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Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP)

 GOPA-International
Energy Consultants GmbH
Hindenburgring 18
61348 Bad Homburg
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T: +49-6172-1791-870 Electricity Network Reinforcement and

Fax: +49-6172-944 95 20
klaus.langschied@gopa-intec.de
Expansion Project (ENREP)
www.gopa-intec.de Update the Environmental and Social
Impact Assessment (ESIA) for LOT-I:
Metu-Mesha 230 KV Single Circuit
Transmission Line

IRIS Consult PLC, Ethiopia

Yeka Sub-city
Tesfa Building, near the British
Embassy
Office #401
P.O. Box 80790
Revised Environmental and Social
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia Impact Assessment (ESIA)
T: +251 91 140 7724
Iris_consult@yahoo.com
snemomissa@gmail.com

June 2022
 Table of Contents
0. Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................11
0.1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 11
0.2. The project............................................................................................................................ 11
0.3. The purpose of ESIA study ................................................................................................. 12
0.4. Impact Assessment Methodology ...................................................................................... 12
0.5. Public and Stakeholder consultations................................................................................ 12
0.6. Baseline Bio-physical and socio-economic conditions .................................................... 13
0.6.1. Biological ..............................................................................................................................13
0.6.2. Physical conditions...............................................................................................................14
0.6.3. Socio-economic conditions ..................................................................................................15
0.7. Impact assessment and mitigation ..................................................................................... 16
0.8. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................ 18
1. Introduction .........................................................................................................................................19
1.1. The ESIA Process ................................................................................................................. 20
1.2. Purpose of the ESIA Report ............................................................................................... 22
1.3. Structure of the ESIA Report ............................................................................................. 22
2. Methodological approach for the ESIA study ......................................................................................25
2.1. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Process .................................................. 25
2.1.1. Approaches to determine Environmental and Social impacts and their significance .........25
2.2. Cumulative Impact Assessment ......................................................................................... 27
2.3. Stakeholders Engagement ................................................................................................... 28
2.3.1. Objectives of Stakeholders Engagement .............................................................................28
2.3.2. Approaches to Stakeholders Engagement ..........................................................................29
3. Assumptions/Gaps in knowledge ........................................................................................................30
4. Administrative structure, Policy and Legal Framework.......................................................................30
4.1. Institutional Framework ...................................................................................................... 30
4.2. Administrative Structure..................................................................................................... 30
4.2.1. Federal Level ......................................................................................................................... 30
4.2.2. Regional Level ....................................................................................................................... 30
4.3. Policy and Legal Framework............................................................................................... 30
4.3.1. National Policies ..................................................................................................................30
4.3.2. Legislative Framework .........................................................................................................37

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 4.3.3. National Strategies and Plans ..............................................................................................42
4.3.4. National Directive and Guidelines .......................................................................................43
4.3.5. International Conventions, Protocols and Agreements ......................................................44
4.3.6. International environmental and Social Safeguard guidelines ...........................................45
4.3.7. Gap analysis of Ethiopian and WB operational policies ......................................................48
5. Project Description ..............................................................................................................................51
5.1. Project justification .............................................................................................................. 51
5.2. Project design guidelines ..................................................................................................... 53
5.3. Project Area of Influence (AOI) ........................................................................................ 57
5.4. Major project components ................................................................................................. 59
5.4.1. Transmission lines ................................................................................................................59
5.4.2. Temporary infrastructure ....................................................................................................59
5.5. Project Phase Activities ....................................................................................................... 60
5.5.1. Pre-construction phase........................................................................................................60
5.5.2. Construction Phase Activities ..............................................................................................60
5.5.3. Access road construction .....................................................................................................61
5.5.4. Excavation for tower foundation .........................................................................................61
5.6. Operation phase................................................................................................................... 61
6. Baseline Biological, Physical and Social conditions .............................................................................62
6.1. Biological baseline environment......................................................................................... 62
6.1.1. Flora and vegetation ............................................................................................................62
6.1.2. Forests..................................................................................................................................64
6.1.3. Key biodiversity areas ..........................................................................................................67
6.1.4. Migratory birds’ Flyways in Ethiopia and the project area .................................................76
6.2. Physical baseline environment ............................................................................................ 89
6.3. Socio-economic baseline environment ........................................................................... 100
6.3.1. Location and administrative organization .........................................................................100
6.3.2. Demographic Profile ..........................................................................................................100
6.3.3. Ethnic groups of the project area ......................................................................................101
6.3.4. Livelihood strategies and economic activities ...................................................................102
6.3.5. Social services ....................................................................................................................106
6.3.6. Physical Infrastructures and Institutions ...........................................................................108
6.3.7. Gender Issues and Vulnerable Groups ..............................................................................111

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 6.3.8. Religious institutions, Historical, Cultural and Archeological Sites ...................................111
7. Public and Stakeholder consultations ...............................................................................................112
7.1. The Need for Stakeholder and Public Consultation in ESIA Process ........................ 112
7.2. Stakeholder consultations ................................................................................................. 112
7.2.1. Illubabor Zone Stakeholders Consultation ........................................................................114
7.2.2. Sheka Zone Stakeholders Consultation .............................................................................118
7.3. Public consultations ........................................................................................................... 120
7.3.1. Illuababor Zone ..................................................................................................................120
7.3.2. Sheka Zone .........................................................................................................................122
8. Analysis of Project Alternatives .........................................................................................................129
8.1. General ................................................................................................................................ 129
8.2. The No-project or zero alternative ................................................................................ 129
8.3. Alternative 1 ....................................................................................................................... 130
8.4. Alternative 2 ....................................................................................................................... 130
8.5. Alternative 3 ....................................................................................................................... 131
9. Assessment of Impacts and mitigation measures .............................................................................133
9.1. Positive impacts .................................................................................................................. 133
9.2. Adverse environmental and social impacts .................................................................... 133
9.2.1. Pre-construction Phase ......................................................................................................133
9.2.2. Construction Phase ............................................................................................................146
9.2.3. Operation Phase ................................................................................................................153
10. Assessment of cumulative impacts ...................................................................................................157
10.1. Road Construction project .............................................................................................. 157
10.2. Agricultural expansion ....................................................................................................... 157
10.3. Large-scale investment ...................................................................................................... 158
10.4. Cumulative effects and their significance ........................................................................ 159
11. Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) .......................................................................162
11.1. Institutional arrangement .................................................................................................. 162
11.2. ESMP for Construction ..................................................................................................... 162
11.2.1. Solid waste management Plan ..........................................................................................163
11.2.2. Soil Erosion Management Plan ..........................................................................................164
11.2.3. Forest Management Plan ..................................................................................................166
11.2.4. Biodiversity Management Plan ..........................................................................................167

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 11.2.5. Air Quality Management Plan ...........................................................................................169
11.2.6. Traffic Safety Management Plan .......................................................................................171
11.2.7. Community and Occupational Health & Safety Management Plan ..................................173
11.2.8. Workers/Labour Management Plan ..................................................................................174
11.2.9. Emergency Response Plan .................................................................................................176
11.2.10. Land and livelihoods ..........................................................................................................177
11.2.11. Drug and Alcohol Policy .....................................................................................................178
11.2.12. Community Relationships ..................................................................................................178
11.3. ESMP for Operation .......................................................................................................... 178
11.4. Estimate of cost of mitigation........................................................................................... 179
11.5. ESMP summary ................................................................................................................... 181
12. Grievance Redress Mechanism..........................................................................................................186
13. Environmental and Social Monitoring, Auditing and Reporting Plan................................................186
13.1. Environmental and Social Monitoring and Reporting ................................................... 186
13.2. Environmental and Social Auditing and Reporting ........................................................ 188
14. ESIA disclosure plan ...........................................................................................................................188
15. Conclusion and Recommendation .....................................................................................................189
15.1. Main findings........................................................................................................................ 189
15.2. Conclusion and recommendation ................................................................................... 191
16. References .........................................................................................................................................192
17. Annexures ..........................................................................................................................................195
17.1. Annex I: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Team .................................... 195
17.2. Annex II: Minutes of Consultations ................................................................................. 195
17.3. Annex III: List of plant species of the project area ....................................................... 228
17.4. Annex IV: Factor driving Cumulative impact Assessment: Forest Cover change
between 1984 – 2020: ....................................................................................................................... 233
17.5. Annex V: Details of alternative routes of the Metu – Masha 230 kV OHTL .......... 237
17.6. Annex VI: Details of Critical Habitats Assessment ....................................................... 247
17.7. Annex VII. Checklist for collection of secondary data ................................................. 269

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List of Figures
Figure 1-1. EIA Process in Ethiopia ..............................................................................................................21
Figure 2-1: Process of cumulative effects assessment (IFC, 2013) ..............................................................27
Figure 2-2. Significant impacts or risk matrix (Hardner et al., 2015). L = low; H = high; C = critical ...........28
Figure 5-1. The proposed route for Metu – Masha 230 kV overhead transmission line ............................51
Figure 5-2. Metu – Masha 20 kV OHTL features and restrictions ...............................................................56
Figure 5-3. Direct Impact Zone of the project. Key: thick red line is the selected alternative route for
Metu – Masha OHTL. Access roads to the Tower locations are also part of the direct AOI. ......................58
Figure 5-4. Indirect AOI. The orange polygon includes areas affected by cumulative impacts such as road
construction, agricultural expansion and large-scale investment. .............................................................59
Figure 6-1. Population trend of species with an IUCN conservation status of Least Concern (LC).............62
Figure 6-2. Geographic extent of Coffea arabica .........................................................................................63
Figure 6-3. Profile of selected tree species of the project area (source: Senbeta, 2016) ...........................64
Figure 6-4. Vegetation types of Ethiopia (source: Friis et al., 2010) ...........................................................65
Figure 6-5. Humid primary forest loss in Oromia (data sources:
https://www.globalforestwatch.org/map/country/ETH/). .........................................................................66
Figure 6-6. Sheka Humid primary forest loss from 2002 – 2020. Oromia (data sources:
https://www.globalforestwatch.org/map/country/ETH/). .........................................................................67
Figure 6-7. Management Zone of Yayu Coffee Biosphere Reserve. (Source: Motion Consultancy &
Training, 2018). ............................................................................................................................................68
Figure 6-8. Clarke’s Banana Frog (Source: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/31041229)............69
Figure 6-9. Yalden’s rat and its geographic distribution. (source:……species photo: Lavrenchenko and
Bekele, 2017; map – Integrated Biodiversity Tools) ....................................................................................71
Figure 6-10. Geographic extent of Scott’s Mouse-eared Bat .....................................................................72
Figure 6-11. Partial view of the geographic extent of Scott’s mouse-eared Bat ........................................73
Figure 6-12. National Forest Priority Areas of the project area. .................................................................74
Figure 6-13. Current spatial distribution of the extent of the NFPAs of the project area. .........................74
Figure 6-14. Area of extent of Rouget’s rail. (source: Birdlife International, 2016). ...................................75
Figure 6-15. Critical bird sites of Ethiopia. Colors denote level of protection of the habitats. Red = little
protection of habitats or none; Green = whole habitats protected. ..........................................................76
Figure 6-16. Critical Bird sites in the Ethiopia. Red line shows the proposed Transmission line. ...............77
Figure 6-17. IUCN conservation status and foraging niches of bird species of the project area. ...............84
Figure 6-18. Forest dependency classes of bird species of the project area ..............................................85
Figure 6-19. Slope map of the project area .................................................................................................90
Figure 6-20. Average weather condition of Masha (data sources:
https://www.worldweatheronline.com/masha-weather-averages/et.aspx) .............................................91
Figure 6-21. Average weather condition of Metu (data sources:
https://www.worldweatheronline.com/masha-weather-averages/et.aspx) .............................................92
Figure 6-22. Elevation map of the project area ...........................................................................................93
Figure 6-23. Geological map of the project area .........................................................................................94
Figure 6-24. Soil map of the project area ....................................................................................................95

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Figure 6-25. Soil erodibility in Ethiopia. (source: Berhanu et al., 2013: GIS-based hydrological zones and
soil geo-database of Ethiopia; Catena 104: 21-31_ .....................................................................................96
Figure 6-26. Land use/land cover change in 1990 and 2020. ......................................................................97
Figure 6-27. Land use/land cover conditions of the project area in 1990. .................................................98
Figure 6-28. Land use/land cover conditions of the project area in 2020. .................................................99
Figure 7-1. Consultation with Illubabor Zone Stakeholders ......................................................................114
Figure 7-2. Consultation with Metu Town Administration Stakeholders..................................................115
Figure 7-3. Consultation with Metu Woreda Administration Stakeholders..............................................116
Figure 7-4. Consultation with Alle Woreda Administration Stakeholders ................................................117
Figure 7-5. Consultation with Didu Woreda Administration Stakeholders ...............................................118
Figure 7-6. Consultation with Sheka Zone Administration Stakeholders ..................................................119
Figure 7-7. Consultation with Masha Town Administration Stakeholders ...............................................119
Figure 7-8. Consultation with Masha Woreda Administration Stakeholders ...........................................120
Figure 7-9. Consultation with Project Affected People (PAPs). A, consultation with project affected male
and female; B, consultation with project affected females ......................................................................121
Figure 7-10. Consultation with Project Affected People (PAPs) ................................................................122
Figure 7-11. Consultation with Project Affected People (PAPs) ................................................................123
Figure 8-1. Project Alternatives .................................................................................................................132
Figure 10-1. Agricultural expansion and change in forest cover of the project area from 1984 – 2020 ..158
Figure 10-2. Change in forest cover from 1984 – 2020 due to large scale investment. ...........................159

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List of Tables
Table 2-1. Type of impacts ...........................................................................................................................25
Table 2-2. Characteristics of Impacts...........................................................................................................25
Table 2-3. Likelihoods of impacts ................................................................................................................26
Table 2-4. Significance of impacts ...............................................................................................................27
Table 4-1. International conventions relevant to this project ....................................................................44
Table 4-2. The World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguard Operational Policies ..............................47
Table 4-3. Gap analysis of Ethiopian and WB ESHS policies ........................................................................48
Table 5-1. Key features and restrictions of the Metu – Masha 230 kV overhead transmission line (OHTL).
.....................................................................................................................................................................53
Table 6-1. Migration status of bird species of the project area. .................................................................77
Table 6-2. Bird species of the project area. Keys: LC = Least concern; NT = Near threatened ...................81
Table 6-3. Qualitative thresholds for Critical Habitats (IFC Performance Standard 6, 2012) .....................86
Table 6-4..Summary of Critical Habitats Assessment ..................................................................................88
Table 6-5. Lists of administrative set-ups affected by the envisaged project ...........................................100
Table 6-6. Population profile of the project area ......................................................................................100
Table 6-7. Percentages of project area population by gender and place of residence, density, household
size and dependency ratio .........................................................................................................................101
Table 6-8. Major crops average productivity in quintals per hectare .......................................................103
Table 6-9. Farmers land holding size in Illubabor and Sheka zones ..........................................................103
Table 6-10. Illubabor and Sheka Zones Number of Livestock (Animals) in 2020 ......................................105
Table 6-11. Trends of honey production from beehives in the forest ......................................................105
Table 6-12. Education in Illubabor zone, 2021 ..........................................................................................106
Table 6-13. Health Institutions & Professional in Illubabor and Sheka Zones Project areas, 2021 ..........107
Table 6-14. Top 10 diseases in Illubabor and Sheka zones in 2020...........................................................108
Table 6-15. Water sources with their functionality and non-functionality in Illubabur Zone ..................108
Table 6-16. Energy source in Illubabur Zone .............................................................................................109
Table 7-1. Key issues raised by stakeholders and responses ....................................................................123
Table 8-1. Characteristics of Alternative 1. ...............................................................................................130
Table 8-2. Characteristics of Alternative 2. ...............................................................................................131
Table 9-1. Details of assessment of impacts of project activities on receptors. .......................................133
Table 9-2. Environmental and social Impacts of the project during the pre-construction phase. Key: x
denotes impacts on concerned bio-physical and social conditions will be triggered by the project activity.
X denotes that the project activities adversely affect a receptor, i.e., all receptors with “x” are impacted
on by the project........................................................................................................................................134
Table 9-3. Types and number of tree species removed from the RoW in different Kebeles of Ilu Aba Bor
Zone of the Metu – Masha 230 kV power transmission line. ...................................................................138
Table 9-4. Types and number of tree species removed from the RoW in different Kebeles of Masha
Woreda, Sheka Zone of the Metu – Masha 230 kV power transmission line. ..........................................138
Table 9-5. Environmental and social Impacts of the project during the construction phase. Key: x denotes
impacts on concerned bio-physical and social conditions that will be triggered by the project activity. 146
Table 9-6. Pre-mitigation impacts .............................................................................................................154
Table 9-7. Pre-mitigation impacts .............................................................................................................155
Table 9-8. Pre-mitigation impacts .............................................................................................................156

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Table 10-1. A quantitative estimate of the length of agricultural expansion from one forest edge to the
other from 1984 – 2020. ............................................................................................................................157
Table 10-2. Significance of cumulative effects on the selected VECs .......................................................159
Table 11-1. Summary of the Environmental and social mitigation measures ..........................................179
Table 13-1. Proposed monitoring methods for the Contractor ................................................................187

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Acronyms and Abbreviations

AOI Area of Influence

CEA Cumulative Effects Assessment
CEFCC Commission for Environment, Forest and Climate Change
CIA Cumulative Impact Assessment
CIS Corrugated Iron Sheet
CR Critically Endangered
CRGE Climate Resilient Green Economy
CSE Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia
E&S Environmental and Social
ECCD Environment and Climate Change Directorate
EHS Environment, Health & Safety
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EMF Electromagnetic Field
EMU Environmental Management Unit
EN Endangered
ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan
FDRE Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
ha hectare
IBA Important Bird Area
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature
KBAs Key Biodiversity Areas
kt Kilo tonne
kV Kilo volt
LC Least Concern
LRP Livelihood Restoration Plan
MoW Ministry of Water
Mt Metric tonne
NFPAs National Forest Priority Areas
NRS National Regional State
NT Neat Threatened
NTFP Non-Timber Forest Products
OHS Occupational Health & Safety
OHTL Over Head Transmission Line
PAPs Project Affected Persons
PCBs Polychlorinated Biphenyls
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
RAP Resettlement Action Plan
RoW Right-of-Way
VEC Valued Environmental Components
VU Vulnerable

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0. Executive Summary
0.1. Introduction

Ethiopia is striving to ensure access to power by its growing population. To this effect, the country
has diversified the sources of power, i.e., wind, solar and geothermal. Some wind power has
entered the national grid but there are initiations for feasibility studies for solar power in the
different dryland areas of Ethiopia, e.g., Afar and Somali. Masha town is endowed with natural
resources and has huge economic resources to contribute to the national economy and improve
the quality of life of its own and surrounding communities. The lack of power has been a
bottleneck for local economic development and national economy through attracting
investments. Masha town is located 70 km from Metu substation. The Metu – Masha 230 kV single
circuit transmission line project is anticipated to boost economic development in Masha and its
surroundings and improve quality of life. Furthermore, the construction of a new sub-station at
Masha could be a pivotal hub for subsequent distribution of power to other Woreda towns in
Sheka Zone of the South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Regional State and Ilubabor Zone.
The Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project is a schedule 1 project according
to the Ethiopia classification of development projects. Such projects require a full ESIA study.

