alternative Routes..........................................................62
Alternative 1.....................................................................................................................................62
Alternative 2.....................................................................................................................................62
Alternative 3.....................................................................................................................................62
6.2 Comparison of Alternative Routes..................................................................................63
6.3 Environmentally Critical Area Analysis.........................................................................63
6.3.1 Aggregate Impact Assessment....................................................................................64
6.3.2 Conclusion and Recommendation based on Environmental Analysis..............66
6.4 Social and Economic Impacts caused by Alternative Routes and Mitigation......66
6.4.1 Comparison and Selection of Alternative Routes- Social Aspect.......................68
6.4.2 Ranking of the Alternative Routes based on Social Criteria................................69
6.4.3 Conclusion and Recommendation Based on Social Assessment......................70
7. IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION.......................................................................72
7.1 Methodology Used for Impacts Analyses......................................................................72
7.2 Nature of Impact....................................................................................................................73
7.2.1 Direct Impacts of the Project............................................................................................73
7.2.2 Indirect Impacts of the Project.....................................................................................73
7.2.3 Cumulative Impacts of the Project..............................................................................74
7.2.4 Influence Areas within Direct Impact Zone...............................................................74
7.2.5 Influence Areas with Indirect Impacts........................................................................74
7.2.6 Duration and Scale of Impacts.....................................................................................74
7.2.7 Evaluation of the Significance of Impacts................................................................75
8. POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES........................................................80
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8.1 Positive Environmental and Social Impacts.................................................................80

8.1.4 Employment of Women.................................................................................................81
8.1.5 Increase road network of the country and create access to markets................81
8.1.6 Improve Road Standard and Aesthetic View of Towns..........................................82
8.1.7 Growth in Small Scale Businesses.............................................................................82
8.1.8 Promote Growth of Existing Businesses..................................................................82
8.1.9 Avoid Current Dust Impact Created by Unpaved Dusty Road.............................83
8.1.10 Poverty Reduction......................................................................................................83
8.1.11 Impacts on Investment..............................................................................................83
8.1.12 Improve Connectivity and Economic Growth......................................................83
8.2 Negative Impacts and Mitigation Measures..................................................................84
8.2.1 Impact from Dust, Air Pollution and Noise....................................................................84
8.2.2 Impacts on Landscape Quality and Slope Stability....................................................86
8.2.3 Impacts from Quarry Sites, Borrow Areas, Access Roads.......................................87
8.2.4 Impact of Asphalt Plant Operation..................................................................................90
8.2.5 Impacts from Construction Camps, Workshops and Storage Sites.......................91
8.2.6 Impacts on Soil Erosion and Gully formation..............................................................93
8.2.7 Impacts on Flora..................................................................................................................94
8.2.8 Impacts on Fauna................................................................................................................96
8.2.9 Impact on Livelihood of the PAPs...................................................................................97
8.2.10 Impact on Houses, Fences and Other Structures...............................................98
8.2.11 Impact on Public Utilities........................................................................................101
8.2.12 Impact on Businesses.............................................................................................101
8.2.13 Severance Effect.......................................................................................................101
8.2.14 Impact on Grazing and Cropland, Fruit and Other Trees...............................102
8.2.15 Impacts of Hazardous Substances/Wastes........................................................105
8.2.16 Impacts on Water Resources and Resource Sharing..........................................106
8.2.17 Conflict on Employment Opportunity......................................................................107
8.2.18 Impact on Vulnerable Groups....................................................................................107
8.2.19 Gender and GBV risks.................................................................................................107
8.2.20 Exposure to HIV/AIDS and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)......108
8.2.21 Impact on Malaria Expansion.....................................................................................109
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8.2.22 Covid-19 Prevention and Management....................................................................109

8.2.23 Cultural Conflict and Culture Dilution......................................................................110
8.2.24 Impacts on Cultural and Archaeological Sites, Graveyard, and Religion
Institutions.......................................................................................................................................110
8.2.25 Occupational Health and Safety Issues...................................................................112
8.2.26 Traffic Accidents and Safety Measures...................................................................113
8.2.27 Impact from Blasting....................................................................................................115
8.2.28 Inadequate Road Space for Non-Motorized Transport........................................115
8.2.29 Risk of Rock fall............................................................................................................116
9. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLANS.............118
9.1 General.................................................................................................................................118
9.2 Institutional Arrangement and Responsibilities for Implementing ESMP...........118
9.2.1 Environment Protection Authority............................................................................118
9.2.2 Regional Environmental Protection Offices...........................................................119
9.2.3 ERA’s Environmental, Social, and Occupational Safety Management
Directorate (ESOSMD)...............................................................................................................119
9.2.4 Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC).........................................................119
9.2.5 Construction Contractor.............................................................................................120
9.2.6 Other Stakeholders.......................................................................................................120
9.2.7 Updating of the ESMP..................................................................................................120
9.2.8 Consequences to Contractor upon Failure to Implement EMP.........................121
9.3 Environmental Monitoring Plan.....................................................................................169
9.4 Capacity Building..............................................................................................................175
9.5 Environmental Mitigation, Management and Monitoring Cost Estimate.............176
10 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.............................................................................178
1. List of References.......................................................................................................................180
Annex 1: ENVIRONNEMENTAL CLAUSES...................................................................................182
Annex 2: Minutes of Consultation Meeting Made With Daro Lebu Woreda Officials and
Council Members at Mechara Town...............................................................................................196
Annex 2: Minutes of Consultation Meeting Made with Awi Gudina woreda Officials and
Council Members at Remit Town....................................................................................................197
Annex 3: Minutes of Consultation Meeting Made with Gololecha woreda Officials and
Council Members at Gololecha Town............................................................................................198
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Annex 4: Minutes of Consultation Meeting Made with Dire Shekhusen town elders and
kebeles officials at Dire Shekhusen town.....................................................................................199
Annex 5: Minutes of Consultation Meeting Made with Seru Woreda Officials & Elders at
Seru town..............................................................................................................................................200
Annex 6: Comment Reply Matrix....................................................................................................201
Annex 7: Competency Certificate.........................................................................................................202
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 2- 1: Project Description.....................................................................................................6

Table 4- 1: Different terrain classifications...............................................................................29
Table 4- 2: Terrain classification of the project road...............................................................29
Table 4- 3: Woreda climate conditions......................................................................................30
Table 4- 4: Subgrade soil extension..........................................................................................33
Table 4- 5: Land use classification of woredas’ traversed by the project road...................40
Table 4- 6: summary of Baseline information of the road corridor........................................46
Table 4- 7: Woreda population...................................................................................................57
Table 4- 8: Woreda age distribution..........................................................................................58
Table 4- 9: Woreda population density.....................................................................................58
Table 4- 10: Woreda Population settlement pattern................................................................58
Table 4- 11: Woreda household livelihood resources.............................................................59
Table 4- 12: Woreda land source by use (%)...........................................................................59
Table 4- 13: Project Woredas’ household landholding size and farm oxen........................60
Table 4- 14: Agricultural Calendar of Seru Woreda................................................................61
Table 4- 15: Major crops grown, area cultivated and production obtained.........................46
Table 4- 16: Land cultivated (ha.) and production (qt.) of large-scale private farm...........48
Table 4- 17: Potentialities and utilization of irrigation in the Woreda....................................49
Table 4- 18: Woreda livestock population size, 2008-2012 E.C...........................................50
Table 4- 19: Woreda Number of beehives and production....................................................51
Table 4- 20: Number of development agents and FTC in Woreda.......................................52
Table 4- 21: Woreda livestock diseases...................................................................................53
Table 4- 22: List of major agricultural constraints....................................................................54
Table 4- 23: Unemployment problems......................................................................................56
Table 4- 24: Project Woreda potentials.....................................................................................56
Table 4- 25: Water sources and water supply service coverage by source........................57
Table 4- 26: Woreda source of energy......................................................................................58
Table 4- 27: Woreda health institutions and personnel..........................................................59
Table 4- 28: Ten Top Diseases of the Woreda........................................................................60
Table 4- 29: Seru Woreda Prevalence rate of HIV AIDS in 2008 to 2012...........................61
Table 4- 30: Number of schools and students by Woreda and sex......................................46
Table 4- 31: Number of teachers by Profession and Schools...............................................47
Table 4- 32: Techers and qualification......................................................................................47
Table 4- 33: Gololecha Tourist attraction centres by type......................................................50
Table 5- 1: Consultation meeting attendants at Woreda level..............................................59

Table 5- 2:- Consultation meeting participants and date of the meeting.............................61
Table 6- 1: Environmentally Critical Area Values....................................................................62
Table 6- 2: Environmental Risk Level and Score for each Risk Level.................................62
Table 6- 3: Aggregate of ECA value and environmental risks for the proposed alternative
routes............................................................................................................................................63
Table 6- 4: Summary of socio-economic impacts and mitigation measures.......................65
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Table 6- 5: Comparisons of Alternative Routes Proposed for the project...........................67

Table 6- 6: Ranking of Alternative Routes................................................................................69
Table 8- 1: Previously Used Borrow Sources 86
Table 8- 2: Sections of the road where some houses are expected to be affected by the widening
of the road width............................................................................................................................95
Table 8- 3: Impacts on trees, fruit trees, and other properties..............................................98
Table 8- 4: Identified mosques, and graveyards at the project road sides.......................106
Table 9- 1: Environmental and Social Management Plan 117
Table 9- 2: Environmental Monitoring Plan 166
Table 9- 3: Cost Estimate for Capacity Building 171
Table 9- 4: Cost Estimate for the implementation of Mitigation measures, ESMP and
monitoring Plan 172
LIST OF FIGURES
List of Figures
Figure 2- 1: Location of the Project..............................................................................................5
Figure 4- 1: Regional geological set up of the project area...................................................35

Figure 4- 2: Seismic hazard and seismic susceptibility zone of Ethiopia, After Laeke 1996
.......................................................................................................................................................36
LIST OF PHOTOS
Photo 2- 1: Start of the project at Dire Shekhusen (km 0+00).................................................4
Photo 2- 2: End of the project at Micheta town (km 149+97)..................................................4
Photo 4- 1:Reddish soil in the last 30 kms................................................................................40
Photo 4- 2: Black cotton soil in the flat sections......................................................................40
Photo 4- 3:Whitish gray soil in the Shenen River valley.........................................................40
Photo 4- 4: Gully erosion affecting the existing road at km 100+600 both sides...............41
Photo 4- 5: Gulley erosion at km 114+00 LHS has already took portion of the road........41
Photo 4- 6:Wabe Shebelle river at chainage 13+600.............................................................41
Photo 4- 7: Ilile River at Chainage 40+600...............................................................................41
Photo 4- 8: Shenen River at km 67+800...................................................................................42
Photo 4- 9: Partially dried pond at km 121+500 RHS.............................................................42
Photo 4- 10:Natural pond at km 121+500 LHS........................................................................42
Photo 4- 11:Land preparation using tractor for Rain fed farm at km 90+000......................43
Photo 4- 12: Sorghum ground km 83+900 Near Remeti town...............................................43
Photo 4- 13:Banana on the road side around km 145+600...................................................43
Photo 4- 14; Mango trees on the road side around km 138+00............................................43
Photo 4- 15: Chat plantation at km 137+500............................................................................44
Photo 4- 16:Coffee plantation at km 137+00............................................................................44
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Photo 4- 17:Acacia bush on both sides of the road represents majority of the road stretch
from km 0+00 to km 80+00........................................................................................................44
Photo 4- 18: Acacia trees and terminal species dominate the road sides from km 80+00
to km 110+00...............................................................................................................................44
Photo 4- 19:Euphorbia lactea km 44+400 both sides.............................................................44
Photo 4- 20: Riverine Acacia at Ilile River bank at km 40+600..............................................44
Photo 4- 21: Neem tree commonly observed in town sections between km 80+00 and km
150+00..........................................................................................................................................45
Photo 4- 22: Moringa tree seen in town sections intermingling with Neem trees...............45
Photo 4- 23:Agave Spp observed in few locations along the road.......................................46
Photo 4- 24: Lantana Camara dominated the road side between km 120 to km 150........46
Photo 4- 25: Several Beehives placed on a tree at km 28+100 RHS...................................46
Photo 4- 26; Rock hyrax sitting on the rock in Shenen River valley.....................................47
Photo 4- 27; Sacred Ibis, Cattle Egret and Ducks observed at natural wetland at km
121+900 LHS...............................................................................................................................48
Photo 4- 28: :Cattle and camel population in the project corridor.........................................51
Photo 4- 29: : Traditional beehives.............................................................................................52
Photo 4- 30: Known tourist attraction along with the road project at km 0+00, Dire
Shekhusen Mosque, and the seat of high-top community leaders and elders.................51
Photo 5- 1: Consultation with Daro Labu Woreda Administration, at the end of the
project...........................................................................................................................................64
Photo 5- 2: Consultation with Hawi Gudina Woreda and Remeti Town Administrations,
elders and PAP representatives...............................................................................................65
Photo 5- 5: Consultation meeting with West Hararege Zone s Authority...........................60
Photo 8- 1: Some of the project affected houses and structures....................................................96
Photo 8- 2: Cash crops and fruit trees along the sides of the project road......................100
Photo 8- 3: Grave Sites and Mosque...........................................................................................107
Photo 8- 4: Rock fall at Shenen River valley..........................................................................111
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATION

0
C Degree Celsius
ARCCH Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage
CCD Convention to Combat Desertification
CO2 Carbon Dioxide
CRGE Climate-Resilient Green Economy
CSA Central Statistical Agency
CSE Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia
DB Design-Build
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EMP Environmental Monitoring Plan
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
EPE Environmental Policy of Ethiopia
ERA Ethiopian Roads Administration
ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
ESMM Environmental and Social Management Manual
ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan
ESOHS Environmental, Social, Occupational Health, and Safety
FCCC Framework Convention on Climate Change
FDRE Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
GHG Green House Gases
ha Hectare
HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acute Immunodeficiency Syndrome
IBC Institute of Biodiversity Conservation
km Kilometre
Km2 Square kilometre
LHS Left Hand Side
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m Meter
masl Meter Above Sea Level
mm mili meter
NA Not Available
NGOs Non-Government Organizations
NPP National Population Policy
NPW National Policy on Women
PAP Project Affected People
PM/RE Project Manager/Resident Engineer
RAP Resettlements Action Plan
RHS Right Hand Side
ROW Right Of Way
STIs Sexually Transmitted Infections
UNEP United Nations Environmental Program

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
E1. Introduction
ERA has hired Untied Consulting Engineers Plc., to conduct the Feasibility Study, Environmental
and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), RAP, Detail Engineering Design and Tender Document
Preparation for the Shekhusen-Mechara road. The project road is located in South Eastern part
of the country and connects three zones of Oromia regional state, namely West Hararge, Arsi
and East Bale Zones. The road forms the major highway that contributes for the socio-economic
development of the country. The road directly traverses four woredas namely Daro Lebu and Awi
Gudina Woredas of West Hararge Zone, Seru Woreda of Arsi Zone and Gololcha Woreda of
East Bale Zone.
This ESIA report is part of the feasibility and design report; and it describes findings obtained
from desk study, site visit and consultation conducted with various stakeholders along the project
route.
The main objectives of this ESIA report are to provide:
 All the necessary information for ERA, Regulatory Bodies, and Financiers to evaluate the
proposed project in environmental and social terms.
 Details of environmental impacts, mitigation measures and monitoring plan and required
resources for the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures.
The specific objective of ESIA is to advise the decision makers through identifying significant
environmental and social effects and proposing feasible mitigation and impact minimization
measures. The objective also include preparing socio-environmental management and
monitoring plans for the project so that identified impacts will be properly managed and its
implementation will be monitored.
E2. Environmental Policy and Legal Framework
The environmental policies and government strategies, as well as legal and administrative
frameworks and guidelines relevant to the project environmental and social impact assessment
were reviewed and summarized in section 3 of this document.
E3. The methodology

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Analysis was carried out by reviewing
pertinent policies, guidelines, previous studies including ESIA reports of similar road projects,
collecting primary data from field surveys conducted along the project road alignment, and
gathering secondary data from Regional, Zonal, and Wereda offices as well as from Central
Statistical Agency (CSA) and from maps. Interests & feelings of project affected people and
suggestions made by local authorities, community members and relevant stakeholders were
obtained through consultations made at each zone, woreda and settlement areas along the
project route. The data and information obtained were analyzed and used to describe the existing
environmental and social set up of the project area, and to identify the potential positive and
negative impacts of the proposed project. Following the identification and analysis of the
significance potential impacts, appropriate mitigation measures have been determined and
indicative environmental management plan has been developed and included in this ESIA report.
E4. Description of the Baseline Condition

The proposed project road starts at Shekhusen town of Gololcha Woreda of East Bale Zone and
travels through Seru Woreda of Arsi Zone and Awi Gudina and Daro Lebu Woreda of West
Hararge zone and ends at Mechara town of Daro Lebu Woreda. The total length of the road is
about150 km, which fully travels in Oromia regional State. The project road besides connecting
three zones of the Oromia Region, it directly benefits four woredas (Gololcha, Seru, Awi Gudina
and Daro Lebu) and several towns and villages found between the start and end points.
Topographically, rolling terrain dominates the project road alignment. There are also
mountainous and escarpment sections and valleys. Out of the total length of the road, 12.2% is
flat, 64.9% is rolling, 6.3% is mountainous and 16.6% is escarpment.
Three main soil types and rocky subgrades are encountered along the project road. The three
main soil types consist of yellowish grey clayey sandy silt mixed with gravels and boulders,
reddish clayey silty and black cotton soil. Additionally, limestone rock subgrades are also
encountered. The limestone rock subgrade and products of the highly weathered limestone are
exposed in the escarpment sections. The reddish clayey silt and the black cotton soils are
encountered on the plateau areas on flat to rolling terrains.
There is no visible soil erosion features between km 0+00 and km 80+00, except some erosion
on the road surface at Shenen River valley. However, gully erosion features were observed at km
100+600 on both sides, km 114+00 LHS, km 117+800 LHS and at km 122+900. At some
locations gullies are threatening the stability of the existing road. These erosion threatened areas
need special attention during the road design and construction.
Regarding flora, the road section from 0+00 to km 80+00 is dominated by acacia bushes with
some lowland euphorbia species seen in few spots. Main trees and Shrubs observed along this
section of the project road include Terminalia browinii, Acacia mellifera, A. nilotica, A. senegal,
Delonix elata, Balanites spp, Euphorbia lactea, and Commiphora spp. The three river valleys are
covered with acacia species where euphorbia species seen at certain areas.
Road section from km 80 to km 120 is dominantly flat and devoted for seasonal crops mainly
sorghum, maize and sesame. The road sides along this section is sparsely occupied with various
species of acacia and Terminalia brownii. The last 30km of the road from km 120+00 up to km
150 is farm land mainly growing perennial cash crops such as Chat, Coffee and fruit trees like
Mango, Banana and Avocado. In this section of the road, there is no natural vegetation except an
invasive shrub called Lantana camara. Lantana camara occupied the existing road sides and
serving as dust block for the crops situated behind it.
Tree species commonly observed in town sections are Neem and Moringa trees. These two tree
species are planted on road sides at each village and towns for shade, medicinal values and
beautifying towns. In addition to aesthetic and ecological functions, Moringa is being used by the
people for supplementary food. In some areas Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) and agave spp are
planted and serving as live fence.
When it comes to fauna, there are no protected areas for wildlife such as national parks and wild
life reserves along the project road. However, there are some wildlife species dwelling in the
acacia bushes, caves and river valleys. Few wildlife species were observed during the site visit
along the road. The observed species include Baboon, Vervice monkey, Dikdik and Rock hyrax.
The total population in the project woredas is estimated to be 533,934 people, and the majorities
(93%) live in rural areas. The sex ratio of the four project Woredas indicates a balanced
proportion of the male and female population. The distribution of the Woreda population by sex
ranges from 50.04% to 49.96% female/male to the total population ratio.
Since the project area is located in the Oromia region the dominant ethnic group, religion and
language are Oromo, Muslim, and Affan Oromo, respectively.
Livelihood of the people of the project area mainly depends on agro-pastoral activities mainly
crop production and livestock raising. Chat plantation is the dominant land use and income
source for the people residing in the Daro Lebu woreda. There are also coffee plantation towards
the Machera. Major crops grown in Awi Gudina woreda are maize sorghum and sesame. Most of
the road sides from Shekhusen to Remeti town covers with natural bushes. Except few farm
developed by individual farmers using motor pumps to abstract water from Shenen, Ilile and
Wabe Shebelle rivers, there is no modern irrigation along the project road.
E5.Stakeholders Consultations
The consultation meetings were held with Officials, Council Members, Elders and representatives
of communities and PAPs of Daro Labu, Hawi Gudina, Golelecha Woreda, and the West
Harrarege zone from March 15 to 19, 2021 and with Seru woreda, Arsi zone road office and with
Oromia regional road and logistic authority in February 2022. The consultant discussed with the
respective Woreda official to determine the numbers and positions of the participants to minimize
the number of gathering people to protect the incidence of exposure to COVID-19. Based on the
discussions, the selected and concerned people attended the consultation meeting focusing on
the interest towards the project, the likely positive and negative impacts of the project, and the
associated enhancement and mitigation measures, stakeholders’ engagement to support the
project, etc.
Except Seru woreda, all the consulted woredas welcomed the project with great delight and
acknowledged the decision of the government to implement the project. They determined
themselves to work with the project under all circumstances within their capacity. As a result, the
project is expected to not face problems concerning ensuring law and order, provision of land for
the road works, campsite, construction material production and processing, storage and other
facility sites. However, consulted officials and elders raised that construction of road section from
Seru town to Shekhusen is their interest and requested ERA to consider it as part of this road
project.
E6. Potential Environmental and Social Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Positive Impacts
The road project will bring various benefits for the project influence areas. Major beneficiary
impacts include reduction of travel time; reduction of vehicle operation cost, reduction of traffic
accidents caused by the poor condition of the road; and it will bring job opportunity mainly during
construction; provide access to markets and public service infrastructures; promote income-
generating schemes; provide better safety for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles; and
contribute to poverty reduction efforts.
The implementation of the project road together with the integration of environmental mitigation
measures include minimization of the prevailing dust pollution and erosion on the road after
asphalt pavement, minimization of erosion from roadside ditches and stresses on water quality,
improvement of visibility for drivers and pedestrians, which in turn will reduce accident risks for
both motorized and non-motorized traffic, and facilitate traffic flows, and better safety for
pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles and reduce the release of carbon into the atmosphere,
which eventually contribute for reduction of global warming and GHG emission.
Negative Impacts
The negative impacts of the project are associated with the land acquisition for the project
construction use. There will be some impacts on residential and business establishments,
farmlands, and perennial crops, etc. Besides, there will be some impacts on utilities as a result of
disruption of electric and telephone services, and interruption of water supply access during
construction. All these impacts will be compensated as per the law and regulations of the country
and affected utilities will be made to continue the regular services by providing support and
compensation before the commencement of the project construction. Construction works will also
attract commercial sex workers that will likely contribute expansion of HIV/AIDS and other
sexually transmitted diseases. These impacts could be mitigated by providing training and
awareness creation by sub consultant to be hired by the contractor.
Other adverse environmental impacts associated with construction activities include air pollution
due to dust and exhaust from vehicles and machinery, soil compaction and soil erosion due to
bulldozing and excavation, landscape quality deterioration due to cut sections, high fill and
mining of quarry stone and borrow materials, impacts on land and vegetation resources due to
land take for permanent road works and other associated facilities, impacts on water resources
mainly pollution and siltation problems associated to unsafe handling of solid and liquid waste
and use of cement and cement products, possible competition on the available community water
supply sources, impacts on natural vegetation including plantation and perennial crops and
possible impacts on wildlife habitat. Possible mitigation measures for each of the identified
impacts are discussed in section 8 of the main body of this document.
E7. Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan
An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), which provides a link between the
impacts predicted and their mitigation measures and implementation and operation activities is
proposed. The plan has been tabulated under table 9.1 showing the impacts identified, possible
mitigation measures proposed, phases of implementation, institution responsibilities for the
implementation and monitoring, and costs involved for the same. Similarly, performance
monitoring plan is prepared and presented in table 9.2. Monitoring plan comprises proposed
monitoring indicators, frequency of monitoring, time schedule, the organization responsible for
monitoring and the cost involved for monitoring activities.
Several of the mitigation measures specified in this ESIA document shall be incorporated in the
engineering design. Others will be included in the environmental clauses that will be part of
contract documents for the Contractor.
Environmental Management and Monitoring Costs

The environmental mitigation, management and monitoring cost is estimated to be about 35.5
Million Ethiopian Birr. Most of the environmental costs are part of the construction and
supervision costs and are not included in this ESIA report.
E8. Conclusions and Recommendations

The assessment of potential environmental impacts acknowledges that the proposed road
upgrading works and its subsequent operation will bring several positive as well as negative
environmental and social impacts. The key potential positive environmental effects include
alleviation or reduction of air pollution and dust impact on road side vegetation and residents,
reduction of erosion from the poorly surfaced gravel road and its unlined side ditches, reduction
of accident risks by improving road geometry and inclusion of standard traffic signs, and
facilitation of traffic flows, reduction of GHG emission per vehicle, reduction in operation time
noise pollution, and better safety for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles due to provision of
pedestrian walkways and parking lanes along towns and village sections.
The upgrading of the project road will create an improved level of services in general, and
particularly better and improved market opportunities for the sale of livestock and agricultural
products and consumer goods. When upgraded, the road will create better market access for the
local farmers, and their produces will secure higher market prices in comparison to the current
low prices. Further, improved road access will facilitate transportation of agriculture inputs to
formerly inaccessible areas, which contributes to increase productivity per hectare of farm land.

As the local economy depends on agro-pastoral activities and the project area is rich in livestock
production and some part of it is also known for cash production, the local economy would show
growth with the development of small business, investment projects; growth of urban centers,
improved and efficient communication system, exposure to the advancement of technology and
science through improved means of production. In general, employment opportunities will be
created in the project area with the growth of the economy and improvement in the social
services, and increase flow of tourists to the project influence areas.
The population residing in the project area/along the route are eagerly waiting for the start of the
road upgrading works. Consultation conducted at various levels with stakeholders,
representatives of community and potential PAPs as well as professional experts working in the
project area revealed that all the consulted people are highly welcomed the project and
requested to speed up start of its actual construction work, except Seru woreda. Seru woreda
demands to include road section that travels from Seru town to Shekhusen as part of this road
project.
ERA better to consider construction/ upgrading of Seru to Shekhusen road section to satisfy the
demand of Seru woreda and to increase connectivity of the road network as well as to provide
short and alternative route for religious travelers to Shekhusen Mosque from various parts of the
country.
The proposed project road is in harmony with all the national development policies and strategies
of Ethiopia and fulfills all the requirements set forth both by the Federal and Regional
Governments.
The upgrading works of the project road would create some negative impacts on socio-economic
and biophysical environment. The negative impacts are mainly related to the acquisition of land
for various project construction use, removal of vegetation from road sides and ancillary working
areas, minor disturbance of wildlife habitats and spread of communicable diseases like spread of
HIV/AIDS and STDs, dust pollution, temporary denial of access at some locations, cultural
conflict between local and migrant workers, competition for local resources and limited services,
etc.
Road construction work inherently involves risky activities due to the fact that it involves heavy
machineries, dozers, excavators, dump trucks, explosives, asphalt and stone crushing plants,
etc.,. Hence, appropriate occupational health and safety measures need to be adopted during the
construction works.
These negative impacts would be managed by adopting proper mitigation measures suggested
in this ESIA report. ERA in the preparation of its tender document for the upgrading of the road
needs to ensure that clauses both for the environmental and social issues are included as
suggested in this ESIA document.

The monitoring of the project implementation has to be done regularly to ensure that socio-
environmental and safety issues are properly addressed and implemented at each phases of the
project. Both the road construction contractor and supervision consultant need to mobilize socio-
environmental safeguard specialists at construction site throughout the project duration.
Generally, there are no socio-economic and environmental conditions that will hinder the project
road from being constructed provided that the proposed socio-environmental mitigation
measures stipulated in this ESIA report are strictly adhered and implemented.

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
ERA has hired Untied Consulting Engineers Plc., to conduct Feasibility Study, Environmental and
Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), RAP, Detail Engineering Design and Tender Document
Preparation for the Shekhusen-Mechara road. This ESIA report is part of the feasibility report and
it describes socio-economic and bio-physical environment of the project area, identifies positive
and negative impacts of the project road construction on socio-economic and biophysical
environment and proposes feasible mitigation measures for the adverse impacts and
enhancement measures for the beneficiary impacts. The report also includes preparation of
indicative Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan.
1.2 Scope of the Report

Scope of the report include:
 Assessment of existing biophysical and socio-economic environment of the project road,

 Conduct stakeholder’s consultation on the project construction and associated impacts
and their participation and support in the project implementation process,
 Identification of positive and negative impacts of the project on biological, physical and
social environment and propose enhancement measures for the beneficiary impacts and
mitigation measures for the adverse impacts; and
 Prepare indicative Environmental and social management and monitoring plan.
1.3 Objectives of ESIA Report

The main objectives of this ESIA report are to provide:
 All the necessary information for ERA, Regulatory Bodies, and Financiers to assess the
proposed project in environmental and social terms.
 Details of environmental impacts, mitigation measures and resources required for the
design and construction phases of the project.
The specific objective of ESIA is to advise the decision makers through identifying significant
environmental and social effects and proposing feasible mitigation and impact minimization
measures. The objective also include preparing socio-environmental management and
monitoring plans for the project so that identified impacts will be properly managed and its
implementation will be monitored.

1.4 Project Description and Location

The proposed project road starts at Shekhusen town of Gololcha Woreda of East Bale Zone and
travels through Seru Woreda of Arsi Zone and Awi Gudina and Daro Lebu Woreda of West
Hararge zone and ends at Mechara town of Daro Lebu Woreda. About 55% of the project road
falls within West Hararge Zone. The project road connects three zones of Oromia regional state
namely west Hararge, Arsi and East Bale zones. Total length of the project road is 150km. The
road crosses three main rivers namely Wabe Shebelle, Ilile and Shenen rivers.
Photo 1- 1: Start of the project at Dire Photo 1- 2: End of the project at Micheta town
Shekhusen (km 0+00) (km 149+97)

Project
Road
Figure 1- 3: Location of the Project

The project is intended to improve the existing deteriorated gravel road and upgrade it to a better
standard, and serve the anticipated traffic all the year round. Table 1.1 presents the description
of the Project Road.
Table 1- 1: Project Description
Items Description
Feasibility Study, Environmental and Social Impact
Project Name and Type of Assessment (ESIA), RAP, Detail Engineering Design and
Contract Tender Document Preparation for the Shekhusen-Mechara
road
The government of Federal Democratic Republic of
Funding
Ethiopia (FDRE)
Consultant United Consulting Engineers PLC (UNICONE)
Consultancy services for the feasibility, Detail Design,
Type of Service Environmental Impact Assessment, Resettlement Action
Plan and Tender Document Preparation
Region Oromia
Oromia Region, traverse through West Hararge, Arsi and
Project Location
East Bale zones
Dire-Sheik Hussein Town located in Oromiya region, East
Start Point Description Bale Zone, Gololcha Woreda at approximately 687344
Easting and 856321 Northing
Mecheta Town located in Oromiya region, West Hararge
End Point Description Zone, Daro Lebu Woreda at approximately 644845 Easting
and 947783 Northing
Road class Class III - Main Access
Approximate Length (km) 150km
Climate Classification C2 (Kola) and C3 (Weina Dega)
Elevation (m) (min – max) 850 – 1900

2. Approach and Methodology

The approach and methodology followed in preparing this ESIA report include reviewing previous
studies including ESIA reports of similar road projects prepared for the concept design, collecting
primary and secondary data through field surveys along the project alignment and from National,
Regional, Zonal and Wereda Offices. Conducting consultation with relevant stakeholders, project
affected people and experts. Data compiled at woreda level sectoral offices and statistical data
generated by the Central Statistical Agency (CSA) were also collected and analyzed. The
following sub sections show the detail methodologies used in the process of this ESIA report
preparation.
2.1 Review of Policies, Regulations and Previous Studies

Relevant documents from previous studies of similar projects as well as policies, legislations and
guidelines were collected from various federal, regional and woreda offices and reviewed to
obtain valuable information for the project at hand. The documents reviewed are given in the list
of references.
2.2 Environmental Scoping

Scoping exercise was conducted at desk study level to understand the limits and project
influence areas, to estimate activities to be undertaken, and to identify the availability of valued
environmental components and to determine environmental issues to be focuses and studied
during the detailed assessment.
2.3 Field Survey and Data Collection

Socio-environmental team comprises of a sociologist, an environmentalist and a transport
economist were conducted site assessment, data collection and consultation along the project
route from March 14/2021 to March 24/2021.Site visit and consultation with Seru woreda and
Arsi zone Road and logistic office was also conducted from Feb 22/2022 to Feb 24/2022. The
site assessment was focused on collecting primary data including the land use, population,
settlements, flora, fauna, major river networks, topography, erosion features, landscape of the
route corridor, availability of protected areas, national parks and archaeological, religious and
cultural resources. The information obtained from secondary sources, site assessment and
consultation were used to characterize socio-environmental features of the project route corridor
and to identify the likely potential environmental impacts anticipated from the construction and
operation of the proposed road project.
2.4 Stakeholders Consultation

During the field survey, consultations were held with regional, zonal and woreda level officials
and heads of sectoral offices and towns administrations. At each consultation session, the project
team explained about the project information to the consultation participants. The main features
of the road project explained to the consultation participants include the start and end of the
project road, total length and width of the road to be constructed, etc. The major agenda for
discussion at all levels include but not limited to the following.
 The feeling of the participants about the launch of the project;

 The nature of the project and contractual obligations;
 The roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders in supporting the project road
construction;
 Anticipated positive and negative impacts of the road project construction on the socio-
economic and biophysical environment of the project area;
 Presence or absence of environmentally and socially sensitive areas along the road
corridor (presence of national parks, wildlife reserves, protected areas, archeological
sites, tourist attractions, religious areas, etc.);
Besides the above, informal consultation was also conducted with professionals working at
Wereda Sectoral Offices, and people representatives at Woreda and kebele levels to collect
important information that can be used as an input for the preparation of this ESIA report and to
have the opinion of the local community towards the proposed project. The list of consulted
persons and organizations as well as minutes of meeting conducted with key stakeholders are
given in Annexes 1, 2, 3 and 4.
2.5 Data Analysis and Report Preparation

The data and information obtained from desk studies, field survey/primary data collection,
secondary data collection and stakeholders’ consultations were analyzed to describe the existing
environmental and social set up of the project area, and to identify the potential positive and
negative impacts of the proposed project. Following the identification and analysis of the
significance potential impacts, appropriate mitigation measures have been determined and
environmental management plan has been developed and included in this ESIA report.
Simple matrix and professional experience and judgment has been used for the identification of
the nature and magnitude of impacts resulting from undertaking the proposed Road construction
works. The magnitude of impacts, the likelihood of occurrence of impacts and its spatial and
temporal coverage were identified.
Following the impact identification, feasible mitigation measures were proposed to avoid, reduce
and compensate significant adverse impacts that to be resulted from the construction of the
proposed road project. Implementation of mitigation measures follows the hierarchy given below.
 Avoid, reduce and abate impacts at the source;

 Abate impacts at points of receptor;
 Compensate and repair impacts or compensate by other means as appropriate; and
 Enhance the beneficial impacts.

2.6 Team Composition for the ESIA Works

The team for the ESIA works constitutes one senior environmentalist and one senior sociologist.
Relevant information and data were also obtained from other team members of the project.
2.7 Assumptions and Knowledge Gaps
This report has been prepared based on data and information collected from secondary and
primary sources. It is difficult to verify the quality of secondary information rather than quoting the
source of information. Therefore, there could be some information which may not be as perfect
as expected. We are also using some data which are projected based on the previous
information, which may not represent the actual situation. In addition to this, there is a data gap
at project-specific sites and their environs. For example, a complete list of vegetation and wild
animal living in the wild at a project-specific site is not complete. In addition, at this feasibility
level, it is not possible to fully identify all the expected material source (borrow sites, camp site,
asphalt plant site, etc.). Nonetheless, attempts are made to fill gaps using data from reliable
sources such as CSA and research outputs.

3. POLICY, STRATEGIES, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter outlines the policy, legal and institutional framework governing environmental and
social issues in Ethiopia as well as highlights of other relevant policies, laws and guidelines as
well as international conventions ratified by Ethiopian Government and have some connection
with the issue of environment. This section is intended to clearly show and remind key
stakeholders about the policy and legal responsibilities vested up on them concerning the issues
of environmental and social aspects in general and their responsibility to handle the issues
related with the implementation of the proposed project. Details are presented in the following
sections.
3.1 Constitution of Ethiopia

The constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia provides the overriding principles
and legislative frameworks in the country. The concept of sustainable development and the
environmental rights of the people are enshrined in the constitution by the following articles that
stipulate the rights of people.
Article 43: The Rights of Development states that
• The Peoples of Ethiopia as a whole, and each Nation, Nationality and People in Ethiopia
in particular have the right to improved living standards and to sustainable development;
• Nationals have the right to participate in national development and, in particular, to be
consulted with respect to policies and projects affecting their community;
• All international agreements and relations concluded, established or conducted by the
State shall protect and ensure Ethiopia’s right to sustainable development; and
• The basic aim of development activities shall be to enhance the capacity of citizens for
development and to meet their basic needs.
Article 44 - Environmental Rights
• All persons have the right to live in a clean and healthy 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.
The Rights of Women (Article 35):
Article 35 provides a foundation for the recognition and protection of women’s rights and
guarantee women an equal right with men.
• The historical legacy of inequality and discrimination suffered by women in Ethiopia taken
into account, women, in order to remedy this legacy, are entitled to affirmative measures.
The purpose of such measures shall be to provide special attention to women so as to

enable them compete and participate on the basis of equality with men in political, social
and economic life as well as in public and private institutions.
• Women have the right to full consultation in the formulation of national development
policies, the designing and execution of projects, and particularly in the case of projects
affecting the interests of women.
• Women have the right to acquire, administer, control, use and transfer property. In
particular, they have equal rights with men with respect to use, transfer, administration
and control of land. They shall enjoy equal treatment in the inheritance of property.
• Women shall have a right to equality in employment, promotion, pay, and the transfer of
pension entitlement.
Article 41-Economic, social and cultural rights
The rights recognized by this article include
• The right to freely engage in economic activity and pursue a livelihood (occupation,
profession) of his/her choice anywhere within the national territory;
• The obligation to allocate resource to provide to public health, education and other social
services; and
• Article 41(5), reiterated in Article (91), the state shall allocate resources ( within available
means) to provide rehabilitation and assistance to the physically and mentally disabled,
the aged, and to children without parents or guardian rehabilitation and support services
for people with disabilities.
These constitutional provisions have served as the guiding principle of all activates that are
related to policy formulation, strategy development and the formulation of legislative and
institutional framework for environmental and social protection.
In conclusion, the constitution of Ethiopia has adequately considered the protection of

environment and right of the people to live in a clean and healthy environment and ensures right
of people to participate in national development and right to be consulted during the preparation
of projects affecting them and confirmed the equal right of women and men.
3.2 Policies and Strategies

3.2.1 Environmental Policy of Ethiopia
The major policy framework document with respect to environmental management in the country
is the Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (EPE) of the FDRE approved by the Council of Ministers
in April 1997. The Policy was prepared under the joint effort of the Environmental Protection
Authority (EPA) and the Environmental Planning Unit (EPU) of the then Ministry of Economic
Development and Co-operation (MoEDC) in April 1997. Its overall goal is to improve and to
enhance health and the quality of life for the people of Ethiopia, and to promote sustainable
social and economic development through the adoption of sound environmental management
principles. The policy sets out specific objectives and key guiding principles, contains sectorial
and cross-sectorial policies and the necessary provisions for its appropriate implementation. The
policy inspires engagement and participation of individuals and communities at all levels and to
raise public awareness and promote understanding of the essential linkage between environment
and development.
The policy also aims at increasing the sense of ownership for development projects and
encourages the sustainable exploitation of natural resources at national and local levels.
Regarding social and gender issues, the Policies under Article 4.5 has explicitly addressed Social
and Gender issues. The policy has given direction to ensure formal and informal training in
environmental and resource management should include methodologies and tools for analysis
and elimination of inequities; and make environmental awareness and public education
programmes that include both men and women in all social, economic and cultural groupings of
society. It has also emphasizes that all policies, programmes and projects subjected to impact
assessments in order to maximize equity for economic, ethnic, social, cultural, gender and age
groups, especially the socially disadvantaged; and facilitate the participation of women across all
sections of society in training, public awareness campaigns, formal and informal education and
decision making in environment and resource management.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the core of the environmental policy of Ethiopia.
Article 4.9 of EPE covers the policy directive on EIA. The Article contains eleven sub-articles
covering different aspects of ESIA and the conditions under which EIA must be performed. Article
4.9.g (EPA 1997, 23) provides a provision to create a by law on EIA process which requires
appropriate Environmental impact statements and environmental audits for private and state
development projects.
The policy highlights the precautionary principle of minimizing and where possible preventing
discharges of substances, biological materials or their fragments from industrial plants and
personal or communal appliances or any other external sources into environment and promote
adoption of "polluter pays" principle and adopt a system for monitoring compliance with land, air
and water pollution control standards and regulations, the handling and storage of hazardous and
dangerous materials, mining operations, public and industrial hygiene, waste disposal, and water
quality.
Moreover, the policy ensures that environmental impact assessments is not only physical and
biological impacts but also address social, socioeconomic, political and cultural conditions; and
ensures that public and private sector development programmes and projects recognize any
environmental impacts early and incorporate their containment into the development design
process and recognize that public consultation is an integral part of EIA.