0.2. The project

The project is being developed by the Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), as part of the
Ethiopian Electric Power Transmission Line Project (EPTLP) and is being sponsored by the World
Bank which provides technical and financial support.
The Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project comprises the following:

• Construction and operation of a new substation at Masha town, which will take about
9 ha of land (300 X 300 meters);

• Construction and operation of a 230 kV single circuit transmission line from Metu
(existing substation) town to Masha town at the newly constructed substation site (total
length of the line: 65.1km). The transmission line will comprise approx. 180 towers.

• Construction of access roads during tower construction (estimated total length of

3.3km)

• Construction and operation of associated facilities, such as storage yards or

construction camps
The project will be implemented within SNNPR and Oromia NRS, about 625 km distance from
Addis Ababa, along the Addis Ababa–Gore-Metu asphalt road and Metu-Masha gravel road.
An ESIA was carried out for the project in 2016.

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 0.3. The purpose of ESIA study

The main purpose of this ESIA study is to update the 2016 Environmental and Social Impact
Assessment study and address the gaps of the 2016 report. As part of the effort to update the
2016 report and address the gaps, a transmission line rerouting was studied to avoid a highly-
forested area. Detailed information on the baseline the bio-physical and social environments were
collected. Furthermore, impacts were identified and assessed to propose mitigation measures
and prepare Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP).

0.4. Impact Assessment Methodology

This section has provided definitions for positive and negative (adverse) impacts. Key impact
parameters have included the following. These are:

• Types of impacts. the types of impacts were classified as direct, indirect, induced and
cumulative.
• Characteristics of impact. These include type, extent, duration, scale and frequency of
impacts.
• Likelihoods of impacts. The likelihoods were rated as unlikely, possible (probable), and
likely.
• Sensitivity/vulnerability/importance of receptors. Low, medium and large were used to rate
this parameter of impacts.
• Magnitude of impacts (significance of impacts). Four rates were used. These are negligible,
minor, moderate, and major.
Cumulative impact assessment was done in a step-based approach on a selected Valued
Environmental Component (VEC). Biodiversity was selected as a key VEC to undertake
cumulative impact assessment (CIA).

0.5. Public and Stakeholder consultations

Public and stakeholder consultations were carried out from 0ctober 06, 2021 to October 11,
2021. The discussion was made in such a way that participants expressed their views
independently and freely. Impacted assets were inventoried to understand the impacts of the
project on physical structures (houses) and crop trees and coffee shade trees. The following table
summarizes key points raised:
Details of Key issues raised Responses provided
consultations
Illubabor • The project affects houses, cash crops • The project impacts are both
Zone (7 and coffee shade trees which have temporary and permanent. There
meetings) direct impact on household incomes. are houses and trees that could be
• Compensation should be paid on time permanently lost.
Held from and before the start of the project. • Any compensation will be paid
October 06 to • PAPs with small parcels of land should based on the currently functional
October 10, be assisted to build their houses laws and regulation of Ethiopia.
2021

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 12

 Details of Key issues raised Responses provided
consultations
• Previous projects do not normally • The Client will pay compensation
Attended by 61 consult their office to explain about before the start of the project.
participants (16 the project. They appreciated the • The Consultant has explained
female) importance of consultations compensation processes, i.e., asset
• There are two type of land inventory, asset valuation, etc.
ownership, i.e., (1) a green card and • Town administration can help the
(2) a plan with GPS readings. Both are PAPs owning small parcels by
legal and PAPs with these land providing plots of land to construct
ownerships status should be new houses.
compensated • This ESIA study will evaluate
• They have bad experiences from alternative routes to minimize
previous projects where negative impacts of the project
compensation was not paid in an • This ESIA study mainly focuses on
appropriate manner (their assets the identification of impact of the
were undervalued). project and propose mitigation
• The project should avoid as much measures. Practical activities such
forest areas and houses as possible. as issues connected to power
This should be considered during its distribution will not be addressed
route selection. in this ESIA study.
• PAPs asked better electricity
connection as currently they receive
power once a week
Sheka Zone • PAPs stated that power is very • The Client should pay
(3 meetings) important for them to trigger local compensation before the start of
business enterprises and improve the project. The due process of
Held on living quality of the communities. payments of compensation has
October 11 • Use of firewood for cooking has been explained.
negative effect on forests • The line is expected to increase
Attended by 22 • Compensation should be paid before power availability in the region.
participants (5 the start of the project. The ESIA study should be
female) • There is a severe power shortage. As completed snd approved to enable
a resul, youth of the town have no the project to start.
job opportunities • The Client should pay
compensation based on law and
regulation of Ethiopia.

0.6. Baseline Bio-physical and socio-economic conditions

0.6.1. Biological

A total of 115 plant species were recorded from the project area. Not all of these species were
assessed by IUCN conservation criteria, but others have been assessed. Currently, 38 of these
have been assigned IUCN conservation classes. The majority of the 38 species are of least
conservation concern but they exhibit different population trends. Whereas about 71% of them
have a stable population status, 10% of these species have a decreasing population trend. One
species in the project area, Prunus africana, has been assessed as Vulnerable. Although commercial
exploitation of this species is common in other parts of the world, such economic uses of this
species has not been the case in Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 13

The forest of the project area is Moist Afro-montane Forest. This forest occurs in a fragmented
manner on both sides of the Ethiopian Rift Valley. Its characteristic species are Pouteria adolfi-
friderici, Cordia Africana, Syzygium guineese, Schfflera abyssinica, Olea welwitchi, Millettia ferruginea and
etc. Coffee grows as a shrub layer in this forest, so are spices such as Piper capense and Afromomum
corrorima as herbaceous layer. Two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are in the project area. These
are Yayu Forest Coffee and Sheka Forest. A Critical Habitats Assessment of the project area has
shown that the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project does not trigger any
Critical Habitats.
The Fauna diversity has been investigated in this ESIA study. Although data on amphibians and
reptiles are scarce, available information were used for this ESIA study. There are endemic
amphibians, reptiles and Bat in the forest surrounding the project area. But these endemic faunae
were not common in the project Area of Influence (AOI). There are populations of blue monkey,
leopard (we have not seen it but members of the local communities alluded that it occurs there),
hyena, genets, bushdieker, hare, civet, mongoose and baboon were recorded from the project
area. Assessments of the diversity of avifauna of the project area was conducted. Although there
are endemic bird species, they are widely distributed in Ethiopia and elsewhere. Some bird species
of the project area exhibits a decreasing population trend. Examples are Silvery-Cheeked hornbill,
crowned hornbill and African olive-pigeon. Others show increasing population trend, e.g., Red-
eyed dove, Cape Crow and common Bulbul. Most of the bird species of the project area has a
stable population. Furthermore, the project AOI is not their critical habitat for their long-term
persistence. Assessment of the foraging niches of the bird species of the project area shows that
about 9% of them forage in canopy of high trees while the remaining species foraging niches are
ground (34%), mid-high and etc. The ESIA study also revealed that there is no bird migration
route in the project area.
The Key Biodiversity Areas of the project area are categorized as Biosphere Reserves and
National Forest Priority Areas (NFPAs). The Biosphere Reserves have three management zones:
core, buffer and transition. Most parts of the NFPAs of the project area are highly modified
(agricultural and settlement expansions). There are no Important Bird Areas along the Right-of-
Way (RoW) of the project. The Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project
crosses the highly converted parts of the NFPAs and transition zone of the Biosphere Reserves.
An assessment of tree cover of Ethiopia from 2002 – 2020 has shown that the country has lost
41.6 kha (3.5%) of the tree cover in this period. With the loss of this tree cover, there is a high
CO2e emission into the atmosphere. The loss of tree cover in Oromia and SNNPR (e.g., Sheka)
is also noticeable. For example, Sheka has lost 3.4% of its tree cover from 2000 – 2020, which
amounts to over 5 Mt of CO2e emission.

0.6.2. Physical conditions

The slope of the project area varies from almost flat to 25%. The OHTL crosses different
topography of the project area. With regard to weather condition, the project area receives rain
for 8-9 months. The temperature of the project area also varies across the months. Similarly, the

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 14

elevation of the project area ranges from 2000 – 2655 m asl. Its highest peak is around Gore
town.
There are four geological formations in the project area. But the Metu – Masha 230 kV OHTL
crosses only two of these formations. These are the Archaen and Oligocene – Miocene. The soil
of the project is different across the entire length of the project. But the Metu – Masha 230 kV
OHTL crosses only two soil types, i.e., nitisols and gleysols. The erodibility (susceptibility the soil
to erosion and the rate of runoff) of these soils was found to be in the range of 0.001 – 0.135
(low).
With regard to the land use/land cover of the project area, the area of forest cover has drastically
diminished (reduced by over 38%) giving ways to expansion of farmland (increased by 39%),
settlement and plantation of crop trees, e.g., Eucalyptus. Furthermore, grassland has also
decreased in area in 2020 compared to its area cover in 1990.

0.6.3. Socio-economic conditions

The Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project crosses two National Regional
States: Oromia and SNNPR. There are 4 Woredas and 8 Kebeles in Oromia and 1 Woreda and
5 Kebeles in SNNPR. Agricultural systems include cultivation of cereal crops, pulses, oil crops,
coffee agroforestry and Enset cultivation. The local communities harvest Non-timber Forest
Products (NTFP) from the forests. This NTFP include honey production. They use the big trees
of the Forest such as Pouteria adolfi-friderici, Cordia africana, Albizia gummifera, etc. for placing their
beehives. Other NTFP includes the collection of spices from the forest.
Power supply to the Zones of the project area is limited. There are Woreda towns in both
Illubabor and Sheka Zones which do not have access to electricity. As a result, most of the
population uses alternative energy sources such as firewood, which is the major source of energy.
Other people also use charcoal, dung, crop residues and kerosene. The use of firewood by the
large portion of the population of the study area is one of the major causes of deforestation. The
lack of electricity affects local economic activities, quality of life and the delivery of education to
the pupils. Furthermore, the pupils are not able to study as much as required due to the lack of
electricity. The soothes from the firewood and dung, for example, pose chronic health risks.
Therefore, power is a necessity for these communities.
The Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project impacts land and livelihoods
through triggering physical displacement of houses and high crop trees such as Eucalyptus. High
shade trees will also be removed from within 40 m corridor of the RoW. The restrictions of this
project are that no houses will be constructed within the RoW, so are high crop trees and coffee
shade trees. The physical relocation of structures and restrictions of the project negatively affect
certain people. The severity of the impacts of this project in this regard is different for Project
Affected Persons (PAPs) in the rural and urban Kebeles. In urban Kebeles, the PAPs have 200
square meters of land where they have constructed their houses and cultivated some garden
crops and crop trees. In cases where the RoW passes certain section of the plot of land, the
PAPs should relocate the houses elsewhere. This situation is very common in Kolo Korma of

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 15

Metu town. On the other hand, PAPs in rural Kebeles have sufficient land outside the RoW and
they can construct new houses. The ESIA study has revealed that a total of 133 houses (Tukuls
and CIS) will be physically displaced due to this project. Large number of crop trees will also be
removed from the RoW. But people can grow Enset and other crops inside the 40 m corridor
of the Row.
During a series of public and stakeholders’ consultation the local communities have raised issues
related to compensation. They also voiced that a proper Grievance Redress Mechanism should
be developed and operational until the point where relocated PAPs have restored their
livelihoods. Proper monitoring and strict follow-up are required to support these households. In
all cases, the public has strongly stressed that compensation payments should be paid before
starting any construction activities. If the Client fails to pay compensations before the
commencement of the construction phase of the project, there will be lots of complaints from
the PAPs. This will potentially create unnecessary conflicts. However, all consultations have
reiterated the importance of the project and have positively received the Metu – Masha 230 kV
single circuit transmission line project.

0.7. Impact assessment and mitigation

The Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project triggers negative impacts on the
bio-physical and socio-economic conditions in the project area. The ESIA has identified
environmental and socio-economic receptors. It has also developed mitigation measures to
address such impacts to acceptable levels. The ESIA presents an Environmental and Social
Management Plan (ESMP) which summarizes impacts and mitigation measures, and specified a
series of specific management plans that will need to be developed to ensure that negative impacts
will be maintained low and negligible while positive impacts will be further enhanced.
The outcome of impact assessment before and after mitigation is provided in the following table.
Environmental/social Project impacts Project Phase Predicted significance
receptors Before With mitigation
mitigation
Flora Cutting of Pre-Construction High Low1
indigenous trees
along the RoW

Forest/Vegetation Disturbance to the Construction phase High Low

vegetation of the
Direct Impact
Zone of the
project AOI
Disturbance to the
normal ecological
functions
Critical Habitats There are no All phases Not applicable Not applicable
Critical Habitats

1Applying all the requirements of the Biodiversity Management Plan could minimize the impact to low level. But
the impact on the mature trees inside the RoW is permanent.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 16

 Environmental/social Project impacts Project Phase Predicted significance
receptors Before With mitigation
mitigation
that are triggered
by the project
Fauna Disturbance to Pre- High Low
Blue monkey construction/construction
foraging routine
Disturbance to
foraging routine of
birds
Disturbance
Crematogaster ant
nests
Soil Soil erosion due Construction phase High Low
to excess soil and
access road
construction
Air quality Dust emission due Construction Medium Negligible
to the movement
of vehicles
Economy and Job opportunities, Construction Medium Positive
Employment local economic
activities,
increased
household
incomes
Physical displacement Relocation of Pre- High Low
of houses houses inside the construction/construction
40 m corridor of
the RoW
Land and livelihoods Permanent loss of Construction High Low
land to tower
foundation;
Removal of crop
trees such as
Eucalyptus;
Removal of coffee
shade trees which
triggers reduced
coffee production
and household
incomes
Community Health and Exposure to EMF; Construction Medium Low
safety STDs; competition
on local resources,
SEA/GBV
Workers’ health and Accidents and Construction Medium Low
safety injuries related to
project activities,
STDs
Solid waste Stockpiling used Construction High Low
water bottles;
other solid wastes

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 17

 0.8. Conclusion

The Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project is environmentally and socially
feasible to be implemented provided that all provisions of the ESMP are strictly implemented by
the Contractors and monitored by the responsible parties. The present ESIA Update introduces
a rerouting of the transmission line alignment compared to 2016 ESIA - in a highly-forested area,
which significantly reduces the loss of dense forest and the related biodiversity loss, while also
minimizing the loss of tea farm area.
Nevertheless, the project triggers asset loss of people living along the RoW, leading to physical
displacement, removal of crop trees and indigenous coffee shade trees, and impacts to their
livelihood. There is also land which is permanently lost due to tower foundations. In view of these
findings, a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP) are being
conducted for the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project to ensure that
project affected people maintain or even improve their level of livelihood because of the project.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 18