3.2.2 Environmental Policy of Regions

Following the formulation of the Federal Environmental Policy in the second half of the 1990s’,
with the assistance of the National Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), each regional
states has formulate their own environmental policies. The intention of those regional policies
was to serve as a general guide the action of the respective regions with respect to protection,
conservation, development and sustainable use of available resources within the respective
regions.
Moreover, the policy is also made the regions responsible for the evaluation and monitoring of all
interventions including projects within the region so that they could be environmentally friendly
and socially acceptable.
3.2.3 Policies on Land Tenure, Expropriation and Compensation

The constitution of the FDRE states that the right to ownership of rural and urban land, as well as
all natural resources rests on the state and the public. Land is the property of the state/public and
does not require compensation. However, the Constitution gives every person the ownership
right for the property he has invested on the land, and in this regard article 40 (7) states that
every Ethiopian shall have full right to the immovable property he builds and to the permanent
improvements he brings about on the land by his labour or capital.
If the land that is owned by an individual is expropriated by the Government for public use like
road construction, the person is entitled for compensation. In this regard, article 44 (2) of the
Constitution states that 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. This
general principle stated in the Constitution of Ethiopia is further elaborated in the regulation
number 135/2007 which was issued by the council of ministers in 2007. The police help to guide
practical actions of compensation on the ground. These basic principles of the indicated policy
will be used during the implementation of the proposed road project where the issue of
compensation will be handled by ERA and Project Woredas.
3.2.4 Policy on Public Health

Ethiopia’s health policy was first issued in 1993 and revised in April 1998, with the aim of giving
special attention to women and children, neglected segments of the population, and to victims of
manmade calamities and disasters.
The priority areas of the policy are in the field of Information, Education and Communication
(IEC) of health to create awareness and behavioral change of the society towards health issues
with the direct emphasis on the: -
 Control of communicable disease and epidemics including HIV/AIDS and STIs;

 Combating diseases that are related to malnutrition and poor living condition and working
environment;
 Promotion of occupational health and safety such as provision of PPE, training and
awareness as well as the development of environmental health;
 Rehabilitation of health infrastructures, provision of essential medicines, and expansion of
frontline and middle level health professionals;
 Appropriate health service management system, attention to traditional medicines and
applied health research.
The policy aimed to protect and promote the health of citizens by ensuring friendly and healthy
environment through controlling the environmental factors which are directly or indirectly
responsible for spread of environmental health related diseases. Some of the important policy
frameworks relevant to the proposed road project includes among other: -
 Establish effective monitoring mechanisms for the control of environmental pollution such
as water, soil, air, noise, etc.;
 Ensure that detonators, oils, greases and other chemicals are properly stored, handled,
transported, applied and disposed-off in a manner that does not cause health risks and
ecological damage;
 The need to conduct and actively participate in Environmental Impact Assessment (ESIA)
of development projects;
 Control of communicable disease and epidemics including HIV/AIDS and STIs;
 Combating diseases that are related to malnutrition and poor living condition and working
environment; and
 Promotion of occupational health and safety such as provision of PPE, training and
awareness as well as the development of environmental health.
3.2.5 Policy on Ethiopian Wildlife
The Wildlife Policy is one of the crosscutting policy issues that were developed in 2006 by the
then Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The prime objective of the policy is to create
conducive environment for the preservation, development and sustainable use of Ethiopia’s
wildlife resources for social and economic development and for the integrity of the
biosphere/biodiversity. It covers a wide range of policies and strategies relating, amongst others,
to wildlife conservation and protected areas. The protected areas do have four categories of
hierarchies from the highest protection areas (National Parks) down to control hunting areas.
‘National Park’ does have first priority areas where it is at least ideally totally closed from
interference, followed by ‘Game Reserve’ and ‘Sanctuary’ and down to ‘Controlled Hunting Area’.
Regarding the project road corridor, there is no known national parks and wildlife reserve or
protected areas.
3.2.6 Policy on Biodiversity Conservation and Research and Development

One of the priority areas of national action towards the effective conservation, rational
development and sustainable utilization of genetic resources is a national commitment to set out
an appropriate government policy and subsequent action. To this end, the national policy on
Biodiversity Conservation and Development is formulated based on the rationale that the
conservation of biodiversity is one of the conditions of the overall socioeconomic development
and sustainable environmental management goals. Hence, because of its vital importance in the
socioeconomic wellbeing of the Ethiopia people, the conservation, proper management and the
use of biodiversity need to be supported by policy, legislation and national capacity building.
Based on that policy initiative, national biodiversity strategy and action plan was prepared by the
Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (IBC) in 2007 to help translate the policy objective in to
action.
3.2.7 National Population Policy

This Policy 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 combined 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 avoid over-exploitation of natural
resources;
 Ensuring spatially balanced population distribution patterns, with a view to maintaining
environmental security and extending the scope of development activities;
 Maintaining and improving the carrying capacity of the environment by taking appropriate
environmental protection and conservation measures.
 Improving productivity of agriculture and introducing off-farm and non-agricultural
activities for the purpose of employment diversification; and
In this regard, the proposed project is expected to employee number of citizens over the project
duration where employees could assure their livelihood on the income thereof and more
importantly, they will acquire skills that could be used on other similar projects.
3.2.8 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 within the
government offices to establish and monitor the implementation of different gender-sensitive 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
Federal/Regional/Organizational levels as appropriate. 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/Wereda, and Kebele
levels, there are respective offices (at Kebele level, usually individuals are assigned in lieu of an
office). 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 services.
3.2.9 Cultural Policy of Ethiopia

Article 51/3 of the constitution of the FDRE declares that the Federal Governments’ shall
establish and implement national standards and basic policy criteria for the protection and
preservation of cultural and historical heritages’. Based on this, the Council of Ministers of FDRE
endorsed the cultural policy of Ethiopia in October 1997 and subsequently issued the Research
and Conservation of Cultural Heritage Proclamation (Pro. 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.
3.2.10 National Policy on HIV/AIDS

The National HIV/AIDS Policy stipulates that Government Institution, Non-Government
Organizations, religious organizations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, and private sectors,
community based Institutions and the community at large shall be mobilized to support people
living with HIV/AIDS and affected family members; and special attention shall be given to people
who are abandoned and helpless.
In addition, the Policy also acknowledges that the right of HIV/AIDS infected individuals for
confidentially in HIV serologic testing and diagnosis shall be respected. Furthermore, access to
employment, education, public facilities and the right to live wherever they want shall be
respected.
3.2.11 ERAs Workplace HIV/AIDS Policy

Based on the National Policy, ERA has also formulated/issued workplace HIV/AIDS Policy with
the following Objectives:
 Provide a framework of action when dealing with HIV/AIDS.

 Prepare the Authority to face the presence of HIV infection and AIDS.
 Define the Authority's position and practices in relation to employees with HIV/AIDS and
STIs and how the Authority seeks the prevention of the spread of HIV.
 Demonstrate the Authority's concern and commitment to taking active steps to manage
the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
 Create awareness among employees on the relationship between STIs including their
infectious nature and the spread of HIV/AIDS.
 Promote effective ways of managing HIV/AIDS in the workplace and to create a balance
between the rights and responsibilities of all parties.
 Enhance the conditions of those infected with the disease by creating a supportive
environment for them to continue working productively under normal conditions and in
their current employment as long as they are medically fit to do so.
 Eliminate all forms of discrimination in the workplace based on HIV status and to further
promote equality between those who are infected and those who are not infected, and
 Strive for effective collaboration in the fight against HIV/AIDS between communities from
which the Authority draws its employees including surrounding communities.
3.2.12 Conservation Strategies
Since the early 1990s, the Federal Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to
develop regional, national and sectoral strategies to ensure better environmental conservation
and protection. Paramount amongst these was CSE, approved by the council of ministers, which
provided a strategic framework for integrating environmental planning into new and existing
policies, programs and projects. The CSE is an important strategy document which views
environmental management from several perspectives. The CSE itself provides a comprehensive
and rational approach to environmental management in a very broad sense, covering national
and regional strategies, sectoral and cross-sectoral strategy, action plans and programs, as well
as providing the basis for development of appropriate institutional and legal frameworks for
implementation.
The plan comprehensively presented the exiting situation within the country and gave a plan of
priority actions on the short and medium term. In particular, it recognizes the importance of
incorporating environmental factors into development activities from the outset, so that planners
may take into account environmental protection as an essential component of economic, social
and cultural development.
3.2.13 Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy

Ethiopia is experiencing the effects of climate change. Some studies indicate that by 2050 the
temperature of the country could increase in the range of 1.7 to 2.1 degree Celsius unless
appropriate mitigation measures are taken. This incidence would aggravate food insecurity,
spread transmitted diseases in the form of epidemic, and cause degradation of land resources
and destruction of infrastructures. Besides the direct effects such as an increase in average
temperature or a change in rainfall patterns, climate change also presents the necessity and
opportunity to switch to a new, sustainable development model. The Government of the Federal
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia therefore issued the Climate-Resilient Green Economy strategy
in 2011 to protect the country from the adverse effects of climate change and to build a green
economy that will help to realize its ambition of reaching middle income status before 2025. In
the long term, if climate change is not tackled, growth itself will be at risk.
Ethiopia is currently in a very strong position of having very low emissions per capita, huge
renewable heat and electricity resources and the opportunity to address climate risks into the
short term that result from out dated fossil fuel technology and seek clean and renewable
alternatives. The Government has recognized this and plays a leading role in driving the climate
resilient green economy agenda.
Target of the Plan
The Green Economy (GE) Strategy sets out the plans for developing a low carbon economy in
Ethiopia. Detailed analysis showed that GHG emissions in Ethiopia would rise from 150 MtCO 2e
per year in 2010 to 400 MtCO 2e in 2030 under a conventional development path (‘business as
usual’). The GE Strategy identified and prioritized more than 60 initiatives, which together enable
the country to achieve the envisaged development goals while limiting GHG emissions in 2030 to
2010’s levels. These initiatives would save 250 MtCO2e per year.
Pillars of the Plan
The green economy plan is based on four pillars:
1) Improving crop and livestock production practices for higher food security and farmer
income while reducing emissions;
2) Protecting and re-establishing forests for their economic and ecosystem services,
including as carbon stocks;
3) Expanding electricity generation from renewable sources of energy for domestic and
regional markets; and
4) Leapfrogging to modern and energy-efficient technologies in transport, industrial
sectors, and buildings.
The agriculture sector (including livestock farming, crop cultivation and forestry activities) in 2010
was the highest contributor to emissions, amounting to about 88% of total greenhouses gases
(GHG) emissions. The sector presents the highest abatement potential for GHG emissions
reduction; hence was identified as a priority area that needs to be developed resiliently. The

other sectors including Transport, Energy, Industry and Buildings each accounted for 3% of GHG
emissions in 2010.
In 2010, the transport sector produced 5 MtCO 2e representing 3% of total GHG emissions.
Emissions from the transport is projected to reach 70 MtCO 2e by 2030 under the business-as-
usual scenario. To reduce emissions from the sector, Ethiopia intends to expand its investments
in improved transport systems such as rail transport that depends on clean and renewable
energy sources; this measure is expected to contribute to a reduction of 10 MtCO 2e emissions by
2030 (14% reduction to BAU). In addition, the country is making efforts to remove subsidies on
fossil fuels thereby discouraging excessive consumption of fossil fuel in the transport sector.
Ethiopia also plans to implement urban planning that prioritizes accessibility; hence minimizing
emissions from motorized transport.
In the energy sector, the Ethiopian government commits to promoting the use of modern energy
sources (such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas and electricity) for cooking; and reducing emissions
from electricity generation by cutting down on fossil fuel usage and resorting to more renewable
sources such as hydroelectric, geothermal, wind and solar sources.
3.3 Proclamations and Regulations

The Government of Ethiopia has issued several proclamations and regulations pertinent to
Environmental protection and social development. These proclamations and regulations are
summarized below:
3.3.1 Proclamation on Environmental Impact Assessment

This Proclamation (No 299/2002) aims primarily at making the ESIA mandatory for categories of
projects specified under a directive issued by EPA. The Proclamation makes ESIA mandatory for
specified categories of activities undertaken either by the public or private sectors, and possibly,
the extension of ESIA to policies, plans and programmes in addition to projects. The proponent of
the project (whether it is public or private body) must prepare an ESIA following the requirements
specified in the legislation (Article 8) and associated guidelines. EPA or the sector Ministries
delegated by it and relevant Regional Environmental Agencies will then review the ESIA and
either approve the project (with or without conditions) or reject it.
The Proclamation requires, among other things:
• Specified categories of projects to be subjected to an ESIA and receive an authorization

from EPA or the relevant regional environmental agency prior to commencing
implementation of the project.
• Licensing agencies to ensure that the requisite authorization has been duly received prior
to issuing an investment permit, a trade or operating license or a work permit to a
business organization.
• The EPA or the relevant regional environmental agencies may issue an exemption from
carrying out an ESIA in projects supposed to have an insignificant environmental impact.
• A licensing agency may suspend or cancel a license that has already been issued where
the EPA or the relevant regional environmental agency suspends or cancels
environmental authorization.
• Procedures that need to be followed in the process of conducting an environmental
impact assessment are described in the Proclamation and further elaborated in the draft
ESIA procedural guideline issued in 2003 E.C.
Thus a project developer is expected to act as follows:
• Undertake a timely environmental impact assessment, identifying the likely adverse
impacts, and incorporating the means of their prevention.
• Submit an environmental impact study report to EPA or delegated sector ministry or the
relevant regional environmental agency for review and approval.
The proclamation defines project categories in to 3. These are projects that will require full ESIA
or partial ESIA or for which study of ESIA is not required. For this particular project, full ESIA is
mandatory taking in to account the scale of the project and the provision provide in the ESIA
proclamation. Hence, the proposed road project at hand should undergo through full ESIA to
prioritize and minimize adverse environmental and social impacts on the environment and
people.
3.3.2 Proclamation on Environmental Pollution Control

Proclamation No. 300/2002 on Environmental Pollution Control primarily aims to ensure the right
of citizens to live in a healthy environment and to impose obligations to protect the environment
of the country. The proclamation is based on the principle that each citizen has the right to have
a healthy environment, as well as the obligation to protect the environment of the country. The
law addresses the management of hazardous waste, municipal waste, the establishment of
environmental quality standards for air, water and soil; and monitoring of pollution. The
proclamation also addresses noise and vibration as one source of environmental pollution and it
seeks for standards and limits for it providing for the maximum allowable noise level taking into
account the settlement patterns. In general, the Proclamation provides a basis from which the
relevant environmental standards applicable to Ethiopia can be developed, while sanctioning
violation of these standards as criminally punishable offences.
Furthermore, it empowers the EPA and/or the Regional Environmental Authority to assign
environmental inspectors with the duties and responsibilities of controlling environmental
pollution. In order to ensure implementation of environmental standards and related
requirements, inspectors belonging to the EPA or the relevant regional environmental agency are
empowered by the Proclamation to enter, without prior notice or court order, any land or
premises at any time, at their discretion. Such wide powers derive from Ethiopia's serious
concern and commitment to protecting the environment from pollution.

Under the current project, attempts will be made to reduce waste generation from all sources in
the first place and what was not avoided will be properly managed and disposed as per the
acceptable procedures and subsequent approval by the Engineer.
3.3.3 Proclamation on Forest Development, Conservation and Utilization of Forests

Proclamation No.1065/2018 was issued in 2018 to secure the Conservation, Development and
Utilization of Forests. The previous proclamation, Proclamation No.542/2007 is repealed by this
proclamation.
The objectives of the forest development, conservation and utilization proclamation are:
 To promote the role of forest sector in arresting the adverse effects of climate change;
 To promote sustainable forest development, conservation and utilization which play a
crucial role to halt environmental, social and economic problems caused by the high level
of forest degradation;
 To benefit from the decisive role of forest in preventing soil erosion, desertification and
loss of biodiversity;
 To balance the demand and supply of forest products, sustain agricultural productivity
and thereby ensure food security;
 In addition to developing forest by state and private owners, to introduce community and
association forest development;
 To classify forest into productive, protected, and exclusively protected forests on their
environmental, social and economic significance;
 To enhance the environmental, social and economic benefits that may arise from multi-
lateral and bilateral agreements; and
 To strengthen forest sector resource, research, education, investment, trade and
information system.
The proclamation classified forest ownership into four. These are Private forest, community
forest, association forest and state forest. The state forest classified into productive forest,
protected forest and preserved forest.
The proclamation among others prohibit cutting endangered indigenous naturally grown trees
from state forest or those naturally grown in community forest. But the owner of the tree may
utilize endangered tree species planted in his possession up on confirmation from the
responsible authority.
3.3.4 Proclamation on Expropriation of Land Compensation (Proc. No. 1161/2019)

The Proclamation No. 455/2005, which had been used to expropriate landholdings for public
purpose had been repealed and substituted by the new proclamation (proclamation No.
1161/2019). The proclamation has listed type of compensation like property compensation,
displacement compensation, displacement assistance, economic loss compensation, social ties
discontinue and moral damage compensation as well as resettlement package.
Regarding compensation for rural landholdings, the proclamation states that where there is
alternative land to relocate the PAP, one year landholding compensation income which is
equivalent to the highest income he/she annually used to generate in the last three years
preceding the expropriation of the land shall be paid. Where equivalent land is not available and
the land is going to be expropriated permanently, the landholder shall be paid displacement
compensation which is equivalent to 15 times the highest annual income he generated during the
last three years preceding the expropriation of the land.
Where urban land holder is permanently displaced, he shall be provided with substitute land for
building house or an arrangement shall be made to let him purchase housing units. Where
suitable land is provided, a residential house shall be given to displaced for two years free of
charge until he constructs his residential housing or displacement compensation equal to two
years housing rentals estimated on the basis of the rental market comparable to the house of the
displaced shall be paid. Where a substitute house is provided, the displaced shall be paid a one-
year displacement compensation equivalent to current rental price of the demolished house.
The appropriate federal Authority or a regional, Addis Ababa, Diredawa cabinet shall decide on
the basis of an approved land use plan or master plan or structure plan where the expropriate
land directly or indirectly brings better development and is beneficial to the public. Cabinet may
delegate a Woreda or city administration to decide on land expropriation for public purpose.
The city administration or Woreda administration has the power to order evacuate and takeover
land decided to be expropriated for public purpose.
Article 5(5) and Article 6 give power to Woreda or urban administrations to “expropriate rural or
urban landholdings for public purpose where it believes that it should be used for a better
development…” This is supported by Article 51(5) and Article 40(8) of the 1995 Constitution.
Article 12(5) states that” the cost of removal, transportation and erection shall be paid as
compensation for a property that could be relocated and continue to serves as before.”
individual, government or private organization or any other organ which has legal personality
and have lawful possession over the land to be expropriated and owns property situated
thereon”.
Article 8 of the proclamation requires consultation with landholders before one year unless and
otherwise the development plan is urgent. The landholder has to handover the land within 120
days after he/she received the compensation. If there is no crop or other property on the land, it
must be handed over within 30 days of notice of expropriation. It further gives power to seize the
land through police force should the landholder be unwilling to hand over the land. Properties
added after the expropriation notification is given to the land holder are not compensated.
Article 8(8) of the proclamation states that where the land expropriated is under illegal
occupation, the occupant shall evacuate without claim for compensation within 30 (thirty) days of
notice. Article 8 sub article 1 (g) states to pay compensation or provide substitute land before the
displacement of people from their landholding.
Where property is on urban land, compensation may not be less than constructing a single room
low cost house as per the region in which it is located. It also requires that the cost of removal,
transportation and erection will be paid as compensation for a relocated property continuing its
service as before.
Regarding cutoff date sub article 3 of article 8 stated that after the submission date of written
notification that indicates the amount of compensation, the landholder do not develop or crop the
land and handover the land, but if the project developer failed to take the land within 30 days, the
landholder may plant seasonal crops and start other activities on the land other than perennial
crops and buildings; and if the project developer failed to pay for the landholder within 60 days
from the first day of written notification, the landholder can begin developing any kind of activity
approved by the master plan or land use plan. Property developed or any change made by the
landholder after the 30 days notification on the land to be expropriated will be included in the
valuation for compensation provided that the developer needs to take the land after the first 30
days elapsed.
Article 18 of the Proc. no 1161/2019 has provision on grievances hearing body and appeal
hearing council which shall have jurisdiction to entertain grievances arising from decisions under
this Proclamation.
Any person who has an interest or claim on the property to be expropriated may file an
application within 30 (thirty) days of service of the order to the Complaint Hearing Body which is
established as per sub-article 1 of Article 18 of this proclamation.
The complaint hearing body, after investigating the complaint submitted to it; shall make its
decisions within 30 (thirty) days of the filing of the application and notify in written to the parties.
A party who is aggrieved with the decision given under Article 19 sub article 1 of this
proclamation shall file an appeal to the Appeal Hearing Council within 30 (thirty) days of the
receipt of the written notice of the decision thereof. A party aggrieved with the decision of the
Appeal Hearing Council may file an appeal to the High Court/ First Instance Court within 30
thirty) days of the receipt of the decision in writing.
3.3.5 Proclamation on Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage

Proclamation No. 209/2000 provides legal framework for Research and Conservation of Cultural
Heritage. The Proclamation establishes the Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural
Heritage (ARCCH) as a government institution with a juridical personality. In addition, it has
provisions for management, exploration, discovery and study of Cultural Heritage and
miscellaneous provisions.
The Proclamation defines the objectives, powers and duties of the Authority (ARCCH). As stated
in the Proclamation, the Authority shall have the power to: -
 Carry out a scientific registration and supervision of Cultural Heritage.

 Protect Cultural Heritage against man-made and natural disasters.
 Enables the benefits of Cultural Heritage assist the economic and social development of
the country.
 Discover and study Cultural Heritage.
Article 41 of the Proclamation, which is on Fortuitous (unexpected) Discovery of Cultural Heritage

states that any person who discovers any Cultural Heritage in the course of an excavation
connected to mining explorations, building works, road construction or other similar activities or in
the course of any other fortuitous event, shall forthwith report same to the Authority, and shall
protect and keep same intact, until the Authority takes delivery thereof. Connected to this, it also
states that the Authority shall, upon receipt of a report submitted, take all appropriate measures
to examine, take delivery of, and register the Cultural Heritage so discovered.
Under Miscellaneous Provisions, the Proclamation states that, any person who holds permit to
conduct construction works in an area declared to be containing an assemblage of immovable
Cultural Heritage or an archaeological site and who discovers Cultural Heritage in the course of
construction activities shall stop construction and shall immediately report same in writing to the
Authority.
3.3.6 Proclamation on Ethiopian Water Resource Management

This Proclamation (Proc. No. 197/2000) was issued in March 2000 and provides legal
requirements for Ethiopian Water Resources Management, Protection and Utilization. The aim of
the proclamation is to ensure that water resources of the country are protected and utilized for
the highest social and economic benefits, to follow up and supervise that they are duly
conserved, ensure that harmful effects of water use prevented, and that the management of
water resources is carried out properly. As stated in the Proclamation, the Supervising Body (the
Ministry pertaining to water resources at central level, or any organ delegated by the Ministry)
shall be responsible for the planning, management, utilization and protection of water resources.
According to Sub-Article 1 of the Article 11, no person shall perform the following activities
without a permit from the supervising body without prejudice to the exceptions specified under
Article 12:
 Construct water works.

 Supply water, whether for his own use or for others.
 Transfer water which he/she abstracted from a water resource or received from another
supplier
 Release or discharge waste into water resources unless otherwise provided in the water
resource management regulation.
As per this proclamation, whenever there is a need to prioritize the available water resources,
first priority is given for domestic water supply, livestock watering and ecosystem conservation in
that order of importance. Water resources rationing for development actions like irrigation,
industry, power generation and construction was put at the tail of the list.
3.3.7 Public Health Proclamation

The objectives of the Public Health Proclamation (Proc. No. 200/2000) relevant to environmental
health and applicable during the construction and operation phases of development projects
include prohibiting discharge of untreated liquid waste generated from septic tanks, seepage pits
and industries into water bodies, or water convergences; prohibiting the disposal of solid or liquid
or any other waste in a manner which contaminates the environment or affect the health of the
society also pertinent to this road project.
3.3.8 Solid Waste Management Proclamation

This Proclamation (Proc. No. 513/2007) was issued in March 2007 and its objective is to
enhance capacity at all levels to prevent possible adverse impacts while creating economically
and socially beneficial assets out of solid wastes. Under this proclamation, a person or
institutions that is generating wastes is held responsible for proper disposal of wastes he
produced through reuse or recycling or disposal at the officially approved sites as appropriate. It
is the main objective of the proclamation to highly encourage the public and investors’
participation and involvement in the collection and segregation, storage and recycling and
disposal of residual solid wastes.
This proclamation clearly indicates the general obligation of urban administration in solid waste
management issues and how it can ensure public participation and involvement of lowest level
administration in managing solid wastes. The proclamation also indicates how the inter-regional
movement of solid wastes should be managed, the management of glass containers and tin
cans, management of plastic bags and used tyres, food related and household solid wastes, and
management of construction debris and demolition of solid waste and excavated soils.
Moreover, emphasis was also given to how the solid wastes are transported; their disposal sites
are constructed and auditing of the disposal sites in-operation is made. Civil liability and penalty
issues as well as responsibilities to issue regulations and directives that will facilitate the
implementation of this proclamation are detailed at great lengths. More relevant to the solid
waste management issue for the project at hand is management of construction debris or
wastes, management of used tyres, plastics, tin cans and household wastes that will be
generated from the operation of camps and more importantly that of hazardous waste from
garage and workshop operation such as oils and greases, air cleaners, fuel and oil filters, used
batteries and the like.
3.3.9 Proclamation on the Development, Conservation and Utilization of Wildlife

This Proclamation (Proc. No. 541/2007) was issued in August 2007 and it has the following 3
major objectives. These are:
 To conserve, manage, develop and properly utilize the wildlife resources of Ethiopia.

 To create conditions necessary for discharging government obligations assumed under

treaties regarding the conservation, development, and utilization of wildlife.
 To promote wildlife-based tourism and to encourage private investment.
Wildlife conservation areas to be designated and administered by the Federal Government and
by Regions as well as that will be administered by Private Investors and by Local Communities
are clearly indicated under this proclamation. Hunting Permit and Collection of Wildlife or Wildlife
Products for Scientific Purposes is also receiving enough attention. Wildlife related economic
activities such as wildlife resources based tourism and trading in wildlife and their products is
also the attention of this proclamation.
The segregation of powers and duties of the Ministry (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development), Regions, and wildlife anti-poaching officers are made clear here. There is also a
provision for penalty considerations and the power to issue regulations and directives.
3.3.10 Labor Proclamation (Proc. No. 1156/2019)

The Ethiopian Government issued the Labor Proclamation (Proc. No. 1156/2019) on September
5/2019 which repealed the previous proclamations including proclamation No. 377/2003,
Proclamation No. 466/2005 and Proclamation No. 632/2009. The main aim of the proclamation
includes, among others:
 To lay down a working system that guaranty the rights of workers and employers to freely
establish their respective associations and to engage, through their duly authorized
representatives, in social dialogue and collective bargaining, as well as to draw up
procedures for the expeditious settlement of labor disputes, which arise between them;
 To create favorable environment for investment and achievement of national economic
goals without scarifying fundamental work place right by laying down well considered
labor administration, and determine the duties and responsibilities of governmental
organs entrusted with the power to monitor labor conditions, occupational health and
safety, and environmental protection together with bilateral and tripartite social
mechanisms, political, economic and social policies of the country;
 To ensure that worker-employer relations are governed by the basic principles of rights
and obligations with a view to enabling workers and employers to maintain industrial
peace and work in the spirit of harmony and cooperation towards the all-round
development of the country;
 To reformulate the existing labor law with a view to attaining the aforementioned
objectives and in accordance with and in conformity with the international conventions
and other legal commitments to which Ethiopia is a party.
Therefore, the workers-employers’ relationship under the proposed road project will be generally
governed by the principles and details stated in this proclamation. As a result, the workers-
employers agreement made against this law will not be accepted in-front of any of the Ethiopian
Courts.
3.3.11 Regulation for Expropriation of Landholdings and Payment of Compensation

(Reg. No.472/2020)
The regulation was enacted by the Council of Ministers on 27 th of July 2020 to help guide the
implementation of the expropriation and evaluation, compensation and resettlement issues to be
implemented in line with the proclamation number 1161/209, for resources located on land
required for public purpose.
The regulation define important terms and clearly indicates how consultation with key
stakeholders’ is going to be made, procedures how and when utility lines shall be removed from
the land required for public purposes, how is responsible to pay compensation and ensure the
boundary of compensated and expropriated land, the responsibility of land acquiring body,
condition for the priority rights of to develop once land at rural and urban areas.
The regulation also enumerates the compensation and evaluation methods for annual and
perennial crops, buildings, fences and other resources. It is also provide an alternative means of
asset evaluation organs; it can be done either by organization established for the same purpose
or by licenced individuals or committee established at Wereda or Urban Administration level as
applicable. When asset evaluation and subsequent compensation is made by committee, the
selection of members is required to take in to account their knowledge and skill for the job,
gender and age and integrity of the individuals.
It also underlined that for all compensation to full or partial loss of built ups, relocation of fixed
assets, for annual and perennial crops and for all resources worth compensation, the
contemporary market values for materials and services must be used. The regulation also
propose a mechanism for the support for displaced people and compensation requirements for
severed social relation and moral damage, dispute resolution and possibility to make the affected
people the shareholders’ at investment layout in their locality and affecting them directly. The
regulation number 135/2007 is repealed and is replaced by this one.
3.3.12 ERA’s Resettlement/Rehabilitation Policy Framework

ERA prepared Resettlement/Rehabilitation Policy Framework (RPF) in February 2002 and
revised it in December 2006. The RPF contains various elements that ERA should be following
regarding compensation procedures and related issues.
The RPF clarifies the principles of reinforcement measures for the positive social impacts and
mitigation measures for addressing negative social impacts induced by road projects. The Policy
Framework stresses that Project Affected Persons (PAPs) should be consulted and
compensated in relation to resettlement/relocation, and for loss of assets and properties that are
affected due to the construction of road projects.
Regarding compensation procedures and establishing compensation rates, ERA initiates the
Wereda Administrations to establish compensation committees at project area level by enlisting
representatives from government offices and representatives of project affected persons (PAPs).
The compensation committees have the function of conducting the registration of affected
properties and the number of PAPs and determining the compensation rates.
If a dispute arises regarding the amount of compensation to be paid to the project affected
persons, recourse is available to the courts. However, aggrieved PAPs will also have a chance to
make their complaints to the Right of Way (ROW) agent, the consultant and finally to the
compensation committee before they are put the case in front of the court.
3.4 Administrative Frameworks

3.4.1 Federal and Regional Administrations
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia comprises the Federal Government and the state
members. There are Nine National Regional States and Two City Administrative Councils, who
are the members of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The form of government of
Ethiopia is parliamentarian. There are two kinds of representation in the federal government.
These are the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of the Federation. Both the
Federal Government and the Regional States have legislative, executive and judicial powers. A
policy of decentralization of authority to regional administration has been pursued since 1991.
The powers and functions of the Federal Government are defined in the constitution under article
51.
The Regional Governments and the City Administration have also legislative, executive and
judicial power over their administrative areas, except in matters of defense, foreign relations,
citizenship, currency, and the like, which fall under the jurisdictions of the Federal Government.
The powers and functions given to the National Regional States by the constitution under article
52 include enacting and executing the state constitution and other laws to formulate and execute
economic, social and development policies, strategies and plans of their respective regions and
to administer land and other natural resources. The administrative structures in regional
governments are Zones, Woredas and Kebeles while the hierarchy at City Administration is
subdivided in to Sub City and/or Wereda levels as appropriate.
3.4.2 Environmental Council

Environmental council was established by the Provision of Environmental Protection Organs
Establishment proclamation No. 295/2002. The environmental council consists of representative
drawn from Prime Minster Office, Federal and Regional States, Ethiopian Chamber of
Commerce, local environmental NGOs (non-government organizations), the Confederation of
Ethiopian Trade Unions, and the director general of EPA. The Council is responsible to: -
 Review proposed environmental policies and laws, and issue recommendations to the
government or approve it as appropriate.
 Evaluate and provide appropriate advice on the implementation of the environmental

policy of Ethiopian and
 Review and approve directives, guidelines and environmental standards prepared by
EPA.
3.4.3 Federal EPA
The Federal Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is the key national level environmental
agency, with a mandate to address environmental issues. The environmental legislation gives the
EPA powers to fulfil its role, support all federal agencies in establishing environmental units, and
develop skills in strategic environmental analysis of policies and public instruments. The EPA is
involved in the development of environmental policy and legislation, setting environmental quality
standards for air, water and soils, monitoring pollution, establishing ESIA procedures and an
environmental information system, and undertaking capacity development in relevant agencies to
ensure the integration of environmental management in policy development and decision making.
The responsibilities of EPA with respect to ESIA process are: -
 Establishment of a system for environmental assessment of public and private sector

projects, as well as social and economic development policies, strategies, laws, and
programs of federal level functions.
 Review, decision-making and follow-up implementation of environmental impact study
reports for projects, as well as social and economic development programs or plans
where they are subject to federal licensing, execution or supervision; also proposed
activities subject to execution by a federal agency, likely to entail inter- or trans-regional
and international impacts.
 Notification of its decision to the concerned licensing agency at or before the time
specified in the appropriate law or directives.
 Ensure that the proponent complies with requirements of the ESIA process.
 Auditing and regulation of implementation of the conditions attached to the decision.
 Provision of advice and technical support to the regional environmental agencies, sectoral
institutions and proponents.
 Making its decisions and the ESIA report available to the public.
 Resolution of complaints and grievances in good faith and at the appropriate time.
 Development of incentives or disincentive structures required for compliance with regional
environmental agency requirements.
3.4.4 Regional Environmental Agencies
The Proclamation issued for the Establishment of Environmental Protection Organs (Proc. No.
295/2002) also states that each Regional State should establish an independent regional
environmental agency or designates an existing agency that shall be responsible for
environmental monitoring, protection and regulation in their respective regional states. The
regional environmental agencies are responsible for environmental issues associated with

projects implemented by the regions’ budget and/or projects being implemented under the
license of the respective regions.
3.4.5 Ethiopian Roads Administration

The Ethiopian Roads Administration (ERA) has undergone through different areas of jurisdiction
and the current entity was re-established with Proclamation No. 80/1997 with major
responsibilities of initiating policies, determining design standards, road classification, short-and
long-term plan preparation, preparation of feasibility studies and other studies as found
appropriate, maintaining highways through appropriate body, contract management, enforce
vehicle size and weight, training of manpower, determine the extent of land requirement for
roads, uses free of charge material production sites, etc.… To execute these functions (duties
and responsibilities), the administration uses the branch offices and working units (directorates)
at the head office level. The highest body in the management hierarchy is the Board of
Management. Brief summary of work units under ERA who is responsible for issues of
Environment, Social and Health and Safety are provided in the sub-sections following.
3.4.6 Responsibility of Managing ROW Issues

Responsibilities of managing right-of-way (ROW) issue for developments undertaken in urban
areas is the City Administration while in rural settings the responsibility is vested up on the
Wereda Administration. In all cases, they may delegate their responsibilities to formally
established lower level administration or to the organs that may be established for that specific
purpose as appropriate. However, it has to be noted that at all circumstances, the responsibility
of managing ROW issues is wholly vested up on either the Wereda Administration at rural areas
or the City Administration at urban settings as appropriate. For the Road Project at hand, the
responsibility of managing ROW issues (within the respective areas) is vested up on each
Wereda Administrations and the ROW agent from ERA.
3.4.7 Sectoral Environmental Unit

Proclamation No. 295/2002 requires establishment of in-house Environmental Protection Unit to
ensure harmony with respect to implementation of the environmental proclamations and other
environmental protection requirements while executing projects. The duties and responsibilities
of these Sectoral Environmental Units are to co-ordinate and follow up of the integration of
environmental requirements in to project implementation in a proactive manner so as to ensure
environmental sustainability of sectoral development efforts. Based on these provisions, different
ministries such as Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity, Ministry of Mines, Ministry of
Agriculture, Ethiopian Road Authority, etc.… has established their own sectoral environmental
units. As the project proponent of road projects, the Directorate for Environment, Social and
Health and Safety Directorate under ERA will be responsible to follow up the environmental,
social and safety matters and review ESIA statements.

3.4.8 Directorate for Environment, Social and Occupational Safety Management

Prior to 2010, the issue of environment in ERA was handled by EMB and EMSB and
subsequently by ESMT until it is upgraded to level of directorate in early 2019. The directorate is
executing its duties and responsibilities through 3 specialized teams; namely Environment, Social
and Safety Teams.
The directorate is responsible for setting and implementing ERA’s environmental guidelines in
support of and in line with the national level requirements, playing advisory roles, coordination
and supervision aspects that are pertinent to the road environmental. Moreover, the directorate
represents ERA at different levels in the areas of environment and road safety matters.
The directorate is responsible for the review and approval of the ESIA reports produced as part
of the design and implementation of road projects financed by the Federal Government including
international financers. Therefore, the directorate is responsible for review and approval of
environmental documents produced as part of the concept design and implementation of the
road project.
3.4.9 ERA Road Safety Audit (RSA)

Ethiopia is known by unacceptably high rate of road traffic accidents. Therefore, road safety
audits for new road projects and road safety appraisals for existing roads in order to identify
potentially hazardous locations and put remedial measures in place to minimize crashes on the
road network seems imperative. Moreover, it is recommended that road safety audits should be
made the legislative requirements and that roads authorities must conduct road safety audits
regularly as the economic benefit cannot be realized at the expense of the loss of human life and
resources.
The operation of the road network may be described as a system comprising the interaction of
three main components which are factors related with Vehicles, Humans and Road Environment.
Factors contributing to crashes therefore can be attributed to any one of these components as
standalone causes or any combination thereof. The road safety audit can be conducted at:
 Pre-Construction phase.
 Construction Phase.
 Post-Construction Phase.
Therefore, for the project at hand, RSA can be conducted both at pre-construction and
construction phase as appropriate and thus the audit process outcome can contribute to the
overall enhancement of the safety of the road network in the area.
3.5 Environmental Assessment Guidelines

With a view to implement the environmental laws, environmental guidelines have been issued by
EPA. Among these, the following three (Technical ESIA Guideline, Procedural ESIA Guideline

and Guideline for Reviewing ESIA Reports) are very relevant to the issue at hand. These
guidelines are intended to guide developers, competent agencies, reviewers and other
stakeholders in carrying out and managing ESIA endeavors.
3.5.1 The Procedural ESIA Guideline

As a step forward in developing the environmental policies and legislations, the former EPA
issued a procedural guideline which defines specific examinations to which a proposed project
needs to be subjected in the process of environmental impact assessment. To this effect, at the
project identification phase, based on EPA’s guideline, projects are categorized in one of the
following three schedules. These are: -
Schedule 1: Projects which may have adverse and significant environmental impacts, and
therefore it shall require full ESIA;
Schedule 2: Projects whose type, scale or other relevant characteristics have potential to cause
some significant environmental impacts but not likely to warrant full environmental impact study;
and;
Schedule 3: It includes projects which will have no impact and hence don’t require environmental
impact assessment at all.
According to this guideline, all projects planned to be implemented at environmentally sensitive

areas are treated as equivalent to Schedule 1 activities irrespective of the nature and scale of the
project. On this basis, therefore, the Road Project at hand is considered as Schedule 1 Project as
it involves reconstruction/upgrading with considerable earthwork operations.
3.5.2 The Technical ESIA guideline

It is issued in the year 2000 by the former EPA and specifies tools, particularly the standards and
guidelines that may be considered when undertaking the ESIA processes. Moreover, it provides
details and key issues for environmental assessment in specific development sectors. This ESIA
guideline in conjunction with the documents like quality manual of ERA, Volume 5 is used while
preparing the ESIA report.
3.5.3 Guideline for Reviewing ESIA Reports

It is the other valuable document issued by EPA in 2003 to guide and make easier the review
process of the ESIA Reports. It is a generic guideline prepared to facilitate the ESIA report
reviewing and decision-making processes, and it includes review approaches, and outlines a
minimum report structure and information requirements. It is intended to help the reviewers to
assess the content, comprehensiveness, adequacy and accuracy of information in the report, as
well as its organizational and presentation qualities. The review guideline is principally meant to
be used by EPA and regional environmental agencies as well as by Sectoral Environmental

Units, and proponents. Thus, it is believed that the guideline will help to make decisions in good
time and faith, whether and under what conditions the project shall proceed.
3.5.4 Guideline on Ambient Environment Standards

A Guideline on ambient environment standards was prepared by the Environmental Protection
Authority with the assistance of the United Nations Development Organization (UNDO) under the
Ecologically Sustainable Industrial Development (ESID) Project in August 2003.
The Government of Ethiopia has mandated the Environmental Protection Authority to set such
standards and the document represents the Commission’s guideline standards with respect to
the ambient environment. Ambient environmental quality standards are set with a goal of
safeguarding public health and protecting the environment. The guideline standards are being
introduced to be used all throughout the country subjected to amendment, as more information
on the state or pollution is made available. The regional states can establish more stringent
standards taking in to consideration particular ecological conditions in their localities since EPA’s
standards are used as the minimum.
3.5.5 ERA’s Environmental and Social Management Manual

The ERA’s Environmental and Social Management Manual (ESMM) was put in place in 2008 and
the main purpose of this manual is to establish a systematic and logical methodology for
incorporating environmental and social issues into all activities undertaken in the road sector
development in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Road Authority (ERA) has a comprehensive programme
to rehabilitate, upgrade and expand the road network throughout the country. This manual will
guide and assist the activities of ERA staffs and consultants in providing a comprehensive source
of information about good current social and environmental practices.
The manual serves as a guide and provides recommendations for ERA staff involved in
environmental and social analysis and management of the development and operational phases
of the road network.
The recently established directorate responsible for environment, social and health and safety of
ERA is responsible for the overall management of the social and environmental matters related
with Study, Design, Construction and maintenance of Federal Road projects. It is executing its
duties and responsibilities under the direct supervision Deputy General Manager of ERA. The
major responsibilities are setting and implementing ERA’s environmental and social guidelines in
support of the national level requirements. The directorate holds the capacity of advisory, co-
ordination and supervision aspects that are pertinent to the road environmental impacts and
implication assessment as well as co-ordination with the respective ERA district offices on issues
of environmental and social matters.
3.6 International Conventions

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. The international agreement to which Ethiopia is a signatory which are of relevance
to environment in general and to the project at hand includes the following.
3.6.1 Convention on Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
in June 1992, and entered into force in December 1993. As the first treaty to provide a legal
framework for biodiversity conservation, the convention established three main goals: -
 The conservation of biological diversity.

 The sustainable use of its components and
 The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
The Convention was ratified by the FDRE in May 1994 by proclamation number 98/1994. The
Convention on Biological Diversity takes a proactive approach to ensure biodiversity, while
providing for human needs through sustainable development and utilization. The Convention also
highlights the importance of indigenous peoples on conservation and sustainable developments,
in addition to recognizing the need for fair and equitable sharing of benefits from use of genetic
resources (UNEP 1999).
Ethiopia has also ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety to the Convention on Biological
Diversity by Proclamation No. 362/2003. The issue of biodiversity is therefore needed to be taken
in to account in the assessment of environmental impacts of road projects.
3.6.2 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD)

The objective of this Convention is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of droughts
in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly for countries in Africa
including Ethiopia. Ethiopia has ratified the Convention through its Proclamation No. 80/1997.
One of the tools to combat desertification is conserving the vegetation cover of a given area and
planting more trees and grasses to sequestrate carbon dioxide, which is one of the major
greenhouse gasses responsible for climate change. Moreover, use of green energy sources as
well as clean industrial production methods/technologies is also considered as one of the major
intervention to reduce emission of carbon dioxide. It is also expected that major polluters should
finance the efforts of countries engaged on green development.
3.6.3 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC, 1992)

Ethiopia ratified this convention through Proclamation No. 97/1994 on May 2/1994. This
convention takes into account the fact that climate change has trans-boundary impacts. The
basic objective of this convention is to provide for agreed limits on the release of greenhouse
gases into the atmosphere so as to prevent the occurrence of climate change. It also aims to
prepare countries to minimize the impact of climate change as much as practicable through a
number of interventions.

3.6.4 The Stockholm Convention

In the year 2002, Ethiopia fully accepted and ratified the Stockholm Convention on Persistent
Organic Pollutants by proclamation No. 279/2002 designed to ban the use of Persistent Organic
Pollutants (POPS). The Environmental Protection Authority has the full mandate to implement the
Convention at the national level.
3.6.5 Convention on the protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage

Each state which is party to this convention recognizes that the duty of ensuring the identification,
protection, conservation, preservation and transmission to future generation of the culture and
natural heritage situated on its territory, belongs primarily to the state. Ethiopia has ratified this
convention in 1997.

4. BIOPHYSICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF THE PROJECT AREA
4.1 Physical Environment

4.1.1 Topography and Terrain of the Project Road
The Ethiopian Roads Authority’s Geometric Design Manual 2013 terrain classification criteria
were utilized to characterize the terrain type prevailing in the project area. The following table
indicates different terrain classifications.
Table 4- 1: Different terrain classifications
Flat 0 to 10 five-metre contours per km. The natural ground slopes
perpendicular to the ground contours are generally below 3%.
Rolling 11 to 25 five-metre contours per km. The natural ground slopes
perpendicular to the ground contours are generally between 3 and
25%.
Mountainous 26 to 50 five-metre contours per km. The natural ground slopes
perpendicular to the ground contours are generally above 25%.
Escarpment Escarpments require special geometric standards because of the

engineering risks involved. Typical gradients are greater than those
for mountainous terrain
Table 4- 2: Terrain classification of the project road

No. Station Terrain Classification
From To
1 0+000 2+600 Flat
2 2+600 5+200 Rolling
3 5+200 6+500 Mountainous
4 6+500 19+800 Escarpment
5 19+800 21+000 Rolling
6 21+000 28+600 Flat
7 28+600 33+400 Rolling
8 33+400 40+400 Mountainous
9 40+400 40+600 Flat
10 40+600 43+900 Escarpment
11 43+900 64+100 Rolling
12 64+100 65+300 Mountainous
13 65+300 73+600 Escarpment
14 73+600 86+200 Rolling
15 86+200 94+100 Flat
16 94+100 150+129 Rolling
As it is shown in the above table, out of the total length of the road, 12.2% is flat, 64.9% is rolling,
6.3% is mountainous and 16.6% is escarpment.
4.1.2 Climate
Due to altitudinal changes, the climatic condition of the four Project Woredas varies from one
Woreda to other Woreda. The table below provides the climate conditions of the Woredas.
Table 4- 3: Woreda climate conditions
No. Woreda Temperature Mean Rainfall pattern
Annual
Rainfall
1 Seru 15oC to 25oC 800mm to The bi-modal – short rainy season (Belg from
1,200mm March to April) and summer or long rainy
season (Meher from June to August). About
110 days in a year.
2 Gololcha 120C to 23oC 630mm to There are Meher and Belg season
920mm productions, and Maher is the long rainy
season, starts in April and it is the main
cropping season, whereas Belg is the short
rainy season, starts in October.
3 Hawi 20oC to 35oC 500mm to Major rainy seasons are from June to August
Gudina 900mm - and from March to April
4 Daro Labu 150C to 3oC 500mm to The agro-climatic zones of the Woreda varies
900mm by their altitudinal ranges (sub-Tropical)
ranging from 1500-2500m and sharing 56%)
and (Tropical ranges from 500-1500m shares
44% of the zonal area).
Source: Each woreda socio-economic profiles
4.1.3 Geology
The bigger part of the area consists of Limestone, Shaley Limestone and Shales while the final
35 km of the project area consists of Sandstones and Conglomerates.
Outcrops of very strong limestone rocks alternating with highly weathered limestone rocks
consisting of yellowish grey clayey silty sandy gravels mixed with boulders are observed along

the road. Additionally, towards the end of the project road sandstone rocks consisting of reddish
clayey sandy silt soils are observed.
Geology of the project area is mainly underlain by sedimentary rock of Mesozoic age and
volcanic rocks of Quaternary age (Figure below).
Figure 4- 1: Regional geological set up of the project area
i) Ginir formation (Qg)
The Ginir Formation was mapped in the southeastern platue of Ethiopia and represents the
Quaternary rhyolite volcanism mainly composed of rhyolite with subordinate basalts.
ii) Amba Aradom Formation (Ka) Mesozoic Sedimentary Rocks
The regional geology of the rock indicates, this formation is consisted of clay stone and silt stone
with interbedded massive, sometimes cross bedded, white to pink sandstone (Arkin et al 1970,
Beyth 1971). The rocks become progressively coarser in grain size southwards.
The Amba Radom Formation (Ka) is probably of Late Cretaceous age and represents a facies of
the Cretaceous regression of sea (Kazmin, 1975).
iii) Urandab and Antalo Formation (Ju and Jt)

The Antalo Formation is about 750 m thick sequence which predominantly consists of
fossiliferous yellow limestone containing thin beds of marl and calcareous shale, and
occasionally arenaceous bands near the top.
iv. Hamanlei Formation (Jh)
This formation is fossiliferous limestone of Jurassic age of southeastern Ethiopia and the Ogaden
region. The Hamanlei Formation (Jh) consists of predominantly of limestone and dolomite is
exposed in wide area of Hararghe, Sidamo and Bale area (Mhor 1963, Grietzer, 1970.
Regarding the tectonic setup and seismic hazards, the project area lies in eastern part of the
Main Ethiopian Rift System within seismic Zone-0, identified by ground acceleration less than
0.01 g (g = gravity) with recurrence period of 100 years (Fekadu K. and Laike-Mariam A. (1996),
ERA Standard manual 2013. Therefore, from tectonic point of view, the project area looks to be
safe (Figure 4-2).
Figure 4- 2: Seismic hazard and seismic susceptibility zone of Ethiopia, After Laeke 1996
4.1.4 Soil
The subgrade soils are mainly the weathering products of limestone and sandstone formations.
The limestone formation extends from Km 0.0 to Km 113.0 while the sandstone formation
extends from Km 111.3 to Km 146.5. In the limestone formation area, outcrops of very strong
limestone rocks are found alternating with highly weathered limestone rocks. The highly
weathered limestone rocks have produced yellowish grey clayey silty sandy gravel soils mixed
with boulders. Towards the end of the project road (for the last 35 Km), strong sandstone rocks
alternating with highly weathered sandstone rocks are encountered. The highly weathered
sandstone has produced reddish clayey sandy silt soils. Black cotton soil stretches are also
encountered on the flat terrains between Km 84.2 and Km 128.5.
The following table shows the subgrade soil extension, based on visual survey, along the route
corridor.

Table 4- 4: Subgrade soil extension

Chainage (km) Description
0.0 – 2.0 Reddish clayey Silt
2.0 – 13.5 Highly Weathered Limestone mixed with Intact and Strong Limestone Rock.
The highly weathered limestone has produced Yellowish Grey Clayey
Sandy Silt mixed with Gravels and Boulders.
13.5 – 14.2 Limestone Rock Subgrade
14.2 – 16.2 Highly Weathered Limestone. The highly weathered limestone has
produced Yellowish Grey Clayey Sandy Silt mixed with Gravels and
Boulders.
Sandy Silt mixed with Gravels and Boulders. The outcrops of the intact
limestone rock are exposed randomly.
19.5 – 28.7 Reddish Clayey Silt
Sandy SILT mixed with Gravels and Boulders. The outcrops of the intact
51.3 – 54.5 Yellowish Grey to Pinkish Clayey Sandy Silt

produced Yellowish Grey Clayey Sandy Silt mixed with Gravels.
produced Yellowish Grey Silty Sandy GRAVEL mixed with Boulders.
62.0 – 62.5 Reddish Brown to Grey Clayey Silt
produced Yellowish Grey Silty Sandy Gravel mixed with Boulders.
produced Yellowish Grey Silty Sandy Gravel mixed with Boulders.
produced Yellowish Grey Silty Sandy Gavel mixed with Boulders.
76.6 – 77.3 Yellowish Grey Clayey Silt (Product of Highly Weathered Limestone)

84.2 – 96.5 Dark Silty Cay (Black Cotton Soil)
97.3 – 100.5 Dark Silty Clay (Black Cotton Soil)
100.5 – 101.3 Light Brown to Grey Silty Clay
127.0 – 127.5 Light Brown to Reddish Clayey Silt
As indicated in the above table three main soil types and rocky subgrades are encountered along
the project road. The three main soil types consist of Yellowish Grey Clayey Sandy Silt mixed
with Gravels and Boulders, Reddish Clayey Silty and Black Cotton Soil. Additionally, Limestone
Rock subgrades are also encountered. The limestone rock subgrade and products of the highly
weathered limestone are exposed in the escarpment sections. The reddish clayey silt and the
black cotton soils are encountered on the plateau areas on flat to rolling terrains.

The black cotton soil covers approximately 24.6 Km (17%), the reddish clayey silt covers
approximately 75.1 Km (51%), the highly weathered limestone covers approximately 37.1 Km
(25%) and the limestone rock subgrade covers approximately 9.7 Km (7%).
Photo 4- 1:Reddish soil in the last 30 kms Photo 4- 2: Black cotton soil in the flat sections
Photo 4- 3:Whitish grey soil in the Shenen River valley
4.1.5 Soil Erosion and Gully Formation

Most of the road corridor (0+600 to 80+00) is covered with acacia bushes of varying density and
there is no visible soil erosion features except some erosion on the road surface at Shenen River
valley. However, gully erosion features were observed at km 100+600 on both sides, km 114+00
LHS, km 117+800 LHS and at km 122+900. At some locations gullies are threatening the stability
of the existing road. These erosion threatened areas need special attention during the road
design and construction.

Photo 4- 4: Gully erosion affecting the existing road Photo 4- 5: Gulley erosion at km 114+00 LHS has
at km 100+600 both sides already took portion of the road
4.1.6 Water Resources

The project road crosses three perennial rivers, namely Wabe Shebelle, Ilile and Shenen. The
rest streams were dry at the time of site visit between March 14 and March 19/2021. The rivers
and streams along the project road are tributaries of Wabe Shebelle River.
River Name Chainage Characteristics

Wabe Shebelle River 13+600 Perennial and tributary of Wabe
Shebelle River
Ilile River 40+600 >>
Shenen River 67+800 >>
Photo 4- 6:Wabe Shebelle river at chainage 13+600 Photo 4- 7: Ilile River at Chainage 40+600

Photo 4- 8: Shenen River at km 67+800
Those rivers contain adequate flow and the contractor can abstract water for the road
construction purposes. In the rest of the project areas, the only available dry season water
sources are manmade ponds. To overcome potable water shortage for people and livestock,
local communities have developed ponds at various locations. However, some of the ponds are
dried before serving for the intended period. For this reason people mainly women travel long
distance to collect water from available ponds.
In water scarce areas, contractor/s may need to develop their own water source for the
construction purpose to avoid water use conflict between the construction water demand and
community water demand.
Photo 4- 9: Partially dried pond at km 121+500 Photo 4- 10:Natural pond at km 121+500 LHS
RHS
Regarding ground water, there is no information and the study team couldn’t get any written
documents.
2.2 Land use

Land use along the project road varies depending on the climatic condition and availability of
moisture. The road corridor starting from km 0+600 up to km 80+00 (including the valleys of
Wabe Shebelle, Ililie and Shenen rivers) is covered with acacia bushes with farm plots seen
rarely. From km 82+00-km 114+00 is relatively flat and suitable for mechanized farm, where
acacia bushes and grazing land are being converted into farm land. Tractors were seen while
preparing land for growing crops using rain fed system. No irrigation is found along the project
road.
Photo 4- 11:Land preparation using tractor for Rain Photo 4- 12: Sorghum ground km 83+900 Near
fed farm at km 90+000 Remeti town
The last section of the project road that mainly falls within Daro Lebu Woreda is well known for
cash crops namely chat and coffee. Almost all areas of the last 50 km of the road sides are
covered with mainly chat crop. There are also fruit trees planted on road sides. Main fruit trees
observed along the road sides are Mango, Banana and Avocado. Summary of land use at each
woreda crossed by the project road are listed in Table 4-5.
Photo 4- 13:Banana on the road side around km Photo 4- 14; Mango trees on the road side around km
145+600 138+00

Photo 4- 15: Chat plantation at km 137+500 Photo 4- 16:Coffee plantation at km 137+00
Table 4- 5: Land use classification of woredas’ traversed by the project road

Woredas Daro Labu Hawi Gudina Gololicha Seru
Woreda
Land use Area in % Area in Ha % Area in % Area in %
type Ha Ha Ha
Crop 41,444.81 31.45 30,411.9 10 52,224 24 34,427.15 19.5
land(includin
g Chata and
Coffee plots)
Forest 3,689.87 2.8 60,823.8 20 34,816 16 27,365.35 15.5
Grazing 27,673.80 21 130,771.17 43 26,112 12 52,965 30
Swamp area 0 0 0 0 4,352 2 0 0
Others 58,971.52 44.75 82,112.13 27 100,096 46 61,792.50 35
Total 131,780 100 304,119 100 217,600 100 176550 100
4.2 Biological Environment

4.2.1 Flora
The road section from 0+00 to km 80+00 is dominated by acacia bushes with some lowland
euphorbia species seen in few spots. Main trees and Shrubs observed along this section of the
project road include Terminalia browinii, Acacia mellifera, A. nilotica, A. senegal, Delonix elata,
Balanites spp, Euphorbia lactea, and Commiphora spp.

Photo 4- 17:Acacia bush on both sides of the Photo 4- 18: Acacia trees and terminal species dominate
road represents majority of the road stretch the road sides from km 80+00 to km 110+00
from km 0+00 to km 80+00
Photo 4- 19:Euphorbia lactea at km 44+400 both sides Photo 4- 20: Riverine Acacia at Ilile River bank
at km 40+600
Road section from km 80 to km 120 is dominantly flat and devoted for seasonal crops mainly
sorghum, maize and sesame. The road sides along this section is sparsely occupied with various
species of acacia and Terminalia brownii. The three river valleys are covered with acacia species
where euphorbia species seen at certain areas.
The last 30km of the road from km 120+00 up to km 150 is farm land mainly growing perennial
cash crops such as Chat, Coffee and fruit trees like Mango, Banana and Avocado. In this section
of the road, there is no natural vegetation except an invasive shrub called Lantana camara.
Lantana camara occupied the existing road sides and serving as dust block for the crops situated
behind it. It serves as a live fence to prevent dust from damaging the chat and other crops
situated at road sides.
Tree species commonly observed in town sections are Neem and Moringa trees. These two tree
species are planted on road sides at each village and towns for shade, medicinal values and
beautifying towns. In addition to aesthetic and ecological functions, Moringa is being used by the

people for supplementary food. In some areas Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) and agave spp are
planted and serving as live fence.
The construction of the road will adversely affect road side trees planted in town sections, mainly
Neem and Moringa trees. On the other hand, impact on the Acacia and Terminalia bushes will be
minor and it will be recovered by natural ways after the completion of the road construction. This
is because there are abundant of seeds that can be dispersed naturally from the remaining tree
stands.
Photo 4- 21: Neem tree commonly observed in town Photo 4- 22: Moringa tree seen in town
sections between km 80+00 and km 150+00. sections intermingling with Neem trees
Construction and widening of the road will remove invasive shrub called Lantana Camara, which
occupied the road sides. However, removal of this invasive shrub from the road sides will not
cause adverse impact as it has a potential to re-invade the road sides after the completion of the
road construction. Since the road is going to be covered with asphalt, the dust prevention
function of the road side shrubs will not be that much important. The shrubs will also reemerge
after the road construction works completed.
Photo 4- 23:Agave Spp observed in few locations Photo 4- 24: Lantana Camara dominated the road
along the road side between km 120 to km 150

Ecological and economic function of natural vegetation found along the road corridor is
numerous. The livelihood of the majority of the population in the low land portion of the project
road corridor is based on pastoralism, which totally depends on the exploitation of the natural
vegetation for livestock production. Natural vegetation and grasses grown underneath of trees
and shrubs are the only source of feed for the livestock. The vegetation is also the only source of
construction materials and fuel wood for the local community. In addition, it provides several
economic and social values including honey production, wild fruits, ritual value, agricultural tools,
cultural furniture and utensils, etc. Trees are also locally serving as shed and wind break.
Photo 4- 25: Several Beehives placed on a tree at km 28+100 RHS
The ecological functions of vegetation include biodiversity conservation (conserving flora and
fauna), guarding the soil against water and wind erosion, water conservation and stabilizing the
climate change through sequestrating atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, due to
unsustainable exploitation, the natural vegetation is being seriously degraded in several parts of
the project areas. All settlements are encroaching and expanding into natural vegetation and
clear trees for house construction and charcoal making.
4.2.2 Fauna
i. Wild Mammals
There are no protected areas for wildlife such as national parks and wild life reserves along the
project road. However, there are some wildlife species dwelling in the acacia bushes, caves and
river valleys. Few wildlife species were observed during the site visit along the road. The
observed species include Baboon, Vervice monkey, Dikdik and Rock hyrax.

Photo 4- 26; Rock hyrax sitting on the rock in Shenen River valley
ii. Avifauna
Bushes and grass land along the project road corridor are also serving as habitat for variety of
bird species. Some of observed bird species include Cattle egret, Guinea fowl, Starling, Weaver,
Sacred Ibis, Hornbill, Pigeons, Doves and Ducks. These birds are just seen at a glance while
driving along the road. Diversity of bird species in the project road corridor are expected to be
many as the habitat in the three river gorges are relatively undisturbed.

Photo 4- 27; Sacred Ibis, Cattle Egret and Ducks observed at natural wetland at km 121+900
LHS

Table 4- 6: summary of Baseline information of the road corridor

Socio-
Chaina Directi
environmental Some Photos illustrated the impact
ge on (
features/Issues
,
Dire-Shekhusen
Mosque, Tourist
0+00 RH
attraction site
At the Dire-Shekhusen
start of round about
0+000 the (place where
project elders site and
road pass decisions).
Both Wabe Shebelle

13+600
sides River
47
Socio-
Chaina Directi
ge on (
features/Issues
Both Wabe Shebelle

13+600 sides River Bridge at
good condition
Few irrigation at
the Wabe
13+600 LHS Shebelle River
bank (Outside the
ROW)
Northern part of
WABBI
Km 16 SHEBELE River
+ 600 Gorge, Stone
to km falls and sliding
22 + debris fill
800 drainage lines.
Potential stone
falling hazards.
Chat, plot, Dust

27+700
impact
28+100 Both Diris Village at
sides Lilo kebele, Dust,
48
Socio-
Chaina Directi
ge on (
features/Issues
traffic accident
ILLILI River
gorge, (stone fall,
27 +
debris clog
750 to
Both drainage system).
34 +
sides Soil erosion, gully
750
formation.
Ilile River at
40+600 Bridge, water
pollution, siltation
59+100 LHS Graveyard
49
Socio-
Chaina Directi
ge on (
features/Issues
Start descending
to Shenen River
valley, soil
59+500 erosion, and bad
- road condition.
62+000 Rock fall hazards,
erosion formed
small gullies on
the road bed.
Shenen River at
bridge, water
67+800 pollution and
siltation during
construction
Shenen River
68+5oo
Valley. Rockfall
50
Socio-
Chaina Directi
ge on (
features/Issues
Remeti town (01)

of Awi Gudina
woreda;
84+500 Dust, traffic
accident and
removal of few
road side shops
Land preparation
under taking
using tractor.
Black cotton soil,
which is not
90+000 RHS
suitable for road
construction. It
may need
replacement with
suitable soil
Gully on road
Both
98+600 sides affecting
sides
the existing road
51
Socio-
Chaina Directi
ge on (
features/Issues
100+60 Both Gully damaged

0 sides the existing road
104+00 LHS Grave yard,

0 Outside the row;
avoid locating
material source
Bassa town;
106+80
Dust, traffic
0-
accident, few
108+50
shops, some
0
houses
112+10
LHS Gulley
0
52
Socio-
Chaina Directi
ge on (
features/Issues
Gully damaged
the existing road,
114+00 LHS requires lined
drainage ditch at
both sides
120+40 RHS Grave yard, at

0 about 5m from
the ditch of the
existing road.
Care must be
taken to not
disturb the grave
as there is free
area on the LHS
to shift the centre
line if it requires.
Guliso town; dust,
123+00 traffic accident,
Both
0- shops, some
sides
125+00 houses
0
53
Socio-
Chaina Directi
ge on (
features/Issues
123.2 LHS Pond, a natural
pond used for
domestic service.
Avoid taking
water for
construction
purpose from this
pond without
consulting the
local community.
123.2 RHD Pond, used for
domestic service,
but it is drying.
Mosque, dust and

123+40 noise impact
0 RHS could be felt.
54
Socio-
Chaina Directi
ge on (
features/Issues
125+60 LHS Electric tower
0 needs relocation
129.1 RHS Eucalyptus trees
Mass grave
137+90 monument
LHS
0 (outside the
RoW)
138+00 Both Village; dust, few

0- sides houses, few
55
Socio-
Chaina Directi
ge on (
features/Issues
138+70
shops
0
138.2 LHS School
141+00 RLHS Mango

0
142.0- both banana, coffee,

142.7 side chat, mango
(dust will affect
the quality of
fruits, coffee and
chat)
56
Socio-
Chaina Directi
ge on (
features/Issues
146+10 LHS Banana and
0- coffee trees
146+20 (construction time
0 dust will affect the
quality of fruits
and growth of the
crops). Widening
will also cause
removal of some
crops located at
the front.
Micheta town,
148+10 Both
electric poles will
0 sides
be affected.
4.3 Socio-Economic Environment

4.3.1 Socio-Economic Environment
Geographic and Administrative Location
Shekhusen-Mechera road project connects three zones of the Oromia region (West Hararge, Arsi, and
East Bale) and crosses four Woreda administrations (Daro Lebu, Hawi Gudina, Seru, and Gololecha).
4.3.2 Population
According to the Woreda Socio-Economic Profile, the total population in the four project woredas is
estimated to be 533,934 people; the majorities (93%) live in the rural areas. The table below provides
data on the population size of Woredas by place of residence and sex.
Table 4- 7: Woreda population
57
Woreda Urban population Rural population All population
Male Femal Total Male Femal Total Male Femal Total

e e e
Dar Labu 11,92 11,969 23,89 93,045 93,223 186,26 104,97 105,19 210,16
9 8 9 3 2 5
Hawi 457 654 1,111 71,088 69,876 140,96 70,530 71,545 142,07
Gudina 4 5
Gololech 3,264 3,224 6,488 54,009 52,864 106,87 57,273 56,088 113,36
a 3 5
Seru 2,754 2,675 5,429 31,643 31,257 62,900 34,397 33,932 68,329
Total 18404 18522 36926 249785 247220 497006 267173 266757 533934
Source: Woreda Socio-Economic Profile, 2020/21
4.3.3 Sex Composition

The sex ratio of the four project woredas indicates a balanced proportion of the male and female
population. The distribution of the Woreda population by sex ranges from 50.04% to 49.96%
female/male to total population ratio which is nearly evenly distributed in both rural and urban areas.
Age Distribution
The age structure below shows a high or significant proportion of the young population which reflects a
high fertility rate. According to the table below shows, the population below 15 years makes up 23% to
49.7% while persons above 64 constitute 3.3% to 4%, and the proportion of the population aged 15 to
64 is 47% to 73%.
Table 4- 8: Woreda age distribution

No. Woreda Below 15 years Above 64 15 to 64 years
1 Hawi Gudina 23 4 73
2 Seru 49.7 3.3 47
Source: Woreda Socio-Economic Profile, 2008 and 2012 E.C
58
4.3.4 Dependency Ratio

The Woredas’ socio-economic profile report indicated that the age structure of the population in the
project area implies a high level of dependency. 27% to 53% of the population is child and old age,
while 47% to 73%% fall inactive working age, and they are businessmen, government workers, and
self-employed.
4.3.5 Population Density

The population density in the project Woreda ranges from 38.70 to 159.48 persons per square km, and
Seru Woreda has the lowest and Daro Labu Woreda has the highest population density.
Table 4- 9: Woreda population density
Woreda Woreda Area km2 Year (E.C.) Population Population Density
Daro Labu 1,317.8 2008 210,165 159.48
Hawi Gudina 3,041.19 2008 142,075 46.72
Gololecha 2,176 2008 113,365 52.09
Seru 1,765.5 2012 68,329 38.70
Source: Woreda Socio-Economic Profile
4.3.6 Population Settlement Pattern

Over 88% of the Woreda population live in rural areas, and they are engaged in agricultural activities to
earn their livelihoods while 0.8% to 11.4% of the Woreda population exist in urban areas.
Table 4- 10: Woreda Population settlement pattern
Woreda Urban Dwellers Rural Dwellers
Dar Labu 11.4 88.6
Hawi Gudina 0.8 99.2
Gololecha 5.7 94.3
Seru 8.0 92.0
Source: Woreda Socio-Economic Profile, March 2020/21
4.3.7 Ethnic Groups, Language and Religion

Since the project area is located in the Oromia region the dominant ethnic group, religion and language
are Oromo, Muslim, and Affan Oromo, respectively.
59
4.3.8 Household Livelihood

The source of household livelihood in the project affected Woreda is mixed agriculture, mainly crop
production.
Table 4- 11: Woreda household livelihood resources
Woreda Major sources of livelihood
Dar Labu Agriculture is the major contributing sector to Woreda’s economy.
Hawi Gudina The majority of the population in the Woreda is predominantly engaged in pastoral
agriculture.
Gololecha Agriculture is dominantly practiced in the highland and Semi highland areas of the
Woreda, whereas animal rearing (nomadic way of life) is in the lowland and border
areas.
Seru Major sources of livelihood in the Woreda are crop production and livestock rearing.
Source: Woreda Socio-Economic Profile, March 2020/21
4.3.9 Land Use Cover

The land use pattern shows the best allocation of land for Woreda's best alternative uses. In this
regard, the table below provides the land use cover of the four projects Woredas.
Table 4- 12: Woreda land source by use (%)
Land-use type Dar Labu Hawi Gudina Gololecha Seru
Crop land 31.45 10 21 The grazing land,

natural forest, and
Forest land 2.8 20 16
fallow lands are
Grazing land 21 43 12 decreasing from
time to time while
Swamp area - - 2 cultivated,
Degraded area - - 3 manmade forest,
and residential
Arable land - - 9 lands are
increasing.
Other land use 44.5 27 37
Total 44.5 27 100
60
4.3.10 Agriculture
Agriculture is the major livelihood of the project-affected woredas. Its economy is based on mixed
farming and pastoral farming where livestock raising is the main livelihood activity. It produces different
types of crops such as cereals, oilseeds, pulses, and others.
Almost all the agricultural production in the project area is rain-fed and two cropping seasons are
practiced. Land preparation is carried out by oxen drawing, sowing of most crops is by broadcasting
seed, and subsequent cultivation is all done by hand. The farmers mostly grow combinations of crops
mainly consisting of cereals, pulses, and oil crops to achieve food self-sufficiency.
4.3.11 Household Landholding Size and Farm Oxen

The household landholding size will be determined by the size area of the Woreda and the number of
households involved in agricultural activities. According to Daro Labu Woreda Socio-Economic Profile
of 2008, the average number of farm plots per household is 3 and the average farm size per household
is 1.5 ha.
Table 4- 13: Project Woredas’ household landholding size and farm oxen
1 Hawi Gudina Woreda (2008)
1.1 Landholding size Ha. <1 1-2 2-3 3-4 4 >4
1.2 Households (9,374) % 14.09 64.13 6.17 3.5 11.3 0.95
1.3 Farm Oxen Numbe 1 2 3 4 >4 -

r
1.4 Households (16,712) % 28.11 23.91 18.77 13.64 15.55 -
2 Dao Labu Woreda (2008)
2.1 Farm Oxen Numbe 1/2 1 2 >3

r
2.2 Households (26,455) % 0.99 60.01 23.99 14.99
On the other hand, in Hawi Gudina Woreda, based on Socio-Economic Profile of 2009 E.C., from the
total 9,374 households involved in agricultural activities, 14.09% of households have less than one ha.,
64.13% have 1-2 ha., 6.17% have 2-3 ha., 3.5% have 3-4 ha., 11.3% have 4 ha., and 0.95%
households have greater than 4 ha.
4.3.12 Agricultural Calendar

In the Woredas farmers are not busy throughout the year since agricultural activities are seasonal. The
agricultural calendar of the Woreda will vary based on their specific climate conditions. However, the
61
Woreda agricultural calendar consists of the duration for land preparation, sowing, weeding, and
harvesting. For instance, we can take the Seru Woreda agriculture calendar to illustrate the subject.
Table 4- 14: Agricultural Calendar of Seru Woreda
No Types of Activities Maher Season Belg Season
1 Land preparation March to June October to March
2 Planting(Sowing) July to August March to April
3 Weeding August to September May
4 Harvesting November to January June to August
Source: Seru Woreda Socio-Economic Profile, 2012
62
4.3.13 Crop Production

The major crops grown in the project affected Woreda varies from place to place as shown in the table
below. Cash crops that include chat, banana, mango, and coffee are widely practiced in Daro Labu
Woreda. Seru Woreda has two major cropping seasons and produced varieties of cereals, pulses,
oilseeds crop are grown in Seru woreda, and the main include Teff, wheat, barley, maize, haricot bean,
horse beans, sesame, and linseeds. Gololecha Woreda also has two major cropping seasons which
are known as Maher and Belg, and the Woreda is known for the production of cereals, pulses, Oilseed,
fruit, vegetables, and spices. However, the desert type of climate does not permit Hawi Gudina Woreda
to cultivate crop production twice a year.
Table 4- 15: Major crops grown, area cultivated and production obtained
Seru Woreda 2011/2012 Gololecha 2002 Daro Labu, Hawi
2008 Gudina,2009
Crop Maher Season Belg Maher Season Maher Maher Season

Type Season Season
Quen Que
Ha Quen. Ha Ha Quen. Ha Ha Quen.
. n.
Cereals
36,50 10,38 1,295 25,860 2,8 15,8 2,256 123,2

Teff 3,042 911
4 6 78 72 41
73,71 10,80 8,249 346,45 0 0 337 6,747

Wheat 3,071 675
6 0 8
18,29 1,2 15,02 5544 154677 0 0 337 6,741

Barley 907
4 52 4
Sorghu 0 0 4,9 57,8 150 4,636

1834 45850 0 0
m 36 88
1188. 1,2 2719 0 0 1,1 5,75 4,663 54,79

Maize 31090
5 95 5 15 0 2
Oats 74 1036 24 264 2,366 74,765 0 0 83 450
10116. 20649 415 892 7951 19660

Total 63669 17454 601760
5 0 7 9 0 7826 7
46

2008 Gudina,2009
Crop
Maher Season Belg Maher Season Maher Maher Season
Type
Season Season
Pulses
Lentils 16 144 0 0 846 16,750 - - - -
Horse 443 8,860 - - - -

238 4,284 0 0
beans
Chickpe 4,342. 8 64 - - 38 266

375 0 0
as 5
Field 688 10320 - - 904 1,167

150 2,000 477 5247
peas
Haricot 16,94 3,636

1,139 485 159 4,293 - - 281 236
beans 6 .5
8883. 1223 1669

Total 1918 18946 962 2144 40287
5
Oilseeds
Neug 0 0 0 0 46 340.40 - - - -
Linseed 86 1,347 0 0 2,007 23 - - - -
Rapesee 0 0 - - - -
0 0 0 0
d
Sesame 45 270 0 0 5 25 - - - -
Groundn 0 0 1,1 15,6 - -

10 50 0 0
uts 40 90
Fenugre 797.25 11,958. 11 110 - -

0 0 0 0
ek 75
Total 141 1667 12347.1 115 1580

5 1 0
47

2008 Gudina,2009
Crop
Maher Season Belg Maher Season Maher Maher Season
Type
Season Season
Other
Fruits - - - - 11.50 1,469 - - - -
Vegetabl 417.5 22,072 - - - -

- - - -
es
Spices - - - - 350 2,450 - - - -
Total 779 25991
4.3.14 Large Scale Private Farm

Large scale private farming system requires bringing extensive areas of land under crop cultivation with
the use of modern agricultural input such as modern technology, machinery, spray airlines for
pesticides, chemicals fertilizers, and hired labor contrary to family labor in the small scale farming
systems. In addition to this type of farming requires a large amount of capital to undertake the farming
activity.
In Gololecha Woreda large portion of land is suitable for mechanization farming but there is spatial
variation in the distribution of potentially suitable land from area to area. Currently, there is a high
concentration of mechanized farming in the southeast part of the Woreda.
Table 4- 16: Land cultivated (ha.) and production (qt.) of large-scale private farm
Year Cultivated Area (Ha.) Production (Qt.) Productivity (Qt/Ha)
2000 2508.91 82794.03 33
2001 2508.91 87811.85 35
2002 2508.91 100356.40 40
Source: Gololecha Woreda Socio-Economic Profile
48
4.3.15 Irrigation
Irrigation farming is practiced in the Woredas of Seru, Daro Labu, and Hawi Gudina, and produced
such as maize, tomato, onion, and cabbages. Traditional irrigation sites in Seru include Wabe, Weltei,
Waji, Daro Dibayu, and Bulalla. Pump irrigation is practiced in Hawi Gudina and it has a large amount
of potentiality of irrigation through both traditional and modern systems.
Table 4- 17: Potentialities and utilization of irrigation in the Woreda
Seru Woreda 2012 Hawi Gudina, 2009 Daro Labu Woreda, 2008
Area Prod. Benefit Are Prod. Benefite Area Prod. Average

Irrigation Type (Ha.) (Quint ed a (Quint d (Ha) (Quint Producti
) Farmer (Ha ) Farmers ) vity per
s ) ha.
1,21 107,6 1,3 NA 4164 4,449 401,4 90

Traditional 1,737
5 00 88 17
Annual crops 931 80620 - - -
1,3 NA 4,164 - - -
Perennial crops 284 26980 1,737
88
474 30,81 1,422 980 56,36 57.5

Pump Irrigation - - -
0 5
Hand Well - - - 321 30,43 94

- - -
Irrigation 8
Modern - - - 445 15,00 33

- - -
Irrigation 7
1,21 107,6 1,8 - 5,586 1746 10181 68.6

Total 1,737
5 00 62 0
Source: Gololecha Woreda Socio-Economic Profiles
4.3.16 Livestock Population

Livestock is an integral part of the farming system in the project Woreda and is economically
complementary to crop production. It provides fertilizer for crops and, to a lesser degree, supplies milk,
meat, cash income and serves as an investment against risk for rural households. In times of famine,
livestock is sold to purchase grain. The livestock population in the four woredas is shown in the table
below.
49
The livestock population in the four Woredas in 2008 and 2012 E.C is estimated to be about 1.6 million:
708,582 cattle, 47,665 sheep, 851,092 goats, 3,160 mules, 40,388 donkeys, 98,235 camel, 2,830
horses, 271,057 poultry and 65,697 beehives. This livestock pattern follows the following order: goat-
cattle- poultry- camel-beehives-sheep-donkey. 58% of the livestock population is located in Hawi
Gudina woreda, while 42% is located in Daro Labu, Gololcha, and Seru Woredas.
Table 4- 18: Woreda livestock population size, 2008-2012 E.C.
Hone
Wored She Donk Cam Hor Mul Poultr Beehiv y
Cattle Goat Total %
a ep ey el se e y es prod.
(k.g.)
Daro 150,0 280,6 18,3 0 19,0 8 9 86,00 14,156 568172 7.26 95,48
Labu 21 11 67 00 0 7
Hawi 313,2 458,8 4,31 10,24 77,2 80,55 58.4 124,3

0 162 13,498 958113
Gudina 40 11 2 7 85 8 3 55
Golole 148,4 48,63 9,67 15,60 1,95 1,08 2,3 29,57 25,657 283013 15.6
cha 72 5 9 9 0 8 44 9 9
0
Seru 96,84 63,03 15,3 14,53 0 1,73 645 74,92 38,048 305070 18.6 83,60
9 5 07 2 4 0 0
Total 70858 85109 4766 4038 9823 283 316 27105 211436 100 83600
2 2 5 8 5 0 0 7 91359 8
50
Photo 4- 28: :Cattle and camel population in the project corridor
4.3.17 Apiculture Development