 1. Introduction
The present document comprises the ESIA Update for the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line project.
The project is being developed by the Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), as part of the
Ethiopian Electric Power Transmission Line Project (EPTLP) and is being sponsored by the World
Bank which provides technical and financial support following a request of the Government of
Ethiopia in 2012.
The Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project comprises the following:

• Construction and operation of a new substation at Masha town, which will take about
9 ha of land (300 X 300 meters);

• Construction and operation of a 230 kV single circuit transmission line from Metu
(existing substation) town to Masha town at the newly constructed substation site (total
length of the line: 65.1km)

• Construction of access roads during tower construction (estimated total length of

3.3km)

• Construction and operation of associated facilities, such as storage yards or

construction camps
The project will be implemented within SNNPR and Oromia NRS, about 625 km distance from
Addis Ababa, along the Addis Ababa–Gore-Metu asphalt road and Metu-Masha gravel road. An
Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) was developed for the project, which
provides guidance on how the environmental and social risks related to project construction and
operation should be managed.
An ESIA was carried out for the project in 2016. The 2016 ESIA covered 4 Lots of the EPTLP
project (the Metu-Masha transmission line was one of them). Following the ESIA 2016
preparation, concerns were raised with regard to the crossing of the dense forest which was
foreseen in the 2016 ESIA. A forest impact assessment carried out by EEP in 2019 revealed that
the proposed TL route led to clearing of 112.5 ha of dense forest area and to significant impacts
to forest habitat. The update of the 2016 ESIA was thus necessary in order to study in more
depth such impacts and identify ways to avoid or mitigate them.
This ESIA Update was prepared by IRIS Consult PLC (Ethiopia) under the supervision of intec-
GOPA (Germany):
Environmental intec IRIS Consult PLC, Ethiopia
Consultant GOPA - International Energy Consultants GmbH Yeka Sub-city
Hindenburgring 18, 61348 Bad Homburg v.d.H. Tesfa Building, near the British
GERMANY Embassy
Office #401
P.O. Box 80790

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 19

 Addis Ababa
ETHIOPIA
Contact Kostas Batos Prof. Sileshi Nemomissa
Telephone +49 151 42474542 +251 91 140 7724
email kostas.batos@gopa-intec.de Iris_consult@yahoo.com;
https://www.gopa-intec.de snemomissa@gmail.com

1.1. The ESIA Process

According to the existing Ethiopian law (EIA Proclamation 299/2000), development projects are
required to carry out an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment study to ensure
environmental and social sustainability. In an Ethiopian context, there are three project schedules.
These are:

• Schedule 1: This type of projects requires a full ESIA study.

• Schedule 2: as the environmental and social impacts of this type of projects are minimal,
a partial ESIA study is needed to implement them.

• Schedule 3: projects which fall under this category require no ESIA study.
The current ESIA study has been undertaken according to the EIA Proclamation (Proclamation
No. 299/2002). In an Ethiopian context, the outline of the EIA process is given in Figure 1-1. Since
the current ESIA study is an update to the 2016 study, additional data were collected to fill the
gaps. It is to be noted that the ESIA report for Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission
line project will be submitted to the competent authority for review and approval.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 20

Figure 1-1. EIA Process in Ethiopia

The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment phase of the EIA process is based on objective
scientific studies resulting in the identification of definable environmental and social impacts and
preparation of mitigation measures to either avoid or minimize these impacts. The EIA stage
forms the basis for the issuance of environmental clearance or approval by the competent
authority.

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 1.2. Purpose of the ESIA Report

The main objectives of this ESIA report are as follow.

• Understanding the nature of the project. Description of the project to understand its
activities that trigger environmental and social issues.
• Review of legal requirements. A review of all applicable policies and legal requirements
pertaining to the implementation of this project.
• Stakeholders engagement. Holding meetings with stakeholders to take the issues raised
during consultations into the ESIA report.
• Baseline environmental and social conditions. Detailed scientific investigations of the
existing conditions of the natural and socio-economic environment of the project area.
The findings of the baseline conditions provide important information for the identification
of impacts and preparation of mitigation measures through Environmental and Social
Management Plan.
• Identification of impacts. The activities of the project triggers impacts. These impacts
will be identified.
• Mitigation measures. Preparation of mitigation measures which will identify costs of
mitigation and implementing agencies or bodies.
• Environmental and Social Management Plan. To develop a number of ESMP to be
implemented by the project proponent and its contractor to ensure minimum impacts of
the activities of the project on natural and social environments of the project area.
• Environmental monitoring plan. To provide a guiding plan for monitoring the
performance of the ESMP on a regular basis.
• Cumulative impacts. To assess potential adverse impacts associated with the
implementation of other planned projects and development programs.
• Recommendation. To give recommendation regarding the implementation of the
proposed project.
• Acquisition of environmental clearance. This ESIA report will serve as the basis for the
issuance of environmental clearance and approval for the implementation of the proposed
project.

1.3. Structure of the ESIA Report

This Report has two parts. These are organized as follows.

PART I. The ESIA Report
Part II. Annexes
The detailed contents of each of these Parts are given below.

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Part I. ESIA Report

Contents of the ESIA Report

Chapters Contents

1. Introduction It introduces the EIA process in Ethiopia, defines the purpose of this ESIA
and provides information on the ESIA team.

2. Methodological approaches This section describes the methods used for the ESIA study.

The Stakeholder Engagement part describes the objectives of the

Stakeholders engagement, maps the stakeholders of the project and
provides records of issues raised during the consultations.

3. Assumption/Gap in Knowledge This section describes the assumptions/gaps that triggered the ESIA study

4. Administrative, Policy and Legal This provides information on the institutional arrangement for ESIA studies
Framework relevant to this project and a review of policies, laws and strategic
documents. Furthermore, international agreements were also mentioned.

5. Baseline Biological, Physical and It provides baseline natural and social conditions of the project area.
Social conditions
6. Public and Stakeholders Series of consultations with public and stakeholders and summary of points
Consultations discussed

7. Project description It describes the project

8. Project Alternatives This section evaluates different route alternatives for the Metu – Masha 230
kV single circuit transmission line project and recommends the best
environmentally feasible route.

9. Impact Assessment and Details of potential impacts, their scale and magnitude, direction and
Mitigation measures probability of occurrence were provided. Mitigation measures for impacts
at different phases of the project were provided.

10. Assessment of Cumulative Information on cumulative impacts due to other activities.

Impacts
11. Environmental and Social Environmental and Social Management Plan was prepared to enable the
Management Plan contractor and the client to either avoid or minimize the anticipated
potential impacts of the proposed Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line project. Institutional arrangements for the implementation
of the requirements of this plan were indicated. Furthermore, a summary
of the ESMP provides the total amount of environmental payments for the
implementation of the Management plans.

12. Environmental Monitoring, This section outlines key environmental monitoring and auditing issues and
Auditing and Reporting reporting schedule.
Program
13. Conclusion and Main findings of the ESIA study were summarized to draw conclusions. A
Recommendation recommendation with regard to the implementation of the proposed
project was made.

14. References Information of used reference materials was provided.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 23

 Part II. Annexes

Contents of the Annexures.

15. Annexures

15.1. Annex I: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Team

15.2. Annex II: Minutes of Consultations

15.3.Annex III: List of plant species of the project area

15.4. Annex VI: Factor driving cumulative impact assessment: Forest cover change
between 1984 - 2020

15.5. Annex V: Details of Alternative routes of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line project

15.6. Annex VI: Details of Critical Habitats Assessment

15.7. Annex VI: Checklist for the collection of secondary data

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 24

 2. Methodological approach for the ESIA study
2.1. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Process

2.1.1. Approaches to determine Environmental and Social impacts and their significance

The impacts of the proposed project have been assessed based on the following features. These
are types of impacts, characteristics of impacts, likelihoods of impacts, significance of impacts.
Each of these will be described below.
Types of impacts

The types if impacts can be categorized into two, i.e., nature and extent. Table 2-1 gives details of
these two categories of the types of impacts.
Table 2-1. Type of impacts

Name Description
Nature of impacts
Positive These impacts are those that improves the baseline environmental and social conditions
or introduce positive changes to it
Negative These impacts are those that introduce adverse impacts or undesirable changes to the
baseline environmental and social conditions
Types of impacts
Direct These impacts arise due to the activities of the proposed project and their interactions
to environmental and social receptors
Indirect These impacts are due to the interactions of the activities of the proposed project and
environmental and social receptors, which in turn trigger changes in the baseline
conditions due to these interactions. These are the indirect results of the direct impacts
on the baseline conditions.
Induced These impacts are not the result of the project, i.e., these are due to other activities but
occur due to the implementation project (e.g., expansion of large-scale investment due
to power availability)

Characteristics of impacts

The characteristics of the impacts are based on 5 features. These are given in Table 2-2.
Table 2-2. Characteristics of Impacts

Impact Description Names

characteristics
Type These impacts are viewed in terms of their Direct
relationships to the project activities, i.e., they are the Indirect
outcomes of cause – effect interactions Induced
Extent These impacts are viewed in terms of their area Local
coverage Regional
International
Duration This signifies the time over which the environmental Temporary
and social receptors are impacted Short-term
Long-term
Permanent

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 25

 Scale This denotes the size of the impacts These can be quantified based on
lost receptors due to the project
activities
Frequency This measures the periodicity of the impacts Frequent
Infrequent
(usually based on the detailed
understanding of the impacts and
responses of receptors)

Likelihoods of impacts

This section deals with the probability of the occurrence of the impacts. Table 2-3 gives details of
the likelihoods of impacts.
Table 2-3. Likelihoods of impacts

Name Descriptions
Unlikely The occurrence of the impacts is unlikely under normal operating conditions of the project
Possible There is a possibility for the impacts to occur at some point due to the activities of the
project or its normal operation
Likely The impacts occur during the normal operations of the project, i.e., it is inevitable

Sensitivity/vulnerability/importance of the receptors

The following universal designations are used. These are:
• Low
• Medium
• large
Magnitude of impacts (Significance of impacts)
The magnitude of impacts is rated for their significance by using rating, i.e., negligible, minor,
moderate, major. Descriptions of these significance rating are given as follows.
• Negligible. These types of impacts are not detectable, not significant and do not require
mitigation measures.
• Minor. These are detectable but the management plan proposed can reduce them to a
negligible level.
• Moderate. These are detectable and significant and mitigation measures are to be
developed.
• Major. These impacts are detectable and significant. Mitigation measures and
management plan should be considered. If left unaddressed, these impacts introduce
undesirable changes to the baseline environmental and social conditions.
A matrix was used as a guide to determine the significance of the impacts. Table 2-4 gives details
of the significance of impacts by using magnitude of impacts in combination with
sensitivity/vulnerability/importance of receptors.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 26

Table 2-4. Significance of impacts

Sensitivity/vulnerability/importance of receptors

Low Medium High

Magnitude of impacts Negligible

Small

Medium

Large

2.2. Cumulative Impact Assessment

This Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) has been done based on the IFC’s Good Practice
Handbook on Cumulative Impact Assessment and Management (2013). Cumulative Effects
Assessment is usually done in step-based approach and the recommended steps by IFC (2013) is
given below (Figure 2-1).

• Scoping of Values Environmental Components (VECs) and spatial and

Step 1 temporal boundaries

• Scoping of other activities and environmental drivers

Step 2

• Establish information on baseline status of VECs

Step 3

• Assess cumulative effects on VECs

Step 4

• Assess siginificance of significance of predicted cumulative effects

Step 5

• Management of cumulative effects

Step 6

Figure 2-1: Process of cumulative effects assessment (IFC, 2013)

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 27

Natural habitats and biodiversity are the selected key Valued Environmental Component (VEC)
for cumulative impact assessment. The spatial boundaries of the cumulative
Assessment of the significance of the predicted cumulative effects or risks follow Hardner et al.
(2015). The following risk matrix was used for the current evaluation of significance of the risks
or cumulative effects of Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project (Figure 2-2).

Figure 2-2. Significant impacts or risk matrix (Hardner et al., 2015). L = low; H = high; C = critical

2.3. Stakeholders Engagement

In Ethiopia, public consultation is an important and mandatory that project planners and
implementers are required to carrying out prior to implementation of development projects.
Regarding this, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Constitution, Article 92 sub-
Article 3 indicates that “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”.

2.3.1. Objectives of Stakeholders Engagement

The objectives of the Stakeholder engagement are:

• to discuss the project with all the concerned communities of the project area;
• to collect information on the expectations and concerns of the communities about the
project;

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 28

 • to incorporate public concerns into the mitigation measures for the adverse impacts of
the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project;
• to ensure the engagement of the stakeholders and particularly the Government
administrations and the public to support and assist the implementation of the Metu –
Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project.

2.3.2. Approaches to Stakeholders Engagement

▪ Stakeholder Consultation Meeting

The Consultant has introduced the project to participants of the meetings and has explained the
nature and objectives of the project.
The communities were encouraged to express their views about the project and the proposed
project activities, including (among others):
▪ The need for the project and the anticipated benefits;
▪ Positive and negative environmental and social impacts of the project;
▪ Mitigation measures to either avoid or minimize the negative impacts;
▪ Concerns on how project activities may affect their everyday life;
▪ Potential challenges that may be encountered by the project and recommendations
thereof.

▪ Secondary Data Collection

For collection of secondary data from all concerned sector offices, checklists were prepared for
each of the sector offices, distributed and collected. The data were collected from all concerned
sector offices. Recent socio-economic report of the Zones was collected and used in this ESIA
study.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 29

 3. Assumptions/Gaps in knowledge
The Impacts of the proposed Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project is linear
in nature, i.e., occurring along the Right-of-Way (RoW). It crosses some parts of Forest area,
cultivated fields and a small section of Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve and plant community types
of the vegetation of the area. It also potentially triggers physical displacement of houses, removal
of crop trees and indigenous coffee shade trees. However, the types, nature, severity and extent
of these perceived impacts are unknown. As a result, an Environmental and Social Impact
Assessment study is required to fill these gaps.

4. Administrative structure, Policy and Legal Framework

4.1. Institutional Framework

Ethiopia is divided into eleven National Regional States and two City Governments (Addis Ababa
and Dire Dawa). All these national institutions have a mandated office or Bureau which oversees
the implementation of the requirements of the existing laws with regard to environmental and
social safeguard.

4.2. Administrative Structure

4.2.1. Federal Level

• Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)

The EPA has been established under the Ministry of Planning and Development. The Ethiopian
Environmental Protection Authority has the main responsibility of regulating environmental and
social management during the implementation of development projects in Ethiopia. It has also
delegated certain line ministries to review and approve ESIA Reports.

4.2.2. Regional Level

The eleven NRS and 2 City Administrations have mandated office to oversee the ESIA studies of
development projects in their respective constituency. The Environmental protection offices of
Ilubabor Zone and its Woreda such as Metu, Ale, Gebre Dima have the mandate to supervise
the implementation of the requirement of the Environmental and Social Management Plan of the
project to ensure health environment and integrity of biodiversity. The Sheka Zone and Masha
woreda have the same mandate to ensure the integrity of the environment as a whole.

4.3. Policy and Legal Framework

4.3.1. National Policies

Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) – 1995

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 30

The Constitution was adopted by Ethiopia in 1995 and provides guiding principles for
environmental protection and management thereof in Ethiopia. The concept of sustainable
development and environmental rights are enshrined in Article 43, 44 and 92 of the Constitution
of FDRE.

Article 43: The Right to Development identifies peoples’ right to:

o Improved living standards and to sustainable development; and
o Participate in national development and, in particular, to be consulted with respect
to policies and projects affecting their community.
o The enhancement of their capacities for development and to meet their basic
needs, are recognized.
Article 44: Environmental Rights, all persons have the right to:
o A clean and healthy environment; and
o Commensurate monetary or alternative means of compensation, including
o relocation with adequate state assistance when they have been displaced
Article 92: Environmental objectives, it is identified that:
o Government shall endeavor to ensure that all Ethiopians live in a clean and
healthy environment;
o The design and implementation of programs shall not damage or destroy
the environment;
o People have the right to full consultation and to the expression of views in
o the planning and implementation of environmental policies and projects
that affect them directly; and
o Government and citizens shall have the duty to protect the environment.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
The project proponent and the Contractor should be very well aware of the constitutional rights
of citizens to a clean and healthy environment as stipulated in the federal constitution. The
information given under these Articles inform the project Proponent and the Contractor about
the consequences of non-observance of the fundamental right to citizens to a clear and healthy
environment as per the constitutional provision and other laws are violations of the national laws.
Further, the project Proponent and Contractor are required to uphold the environmental
objectives of Ethiopia.

Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (1997)

The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia was approved by the Council of Ministers in April 1997 and
contains elements that emphasize the importance of mainstreaming socio-environmental
dimensions in development programs and projects. The goal of the Environmental Policy of
Ethiopia is to improve and enhance the health and quality of life of all Ethiopians and to promote
sustainable social and economic development through the sound management and use of
resources and the environment as a whole so as to meet the needs of the present generation
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. For the effective
implementation of the Environmental Policy of Ethiopia, the policy encourages creation of an
organizational and institutional framework from federal to community levels. The Environmental
Policy of Ethiopia provides a number of guiding principles that require adherence to principles of

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 31

sustainable development; in particular, the need to ensure that Environmental Impact
Assessments –
• consider impacts on human and natural environments;

• provide for early consideration of environmental impacts in projects and programs design;

• recognize public consultation;

• include mitigation and contingency plans; and

• provide for auditing and monitoring.

Section 3.3. of the Environmental Policy deals with Biodiversity issues. The following are directly
relevant to biodiversity:

• Promote in-situ conservation as a priority measures and ex-situ conservation as a

complement;

• Develop laws that help protect community rights and regulate access to genetic resources
and bio-safety;

• Ensure that threat, rarity demand and environmental and economic factors are taken into
account when setting conservation criteria;

• Ensure that local communities participate in the planning and management of adjacent
protected areas;

• Ensure that protected areas cover the various ecosystems and, when necessary, connect
them by corridors; and

• Allow a major part of economic benefits derived from biodiversity conservation are
channeled to local communities affected.
The policy provides a framework to promote the conservation and sustainable utilization of
biodiversity.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
This Policy document informs the project Proponent and the Contractor to implement the
provisions of the EIA proclamation No. 299/200 requirements before starting the project such
as consideration of the impacts of the project on social and natural environment. It also informs
them to implement the provisions of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) at
all phases of the project. The policy also provides information on safeguarding natural resources,
for example, Biodiversity issues.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
The objective of the Water Sector Policy is to enhance and promote all national efforts towards
the efficient, equitable utilization of Ethiopian water resources. Furthermore, the policy aims for
optimized utilization that allows for sustainable socioeconomic development.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 32

Tourism Development Policy (2009)
The economic and employment values of tourism have been long recognized by the Government
of Ethiopia. This economic sector has significant contributions to foreign currency earning and it
also promotes micro- and small-scale enterprises and creates employment opportunities. The
vision of the policy is aligning the contributions of Tourism to the national effort to alleviate
poverty and foster sustainable economic development. The objectives of this policy are as
follows.
a. To ensure concretely the country’s full benefits by sustaining competitiveness in the
international tourism market, by turning Ethiopia into a particularly preferred destination
in Africa, and by maximizing direct and indirect economic benefits.
b. To build a tourism industry that makes important contributions in earning and conserving
foreign exchange, and integrates into the economic growth of the country.
c. To create extensive employment opportunities for communities at tourist destinations
and to ensure community benefits through a wider distribution of income, and to enhance
community participation in decision making on development.
d. To realize a tourism industry that builds a positive image of the country, carries on the
sector's development in a responsible and sustainable manner, with the capability of
growing without disrupting peoples' culture and lifestyles and the natural environment.
e. To build an industry that can lengthen the tourist’s stay by solving observed limitations in
service in the sector and provide for the progressive growth of capacity in tourist facilities
deployed in the field.

Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project

With the improvement of power supply, there will be more business and people in the area. The
improved Masha – Gore road will also attract eco-tourists the Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve
and combine their trips to nearby Important Bird Area. There will be an increased number of
vehicles and people due to new business opportunities due to power supply to Masha town.

Forest Development, Conservation and Utilization Policy and Strategy

The main objective of the policy to meet public demand in forest products and enhance the
contribution of forest resources for economic development. The specific objectives are:
• Encourage sustainable forest development;
• Meet the forest and forest product demands of the public;
• Foster the contribution of forest to ensure food security and industrial development;
• Prevention of forest threats and conservation of forest resources in a sustainable manner;
and
• To ensure ecological balance through conserving and developing forest resources.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 33

Ethiopian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
The National Biodiversity Conservation and Research Policy (1998), guides the conservation,
development and sustainable use of biodiversity. The objectives of the policy are as follows:

• Ensure genetic resources and essential ecosystems of the country are conserved,
developed and sustainably used;

• Assert national sovereignty over genetic resources;

• Enrich the country’s resources through introduction, repatriation and restoration;

• Integrate biodiversity conservation with sectoral and cross-sectoral strategies and
programs;
• Recognize and protect traditional knowledge;

• Encourage public participation;

• Ensure that local communities share the benefits from genetic resources and indigenous
knowledge;

• Create organizational structure for linkages and coordination in biodiversity conservation,

development and use; and

• Promote regional and international cooperation.

Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project

This Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan informs the project Proponent and Contractor to
uphold biodiversity conservation objectives of Ethiopia during the construction of the Metu –
Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line. It also creates awareness about the importance of
recognizing traditional knowledge and promotion of international cooperation with regard to
biodiversity and genetic resources.
Energy Policy
The Energy Policy of Ethiopia aligns it objective with the development strategy of the country to
foster national development objectives. It also states energy resource development for economic
profitability and develop necessary institutional and manpower capabilities to undertake energy
development programs. The objectives are:

• Ensure sustainable supply of energy;

• To provide guidelines and strategies for faster development and supply of enery;
• To ensure reliable supply of energy;
• To increase energy utilization efficiency and reduce energy waste
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project

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Energy is central to the development of a multitude of business opportunities. This in turn create
employment opportunities and improve regional and local level household economy. In areas
where energy is a bottleneck for establishment of enterprises and local-level economic activities,
a supply of energy positively impacts the socio-economic settings of that area. It also attracts
investments and boosts local and regional economic growth.
Wildlife Policy and Strategy
The focus of the policy and strategy is development-oriented conservation. The following are the
objectives the Ethiopian Wildlife Policy and Strategy:

• promotion of sustainable utilization of wildlife for tourism, hunting, trade, ranching and
food.
• promotion of eco-tourism in protected areas and international conventions;
• expand wildlife sector for investments for conservation; and
• protection of wildlife through proper administration of protected areas, conservation of
endemic and threatened species and promotion of wildlife health services.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
This policy informs the contractor and the project proponent to ensure the protection and safety
of wildlife of the project area. It also guides them to avoid practices that adversely affect the
wildlife of the project area.
Policy on Public Health
The aim of this policy is to give special attention to women and children, underserved segments
of the population and victims of manmade calamities and disaster and environmental pollution
due to project activities as well.
This policy directly emphasizes on the following.

• Control of communicable diseases and epidemics;

• Combating diseases that are related to malnutrition and poor living conditions;
• Promotion of occupational health and safety of workforces;

• Promotes development of environmental health; and

• Appropriate health services management system, attention to traditional medicine and

applied health research.

Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project

The construction phase of the project involves a large number of workforces of the Contractor.
This policy informs the project Proponent and Contractor to implement public health and safety
provisions and develop Health and Safety Management Plan to mitigate potential adverse impacts.

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Policy on HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is pandemic and spreading worldwide and heating hard poor countries mainly, Sub
Saharan Africa, with only ten percent of the world population and having 80 percent of the world
HIV infection and AIDS cases. Among the Sub- Saharan African countries, Ethiopia stands fifth in
HIV/AIDS infection.
Ethiopia is one of the countries in the world that is facing HIV/AIDS pandemics, and about 3.5
percent of the population is said to be HIV/AIDS affected. HIV/AIDS has now become a major
social and economic problem of our country. Having understood the magnitude of the problem,
the Government issued policy on HIV/AIDS in 1998.
The general objective of the policy is “to provide an enabling environment for the prevention and
control of HIV/AIDS in the country”. The policy also urges government ministries and the civil
society to assume responsibility for carrying out HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaigns.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
The project attracts workforces from different places during the construction phase. This policy
enables the project Proponent and Contractor to develop HIV/AIDS awareness creation
strategies among the workforces.
National Policy on Women
This policy emphasizes on ensuring equal access of men and women to resources and decision-
making process. This approach is a foundation for realizing that both benefit equally from all
activities out of the federal and regional institutions.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
This policy provides enabling environment for the involvement of women during the construction
phase of the project. It entails equal access to work opportunities.
Land Tenure Policy
The land tenure issues in Ethiopia have passed through different systems over the past years. The
Constitution of the FDRE, Article 40 provided that “The Right to ownership of rural land and
urban land, as well as of all natural resources is exclusively vested in State and all peoples of
Ethiopia. Land is a common property of the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia and
shall not be subject to sale or other means of exchange (sub-article 3)”. Sub-Article 4 states also
that “Ethiopian Peasants have the right to obtain land without payment and the protection against
eviction from their possession.” Sub-Article 7, which is one of the important provisions for a
property right provides that “Every Ethiopian shall have the full right to immovable property he
builds and to permanent improvements he brings about on the land by his labor or capital. This
right should include the right to alienate, to bequeath, and, where the right of use expires, to
remove his property, transfer his title, or claim compensation for it.”

Noteworthy is that Article 52 of the Constitution vested Regional Governments for

administration of rural land (assigning holding rights and distribution of holdings). The land tenure
issue has been a point of debate due to the apparent dichotomy of ideas, i.e., Private-State

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 36

ownership dichotomy. However, there are many queries with regard to this debate such as the
need to include the voices of peasants and pastoralist, options for parallel ownership (Private and
State), future implications of these options on social stability and etc.

The following points could be mentioned with regard to the core principles of the land policy of
Ethiopia.
• The Constitution of the FDRE asserts State ownership of land; there are no private
property in land;
• Even if there are debates on the land ownership and tenure systems in Ethiopia, there is
no legal action to legalize private ownership of land;
• The administration of land is decentralized but the formulation of broad land policy rests
with the federal Government;
• The State still maintains primary rights in property and this could move toward a system
of long-term leases that vest strong secondary rights in landholders, allowing them to
sublease or make other land transactions (e.g., mortgages). These long-term leases would
help to address some of the weaknesses in the existing land tenure system.

Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project

This policy provides key information on land ownership rights and administration of rural land.
This policy also draws information from Article 52 of the Federal Constitution of 1995 and
informs the project Proponent and Contractor to observe land holding rights during the
construction of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project.

4.3.2. Legislative Framework

Proclamation for the establishment of Environmental Protection Organs (295/2002)

The main objective of this Proclamation is to lay down the institutional arrangements that are
vital to ensure environmentally sustainable management and development at federal, sectoral and
regional levels. The Proclamation re-establishes the Environmental Protection Authority, Ministry
of Planning and Development, sectoral environmental Units and Regional Environmental
Agencies. In this context, the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of the proposed Metu
– Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project should be reviewed by the Environmental
Protection Authority, Ministry of Planning and Development.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
This Proclamation lies a foundation with regard to the mandate for the review and approval of
ESIA reports. The Environmental Protection Authority, Ministry of Planning and Development
(MoPD) of the FDRE has the responsibility to review and approve ESIA reports of development
projects. As a result, the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project ESIA Report
will be reviewed and approved by the Ethiopian Environmental Protection, MoPD) .
Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation (Proclamation No. 299/2002)
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Proclamation makes EIAs a mandatory requirement
for the implementation of major development projects, programs and plans in Ethiopia. The

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 37

Proclamation is a tool for harmonizing and integrating environmental, economic, cultural, and
social considerations into decision making processes in a manner that promotes
sustainable development. The law clearly defines the following key points:
• the need for preparing an EIA;
• the procedure associated with undertaking an EIA;
• The depth of environmental impact studies required in an EIA;
• Types of projects that need Full EIA, partial or no EIA study; and
• To whom the report has to be submitted.
Furthermore, impacts must be assessed based on the size, location, nature, cumulative effect with
other concurrent impacts or phenomena, trans-regional effects, duration, reversibility or
irreversibility or other related effects of the project.

An EIA report should contain the following:

• Nature of the project, including technology and processes to be used;
• Content and amount of pollutant that will be released;
• Source and amount of energy required for the operation;
• Information on potential trans-regional impacts;
• Characteristics and duration of all the estimated direct or indirect, positive
• or negative impacts;
• Measures proposed to eliminate, minimize or mitigate negative impacts;
• Contingency plan in case of accidents; and
• Procedures of self-auditing and monitoring during implementation and operation.

Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project

This Proclamation clearly inform the project Proponent and Contractors to make sure that the
ESIA of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project has been prepared by
certified Consultants. The Proclamation requires all development project to undertake EIA study
before its implementation. This Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project is
categorized as Schedule 1 project and it requires a full EIA study.

Water Resources Management Proclamation (Proclamation No. 197/2000)

Ethiopian Water Resources Management Proclamation No. 197/2000 is the federal law that
regulates the proper governance of both surface and groundwater in the country. The
Proclamation addresses the requirements for environmental conservation and water resource
protection measures to be incorporated into water resource planning and project development.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
This Proclamation provides information on the conservation of both ground and surface water
resources. It informs the project Proponent and Contractor to ensure sustainable uses of surface
water during the construction phase of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line
project.

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Water Resources Management Regulations (Regulation No. 115/2005)
The Ethiopian Water Resources Management Regulation (No. 115/2005) of the Council of
Ministers has detailed provisions on the effective implementation of the Water Resources
Management Proclamation, which among other things make the wastewater treatment a
mandatory requirement for any permit holder of a given permit before discharging it into the
environment.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
This regulation provides guidelines how to implement the provisions of the Water Management
Proclamation during the construction phase of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line project.
Environmental Pollution Control Proclamation (Proclamation No. 300/2002)
The Environmental Pollution Control Proclamation (No. 300/ 2002) aims at minimizing or
avoiding pollution by advocating the polluter pays principle of environmental protection and the
federal or relevant regional environmental agency has the right to close or relocate any enterprise
if the activity being carried out poses a risk to human health or to the environment. This law
gives emphasis of the environmental authority’s requirements on the management of municipal
wastes, hazardous waste, and chemical and radioactive substances. Although no particular
pollution standard2 has been established by this proclamation, it states the various types of
environmental standards should be set and it indicated the types of standards to be set as:
Standards for the discharge of effluents into water bodies; Air quality standards; Standards for
the types and amounts of substances that can be applied to the soil; Standards for noise; Waste
management standards and the methods of handling and disposal of the various types of waste.
So far, the following standards are developed to be used by industries: standards for Specified
Industrial Sectors; General Standards for all other Industrial Effluents; Standards for all other
Industrial Gaseous Emissions; and Standards for Noise Limits.
Prevention of Industrial Pollution Council of Ministers Regulation (No. 159/2008) is directed to
industry and in particular to factories. The provisions of the Regulation impose obligation on new
and old factories to prevent pollution if possible or minimize to the level set by the Standards set
by the relevant authority if not possible to totally prevent the pollution Article 4 (1). Old factories
are given a grace period of five years to come to compliance with the provisions of this regulation
as per the directive issued providing the list of industries by their respective sectors.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
This Proclamation informs the project Proponent and Contractor to uphold environmental health
by preventing environmental pollution due to haphazard disposal of used plastic bottles and
cement bags and emission of dust. It also enables them to develop waste management plan to
mitigate these potential adverse impacts.

2 Article 6 of Environmental Pollution Control Proclamation stipulates that Standards are to be set.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 39

Prevention of Industrial Pollution Council of Ministers Regulation (Regulation No. 159/2008)
Article 20 of the Proclamation of the Proclamation on Environmental Pollution Control
(300/2002) has triggered the issuance of this Regulation by the Council of Ministers. This law is
directed to industry, namely factories. But certain section of the Proclamation is applicable to the
project, i.e., the need for emergency response systems and monitoring of environmental safety.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
This Regulation enables the project Proponent and Contractor to implement environmental
pollution control management plan.
Wildlife Development, Conservation and Utilization Proclamation (Proclamation No. 541/2007)
This law provides for the legal administration of National Parks, wildlife sanctuaries,
transboundary wildlife conservation areas. The objectives of this law are as follows.

• Conserve, manage, develop and properly utilize the wildlife resources of Ethiopia;

• Create conditions necessary for discharging government obligations in view of the

international treaties in connection to conservation, development and utilization of
wildlife; and

• Promote wildlife-based tourism and encourage private investment.

Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
This Proclamation creates enabling environment for the protection of wildlife living in the
surrounding areas. The wildlife, namely birds, could cross the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line and the Proclamation informs the project Proponent and Contractor to develop
appropriate signage at specific sites along the section of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line to promote wildlife protection.
Wildlife Development, Conservation and Utilization Regulation (163/2008)
This regulation provides for the management of wildlife conservation areas, hunting and other
licenses, possession of wildlife products and harmful animals. It also outlines rules for the
management of National Park, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Wildlife Reserves and the administration
of these areas.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
This Regulation ensure the implementation of Proclamation No. 54/2007.