Bee-keeping farming is another source of cash income for household/farmer’s families. However, the
benefit from bee-keeping farming will be affected due to the rapid deforestation rate and lack of enough
moisture due to shortage of rainfall, herbicides, and insect problems. Using herbicides and insecticides
will improve the development of apiculture.
As the table below shows there are about 91,359 beehives in the four Woredas and 303,442 kg honey
production obtained from 65,873 beehives. The total production could be about 420, 842 kg if we
consider the honey production that could be obtained from 25,486 beehives in Gololecha Woreda.
Table 4- 19: Woreda Number of beehives and production
Daro Labu, 2008 Hawi Gudina, 2009 Seru, 2012 Gololecha,
2002 Total
Beehives Prod.
No. Number Prod. Numb Prod. kg Number Prod. Number Pro Num
Type kg
kg er kg d. ber
kg
1 Traditional 12,375 77,243 13,09 117,480 36,841 52,300 25,486 NA 87,80 247,0
beehives 9 1 23
2 Intermediat 1,190 8,858 289 4,345 985 24,300 0 - 2,464 37,50

e beehives 3
3 Modern 591 9,386 110 2,530 222 7,000 171 NA 1,094 18,91
beehives 6
51
Daro Labu, 2008 Hawi Gudina, 2009 Seru, 2012 Gololecha,

2002 Total
Beehives Prod.
No. Number Prod. Numb Prod. kg Number Prod. Number Pro Num
Type kg
kg er kg d. ber
kg
Total 14156 95487 13498 124355 38048 83600 25657 - 9135 30344
9 2
Source: Each Woreda Socio-Economic Profile
Photo 4- 29: : Traditional beehives
4.3.18 Development Agents and farmers Training Centers

Development agents and farmers' training centers (FTC) are the most important agricultural
infrastructures that play an important role in improving agricultural production and productivity. The
table below provides the number of development agents and farmers' training centers in the project
Woredas. The development agents are professionals in plant science, animal science and,
environmental protection and they are assigned for each kebele to support the farmers in all aspects of
agricultural practices such as in crop production, animal husbandry, and environmental protection.
Table 4- 20: Number of development agents and FTC in Woreda
No. Year (E.C.) Development Population Farmers Training
Woreda
Agents served Centers
1 Daro Labu - - - -
2 Hawi Gudina 2008 85 - -
52
3 Gololecha 2002 84 17,010 (1:202) -
4 Seru 2012 47 11,567 (1:246) 14
4.3.19 Major Livestock Diseases

Diseases have numerous negative impacts on the productivity of herds' i.e. death of animals, loss of
weight, slow down growth, poor fertility performance, decrease in physical power, and the like. There
have been many ways of fighting against disease and among these, Vaccination and treatments are
the major ones. The availability of data on the prevalence of the disease is also very important to set up
strategies that can assist in preventing and controlling disease, by and large in improving the veterinary
service of the Woredas.
Different diseases affect livestock production in the district. Most of the diseases in the district are the
same as with other districts. The major disease which affects bovine, ovine, equine, poultry, camels,
and bees are listed in the following table.
Table 4- 21: Woreda livestock diseases
No. Type of Animals Type of Disease
1 Bovine (cattle) pasteurellosis
Coccidian
Internal parasite
External parasite
2 Ovine (Sheep, Goat) Pasteurellosis
Internal parasite
External parasite
3 Equine (Horse, Donkey, Mule) Tympengitis, strangle, and anthrax
African Horse Sickness
Dourine
Internal parasite
53
No. Type of Animals Type of Disease
External parasite
4 Poultry Coccidian
New castle
5 Camels Mastitis, trypanosomiasis, external and

internal parasites
4.3.20 Veterinary Service and Personnel

In the four Woredas, there are a total of 62 veterinary service.
4.3.21 Major Agricultural Constraints

The salient agricultural constraints of the project Woredas based on the Woreda Socio-Economic
Profile are identified as described below in the table.
Table 4- 22: List of major agricultural constraints
Seru Woreda Hawi Gudina Woreda Daro Labu Woreda Gololecha Woreda
Food insufficient area Decrease of Crop pests and Crop pests and
in the zone duet production due to Diseases such as insects damage huge
Rainfall Variability, lack of rain, stalk borer, amounts of
drought, and flood inadequate of armyworm, agricultural output
improved seeds, grasshopper Locust, from farmers during
absence of pest and Birds, pig aphids, planting up to
herbicides, and cutworm, and ball harvesting.
absence of proper worm diseases - the
utilization of major factors that
agricultural contribute to
technologies. decreasing crop
yield.
Crop pests and Low agricultural Rainfall variability Decreasing of

disease; have a great productivity due to and drought farmland from time to
contribution in the absence of both time, which in turn
decreasing the volume pests and herbs. creates irrational
of production both forest resource by
54
before and post- deforestation to get

harvest time arable and grazing
land and as a result
incidence of massive
erosion.
Livestock and poultry Prevalence of Limited knowledge

Diseases- such as Livestock Diseases about modern
Blackleg, lumpy skin, such as African technology, cost
chronic respiratory Horses sickness, returns and risks, and
diseases and External lumpy skin lack of credit facility.
and internal parasite pastoralists, new
Depending on
Lymphatic diseases castle external and
traditional tools, and
and Anthrax internal parasites.
low application of
modern technologies.
Lack of infrastructure
especially which
leads the farmers to
sell products at low
price.
Source: Socio-Economic Profile of Woredas
4.3.22 Unemployment Problems

Causes of unemployment include rural to urban migration, illiteracy, low technological advancement,
natural disasters (accidents), population growth, low attitude towards work, the low culture of the
vacancy announcement. The consequence of unemployment will be prostitution, begging, poverty,
addiction, etc.
The road project is believed it will provide job opportunities for some community members in road
project-affected Woredas. Moreover, the project will encourage various investors to invest in the project
area and development generating activities' socio-economic status. The table below provides the extent
of unemployment problems in the project Woredas.
Table 4- 23: Unemployment problems
55
Illiterate Grade 1-8 Grade 9-12 Certificate Diploma Degree

Woreda Total
M F M F M F M F M F M F
Daro Labu 867 235 203 759 381 144 45 12 195 29 24 3 4732
(2008) 8
Hawi Gudina 120 55 350 265 270 150 40 27 15 3 4 0 1299

(2008)
Gololecha No available data registered since the Woreda is established recently.
Seru No available data
4.3.23 Project Woredas’ Potentials

The table shown below provides the main potentials of the project Woredas.
Table 4- 24: Project Woreda potentials
High potential cultivable land High potential for Conducive climate for Endowed with various
for extensive agricultural livestock rearing and growing crops water resource, mineral
practice (62,000 ha.) bee-keeping, and large especially oil crops and resource, and forest
land resources that can livestock rearing resource
Tourist attraction sites -
be suitable for the
These are kemene /Worship Perennial rivers for Numerous Perennials
production of food
area/, Kokobe /Cave/, modern agricultural Rivers, seasonal rivers,
crops.
Abelkasim /High Mountain, production and springs.
Arebliji, and topography of the The large size of
Rich in minerals and 65,026 ha covered by
land and gorges of Wabe irrigation land for
tourist attraction sites forest (31,855 ha.
River. All of them are investment.
natural forest).
underdeveloped.
Mineral resources
Several scenic
Forest resource - the district
beauties and land
largely covered by acacia
escapes, of which Dire
trees, bush, and shrubs as
Dadala and Arab Lij
well as Gallery forest along
Mountain massive, the
the river course
dense tropical forest,
Investment Opportunity - endemic flora and
56
favorable for livestock rearing fauna, natural wonders,

and cash crop production gorges, and
using potentially irrigable escarpments are the
water resources, i.e., Wabe most magnificent
Shebelle River. sceneries and natural
heritages. The Dire
Minerals and energy
sheik Hussein shrine,
resources- such as
Sof-oumer Hammara
sandstone, natural gas, and
cave others are the
metallic mineral resources.
major tourist site
Labor resources - especially potential of the district.
unskilled labor power.
Source: Socio-Economic Profiles of Woreda
4.3.24 Social Service Conditions in the Project Woredas

The conditions of social services of the four project Woredas such as water supply, health, education,
energy supply, etc. are discussed in the subsequent sections.
Water Supply
The coverage potable water supply of the Woredas’ population and sources of water are presented in
the table below.
Table 4- 25: Water sources and water supply service coverage by source
No Sources of water Daro Hawi Gololecha Seru
. Labu Gudina
1 Deep wells 18 - Potable water coverage: Data not available

Urban 50%, Rural 23% regarding sources of
water
2 Shallow Wells 12 - -
3 Spring 12 7 Urban 50%, Rural 77%

development
4 Hand-dug wells - 7 -
5 Potable water supply coverage
57
No Sources of water Daro Hawi Gololecha Seru

. Labu Gudina
Urban - - 100% 54.73
Rural - - 25% 54.00
All average 36% - - 54.72
Source: Woreda Socio-Economic Profile, March 2021
4.3.25 Energy Supply

Local people produce firewood and charcoal production for home consumption and market supply as a
supplementary source of income for the household. The major domestic energy source of the Woredas
is the traditional source as discussed in the table below.
Table 4- 26: Woreda source of energy
Seru Woreda
Dar Labu Hawi Gudina
No. Gololecha Woreda Energy Urba Rural
Woreda Woreda
Supply n
1 Firewood Firewood Firewood 100% Charcoal 1st 4th
2 Crop residue Animal’s dung Charcoal 70%, urban Firewood 2nd 1st
3 Charcoal Crop residue Kerosene 55%, urban; Animal Dung 3rd 2nd
50% rural
4 Solar energy Charcoal Animal’s dung 1% urban Kerosene 4th 5th
5 Kerosene - Electric 5% urban Crop 5th 4th

Residue
4.3.25.1 Source: Woreda Socio-Economic Profile, March 2021
4.3.26 Health
The health coverage in the project Woredas is low. For instance, in Seru Woreda, the ratio of
population to Health Centre and health post was 34,145:1 and 4553:1 respectively in the year 2012
which indicates very low health coverage of the Woreda compared with WHO standard (except health
post that is 4,553:1 (25,000 and 5,000 respectively).
4.3.26.1 Health Institutions and Personnel

58
The tables below provided available health services and health personnel in the project Woredas.
Table 4- 27: Woreda health institutions and personnel
No. Descriptions Dar Labu Hawi Gudina Gololecha Seru Total
1 Health institutions
1.1 Hospital - - - -
1.2 Health centre - 5 1 2 8
1.3 Health Post 37 26 15 15 93
1.4 Clinics - - 4 1 5
1.5 Pharmacies - - - - -
1.6 Drug vendors - - - - -
1.7 Beds - - - - -
Total 37 31 20 18 106
2 Health professionals
2.1 Health officer 5 - 3 7 15
2.2 Nurse 54 29 30 25 138
2.3 Health assistant 47 - - - 47
2.4 B.S Nurses - - - - -
2.5 Lab technician 13 2 1 4 20
2.6 Pharmacists 6 4 1 5 16
2.7 Sanitarian - 3 1 3 7
2.8 Community health 78 78 - 33 33

extension workers
Total 78 87 3 45 76
59
4.3.26.2 Ten Top Diseases
According to the data obtained, the major causes of morbidity and death in Seru Woreda are
pneumonia infection (26%) followed by Trauma (15%), Malaria (12%), Diarrhoea, and URTS (both
10%), respectively in the year 2012
Ten Top Diseases of the project Woredas are described in the table below.
Table 4- 28: Ten Top Diseases of the Woreda
Ran Dar Labu Hawi Gudina Gololecha Seru
k
1 Violence Promina AURI Pneumonia
2 Diarrhoea MAM Diarrhoea Diarrhoea
3 AURI AURI Intestinal parasite URTS
4 Phenomena Diarrhoea Muscular Trauma

rheumatism
5 AFI Dyspepsia Gastric Eye Infection
6 UTI Trauma Injuries Acute ear

infection
7 Dyspepsia UTI Skin infection Internal Parasite
8 Holmanles Intestinal parasite Anaemia Skin Infection
9 Trauma AFT Otitiesmedia MAM
10 Infection of eye Dysentery Tonsillitis Malaria
Health coverage Health coverage - -

99% 70%
Source: Woreda Socio-Economic Profile of Woredas
4.3.26.3 HIV/AIDS Prevalence
There is a lack of information to discuss in this section about the situations of HIV/AIDS prevalence in
all project Woredas. However, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Seru Woreda could be considered as an
example.
60
The prevalence rate of HIV AIDS was 0.03 % in the Seru Woreda in 2008; however, the prevalence
rate of HIV/AIDS in 2012 was increased to 0.6. The less awareness through community conversation at
the Kebele level is the main reason for increments in the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in the Seru
Woreda.
Table 4- 29: Seru Woreda Prevalence rate of HIV AIDS in 2008 to 2012
Year Total tested Total +ve Pre valence rate
2008 3766 1 0.03
2009 1712 4 0.23
2010 3624 2 0.06
2011 3965 24 0.6
2012 4305 26 0.6
Source: Seru Woreda Socio-Economic Profile
61
4.3.27 Education
4.3.27.1 Number of Schools and Students
According to Woreda Socio-Economic Profile, in the four road project Woredas, there are a total of 264
schools (Kg 3, elementary school 250, secondary school 3 and preparatory 3) the total students are
96,835 of which 56260 (58%) are males and 40,545 (42%) are females. The detailed number of
schools and students the project influences Woreda is provided in the table below.
Table 4- 30: Number of schools and students by Woreda and sex
Sc Daro Labu, 2008 Hawi Gudina, 2008 Gololecha, 2002 Seru, 2012
h.
Le Sch M F T Sch M F T Sch. M F T Sch. M F T
vel . .
Kg 1 263 233 497 - - - - 1 - - - 1 46 43 89
1-4 19, 16,1 3600 10,8 6,68 17,5 49 6,53 5,07 1187
902 04 6 44 8 32 7 0 32 7,0 5,1 12,16
77 54 41
5-8 3,6 2,24 5859 2,16 735 2904 29 2,99 2,39 1122 04 56 0
19 0 9 4 2 3
9- 4 752 519 1275 2 325 93 2970 856 756 7552

10
1 1 558 315 873
11- 1 224 114 339 1 88 46 813 109 41 150
12
Tot 5 24, 19,2 4397 3 13,4 7,56 2421 80 10,4 8,25 1376 43 7,6 5,5 13,12
al 760 10 6 26 2 9 96 9 57 08 14 2
4.3.27.2 Number of Teachers and Qualifications
To keep the quality of education, primary school teachers must full fill the minimum qualification
requirement/ diploma level/ to teach grade 5-8 and there is a continuous professional development
program to upgrade the level of teachers. Besides, the student-teacher ratio and student classroom
46
ratio should be considered, and education office efforts are expected to do more to improve the quality
of education.
Table 4- 31: Number of teachers by Profession and Schools
School levels and Seru Woreda, 2011
teachers qualifications Male Female Total
Primary School (1-8) 278 154 432
TTI 42 37 79
Diploma 221 113 334
BA/BSc 15 4 19
Secondary School (9-

43 11 54
12)
Diploma 4 1 5
BA/BSC 32 9 41
M.A/MSc 7 1 8
Table 4- 32: Techers and qualification

Daro Labu, 2008; Teachers, and Hawi Gudina, 2008; Teachers, and
Qualification Qualifications
Sch.
Grade 12
Grade 12
Level
Diploma
Diploma
& below
& below
F M Total F M Total
Degree
Degree
ILB
1-4 139 199 338 0 148 190 64 146 210 33 0 26 131
5-8 258 139 397 18 311 68 23 80 103 9 1 92 1
9-10 10 72 82 82 0 0 1 27 28 0 24 4 -
11-12 1 20 21 19 2 0 0 15 15 0 15 0 -
Total 408 430 838 119 461 258 88 268 356 42 40 122 132
47
Qualification Gololecha, 2002
1-4 5-8 9-10
Male Femal Total Male Female Total Male Female Total

e
Certificate 70 63 133 5 - 5 0 0 0
Diploma - - - 104 53 157 8 1 9
Degree - - - - - - 21 3 24
Total 70 63 133 109 53 162 29 4 33
Source: Seru Woreda Socio-Economic Profiles of Woredas
4.3.28 Gender Issues

In Ethiopia, women’s access to resources and community participation are usually mediated through
men, either their fathers or husbands, and their agricultural contributions often go largely unrecognized.
This phenomenon is true in the project influenced rural areas. However, when all rural and urban
women have access to their income, they are more likely than men to spend it on the betterment of
their families and successfully participate in village savings or pay school fees for their children.
However, the majority of women are unable to transition to secondary and tertiary school due to
distance, personal security, and economic challenges. As girls grow older, academic participation
becomes increasingly difficult as it takes time away from essential income-generating activities. The
percentage of female students enrolled in university is mostly lower than males.
It is general fact that women often face different and more basic economic constraints than men, linked
to a lack of access to credit and lower demand for their products because of marketing inexperience.
And women do not make decisions on most individual and family issues. Moreover, harmful traditional
practices such as early marriage, childbearing, gender-based violence, etc., all having huge adverse
effects on Ethiopian women including the project area.
Oromia region arguably has one of the highest gender gaps in the country, as observed through
various gender equality and women's empowerment indicators such as education, sexual and
reproductive health rights, and women's decision-making power in the family.
48
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is still practiced in the Bale and other zones of Ethiopia and resulted in
various forms of damage/injury on more than three in four women of reproductive age. Although
younger women, those from urban residences, and some religions are less likely to have had FGM it is
still extremely common in those areas. Particularly in Seru, Harmful Traditional Practices such as
Raping, `Buta`, `Dhala`, Female Circumcision, `Gebere`, etc are widely observed. In the same area,
however, there are Useful Traditional Practices that need to encourage seriously.
The discrimination against women will negatively affect those women who want to work in development
projects, particularly in projects. 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.
This situation does reflect in development projects like road project construction works, women always
do not receive equal employment opportunities; and the contractors, in most cases, favor to employ
men rather than women, and female workers do not obtain particular attention due to their biological
and physical conditions.
Therefore, the project contractor and all other project workers shall respect the Ethiopian Constitution
as a whole and particularly the provision of the right of women as stated in the Constitution in Article 35
that ‘Women have the right to the full consultation in the formulation of national development policies,
the designing and execution of projects, and particularly in the case of projects affecting the interests of
women’ and ‘Women shall have a right to equality in employment, promotion, pay, and the transfer of
pension entitlement’. Moreover, the State shall enforce the right of women to eliminate the influences of
harmful customs. Laws, customs, and practices that oppress or cause bodily or mental harm to women
are prohibited.
4.3.29 Tourist Attractions

The project influence Woredas are well known in tourist attraction areas.
4.3.29.1 Tourist Attractions in Gololecha
Dire Shekhusen Mosque the starting point of the road project is well known for its tourist attraction site
which was established in the 11th century and visited by many people twice a year (at Arafa/Haji and
the birthday of Shekhusen). As per the discussion with local authorities, and Gololecha Woreda Socio-
Economic Profile other tourist attraction areas can be advertised for tourist attraction along the road
project corridor, and these are Dire Dadala, SOF Oumer hammara, Arab Lij, Qachama sare, and the
like.
49
Table 4- 33: Gololecha Tourist attraction centres by type

No. At attraction site Specific The peculiarity of the site
location
1 Dire Sheik Hussein Dire- Mostly Islam Pilgrim

Shrine Shekhusen
2 Dire Dadala Dobi Ringed mountain
3 Sof Oumer Hammara Hamara Moulid Celebrate Annually in the

Mosque
4 Arab Lij Baraket Mosque on Mountain
5 Qachamsare Dire Mountain
6 Kubayo Natural forest Kubayo Natural Forest
7 Sh/Muhamad Burjaj Katiba Grave, Mosque and forest
8 Alii Bahar Kajawa Mosque
9 Sh/kiminge Barakat grave
10 Sh/Abdul Malik Udule Bulala furfursa Grave and mosque
Source: Gololecha Socio-Economic Profile
4.3.29.2 Tourist Attractions in Hawi Gudina
According to the Woreda, Socio-Economic Data reports, there are tourist attraction sites in Hawi
Gudina such as Holqa kakari, Bishaan Madderoo Holqa, Torbaan Tooyii, Holqa Foqoolee, Holqa
Owwaa, Anaara Fagoo, Fikan Dandii konkolataa hin qabu.
4.3.29.3 Tourist Attractions in Daro Labu
Daro Labu Woreda has tourist attraction sites mainly caverns that are the second intricate underground
caverns next sofe Omar cave systems. Fifteen cave entrances have been identified some of which lead
to extensive cave stems (>100m) whilst others have only been explored for some tens of meters
Achere, Aynage Rukiesa, and Bero are the renowned and repeatedly surveyed cave stems of Daro
Labu Woreda Achere, Aynage cave is found to the northeast of Mechera. These caves are easily
50
accessible for tourists. The Cave Baro, Kabanawa, Dabdabe, Lafe, Dolis, nanoo, Ijafayfate, Rukessa,
Citu, Hulul, udeWeyilu, HadanGur, and Warabesa natural landscapes are very much attractive to
visitors. However, the Woreda should have international standard hotels, tourist guide persons,
recreation centers, and heritage shops.
4.3.29.4 Tourist Attractions in Seru
The tourism economy is not yet developed in Woreda. Similarly, meaningful surveys and road studies
are not conducted to access tourist attraction sites of the Woreda. Nevertheless, there are some major
tourist attraction centers identified in the Woreda. These are kemene/Worship area/, Kokobe /Cave/,
Abelkasim /High Mountain, Arebliji, and topography of the land and gorges of Wabe River. All of them
are underdeveloped.
Photo 4- 30: Known tourist attraction along with the road project at km 0+00, Dire Shekhusen Mosque, and the
seat of high-top community leaders and elders
51
5. PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATIONS

Public consultations as part of the ESIA process are useful for gathering socio-environmental data,
understanding likely impacts, determining community and individual preferences and concerns,
selecting project alternatives, and designing viable and sustainable mitigation and compensation plans.
Public consultation in the ESIA process is undertaken to disseminate information to interested and
affected parties, solicit their views and consult on sensitive issues.
5.1 Government’s Policy on Public Consultation and Participation

In Ethiopia, public consultation is important and mandatory that project planners and implementers are
required to carrying out development projects. According to the FDRE Constitution, Article 92; “People
have the right to full consultation and to the expression of their views in the planning and
implementation of environmental policies and projects that affect them directly”. Moreover, public
consultations and community participation are entrenched in the Constitution of Ethiopia through
Articles 43 and 44. Article 43 of the Constitution stated on the Right to Development that "Nationals
have the right to participate in national development and, in particular, to be consulted concerning
policies and projects affecting their community". And Article 44 on Environment Rights states that "All
persons have the right to live in a clean and healthy environment".
The overall objective of the Government is to involve communities in policy formulation and
implementation at the local level. The Environmental Policy seeks to ensure the empowerment and
participation of the people and their organizations at all levels in socio-environmental management
activities and to raise public awareness and promote understanding of the essential linkage between
the environment and development.
5.2 The Consultation Process

Two or more days before carried out the consultation meeting, the respective local administration
official was informed to arrange a meeting place and to announce the participants to attend the
consultation meeting at the specified place, date, and time.
Table 5- 1: Consultation meeting attendants at Woreda level
Woreda Administrator Land Use Administration Vulnerable Groups’
Representatives
Agriculture Office Women, Children And Youth Community Elders

Affairs
Environment Protection Water Supply Office Religion Leaders
59
Business People’s
Authority Health Office
Representatives
Economy Development & Office of Education

Other concerned persons
Finance
The objectives of the public consultation process were:
• To inform the Woreda/Town/Zone administration officials and council members, and community
members about the details of the proposed project, and
• To ask residents and concerned bodies about the problems they anticipate with the proposed
project and how these can be overcome.
The consultation process at the design stage was an initial consultation. More consultations are
envisaged before project start-up and during the project’s implementation and operation phases since
the Government through the local administration encourages community discussions during the
implementation of development projects.
The stakeholders for the proposed project were categorized as follows:
• National level stakeholders – relevant policymakers;

• Regional, Zone, and Woreda level stakeholders – relevant policy and project implementers; and
• The local community in the affected Woredas.
5.3 Methodology for Public Consultation and Discussion Issues

To obtain the opinion and attitude of Government Officials and Representatives of Council Members at
Regional, Zone, Woreda, and Kebele Administration levels towards the proposed road project,
consultations have been undertaking at the respective administrations. The minutes of meetings and
list of participants are presented in the Annex of the Report.
The consultations took place in co-operation with and facilitated by higher officials of the respective
administrative offices. The discussions points for the consultation meetings were various among which
the main were:
• Briefing the project

• Feelings and interests about the project
• Start and end of Zone, Woreda, and Kebele towns and villages crossed by the project
• Standards of ERA about the width of road at Zone, Woreda and kebele towns
• Project positive and adverse impacts and the proposed enhancement and mitigation measures
60
• Commitment to support vulnerable groups

• Stakeholders’ Engagement/Commitment to support the project, such as:
- Provision of land for affected households for house construction
- Secure the project -right-of-way from any construction activities
- Create a safe and good working environment for the construction
- Provide all necessary support for the project completion
5.4 Consultation Meeting Participants and Date of the Meeting

The Consultation meeting has been carried out with the officials, council members, and experts of
various sectors of Zone and Woreda, and Kebele administrations, representatives of the communities
including business people, community elders, youths, and known individuals from March 15/2021 to
February 19/2021. The minutes of consultation meetings with stakeholders are attached as Appendix 2,
3 and 4.
Table 5- 2:- Consultation meeting participants and date of the meeting
N Woreda/ Total Date of the
o. Zone/ Meeting participants participant Venues consultation
Region s meeting
1 Daro Labu Woreda administration officials and Woreda 15/03/2021

representatives of Council Conference
members Hall
Representatives of Mechera town 11

Administration
Representatives of the project

consultant
2 Hawi Woreda administration officials and Woreda 16/03/2021

Gudina Council members Conference
Room
Representatives of Remeti town
18
administration

consultant
3 Gololecha Woreda administration officials and 7 Woreda 17/03/2021

Council members Administrator
office
61

consultant
4 Shekhusen Kebele administration officials and Kebele 18/03/2021

Kebele Council members, and religious administratio
leaders, and community elders 10 n office

consultant
5 West West Hararge Zone s Authority Kebele 19/03/2021

Hararge officials administratio
Zone 7 n office
consultant
6 Seru  Woreda administration officials Woreda 22/02/2022

Woreda and Council members Conference
Room
 Representatives of Seru town
administration
29
 Representatives of Seru Town
Elders
 Representatives of the project
consultant
7 Arsi Zone  Arsi Zone Road and Logistic At Zonal 23/2/2022
Road and Office officials Road and
Logistic 5 Logistic office
Office
consultant
8 Oromia  Oromia Regional Road and At Regional 24/2/2022
Regional Logistic Office officials Road and
Road and 10 Logistic office
Logistic
consultant
Office
Total consultation meeting -- -

97
participants
62
5.5 Discussions and Stakeholders’ Engagements

Consultation with Daro Labu Woreda, And Mechera Town Administrations
The consultation was held with Officials, Council Members, and Community Elders of Daro Labu
Woreda and Mechera Town Administrations on March 15/2021 focusing on the discussion points
discussed above under Section 5.3.
During the discussion session, various points were mentioned and the main are the following:
After the short briefed of the road project by the consultant socio-environment team, all participants of
the consultation meeting are expressed their happiness for the commencement of the project study.
Consulted officials have experience in road and other projects and they appreciated the consultation
meeting to discuss the proposed road project. They felt happy because the road will bring various
benefits for the Woreda and the country's economic growth through providing an access road to
markets to supply cash crops for local and foreign business centers. Daro Labu has mainly produced
chat crops for market supply and most of the cropland is covered by chat plants.
While the project consultant carried out the project design works the consultant should consult
community elders and Woreda experts to use indigenous knowledge as input for the design study.
They believed the project came late and they are based on their experiences, they are afraid the project
would not be completed within the project period. The government should take appropriate attention to
ensure the project contractor is capable to carry out the project as per the project contractual
agreement.
Project-affected properties should be inventoried and compensation payment is delivered before the
commencement of project construction; delay of compensation payment causes problems that will
hinder the progress of project performance.
During the project construction number of job seekers will influx to the project area and this will cause
to aggravate the expansion of communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and STDs in the project area.
Therefore, the government has to take precautions before the prevalence of the problems.
Construction material sites should be reinstated based on the interest of the Woreda administration to
the level that they are suitable to undertake agricultural activities.
The project construction will cause impacts on trees, dust and flood problems, etc. and the proposed
mitigation measures for the impacts should be taken to minimize and control the problems as per the
project management plan.
63
Job opportunities will be caused by the road project, and these will benefit the community members
particularly youths and women of the project area, and female and male workers should have got equal
fair wedge or payment for the workers employed. The benefit they will receive should not depend on
their gender type.
The project-influenced area will have the opportunity to be acquainted with new technology results due
to the development of socio-economic relationships with the central business places of the country.
The project construction works should be scheduled for the project activities and carry out accordingly
based on the weather conditions (rainy and dry seasons) of the area.
Since the Woreda economic source is based on mixed agriculture activities, there is a livestock
population and cattle have got appropriate cattle crossing at the required road sections. Moreover,
during the project construction, some households that reside close to the road will face access to house
problems (to get in or out) and this will particularly affect children, elders, and disabled persons. In
such situations, the project should avail appropriate access to houses to avoid the likely accidents
caused by the problem.
According to the Woreda administration experience, it is found that the compensation estimated for the
affected properties is not adequate to replace the damaged properties. Therefore, compensation
payment for affected properties should be revised and improved and becomes standard.
They are committed and agree to provide project campsite, construction material sites, and other sites
for the project use, provide support for vulnerable groups during house construction, and others, and
provide other supports for the project implementation.
Photo 5- 1: Consultation with Daro Labu Woreda

Administration, at the end of the project
64
5.6 Consultation with Hawi Gudina Woreda Administration, Elders and PAPs
representatives
The consultation was held with the Woreda Officials and representatives of Council Members, elders
and representatives of PAPs on March 16/2021 focusing on the discussion points discussed above
under Section 5.3.
During the discussion session, various points were mentioned and the main are the following:
All participants of the consultation meeting expressed their happiness about the start of the project
study.
They were eagerly waiting with hope for a long period for the construction of a well standard asphalt
road.
There are no security problems in the project area that hindered the progress of the road construction.
People in the project area are innocent, polite, and peaceful.
They well know well standard asphalt roads for the Woreda people have various benefits for the socio-
economic development and strengthen socio-cultural relationships, and increase the flow of tourists to
tourist attraction areas such as Shekhusen Mosque.
The project will contribute to the development of the Woreda town – Remeti town.
There is no historical and cultural heritage site along the project area likely to be affected during the
project construction, however, there is only one communal graveyard along the project area.
Remeti town is a newly established town constructed by plan and the road section that crosses the
town has enough width so that there will not be affected properties that would be caused by widening
the road project section. However, the Remerti waterline crosses some areas that need proper
attention not to affect by the movement of project vehicles and probably during construction.
There will be traffic accidents during project construction since there will be movement of many vehicles
in the town and villages of the project area. Awareness creation for the society is commendable to
avoid and minimize the likely traffic problems.
We the Hawi Gudina Woreda administration, the Remeti town administration, and the people of Hawi
Gudina agree and are committed to providing the required support for the road project construction.
65
Photo 5- 2: Consultation with Hawi Gudina Woreda and Remeti Town Administrations, elders and
PAP representatives
5.7 Consultation with Gololecha Woreda Administration

The consultation was held with the Woreda Officials and representatives of Council Members on March
17/2021 focusing on the discussion points discussed above under Section 5.3. Accordingly, the
following opinions and suggestions were given.
The Woreda officials and representatives of the council members expressed their happiness about the
start of the project study.
The road section in the Woreda is about 15km and this is a big opportunity when it becomes a standard
asphalt road.
As Gololecha is surplus production producer Woreda and known for cash production, the construction
of the road will bring the opportunity to get access to markets and supply their production for markets,
and this will contribute to the development of the area.
At present and in the future, there will not happen any security problems in the project area.
The Woreda is happy and committed to supporting the project which includes: provide project campsite
and construction material sources site, and other supports.
All project-related issues will get immediate solutions in cooperation with the project and Woreda
experts to create a good working environment and speed up the project implementation.
66
Photo 5-3: Consultation with Gololecha woreda officials at Jara town
5.8 Consultation with Dire Shekhusen Kebele Administration, Elders and Representatives
of PAPs
The consultation was held with the Woreda Officials, representatives of Council Members, Elders and
representatives of PAPs on March 18/2021 focusing on the discussion points discussed above under
Section 5.3. After they expressed their happiness, the following opinions and suggestions were given.
Our forefathers were passed as they were eager to see the road construction that connects Dire
Shekhusen. Since the actual time now comes we felt as we rebirth again as heard about the start of the
road project.
The construction will create suitable situations and local and foreign tourists from various directions will
be encouraged to come to the area and visit Dire Shekhusen. This will bring significant social and
economic benefits for the people.
Health personnel, teachers, and other workers were not interested to stay in the area since there is no
transport service. This situation will be changed, and the social service in the area will be improved.
They have experiences that some organizations came to our area and promised us to provide water
supply service, and other development projects but there were no actions. We hope this project will be
67
actual, real to be implemented within a short time. We are eager to see the start of the project for the
reasons that road is our life since it has a big role to play in the improvement of our living standards.
Dire Shekhusen is low land, and the people are pastoral and produced livestock, fruits, and vegetables,
and the construction will solve the problem to get access to markets and the opportunity to transport
surplus production to the centre of the country and business centers.
There are big holidays at Dire Shekhusen, a sacred place twice per year and irrespective of religious
affiliation, ethnic group, sex, etc., persons usually came to the area to participate in the holiday
ceremony. The people who come to the area are very much.
The project will provide job opportunities for community members, and women also will be benefited
since they could sell food and tea/coffee for project workers and they earn additional income for
household use. The area is peaceful and has no security problems.
We are committed to supporting the project and agree to provide what the project required us to use for
the project construction.
Photo 5- 4: Public consultation Dire Shekhusen Kebele Administration, Elders and Representatives
of PAPs at the start of the road project
68
5.9 Consultation with Authority of West Hararge Zone Administration

The consultation was held with the s Authority of West Hararge Zone Administration on March 19/2021
focusing on various issues related to the project construction. During the discussion session, the s
Authority mentioned the following points:
The project Socio-Environment Team briefed the officials of the Road Authority of West Hararge Zone
about the consultation meeting carried out with the Woreda and Kebele administrations, and the results
obtained from the discussions.
The Road Authority is happy about the start of the road project and committed to supporting the project.
The project has a significant contribution to alleviating the access road problems revealed in the area.
The project area is rich in cash crop production (mainly chat) and the producers will get suitable
situations to transport the product to the central market and for export business.
The members of the property estimate committee established at the Woreda level have got awareness
about the compensation payment law and regulations of the country and should be respected people
and free from any corruption activities.
The Zone s Authority understands project-affected people complained the compensation payment for
affected properties will not replace the damaged property.
From the experience, all affected properties will not be identified and some properties will be remained
and not be included for compensation payment. This situation later will cause problems when the need
comes to compensate those properties.
While preparing the detailed project design works, the project consultant shall assess the actual
physical location of the project route, and also consult community elders and Woreda experts to get
indigenous knowledge and use it as input for the road design works. Moreover, the project social and
environmental impact assessment report should be used as input for the project design preparation.
Lack of proper design works will cause various issues such as flood problems downstream, access to
house problems, etc.
The s Authority of West Hararge Zone has explained that they are committed to supporting the project.
59
Photo 5- 5: Consultation meeting with West Hararge Zone s Authority
5.10 Consultation with Seru woreda officials and elders, Arsi zone Road and Logistic
office and Oromia Regional Road and logistic Office
Consultations were also conducted in Seru woreda in the presence of woreda administration
representatives, sectoral office heads, elders and youth representatives on February 22/2022. Further
consultation were also conducted with Arsi Zone Road and Logistic office on Feb 23/2022 and With
Oromia Regional Road and Logistic Office officials on Feb 16/2022.
Consulted people, elders and officials of Seru woreda as well as Arsi zone Road and Logistic Office
and Oromia Regional Road and Logistic office interested on constructing road that connects Seru to
Daro River. They raised that constructing Seru to Daro River which is about 75 km would increase road
connectivity and create short cut to access Dire Shekhusen, the main destination of religious pilgrimage
and tourists. They said that constructing road from Seru to Daro River would reduce road length from
Dire Shekhusen-Seru-Itaya -Adama to Addis Ababa by about 90km as compared to Dire Shekhusen-
Mechara-Asebateferi-Methara-Adama to Addis Ababa. The Seru woreda officials emphasized that the
area between Seru and Daro River is rich in natural resources, livestock, camel, irrigable land big rivers
such as Wabe River, mineral resources like gypsum and marble. The Seru-Daro River road meets Dire
Sheik Hussien-Mechera road immediately after crossing the Daro River.
The issue raised by Seru woreda is logical from road network connectivity, short distance and reduction
of travel time from Addis Ababa to Dire Shekhusen. Since, the proposed Dire Shekhusen-Mechera road
project is far from Seru town (75km offset), it is our whish that ERA may consider the request of Seru
Woreda by other means. The ongoing Arsi-Robe to Seru asphalt road construction could be extended
to Daro River or a new project from Seru to Daro could be proposed to create better connectivity and
services as well as to satisfy the development need of the people.
60
Photo 5-6: Consultation with Seru Woreda and town administration and Elders
Photo 5-7: Consultation with Arsi Zone Road

and Logistic Officials
61
Photo 5-8: Consultation with Oromia Road and Logistic office officials
62
6. SUMMARY OF ROUTE SELECTION

This Section presents the summary of alternative routes comparison and selection for the road project.
The detailed route selection report has been prepared and submitted to ERA and approved.
6.1 Description of the proposed alternative Routes

Alternative 1
The proposed alternative route-1 follows the existing road alignment. It starts at Sheik Hussien town of
Gololecha Woreda of East Bale Zone and travels through Seru Woreda of Arsi Zone and Awi Gudina
and Daro Lebu Woreda of West Hararge zone and ends at Micheta town of Daro Lebu Woreda. The
total length of this route is 149.95 km.
Alternative 2
The proposed alternative route-II starts at the junction of Sheik Hussien town and travels for about 650
m together with an alternative I and thereafter it departs from Alternative-I to the RHS and travels for
about 41+860km before rejoining the existing road. After km 41+860, alternative –II travels along the
same alignment with Alternative-I until it ends at km 118+994. The total length of Alternative II is
118+790.3km.
Alternative 3
The proposed alternative route-III starts at the RHS of Alternative I and II at Sheik Hussien town and
travels for 64+870 km before joining alternative I & II. After km 64+870 it shares the same alignment
with an alternative I and Alternative II. The total length of alternative-III is 128+942.33km.
62
6.2 Comparison of Alternative Routes

6.3 Environmentally Critical Area Analysis
ERA’s Route Selection Manual 2013 has provided the concept of the Environmentally Critical Area
(ECA) Value for route selection. Therefore, these ECA values as described in the route selection
manual have been adopted for the comparison of alternative routes from the environmental
perspectives.
Table 6- 1: Environmentally Critical Area Values
No. Environmental Critical Area ECA Value
1 National Parks, primary Forest, Areas of High 5

biodiversity and Endangered species
2 Recharge Areas for Aquifers, Protected Water 4

Bodies, and Wetlands
63
3 Prime agricultural land 3
4 Area of high landscape values/Scientific interest 3
5 Areas prone to erosion and desertification 1
Source: ERA Route selection Manual 2013.

Table 6- 2: Environmental Risk Level and Score for each Risk Level
Environmental Risk Level Score
None* 0
Low** 1
Moderate*** 2
High**** 3
Very High**** 4
Critical***** 5
Source: ERA Route selection Manual 2013
***** Critical - major impact, system unable to function without substantial mitigation;
**** Very high/High - substantial losses or disruption but system can still function albeit at a lower level;
*** Moderate - measurable losses or disruption, but system can continue to work without mitigation;
* *Low - small changes, possibly measurable; and
* None - no measurable impacts.
6.3.1 Aggregate Impact Assessment
The aggregate impact assessment is obtained by combining the environmental critical area value (ECA
value) listed in Table 5.1 with the environmental risk level listed in Table 5.2 and summing the totals for
each receptor to allow comparison between the route options.
Table 6- 3: Aggregate of ECA value and environmental risks for the proposed alternative routes
Environmental Route-I Route-II Route-III
Issues/Impacts
Risk level ECA Aggre Risk ECA Aggr Risk level ECA Aggr
Value gate level Value egat egat
64
e Value e
National Parks, primary None (0) 5 0 None 5 0 None (0) 5 0

Forest, Areas of High (0)
biodiversity and
Endangered species
Recharge Areas for Moderate 4 8 Modera 4 8 Moderate(2) 4 8

Aquifers, Protected (2) te (2)
Water Bodies and
Wetlands
Prime agricultural land Low (1) 3 3 Modera 3 6 High (4) 3 12

te (2)
Area of high landscape Low (1) 3 3 High(3) 3 9 High (3) 3 9

values/Scientific interest
Areas prone to erosion, High(3) 1 3 Modera 1 2 High (3) 1 3

landslide, rock fall te (2)
Total* 17 25 32
**Multi-criteria analysis 15.47 13.3 11.4

Score 3 7
Rank 1 2 3
* In the above table, the higher the total aggregate of ECA value and the Risk level, the higher the
envisaged environmental impact.
** The higher the multi-criteria value the lower is the envisaged environmental impact
Multi-criteria analysis score for alternative-1= 20(75-17)/75= 15.47
Note that 20 is the maximum score assigned to environmental factors in Route selection manual 2013
under the MCA in Chapter 10, while 75 is the aggregate of worst cases of environmental risk and
environmental critical area value (5+4+3+2+1)*5.
65
6.3.2 Conclusion and Recommendation based on Environmental Analysis
Evaluation of the significance of the predicted environmental impacts of the proposed alternative routes
and their comparison is shown in Table 6.3. As it is seen clearly from the above comparison table,
Alternative-I which follows the existing road scored the highest rank based on purely environmental
criteria. The primary reason that puts Alternative-I at the highest rank is that the route travels through
the existing road and as a result it will not take significant amount of farm and grazing land. Since it
travels through an already established route, even if it travels through more mountainous and
escarpment terrain, it has already been constructed at a gravel level and will not impose a significant
impact on farm and grazing land. Construction of a long alternative-I will also generate less construction
spoil than Alternative-II &III. On the other hand, Alternative-III travels for a longer distance (65km)
through new road alignment mainly devoted to grazing and covered with acacia bush and will cause
more adverse impacts on grazing land and vegetation cover. Therefore, Alternative-III is
environmentally the least preferred route. Alternative-II like Alternative-III travels along the new
alignment for about 42 km and imposes road adverse impact on grazing and farmland, but the impact is
less than that of alternative-III for the reason that the total length of the alternative-II is the shortest.
Therefore, concerning the potential environmental impacts, Alternative-I is recommended to be

considered for further feasibility assessment. The second relatively best route is alternative-II, while
alternative-III is the least.
6.4 Social and Economic Impacts caused by Alternative Routes and Mitigation
The following table summarizes the identified adverse environmental impacts of the three alternative
routes.
Table 6- 4: Summary of socio-economic impacts and mitigation measures
Environmental
Mitigation Measures
Issues/Impacts
Impacts on Residential, Pay appropriate compensation based on the country’s Proclamation

Business Houses, and on Expropriation of Land Holdings and Payment of Compensation
Other Structures Proc. No. 455/2005, and provide additional support to improve the
livelihood of the affected PAPs.
Impacts on Cropland Construct on the existing alignment and do not align in agricultural
and Grazing Land land.
Pay appropriate compensation based on the country’s Proclamation

on Expropriation of Land Holdings and Payment of Compensation
Proc. No. 455/2005, and provide additional support to improve the
66
Environmental
Mitigation Measures
Issues/Impacts
livelihood of the affected PAPs.
Reinstate the area at the end of the project and hand over the
reinstated area to the land user.
Impact on Fruit and Construct on the existing alignment;

Non-fruit Bearing Trees
Do not damage wide area more than the required area for the road
alignment.
Avoid unnecessary cut of trees,
Remove only trees that are situated at the core borrow extraction
site,
Pay compensation for the lost trees,
Maintain trees on the sides of access s.
Impact on utility lines Pay appropriate compensation based on the country’s laws and
(includes electric and regulations before the commencement of project construction.
telecommunication
Take appropriate measures to continue the services.
poles, water distribution
points, water pipelines,
etc.)
Impact on Religion Provide proper attention, not to affect religious institutions,

Institution and
Pay appropriate compensation based on the country’s laws and
Graveyards
regulations before the commencement of project construction.
Shift affected graves to a selected safe place by covering all required

expenses
Dust and noise issues in Prevent dust release by spraying water regularly
villages and towns
Improve access by covering with gravel.
crossed by the
Limit vehicle speed to 35km/h along with the road access.
Do not undertake activities producing nuisance noise levels (more
67
Environmental
Mitigation Measures
Issues/Impacts
than 70dB) during rest hours and nighttime.
Do not exceed EPA noise standards at settlement areas, particularly

during the nighttime.
Traffic accidents Create awareness for the workers on potential risks associated with
( safety) a traffic accident
Limit vehicle speed along with the road access to 35km/h
Minimizing pedestrian interaction with construction vehicles.
Occupational Safety HIV/AIDS sub-consultant will design an awareness creation program

and Health Impact and implement it to avoid the spread of HIV/AIDS among project
workers and local communities;
Provide education for local communities regarding the spread of

HIV/AIDS and STIs in public places, schools, and through
community clubs and groups;
Work closely with local health centers
Provide clinical services and first aid
6.4.1 Comparison and Selection of Alternative Routes- Social Aspect
Comparison is made between Alternative I, II, and II to identify the preferred route.
Table 6- 5: Comparisons of Alternative Routes Proposed for the project
No. Socio-Economic and Socio-Cultural Alternative Alternative Alternative
Issues Route-I Route-II Route-III
1 Impacts on Residential, Business

High Moderate Moderate
Houses, and Other Structures
2 Impacts on Cropland and Grazing

Low High Very High
Land
3 Impact on Fruit and Non-fruit Bearing Moderate High High
68
No. Socio-Economic and Socio-Cultural Alternative Alternative Alternative

Issues Route-I Route-II Route-III
Trees
4 Impact on utility lines (includes electric

and telecommunication poles, electric
High Moderate Moderate
transformer, water distribution points,
water pipelines, etc.)
5 Impact on Religion Institution and

Low Moderate Moderate
Graveyards
6 Dust and noise issues in villages and

High High High
towns crossed by the
7 Traffic accidents ( safety) High Moderate Moderate
8 Occupational Safety and Health Impact High High High
Summary More Less Least

Preferred Preferred Preferred
6.4.2 Ranking of the Alternative Routes based on Social Criteria
Based on field observation, primary data gathered from the field, consultation with the local community
gives us the following findings to select socially the best route. The ranking calculation has been
conducted based on ERA`s Route Selection Manual, 2013.
69
Table 6- 6: Ranking of Alternative Routes

Alternative-I Alternative-II Alternative-II
No Socio-Economic and Socio-Cultural
. Issues Scor Scor Scor
Value Value Value
e e e
1 Impacts on Residential, Business Modera Modera Moderat

2 1.5 1.5
Houses, and Other Structures te te+ e+
2 Impacts on Cropland and Grazing Land Low 2.5 High 1 V. High 0.5
3 Impact on Fruit and Non-fruit Bearing Modera

2 High 1 High 1
Trees te
4 Impact on utility lines (includes electric

and telecommunication poles, electric Modera Moderat
High 1 2 2
transformer, water distribution points, te e
water pipelines, etc.)
5 Impact on Religion Institution and Modera Moderat

Low 2.5 2 2
Graveyards te e
6 Dust and noise issues in villages and

High 1 High 1 High 1
towns crossed by the
7 Traffic accidents ( safety) High 1 High 1 High 1
8 Occupational Safety and Health Impact High 1 High 1 High 1
9 Preference of stakeholders High 4 Low 1 Low 1
More Less Least

Summary Preferr 17 Preferre 11.5 Preferre 11
ed d d
Rank 1 2 3
6.4.3 Conclusion and Recommendation Based on Social Assessment
Evaluation of the significance of the predicted social and economic impacts of the
proposed alternative routes and their comparison is shown in the above table. As it is
observed from the above comparison table, Alternative-I which follows the existing road
alignment scored the highest rank based purely on the considered social and economic
criteria. The primary reason that puts Alternative-I at the highest rank is that the route
travels through the existing road and as a result it will not take significant amount of farm
and grazing land, and will not cause loss of trees. Since it travels through an already
established route, it has already been constructed at a gravel level and will not impose
significant impact on farmland, grazing land, and trees. On the other hand, Alternative-III
travels for longer distances (about 65km) through a new alignment mainly devoted to
grazing and covered with acacia bush and will cause more adverse impacts on grazing
land and trees. Therefore, Alternative-III is socially the least preferred route. Alternative-II
70
like Alternative-III travels along the new alignment for about 42 km and imposes an
adverse impact on grazing land, farmland and vegetation cover, but the impact is less
than that of alternative-III for the reason that the total length of this alternative is the
shortest.
Therefore, concerning the potential social and economic impacts, Alternative-I is

recommended to be considered for further feasibility assessment. Relatively, the second-
best route is alternative-II, while alternative-III is the least.
71
7. IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION
7.1 Methodology Used for Impacts Analyses

The methods primarily used for the assessment of potential environmental impacts include
matrices and expertise judgment for the identification, prediction and estimation of likely
impacts. The areas of major impacts are categorized with respect to type, magnitude;
duration and scope of impacts are described in Table 7.2. Analyses of impacts are made
on the bases of the description given in this table and are discussed as in the following
sub sections.
Table 7-1: Methodology Used in the Identification and Analysis of Impacts

S.N. Terminology Definition of Terminology
1 Type/Nature of Impact
1.1 Positive Impacts Useful/Beneficial Impacts
1.2 Negative Impacts Harmful/Adverse Impacts
2 Magnitude of Impacts
2.1 No impact Zero Impacts
2.2 Insignificant Impacts Minor impacts
2.3 Minor Impacts Minor but visible impacts
2.4 Significant Impacts Major and Visible Impacts
Serious damage to natural and socioeconomic

2.5 Critical Impacts
environment
3 Duration of Impacts
3.1 Temporal/Short Term Impacts to last for up to 2 years or less.
3.2 Medium Term Impacts to last from 2 to 10 years
When the impacts due to project is remain permanently

3.3 Permanent/Long Term
for more than 10 years as residual impacts
4 Scope of Impacts
Impacts expected to be limited within the project area

4.1 Local Impacts
(catchment, route corridor, etc.)
4.2 Regional Impacts Impacts expected to cover up to 200km radius
Impacts likely to cover from project boundary up to the

4.3 National Impacts
boundary of the country/nation.
Extent of Impacts extending beyond the country’s

4.4 International Impacts
boundary
72
7.2 Nature of Impact

Environmental impacts caused by road development projects can be categorized in to
three major impact types. They are either of direct impact or indirect impact or cumulative
impact types. Those impacts of the road project that will be felt within the influence areas
of the project have direct consequences, while it also has local, regional and national level
significance in the form of indirect impacts. Moreover, two or more impacts could also
happen for example at particular site so the ultimate effect could be very significant even
though the individual impacts could be minor or moderate when it stands alone.
7.2.1 Direct Impacts of the Project

Direct impacts of the road project include impacts that are caused by the road construction
like soil and land surface disturbances, vegetation clearance and material removal
activities, dust and noise impacts. These impacts will be caused mainly during excavation
and blasting activities to construct the permanent road ways, detours and access roads as
well as at borrow and quarry development sites.
Socio-economic impacts like damage to properties and houses and utilities within the
RoW, especially in towns, dense settlement areas and other small villages traversed by
the proposed road are among the direct impacts likely to occur. Land occupation for
camps and associated facilities, garage and workshop operations, detour and access
roads, material preparation and storage areas, erection of crusher and asphalt plant sites
as well as land take for the road itself are also among the direct impacts expected to
happen during the construction of the proposed road project. In addition if not taken
necessary care during construction, safety risks would occur on project workers and
nearby community. Increase in traffic accident and communicable diseases will be
expected unless well-organized environmental, health and safety management is in place.
Of course, the obvious positive impacts of road construction such as access to transport,
access to market, job creation, promotion of investment and economic development are
anticipated. Detail negative and positive impacts with respective mitigation and benefit
enhancement measures are discussed in section 7.
7.2.2 Indirect Impacts of the Project

These are chain effects of impacts that result due to the road construction indirectly and
usually at distant locations from the construction corridor in most instances. There are also
indirect impacts such as for example, induced development in the project area and at
roadsides, water quality deterioration as a consequence of the vegetation clearance and
soil erosion at its upstream catchments, increased deforestation, cultural influences due to
opening up of the area for tourists and interaction with external way of life, positive
impacts of improved road on the overall increased road networks and subsequent benefits
at regional and national levels, impact of the project on prime agricultural lands and other
resources due to concentrated and erosive water from culvert outlets and side drain
turnouts, etc. These impacts are mostly observed during the operation phase of road
projects although some of such symptoms could be visible even during project road
construction stage.
Water quality deterioration and water shortages at downstream areas due to project
implementation and related ecosystem changes can also be part of the indirect impacts
73
experienced at furthest distances from the project area. However, this impact is unlikely
under this project.
7.2.3 Cumulative Impacts of the Project

This type of impact results from synergetic effects or added up of two or more impacts that
result in environmental changes positively or in the negative senses due to mainly
development projects implemented in the past, now and planned in the future. All these
will have an added up impact to the overall development with an associated impact on the
overall socioeconomic and biophysical environment of the project influence areas.
Therefore, project proponents need to understand the cumulative impacts of existing,
ongoing and planned projects and act accordingly.
As per the information from the Gololcha Wereda, there is a road construction project
already handed over to the construction contractor, which starts at Dire-Shekhusen and
travels to Ginir town. Though there are some cumulative negative impacts on natural
vegetation due to land clearance for road construction works, positive impact is expected
to be more. Upgrading of the proposed road will enhance the benefit of Shekhusen-Ginir
road by creating better connectivity and providing alternative access to public and freight
transport.
7.2.4 Influence Areas within Direct Impact Zone

The direct influence areas benefited by the proposed road project include woredas and
kebeles directly traversed by the road. Main woredas and settlement areas traversed by
the project road include Gololecha wereda, Dire-Shekhusen kebele, Daro Lebu woreda,
Awi Gudina and Seru woreda. There are also several rural villages and small towns
crossed by the road.
The major sites experiencing direct adverse impacts of the project will be areas within the
road RoW and falling within 30 to 50 meters width of the centerline of the road. The other
sites experiencing direct impacts are the material production and facilities erection plots;
like borrow pits, quarries, camps, garages, crusher and asphalt plant sites, material
storage sites and access and detour roads and excavation debris disposal sites, etc.
7.2.5 Influence Areas with Indirect Impacts

Adjacent areas beyond the direct impact zone will be areas that can indirectly benefit
and/or experience adverse impacts of the road project. These areas include neighboring
Woredas and Zones of the project impact areas including community of neighboring
Zones, Woredas and Kebeles. A significant number of the population in those areas would
also use and benefited from the road connectivity and employment opportunity to be
created during the road construction works. The implementation of the road project also
indirectly enhances the overall road network performances at regional and national levels.
7.2.6 Duration and Scale of Impacts

The positive social and economic impacts including availability of all-weather reliable
roads, reduced transportation and vehicle operation costs, reduced dust nuisances,
increased access to market places for local produces, access to new employment centers,
promotion of tourism and trade, better access to social service centers like health
institutions, and strengthening of local economy are felt during the operation phases of the
project road.
74
Direct adverse impacts like increased traffic accidents during operation, pollution due to
increased vehicle exhaust gases and transportation of hazardous material in transit, noise
and road side litter can also be observable impacts during the operation phases of the
road.
Major direct environmental impacts on the natural environmental components are caused
mainly during the construction phase. Adverse impacts like soil and water resource
degradation, soil erosion and vegetation clearance mainly acacia trees and shrubberies,
material removal and consumption from quarry and borrow pits, dust nuisances etc… are
caused during the construction phase of the project. Socioeconomic impacts like dust
pollution, construction time traffic accident, loss of crops and croplands, damage on
roadside residential houses and shops are likely to be high during the construction phase.
However, the project on displacement/dislocation of people, damages to properties and
service interruption of social services like water supply, electricity and telecommunication
services is expected to be low. Moreover, whenever there are such impacts, most of the
households will be accommodated within the remaining holdings.
7.2.7 Evaluation of the Significance of Impacts

Evaluation and ranking of impacts is one of the critical stages of the ESIA process. Here
the impacts identified are evaluated to determine their significance by using parameters
such as likelihood of the occurrence of impacts, nature and extent of impacts,
magnitude/intensity and duration of impacts. The summary of the impact and the
associated consequences for Proposed Road Project are summarized at Table 6.2 shown
below.
Table 7- 2: Evaluation of Identified Potential Impacts on Bio-Physical and Social

Environment
Duratio
Magnitude or
Probability of
of
Extents of
Identifie Nature of Impacts n of
Occurrence
Impacts
S. d Impact
Intensity
N Potential
Posit
Nega
Signi
Reve
fican
Loca
Irrev
Indir
Regi
rsibl
Tem
man
Dire
Impacts
Nati
Per
ect
Positive
1
Impacts
Creation √ √ √ Likel Hig Hig √ √ √ √
of Job y h h
Opportuni
1.1
ty during
Construct
ion
Increased √ √ √ Likel Hig Hig √ √ √ √
Road y h h
1.2
Connecti
vity
1.3 Improve √ √ √ likely Hig √ √ √ √ √ √
75
Duratio
Magnitude or
Probability of
of
Extents of
Occurrence
Impacts
S. d Impact
Intensity
N Potential
Posit
Nega
Signi
Reve
fican
Loca
Irrev
Indir
Regi
rsibl
Tem
man
Dire
Impacts
Nati
Per
ect
ment in h
Storm
Drainage
Water
Manage
ment
Possibilit √ √ √ >> Hig √ √ √ √ √ √
y for h
Triggerin
g Local,
1.4
Regional
and
National
Economy
Improved √ √ √ Very Hig Hig √ √ √ √ √
road Likel h h
Access y
and
1.5 Social
and
Economic
Integratio
n
Physico-Chemical
2
Environment
Impacts √ √ √ √ Likel Mo Mo √ √ √ √
on Land y der der
2.1
Resource ate ate
s
Impacts √ √ √ Likel Hig Hig √ √ √ √
2.2 on Soil y h h
Erosion
Impacts √ √ √ Likely Low Mo √ √ √ √
on Water der
2.3 Resource ate
s and
Wetlands
Impacts √ √ √ likely Mo Mo √ √ √
2.4 on Water der der
Quality ate ate
76
Duratio
Magnitude or
Probability of
of
Extents of
Occurrence
Impacts
S. d Impact
Intensity
N Potential
Posit
Nega
Signi
Reve
fican
Loca
Irrev
Indir
Regi
rsibl
Tem
man
Dire
Impacts
Nati
Per
ect
Impacts √ √ √ Very Ver Hig √ √
on Air likely y h
Pollution Hig
2.5
during h
Construct
ion
Noise √ √ √ likely Hig Hig √ √ √
and h h
2.6
Vibration
Impacts
Impacts √ √ √ √ Very Hig Hig √ √ √
due to likely h h
Ancillary
Works
(Quarry,
Borrow &
spoil
Sites,
Camp
and
2.7
Garage
operation
, Detour
and
Access
Roads,
etc...) on
land and
other
resources
Solid and √ √ √ √ Likel Hig Hig √ √
Liquid y h h
2.8 Waste
Manage
ment
Biologic
al
3
Environ
ment
3.1 Impacts √ √ √ √ √ Likel Hig Mo √ √ √ √
77
Duratio
Magnitude or
Probability of
of
Extents of
Occurrence
Impacts
S. d Impact
Intensity
N Potential
Posit
Nega
Signi
Reve
fican
Loca
Irrev
Indir
Regi
rsibl
Tem
man
Dire
Impacts
Nati
Per
ect
on y h der
Vegetatio ate
n Cover
Impacts √ √ √ √ √ Likely Low Lo √ √ √ √
3.2 on w
Wildlife
Impacts √ √ √ √ √ Unlik Low Lo √ √ √ √
on ely w
3.3 Aquatic
Fauna
and Flora
Socioeconomic
4
Environment
Displace √ √ √ √ Likely Low Mo √ √ √
ment and der
4.1 Resettle ate
ment
Issues
Loss of √ √ √ √ Likel Mo Mo √ √ √
4.2 productiv y der der
e land ate ate
Creating √ √ √ Likel Low Lo √ √ √
Access y w
and
4.3
Commun
ication
Barrier
Impacts √ √ √ Likel Inte Mo √ √
on y rme der
Health diat ate
4.4
and e
Sanitatio
n
4.5 Impacts √ √ √ Unlik Low Lo √ √ √ √
on ely w
Historical
, Cultural
and
Archaeol
ogical
78
Duratio
Magnitude or
Probability of
of
Extents of
Occurrence
Impacts
S. d Impact
Intensity
N Potential
Posit
Nega
Signi
Reve
fican
Loca
Irrev
Indir
Regi
rsibl
Tem
man
Dire
Impacts
Nati
Per
ect
Resourc
es
Impacts √ √ √ Likel Inte Mo √ √
on Public y rme der
4.6 Utilities diat ate
and e
Services
Loss of √ √ √ Likel Interm Mo √ √
Houses y ediat der
4.7 and other e ate
Fixed
Property
Impacts √ √ √ √ √ >> Hig Hig √ √ √
on h h
Occupati
4.8 onal
Health
and
Safety
√ √ √ √ >> Hig Hig
4.9 Rock fall
h h
Impacts √ √ √ √ √ >> Hig Hig √ √ √
4.1 on h h
0 HIV/AIDs
and STI
Impacts √ √ √ √ √ Unlik Low Lo √ √ √
on local ely w
4.11
tradition
& Culture
79
Feasibility Study, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), RAP, Ethiopian Roads Authority
Shekhusen-Mechara road Project ESIA (Final) Report
8. POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
This section provides the assessment of the potential environmental and social impacts of the
construction and operation of the proposed Road project. In addition, it provides mitigation
measures for the adverse impacts and enhancement measures for the positive impacts.
8.1 Positive Environmental and Social Impacts

8.1.1 Increased Mobility and Reduced Vehicle Operation Cost
One of the benefits of upgrading an existing relatively low standard road 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 of the road, the movement of people and goods
would be enhanced with reduced travel time and cost.
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.
In order to provide a sound infrastructure that enhances mobility during its design life, the
sustainability of maintenance of the road after completion must be ensured for prolonged
service life with adequate comfort and safety.
8.1.2 Employment Opportunity
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;
and this, in turn, contributes to the effort to reduce poverty at different levels.
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.
Proposed measures to enhance employment opportunities include:
 The contractor should employ work force mainly from the locality where the construction
work is undergoing especially in positions that may not require special skill;
 In the process of employment, the contractor should give priority or preference to
women especially in less risky jobs, and provide training for women in different skills as
this contributes to the ongoing effort towards poverty reduction mainly at local level; and
 Employment, wage system, and other administrative measures for the local workforce
should be in line with the country’s law.
8.1.3 Creation of Income Generating Activities
In addition to employment opportunities, creation of other income generating schemes would be

one of the positive impacts for the local community. There could be income opportunities to be
created to residents in the project area during construction works. Businesses such as shops,
catering services (or small bars and restaurants) located along the project road and near the
construction camps could earn additional income due to the presence of large number of
construction workers.
The opportunity for generation of income may continue during the project operation phase as
long as availability & provision of other services like water supply, electricity etc., prevail along
the route. The existing services & infrastructure may be improved along the road contributing to
improvement of local economy.
Proposed enhancement measures include:
 The contractor should provide support to local businesses such as vendors of tea,
coffee, snacks, etc. close to construction sites by providing them with corners or shelters
to establish themselves; and
 Avoid any form of abuse from the construction workforce during transaction.
8.1.4 Employment of Women
One of the positive impacts of the project road construction is to create employment opportunity
for women. Women in road projects could work as daily laborer, time keepers, store keepers
and in similar other activities during the project implementation. It is recommended that the
contractor should give priority for women in the employment of unskilled and casual labor. By
giving priority to women, the project will contribute to reduce the dependency of women on men
and also encourages women to learn new skills.
Project proponents and local authorities need to ensure that women are not left out during
employing local labour force and are assigned in jobs that fit to their biological and physical
conditions.
In addition to employment, improved road infrastructure will ease women accesses to public and
social services like schools, health centers and markets. When women benefit from increased
access, the role they play in the community increases.
8.1.5 Increase road network of the country and create access to markets
Shekhusen-Mechara road construction will contribute for the improved connectivity among
zones and Woredas of the Oromia Regional State. The road directly connects three zones of
Oromia Regional state, namely Western Hararge, Eastern Bale and Arsi zones. The road will be
very important to create market access for the farm produces and livestock resources of the
region
During the stakeholder consultation it was mentioned that the road corridor has high potential
for Chat, coffee and sesame production as well as for raising camel and livestock. Particularly,
goats are one of the known resources in the low land area. The East Bale zone is well known
for its surplus production of whet and barely. Improvement of the road would create better
opportunity to create market and transport access for the above mentioned products and
resources. Moreover, improved road access will promote tourism in the area.
This benefit can be enhanced by constructing the road at the planned time schedule and keep
regular maintenance to elongate the life span of the road.
8.1.6 Improve Road Standard and Aesthetic View of Towns
The proposed road project would involve number of major improvements in the engineering
features of the road. These include improvement of horizontal and vertical curves, widening of
the carriage width, provision of adequate cross and longitudinal drainage structures, provision of
shoulders, provision of parking lanes and pedestrian walkways in town sections, and asphalt
pavements. In addition, with smooth surfaces and better geometry of the road, it will reduce
vehicle-operating costs, which will reduce travel time and the individual vehicle’s air and noise
pollution. Provision of pedestrian walkways and parking lanes will bring better safety for
pedestrians and non-motorized transport in town sections. These features will improve the
overall road standard and increase aesthetic view of the town crossed by the road.
8.1.7 Growth in Small Scale Businesses
Currently, in the project road corridor, there are very limited opportunities for business activities.
But when the proposed asphalt road is constructed, business activities such as opening shops,
supermarkets, restaurants and hotels would be emerged in town section and growth of existing
small towns would be faster. This would eventually reduce unemployment in towns and
contribute for the improvement of life standard of the residents.
8.1.8 Promote Growth of Existing Businesses
Businesses such as, catering services (or small bars and restaurants) located along the project
road and near construction camps, etc. could earn additional income due to the presence of

large number of construction workers. More traffic movement could also contribute to an
increase in income-generating activities in town sections.
8.1.9 Avoid Current Dust Impact Created by Unpaved Dusty Road
Construction of the proposed asphalt road will avoid the dust problem being originated from the
vehicle movement on unpaved road. Covering the road with Asphalt completely avoid dust
pollution which is adversely affecting the road side residents and road side crops.
Completing the road construction at the scheduled time will enhance the benefit.
8.1.10 Poverty Reduction

The construction of the project will have a significant contribution to reduce poverty in the
project corridor. Due to the construction of the road, social service facilities will be improved,
agricultural produces could easily be transported to nearby markets, household income will be
improved and new jobs and income-generating activities will be increased.
The upgrading of the project will create a subsequent increase and utilization of agricultural
inputs and services that will result in increased production and productivity. Hence, with
increased production and productivity farmers and pastorals will be able to earn higher farm
gate prices for local produce, resulting in higher incomes for farming and pastoral households.
The upgrading of the project will improve and increase market opportunities for crop production,
livestock, and other agricultural products, and this in return will contribute to increased
household income and expenditure as well. These and other associated benefits will contribute
to poverty alleviation and facilitate growth and development in the project influenced area
8.1.11 Impacts on Investment
Improved road condition will contribute to the investment potentials of the project area. The
project area and its environs will have great potential for investment since the project corridor is
known for cereal and cash crops, and livestock production. In general, the road improvement
will bring various investment opportunities i.e., improved conditions will promote investments
that exist in the area and paves the way for new investments to emerge such as eco-tourism
development.
8.1.12 Improve Connectivity and Economic Growth
The upgrading of the Shekhusen-Mechera road to asphalt concrete level is expected to induce
the following economic impacts to the area either directly or indirectly.
 Ensure improved and safe mobility within the direct project impact zone as well as
outside the project area,
 The road connects four Woreda administrations namely Gololecha in East Bale zone,
Seru in Arsi Zone, Hawi Gudina, and Daro Labu of Hararge zone of the Oromia Region.
It connects various towns and villages of the Woredas includes Shekhusen kebele,
Deris village, Lilo kebele (Seru Woreda), Remet 01 town, Ebsa town, Guliso village, Halo
Wade town, and Mecheta Town. The road will also play an important role in linking small
towns, villages, and scattered communities along the route and fulfil a vital role in
transporting productions and goods produced locally and maintain the social ties. It will
significantly contribute to increase business activities and the flow of tourists to the
various tourist attraction sites located in the project Woredas. These beneficiary impacts
will help to increase the economy of the project area.
8.2 Negative Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Since the proposed road construction is going to take place mainly following the existing gravel
road, it is expected that the overall adverse impacts on social and natural environment would be
low. However, there are some adverse impacts which are expected to be generated during the
construction phase. These are described below:
8.2.1 Impact from Dust, Air Pollution and Noise
Implementation of the proposed road construction is expected to bring significant impacts on air
quality due to emissions of particulate matters, notably dust, and exhaust gases and noise from
earth works, vehicles and machines. The main products of the combustion of motor fuels are
carbon dioxide and water. However, inefficient engine operation results in the production of
other pollutants, such as Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Carbon monoxide (CO), Hydrocarbons (HC),
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and lead. The amount of exhaust emissions depends on several factors,
including fuel composition, level of engine maintenance, type and age of vehicle, and road
geometry and terrain conditions. Dust and toxic air pollutants are known to cause some human
health problems such as respiratory diseases, eye inflammations, skin irritations, and various
types of allergies. There is also a risk of affecting the nature as the accumulation of particulates
in the atmosphere and deposition on plant leaves. The release of dust and greenhouse gases
like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere will eventually contribute for increase of global warming
and GHG emission.
The construction time dust and noise pollution problems are considered to be most significant
impact as many people live and work close to the road. Construction traffic, particularly the
trucks used for the transport of construction materials, will increase traffic flows greatly, and this
will proportionally increase the amount of dust and exhaust emissions as well as noise levels.

The emissions will contain a large amount of pollutants due to the use of heavy machinery and
vehicles.
In addition, excavation and earthmoving operations, mining of quarry and borrow materials and
their haulage to the construction sites or processing plants, aggregate production and asphalt
mixing activities will generate dust and gaseous emissions that will affect air quality. The dust,
exhaust emissions and noise generated by all these activities could affect adjacent residential
houses, businesses, education and health facilities, road side crops and vegetables, water
supply points and religious establishments (mosques and churches). Therefore, the increased
air and noise pollution could affect many people and the above indicated sensitive receptors.
Extraction of rock for aggregate production and masonry works may involve blasting activities,
which is likely to generate dust and noise pollution problems around the quarry sites. In addition,
operation of stone crushing plants for aggregate production is likely to generate significant dust
emission to the surrounding environment. If the quarries and crusher sites are located in the
vicinity of settlement areas and/or croplands, dust and nuisance noise can cause significant
impacts on the residents around the sites as well as crop production. Continued exposure to
dust can cause public health problems like infections of respiratory system and diminished crop
yields as well as its quality.
After completion of the road works, dust levels will be reduced because the road would be
bituminized and traffic will use the asphalt road instead of gravel roads.
Mitigation Measures
Emissions of dust particulate matters, pollutant gases and noise would be reduced to
acceptable levels by adopting the following measures:
 Regularly spraying water on detour and access roads throughout the construction
process. Availing adequate water trucks and operators must be considered.
 Regularly wetting/spraying water at quarry and stone crusher sites during their
operations in order to reduce dust emission and its effects on local population and the
surrounding environment.
 Restriction of traffic speeds and applying water regularly on dusty roads in a more
stringent way in town sections and near other sensitive receptors such as schools,
health care facilities and religious places.
 Use of modern and well-maintained equipment (with dust mufflers where appropriate),
regular maintenance of diesel powered machinery and vehicles to reduce excessive
exhaust emissions
 Regular maintenance of emission intensive plants like stone crusher and asphalt plant
and application of dust suppressant mechanisms.
 Locating the aggregate production and bitumen mixing plants at least 1.5km away from
sensitive areas such as residential areas, health units, schools and religious areas.
 Avoiding burning of materials such as tiers, plastic, rubber products or other materials
that creates heavy smock, hazardous smoke or nuisance odor and disposing of any
volatile chemicals to air, schools, religious places, and water supply sources.
 Construction contractor and his workers must comply with relevant health and safety
standards pertaining to noise and emissions, such as wearing ear protection when
operating plants or heavy machinery.
 Implementing well-designed traffic management plan that considers traffic safety and
working hours for materials transport thereby minimize transport-related disturbances
to local residents and road users, and reduce traffic accidents.
 Carry out noisy construction activities during normal working hours.
8.2.2 Impacts on Landscape Quality and Slope Stability
Slope stability problem is expected along the three River valleys (Wabe Shebelle, Ilile and
Shenen). Due to erosion and loosely hanged rocks, stability of the cut surface seems unstable.
In addition rock falls are expected because of the loosely hanged rocks at the cut slopes.
Disfiguring of landscape could also occur at borrow, quarry sites and spoil disposal. Therefore,
the contractor shall adopt feasible mitigation measures to maintain landscape quality and to
avoid slope instability problems.
Mitigation measures
 Remove loosely hanged rocks from steep cut surfaces,

 Provide wider bench cut so that fallen stones could be settle/rest,
 To the extent possible, use of existing material sources that have been used for the road
construction and maintenance by previous road projects.
 Conduct restoration of borrow sites and areas of contractors’ site facilities through back-
filling, landscaping and re-establishing vegetation cover,
 Avoid indiscriminate disposal of surplus or unsuitable excavation materials by depositing
it only at approved disposal sites and, on completion, by landscaping and planting such
sites with appropriate tree, shrub or grass species to improve the aesthetic quality of
those sites,

 Reserving spoil materials and utilizing it in back-filling of quarries or borrow pits when
exploitation of those sites is completed, and
 Designing and constructing appropriate slope stabilizing structures like retaining walls or
gabions at vulnerable sections.
 Use of bare lands for contractor’s site facilities to minimize the impacts caused by the
exploitation of new material sources and establishment of campsites,
 Planting suitable tree species on erosion vulnerable areas.
 Planting appropriate grass species on cut slopes and fill,
 Controlling surface water infiltration to reduce seepage forces by providing adequate
side ditches, interceptor drains, and diversion drains.
8.2.3 Impacts from Quarry Sites, Borrow Areas, Access Roads
A number of construction material sites are identified for the project road. List of the identified
borrow sites, quarry areas and sand sources are shown in table 8-1. More construction material
sources could be exploited for the construction of the road by the contractor.
Table 8- 1: List of the identified Borrow, Quarry and Sand sources

UTM (Adindan) Estimated
Location, Station Area
No. Eastin Quantity
(km) Northing (m2)
g (m3)
Borrow Sources for Fill and Replacement
1 5+960-RHS 200m 682263 856307 70521.5
20,149
2 12+580-RHS 150m 678091 859014 98395.5
28,113
3 20+900-RHS 150m 675601 862794 114229.5
32,637
4 27+600-RHS 250m 671718 857690 13835.5
3,953
5 36+900-RHS 100m 668346 862174 73983
21,138
6 56+800 RHS 200m 660846 875788 82047
23,442
7 64+440 RHS 100m 657755 881179 41275.5
11,793
8 78+440 LHS 150m 659851 890561 66881.5
19,109
9 82+200 RHS 200m 661500 892944 107327.5
30,665
10 100+740 LHS 150m 660053 907147 103607

29,602
11 112+200 LHS 200m 655427 917273 136136
38,896
12 118+200 LHS 200m 654080 921847 45538.5
13,011
13 130+360 LHS 300m 651441 932873 38153.5
10,901
14 135+600 RHS 600m 649265 937247 29641.5
8,469
Natural Gravel Sources for Sub-Base
58,8
1 19+000-LHS 50m 677167 862184 10700
50
124,3
2 43+400-LHS 50m 667759 865478 22601
06
95,7
3 73+000-LHS 50m 661285 885613 17402
11
308,7
4 97+600-LHS 1.1 km 660857 904036 154359
18
74,1
5 121+060 LHS 300m 652585 924253 13488
84
134,9
6 149+485 LHS 2.1km 643645 946033 24544
92
Quarry Sites for Crushed Aggregate
5.0 Km from 0+000

along Shekhusen - 849,6
1 686861 851386 141612
Jara Road and offset 72
200 m LHS [Basalt]
3+000 LHS 200 m 695,1

2 684487 855688 69510
[Limestone] 00
64+700-RHS 50 m 291,6
3 657734 881526 29161
[Limestone] 10
97+560 LHS 1.1 km 926,1
4 660927 903964 154359
[Limestone] 54
111+060 RHS 100 m 333,8
5 656284 916299 55642
[Limestone] 52
124+980 RHS 8.2
102,7
6 km [Black 661992 927237 17123
38
Limestone]
149+485 RHS 550 m 4,486,7

7 645335 948462 897345
[Basalt] 25
Natural Sand Sources
68+060-RHS 500 m
1 658807 882961 Ample
[Shenen River]
124+980 RHS 9.8

2 km [Koro Legedebu 663195 928574 Ample
River]
149+485 LHS 14.2

3 642261 937698 Ample
km
Extraction of construction materials from Quarry sites and borrow areas unless carefully located,
properly operated and rehabilitated after use could cause significant socio-environmental
problems like loss of productive land, loss of vegetation, soil erosion, siltation of rivers and
reservoirs, creation of mosquito breeding sites, un-aesthetic view, drowning risk of children and
animals, etc. Therefore, implementing the following mitigation measures will solve the above
anticipated impacts.
Mmitigation Mmeasures:
 Select quarry and borrow sites away from settlement areas and other
socially/environmentally sensitive areas and shall not commence operation prior to
approval by the RE, ERA (ESOHSMD) and Local Authorities;
 Do not select quarry and borrow sites near and at river bed (these sites shall be at
least 500m far away from streams and river or ponds);
 Avoid establishing quarries and borrow pits in forest areas and important wildlife
habitat;
 Maintain detour roads as much as possible within the RoW or use other existing roads
if any as alternative roads during the construction;
 Reinstate all quarries and borrow sites, detour and access roads after the completion
of the road works, any material sites shall not be left open unless otherwise approved
by the RE and/or ERA and upon request from local people to have the sites open
permanently;
 Take photographs of the proposed borrow areas, quarry sites and detour and access
roads before the commencement of the works;
 Take lists of all the tree species found in the proposed quarry sites, borrow areas and
detour roads and record the exact number of trees to be affected in the presence of

Environmentalist from the Supervision Team or a Forester from the Zonal/Woreda

Forestry department;
 Preserve top soil for later use to refill borrow sites and quarry areas and do not mix
topsoil with subsoil;
 Borrows and quarries must be reinstated (which include dumping unnecessary
materials and excess cuts, landscaping/leveling/shaping, spreading the topsoil
uniformly over the surface, constructing spillways if in case the sites are deep enough
to hold water and putting a barrier or fence all around the sites to prevent accidents
on animals and human beings);
 After reinstating, plant appropriate tree species (indigenous trees) or grasses to
recover the original vegetation and to improve the ecological and aesthetic value of
these sites;
 Provide proper drainage to avoid storage of water in quarry and borrow sites to avoid
drowning risk of children and animals and to reduce malaria out break through
reduction of mosquito breeding sites; and
 Reinstate access roads to these sites to productive state. Reinstatement work shall
include: preservation/stockpiling of the topsoil, removing the applied selected/foreign
materials, loosening the compacted soils and spreading the top soils.
8.2.4 Impact of Asphalt Plant Operation
An asphalt plant is a facility where aggregate materials and asphalt are heated, mixed and
combined to produce a paving mix. The primary ingredient in the process consists of stone,
sand, and asphalt oil, which is a by-product of petroleum. Generally, the resulting emissions are:
 Steam from moisture naturally contained within the sand and/or stone;
 Heat due to the temperatures;
 Dust particles from the aggregate during mixing;
 Gaseous odor.
One of possible concerns relating to asphalt plants is the contamination of surrounding water
bodies and soil, which may be caused by spilled bitumen or any petroleum products used to thin
the bitumen. Long periods of storage can increase the propensity of leakages which can cause
contamination. Dust from the plant is also nuisance to the local community who are working or
residing adjacent to the plant.
Mitigation Measure
 Asphalt plants must be located downwind of settlements about 1.5km away from
settlement and ensure that the prevailing winds will not carry particulate emissions to
the community;

 The contractor shall secure approval from the Environmentalist of construction

supervision consultant for installation and operation of asphalt plants;
 Asphalt plants shall not be located close to productive land.
 Petroleum products stored at batch plant sites are to be contained properly and
appropriate measures must be taken to ensure the protection of surface and ground
water;
 Dust control measures should be performed on gravel roads used for the
transportation of material to and from temporary asphalt plants;
 Precautionary measures should be exercised to prevent bitumen from spilling into
soil, running or dry streambeds, ditches, or solid waste disposal sites prepared by the
contractor.
 The storage and mixing areas for bitumen must be protected against spills and all
contaminated soil must be properly handled.
 These areas must be contained, such that any spills can be immediately mitigated
and cleaned up as soon as such incident arises.
 Any discarded asphalt, tar mix, heavy oil, etc. must be disposed of in an
environmentally friendly manner and/or reused wherever possible.
 After dismantling the facility, the asphalt plant site shall be left in an aesthetically
acceptable condition.
8.2.5 Impacts from Construction Camps, Workshops and Storage Sites
Construction of camps, workshops and materials storage sites can cause a number of
significant environmental and social impacts unless the sites are carefully located and
appropriate mitigation measures are not taken during their establishment and subsequent
operation. Among the expected adverse impacts related to camp sites and workshops are spill
of hazardous substances such as fuel, oil and detergents, and disposal of hazardous wastes
like used oil from garages and workshops as well as fluid and solid wastes generated by
construction camps. Spillage of fuel and oil at dispensing points of fuel and lubricants as well as
from equipment and vehicles at construction sites may cause environmental pollution including
contamination of soil and water resources, both surface water and ground water. Moreover,
release of sewage and other liquid wastes at campsites due to overflow of septic tanks or direct
discharge of wastes to open fields may cause serious environmental pollution. Such hazardous
substances, chemicals and/or wastes may result in contamination of water resources that are
sources of water supply for human as well as animals. Therefore, this situation may have
adverse effects on human as well as animal health. Furthermore, pollution of water bodies may
affect aquatic life and the functioning of aquatic ecosystem.
Proposed Mitigation Measures Include the Following:

 Select the location of campsites in collaboration with local authorities, representatives of

local community, the Engineer/RE and ERA's representative(s) preferably from
ESOHSMD & ROWMT;
 Locate campsites in less productive areas at least 1.5 km away from environmentally or
socially sensitive areas such as ponds, streams, rivers, forestlands, residential areas,
social facilities (health, education, water supply), religious places (churches & mosques)
etc.,
 Construct lined septic tanks at all campsites and discharge of all liquid wastes generated
by camps into the septic tanks with regular inspection of the septic tanks in order to
avoid overflow to the surrounding environment,
 Prevent environmental pollution by hazardous substances such as oil, fuel, cement
sludge and detergents through proper storage and handling of the substances due to
spillages. Among the precautions to be taken is that the Contractor shall install drip pans
and fuel funnels at dispensing points of fuels and lubricants. Oil exchange should be
taken place only at pre prepared workshop area. Washing of vehicles and machineries
should only be conducted in workshop area and never done in rivers and open soils.
 Avoid leakages from construction equipment and vehicles through regular and effective
maintenance, and
 Properly collect used oil and other chemicals and safely dispose through accredited oil
reprocessing or disposal agency or in other manner approved by the Engineer.
 Take photographs of the campsites before putting any structure at the site in order to
compare the level of environmental alteration before and after the establishment of the
campsites and to plan reinstatement measures.
 The contractor has to record the types and number of trees removed due to the
establishment of campsites to serve as a bases for compensation tree plantation,
 Establish construction campsites with appropriate and standard health care services,
potable water supply, garbage disposal and sanitation facilities including imperviously
lined septic tanks to reduce possible pollution impact on ground and surface water
resources;
 Provide toilets and shower rooms for labor fitted with water flashing system and
separated for male and female.
 When the camps are no more required for the project and if they are not going to be
used for other purposes or going to be abandoned, the Contractor shall reinstate them to
their original state as closely as possible. The reinstatement activities shall include
stockpiling the topsoil during camp construction, removing all concretes/slabs and all
scrap metals from the workshops, loosening the compacted soils, and spreading of the
top soils;

 The Contractor shall plant appropriate tree species in the camp yard for beautification
purpose; the tree species selected for the planting shall be approved by the
Environmentalist of the Supervision Consultant and Forester of zonal/Woreda Forestry
Department. Assign gardener to maintain the camp tree plantation;
 The Contractor shall maintain proper management and discipline in the camps;
 The contractor’s work force shall respect local culture and norms;
 The Contractor shall dismantle all the site facilities (camps, workshops and storage sites)
and rehabilitate the areas as per the surrounding nature once construction is completed.
8.2.6 Impacts on Soil Erosion and Gully formation
The proposed road-upgrading project is likely to cause some impacts on soils, including
increased risks of soil erosion, soil compaction and gully formation. During site visit it was
observed that gully formation was prominent at some locations. Gully erosion features were
observed at km 100+600 on both sides, km 114+00 LHS, km 117+800 LHS and at km 122+900.
At some locations gullies are threatening the stability of the existing road. These erosion prone
areas need special attention during the road design and construction.
Moreover, construction time activities such as land clearing and earthworks to widen the
carriage width, improve the alignment, construct new culverts and side drains or replace the
existing old and substandard structures, and to construct detour and access roads, campsites
and other site facilities will disturb the soil structure and ultimately expose it to erosion by runoff
water. In particular, runoff water concentrated in roadside ditches and diversion drains may
cause erosion in the structures themselves and in downstream areas.
Moreover, disposal of spoil materials generated from excavation works onto adjacent lands may
also affect productive soils or land. In addition to this, soils can be impacted due to compaction
by heavy-duty equipment used in the construction works and dump trucks used for hauling of
construction materials and excavated debris. The use of unpaved access roads and detours will
also have compaction or trampling effects on soils. Besides the increased soil erosion and
compaction, the project may cause soil pollution by hazardous substances like oils, fuel, cement
and cement products and detergents due to accidental spillage, leakage of equipment and
vehicles, or improper disposal of used oils and other hazardous materials such as bitumen and
its by-products.
Potential impacts on soils could be minimized through the following mitigation measures.
 Carrying out earthworks during the dry season to reduce soil exposure to erosion and
reduce alteration of drainage systems that would contribute in increased erosion.