Solid Waste Management Proclamation (Proclamation No. 513/2007)

The solid waste management Proclamation No. 513/2007 has mandatory provisions on waste
management. Part 3 of this proclamation requires a manufacturer or importer of glass containers
or tin cans to develop and implement a system that enables it to collect and recycle used glass
containers or tin cans. It also prohibits grant of permit for the manufacture or importation of any
non-biodegradable plastic bags with a wall thickness of 0.03 millimeters and less than 0.03

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 40

millimeters. This Proclamation further states that food industries shall collect, store and dispose the
food related solid wastes they generate in an environmentally sound manner.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
The construction phase of the project involves many workforces. The workforce could
potentially litter the environment due to used plastic water bottles. This Proclamation creates an
enabling environment for the preparation of Solid Waste Management Plan to mitigate these
potential adverse impacts.
Labour Proclamation (Proclamation No. 377/2003)
The Labour Proclamation (No.377/2003 as amended by Proclamation No. 494/2006) obliges that
an employer shall take the necessary measures to adequately safeguard the health and safety of
the workers. In this proclamation the worker-employer relations are governed by the basic
principles of rights and obligations with the goal to enable workers and employers to maintain
industrial peace and work in the spirit of harmony and cooperation towards the all-round
development of the country. In addition to the Proclamation, the Ministry of Labour and Social
Affairs has National Employment Policy and Strategy of Ethiopia that deals with the basic rights
of workers as well as the guidelines for the Occupational Safety and Health committees.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
The project attracts workers from different places. This Proclamation ensures health worker –
employer (Contractor) relationships. It also lies a foundation for the development of Workers
Management Plan to ensure the rights of the workforces (employees) of the Contractor during
the Construction phase of Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project.

Public Health Proclamation (Proclamation No. 200/2000)

The Public Health Proclamation (No. 200/2000) prohibits pollution of the environmental
resources by way of discharging any untreated liquid waste generated from different polluting
sources such as septic tanks, seepage pits and industries into water bodies or water convergences.
The disposal of solid or liquid or any other waste in a manner which contaminates the
environment or affects the health of civil society is strictly prohibited by this proclamation. The
Proclamation also provides for workers’ safety by requiring employers to ensure the availability
of occupational health services to their employees and by prohibiting any machinery or
instrument which generates excessive noise and where such machines have to be used to install
noise reducing apparatus.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
Exposure to EMF and interactions with the workforce triggers public health risks.
Rights to Employment of Persons with Disability Proclamation (568/2008)
This Proclamation complies with Ethiopia’s policy on equal employment opportunity. It provides
the rights of disabled persons to employment and necessitates the provision of reasonable
accommodations for people with disabilities. The law lays out procedural rules to enable persons

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 41

with disabilities to prove any judicial organ on any form of discrimination encountered during
employment.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
This Proclamation encourages the project Proponent and Contractor to ensure equal
employment opportunity.
The Ethiopian Criminal Code
The Ethiopian Criminal Code of 2004 makes it an offence discharging of pollutants into the
environment and makes it punishable with fine not exceeding ten thousand Birr, or with rigorous
imprisonment not exceeding five years and where such pollution resulted in serious
consequences on the health or life of persons or on the environment, the punishment shall be
rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years. The Criminal Code further provides for a
punishment where any person fails to obtain authorization from the competent authority prior
to implementing a project for which an environmental impact assessment is required by law or
makes false statements concerning such assessment.
Applicability to the Power Transmission Line project
This Code stipulate environmental offense and enables the project Proponent and Contractor to
ensure environmental health. It also informs them the legal consequences of environmental
offense.

4.3.3. National Strategies and Plans

Apart from issuing different laws and regulation for environmental protection and natural
resources conservation, the Government of Ethiopia has put in place several national strategies
and plans3 over the years towards ensuring sustainable development of the country. The currently
running two government development strategy and plan are: the Climate Resilient Green
Economy (CRGE) strategy and the second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II). The CRGE
aims at attaining sustainable development goal of carbon emission reduction to the target set for
2030 for the country while the latter aims at bringing the economic development to the level of
the middle-income countries by 2025.
Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia

The Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia (CSE) evaluates the state of the natural resources, the
environment and the development in Ethiopia, and examines the interconnected causes and
effects of the existing situation. The CSE considers a holistic view of natural, human-made and
cultural resources and their uses and abuses. The overarching objective of this document is to
integrate the whole existing and future federal and regional government planning in all sectors
that impacts on the environment, including agriculture, forestry, wildlife, fisheries, soil, water,

3 Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia, Food strategy of Ethiopia (1996), Plan for Accelerated and Sustained Development to End Poverty
(PASDEP), Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy, Growth and Transformation Plan (2010-2015)- GTP I and Growth and
Transformation Plan (2016-2020)-GTP II

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minerals, energy, urban planning and cultural heritage conservation. The CSE is an umbrella
strategy which considers all sectors of human activity and enhances the capacity and effectiveness
of the existing and subsequent strategies. Therefore, CSE is a key tool for coordinating sectoral
strategies.
Climate-Resilient Green Economy of Ethiopia (CRGE)

Ethiopia aims to become one of the middle-income country in 2025. Following a conventional
development path will lead to high emission of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)and destruction of
natural resources. The Government has envisioned development through following a green
economy development path, often termed as Climate-Resilient Green Economy (CRGE). The
CRE follows a sectoral approach and identified priorities that help the country to achieve its
development goals while limiting 2030 GHGs emission to around today’s 150 Mt CO2e – around
250 Mt CO2e less than estimated under a conventional development path. The green economy
plan is based on four pillars.

I. Improving crop and livestock production practices for higher food security and farmer
income while reducing emissions;
II. Protecting and re-establishing forests for their economic and ecosystem services,
including as carbon stocks;
III. Expanding electricity generation from renewable sources of energy for domestic and
regional markets; and
IV. Leapfrogging to modern and energy-efficient technologies in transport, industrial sectors,
and buildings.

Applicability of the strategic documents to the Power Transmission Line project

These strategic documents enable the project Proponent and Contractor to be aware of the
existence of different national strategies and plans with set targets to meet environmental
sustainability in the coming years. The details of the carbon emission reduction or avoidance as
outlined in the CRGE and strategy and GTP II documents are important information for the
development of different management plans, e.g., Air Quality Management Plan during the
construction phase of the project.

4.3.4. National Directive and Guidelines

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has developed guidelines for the implementation
of environmental laws. The guidelines are meant to guide developers, competent authorities,
reviewers and stakeholders in carrying out and managing the EIA process.
EIA Directive 1/2008
Based on the EIA Proclamation No 299/2002, the Ethiopian Government issued Directive No. 1/
2008 that determines the categories of projects subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment
Proclamation and provides for the list of such projects and permits regional governments to
issues their own directives as they deem it necessary. Directive No. 1/2008 provides for the list
of project types that are subject to EIA procedure that include textile factories; tanneries; abattoir

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 43

construction with slaughtering capacity of 10, 000/Year or more; basic chemicals and chemical
products manufacturing factories. A good number of these types of firms are under the current
compliance audit, which is normally required to carry out EIA if they are the newly established
enterprises or to prepare an environmental management plan if they are enterprises that were
established prior to the issuance of the EIA Proclamation No 299/2002.
Procedural Guidelines
This guideline provides details of the required procedures for conducting an EIA, the permit
requirements, the stages and procedures involved in EIA processes, the roles and responsibilities
of parties involved in the EIA process. It includes the categories of the projects (schedule of
activities, i.e., Schedule 1, Schedule 2 and Schedule 3) in relation to the requirements of each of
these Schedule. That is, it outlines those which require a full EIA, partial EIA and no EIA studies.
According to this guideline, the proposed Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line
project is categorized as Schedule 1, a project that required a full EIA study.
EIA Guideline (July 2008)
This is a technical guideline, which provides information on standards to be followed when
undertaking the EIA process. Furthermore, it provides details and key issues pertaining to
environmental assessment in specific development sector such as energy, water resource,
manufacturing, agriculture, and etc.
Guidelines for reviewing EIA Reports
This guideline was issued by EPA in 2003 to guide the EIA review process. Details such as review
approaches, minimum report structure and information requirements are outlined. The objective
of this guideline is to help the reviewers to assess the content, comprehensiveness, adequacy and
accuracy of information content of the reports.

4.3.5. International Conventions, Protocols and Agreements

Ethiopia has signed environment related international agreements. As a result, Ethiopia is a party
to the following international environmental agreements (with the date of ratification). This ESIA
has taken these Multi-lateral Environmental agreements into consideration (Table 4-1).
Table 4-1. International conventions relevant to this project

International Convention Applicability to the project

Environmental
Convention on Biological Diversity (April 5, The ESIA has taken biodiversity components and KBAs
1994) of conservation concern into consideration.
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory The ESIA has considered any impacts of the project on
Species of Wild Animals migratory birds.
United Nations Framework Convention on The ESIA has considered ways to implement the
Climate Change (April 5, 1994) reduction of greenhouse gases emissions through
analysis of project alternatives.
United Nations Convention to Combat The ESIA has considered issues that trigger
Desertification (October 15, 1994) desertification.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 44

 International Convention Applicability to the project

Convention on International Trade in Biodiversity resources of economic interest was

Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora considered.
(April 5, 1989)

Hazardous substance
Stockholm Convention Potential leakage of PCBs containing materials
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consideration of this convention for management plans
Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous for disposing hazardous wastes
Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade
Wastes
Basel Convention on Hazardous Waste (1989) Acquisition of permit from other countries for the
transboundary movement of hazardous wastes
Bamako Convention (1991) If applicable, implement the provisions of this
convention for movement of hazardous substances
across countries
Labour
Freedom of Association and Protection of the Ensure the workers have the freedom of association
Right to Organize Convention, 1948 (No. 87) and rights to organize
Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Expressly forbid discrimination in employment and
Convention, 1958 (No. 111) occupation
Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 Human resource policies and procedures are
(No. 105) developed and implemented to prohibit forced labour
Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Develop and implement a policy for prohibition of the
employment of children

4.3.6. International environmental and Social Safeguard guidelines

A. The World Bank

The World Bank environmental and social policies (also known as safeguard policies) set out
mechanisms for the protection of the environment and social issues during project design,
implementation and operation. These policies also provide a framework for consultation with the
communities and public disclosure of ESIA Report. The World Bank Group has adopted a new
set of environments and social polices called Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), which
has become effective as of October 1, 2018. All existing projects prior to this starting date are
governed by the previous environmental and social policies. But new projects of the Bank after
this starting date are subjected to the new ESF. Noteworthy is that both policies will run in
parallel for an estimated seven years as of October 1, 2018.
The table below shows the environmental and social (E&S) safeguard operational policies
triggered by this project.
World Bank E&S Project phases
safeguard policies
Pre-construction Construction Operation
OP 4.01: Environmental x x x
Assessment
OP 4.04: Natural Habitats x x x

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 OP 4.11: Physical Cultural x
Resources
OP 4.36: Forests x x x
OP 4.12: Involuntary x x
Resettlement

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 46

The World Bank Operation Policies and their applicability to the project and ESIA are given in Table 4-2.
Table 4-2. The World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguard Operational Policies

World Bank Operational Policy Applicability to the project

OP 4.01. Environmental Assessment (EA) • To identify potential environmental and social risks of the project
• evaluates the project’s potential environmental risks and impacts in its • To identify the optimal alternative route of the OHTL that reduces
area of influence; environmental and social risks
• examines project alternatives; • To prepare mitigation measures to minimize project impacts
• identifies ways of improving project selection, planning, design and
implementation by preventing, minimizing, mitigating or compensating
for adverse environmental impacts and enhancing positive impacts;
• includes process of mitigating and managing adverse environmental
impacts throughout project implementation.
OP 4.04: Natural Habitats • To identify strategies for protection and rehabilitation of natural habitats
• Protection of natural environment to ensure long-term sustainable • To identify appropriate conservation measures for mitigation and
development monitoring of natural habitats
• Protection and rehabilitation of natural environment • To prepare management and monitoring plan
• For projects with adverse impacts, propose mitigation and management
measures for healthy functions of habitats
OP 4.36: Forests • To identify appropriate forest management plan to ensure the continuity of
• Conservation and development of forest ecosystems for lasting poverty forest functional components
reduction and sustainable development • To identify adverse impacts and reduce the impacts on the people – forest
• Harness the potential of forests to reduce poverty and integrate forests interactions to sustain local livelihoods
to sustainable economic development
OP 4.11: Physical Cultural Resources • To identify sites of cultural significance in connection to the impacts of this
• Addresses physical cultural resources such as religious sites, group of project
structures, historical sites and etc. of cultural significance • To identify religious sites, e.g. grave sites
• To avoid and mitigate cultural resources from adverse impacts of • To prepare sound management plan to protect Physical cultural resources
development projects. of the project area
OP 4.12: Involuntary Resettlement • To identify physical displacement of houses and economic activities
• To avoid severe economic, social and economic risks • To identify types and number of physical structures adversely impacted by
• Avoid resettlement where possible or minimize by exploring all viable the activities of this project
alternatives of project design • To recommend the preparation of Resettlement Action Plan (RAP)

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 B. IFC EHS guidelines for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution (2007)
The guidelines include the following impacts of the construction of Electric Power Transmission.
Construction phase impacts

• Construction site waste generation

• Soil erosion

• Noise from heavy equipment

• Potential for spill of hazardous materials and oil leakage during operation of heavy
equipment
Operation phase impacts

• Alternation to terrestrial habitat and collusions of birds (Electrocutions)

• Electromagnetic fields

• Hazardous materials, e.g., insulating oil

4.3.7. Gap analysis of Ethiopian and WB operational policies

The table below provides a comparison of the main ESHS policies of Ethiopia vis-à-vis the WB
ESHS safeguards, and likely gaps between them.
Table 4-3. Gap analysis of Ethiopian and WB ESHS policies

Issues The World Bank Operational Ethiopian Gap bridging measures

Policies laws/regulations/guidelines
relevant to the project
Screening OP 4.01 states the need for Environmental Impact Projects are screened,
environmental screening. Projects Assessment Guideline Series 1 project types and the level
are characterized according to (2003). of environmental impacts
three categories. assessment are defined in
• Category A: projects Environmental Impact both the Ethiopian and the
having significant adverse Assessment Proclamation No. World Bank systems.
environmental impacts 299/2002
that are sensitive, diverse
and unprecedented. An • No project shall be
Environmental Impact implemented without
Assessment study is an Environmental
required to address Impact Assessment
potential adverse (Article 1, Proc. No.
impacts. 299/2002).
• Any project which
• Category B: projects fall in any category
where the impacts on listed in any directive
social or environmental issues pursuant to
components are less Proc. No. 299/2002
adverse than Category A shall be subject to
projects. The impacts are

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 Issues The World Bank Operational Ethiopian Gap bridging measures
Policies laws/regulations/guidelines
relevant to the project
site specific and environmental impact
mitigatory measures can assessment.
be designed more readily Project schedules4
than Category A • Schedule 1: projects
projects. An that require full
Environmental and Social environmental and
impact assessment is social impact
required to address or assessment to
compensate adverse eliminate, minimize
impacts. and mitigate adverse
impacts.
• Category C: project that • Schedule 2: project
have minimal or no that require a
adverse environmental preliminary
impacts. No further environmental impact
environmental action is study.
required beyond • Schedule 3: projects
screening. that may not require
environmental impact
assessment study.
Environmental • ESIA with ESMP report is • A full Environmental Reports, based on the types
and Social required for Category A impact assessment is of the projects, are required
safeguard projects required for in both systems.
document Schedule 1 projects.
requirements • ESIA with ESMP, but not • A preliminary (not as
as detailed as for detailed as for
Category A, is required Schedule 1 projects)
for Category B projects environmental impact
assessment report is
• No document is required required for
for Category C projects. Schedule 2 projects.
• No document is
required for
Schedule 3 projects
beyond a screening.
Conservation of OP 4.01: • Environmental policy Conservation of natural
Natural Habitats • OP 4.04 is essential for a of Ethiopia habitats to foster a long-
long-term sustainable • National policy on term sustainable
development. This OP Biodiversity development is required in
focuses on the conservation and both systems.
protection, conservation Research
and rehabilitation of The national policy, laws
natural habitats and the support sustainable
integrity of their development and protection
functions. of natural forest resources
Conservation of OP 4.36 Forest Development, Conservation of natural
forests and their • This OP promotes Conservation and Utilization habitats is promoted in both
associated management, Proc. no. 1065/2018 systems
resources conservation and

4 The 2003 EIA guideline series 1 lists the types of projects under each of the three project schedules.

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 Issues The World Bank Operational Ethiopian Gap bridging measures
Policies laws/regulations/guidelines
relevant to the project
sustainable development • This law upholds the
of forest ecosystems conservation of
forests and their
associated natural
resources to foster
sustainable
development

Conservation OP 4.11 Research and Conservation of Conservation and protection

and protection • OP 4.11 states that Cultural Heritage of physical cultural
of cultural Physical Cultural (Proclamation No. 209/1992) resources are promoted and
heritages and Resources shall be considered during
resources assessed in the project Classification of Cultural environmental and social
cycle to avoid minimize Heritage into National and impact assessment in both
adverse impacts such as Regional Cultural Heritages systems
demolition, flooding, (Proclamation No. 839/2006)
movement of earth and
design mitigation
measures • Promotes the
conservation and
protection of cultural
heritage

Compensation OP 4.12 Proclamation 1/1995, Article Socio-economic and

for adversely • OP 4.12 is a socio- 40 traditional norms safeguards
impacted assets economic safeguard that of project affected persons
and promotion promotes the economic Expropriation of land for shall be addressed in both
of ehanced and social wellbeing of public purposes, payments of systems before
livelihoods the communities compensation and implementing development
adversely impacted by Resettlement of displaced projects.
projects. If avoidance of peoples (Proclamation No.
adverse impacts is not 1161/2019)
possible, the
communities affected by Council of Minsters
projects shall be Regulation No. 472/2020:
compensated for lost Expropriation and Valuation,
assets. Compensation and
Resettlement
• These laws and
regulations promote
the concept that
communities
adversely affected by
projects shall be
compensated to
ensure their stable
sociao-economic and
cultural activities.