 Designing and construction of appropriate physical structures such as paved side-

drains, diversion drains, check dams, retaining walls, gabions, culverts and sufficient
turnouts to reduce the concentration of water flows, erosion and scouring along the
side drain turnouts and downstream of the crossing structures.
 Construction of interceptor ditches or cut off drains at vulnerable slopes and avoid the
possible slope instability problems,
 Implement bioengineering techniques to protect and stabilize unstable slopes like
planting appropriate local varieties of grass species, especially grasses which are
multi-purpose, (e.g. Vetiver Grass), together with physical engineering measures as
soon as possible after completion of the works.
 Cut-off drains shall be installed above cut slopes.
 Reducing the time exposed surface remains bare by implementing grassing or re-
vegetation by other plants following completion of the construction works.
 Minimizing works/operating equipment beyond the imperative area shown in the
engineering design.
 Locating culverts and side-drains in such a way that it will not affect prime agricultural
areas and would not release runoff water onto areas vulnerable to erosion. Discharge
those waters through natural flood lines and for unavoidable cases, provide erosion
protection structures as appropriate.
 Avoiding disposal of excavation materials onto adjacent areas where it could affect
productive soils used for agricultural activities or other natural resource bases.
 Establishing grasses or other suitable plant species on erosion-prone areas such as
cut and fills slopes and other exposed surfaces.
 Preventing contamination of the soil by oil, fuel, used oil or other pollutants, or waste
water through regular maintenance and servicing of construction vehicles only at
demarcated areas designed to contain fuel and oil spillages, proper storage of
hazardous substances (fuel, oils, detergents) and proper disposal of used oils.
8.2.7 Impacts on Flora
The road upgrading project basically follows the alignment of the existing road, which is
advantageous in terms of reducing impacts on forests and other natural vegetation. However,
there are areas along the existing road where the existing road width is narrow and road sides
are occupied with dense bushes and trees. Alignment improvements and road widening in some
sections would cause adverse impacts on natural vegetation. In particular, opening of borrow
and quarries, access road to material sites would cause damages to certain bushes and acacia
trees.

Adverse impact would also occur on planted trees in town sections. Most of the towns plant
Neem and Moring trees for shed and medicinal purposes. These trees most likely removed to
widen the road.
On the other hand, most rural sections of the proposed road have adequate open spaces for
widening/increasing the width of the carriageway and for building cross and side drainage
structures.
The potentially affected vegetation types are widely distributed in the area and not considered
rare or threatened. However, the vegetation of the area provides essential ecological and
economic functions including safeguarding against soil erosion, moderating the micro-climate,
preservation of flora and fauna, rangeland values, wild fruits, sheds and traditional medicines,
etc. Hence, these functions of the vegetation must be sustained through adoption of feasible
mitigation measures.
Mitigation Measures
Potential impacts anticipated on flora of the project area would be reduced or avoided by
applying the following mitigation measures:
 Considering the location of important trees or dense vegetation during the engineering
design as well as construction in order to minimize damages of vegetation/trees and
widening/improving the road to one side only, where technically feasible,
 Restricting clearing of vegetation to what is absolutely necessary.
 Applying half-way construction method in order to reduce damages of vegetation due to
construction of detour roads.
 Adopting reduced right-of-way by limiting land clearing or removal of trees to the
imperative zone required for the construction of the road;
 Implementing re-vegetation/replanting programme at areas affected by temporary uses
like borrow sites, campsites, access roads etc. Preference should be given to indigenous
tree/shrub species like Acacia and Commiphora species that are best adapted to the
area and drought resistant, but also ecologically suitable exotic species could be planted
where they would not cause significant adverse effects on the indigenous flora. For each
removed mature tree at least 10 new seedlings shall be planted, watered and
maintained until the seedling survives by itself, and well established trees handed over
at the end of contract period to local environmental protection office.
 Minimizing damaging vegetation by restricting earthworks/earth moving activities to the
imperative area for the project. This can be achieved by providing training and
awareness programmes for people constructing the road especially the operators of
heavy equipment so they are familiarized with some key principles for conserving
vegetation.
 Carefully locating material sources (quarry and borrow sites), construction camps and
materials processing and storage sites to avoid or minimize impacts on important
vegetation or sensitive flora and controlling cutting of vegetation by the construction work
force.
8.2.8 Impacts on Fauna
There is no protected wildlife parks and wildlife reserve areas along the project road. However,
the project road in the low land section travels through acacia bush land that supports variety of
wildlife species mainly mammals and birds, and is considered as one of the important areas for
wildlife biodiversity conservation in the country.
Construction and operation of the proposed road is expected to bring about some impacts on
the wildlife resources of the area. The potential impacts on wildlife will depend mainly on the
extent of disturbances along the project road, at material sources, and access roads to those
sites. The loss of habitats due to the road construction and exploitation of material sources will
be localized and small in area extent compared to the total area of habitats available in the area
as a whole. However, the disturbances due to increased noise and disruption of habitat use
patterns of wild animals across the road are likely to be significant. Of particular concern is the
impacts on wildlife movements from one side of the road to the other side of the road. During
the site visit, we encountered various mammals including Vervice monkey, bush buck, Dik-dik
and Rock hyrax.
Operation of construction traffic and heavy equipment is likely to generate significant noise
pollution that will cause disturbances to wild animals adapted to use the adjacent habitats or to
move across the road and may cause animal killings. It is expected that with increased
disturbances, animals may migrate away from the road corridor. However, it is most probable
that they may have to move across the road particularly in search of water in places where there
are permanent water sources like ponds.
During the operation period, increased traffic volumes and speed may result in a commensurate
increase in animal fatalities and interruption of wildlife movements across the road or more
noise disturbances to animals using the adjacent habitats. In particular, slow moving animals,
and smaller antelopes, which are habituated to the road environment, could suffer
disproportionately from such impacts.
With improvement of the road, the traffic volume is likely to be high enough to cause significant
impacts on wildlife. In addition, with a smooth alignment and smooth road surface, drivers may
tend to use high speed that may entail serious accidents not only to wild animals but also to
domestic animals.
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation measures proposed to minimize the existing as well as potential impacts on

Wildlife includes:
 Minimizing loss of wildlife habitats and disturbance of wild animals by careful design and
good construction practices that will limit land acquisition and construction works in
wildlife areas.
 Avoid locating quarries, borrow pits, and site facilities in important wildlife areas and
dense bush lands.
 Where the road is with high fill in wildlife areas, provision of culverts (under road
passage) to allow free movement of wild animals under the road.
 Increasing the awareness of construction workforce esp. drivers and equipment
operators towards wildlife conservation and encouraging them to avoid or minimize
wildlife killings. This can be done by providing training or awareness raising program
before start of the rod construction and by putting appropriate signs in wildlife areas. In
addition, adequate controls should be applied in order to avoid wildlife poaching by the
workforce.
 For the operation period, placing appropriate signs in important wildlife areas to increase
the awareness of drivers towards wildlife conservation and encourage them to give
priority to animals passing across the road would be important.
8.2.9 Impact on Livelihood of the PAPs
It is assumed that land acquisition for road construction will significantly affect cropland and
grazing, and other properties. As they are the main livelihood sources for project-affected
persons appropriate mitigation measures and fair compensation payment for loss properties
should take place before the commencement of the project construction.
Along the road and within the right of way, some housing units (both residence and business
houses) will be affected while widening the ROW for alignment improvement at some selected
road sections. Those affected residents and business houses will require to be relocated at the
back yards or somewhere else close to their homesteads. The impact on houses destabilizes
the life of the affected people. The number of affected houses and other related structures and
the extent of the impact will be investigated in depth during the RAP preparation.
In the urban sections of the project road, some businesses, such as shops, restaurants, tea
rooms located within the road right-of-way, and open markets by the roadside will be affected by
the project road construction. Therefore, it will be worthwhile to adopt appropriate compensation
and rehabilitation as mitigation measures for the people who will be affected by the project.
The widening of the road, establishing project campsites, land acquisition for quarry, and borrow
pit sites for the road construction will also bring significant impact on crops, trees, and other
properties.
Particularly, the impact will be significant between km 114+000 to km 149+000 because road
sides are occupied with crops and fruit trees.
Proposed Mitigation Measures

 Designing the road upgrading following the existing road alignment as far as it is
technically feasible to minimize realignments and the extent of additional land
requirements.
 Adopting ‘half-width’ construction method particularly for sections passing through
prime agricultural lands and areas covered by perennial crops such as chat, fruits,
coffee, etc. or indigenous trees, forest to reduce the impacts due to land taking for
detour roads.
 Limiting land acquisition and earthmoving activities to the imperative area necessary
for the road works.
 Avoiding side-tipping of excavation materials onto adjacent farmlands or on lands
under other uses by disposing of all spoil or excess materials in approved spoil
disposal areas with appropriate landscaping and establishing vegetation after
completion of the works.
 Avoiding dust emission to various crops along the project area not to affect their
quality and productivity.
 Design and construct culverts and side-drains in such a way that they would not
release runoff or flood water onto land under agricultural or other uses.
 Restoration of areas affected due to temporary activities like detours and access
roads to the productive state by removal of pavement materials, loosening of
compacted soils, and spreading of the topsoil preserved for this purpose; the topsoil
removed from the road widening and other areas shall be stockpiled for re-use on
embankment slopes and restoration of the temporarily affected area; and
 Payment of reasonable compensation for loss of farmlands, grazing areas, and trees,
and other properties according to the pertinent government laws and regulations
stipulated above.
8.2.10 Impact on Houses, Fences and Other Structures

Along the road and within the right of way, some housing units (both residence and business
houses) will be affected while widening the ROW and improve the alignment at some selected
road sections. Those affected residents and business houses will require to be relocated at the
back of courtyards or somewhere else close to their homesteads. The impact on houses
destabilizes the life of the affected people for some period. The number of affected houses and
other related structures and the extent of the impact will be investigated in depth during the
project RAP.
Based on the field observation, the table below provides the likely affected houses and other
structures due to the road widening and project construction.
Table 8- 2: Sections of the road where some houses are expected to be affected by the widening of the road
width
Chainage Settlement, village, and towns
0+000 Dire Shekhusen Kebele
8+900-20+000 start of Wabi Shebelle valley
25+600 settlement
28+100 Lilo Kebele (Deris area)- Seru Woreda
40+600 Ellele Valley
52+800 small settlement
67+000-71+900 Shenen valley
79+900-83+600 Rural Settlement
83+700-90+700 Buei (Remete 01)
98+900-100+200 Rural settlement
103+800-105+100 Urban settlement,
107+00 Rural settlement
110+900 Ebsa town,
114+500 Settlement
123+100-123+700 Hallo village
125+00+700+00 Guliso town
125+00-127+300 Kadulo town
128+700-130+300 Settlement
131+200-132+500 Horameto town
133+00-137+00 Scattered settlement
137+900 Halowadde town
138+600 Settlement
139+300 Bikiltu village
141+300 Hrode town

Chainage Settlement, village, and towns

150+000 Mecheta town section
Source: Field observations, March 2021
Photo 8- 1: Some of the project affected houses and structures
Mitigation measures
 Designing the road upgrading following the existing road alignment as far as it is
technically feasible to minimize realignments and the extent of encroachment into
settlement areas.
 Adopt ‘half-width’ construction method particularly for sections passing through dense
settlement areas to avoid detour road construction;
 Limiting land acquisition and earthmoving activities to the imperative area necessary
for the road works.
 Provide replacement land for house construction for those who will loss houses.
 Pay reasonable compensation for loss of residential and business houses as per the
compensation law of the country.
8.2.11 Impact on Public Utilities

As is the case for other similar road construction projects, it is expected that Shekhusen-
Mechera Road Project is likely to involve the relocation of public utilities such as electric and
telephone poles, and water supply pipelines, and communal water sources located in the town
and village sections of Shekhusen-Mechera Road Project.
The impact on public utilities will disrupt the services by the utilities and may affect the users for
several days until they are reconnected. Experiences from other road construction projects
show that once the client, in this case, ERA, is ready and willing to provide compensation for the
affected utilities, the service providers in most cases will not take much time in reconnecting the
services to the public.
All public utilities that will be affected by the road construction works will be identified during
RAP.
Mitigation measures
 ERA should advise all service providers of the intended -works program, at the earliest
opportunity.
 A clause should be included in the construction contract which requires the contractor to
specify, in the detailed construction program prepared during the mobilization period, the
earliest dates on which construction works will commence in each town and villages
where services relocation may be required. ERA should then notify the appropriate
authorities of the relevant dates, and request completion of relocation works before
those dates; and
 A clause should be included in the construction contract which makes the contractor
liable for any damage to services resulting from his or his subcontractors' actions.
8.2.12 Impact on Businesses

In the urban sections of the road project, some businesses, such as shops, restaurants, tea
rooms located within the road right-of-way, and open markets by the side will be affected by the
road project construction. Open markets are affected due to dust and traffic issues during the
project construction.
Mitigation measure
It will be worthwhile to adopt appropriate compensation, rehabilitation as mitigation measures

for the people who will be affected by the project as per the relevant government laws and
procedures provided for the purpose.
8.2.13 Severance Effect

Construction of the road especially in the towns and villages those situated on the hill sides and
valleys could face severance effect. This is because construction of the road will involve
excavation of the existing narrow road in order to widen it and it also involves cutting of the
existing road to minimize the steep slopes to the required standard. In addition high
embankment fills and deep cuts in the towns, villages and other resettlement areas could affect
the free movement of the residents.
Mitigation Measures
To mitigate this situation
 Designer should avoid deep cut and high embankment feels especially at town and
village section of the road;
 In case of severe severance effect implementation of split road lanes will minimize the
effect
 Houses located on uphill areas or beneath fill sections should be provided with
steps/cascades constructed from concrete or masonry works in order to enable easy
movement of people and animals. It should be noted that not only houses along the road
have to be provided with crossing structures, but also existing paths have to be provided
with crossing structures or embankment with sufficiently gentle slope.
8.2.14 Impact on Grazing and Cropland, Fruit and Other Trees

The widening of the road, establishing project campsites, land acquisition for quarry, and borrow
pit sites for the road construction will bring significant impact on crops, trees, and other
properties.
Particularly, the impact will be significant in Daron Labu and Hawi Gudina road sections,(starting
at 6+000 to 20+000) for those who produced cash crops (includes chat, mango, banana, and
coffee) along with the road project. The road project construction at this particular road section
will cause a significant impact on the cash cropland due to land acquisition for the widening of the
road and dust problem on the cash crops caused during construction. The detail will be known
during the project RAP.
Table 8- 3: Impacts on trees, fruit trees, and other properties

Direction (LHS,
Chainage Affected trees, fruit trees, and others
LHS)
27.6 RHS Chat

Direction (LHS,
Chainage Affected trees, fruit trees, and others
LHS)
28+100 LHS Mosque,
52+500 LHS Mosque
59+100 LHS Grave
123+400 RHS Mosque
125+600 LHS Electric tower, graveyard
126+900 both side Farmland
127+000 LHS Farmland
129+110 RHS Eucalyptus trees
130+100 LHS Tel Tower
137+400 RHS Banana, chat
139+650 LHS Farmland
141+000 RLHS Mango
141+600 RHS Mango, Chat
141+800 LHS Banana, Mango
142+000-
142+700 both side Banana, Coffee, Mango
143+400 LHS Chat
143+600 both side Banana
144+500 both side Banana, Chat, Coffee
145+000 both side Farmland
146+100-
146+200 LHS Banana and Coffee trees

Photo 8- 2: Cash crops and fruit trees along the sides of the project road
Mitigation Measures
 Design the road upgrading following the existing road alignment as far as it is technically
feasible
 Adopt ‘half-width’ construction method particularly for sections passing through prime
agricultural lands and areas covered by perennial crops such as chat, fruits, coffee, etc.,
or indigenous trees, forests to reduce the impacts due to land taking for detour roads.
 Limit land acquisition and earthmoving activities to the imperative area necessary for
road works.
 Avoid side-tipping of excavation materials onto adjacent farmlands or on lands under
other uses by disposing of all spoil or excess materials in approved spoil disposal areas
with appropriate landscaping and establishing vegetation after completion of the works.
 Avoid dust emission to various crops along the project area not to affect their quality and
productivity.
 Avoid designing and construction of culverts and side-drains in such a way that they
would release runoff or flood water onto lands under agricultural or other uses.
 Restoration of areas affected due to temporary activities like detours and access s to the
productive state by removal of pavement materials, loosening of compacted soils, and
spreading of the topsoil preserved for this purpose; the topsoil removed from the
widening and other areas shall be stockpiled for re-use on embankment slopes and
restoration of the temporarily affected area; and
 Payment of reasonable compensation for loss of farmlands, grazing areas, and trees,
and other properties according to the government laws and regulations set for
compensation.
8.2.15 Impacts of Hazardous Substances/Wastes

Among the expected adverse impacts of the construction of the envisaged road is the impacts
related to the use of hazardous substances such as fuel, oil, and detergents, and disposal of
hazardous wastes like used oil from garages and workshops as well as fluid and solid wastes
generated by construction camps and cement and cement products discharged into rivers while
constructing bridges and culverts. Spillage of fuel and oil at dispensing points of fuel and
lubricants as well as from equipment and vehicles at construction sites may cause
environmental pollution including contamination of soil and water resources, both surface water
and groundwater. Similarly, the discharge of hazardous wastes and chemicals from garages
and workshops may result in soil and water pollution. Moreover, the release of sewage and
other liquid wastes at campsites due to the overflow of septic tanks or direct discharge of
wastes to open fields may cause serious environmental pollution. Such hazardous substances,
chemicals, and/or wastes may result in contamination of water resources that are sources of
water supply for people as well as animals. Therefore, this situation may have adverse effects
on human as well as animal health. Furthermore, pollution of water bodies may affect aquatic
life and the functioning of aquatic ecosystems.
Mitigation measures:
 Locate campsites away from environmentally sensitive areas like streams and rivers at a
minimum distance of 1.5km,
 Construction of lined septic tanks at all campsites and discharge of all liquid wastes
generated by camps into septic tanks with regular inspection and servicing of the septic
tanks to avoid overflow to the surrounding environment,
 Prevent environmental pollution by hazardous substances such as oil, fuel, and
detergents through proper storage and handling of the substances. One of the

precautions include: installing drip pans and fuel funnels at dispensing points of fuels
and lubricants.
 Avoidance of leakages from construction equipment and vehicles through regular and
effective maintenance, and
 Proper collection of used oil and other chemicals and safe disposal through accredited
oil reprocessing or disposal agency or in other manner approved by the Engineer.
8.2.16 Impacts on Water Resources and Resource Sharing
As it was observed during the site visit, there is severe potable water shortage particularly in dry
season. Most of the rivers along the project road were dry during the site observation in March
2021, except Shenen, Ilile and Wabe Shebelle Rivers. Rural community are getting water from
unprotected sources mainly from manmade ponds. Though none of the observed ponds fall
within the proposed road RoW, any extraction of water from these ponds for road construction
purpose would cause water use conflict. Also road construction activities could cause pollution
of ponds by wastes generated from construction activities if not managed properly.
Sharing other resources of the community and services for the project construction purpose will
cause communities to develop a negative attitude towards the road project.
Mitigation Measure
 Contractor may require to arrange a safe water supply for the campsites and water
source for the road construction. This may require drilling and arrangement for water
treatment and transport of water to employees.
 Avoid disposal of construction spoil from earthworks and bridge construction sites at
or near the ponds, rivers and streams;
 Avoid disposal of hazardous substances such as oil, fuel, detergents and cement at
and near water point to avoid water pollution risks due to spillages.
 Avoid disposal of solid and liquid wastes generated by construction works near water
sources and water points; and
 Do not abstract water from ponds, streams and springs for the use of road
construction without consensus of local water resource offices and beneficiary
communities.
 Do not purchase locally scarce commodities from local markets,
 Establish own clinic to not compete for community health facilities.
 For the above purpose, it is recommended that an environmental clause be included
in the construction contracts to the effect that the contractor shall be responsible for
making his arrangements for water supply, both for construction and other purposes
without affecting the quality or availability of water sources (groundwater or surface

water resources) to existing uses. In the event of any valid dispute regarding the
impact of the contractor's arrangements on the water supply of others, the contractor
shall be responsible, for providing an alternative supply to those affected at his own
expense. The supplied water should not be inferior in quantity or quality to that
previously enjoyed by the community.
8.2.17 Conflict on Employment Opportunity
The road project construction will create job opportunities for skilled and unskilled job seekers.
However, it would lead to some conflicts of interest between local and migrant job seekers.
Mitigation Measures
 Provide priority of job opportunity for the local people and particular attention for
women.
 Involve local authority in the process of labor recruiting.
 Create a smooth relationship with community members.
8.2.18 Impact on Vulnerable Groups
During the construction phase, potentially negative effects and more risks are anticipated on
vulnerable groups. Vulnerable social groups include those who are below the poverty lines such
as female household heads, old aged, and physical and/or mentally disabled people. These
people are more likely to be affected due to the loss of houses and source of livelihood during
the project construction.
The following mitigation measures are recommended:
 Ensure that women and vulnerable groups will equally participate in the pre-project
processes and the benefits of the Project implementation.
 Aware local governments and community members to solicit their assistance for the
identified project vulnerable groups during the resettlement process.
 Ensure all project vulnerable groups are identified and eligible for the government's
special support.
8.2.19 Gender and GBV risks
Gender Mainstreaming and GBV Experiences from different infrastructure projects show that
there is lack of knowledge and understanding on Gender issues and GBV by Contractors. Due
to lack of awareness and understanding on gender and GVB by Contractor and also the
construction workers, female construction workers face difficulties in their work places, such as,
GVB and sexual harassment. Hence, there is a potential that gender inequality might occur

during the proposed road construction through unequal distribution of work, Sexual harassment,
discrimination against women, and unequal pay for women, among others.
Mitigation measures
 Provide and avail a separate sanitation facilities for women;
 Provide women friendly safety equipment and materials;
 Assign women in works that do not affect their biological condition;
 Ensure that women construction workers do not face GBV and sexual harassment;
 Incorporate measures to be taken against those workers who commit GBV and sexual
harassment; and.
 Prepare and implement code of conduct that among others strictly forbid SH/GBV and
to be signed by all workers including international and subcontract workers.
 Ensure equal pay for women and men for equal job.
 Assign gender specialist at construction site to aware and prevent GBV and Sexual
harassment.
8.2.20 Exposure to HIV/AIDS and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
As it is well-known road construction and other similar types of development project workers
and truck drivers are considered to have a high potential for the spread of HIV/AIDS and other
sexually transmitted diseases due to their mobility, age, access to cash, etc. This is partly
because construction workers are mostly young, sexually active group of the population, mobile
and are partly because they are forced to live in hotel rooms and in construction camps which
are located far away from town centers and the local population.
It is obvious that the presence of a large number of the workforce at the road construction site
attracts sex workers to the area and also entices young girls from the locality to go into the
business. Hence, this makes the project area highly vulnerable and easily exposed to the
spread of STDs and HIV/ AIDS transmitting factors.
Mitigation Measures
 Contractor should assign experienced HIV/AIDS sub consultant to handle the issues
related to HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.
 Launch awareness and education campaigns about HIV/AIDS among the construction
workers and local population to make them informed. This has to be done on the one
hand by the contractor’s sub consultant and on the other hand by the local health
institutes along the project road targeting especially women and sex workers.

 Condoms shall be provided at a subsidized rate or for free to construction workers and
health facilities must be supported with a supply of condoms. To affect the long-term,
schools should include information campaigns and/or special courses.
 Woreda administrations, Urban and Rural Kebele administrations, Woreda health
offices, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office, Elders, and NGOs operating in the area
need to work jointly to create impact and bring major attitudinal and behavioral changes.
8.2.21 Impact on Malaria Expansion

The project is mainly located in the area where there is a malaria problem and therefore the
road construction in these areas would increase malaria infection because of the creation of
water holding areas due to the project borrow pits, quarries, and ditches that will favour the
multiplication of mosquitos.
Mitigation Measures
 Do not induce malaria outbreaks by creating temporary and permanent water-holding

areas that favor mosquito breeding.
 Use mosquito nets in times of malaria outbreak to reduce contact between human
beings and Anopheles mosquitoes. Reduction of contacts between humans and
Anopheles by the use of impregnated bed nets is useful.
 Locate construction camps in areas away from ponds and water reservoirs.
 Restore borrow pits and quarry areas to minimize breeding sites for mosquitoes.
 Provide clinical services in the main construction camp.
8.2.22 Covid-19 Prevention and Management

COVID-19 pandemic is the major health treating challenge of people in the entire world and it is
alarmingly expanding and killing human being without discrimination in colour, wealth, leaving
status or residential areas. It is one of the most critical challenges of this modern era. Though
vaccines are developed and being administered, its expansion and impact until the vaccination
processes covers majority of the world population will continue adversely affect the mankind.
Management Measures
 Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing;
 Protect yourself and others by washing hands using soap and water frequently;
 Disinfect hands and materials frequently touched by hands using alcohol or sanitizer;
 Avoid touching noise, mouth and eyes with hands;
 Use face masks,

 When you coughing or sneezing prevent droplets from spreading by coughing into flexed
elbow;
 Follow established occupational safety and health procedures at site;
 Put on, use, take off and dispose PPE properly;
 Stay home and isolate yourself when you feel unwell;
 If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
8.2.23 Cultural Conflict and Culture Dilution
Usually, road construction works involve a workforce from various areas, regions, and
continents with different cultures and traditional backgrounds. When people from these different
backgrounds come together, cultural conflict and intolerance of one another would be
manifested. The right thing and acceptable ethics in one culture may be taboo in other cultures.
Therefore, in road construction projects, it would be important to know the cultural background
of the project area so that precautions and awareness creation works could be provided for the
workforce.
Experiences from various road construction works revealed that communities could not tolerate
sexual abuse, alcoholism, and drug abuse. Hence, it is the responsibility of the contractor to
aware his workforce of these and other cultural norms and traditional values of the community.
In other words, foreign as well as migrant workers from other parts of the country should be
thought to respect the culture and ways of living of the locals.
Mitigation Measures
 The contractor should understand the culture of the local people/community of the
project area.
 The contractor shall aware of his workforce to not involve in any sexual and drug
abuse.
 If workers committed sexual and drug abuse, the case should be taken to court.
 If the worker committed sexual abuse and escaped from the project area, the
contractor has to be responsible to bring him to court.
 Local authorities should control and shut any shop involved in drug abuse if any.
8.2.24 Impacts on Cultural and Archaeological Sites, Graveyard, and Religion
Institutions
According to site observations, there are no identified cultural and archaeological sites along
with the project except some mosques (mostly the likely impact is dust and traffic problem, and
impact on fences), and some community graveyards. The affected graves located within the
right-of-way should be shifted to the selected safe area with the close consultation and support

of local administration officials, community leaders, and religious leaders. It is the government
expense to cover the cost required to shift the affected graves to a safe location, and for the
required ceremonial activities.
Moreover, during the construction works, sometimes there is a possibility of coming across
areas where there are other unidentified places of cemeteries, findings of human remains,
fossils, and artefacts could be excavated. When such issues faced, it has to be immediately
reported to the Regional/Woreda Culture and Tourism Bureau, and at the same time report to
the Federal Conservation and Preservation of Cultural Heritages Authority and seek approval on
how to continue the construction works.
The identified religious institution and graveyards are described in the table below.
Table 8- 4: Identified mosques, and graveyards at the project road sides

Direction (LHS,
Chainage Affected graves and mosques
LHS)
139+600 LHS Community Graveyard
123+400 RHS mosque
59+100 LHS Community Grave
52+100 LHS mosque
28+100 both side Mosques, Lilo kebele, Seru Woreda
Community graveyard at km 59+100 Community graveyard at km 93+200 LHS

Community Graveyard at 104+000 LHS Mass grave at 139+600 LHS
Community Graveyard at 120+400 LHS Community Graveyard at 104+000 LHS
Photo 8- 3: Grave Sites and Mosque
Mitigation measures
 Shift the centerline of the road to words the free side to save road side grave yards as
far as shifting would not cause significant problem on the road design,
 When artefacts or archaeological events are suddenly encountered during the
construction process, the contractor has to immediately report to the Regional/Woreda
Culture and Tourism Bureau, and at the same time report to the Federal Cultural
Heritages and tourism Authority and seek approval on how to continue the construction
works.

8.2.25 Occupational Health and Safety Issues

Road construction work by its nature is a hazardous job, and hence it requires adopting
appropriate occupational health and safety measures. The contractor by all means takes
maximum care in applying the internationally accepted standards and recognized occupational
health and safety guidelines.
Some of the occupational health and safety issues include appropriate care for the storage of
chemicals and explosives and provision of training to workers handling it to avoid inhalation of
chemicals and easily be exposed to it.
The contractor is also required to provide workers with protective clothing and equipment and
create awareness on safety issues; at the same time the contractor is also responsible to create
awareness among the local community on the hazardous nature of chemicals, explosives it is
using during the construction works.
The provision of a clinic at the project main camp and first aid kits at workshops, construction
worksites, and inside vehicles is highly recommended.
Some of the specific measures to protect the safety of the project labor that the project
contractor shall provide proper attention are the following:
 Workers should be provided with ear defenders, mouth and nose mufflers, hand gloves,
eye goggles, safety shoes, reflective vests, helmets, required cloths, etc based on their
work condition as much as possible and strictly inspected to use the same throughout
the construction phase.
 Avail equipped ambulance at construction camp for any emergency cases.
 One standby vehicle per team or working areas at the site should be designated just in
case an accident may occur and hence the victim will reach to appropriate medical
facilities for treatment as soon as practicable.
 General medical checkups may be conducted for recruits and subsequently, conduct
periodic medical checkups for all employees and take appropriate action and keep all
records.
 Hung-up fire extinguisher bearing detailed information about its status at appropriate
places (at least one at each building). Priority should be given for kitchen, fueling station,
garage, and generator houses, etc.
 All personnel, vehicles, and machinery should be covered under an appropriate
Insurance System.

 Carefully record and keep all incidence of injuries and accidents including date, time and
place of occurrence, level of injuries, resources damage, people injured/dead, major
causes for the accident, etc.
8.2.26 Traffic Accidents and Safety Measures
During construction, there will be increased traffic volume on the project road and
commensurately this may result in increased accident risks to the roadside communities, road
users, domestic animals, and wildlife. Traffic accidents during the construction period could be
related mainly to movements of construction vehicles especially dump trucks hauling materials
to the construction front which will create more safety risks for road users and villagers.
There is an increased risk of traffic injuries particularly along the sections that run through
towns, villages. The prevalence of traffic accidents in rural road sections will be low since the
large portion of the project road is in a rural section and the settlement is scattered and not
densely populated. However, the risk of traffic accidents is likely to be high on the market days
at town and village road sections where a large number of pedestrians and animals would use
the road.
As the pedestrians tend to use the carriageway and their awareness of traffic safety is very low,
they can easily be involved in traffic accidents due to collisions with vehicles. This would be a
potential risk both during the construction as well as operation phases of the road project with
relatively higher risk during the operation phase due to increased traffic speeds. Besides, use of
detour roads and partial closure of road lanes during road construction will create traffic safety
hazards.
Potential road accidents could occur due to:

 Lack of awareness both by drivers and pedestrians about traffic regulations and signs.
 Presence of roadside poles, trees, ditches, steep slopes, and barriers which impair
visibility of the road.
 Poor signs, markings, intersection layout, and control.
 Absence of zebra crossings, lack of parking, and bus stop arrangements.
 Markets and businesses that operate on the roads or very close to the road.
 Increased speed of vehicles around major towns, villages, and settlement areas.
Proposed Mitigation Measures

 Develop and strictly implement and follow up a well-designed work program and traffic
management plan (TMP) that would consider local conditions like the normal traffic,
terrain, weather, and socio-economic conditions.
 Provision of necessary information such as speed limits, direction, hazard locations,
sensitive sites (e.g. schools, villages, animal crossing paths, etc.) by putting
appropriate signals and hazard markings;
 Assigning traffic regulators or traffic police to control traffic flows at critical sections or
periods where/when traffic safety is a serious issue.
 Awareness training of operators of equipment and construction vehicles in traffic safety
measures;
 Establishment of speed limits and controls for construction vehicles and discipline for
the drivers.
 Providing appropriate information on the location of risky areas to potentially affected
residents and prohibiting such areas for safety reasons, e.g. borrow pits and quarries,
and stone crusher and asphalt mixing plant sites.
 Provision of awareness education for the local population in traffic safety measures at
public meetings, social gatherings, schools, mosques, and churches, etc.
8.2.27 Impact from Blasting

Extraction of rock materials for aggregate production or masonry works may involve blasting
activities, which may produce fly rocks that may endanger the people or animals, or affect
properties like residential houses found in the vicinity of the sites. In addition, it may produce
rocks that may fall or roll down-hill slope. These falling rocks/boulders may jeopardize people or
animals found below the sites.
Mitigation measures
 Carrying out all blasting following the relevant safety regulations and exercising every
precaution to protect the persons, animals and properties near the sites. The blasting
activities shall be limited to a specific period of the day so as to minimize disturbance
and risks to people, animals and properties;
 Appropriate safety measures should be taken during blasting operations;
 Safety protection materials such as goggle, helmets and masks should be distributed
for the workers who involve in blasting;

 Inform nearby residents about the blasting schedules and make them aware of high
sound and related vibration.
8.2.28 Inadequate Road Space for Non-Motorized Transport
Inadequate road space for non-motorized transport and pedestrians will aggravate the
occurrence of traffic accidents on the road users and properties along the road. Therefore, this
issue needs to be addressed during the project's detailed design and the project construction.
The mitigation measures to be considered will include the following:

 The contractor must post different traffic signs which include specifying speed limits at
different locations, provide speed calming bumps, and signs about careful driving.
 Provide alternative walkways or path routes during construction works for pedestrians
and ensure that walkways and path routes are not blocked for children, women, and
elder people.
 Provision for pedestrian crossing and improving or widening shoulders for the use by
pedestrians and NMT (animal-drawn carts and bicycles).
 The construction crew needs to pay special attention to child safety during the
construction of the project road.
 Putting traffic signals (signs) at roadsides using local languages (Affann Oromo and
Amharic) to minimize accidents and death of pedestrians and motorists.
 Improving visibility by removing sight limiting obstacles; provision of reflective studs
and painting of zebra crossings
8.2.29 Risk of Rock fall
 Rock from cut surface in the three river valleys could cause accident on the road users
and construction workers. There are loosely hanged rocks at the cut surface. Some are
already fallen on the road and creating obstruction for the vehicle movement.