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 5. Project Description
The Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project starts from the Metu substation
and crosses different landscape (forest areas, farmlands, grazing area) to reach Masha (Figure 5-1).
At Masha, a new substation, 300 m x 300 m area, will be constructed.

Figure 5-1. The proposed route for Metu – Masha 230 kV overhead transmission line

5.1. Project justification

There are immense economic and social benefits of access to electricity. Currently, Masha Town
has electricity which runs on Diesel generator and this runs only for very short hours (until 09:00
pm). Due to a high cost of fuel, there are more days without power in a week. Although the
town and its surrounding areas are endowed with resources for investments and development
of enterprises to spur local economic development and regional integrations, electricity has been
an apparent bottleneck. Students of Masha Town use candles to study and this potentially limits
the time required to spend studying and preparing for the next days’ lessons. The new sub-station
at Masha Town will also be used as a springboard to distribute electricity to Woreda Towns to
foster regional economic development.

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It has been recorded, during data collection, that there a company which has secured license for
investment in coffee production. It has planned to establish a coffee processing mill but the lack
of power has severely limited this investment. The latter could create job opportunities and
stimulate local economy. With the supply of electricity to Masha Town new enterprises (small,
medium of large) will mushroom within a reasonable short time. These economic activities will
transform the livelihoods and quality of life of the communities. Therefore, the construction of
Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line has significant positive impacts of the local,
regional and national economy and the effectiveness of education for school pupils.

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 5.2. Project design guidelines

A general overview of the project design guidelines is given in Table 5-1.

Table 5-1. Key features and restrictions of the Metu – Masha 230 kV overhead transmission line (OHTL).

Components Width/area Description Activities Restrictions

Construction phase Operation Phase
Overhead Transmission Line Right -of-Way (RoW)
OHTL Right-of-Way 40 m (20 m • This is established to ensure Construction phase Temporary crop • No new houses
in either safety of the high voltage • Removal of all damage limits farmers • No plantation of
side) OHTL high trees inside to tend their crops high trees will be
• The RoW is 40 m (20 m in the RoW planted inside the
either side) • Construction of RoW
• High trees will be removed tower • Cultivation of
along the entire length of the foundations crops is allowed
RoW
• Existing houses inside the Operation phase
RoW will be relocated • Regular
monitoring of the
RoW to ensure it
is free of high
trees
• Monitor for non-
existence of new
houses inside the
RoW
Access Roads to the 4m • Removal of vegetation to Construction phase • Cultivation can be • Vegetation
RoW ensure vehicle access • Clearing temporarily growth is allowed
• Avoid cutting big trees along vegetation after disrupted • Cultivation is
the access road (reroute the payments of allowed
road) compensation
(temporary
effect)

Operation phase
• Transportation of
construction
materials

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 Components Width/area Description Activities Restrictions
Construction phase Operation Phase

Immediate areas 40 m (20 m • Houses and planting trees are • Monitoring the • Cultivation • Construction of
outside the RoW in either allowed distance of high restricted houses allowed
side) trees to the temporarily due • Planting trees
RoW corridor to construction allowed
and the OHTL activities • As some trees
grow over 40 m,
avoid plant these
trees very close
to the edge of the
RoW on both
sides
Footprint of the new Masha substation
Construction of new 300 m x 300 • This area is currently a Construction phase • Dust emission • Permanent loss of
substation at Masha m in area grazing area with very • Scattered trees due to truck land
scattered trees. These will be removed movements and • No other
scattered trees will be • Excavation of excavation restrictions
removed foundations • Relatively high
• There are no houses and traffic of dump
crop fields truck to transport
soil wastes may
affect livestock
and human
movements
• Temporary
increase in
ambient noise
Project components
Temporary working 20 m x 20 m • Working area for Construction phase • Access to the site
area at each tower site construction, store materials • Clearing of restricted
temporarily vegetation and
• Construction and erection of trees
Towers
Permanent tower area 10 m x 10 m • There are about 180 Towers Construction phase • No trees or
inside the RoW • Fully Clear tea crops allowed on
bushes and 10 m x 10m area
vegetation

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 Components Width/area Description Activities Restrictions
Construction phase Operation Phase
Operation phase (permanent loss
• Monitoring for of land)
the absence of
vegetation that
could potentially
disrupt power
transmission

The general schematic representations of the features and restrictions are given in Figure 5-2. Cultivation of cereal crops and Enset is
allowed inside the RoW. Since the cultivation of coffee requires shade trees, this cultivation practice is limited inside the RoW. The
coffee shade trees of the project usually grow high and could pose risks to the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line
project.

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Figure 5-2. Metu – Masha 20 kV OHTL features and restrictions

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 5.3. Project Area of Influence (AOI)

The project Area of Influence (AOI) for the assessments of the impacts of the Metu – Masha 230
kV OHTL has considered the following features. For determining the AOI, IFC Performance
Standard 1 (January 1, 2012)5 was uses. These standard states the Area of Influence encompasses:

• the area likely to be affected by: (i) the project and the client’s activities and facilities that
are directly owned, operated or managed (including by contractors) and that are a
component of the project; (ii) impacts from unplanned but predictable developments
caused by the project that may occur later or at a different location; or (iii) indirect project
impacts on biodiversity or on ecosystem services upon which Affected Communities’
livelihoods are dependent.
• Associated facilities, which are facilities that are not funded as part of the project and that
would not have been constructed or expanded if the project did not exist and without
which the project would not be viable.

• Cumulative impacts that result from the incremental impact, on areas or resources used
or directly impacted by the project, from other existing, planned or reasonably defined
developments at the time the risks and impacts identification process is conducted
The direct impact zone of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project
includes the spatial extent of the Right-of-Way and access road (Figure 5-3). That is:

• 40 m Right-of-Way corridor

• 4 m access road to the Tower locations.

5 IFC Performance Standard 1: Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts,
January 1, 2012

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Figure 5-3. Direct Impact Zone of the project. Key: thick red line is the selected alternative route for Metu –
Masha OHTL. Access roads to the Tower locations are also part of the direct AOI.

The indirect AOI of the project is areas that are affected by cumulative impacts. These include
Metu – Gore Road construction and large-scale investment plans. Figure 5-4 shows the indirect
AOI of the project.

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Figure 5-4. Indirect AOI. The orange polygon includes areas affected by cumulative impacts such as road
construction, agricultural expansion and large-scale investment.

5.4. Major project components

5.4.1. Transmission lines

A brief summary of the Metu – Masha 230 kV transmission line is given below.

Technical specifications Descriptions

Transmission length 70 km
System voltage 230 kV
Number of circuits Single
Number of towers 180
Tower span (approx.) 350 m

5.4.2. Temporary infrastructure

Access roads
At present the exact number and length of access roads is not known. But the access roads are
built within the direct AOI of the project. In some cases, the access road passes through cultivated

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fields, use old foot trails, existing roads within the Tea Estate. In some cases, it could cross
forested areas.
Temporary Tower laydown and Assembly areas
For this activity of the project, the 40 m corridor of the RoW will be used. That is, 20 m on each
side of the Tower central line is sufficient for Tower assembly.
Contractor’s work area locations
These locations should be within the direct AOI. It is believed that the Contractor will use mobile
facility to guard its properties and all activities of the project.

5.5. Project Phase Activities

The main activities of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project are given below
according to the phases of this project.

5.5.1. Pre-construction phase

• Payments of compensation, relocation

• Vegetation clearing including tea bushes

• Tree felling

5.5.2. Construction Phase Activities

The following project activities occur during the construction phase of the project. These are:

• Access road construction

• Excavation for foundations

• Construction of tower foundations

• Supply of tower

• Assembly of towers

• Supply of insulators

• Supply of conductors
• Cable stringing

• Sub-station equipment supply

• Mounting sub-station expansion

• Construction of New Sub-station

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 5.5.3. Access road construction

The contractor will construct access roads of 4 m width. Big indigenous trees, cash crop plants
and other perennial crops will not be damaged by the construction of the access road.

5.5.4. Excavation for tower foundation

The size of the tower foundations is 10 m x 10 m.

5.6. Operation phase

After completion of the construction, EEP will be responsible for the operation and maintenance
of the 230 kV transmission line. The main activities to be carried out during the operation life of
the transmission line include surveillance of the condition of the transmission line routine,
emergency maintenance and repairs and vegetation control.
EEP is responsible for controlling future land uses within the ROW and ensuring that no new
structures are constructed. In particular, buildings must be at a minimum distance from the line
conductors. Growth of crops will be permitted, but limited to a height of 2 m or less. Growth of
vegetation on the right-of-way will be controlled to ensure safe and reliable operation of the line.
Therefore, vegetation cover will need to be cleared occasionally to ensure that vegetation does
not interfere with the operation of the lines.
Vehicular access to the ROW will be required to effect line repairs or to correct any localized
erosion or terrain instability problems that might develop.

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 6. Baseline Biological, Physical and Social conditions
6.1. Biological baseline environment

6.1.1. Flora and vegetation

A total of 115 plant species were recorded from the project area (Annex 15). Out of these, 38
were assessed for their conservation status while the remaining species were not assigned any of
the IUCN categories, i.e., they were not assessed. Many species with a conservation status of
Least Concern (LC) have stable populations while a small portion (about 10%) of them have a
decreasing trend of population (Figure 6-1). The project crosses Baro River and the Transition
Zone of Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve. This Zone is used for cultivation and there are
scattered trees species, e.g., Albizia gummifera, Pouteria adolfi-friderici and exotic trees such as
Euclayptus. No species of conservation concern was recorded in this Transition Zone.

Figure 6-1. Population trend of species with an IUCN conservation status of Least Concern (LC)

One species was found to be vulnerable and one endangered.

Prunus africana
This species is widely distributed in the moist afro-montane forests of Ethiopia. The bark of this
species is used to treat a certain type of cancer and is being heavily extracted elsewhere in Africa.
But such use has not been in place in Ethiopia. On the other hand, the area, extent and quality of
its habitats are continually declining. As a result, Prunus africana has been assessed as vulnerable.

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Coffea arabica
This species is economically very important crop and has its wild populations in the moist afro-
montane forests of Ethiopia. This species was assessed for inclusion in the IUCN red list of
Threatened species in 2018. It has been assessed as Endangered (EN)6 under criteria A3b. The
latter means population reduction projected inferred or suspected to be met in the future (up to
a maximum of 100 years) based on an index of abundance for this species. Deforestation, climate
change, diseases and pests are the major threats.

The geographic extent of this species is given below.

Figure 6-2. Geographic extent of Coffea arabica

6 Coffea arabica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2021-3

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 6.1.2. Forests

The forest of the project area is part of the fragmented Moist Afro-montane Forest (MAF) of
Ethiopia. This type of vegetation is found in selected parts of Ethiopia (Figure 6-4). Characteristic
species MAF are Pouteria adolfi-friderici, Prunus africana, Albizia gummifera, Albizia schimperiana, Olea
welwitschia, Coffea arabica, Schfflera abyssinica, Diospyros abyssinica, etc.
Figure 6-3 presents selected profile of the forest of the study area. The salient features of the
stand of two species, Pouteria adolfi-friderici and Olea welwitchii shows the the vertical structure
of the forest. Both species form high canopy but there are also other understorey trees species
and Coffea arabica and ground vegetation mainly featuring spices such as Piper capense and
Afromomum corrorima.

Figure 6-3. Profile of selected tree species of the project area (source: Senbeta, 2016)

The project crosses modified landscape (cultivated fields and tea Estate and transition zone of
Biosphere Reserves). But a small section of the OHTL triggers forest related issues, e.g., cutting
trees. This issue has been addressed in the ESMP.

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Figure 6-4. Vegetation types of Ethiopia (source: Friis et al., 2010)

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Trends in tree cover and primary forest loss
Ethiopia has lost 41.6 kha of tree cover between 2002 and 2020
(https://www.globalforestwatch.org/map/country/ETH/). This is equal to a decrease in 3.5% of the
tree cover, which amounts to 188 Mt of Co2e emission. The tree cover in Oromia was 5.45 Mha
in 2010, which covers 17% of its total land area. In 2020, it has lost 12.2 kha of its tree cover.
This is equivalent to over 6 Mt of Co 2e emission. Furthermore, Oromia has lost 55.1 kha of its
primary humid forest from 2002 – 2020, which is 26% of its total tree cover loss in the same
period. As a result, 4.7% of humid primary forest has decreased in Oromia (Figure 6-5).

Primary forest loss

7

0
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022

Figure 6-5. Humid primary forest loss in Oromia (data sources:

https://www.globalforestwatch.org/map/country/ETH/).

Similar trend was also observable in the remaining natural forest of SNNPR (Figure 6-6). In 2002,
Sheka has 229 kha of tree cover, which covers 98% 0f its land area. In 2020, it has lost 185 ha of
its tree cover amounting to 111 kt of Co2 of emissions. Furthermore, Sheka has lost a total of
2.64 kha of its humid primary forest, which is 34% of its total tree cover loss in the same period.
This has resulted in a decrease by 27% of its humid primary forest. Relatively higher loss of the
Sheka humid primary forest was recorded from 2012 – 2017. The highest loss was in 2013.

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Figure 6-6. Sheka Humid primary forest loss from 2002 – 2020. Oromia (data sources:
https://www.globalforestwatch.org/map/country/ETH/).

Sheka has lost 7.86 kha of tree cover from 2002 – 2020, which is 3.4% decrease in tree cover
since 2000. This is equivalent to 5.04 Mt of CO2e emission.

6.1.3. Key biodiversity areas

A. UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

i. Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve
The Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve was designated in 2010. It has a total area of 167.021
ha. It has three management zones (Figure 6-7). These are:
a. Core Zone (area = 27,733 ha). This section of the Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve
is strictly protected and all kinds of human interactions with the forest are to be avoided.
This zone is with wild populations of coffee.
b. Buffer Zone (area= 21,552 ha). This zone is slightly disturbed forest areas where non-
timber forest products can be extracted. Furthermore, the local communities could us
this zone of the Biosphere Reserve for honey production, i.e., mount beehives on high
tree species for honey production. But further destruction of the canopy of the indigenous
tree species and the underground vegetation is prohibited.
c. Transition Zone (area = 117,736 ha). This zone of the Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere
Reserve is where traditional coffee farming, agriculture and settlements are located. The
local communities practice agroforestry farming system where selected coffee shade trees
such as Albizia gummifera, Cordia africana, Acacia abyssinica and etc. are maintained to

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 67

 provide shade for coffee. Furthermore, cereal crop production is also practices by the
smallholder farmers of the project area.
The Metu – Masha 230 kV power transmission line crosses the Transition Zone of the Yayu
Coffee Biosphere Reserve.

Figure 6-7. Management Zone of Yayu Coffee Biosphere Reserve. (Source: Motion Consultancy & Training,
2018).

d. Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve

The Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve is aa terrestrial Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) with a reported
total area of 372,333 ha and 21% protected area cover (Key Biodiversity Areas Partnership,
2020). Three threat levels were recognized for this Biosphere Reserve. These are Threat Level
1 – 3. Whereas Agriculture and commercial development are Threat Level 1, wood and pulp
plantation, settlement and urban expansions were considered to constitute Threat Level-2.
Furthermore, smallholder plantations and shifting agriculture are Threat Level-3.

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The occurrence of plant and animal species of conservation concerns inside Sheka Forest has
triggered the designation of this forest as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The species and their
corresponding IUCN conservation status are given below.
e. Amphibians
Clarke’s Banana Frog (Afrixalus clarkei).
This species was previously reported from UNESCO-MAB Kaffa Biosphere Reserve and Godare.
Now it is also reported from Sheka Forest and has served as one of the triggering factors for a
designation of this Forest as a Biosphere Reserve. Its habitats include forest edges, herbaceous
vegetations surrounding pools inside forest, coffee plantation and modified forest habitats.

Figure 6-8. Clarke’s Banana Frog (Source: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/31041229)

This endemic species has an IUCN conservation category of Endangered (cf. below).