Photo 8- 4: Rock fall at Shenen River valley
Mitigation Measures
 Construct Gabion catch walls, and retaining structures,
 Contained rock falls using nailed wire mesh cover on the slope surface,
 Put warning signs of rock fall,
 Clean debris from the road and road shoulders
 Scaling off the loosely hanged rocks from the slope face

9. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLANS

9.1 General
This section of the ESIA Report provides an Environmental and Social Management Plan
(ESMP) that comprises the set of mitigation and monitoring measures recommended to be
adopted to prevent, reduce or offset the main potential adverse impacts identified in this
assessment. Besides, it provides the responsibilities for their implementation and time
framework as well as cost estimates where required. The proposed mitigation and monitoring
actions will be applied during the subsequent stages of the project, and these include:
 Detailed Engineering Design Stage,

 Pre-construction/Preparation for Construction Stage,
 Project Construction Stage,
 Project Decommissioning Stage, and
 Project Operation and Maintenance Stage.
Therefore, the ESMP specifies what actions shall be taken during each stage of the road
project.
Details of the proposed ESMP is provided in Table 9.1 below. The plan comprises:
 Main environmental and social impacts identified/ expected to arise due to the project
features or activities.
 Key avoidance, mitigation, offset, or compensation measures for each potential impact.
 Recommended timing for implementation of the mitigation measures.
 Organizations/ parties responsible for the implementation of the mitigation measures.
 Organizations/ parties responsible for the monitoring of the proper implementation of the
mitigation actions, and
 Where necessary or possible, the cost estimate of the mitigation and monitoring
activities.
9.2 Institutional Arrangement and Responsibilities for Implementing ESMP

The institutional responsibilities for implementing the ESMP specified in Table 9.1 are briefly
described below and the details are shown in the same table.
9.2.1 Environment Protection Authority

As a Competent Agency at the Federal level, EPA is fully responsible for issuing relevant
environmental policies, laws, guidelines and standards. EPA ensures that ESIA is carried out for
development projects and evaluate and take decisions on ESIA Reports and ensure the
implementation of ESIA recommendations or the ESMP. EPA also involves in Environmental

Monitoring as well as in conducting Environmental Auditing for federal projects.
9.2.2 Regional Environmental Protection Offices

The Oromia EPA is the relevant regional level office for the Shekhusen-Mechara Road
upgrading project as the whole stretch of the project road falls in Oromia region. The regional
EPA mainly through its branches at the woreda level, will be responsible for monitoring the
implementation of environmental mitigations specified in this report. Besides, the responsibilities
indicated in table 9.2, the Woreda EPA will conduct awareness creation for the woreda level
implementers of this ESIA and coordinate their activities.
9.2.3 ERA’s Environmental, Social, and Occupational Safety Management

Directorate (ESOSMD)
The ESOSMD will follow up the environmental management and monitoring activities specified
in Table 9.1. These include:
 Ensuring inclusion of environmental protection structures or features in the detailed

engineering design and appropriate environmental clauses in the contract agreement for
Contractors.
 Ensuring assignment of a qualified Environmental and Social Inspectors in the
Construction Supervision Consultant Team and Environmental and Social officers on the
Contractor’s side.
 Involving in site selection and approval for camp site, material sources (quarries &
borrow sites), access roads and contractor’s site facilities so that environmentally and
socially sensitive areas are considered and avoided to the extent possible.
 Reviewing socio-environmental monitoring reports to be submitted by the Supervision
Consultant and take necessary actions.
 Conducting periodic project site supervision to oversee the environmental performance
of the project or status of environmental protection measures and if required guide the
Consultant Team esp. the Resident Engineer and Environmental Inspector on matters
that would require improvement or particular attention.
 Conducting socio-environmental supervision or auditing after completion of the
construction, but before the Contractor handover the project and approve the handing
over of the project concerning implementation of the ESMP, and
 Carrying out environmental monitoring during the operation phase and ensuring failures
are sufficiently repaired in time.

9.2.4 Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC)

The main responsibilities of the CSC will be reviewing the Contractor's Site Environmental
Management Plan (SEMP), work plans, method statements, etc., and their approval, and
making sure that these and other environmental protection requirements included in the contract
document are fully complied with. Also, the CSC is responsible for a day-to-day observation of
all site activities and the occurrence of any unforeseen issues. If unforeseen issues are
observed, the CSC will recommend appropriate actions to the Contractor or other
implementer(s) to overcome or mitigate the problems in time; if necessary the CSC will seek the
advice from ESOSMD or report the issue(s) to the ESOSMD for necessary actions.
9.2.5 Construction Contractor

The Construction Contractor will be responsible for implementing appropriate mitigation
measures for most of the negative impacts associated with the road works, extraction, haulage,
and processing of construction materials, establishment and operation of campsites and other
site facilities, operation of contraction traffic, and other project activities. The environmental,
social and health mitigation measures to be implemented by the Contractor are specified in the
ESMP (Table 9.1). Based on the ESMP given in this ESIA document, the Contractor shall
prepare a detailed Contractor’s Site Environmental and Social Management Plan (CSESMP)
before the commencement of the actual road construction works. The CSESMP submitted by
the Contractor will be reviewed by the CSC and submitted to ERA/ERA’s ESOSMD) for further
review and approval. Moreover, based on new emerging environmental and social issues at the
time of construction including the nature, magnitude, and significance of the issues observed,
the Contractor might be required to continually update the CSESMP. The Supervision
Consultant will determine this requirement and instruct the Contractor to update his CSESMP as
deemed necessary.
9.2.6 Other Stakeholders

Several institutions or parties can be involved in the implementation of the proposed ESMP.
Some of these include agencies responsible for public utilities such as EEPCO, ETCO, and
Drinking Water Supply Offices, Woreda and Kebele Administration Offices, Woreda Agriculture
and Rural Development Offices, Woreda Health Offices, etc.
9.2.7 Updating of the ESMP

The construction contract should include obligations for the Contractor to prepare a detailed Site
Environmental and Social Management Plan (SESMP) during the preparation for construction,
i.e. before the commencement of the road works. The SESMP should reflect the environmental
and social issues and their mitigation measures identified in the ESIA study report. It should
also consider the environmental and social issues that were uncertain during the ESIA study.
For example, site-specific issues related to exploitation of material sources (quarries and borrow
sites), access roads, detours, campsites, etc. Besides, the SESMP should consider any
changes in the project features as well as changes in the baseline environmental conditions
since the ESIA was conducted. As indicated above, the SESMP might need to be updated at
the time of construction based on new developments.
The Supervision Consultant will instruct the Contractor to prepare and submit a standard
SESMP, and upon submission, review, and comment for improvement. When the SESMP is to
the satisfaction of the Consultant, he will submit it to ERA/ERA’s ESOSMD for further review
and approval. Also, the Consultant will monitor and ensure the proper implementation of the
SESMP. Furthermore, he may instruct the Contractor for updating it based on new emerging
situations.
9.2.8 Consequences to Contractor upon Failure to Implement EMP

To make sure that the environmental clauses included in the contractual agreement are binding
and effectively implemented, it is strongly recommended that the contractor provides security in
form of a (bank) guarantee of sufficient amount, e.g. 2% of the contract price, which may be
forfeited in part or total in case of contractor’s failure/non-compliance and the money shall be
used to repair/mitigate environmental/social damages/impacts.

Detail Engineering Design and Tender Document Preparation for the ESIA (Final) Report
Shekhusen-Mechara road Project
Table 9- 1: Environmental and Social Management Plan

S. Environme Significa Recommended Key Mitigation Duration of Responsibility Responsibil Cost
No ntal/ Social nce Measures Implementat for ity for Estimate
Issue/ ion Implementation Monitoring (Birr)
Impact
Detailed Design Phase
1 Compliance High Ensure that the Government During Design ERA’s Part of the
of ESIA environmental protection and feasibility & Consultant ESOSMD design cost
study with social welfare requirements/ engineering
Government safeguard policies are fully design
and complied.
safeguard
policies and
guidelines
2 Considerati High Thoroughly understand the During the Engineering ERA’s As above
on of environmental mitigation detailed Design Team ESOSMD
environment measures recommended in the engineering
al issues in ESIA study and incorporate them design
engineering in the detailed engineering design
design and tender document.
3 Impacts on Moderate For sections containing valuable As above As above As above As above
indigenous indigenous trees on roadsides,
trees found consider designing

Impact
on widening/improving the road to
roadsides one side only to save the trees.
4 Inclusion of High Include appropriate environmental As above Design As above As above
environment clauses in the contract document Consultant
al clauses in for the contractor to allow control
the contract of environmental impacts of
document project activities.
for
contractor
5 Bill of High Provide priced BoQ for As above As above As above As above
quantities environmental mitigation
(BoQ) for measures to be included in the
environment contract document for the
al mitigation contractor.
measures
Pre-Construction Phase
1 Loss of land Moderate Payment of fair compensation for Before the ERA through Woreda To be
under loss of farmland, grazing areas, start of Compensation Administratio included in
various trees, etc. due to land taking for construction Committee n Office the RAP
uses like the project according to the (WAO) Cost
crop

Impact
production, pertinent government laws.
grazing,
plantation
trees etc.
2 Loss of Moderate Payment of cash compensation Before ERA through Woreda To be
properties for the affected properties based commencem Compensation Administratio included in
such as on the current market value or ent of Committee n Office the RAP
residential according to the pertinent construction
and government laws (Proc. No.
business 1161/2019).
housing
units, trees,
etc.
3 Relocation Moderate Relocating electric and telephone As above EEPCO, ETCO, As above As above
of public poles and transmission lines WWSPOs &
utilities such located in the impact zone. ERA
as electric & Relocating the affected water
telephone pipelines and distribution points in
poles & towns and villages.
lines, water
supply

Impact
pipelines
Construction Phase
1 Dust and High Use of modern and well- Throughout Construction Resident Part of the
noise maintained equipment, & regular construction Contractor Engineer Contractor’
pollution maintenance of machinery and period (RE) s
vehicles, obligations
Restriction of traffic speeds and
applying water regularly on gravel
roads & other dusty access and
detour roads,
Regular maintenance of emission- Throughout Construction RE Part of the
intensive plants like stone crusher construction Contractor Contractor’
and bitumen mixer and application period s
of dust suppressant mechanisms, obligations
Locating the aggregate production
and bitumen mixing plants at a
minimum distance of 1.5km away
from noise or dust sensitive areas,
Complying with relevant health
and safety standards about noise
and emissions, such as wearing

Impact
ear protection when operating
plants or heavy machinery,
Implementing a well-designed
traffic management plan that
considers traffic safety and
working hours for materials
transport,
Carrying out noisy construction
activities during normal working
hours,
Avoiding the burning of materials
such as tiers, plastic, rubber
products, or other materials that
creates heavy smock, hazardous
smoke, or nuisance odor and
disposing of any volatile chemicals
to the air.
2 Impacts on Moderate Remove loosely hanged rocks During Construction RE & EI Part of the
landscape from steep cut surfaces; construction Contractor constructio
quality, Provide wider bench cut so that and following n contract.
slope fallen stones could be settle/rest; completion of

Impact
stability and To the extent possible, use of works
aesthetic existing material sources that
view have been used for the road
construction and maintenance by
previous road projects;
Conduct restoration of borrow
sites and areas of contractors’ site
facilities through back-filling,
landscaping and re-establishing
vegetation cover;
Avoid indiscriminate disposal of
surplus or unsuitable excavation
materials by depositing it only at
approved disposal sites and, on
completion, by landscaping and
planting such sites with
appropriate tree, shrub or grass
species to improve the aesthetic
quality of those sites,
Reserving spoil materials and
utilizing it in back-filling of quarries

Impact
or borrow pits when exploitation of
those sites is completed, and
Designing and constructing
appropriate slope stabilizing
structures like retaining walls or
gabions at vulnerable sections.
Use of bare lands for contractor’s
site facilities to minimize the
impacts caused by the exploitation
of new material sources and
establishment of campsites,
Planting suitable tree species on
erosion vulnerable areas.
Planting appropriate grass species
on cut slopes and fill,
Controlling surface water
infiltration to reduce seepage
forces by providing adequate side
ditches, interceptor drains, and
diversion drains.
3 Impact from High Select quarry and borrow sites During Construction RE & EI Reinstating

Impact
quarry, away from settlement areas and construction Contractor the quarry,
Borrow, other socially/environmentally borrow pits
spoil and sensitive areas and shall not and spoil
access commence operation prior to areas is
roads approval by the RE, ERA part of the
(ESOHSMD) and Local constructio
Authorities; n contract.
Maintain detour roads as much as
possible within the RoW or use
other existing roads if any as
alternative roads during the
construction;
Reinstate all quarries and borrow
sites, detour and access roads
after the completion of the road
works, any material sites shall not
be left open unless otherwise
approved by the RE and/or ERA
and upon request from local
people to have the sites open
permanently;

Impact
Take lists of all the tree species
found in the proposed quarry
sites, borrow areas and detour
roads and record the exact
number of trees to be affected in
the presence of Environmentalist
from the Supervision Team or a
Forester from the Zonal/Woreda
Forestry department;
Preserve top soil for later use to
refill borrow sites and quarry areas
and do not mix topsoil with
subsoil;
Borrows and quarries must be
reinstated (which include dumping
unnecessary materials and excess
cuts,
landscaping/leveling/shaping,
spreading the topsoil uniformly
over the surface, constructing
spillways if in case the sites are

Impact
deep enough to hold water and
putting a barrier or fence all
around the sites to prevent
accidents on animals and human
beings);
After reinstating, plant appropriate
tree species (indigenous trees) or
grasses to recover the original
vegetation and to improve the
ecological and aesthetic value of
these sites;
Provide proper drainage to avoid
storage of water in quarry and
borrow sites to avoid drowning risk
of children and animals and to
reduce malaria out break through
reduction of mosquito breeding
sites; and
Reinstate access roads to these
sites to productive state.
4 Impacts High Select the location of campsites in During Construction RE & EI Part of the

Impact
from collaboration with local authorities, construction Contractor constructio
Constructio representatives of local n contract.
n Camps, community, the Engineer/RE and
Workshops ERA's representative(s) preferably
and Storage from ESOHSMD & ROWMT;
Sites Locate campsites in less
productive areas at least 1.5 km
away from environmentally or
socially sensitive areas such as
ponds, streams, rivers,
forestlands, residential areas,
social facilities (health, education,
water supply), religious places
(churches & mosques) etc.,
Construct lined septic tanks at all
campsites and discharge of all
liquid wastes generated by camps
into the septic tanks with regular
inspection of the septic tanks in
order to avoid overflow to the
surrounding environment,

Impact
Prevent environmental pollution by
hazardous substances such as oil,
fuel, cement sludge and
detergents through proper storage
and handling of the substances
due to spillages. Among the
precautions to be taken is that the
Contractor shall install drip pans
and fuel funnels at dispensing
points of fuels and lubricants. Oil
exchange should be taken place
only at pre prepared workshop
area. Washing of vehicles and
machineries should only be
conducted in workshop area and
never `
Avoid leakages from construction
equipment and vehicles through
regular and effective maintenance,
and
Properly collect used oil and other

Impact
chemicals and safely dispose
through accredited oil
reprocessing or disposal agency
or in other manner approved by
the Engineer;
Establish construction campsites
with appropriate and standard
health care services, potable
water supply, garbage disposal
and sanitation facilities including
imperviously lined septic tanks to
reduce possible pollution impact
on ground and surface water
resources;
Provide toilets and shower rooms
for labor fitted with water flashing
system and separated for male
and female.
When the camps are no more
required for the project, reinstate
them to their original state as

Impact
closely as possible.
The Contractor shall plant
appropriate tree species in the
camp yard for beautification
purpose;
The Contractor shall maintain
proper management and discipline
in the camps;
5 Impacts on High Carrying out earthworks during the Throughout Construction RE & Part of the
soils dry season to reduce soil construction Contractor Environment Contractor’
including exposure to erosion and alteration period al Inspector s
increased of drainage systems, (EI) of the obligations
soil erosion, Using the ‘half-width’ construction CSC
soil method to reduce soil compaction
compaction, and pollution due to the use of
and soil detours,
pollution Construction of physical structures Throughout Construction RE & EI Part of
such as paved side-drains, construction Contractor constructio
diversion drains, check dams, period n and
culverts, and sufficient turnouts to consultanc
reduce the concentration of water

Impact
flows, erosion, and scouring, y cost
Reducing the time exposed
surface remains bare by
implementing grassing or re-
vegetation by other plants
following completion of the works,
Avoiding locating culverts and
side-drains in such a way that they
would release runoff water onto
slopes vulnerable to erosion,
Removal of pavement materials
used on detours and access
roads, loosening the compacted
soils using ripper, and spreading
topsoil to restore the soils
compacted to a productive state,
Avoiding disposal of excavation
materials onto adjacent areas or
down-slopes where it could
productive soils used for
agricultural activities or growing

Impact
trees or vegetation,
Preventing contamination of the
soil by oil, fuel, used oil or other
pollutants, or wastewater through
regular maintenance and serving
of vehicles & equipment, proper
storage of hazardous substances
(fuel, oils, detergents), and proper
disposal of used oils.
Establishing grasses on cut and fill After Construction RE & EI 8,400,000
slopes and other exposed completion of Contractor
surfaces. cut section
works
6 Impacts on Moderate Considering the location of During Construction RE, EI & 7,500,000,
vegetation important trees or dense construction Contractor relevant Birr for
and flora - vegetation during the engineering Woreda vegetating
loss of design as well as construction in level offices the
indigenous order to minimize damages of affected
trees, vegetation/trees and areas
plantation widening/improving the road to
trees, and one side only, where technically

Impact
other feasible;
vegetation
Restricting clearing of vegetation
resources
to what is absolutely necessary.
Applying half-way construction
method in order to reduce
damages of vegetation due to
construction of detour roads.
Adopting reduced right-of-way by
limiting land clearing or removal of
trees to the imperative zone
required for the construction of the
road; Implementing
re-vegetation/replanting program
at areas affected by temporary
uses like borrow sites, campsites,
access roads etc. Preference
should be given to indigenous
tree/shrub species like Acacia and
Commiphora species that are best


Impact
adapted to the area and drought
resistant, but also ecologically
suitable exotic species could be
planted where they would not
cause significant adverse effects
on the indigenous flora. For each
removed mature tree at least 10
new seedlings shall be planted,
watered and maintained until the
seedling survives by itself, and
well established trees handed
over at the end of contract period
to local environmental protection
office.
Carefully locating material sources
(quarry and borrow sites),
construction camps and materials
processing and storage sites to
avoid or minimize impacts on
important vegetation or sensitive


Impact
flora and controlling cutting of
vegetation by the construction
work force.
7 Impacts on Low Minimizing loss of wildlife habitats During the Construction RE, EI & Part of
habitats and and disturbance of wild animals by site contractor LEPO Contractor’
fauna careful design and good establishmen s
construction practices that will limit t & obligations
land acquisition and construction construction
works in wildlife areas. phase
Avoid locating quarries, borrow
pits, and site facilities in important
wildlife areas and dense bush
lands.
Where the road is with high fill in
wildlife areas, provision of culverts
(under road passage) to allow free
movement of wild animals under
the road; Increasing the
awareness of construction
workforce esp. drivers and


Impact
equipment operators towards
wildlife conservation and
encouraging them to avoid or
minimize wildlife killings. This can
be done by providing training or
awareness raising program before
start of the rod construction and
by putting appropriate signs in
wildlife areas. In addition,
adequate controls should be
applied in order to avoid wildlife
poaching by the workforce.
For the operation period, placing
appropriate signs in important
wildlife areas to increase the
awareness of drivers towards
wildlife conservation and
encourage them to give priority to
animals passing across the road
would be important.


Impact
8 Impact on Moderate Adopting ‘half-width’ construction During contractor Consultant Part of
Livelihood method particularly for sections construction constructio
of the PAPs passing through prime agricultural n and
lands and areas covered by consultanc
perennial crops such as chat, y cost
fruits, coffee, etc. or indigenous
trees, forest to reduce the impacts
due to land taking for detour
roads.
Limiting land acquisition and
earthmoving activities to the
imperative area necessary for the
road works;
Avoiding side-tipping of
excavation materials onto
adjacent farmlands or on lands
under other uses by disposing of
all spoil or excess materials in
approved spoil disposal areas with
appropriate landscaping and
establishing vegetation after

Impact
Avoiding dust emission to various
crops along the project area not to
affect their quality and
productivity.
Design and construct culverts and
side-drains in such a way that they
would not release runoff or flood
water onto land under agricultural
or other uses.
Restoration of areas affected due
to temporary activities like detours
and access roads to the
productive state by removal of
pavement materials, loosening of
compacted soils, and spreading of
the topsoil preserved for this
purpose; the topsoil removed from
the road widening and other areas
shall be stockpiled for re-use on
embankment slopes and

Impact
restoration of the temporarily
affected area; and,
Payment of reasonable
compensation for loss of
farmlands, grazing areas, and
trees, and other properties
according to the pertinent
government laws and regulations.
9 Impact on Moderate Adopt ‘half-width’ construction During contractor Consultant Part of
Houses, method particularly for sections construction constructio
Fences and passing through dense settlement n &
Other areas to avoid detour road consultanc
Structures construction; y cost
Limiting land acquisition and
imperative area necessary for the
road works.
Provide replacement land for
house construction for those who
will loss houses;
Pay reasonable compensation for

Impact
loss of residential and business
houses as per the compensation
law of the country.
10 Impact on Moderate ERA should advise all service During , ERA Consultant, Part of
Public utility providers of the intended -works construction ERA consultanc
program, at the earliest y cost
opportunity;
A clause should be included in the
construction contract which
requires the contractor to specify,
in the detailed construction
program prepared during the
mobilization period, the earliest
dates on which construction works
will commence in each town and
villages where services relocation
may be required. ERA should then
notify the appropriate authorities
of the relevant dates, and request
completion of relocation works
before those dates; and, A clause

Impact
should be included in the
construction contract which makes
the contractor liable for any
damage to services resulting from
his or his subcontractors' actions.
11 Impact on Moderate Adopt construction of detour road Construction Contractor Consultant Part of
Grazing and construction, particularly for phase constructio
Cropland, sections passing through prime n and
Fruit Trees agricultural lands and areas consultanc
covered by perennial crops such y cost
as chat, fruits, coffee, etc., or
indigenous trees, forests to reduce
the impacts due to land taking for
detour roads.
Limit land acquisition and
imperative area necessary for
road works.
Avoid side-tipping of excavation
materials onto adjacent farmlands

Impact
or on lands under other uses by
disposing of all spoil or excess
materials in approved spoil
disposal areas with appropriate
landscaping and establishing
vegetation after completion of the
works.;
Avoid dust emission to various
crops along the project area not to
affect their quality and
productivity.
Avoid designing and construction
of culverts and side-drains in such
a way that they would release
runoff or flood water onto lands
under agricultural or other uses;
Restoration of areas affected due
to temporary activities like detours
and access s to the productive
state by removal of pavement
materials, loosening of compacted

Impact
soils, and spreading of the topsoil
preserved for this purpose; the
topsoil removed from the
widening and other areas shall be
stockpiled for re-use on
embankment slopes and
restoration of the temporarily
affected area;
Pay reasonable compensation for During ERA Woreda To be

loss of farmlands, grazing areas, preconstructi Admiration estimated
and trees, and other properties on and by the
according to the government laws construction compensati
and regulations set for phases on
compensation. committee
12 Impacts of Moderate Locate campsites away from During Contractor Consultant Part of
Hazardous environmentally sensitive areas Construction constructio
Substances/ like streams and rivers at a n and
Wastes minimum distance of 1.5km, consultanc
Construction of lined septic tanks

Impact
at all campsites and discharge of y cost
all liquid wastes generated by
camps into septic tanks with
regular inspection and servicing of
the septic tanks to avoid overflow
to the surrounding environment,
Prevent environmental pollution by
hazardous substances such as oil,
fuel, and detergents through
proper storage and handling of the
substances. One of the
precautions include: installing drip
pans and fuel funnels at
dispensing points of fuels and
lubricants;
Avoidance of leakages from
construction equipment and
vehicles through regular and
effective maintenance, and;
Proper collection of used oil and
other chemicals and safe disposal

Impact
through accredited oil
reprocessing or disposal agency
or in other manner approved by
the Engineer.
13 Impacts on Moderate Execute earthworks/excavation Throughout Construction Consultant Part of the
drainage works during dry seasons to construction Contractor constructio
systems reduce interference in river flows phase n and
and water and reduce erosion, consultanc
resources sedimentation, and water pollution y cost
including risks,
changes in Avoid dumping of excess
surface and excavation materials on
subsurface riverbanks or in river courses,
water flow Proper siting of spoil disposal sites
increased – avoiding locating nearby
sedimentati streams and rivers, wetlands,
on, and drainage lines, or slopes where
water the materials could be exposed to
pollution runoff or floodwater and
transported to water bodies,
Proper handling of hazardous

Impact
substances such as oil, fuel,
detergents, and cement to avoid
water pollution risks due to
spillages.
Avoid leakages from vehicles and
equipment through regular and
effective maintenance,
Proper disposal of solid and liquid
wastes generated by camps and
workshops by providing proper
sanitary facilities and maintaining
them in good condition until the
camps are closed.
14 Conflict on Low Provide priority of job opportunity Construction Contractor Consultant, NA
Employment for the local people and particular woreda labor
Opportunity attention for women. affairs
Involve local authority in the
process of labor recruiting.
Create a smooth relationship with
community members.
15 Gender and Low Provide and avail a separate Construction Contractor Consultant, 1,800,000

Impact
GBV risks sanitation facilities for women; woreda labor Birr for
Provide women friendly safety affairs salary for
equipment and materials; gender
Assign women in works that do specialist
not affect their biological condition; for three
Ensure that women construction years at
workers do not face GBV and the rate of
sexual harassment; 50,000
Incorporate measures to be taken Birr/month
against those workers who commit
GBV and sexual harassment; and.
Prepare and implement code of
conduct that among others strictly
forbid SH/GBV and to be signed
by all workers including
international and subcontract
workers.
Ensure equal pay for women and
men for equal job;
Assign gender specialist at
construction site to aware and

Impact
prevent GBV and Sexual
harassment
16 Exposure to High Contractor should assign Construction Contractor Consultant 10,000,000
HIV/AIDS experienced HIV/AIDS sub phase through his sub for
and Other consultant to handle the issues consultant HIV/AIDS
Sexually related to HIV/AIDS awareness sub
Transmitted and prevention. consultant
Diseases Launch awareness and education
(STDs campaigns about HIV/AIDS
among the construction workers
and local population to make them
informed. This has to be done on
the one hand by the contractor’s
sub consultant and on the other
hand by the local health institutes
along the project road targeting
especially women and sex
workers.
Condoms shall be provided at a
subsidized rate or for free to
construction workers and health

Impact
facilities must be supported with a
supply of condoms. To affect the
long-term, schools should include
information campaigns and/or
special courses.
Woreda administrations, Urban
and Rural Kebele administrations,
Woreda health offices, HIV/AIDS
Prevention and Control Office,
Elders, and NGOs operating in the
area need to work jointly to create
impact and bring major attitudinal
and behavioral changes.
17 Impact on Low Do not induce malaria outbreaks Construction Contractor Consultant 500,000 for
Malaria by creating temporary and phase mosquito
Expansion permanent water-holding areas net
that favor mosquito breeding.
Use mosquito nets in times of
malaria outbreak to reduce
contact between human beings

Impact
and Anopheles mosquitoes.
Reduction of contacts between
humans and Anopheles by the
use of impregnated bed nets is
useful.
Locate construction camps in
areas away from ponds and water
reservoirs.
Restore borrow pits and quarry
areas to minimize breeding sites
for mosquitoes.
Provide clinical services in the
main construction camp.
18 Covid-19 Low Maintain a safe distance from Construction Contractor Health office 1,000,000
Prevention anyone who is coughing or phase &Consultant of Each for availing
and sneezing; project Face
Managemen Protect yourself and others by woreda masks,
t washing hands using soap and soaps and
water frequently; sanitizers
Disinfect hands and materials
frequently touched by hands using

Impact
alcohol or sanitizer;
Avoid touching noise, mouth and
eyes with hands;
Use face masks,
When you coughing or sneezing
prevent droplets from spreading
by coughing into flexed elbow;
Follow established occupational
safety and health procedures at
site;
Dispose used face mask and
other PPE properly;
Stay home and isolate yourself
when you feel unwell;
If you have a fever, cough and
difficulty breathing, seek medical
attention.
19 Cultural Low The contractor should understand Construction Contractor Local NA

Conflict and the culture of the local phase Authorities/
Culture people/community of the project Consultant

Impact
Dilution area.
The contractor shall aware of his
workforce to not involve in any
sexual and drug abuse.
If workers committed sexual and
drug abuse, the case should be
taken to court.
If the worker committed sexual
abuse and escaped from the
project area, the contractor has to
be responsible to bring him to
court.
Local authorities should control
and shut any shop involved in
drug abuse if any
20 Impacts on Low During Design Consultant Part of the
Shift the centerline of the road to
Cultural and design and consultant & constructio
words the free side to save road
Archaeologi construction contractor n and
side grave yards as far as shifting
cal Sites, consultanc
would not cause significant
Graveyard, y cost
problem on the road design,
and Religion

Impact
Institutions
When artefacts or archaeological
events are suddenly encountered
during the construction process,
the contractor has to immediately
report to the Regional/Woreda
Culture and Tourism Bureau, and
at the same time report to the
Federal Cultural Heritages and
tourism Authority and seek
approval on how to continue the
construction works.
21 Occupation High Throughout Contractor Consultant Part of
Workers should be provided with
al Health Construction constructio
ear defenders, mouth and nose
and Safety phase n and
mufflers, hand gloves, eye
Issues consultanc
goggles, safety shoes, reflective
y cost
vests, helmets, required cloths,
etc based on their work condition
as much as possible and strictly
inspected to use the same


Impact
throughout the construction
phase.
Avail equipped ambulance at
construction camp for any
emergency cases.
One standby vehicle per team or
working areas at the site should
be designated just in case an
accident may occur and hence the
victim will reach to appropriate
medical facilities for treatment as
soon as practicable.
General medical checkups may be
conducted for recruits and
subsequently, conduct periodic
medical checkups for all
employees and take appropriate
action and keep all records.
Hung-up fire extinguisher bearing

Impact
detailed information about its
status at appropriate places (at
least one at each building). Priority
should be given for kitchen,
fueling station, garage, and
generator houses, etc.
All personnel, vehicles, and
machinery should be covered
under an appropriate Insurance
System.
Carefully record and keep all
incidence of injuries and accidents
including date, time and place of
occurrence, level of injuries,
resources damage, people
injured/dead, major causes for
the accident, etc.
22 Traffic High Throughout Contractor Consultant/ Part of the
Develop and strictly implement
Accidents Construction Traffic police constructio
and follow up a well-designed

Impact
and Safety phase n and
work program and traffic
Measures consultanc
management plan (TMP) that
y cost
would consider local conditions
like the normal traffic, terrain,
weather, and socio-economic
conditions.
Provision of necessary information
such as speed limits, direction,
hazard locations, sensitive sites
(e.g. schools, villages, animal
crossing paths, etc.) by putting
appropriate signals and hazard
markings;
Assigning traffic regulators or
traffic police to control traffic flows
at critical sections or periods
where/when traffic safety is a
serious issue.
Awareness training of operators of

Impact
equipment and construction
vehicles in traffic safety measures;
Establishment of speed limits and
controls for construction vehicles
and discipline for the drivers.
Providing appropriate information
on the location of risky areas to
potentially affected residents and
prohibiting such areas for safety
reasons, e.g. borrow pits and
quarries, and stone crusher and
asphalt mixing plant sites;
Provision of awareness education
for the local population in traffic
safety measures at public
meetings, social gatherings,
schools, mosques, and churches,
etc.


Impact
23 Risk of High Throughout Contractor Consultant Part of the
Construct Gabion catch walls, and
Rock fall construction constructio
retaining structures,
phase n and
Contained rock falls using nailed consultanc
wire mesh cover on the slope y cost;
surface, 1,000,000
Put warning signs of rock fall, Birr for wire
mesh
Clean debris from the road and
road shoulders
Scaling off the loosely hanged
rocks from the slope face
24 Impacts on Low Relocation of the affected water During Woreda Water RE, EI, and Part of
water pipelines before the start of the preparation Offices & ERA WAO RAP
supply road works to avoid interruption of for
systems drinking water supply for the local construction
population.
25 Unforeseen Low Identification of unforeseen Throughout EI of the CSC ERA’s Part of the
issues environmental & social construction ESOSMD supervision
issues/impacts and proposing phase cost
corresponding mitigation

Impact
measures,
Advising the construction
contractor regarding unforeseen
environmental & social issues on
how to minimize such impacts and
mitigate the unavoidable impacts
IV Commissioning Phase
1 Impact from High Reinstatement of quarry and Following the Construction RE & EI in Part of the
un-cleaned borrow areas, detours and access completion of Contractor collaboration Contractor’
salvages, roads, and draining if any water the road with Woreda s contract
wastes, was impounded at those sites and works EFCC office
unused any other places modified by and ERA’s
construction project activities. ESOSMD
materials, Cleaning all the salvages and
un- waste materials from campsites,
reinstated materials processing sites, etc.
quarries and and damping inappropriate and
borrow authorized places,
areas, Removal of all the temporary
access, and camps and loosening the
detour compacted soils in such a way

Impact
roads that the land would continue giving
services that were discontinued
due to the project, and
Verifying that the work as built
meets all significant environmental
requirements before the project
was officially accepted.
Operation Phase
1 Road and High Monitoring the During the Road Safety ERA’s Part of the
traffic safety safety/effectiveness condition of operation Authority, ESOSMD & road
issues traffic safety signals and hazard and Woreda Traffic Woreda operation
markings on the road, maintenance Police, or Road EFCC office and
Monitoring accident risks/rates, phase Transport Office maintenan
Provision of awareness education ce cost
about traffic safety issues for local
communities, esp. at schools.
2 Erosion, High Conducting periodic monitoring of As above ERA’s District EA’s Part of the
scour or the road condition, and proper ESOSMD in road
siltation functioning of the installed erosion collaboration operation
problems, protection and drainage with Woreda and
failure of maintenan

Impact
drainage structures, EFCC office ce cost
structures or Monitoring of roadside erosion
environment and erosion at the downstream of
al mitigation culverts, drainage ditches, and
structures other drainage structures,
Conducting timely maintenance of
the road and erosion protection
structures
3 Siltation of High Follow up on the risk/rate of As above ERA’s District ERA’s As above
drainage siltation in culverts, roadside ESOSMD &
structures drains, diversion drains, etc., and Woreda
implementing a de-silting program. EFCC office
4 Soil and Low to Monitoring any contamination of As above ERA’s District As above As above
water Moderate soil and water by spills of
pollution hazardous substances along the
road.
Sub-total of Environmental and social impacts Mitigation and 30,200,000
Management Costs1
This cost does not include the RAP cost & the cost of physical structures that are considered as part of the engineering cost.
1


9.3 Environmental Monitoring Plan

Environmental monitoring will be required both during the implementation and operation phases
of the project to ensure the proper implementation of the ESIA recommendations as well as to
detect any unforeseen socio-environmental issues. Environmental monitoring will help to detect
the scale and extent of impacts caused by the project over time and to assess whether
mitigation actions have been properly and timely implemented and are working as expected.
Monitoring of environmental parameters will identify potential problems from the road
development activities and will allow for prompt implementation of effective corrective
measures.
The main issues or components to be covered in the environmental monitoring program include
the following, but may not be limited to:
 Site selection/location of quarry and borrow material sources and their operation and
hauling condition,
 Acquisition of land for the project requirements and rehabilitation measures after
completion of works,
 Site selection, establishment and operation of contractor’s site facilities (like workers
campsites, stone crusher & asphalt mixing plants, workshops, materials casting places),
 Handling of soils/excavation materials exposed to erosion and rate of soil erosion and
siltation,
 Drainage and water resources like modification of drainage systems/alteration of surface
or subsurface water flow, water pollution,
 Impacts on water supply systems such as pipelines, protected springs & hand pumps,
and competition for water,
 Spoil or excess excavation materials disposal condition like the location of disposal sites,
impacts on land use, landscape quality, water resources, etc.,
 Management or disposal of wastes generated from campsites, workshops/garages, used
oils, etc.,
 Impacts on protected forests, indigenous trees as well as plantation trees and
 Occupational and health issues,
 Road and traffic safety issues.
The proposed environmental monitoring plan (EMP) is provided in Table 9.2 below. During the
construction phase, the results of monitoring should be reported, clearly addressing any specific
concerns/issues quarterly to the ERA’s ESOSMD/representative. The Environmental Inspector

(EI) shall work closely with the Resident Engineer (RE) to ensure that the construction works
are according to the contract obligations including environmental protection measures. The RE
oversees that the technical specifications are met during construction while the EI monitors
internally that the implementation of the EMP on site. It is recommended that the EI shall
compile the monitoring results concerning environmental mitigation and management activities.
The quarterly report may comprise the following issues, but not limited to:
 Results or status on implementation of the environmental management actions by the

contractor in the specific period against the Site Environmental Management Plan
submitted by the contractor,
 A description of any environmental accident or developments which could potentially
develop into a non-conformance event by the contractor,
 A description of exceptional conditions on-site whether they be weather condition,
personnel-related, machinery-related, or otherwise stipulated,
 Minutes of meetings, if any, with stakeholders on any outstanding issues related to the
road construction works, and
 Proposed solutions for any outstanding/unforeseen issues/impacts detected during the
monitoring.
After evaluating the monitoring results and the proposed solutions for unforeseen issues, the
ERA/ ESOSMD may approve the proposed solutions or come up with other appropriate
solutions.
External monitoring can be carried out by representative experts from each Woreda/Zone
Environmental Protection Offices, Health Offices, and Woreda Administration Offices.
During the operation period, the institutions or bodies assigned for monitoring should report the
results to ERA/ERA District Office as per the monitoring requirements together with proposed
solutions for any outstanding issues. Then, ERA’s District Office reports to ERA’s ESOSMD,
and the ESOSMD, if necessary, together with any other concerned party/parties approves the
solutions proposed by the monitoring organizations or propose other suitable solutions.