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 f. Animals

The following animal species were recorded from the project area.
No Scientific name Common name Remarks
1 Heterohyrax brucei(Gray, 1868) Hyrax -
Procavia capensis(Pallas, 1766
2 Cercopithecus mitis(Wolf, 1822 Blue monkey Raids crops and persecuted by
communities
3 Lepus saxatilis(Cuvier, 1823 Hare Open fields
fagani (Hoffmann and Smith 2005
4 Chlorocebus aethiops(Linnaeus, 1758) Grivet monkey Troops seen along road side.
Habituated?
5 Colobus guereza(Rüppell, 1835 Colobus monkey Frugivore in forest canopy,
6 Panthera pardus(Linnaeus, 1758 Leopoard Predator on wild and domestic
animals
7 Civettictis civetta (Schreber, 1776 Civet uncommon

8 Atilax paludinosus(Cuvier, 1829) Mongoose -

9 Crocuta crocuta(Erxleben, 1777) Spotted hyaena Predator and nuisance

10 Potamochoerus larvatus(Cuvier, 1822 Bush pig Hunted with traditional spears

11 Sylvicapra grimmia(Linnaeus, 1758) Bush duiker Hunted for food

Some animal species are endemic and their conservation status are given below.
a. Yalden’s Desmomys (rat) - Desmomys yaldeni
This rodent species is endemic to Ethiopia. Figure 6-9 shows the species and its geographic range
in Ethiopia. The species distribution ranges from Metu to Tepi and covers the project area as
well. It habitats are humid afro-montane forest dominated by Ficus species and undergrowth
dominated by coffee. Deforestation of the afro-montane forest may threaten this species in the
future.

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Figure 6-9. Yalden’s rat and its geographic distribution. (source:……species photo: Lavrenchenko and Bekele,
2017; map – Integrated Biodiversity Tools)

This species has been assessed as vulnerable.

b. Scott’s Mouse-eared Bat (Myotis scotti)

This bat species is endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia on both sides of the Ethiopian Rift
Valley (see below). Its habitats are Afro-montane Forest and shrubland. Its populations are
severely fragmented.

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Figure 6-10. Geographic extent of Scott’s Mouse-eared Bat

Scott’s mouse-eared Bat was assessed as a Vulnerable species with regard to its conservation
status. Habitat fragmentation and conversion are the major threat to the conservation of this
species.

The elevation range of this species is 1300 – 2500 masl in Ethiopia. Part of the project area
(around Metu) falls in the geographic extent of this species (see below). But the remaining areas
of the project are outside of the geographic range of this species.

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Figure 6-11. Partial view of the geographic extent of Scott’s mouse-eared Bat

g. Plants
Octotea kenyensis
This species has a wide geographic range even outside Ethiopia. Its superior quality of hardwoods
has results in its high exploitation for timber.
This species was assessed as Vulnerable.

Generally, these four species (3 animal and 1 plant) are the biodiversity elements that have
triggered the delineation of Sheka Forest as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of a global
importance.
B. National Forest Priority Areas
There are three National Forest Priority Areas (NFPAs) in the project area (Figure 6-12). Another
NFPA, the Sele Anderacha NFPA lies far in the west of the project area.

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Figure 6-12. National Forest Priority Areas of the project area.

Although they were designated as NFPAs, most parts of these forests are converted to
Agricultural lands (Figure 6-13). As a result, the 230 kV power transmission line passes through
these converted parts of the NFPAs. But a very small section of this power transmission line
crosses these forests. Coffee is the most dominant undergrowth in these NFPAs.

Figure 6-13. Current spatial distribution of the extent of the NFPAs of the project area.

C. Important Bird Areas

The Met-Gore-Tepi (ETH 046) Important Bird Area (IBA) is located along the project area. The
Key bird species of this IBA is Rouget’s rail, which is assessed as near threatened.

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This species lives in aquatic environment, i.e., wetlands and swamps. This IBA is under intense
human pressure and the area and quality of the habitats of this bird species has diminished over
time. Figure 6-14 shows the extent of occurrence of this species
(https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22692548/93358279).

Figure 6-14. Area of extent of Rouget’s rail. (source: Birdlife International, 2016).

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 6.1.4. Migratory birds’ Flyways in Ethiopia and the project area

Critical bird sites in Ethiopia

Critical bird sites of Ethiopia have been identified by Climate Resilient Site Network in Africa-
Eurasia Flyways by Birdlife International (http://criticalsites.wetlands.org/en/about). In Ethiopia, 47
critical bird sites were identified (Figure 6-15).

Figure 6-15. Critical bird sites of Ethiopia. Colors denote level of protection of the habitats. Red = little protection
of habitats or none; Green = whole habitats protected.

But there are no critical bird habitats in the project area (Figure 6-16). The Koffee Swamp is at
the far Eastern side of the project while the Gambella National Park is further West of the project
area. None of the bird species recorded in this study were listed in the critical bird sites of
Ethiopia.

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Figure 6-16. Critical Bird sites in the Ethiopia. Red line shows the proposed Transmission line.

Migratory Birds
Some of the bird species of the project area are migrant while other are residents (non-migrants).
Table 6-1 gives details information on the migration of the bird species recorded from the project
area.
Table 6-1. Migration status of bird species of the project area.

Bird species Migration status remarks Distribution of migrant species7

Malachite kingfisher Non-migrant
Silvery-cheeked Non-migrant
hornbill
Crowned hornbill Non-migrant
Red-shouldered migrant Breeding visitor,
cuckooshrike intra-african
migrant

Grey cuckooshrike Non-migrant

Yellow-breasted Non-migrant
apalis
Green-backed Non-migrant
camaroptera
African olive-pigeon Non-migrant

7 https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/rescus1/cur/introduction

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 Bird species Migration status remarks Distribution of migrant species7
Lemon dove Non-migrant
Dusky turtle-dove Non-migrant
Red-eyed dove Non-migrant
Blue-spotted wood- Non-migrant
dove
Tambourine dove Non-migrant
Broad-billed roller Migrant Breeding visitor,
intra-African
migrant

Cape crow Non-migrant

Thick-billed raven Non-migrant
Blue-headed coucal Non-migrant
Senegal coucal Non-migrant
African emerald Migrant
cuckoo

Red-chested cuckoo Migrant

Yellow-bellied waxbill Non-migrant

Black-and-white Non-migrant
munia
Abyssinian citril Non-migrant
Streaky seedeater Non-migrant
Lesser honeyguide Non-migrant

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 Bird species Migration status remarks Distribution of migrant species7
Northern puffback Non-migrant
Ethiopian boubou Non-migrant
African paradise- Migrant
flycatcher

White-crowned Non-migrant
robin-chat
White-browed robin- Non-migrant
chat
Red-capped robin- Non-migrant
chat
Rueppell's robin-chat Non-migrant
Abyssinian slaty Non-migrant
flycatcher
Northern black Non-migrant
flycatcher
African Dusky Non-migrant
flycatcher
White-cheeked Non-migrant
turaco
Variable sunbird Non-migrant
Olive sunbird Non-migrant
Tacazze sunbird Non-migrant
Scarlet-chested Non-migrant
sunbird
Non-forest species Non-migrant
Chestnut-naped Non-migrant
francolin
Scaly francolin Non-migrant
Nubian woodpecker Non-migrant
Abyssinian Non-migrant
woodpecker
Cardinal woodpecker Non-migrant
Western Black- Non-migrant
headed batis
Grey-headed batis Non-migrant
Brown-throated Non-migrant
wattle-eye
Black-winged Non-migrant
lovebird
Yellow-fronted Non-migrant
parrot
Common bulbul Non-migrant
Black-billed barbet Non-migrant
Yellow-fronted Non-migrant
tinkerbird

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 Bird species Migration status remarks Distribution of migrant species7
Red-fronted Non-migrant
tinkerbird
Greater blue-eared Non-migrant
glossy starling
Sharpe's starling Non-migrant
Cinnamon Non-migrant
Bracken warbler
Common chiffchaff Migrant
Willow warbler Migrant

Eurasian Blackcap Migrant

Lesser whitethroat Migrant

Wattled ibis Non-migrant

Hadada ibis Non-migrant
African hill babbler Non-migrant
White-rumped Non-migrant
babbler
Narina trogon Non-migrant
Olive thrush Non-migrant

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 Bird species Migration status remarks Distribution of migrant species7
Abyssinian ground- Non-migrant
thrush
Village indigobird Non-migrant
Montane white-eye Non-migrant
Rouget’s rail Non-migrant

The species denoted as migrant exhibit intra-African movement. They also occur all year round
in the project area. Some breed in Africa and others in Eurasia (Palearctic migrant), e.g., Lesser
whitethroat. Their habitats are woodland or bush, forest edges, homegardens (e.g., the
palearctic Blackcap) and open woodland, homegardens, bush (e.g., African paradise Flycatcher).
That is the habitats of these migrant species are away from the zone of this high-tension
transmission line to trigger electrocution. Similarly, the resident (non-migrant) species habitats
are also inside forest, ground and homegardens. As a result, the 230 kV Metu-Mash
transmission line will not pose electrocution threat.
Bird species of the project area
Large number of bird species were recorded from the project area. Table 6-2 gives their IUCN
conservation status and their population trend8.
Table 6-2. Bird species of the project area. Keys: LC = Least concern; NT = Near threatened

Common Name IUCN Population Endemic Foraging9 Forest dependency

Conservation trend (Yes or No) niches
status
Malachite LC Stable No; it occurs Aquatic Low
kingfisher throughout habitat
Africa
Silvery-cheeked LC Decreasing No; it is Generalist High
hornbill distributed to
Southern part
of Africa, e.g.
Zimbabwe
Crowned hornbill LC Decreasing No; other Canopy High
parts of Africa
Red-shouldered LC Stable No; occurs in Generalist Medium
cuckooshrike different parts
of Africa
Grey cuckooshrike LC Stable No Mid- Medium
high/canopy
Yellow-breasted LC Increasing N0 Canopy Medium
apalis
Green-backed Not assessed - - -
camaroptera

8 Some species were not assessed by using IUCN conservation criteria. In this case, their population
trend is unknown.

9German Group study od Birds of Gomma & Gera Woredas, Ethiopia.

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 Common Name IUCN Population Endemic Foraging9 Forest dependency
Conservation trend (Yes or No) niches
status
African olive- LC Decreasing No Generalist Medium
pigeon
Lemon dove LC Stable No Ground Medium
Dusky turtle-dove LC Stable No Ground Medium
Red-eyed dove LC Increasing No Ground Medium
Blue-spotted LC Stable No Ground Medium
wood-dove
Tambourine dove LC Stable No Ground Medium
Broad-billed roller LC Stable No Generalist Medium
Cape crow LC Increasing No Ground Non-forest species
Thick-billed raven LC Stable No Ground Low
Blue-headed LC Stable No Generalist Medium
coucal
Senegal coucal LC Stable No Ground Medium
African emerald LC Stable No Canopy Medium
cuckoo
Red-chested LC Stable No Generalist Medium
cuckoo
Yellow-bellied LC Stable No Generalist Non-forest species
waxbill
Abyssinian citril LC Stable No Ground/ Low
understorey
Streaky seedeater LC Stable No Ground/ Low
understorey
Lesser honeyguide LC Stable No Understorey/ Medium
mid-high
Northern puffback LC Stable No Mid-high Low
Ethiopian boubou LC Stable No Ground Medium
African paradise- LC Stable No Canopy Low
flycatcher
White-crowned LC Stable No Ground Non-forest species
robin-chat
White-browed LC Stable No Ground Medium
robin-chat
Red-capped robin- LC Stable No ground Medium
chat
Rueppell's robin- LC Decreasing No Ground/ Medium
chat understorey
Abyssinian slaty LC Decreasing Yes Ground Low
flycatcher
Northern black LC Stable No Generalist Low
flycatcher
African Dusky LC Decreasing No Generalist Low
flycatcher
White-cheeked LC Stable No Mid-high Medium
turaco
Variable sunbird LC Stable No Generalist Medium
Olive sunbird LC Stable No Understorey Medium

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 Common Name IUCN Population Endemic Foraging9 Forest dependency
Conservation trend (Yes or No) niches
status
Abyssinian LC Stable No Generalist Low
woodpecker
Tacazze sunbird
Scarlet-chested LC Stable No Non-forest species
sunbird
Rouget’s rail NT Decreasing Yes Aquatic Non-forest species
Swainson's Not assessed - - Understorey Non-forest species
sparrow
Chestnut-naped LC Stable No Ground Medium
francolin
Scaly francolin LC Decreasing No Ground High
Nubian LC Stable No Mid-high Non-forest species
woodpecker
LC Decreasing No Mid-high/ Medium
canopy
Cardinal LC Stable No Generalist Medium
woodpecker
Western Black- LC Decreasing No Mid-high Low
headed batis
Grey-headed batis LC Stable No Mid-high None-forest
species
Brown-throated LC Stable No Mid-high Medium
wattle-eye
Black-winged LC Increasing Yes Mid-high Medium
lovebird
Yellow-fronted LC Stable Yes Med-high Medium
parrot
Common bulbul LC Increasing No Generalist Low
Black-billed LC increasing No Understorey/ Low
barbet mid-high
Yellow-fronted LC Stable No Generalist Low
tinkerbird
Red-fronted LC Stable No Generalist Low
tinkerbird
Greater blue- LC Stable No Ground Low
eared
glossystarling
Sharpe's starling LC Decreasing No Canopy High
Cinnamon LC Stable No Ground Low
Bracken warbler
Common LC Increasing No Generalist Medium
chiffchaff
Willow warbler LC Decreasing No Canopy Medium
Eurasian Blackcap LC Increasing No Mid-high Medium
Lesser Lc Stable No Generalist Low
whitethroat
Wattled ibis LC Unknown No Ground Non-forest species
Hadada ibis LC Increasing No Ground Low
African hill LC Decreasing No Mid-high High
babbler

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 Common Name IUCN Population Endemic Foraging9 Forest dependency
Conservation trend (Yes or No) niches
status
White-rumped LC Stable No Ground Low
babbler
Narina trogon LC Stable No Mid-high High
Olive thrush LC unknown No Ground Medium
Abyssinian LC Decreasing No Ground High
ground-thrush
Village indigobird LC Stable No Ground Non-forest species
Montane white- Not assessed - No Mid-high Medium
eye

The major threat to the conservation of the bird species of the project area are continuous
decline in extent, area and quality of their habitats. Most of the bird species if the project area
are of least conservation concern (Figure 6-17). Their foraging niches are also different, i.e., their
range from ground to canopy of big tree species like Cordia Africana, Albilzia gummifera, Pouteria
adolfi-friderici and etc. Furthermore, these bird species have different trend of their population
status. Over 25% of the bird species of the project area has a generalist feeding niches (Figure
16). Only about 9% of them feed on their respective diet at the canopy of the forest. Furthermore,
the mid-high foraging niche is about 18% but the combination of mid-high, understorey and
canopy is very small (less or equal to 4%). On the other hand, a ground foraging niche accounts
for the majority of the bird species (over 34%).

Figure 6-17. IUCN conservation status and foraging niches of bird species of the project area.

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The bird species of the project area has shown different magnitude of forest dependency (Figure
6-18). Whereas over 34% of the bird species show a medium level of dependency on the forest,
about 10% of them are highly dependent on the forest. There are also non-forest species, which
were mainly recorded from home gardens and cultivated fields.

Figure 6-18. Forest dependency classes of bird species of the project area

D. Critical natural and modified habitat Assessment

Critical habitats are areas that contain features that are vital for conservation of species. These
are habitats of conservation concern and require targeted management and conservation. The
IFC Performance Standard 6 define critical habitats as “Habitat is defined as a terrestrial,
freshwater, or marine geographical unit or airway that supports assemblages of living organisms
and their interactions with the non-living environment.” These habitats are of high biodiversity
value10 and meet the one or more of the following criteria11. These criteria are:
i. Criterion 1: Critically endangered (CR) and/or Endangered (EN) species
ii. Criterion 2: Endemic or restricted-range species

10 http://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/115482804a0255db96fbffd1a5d13d27/
PS_English_2012_Full-Document.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

11 http://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/a359a380498007e9a1b7f3336b93d75f/ Updated_GN6-
2012.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

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 iii. Criterion 3: Migratory or Congregatory species
iv. Criterion 4: Highly threatened and/or unique ecosystem
v. Criterion 5: Key evolutionary processes
Criteria 1-3 are concerned with species occurrence and criteria 4 & 5 are about ecosystem.
Where the project falls inside IUCN’s Protected Areas Categories 1a, 1b and II, IFC guidance
note 6 (Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resources Management, G9 stipulates
that a Biodiversity Management Plan to be prepared. A critical habitats assessment will be carried
out in such case. The project area falls under IUCN’s Protected Areas Category VI (protected
area with sustainable use of natural resources). Category VI protected areas12:

• Conserve ecosystems and habitats together with associated cultural values and traditional
natural resources management system;

• Large with most area in natural conditions and etc.