Table 9- 2: Environmental Monitoring Plan

Socio-environmental Indicators/Parameters to be Location/ Project Responsibility for Cost Estimate in
S.No Frequency
Issues Measured/ Monitored Component Monitoring Birr
I Pre-construction Phase
Inclusion of appropriate Checking whether mitigation At ERA Head Once during the ERA’s Part of the routine
environmental clauses measures compatible with Office document representative work
1 in the contract predicted impacts are properly evaluation
document included in the contract
document
2 Displacement of Compliant from the affected In towns, villages, Once before the A team comprises 18,000 Birr for
people and loss of people and other start of the of representatives daily allowance for
properties settlement areas construction from each Woreda 4 person for 3
along the project work administration, days and fuel and
road Sociologist of the vehicle rental
consultant and
representative from
ERA,
II Construction Phase
1 Impacts on water Full physicochemical Water Rivers, streams, Once before Water quality expert 182,357 (for
quality by construction quality parameters including springs, and wells construction, 2 from Zonal Water analyzing 12 water
activities and improper EC, pH, TDS, Turbidity, Oil, times per year Department jointly samples at a time
disposal of wastes during pre- with supervision & 2 times per year,

S.No Frequency
from campsites and NO3, PO4, NH3, SO4, etc. construction, consultants 7,598 Birr per
construction areas and once after environmentalist sample
the completion
of construction
2 Impacts on land under Area of land affected in ha Along the project Once per year A team having 2 60,000 (daily
various uses due to road, access members allowance for
land taking for the roads, and at representing each experts& transport
RoW, access road, campsites, borrow project wereda cost
quarry and borrow & quarry sites and administration,
sites and campsites, spoil dump areas. Consultant’s
etc. environmentalist.
3 Soil erosion The area exposed to erosion Cut and fill areas Once per year A representative Could be done at
and steep slopes from each Woreda the same time with
EFCCO the above activities
4 Impacts on forests, Area of forest land affected Along the project Twice per year Each Woreda 80,000 (daily
indigenous trees, and road & access EFCCO jointly with allowance for
Number of indigenous trees
roadside plantation roads, at quarry & the project experts& transport
felled/removed,
trees borrow sites, supervision cost
Species type & number of tree campsites, environmentalist
seedlings raised, planted and materials


S.No Frequency
number survived or well processing sites

established
5 Disposal of Number of unauthorized spoil Spoil disposed Once per year A representative Could be done at
construction spoils disposal sites & impacts sites along the from each Woreda the same time with
caused, project road EFCCO the above activities
without additional
The number of spoil disposal
cost
sites properly managed and
landscaping measures are
taken.
6 Health condition of the Overall health and sanitation Construction Twice per year Two 80,000 for daily
people along the situation of the project area campsites, working representatives allowance and
project road and status including construction camps areas, and nearby from each Woreda vehicle rental
of HIV/AIDS towns and villages Health Office
III Construction Completion Phase
1 Aesthetic value and Un-rehabilitated areas and Throughout the Once before A team consist of a 24,000 for daily
landscape leftovers project route, officially representative from allowance and
contractor’s site terminating the each W. vehicle rental
facilities and construction Administration, W.
quarries and contract EFCCO, and from

S.No Frequency
borrow pits ERA and maybe

from the financing
agency
IV Operation Phase
Erosion, sedimentation Surface area, length or number Along the project Once per year Operation and Part of routine
of drainage structures, of sites affected by erosion, road maintenance work
1 l traffic signals, sight number of blocked drainage Department of ERA
distance issues, and structures, number of traffic or ERA’s District
roadside weeds signals damaged, etc. Office
Sub-Total Cost 444,357

9.4 Capacity Building

Capacity building is essential to properly implement the proposed socio-environmental
management and monitoring plan. The Environmental Protection Office of each woreda and
municipalities along the road are the principal stakeholder for managing and implementing the
environmental issues within the project area. Therefore, it is pertinent to increase the capacity of
experts in these offices by providing necessary training on ESMP. The recommended level of
training in relation to the proposed road construction is on job training. The potential
participants, in addition to experts from Zonal and Municipality offices could include
representatives from the construction contractor workforce and key professionals of the
construction-supervising consultants.
On job training can be arranged by the construction supervision consultant in collaboration with
ESOSMD of ERA for 2 days before the start of actual road construction work and for another 2
days after the midway of construction work. The content of training should focus on
environmental conservation, safety during construction and awareness creation in general and
HIV/AIDS and GBV prevention in particular. The training could also include COVID-19
prevention and Management.
The first session of on job training could incorporate the following modules:
 An introduction to the concepts, terminology, aims and objectives of ESIA, socio-
environmental and health and Safety management and monitoring, with specific
reference to road development projects;
 HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness creation;
 On-site review of existing socio-environmental conditions in the project area, potential
impacts and mitigation and benefit enhancement measures;
 Awareness on type of accidents and use of personnel safety equipment;
 A review of approaches which have been and are being adopted towards socio-
environmental management in the case of the present project, and their applicability in
general to road projects, with particular reference to how uncertainties are handled; and
 A review of the role of socio-environmental and health and safety monitoring as a
management tool.
The second session could cover the following aspects:

 on-site comparison of impact predictions in the ESIA with what has happened in
practice, with particular emphasis on analyzing the reasons for any significant
differences;
 on-site review and analysis of the success or otherwise of the proposed mitigation
measures, socio-environmental management and monitoring approaches, including
contributions from the contractor, the site supervision team, and representatives of the
local authorities and the people who live along the road; and
 Summary of lessons to be learned which could usefully be applied to similar, future
projects.
United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE)

174
Generally informal approach may be adapted to the training sessions, in order to promote
interaction between trainees and trainers, and in particular to facilitate the free and open
exchange and discussion of ideas.
Numbers of trainees will be decided through discussion with both ERA and construction
supervision consultant, but, it is suggested that the number should be limited to about 20. The
cost estimated for the proposed on job training (capacity building) is listed in Table 9.3 below.
Table 9- 3: Cost Estimate for Capacity Building
Unit Amount in
No. Item Quantity Days
rate Birr
Fee for Environmental & Social 2 15,00

1 4 120,000
Specialist 0
2 Transport cost Lump sum 30,000
3 Per diem for trainees 20 700 4 56,000
4 Course materials Lump sum 25,000
Sub-total 231,000
9.5 Environmental Mitigation, Management and Monitoring Cost Estimate

The environmental mitigation, management and monitoring costs are estimated to be about
35.5 Million Ethiopian Birr. The cost estimates in Tables 9.4 below are based on the following
assumptions:
 Items of an engineering nature that are in any case required under the construction
contract and do not involve additional costs have been excluded from this cost estimate.
Examples are drainage structures, retaining walls and lined drains that are designed to
control or prevent soil erosion and slope instability.
 The costs of mitigation measures to be implemented by the Contractor during
construction are considered as included in his obligations under the construction
contract. This applies to such measures as good management of the construction
equipment and vehicles, workforce/camp management, good construction works,
provision of necessary facilities for the workforce and proper waste management or
disposal, restoration of campsites, traffic safety measures at construction sites, etc.
 Similar to that of the Construction Contractor, the costs of supervision activities to be
carried out by the team members of the Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC) is
assumed to be included in the contract for the CSC.
United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE)

175
Table 9- 4: Cost Estimate for the implementation of Mitigation measures, ESMP and monitoring
Plan
No. Reference Cost Items Cost Estimate
Error: Sub-total of Environmental Mitigation and 30,200,000
Reference Management Costs
source not
1 found
1.1 >> Grassing 8,400,000
1.2 >> Replantation 7,500,000
1.3 >> HIV/AIDS Prevention, COVID 19, Malaria prevention 11,500,000
1.4 >> Gender specialist fee 1,800,000
1.5 >> Prevention of rock fall 1,000,000
Error:
Reference
source not
2 found Environmental and Social Monitoring Costs 444,357
3 Table 9- 3: Training Cost 231,000
Total 30,875,357
Contingency (15%) 4,631,303.55
Grand Total 35,506,660.55

10 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The assessment of potential environmental impacts acknowledges that the proposed road
upgrading works and its subsequent operation will bring several positive as well as negative
environmental and social impacts. The key potential positive environmental effects include
alleviation or reduction of air pollution and dust impact on road side vegetation and residents,
reduction of erosion from the poorly surfaced gravel road and its unlined side ditches, reduction
of accident risks by improving road geometry and inclusion of standard traffic signs, and
facilitation of traffic flows, reduction of GHG emission per vehicle, reduction in operation time
noise pollution, and better safety for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles due to provision of
pedestrian walkways and parking lanes along towns and village sections.
The upgrading of the project road will create an improved level of services in general, and
particularly better and improved market opportunities for the sale of livestock and agricultural
products and consumer goods. When upgraded, the road will create better market access for
the local farmers, and their produces will secure higher market prices in comparison to the
current low prices. Further, improved road access will facilitate transportation of agriculture
inputs to formerly inaccessible areas, which contributes to increase productivity per hectare of
farm land.
As the local economy depends on agro-pastoral activities and the project area is rich in livestock
production and some part of it is also known for cash production, the local economy would show
growth with the development of small business, investment projects; growth of urban centers,
improved and efficient communication system, exposure to the advancement of technology and
science through improved means of production. In general, employment opportunities will be
created in the project area with the growth of the economy and improvement in the social
services, and increase flow of tourists to the project influence areas.
The population residing in the project area/along the route are eagerly waiting for the start of the
road upgrading works. Consultation conducted at various levels with stakeholders,
representatives of community and potential PAPs as well as professional experts working in the
project area revealed that all the consulted people are highly welcomed the project and
requested to speed up start of its actual construction work, except Seru woreda. Seru woreda
demands to include road section that travels from Seru town to Shekhusen as part of this road
project.

ERA better to consider construction/ upgrading of Seru to Shekhusen road section to satisfy the
demand of Seru woreda and to increase connectivity of the road network as well as to provide
short and alternative route for religious travelers to Shekhusen Mosque from various parts of the
country.
The proposed project road is in harmony with all the national development policies and
strategies of Ethiopia and fulfills all the requirements set forth both by the Federal and Regional
Governments.
The upgrading works of the project road would create some negative impacts on socio-
economic and biophysical environment. The negative impacts are mainly related to the
acquisition of land for various project construction use, removal of vegetation from road sides
and ancillary working areas, minor disturbance of wildlife habitats and spread of communicable
diseases like spread of HIV/AIDS and STDs, dust pollution, temporary denial of access at some
locations, cultural conflict between local and migrant workers, competition for local resources
and limited services, etc.
Road construction work inherently involves risky activities due to the fact that it involves heavy
machineries, dozers, excavators, dump trucks, explosives, asphalt and stone crushing plants,
etc,. Hence, appropriate occupational health and safety measures need to be adopted during
the construction works.
These negative impacts would be managed by adopting proper mitigation measures suggested
in this ESIA report. ERA in the preparation of its tender document for the upgrading of the road
needs to ensure that clauses both for the environmental and social issues are included as
suggested in this ESIA document.
The monitoring of the project implementation has to be done regularly to ensure that socio-
environmental and safety issues are properly addressed and implemented at each phases of
the project. Both the road construction contractor and supervision consultant need to mobilize
socio-environmental safeguard specialists at construction site throughout the project duration.
Generally, there are no socio-economic and environmental conditions that will hinder the project
road from being constructed provided that the proposed socio-environmental mitigation
measures stipulated in this ESIA report are strictly adhered and implemented.

1. List of References
1. A Glossary of Ethiopian Plant Names by Wolde Micahel Kelecha. Fourth Edition Revised
and Enlarged. January 1987, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
2. Birds of the Horn of Africa: Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, and Scotra. Nigel
Redman, Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe, 2009, Illustrated by John Gale and
Brian Small.
3. Endemic Plants of Ethiopia: Preliminary working list to contribute to National Plant
Conservation Target. Tesfaye Awas (Ph.D.), Institute of Biodiversity Conservation, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia.
4. Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (part of the Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia), 1989.
5. FDRE, Environmental Protection Authority, Environmental Impact Assessment
Guidelines Document, Addis Ababa, July 2000.
6. FDRE, Environmental Protection Authority, Environmental Impact Assessment
Procedural Guideline Series 1. December 2003, Addis Ababa.
7. FDRE, MoWR, Omo-Gibe River Basin Integrated Development Master Plan Study,
Survey and Analysis Report, Vol. V, Section II: Fisheries Inventory, 1995, Richard
Woodroofe and Associates.
8. FDRE, MoWR, Gojeb Medium Hydropower Project, Feasibility Study. Volume 5, Annex
E: Environmental Impact Assessment. Howard Humphreys, Coyne Et Bellier, Rust
Kennedy & Donkin, June 1997.
9. ERA Environmental Management Manual, August 2008.
10. ERA Resettlement/Rehabilitation Policy Framework, February 2002.
11. FDRE Proclamation No. 1/1995. The Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of
Ethiopia.
12. Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Volume 2, Part 1 – Magnoliaceae to Flacourtiaceae.
Editors: Sue Edwards, Mesfin Tadesse, Sebsebe Demissew, and Inga Hedberg. Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia; Uppsala, Sweden, 2000.
13. Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Volume 2, Part 2 – Caneliaceae to Euphorbiaceae. Editors:
Sue Edwards, Mesfin Tadesse, and Inga Hedberg. Addis Ababa & Asmara, Ethiopia;
Uppsala, Sweden, 1995.
14. Flora of Ethiopia. Volume 3 – Pittosporaceae to Araliaceae. Editors: Inga Hedberg & Sue
Edwards. Addis Ababa & Asmara, Ethiopia; Uppsala, Sweden, 1989.

15. Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Volume 4, Part 1 – Apiaceae to Dipsacaae. Editors: Inga
Hedberg, Sue Edwards & Sileshi Nemomissa. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Uppsala, Sweden,
2003.
16. Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Volume 5 – Gentianaceae to Cyclocheilaceae. Editors:
Inga Hedberg, Ensermu Kelbessa, Sue Edwards, Sebsebe Demissew & Eva Persson.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Uppsala, Sweden, 2006.
17. Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Volume 7 – Poaceae (Gramineae). By Sylvia Phillips.
Editors: Inga Hedberg & Sue Edwards. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Uppsala, Sweden, 1995.
18. Important Bird Areas of Ethiopia. A First Inventory. Published by Ethiopian Wildlife and
Natural History Society, December 1996, Addis Ababa.
19. Proclamation No. 295/2002. Proclamation for Establishment of Environmental Protection
Organs.
20. Proclamation No. 299/2002. Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation.
21. Proclamation No. 300/2002. Environmental Pollution Control Proclamation.
22. Proclamation No. 209/2000. Proclamation on Research and Conservation of Cultural
Heritage.
23. Proclamation No. 456/2005. Proclamation on Rural Land Administration and Land Use.
24. Proclamation No. 197/2000. Proclamation on Ethiopian Water Resources Management.
25. Proclamation No. 541/2007. Proclamation on Development, Conservation, and
Utilization of Wildlife.
26. Proclamation No. 542/2007. Proclamation on Forest Development, Conservation, and
Utilization.
27. Regulations No. 427/2007. Regulations on Payment of Compensation for Property
Situated on Landholdings Expropriated for Public Purposes.
28. The National Biodiversity Conservation and Research Policy of Ethiopia, Institute of
Biodiversity Conservation, 1998.
29. The Water Resources Policy of Ethiopia. Ministry of Water Resources, 1998.
30. The Wildlife Policy of Ethiopia. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2006.
31. Useful Trees and Shrubs for Ethiopia. Identification, Propagation, and Management for
Agricultural and Pastoral Communities. Azene Bekele-Tesema with Ann Birnie and Bo
Tengnäs.
32. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Version 2011.2. IUCN – The World
Conservation Union. Online: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (Downloaded on
13 January 2012).

Annex 1: ENVIRONNEMENTAL CLAUSES
To integrate the management aspects of the road project into the road construction activities,
the tender document for the Shekhusen-Mechara Road Project construction contract shall
include the following key issues and provisions but may not be limited to:
1.1 Preparation of Environmental Management Plan
The road construction contractor shall update the existing EMP from the ESIA report or prepare
a new Site EMP that suits construction works for the entire project road. The EMP shall be
updated/prepared using or based on the ERA’s guidelines and specifications and submitted to
Engineer/Environmental Supervisor and ERA/ (ESOSMD) for reviewing and approval before the
road construction work commences.
1.2 Site Location and Establishment of Construction Camps
Construction camps may cause significant adverse socio-environmental effects due to their
location, establishment, and operation. The following activities should be specified in the
contract document to minimize adverse impacts that could be associated with the location of
campsites:
The Contractor Shall select the location of campsites in collaboration with local authorities, RE,
and with ESOHS of ERA, and camps shall only be established at places/locations approved by
ERA’s ESOHS and the RE in collaboration with local officials and community members.
Campsites shall be located in less productive areas away from streams and rivers (at least
500m).
Campsites shall not be located within or close to sensitive areas such as residential areas,
fertile farmlands, and forestlands.
The RE and the contractors shall take photographs of the campsite before the construction of
any structure to compare the level of environmental degradation before and after the
establishment of the campsite and to plan rehabilitation work. Any removal of trees from the
campsites shall be done in the presence of an Environmentalist from the Supervision Team and
a Forester from the Local Forestry Department.

Campsites shall be established with appropriate and standard sanitation facilities including
imperviously lined septic tanks to reduce possible pollution of groundwater and/or surface water
resources.
All the wastes generated by campsites shall be disposed of properly in designated and
authorized places.
The Contractor shall take all necessary measures and precautions to avoid any nuisance or
disturbances to nearby inhabitants arising from the execution of works.
When the camps are no more required for the project and if they are not going to be used for
other purposes, i.e. if they are going to be abandoned, the Contractor shall reinstate them to
their original state as closely as possible. The reinstatement shall include stockpiling the topsoil
during the camp's construction, removal of all concretes/slabs and all scrap metals from the
workshops, loosening the compacted soils, spreading of the topsoil, and establishing grasses or
vegetation unless the sites would be used for agricultural activities immediately; and
The Contractor shall plant appropriate tree species in the camp yard for beautification purposes;
the tree species selected for the planting shall be approved by the Environmentalist of the SC
and Woreda Forestry Expert.
1.3 Air Pollution
The Contractor shall implement the following mitigation measures to minimize air pollution,
especially, dust pollution caused by the road project activities:
The Contractor shall reduce dust from construction sites, access roads, and detours by watering
three times a day or as instructed by the RE in a more stringent way when the same are located
in or close to sensitive areas such as towns, villages, social services, croplands, water supply
points.
The Contractor shall prevent a generation of air pollutants by watering during crushing and
screening of aggregates.
The Contractor shall locate materials processing plants such as stone crushers and asphalt
mixers away from settlement areas, health units, schools, and religious places.
The Contractor shall avoid the burning of materials such as tiers, plastic, rubber products, or
other materials that create heavy smoke or nuisance odor.

The Contractor shall avoid disposing of any volatile chemicals to the air.
Any vehicle with an open load carrying area used for transporting potentially dust-producing
materials should have properly fitted side and tail boards. Materials having the potential to
produce dust should not be loaded to a level higher than the side and tailboards and should be
covered with a clean tarpaulin in good condition.
The Contractor shall provide safety equipment such as goggle, masks and other protection
measures for his workforce as it needed; and
The RE shall supervise and monitor the contractor’s compliance with the above conditions.
1.4 Noise Pollution
The Contractor shall implement the following mitigation measures to avoid excessive noise
levels that could be generated due to the operation of construction equipment and vehicles,
blasting, concrete batching, and aggregate production.
The Contractor shall not locate stone crusher and asphalt mixer near noise-sensitive areas such
as settlement areas, health units, schools, and religious places, and wildlife areas.
Construction activities that generate nuisance noise levels shall take place during conventional
working hours wherever possible.
The Contractor shall screen equipment producing high levels of noise when working near the
settlement areas, clinics, and religious areas.
The Contractor shall minimize the use of explosives and promote a systematic blasting
schedule.
The Contractor shall provide safety equipment about noise, such as ear protection wear
whenever necessary for the workers; and
The RE shall supervise and monitor the Contractor’s compliance with the above conditions.
Impacts of Quarry Sites, Borrow Areas, Detour Roads, and Workshops
Quarry sites, borrow areas, and detour roads unless carefully located, properly operated, and
rehabilitated after use could cause significant socio-environmental problems like loss of
productive land, loss of vegetation, soil erosion, creation of mosquito breeding sites, un-
aesthetic view, etc. Therefore, the contractor shall implement the following mitigation measures:
The Contractor shall select quarry and borrow sites away from settlement areas and other
socially/environmentally sensitive areas and shall not commence operation before approval by
the RE, ERA (ESOHS), and Local Authorities.
The Contractor shall not select quarry and borrow sites near and at the river bed.
The Contractor shall not establish quarries and borrow pits in forest areas and important wildlife
areas.
The Contractor shall maintain detour roads within the ROW as much as possible.
The Contractor shall reinstate all quarries and borrow sites and access roads after the
completion of the road works, any material sites shall not be left open unless otherwise
approved by the RE and/or ERA and upon request from local people to have the sites open
permanently.
The Contractor shall carefully handle hazardous substances such as fuel, oil, lubricants, and
cement during transport, storage, and dispensing of the substances to avoid spillage and
environmental pollution risks.
The reinstatement works shall include the following activities:
The Contractor and RE/Environmentalist of the SC shall take photographs of the proposed
borrow areas, quarry sites, and detour and access roads before the commencement of the
works.
The Contractor shall make lists of all the tree species found in the proposed quarry sites, borrow
areas, and detour roads and the exact number of trees to be affected in the presence of an
Environmentalist from the Supervision Team and a Forester from the Woreda Forestry Unit.
The Contractor shall preserve topsoil for later use to refill borrow sites and quarry areas and do
not mix topsoil with subsoil.
Borrows and quarries shall be reinstated (which include dumping unnecessary materials and
excess cuts, landscaping/leveling/shaping, spreading the topsoil uniformly over the surface,
constructing spillways if in case the sites are deep enough to hold water, and putting a barrier all
around the sites to prevent accidents on animals and human beings) after completion of the
works.

After reinstating, plant appropriate tree species (indigenous trees) or grasses to recover the
original vegetation and to improve the ecological and aesthetic value of these sites.
Provide proper drainage to avoid storage of water in quarry and borrow sites to reduce malaria
out a breakthrough reduction of mosquito breeding sites; and
Access roads to these sites shall be reinstated to a productive state. Reinstatement work shall
include preservation/stockpiling of the topsoil, removing the applied selected/foreign materials,
loosening the compacted soils, and spreading the topsoil.
1.5 Soil Erosion and Slope Stability
The Contractor shall implement the following mitigation measures to minimize potential soil
erosion and slope instability due to cutting in soil or cut-to-fill works particularly in steep slope
areas:
The contractor shall protect unstable slopes with stabilizing structures such as retaining walls;
wire basketry, gabions, etc. as a permanent installation on risk slopes.
The contractor shall implement bioengineering techniques to protect and stabilize unstable
slopes and also shall use appropriate grass species such as Vetiver Grass, Kikuyu Grass, or
Bermuda Grass together with physical engineering measures as soon as possible after the
The contractor shall install cut-off or interceptor drains above-cut slopes.
The contractor shall provide riprap, grassing on erosion-prone slopes of high embankments,
and fill areas, toes, and banks of the streams to avoid/restrict erosion.
The contractor shall remove all dangerous and loose boulders and rocks from cut faces.
The contractor shall limit disturbances to natural vegetation above-cut slopes.
The contractor shall pave roadside drains above 5% slope gradients and construct all energy-
dissipating structures at the drainage outlets and discharging points.
The contractor shall provide cross drainage structures as close as possible to reduce the
amount of flow from side ditches and to let the flood join to the nearest stream easily without
scouring the side walls.

The contractor shall plant local variety grass species and replant slope embankments and
erosion-prone areas and water them until the grasses and trees are survive independently; and
The contractor shall construct different physical erosion control measures such as paved side
drain, check dams, and other energy dissipating structures such as chutes, cascades, etc.
1.6 Impacts on Soils and Water Resources
The Contractor shall implement appropriate mitigation measures to minimize potential impacts
of road construction works on soils and water resources. These include the following:
The Contractor shall avoid dumping solid and liquid wastes from the construction areas and
camps on farmlands or in streams, rivers, or dry stream beds.
The Contractor shall not block the natural flow of streams, rivers, and wetlands;
The Contractor shall not select quarry sites in river beds or on river banks.
The Contractor shall plant appropriate grass species on cut slopes and embankment/fill slopes
to reduce erosion, then sedimentation of downstream water bodies and stress on water quality.
The Contractor shall avoid pollution of soils, rivers, or streams during concreting work from
cement slag.
The Contractor shall not clean/wash construction equipment in wetlands, streams, and rivers,
and shall not discharge waste chemicals into streams, if in case this problem happens, the
contractor, at his own expense, shall be obliged to clear water until it reaches its original quality
level or potable standard.
Servicing of plants, equipment and vehicles shall be carried out at a workshop area. The
workshop area should be equipped with secured storage areas for fuels, oils, and other fluids.
The storages should be constructed in such a way as to contain any spillages, which may occur.
Similar storage should be constructed to store used fluids before their disposal in a designated
and authorized place. Waste oils from various plants and equipment shall be collected in drums
and send to oil reprocessing companies and never dispose of into wetlands, streams, and
rivers.
The contractor shall avoid conflicting with water demands for domestic and livestock
consumption & give priority for domestic and livestock consumption, and not use water from low

discharge springs or streams in this case the contractor shall fulfill his water requirements for
campsites and construction purposes by developing his water sources.
The Contractor shall avoid locating campsites near water sources and groundwater recharging
areas.
Careful handling of explosives and residue of fuel to avoid health risks and soil and water
pollution.
The contractor shall ensure that all the existing stream courses and drains within and adjacent
to the site are kept safe and free from any debris; and
The contractor shall officially handover all developed water sources at any locations to the Local
water Department after the completion of the road construction work
1.7 Impacts on Important Trees and Vegetation
The Contractor shall take the following mitigation measures to minimize impacts on roadsides
trees and vegetation particularly indigenous trees and protected forests (see baseline for their
locations):
The contractor shall not locate quarry or borrow sites wherever there are a significant number of
indigenous tree species or within the protected forests;
The Contractor shall confine the clearing of vegetation to what is necessary. All trees and
shrubs which are not required to be cleared or removed for construction purposes should be
protected from any damage that may be caused by the contractor’s construction operations and
equipment;
The Contractor shall not locate campsites, quarries and borrow pits and detour roads in
protected forests or other areas containing significant vegetation cover;
The owners of potentially affected trees shall be given adequate time to harvest their trees
before clearing;
The Contractor shall transplant transplantable trees;
The Contractor shall take maximum care and never cut indigenous trees that are located
outside the zone approved for the road works;

The contractor shall aware construction workforce not to cut down trees for any purpose without
prior approval of the Environmental Inspector and Local Forestry Department;
The contractor shall plant at least 15 new seedlings for each indigenous tree to be affected and
water them until the Local Forester approves that they would grow independently;
The contractor and Environmental Inspector shall take photographs of these sites before
starting clearing and keep it as an official document in a separate folder; and
The contractor shall forbid his workforces from deliberately and discriminate cutting down trees,
involving in any trade activities, or illegally transporting forest products. The contractor shall take
the responsibility for his misbehavior of workforces and involvement in any trade activities by his
workforces or transporting of any forest products by construction vehicles.
1.8 Impacts on Wildlife and Habitats
The Contractor shall take the following mitigation measures to minimize impacts on wildlife and
their habitats found along the project road and other project areas:
Avoid selection of material sources (quarry and borrow sites), materials processing plants site
and campsites within important wildlife habitats,
Abstain from encroaching into areas of wildlife habitats and other sensitive areas;
Strictly forbid his workforces from deliberately killing wild animals or due to like over speeding of
vehicles, hunting wild animals for food or sports purposes, involving in any trade activities of
dead or live-wild animals;
Avoid the disposal of excavation materials on down-slope and locating spoil disposal sites
where these may affect wildlife habitats and cause obstruction to wildlife movements,
Post appropriate signs in the important wildlife areas and apply speed limits for sections passing
through those areas, and
Take precautions to avoid any fire accident and control any fire incident due to the contractor’s
activities.
Restore affected areas (e.g. quarries and borrow pits and access roads to those sites) through
replanting program;

Create awareness among drivers to give priority for road crossing animals and abstain from
running after them or chasing the animals away; and
Aware drivers to put off the light and give priority for road crossing nocturnal animals during the
night time.
1.9 Traffic Management Plan (TMP)
The contractor shall prepare a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) that suits construction works for
the entire or sections of the road project. The TMP shall be prepared using or based on ERA's
Road Safety Audit Manual and submit to RE and ERA’s ESOHS for reviewing and approval
before the construction work commences. The main measures to be taken include the following:
The Contractor shall provide diversions with suitable and reflecting road signs; provide
barricades and delineators and flagmen to guide the traffic. For regulation of traffic, the flagmen
shall be equipped with red and green flags;
The Contractor shall provide alternative pedestrian routes where these are interrupted;
The Design Engineer shall consult the local people as to where to construct the different
engineering facilities like parking bays, footpaths;
The Contractor shall use clear, leveled properly and meaning full traffic signs and speed limits,
especially at the road crossing of the people and conjunction of animals;
The Contractor shall provide traffic awareness, especially at schools, churches, and other
places at a certain period of construction time and introduce accident prevention methods; and
The Design Engineer shall identify all high traffic accident areas and safety measures shall be
proposed at all these areas.
1.10 Impacts on Agricultural Lands
The Contractor shall implement the following measures to minimize impacts on productive
agricultural lands due to land taking for increasing road width, exploitation of borrow sites, the
establishment of contractor's site facilities, spoil disposal, etc.:
Abstain from locating campsites, quarries, and borrow pits on fertile farmland, instead locate
them in less productive areas;

Do not establish diversion roads in productive farmland and limit the diversions within the road
Right of Way;
abstain from dumping any spoil from construction activities into farmland unless requested to do
so by the farmers;
Separate topsoil from the subsoil and preserve topsoil for later use for reinstatement of borrow
pits, campsites, diversion roads, etc.; and
Reinstate all the farmlands temporarily taken for various activities of road construction.
Reinstatement shall include stockpiling the topsoil, removing any concretes or foreign materials,
loosening the compacted soils, landscaping/leveling/shaping, spreading the topsoil uniformly
over the surface. The level of reinstatement shall be approved by the RE and Environmental
supervisor as well as it should satisfy the landholders.
1.11 Impacts of Construction Camps, Workshops, and Storage Sites
Construction camps, workshops, and materials storage sites can cause many significant
environmental and social impacts unless the sites are carefully located and appropriate
mitigation measures taken during their establishment and subsequent operation. Therefore, the
Contractor shall adopt necessary precautions and appropriate mitigation measures including the
following:
The Contractor shall select the location of campsites in collaboration with local authorities,
representatives of the local community, the Engineer/RE and ERA's representative(s) preferably
from ESOHS & ROW Section,
Locating campsites in less productive areas away from environmentally or socially sensitive
areas such as streams, rivers, forestlands (esp. protected forests), residential areas, social
facilities (health, education, water supply), religious places (churches & mosques), etc.,
The Engineer/Environmental Supervisor and Contractor shall take photographs of the campsites
before putting any structure at the site to compare the level of environmental alteration before
and after the establishment of the campsites and to plan reinstatement measures. The
Engineer/Environmental Supervisor and Contractor shall record the types and number of trees
removed due to the establishment of campsites in the presence of representatives from Woreda
LEPO, Woreda NRDCO, and OFWE (Zonal Office);

The Contractor shall establish construction campsites with appropriate and standard health care
services, potable water supply, garbage disposal, and sanitation facilities including imperviously
lined septic tanks to reduce possible pollution impact on ground and surface water resources;
The Contractor shall carefully handle hazardous substances such as fuel, oil, lubricants, and
cement during transport, storage, and dispensing of the substances to avoid spillage and
environmental pollution risks;
The Contractor shall take all necessary measures and precautions to avoid any nuisance or
disturbance to inhabitants arising from the execution of works;
When the camps are no more required for the project and if they are not going to be used for
other purposes or going to be abandoned, the Contractor shall reinstate them to their original
state as closely as possible. The reinstatement activities shall include stockpiling the topsoil
during camp construction, removing all concretes/slabs and all scrap metals from the
workshops, loosening the compacted soils, and spreading the topsoil; and
The Contractor shall plant appropriate tree species in the camp yard for beautification purposes;
the tree species selected for the planting shall be approved by the Environmentalist of the
Supervision Consultant and Forester of Woreda Forestry Department.
The Contractor shall maintain proper management and discipline in the camps;
The Contractor shall dismantle all the site facilities (camps, workshops, and storage sites) and
rehabilitate the areas as per the surrounding nature once construction is completed.
1.12 Impacts on Public Health
From the viewpoint of public health, the construction crews and the campsite areas are the main
concern particularly concerning the expansion of HIV/AIDS, STIs, and malaria. To minimize
these health problems the Contractor shall take the following measures:
Be aware that the road traverse through malaria-endemic areas and be prepared to avoid
possible health risk through environmental health and hygiene management of campsites and
availing clinic, chemically treated mosquito nets and medicines for the workforce;
The Contractor shall not induce malaria outbreak by creating temporary or permanent water
holding areas/pools which could be favorable mosquito breeding places;

The Contractor shall restore borrow pits and quarry areas to avoid breeding sites for
mosquitoes;
The Contractor shall provide clinics with all necessary medications in major construction camps,
and First Aid kits at all working sites;
The Contractor shall minimize dust emission by watering the road during construction at the
settlement areas 3 times a day (in the morning, before lunchtime, and before the end of the
working hour) or as instructed by the RE;
The Contractor shall take care when selecting campsites in such a way that it should not invite
close interaction with the local community;
The Contractor shall provide a safe water supply & appropriate waste disposal facilities
including the provision of sanitary latrines in the construction camp;
The Contractor shall provide health education mainly focusing on HIV/AIDS control and
prevention, avoid discrimination in workplaces due to HIV/AIDS and provide counseling service.
This activity shall be executed as a sub-contract by local NGOs and relevant institution;
The Contractor shall provide free counseling and distribute condoms & leaflets to the workforce
and vulnerable group of nearby communities; and
The Contractor shall take due precautions to ensure the safety of his staff and labor in
collaboration with the local health offices by providing medical staff; first aid equipment and
stores, sickbay, and suitable ambulance service at the camps, housing, and on the site at all
times throughout the contract
1.13 Impacts related to Occupational Safety
During road construction, there will be more occupational health problems associated with
construction activities such as accidents from traffic or working machines, explosives, etc. To
minimize these inconvenient working conditions and safety problems the following clauses shall
be included in the contract document:
The Contractor must ensure that the potential danger to the public (including pedestrians, all
road users, and adjacent building owners and occupiers) is kept to an absolute minimum. All
worksites are to be signposted and fenced, and if necessary lit at night. Safe, traffic control
arrangements to provide well-signed pedestrian routes to be provided to avoid construction
accidents;
During the execution of the works the contractor shall keep the site reasonably free from all
unnecessary obstruction and shall store or dispose of any contractor’s equipment and surplus
materials and clear away and remove from the site any wreckage, rubbish, or temporary works
no longer required;
Where the contractor is authorized to use explosives required for rock excavation, the
explosives shall be stored, handled, and used with the utmost caution and strictly following the
statutory government regulations. The contractor shall be responsible for the presentation of
any unauthorized issue or improper use of any explosive and shall ensure that the handling of
explosives shall be entrusted only to experienced and responsible men;
All open excavations shall be adequately barricaded to prevent workmen or others from
accidentally falling into them. Any open excavation in the road carriageway or shoulder areas
shall besides be marked at night with white painted drums (or similar) and red or amber lighted
lamps, to the satisfaction of the engineer;
Explosives and chemicals should be stored under proper security at a safe distance from the
road and any inhabited premises;
Give warning each time of his intention to blast and should station personnel on the roads and
elsewhere with flags, horns, and whistles and prevent persons, animals, and traffic entering
danger zone;
Provide education to personnel of the contractor about safety procedures and emergency
response plans associated with their task;
The Contractor shall provide accommodation and amenities as it may be necessary for all his
staff and labor including all fencing, water supply (both for drinking and other purposes),
electricity supply, sanitation, cookhouses, fire prevention and fire-fighting equipment, air
conditioning, cookers, refrigerator, furniture, and other requirements.
The Contractor shall make any necessary arrangements for the transport, to any place as
required for burial, of any of his expatriate employees or members of their families who may die
in Ethiopia;
The Contractor shall arrange for the provision of a sufficient supply of suitable food at a
reasonable price for all his staff, labor, and subcontractors for or in connection with the contract;
Alcoholic liquor or drugs are strictly forbidden to use in whatever means; and
The Contractor shall pay compensation according to the laws of the country for loss or damage
suffered in consequence of an accident or injury or disease resulting from his work for any
workman or other person in the employment of the contractor or any subcontractor.
1.14 Disruption of Crossing Structures, Access Roads, and Other Services
The Contractor shall provide appropriate crossing structures or access roads to individual
houses on upslope and social facilities and livestock crossing locations;
The Contractor shall not use places used for different purposes like market places, social
gatherings, etc. for storage of construction materials;
The Contractor shall not block natural or man-made drainage lines; and
The Contractor shall not operate noisy operations near schools, public health units, and
religious places.
1.15 Grassing of Cut Slopes and Bare grounds
Road construction works, which involve cutting and filling, will most likely induce slope
instability, bare ground, and soil erosion problems. Therefore, the Contractor shall implement
the following measures to minimize the impacts:
Implement bioengineering techniques such as planting suitable grass species such as Vetiver
Grass and/or Kikuyu Grass that are proved to be effective for such purposes together with
physical engineering measures immediately after completion of the works; and
Implement grassing or tree planting on erosion-prone slopes of high embankments and fill
areas, toes, and banks of the streams to avoid/restrict erosion, and water them until the grasses
and trees are survived independently.
1.16 Measures to be taken before Commissioning
The Construction Contractor shall clean up the project environment before officially handover
the project. The RE, Social and Environmental Supervisors of the SC and ESOHS of ERA shall
follow up the proper implementation of these activities and check that the work as built meets all
significant environmental requirements before the project is officially accepted and shall report
to the concerning parties.

All the salvages and waste materials from the construction process shall be cleaned,
demolished, or dumped inappropriate and authorized places;
1.17 Quarry and borrow areas shall be reinstated, drained, and planted trees;
Temporary campsites including compacted materials shall be removed and the sites reinstated
to productive state so that the land continues giving services which were discontinued due to
the project; and
Certain amounts of money shall be held until the completion of the cleaning activities and
approval by the Engineer (RE and Social and Environmental Supervisors).

Annex 2: Minutes of Consultation Meeting Made With Daro Lebu Woreda Officials
and Council Members at Mechara Town
????? The scanned minutes of meeting is with Yodit. Please insert here.

Annex 2: Minutes of Consultation Meeting Made with Awi Gudina woreda Officials
and Council Members at Remit Town
??????

Annex 3: Minutes of Consultation Meeting Made with Gololecha woreda Officials

and Council Members at Gololecha Town
??????

Annex 4: Minutes of Consultation Meeting Made with Dire Shekhusen town elders
and kebeles officials at Dire Shekhusen town
??????

Annex 5: Minutes of Consultation Meeting Made with Seru Woreda Officials &
Elders at Seru town
????

Annex 6: Comment Reply Matrix
Item No. Section Page ERA’s comments Consultant’s Reply

No.
1 1.4 project 10 The attached project location map on Project road location map is
description figure 1-3 has not depicted all the revised and attached.
and necessary information including major
location towns, water bodies and etc… of the
project. Please attach a clear and visible
map of the project location map with
legends indicating major features traversed
by the proposed road project.
2 Section 37 The water resources of the project area is We couldn’t found any available
4.1.6 not stated in detail. Please, be advised to ground water studies along the
include the ground water potential of the project road. The only water
area, drainage basin and etc...of the area. resources being used is surface
water and ponds constructed to
harvest rain water. See section
4.1.6 of the final ESIA Report.
3 Section 2.2 38 The land use and land cover situation of Comment well taken. Summary
Land use the project area is not presented in detail. of land use and land cover
Hence, please be advised to provide the situation is summarized in table
coverage in hectare of cultivated land, 4-5 on page 39 of the final ESIA.
vegetation types and, etc…
4 Section The material source usage activities can List of material sources are
8.2.3 impose significant environmental and included as per the given
social negative impacts. Thus it is valuable comment. See Table 8-1, under
to list area/location of all locally available section 8.2.3 on page 87 of the
material sites that were identified during final ESIA report.
site visit. It is also advisable to highlight the
amount of land needed for borrow, quarry
area and other ancillary works with land
use land cover of the proposed site.
5 General  Please be reminded to include one A page showing the personnel
page next to the cover page with lists involved in preparation of ESIA
of experts/professionals who were is included.
participated in the study and
preparation of the ESIA report
including their discipline and signature.

 As indicated in the TOR part 2: section Competency certificate of the
C9, “the EIA shall be done by sub- experts involved in the
consultants who has license for preparation of ESIA are
environmental works or the consultant attached at annex 7.
can do it by itself if it has the required
license. In addition, the consultant has
to get clearance from Ethiopian
Environmental Protection Authority
(EPA) for the prepared report”.
Therefore, please be advised to attach
environmental license Certificate given
from Environmental Protection
Authority (EPA).
 Response matrix has to be prepared Response matrix is attached at
and incorporated with the final ESIA annex 6 of the final ESIA report
report.
Annex 7: Competency Certificate
?????

Final ESIA of Shekhusen Mechara Road Project July 2022

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Final ESIA of Shekhusen Mechara Road Project July 2022

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FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA

ETHIOPIAN ROADS ADMINSTRATION

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) i

3.2 Policies and Strategies....................................................................................................5

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) ii

3.4.3 Federal EPA......................................................................................................................22

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) iii

4.3.3 Sex Composition.............................................................................................................57

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) iv

5.5 Discussions and Stakeholders’ Engagements............................................................63

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) v

8.1 Positive Environmental and Social Impacts.................................................................80

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) vi

8.2.22 Covid-19 Prevention and Management....................................................................109

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) vii

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) viii

Table 2- 1: Project Description.....................................................................................................6

Table 5- 1: Consultation meeting attendants at Woreda level..............................................59

Table 6- 5: Comparisons of Alternative Routes Proposed for the project...........................67

Table 8- 1: Previously Used Borrow Sources 86

Figure 4- 1: Regional geological set up of the project area...................................................35

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) iii

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATION

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) 1

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) 2

The main objectives of this ESIA report are to provide:

E2. Environmental Policy and Legal Framework

E3. The methodology

E4. Description of the Baseline Condition

E6. Potential Environmental and Social Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Environmental Management and Monitoring Costs

E8. Conclusions and Recommendations

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) 5

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) 6

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) 7

1.2 Scope of the Report

 Assessment of existing biophysical and socio-economic environment of the project road,

1.3 Objectives of ESIA Report

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) 8

1.4 Project Description and Location

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) 9

Figure 1- 3: Location of the Project

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) 10

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) 11

2. Approach and Methodology

2.1 Review of Policies, Regulations and Previous Studies

2.2 Environmental Scoping

2.3 Field Survey and Data Collection

2.4 Stakeholders Consultation

 The feeling of the participants about the launch of the project;

2.5 Data Analysis and Report Preparation

 Avoid, reduce and abate impacts at the source;

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) 2

2.6 Team Composition for the ESIA Works

2.7 Assumptions and Knowledge Gaps

United Consulting Engineers (UNICONE) 3

3. POLICY, STRATEGIES, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

3.1 Constitution of Ethiopia