The primary objective of Category VI is o protect natural ecosystems and use natural resources
sustainably, when conservation and sustainable use can be mutually beneficial. G10 of the IFC
guidance note 6 also mentioned provisions for Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) including Important
Bird Areas.
The IFC Standards provide detailed descriptions for the Tiers of Critical Habitats. These Tiers
are based on the degree of vulnerability and irreplaceability. Qualitative and quantitative
thresholds are provided to assign Tier 1 or Tier 2 to Critical Habitats (Table 6-3).
Table 6-3. Qualitative thresholds for Critical Habitats (IFC Performance Standard 6, 2012)

Tier 1 Critical Habitat Tier 2 Critical Habitat

Criterion 1: Occurrence of Critically endangered (CR) or Endangered (EN) species
a. Habitat required to sustain ≥ 10 % of the c. Habitat that supports the regular occurrence
global population of a CR or EN of a single individual of a CR species and/or
species/subspecies where there are known, habitat containing regionally important
regular occurrences of the species and where concentrations of a Red-listed EN species
that habitat could be considered a Discrete where that habitat could be considered a
Management Unit (DMU) for that species. discrete management unit for that
b. Habitat with known, regular occurrences of species/subspecies.
CR or EN species where that habitat is one d. Habitat of significant importance to CR or EN
of 10 or fewer discrete management sites species that are wide-ranging and/or whose
globally for that species population distribution is not well
understood and where the loss of such a
habitat could potentially impact the long-term
survivability of the species.
e. As appropriate, habitat containing nationally /
regionally important concentrations of an EN,
CR or equivalent national / regional listing

12 https://www.iucn.org/theme/protected-areas/about/protected-areas-categories/category-vi-
protected-area-sustainable-use-natural-resources

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 Tier 1 Critical Habitat Tier 2 Critical Habitat
Criterion 2: Occurrence of endemic and/or Restricted-Range species
a. Habitat known to sustain ≥ 95% of the global b. Habitat known to sustain ≥ 1% but < 95% of
population of an endemic or restricted-range a global population of an endemic or
species where that habitat could be restricted-range species where that habitat
considered a discrete management unit for could be considered a discrete management
that species (e.g. a single-site endemic). unit for that species, where data are available
and / or based on expert judgment.
Criterion 3: Occurrence of Migratory and/or Congregatory species
a. Habitat known to sustain, on a cyclical or b. Habitat known to sustain, on a cyclical or
otherwise regular basis, ≥ 95% of a global otherwise regular basis, ≥ 1% but < 95% of
population of a migratory or congregatory the global population of a migratory or
species at any point of the species’ lifecycle congregatory species at any point of the
where that habitat could be considered a species’ lifecycle and where that habitat could
discrete management unit for that species be considered a discrete management unit for
that species, where adequate data are
available and / or based on expert judgment.
c. For birds, habitat that meets Birdlife
International’s Criterion A4 for congregations
and / or Ramsar Criteria 5 or 6 for Identifying
Wetlands of International Importance.
d. For species with large but clumped
distributions, a provisional threshold is set at
≥ 5% of the global population for both
terrestrial and marine species
e. Source sites that contribute ≥ 1% of the
global population of recruits.

Criterion 4 focuses on ecosystems that contain biome-restricted assemblage of organisms and

threatened or recognized for their high conservation values. No quantitative thresholds were
given in IFC Performance Standard 6. The project crosses the transition zones (highly altered and
converted landscape) of Yayu Forest Coffee and Sheka Forest UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.
There are National Forest Priority Areas embedded in the RoW of the project, but these areas
were converted to agriculture long time ago. Therefore, the project will not trigger Criterion 4.
Criterion 5 focuses on landscape of evolutionary significance in terms of enhancing evolutionary
processes. The temperature and humidity regime and exposure to sun radiation is different across
a landscape. This unique landscape configuration is important to facilitate in-situ climate change
adaptation and innovations of new characters for organisms to withstand global warming. During
the ESIA study, such unique features were not recorded along the RoW of the project. Therefore,
the Project will not trigger Criterion 5.
Fifty-Five biodiversity features have been assessed for critical habitats under IFC Performance
Standard 6 (Table Annex VI). Details of the findings of the Critical Habitats Assessment are
described in this Annex.
A total of 55 biodiversity aspects have been assessed for critical habitats in the project area.
There are endemic species and cosmopolitan species in the project area. The project also crosses
cultivated areas and small sections of the transition zone of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (Yayu
and Sheka Forest). Since the species occurring in the project area are widely distributed in

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Ethiopia, throughout Africa and some Asian countries, IUCN Critical Habitats Criterion 1 is not
triggered by this project. Furthermore, the project area is also not critical habitats that determine
a long-term persistence of the species. Table 6-4 gives a summary of the Critical Habitats
Assessment for VU and EN species.
Table 6-4..Summary of Critical Habitats Assessment

Trigger species/Habitat Tier Remarks

Criterion 1: Occurrence of Critically endangered (CR) or Endangered (EN) species
Clarke’s Banana Frog The RoW is This species have been recorded from relatively
Status: EN not Critical undisturbed areas and intact forest. The RoW is, thus,
Habitats not its breeding area. It is also a widely distributed
species.
In view of these findings, the occurrence of this species
inside Sheka Forest does not trigger Critical Habitats.
Criterion 2: Occurrence of endemic and/or Restricted-Range species

There are 6 endemic species, i.e., 1 plant, 2 amphibians, 1 reptile 1 rodent, 1 Bat species (Annex VI).

Yalden’s Desmomys It is widely It occurs in humid Afro-montane Forest dominated

distributed with Ficus sur with coffee undergrowth. It is not
common in the project AOI.
Scott’s Mouse-eared Bat It is widely It mainly occurs in relatively less disturbed
distributed Afromontane forests and shrublands. It is not common
in the project AOI.
Clarke’s Banana Frog It is widely It occurs mainly in vegetations around pools inside
distributed forests and forest edges as well. It also breeds in
marshy areas inside emergent vegetation. It is not
common in the project AOI
Dime Forest Frog It is widely It mainly occurs in forest and forest patches. It is not
distributed common in the project AOI
Bearded Ethiopian Montane This species It occurs inside forest areas and forest patches. The
Chameleon has a wide project AOI is not its area of concentration and thus, it
geographical is not common.
range
Erythrina brucei It is widely
It occurs at the edge Afro-montane Forest and
distributed
woodland. The project AOI is not a high concentration
of its populations.
Criterion 3: Occurrence of Migratory and/ Congregatory species
There is no species that triggers Criterion 3.

Criterion 4. Presence of Highly threated and/or unique ecosystems

There is no species that triggers Criterion 4

Criterion 5: Key Evolutionary Processes

The findings during the ESIA study do not show any species triggering Criterion 5

E. Ecosystem services
The project area crosses different land use/land cover types. The agricultural system of the
project area is a mixed system where the local communities grow crops and practice coffee-
agroforestry system. Noteworthy is that the local livelihoods depend on the ecosystem services
derived from forested areas.

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The forests of the project area provide the following ecosystem services.

• Provisioning services. These include timber products for construction purposes, non-timber
forest products such as honey, spices and water supply.

• Regulating services. The forests sequester CO2, which an important regulatory factor for
climate change. The forests also regulate soil erosion.

• Cultural services. Forests aesthetic values and visual impressions promoting spiritual values
of the local communities.

• Supporting services. Forest provides habitats for important species for enhancing
agricultural production, i.e., habitats for natural enemies of pests, pollinators and etc.

6.2. Physical baseline environment

Topography
The slope of the project area ranges from almost flat t0 over 45% (Figure 6-19). The slope of the
Right-of-Way of the Metu-Masha 230 kV power transmission line passes through different slope,
which falls below 25%.

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Figure 6-19. Slope map of the project area

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Weather conditions
Masha gets rainfall in all months (Figure 6-20). It gets more than 15 days in a month for 10 months.
The rainfall is relatively smaller in January and February, where there are only 10 days of rain in
each month. The day-time temperature of Masha ranges from 21° C (July) – 31° C (February).
The night-time temperature ranges from 12° C for 4 months - 16° C (February and March).
Masha area is generally the wettest part of Ethiopia and harbours the Moist Afro-montane forests
of the country.

35
30
30 31 31 30
29 29
Number of days

25
20 24
21
15 17
15
10
Rain days
5 9 9

0
14°c 16°c 16°c 15°c 14°c 13°c 12°c 13°c 12°c 12°c 12°c 13°c
29°c 31°c 30°c 29°c 26°c 23°c 21°c 22°c 23°c 25°c 25°c 27°c
Night
JanuaryFebruary March April May June July AugustSeptember
October
November
December Day

Figure 6-20. Average weather condition of Masha (data sources: https://www.worldweatheronline.com/masha-

weather-averages/et.aspx)

Metu
Metu gets rainfall for 9 months with at least 15 days in each month (Figure 6-21). Months from
May – October are with the highest number of rain days. Relatively less rain days were recorded
for January and February. With regard to temperature, the coldest night characterizes 4 months,
i.e., July, September, October and November. The highest day-time temperature was recorded
in February (31° C) and followed by March (30° C). The average temperature in January and April
is 29° C. Similar rainfall and temperature patterns characterize Gore area as well.

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 35

30

25
Axis Title

20

15

10 Rain days

0
14°c 16°c 16°c 15°c 14°c 13°c 12°c 13°c 12°c 12°c 12°c 13°c
29°c 31°c 30°c 29°c 26°c 23°c 21°c 22°c 23°c 25°c 25°c 27°c
Night
JanuaryFebruary March April May June July AugustSeptember
OctoberNovember
December Day

Figure 6-21. Average weather condition of Metu (data sources: https://www.worldweatheronline.com/masha-

weather-averages/et.aspx)

Elevation
The elevation of the project area ranges from 1200 – 2650 masl. (Figure 6-22). The Metu – Masha
230 kV single circuit transmission line project crosses its highest elevation around Gore area. It
has the lowest elevation at and around Masha Town.

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Figure 6-22. Elevation map of the project area

Geology
The geology of the project area was comprised of four different types of formations in different
period (Figure 6-23). These are Archaen, late Eocene – late Oligocene, Oligocene – Miocene and

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quaternary undifferentiated. The Metu – Masha 230 kV power transmission line crosses two of
these geological formations, i.e., the Archean and the Oligocene – Miocene.

Figure 6-23. Geological map of the project area

Soil
There are seven soil types in the project area (Figure 6-24). But the Metu – Masha 230 kV single
circuit transmission line project crosses only two soil types. These are Nitisols and Gleysols.

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Figure 6-24. Soil map of the project area

The general overview of soil erodibility in Ethiopia is given in Figure 6-25. The soil erodibility value
of Ethiopia is low. Five erodibility ranges were produced for Ethiopia. The soil erodibility
(susceptibility the soil to erosion and the rate of runoff) of the project area falls in the 0.001 –
0.135.

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Figure 6-25. Soil erodibility in Ethiopia. (source: Berhanu et al., 2013: GIS-based hydrological zones and soil geo-
database of Ethiopia; Catena 104: 21-31_

Air quality
The air quality of the project area is mainly dominated by naturally occurring sources. Examples are
naturally occurring whirlwind inducing dust emission to air. There are not any development activities
affecting the air quality of the project area. Therefore, the baseline air pollution due to dust emission is
considered as a function of natural event (e.g., strong wind) and almost absent in the project area.

Noise quality
There are no conditions that emit high noise. The ambient noise quality is characterized as limited to the
songs of birds and noise from wildlife.

Land use and land cover

Five major land use/land cover types were recorded in 1990 (Figure 6-26 & Figure 6-27). The
proportion of the forest within 235,016 ha of the area along the entire stretch of the project was
over 140,000 ha in 1990. On the other hand, the area covered by farmland was well below 40,000
ha in the same year. Furthermore, plantation in the same area has covered less than 2,000 ha in
1990.

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 160,000.00

140,000.00

120,000.00
Area cover in ha

100,000.00

80,000.00

60,000.00

40,000.00

20,000.00

0.00
Farmland Plantation Forest Waterbody Settlement Grassland
1990 2020

Figure 6-26. Land use/land cover change in 1990 and 2020.

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Figure 6-27. Land use/land cover conditions of the project area in 1990.

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In 2020, there is a significant increase in the farmland and a decrease in the area cover of forest
(Figure 6-28). Farmland has increase by about 39% while forest has reduced by 38.5% compared
to their aerial cover in 1990. Furthermore, there is also an increase in the plantation of exotic
tree species.

Figure 6-28. Land use/land cover conditions of the project area in 2020.

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 6.3. Socio-economic baseline environment

6.3.1. Location and administrative organization

The proposed Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project is located in South-
west Ethiopia Peoples and Oromia regional states of Ethiopia. The South-west Ethiopia Peoples
and Oromia regions are two of the eleven Regional National States of Ethiopia. The regions are
structured into Special Zones/Zones, Special Woredas/Woredas and kebeles.
Administratively, the proposed project overlaps two administrative zones and four Woredas.
Accordingly, Table 6-5 shows lists of administrative set-ups by regions, zones, woredas and kebeles.
Table 6-5. Lists of administrative set-ups affected by the envisaged project

S\No Region Zones Woredas # of Kebeles covered by the

project
Rural Urban Total
1 Oromia IIubabor Metu 3 2 5
Didu 2 - 2
Alle 1 - 1
2 South-west Ethiopian Peoples Shaka Masha 3 2 5
Total 2 4 9 4 13
Source: Field Survey, 2021

6.3.2. Demographic Profile

Knowing the number of populations provides the basis to understand and to design the
development projects like electric power transmission line and distribution substations. It is also
important for the wise use of resources according to the size of population. The total population
of Illubabor zone is estimated to be 987, 191 both in rural and urban areas. Of this most of the
population, i.e., 858,423 (87%) lives in rural parts of the zone (Table 6-6). This implies that if the
project electrifies the rural parts of the area, it will have more customers as it is a cash crop
producing area.

Table 6-6. Population profile of the project area

Zones, towns and Urban Rural Total

woredas Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total
Illubabor Zone 64,757 64,012 128,768 428,977 429,446 858,423 493,734 493,458 987,191
Metu town - - - - - - - - -
Metu woreda - - - - - - - - 89,830
Ale woreda 7,729 7,748 15,477 30,270 30,338 60,608 37,999 38,086 76,085
Didu woreda 4,324 3,753 8,077 21,689 20,266 41,955 26,013 24,019 50,032
Sheka zone - - - - - - 124,772 123,102 247,874
Masha town 4,680 4,651 9,332 - - - - - -
Masha woreda 6,594 7,119 13,713 19,546 20,218 39,764 26,140 27,337 53,477

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Total populations
in project
affected 142,48 493,35 494,662
woredas/towns 71,351 71,131 1 5 988,017 618,506 616,560 1,235,065
Source: Socio-economic Profile Report of the Respective Zones, 2021

Table 6-7 shows that gender wise the population of the project area is almost equally distributed
indicating that half segments of the community are women population and they should get
emphasis in the project. The average family size is 5 persons in the zones. The dependency ratio
ranges from 30.01% at zonal level to 94.13% in Alle woreda in Illubabor zone. The later shows
that 94 inactive persons depend on every 100 economically active /productive/ people in the area.
Table 3 also shows that the population density of the zone varies from 52.1 people per KM 2 in
Didu woreda to 133 people per KM2 in Ale woreda. As to housing characteristics, 99% of housing
types in the urban areas are made of corrugated iron roofing while in rural areas they are entirely
tukuls, i.e., almost 85%.
Table 6-7. Percentages of project area population by gender and place of residence, density, household size and
dependency ratio

Zones, Percent of Percent of Percent of Percent of Population Household Dependency

towns and male female urban rural density size ratio
woredas populatio population populatio populatio
n n n

Illubabor Zone 50 50 13 87 90.4 5 30.01%

Metu town - - - - - - -
Metu woreda - - - - - - -
Ale woreda 49.9 50.1 20.3 79.7 133.5 5 94.13
Didu woreda 52 48 16.1 83.9 52.1 5
Sheka zone 50.3 49.7 19.1 80.9 - 5 -
Masha town - - - - - - -
Masha woreda 48.1 51.9 25.6 74.4 - 5 -

Source: Socio-economic Profile Report of the Respective Zones and own calculations, 2021

6.3.3. Ethnic groups of the project area

There are several ethnic groups in Ethiopia based on the national census of the Central Statistical
Agency of Ethiopia (2007). These are presented below.
Illuabor Zone:

• Oromo
• Amhara
• Tigrayan
But the ethnic groups in the project area are Oromo and some Amhara.
Sheka Zone:

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 • Shakacho
• Amahara
• Oromo
• Kafficho
• Bench
• Majang
But the ethnic groups in the project area are Shakacho, Oromo and Amhara.

6.3.4. Livelihood strategies and economic activities

Agriculture
Agriculture is the dominant livelihood strategy in Ilubaror and Sheka zones in which the project
is going to be implemented. More specifically, in Illubabor zone 87% of the population are engaged
in the agricultural sector which is greater than the national average. In so doing there is crop
production and livestock rearing as the major economic activities for subsistence means of
livelihood in the project affected areas particularly in the rural areas. As to crop production, there
are annual and perennial crops grown in the area. The major annual crops produced in the area
are cereals, pulses and oil seeds. Cereals mainly include teff, sorghum and maize. Table 6-8 shows
that 115,951 hectares of land were covered by cereals in 2020 with an average productivity of
nearly 39 quintals per hectare in Illubabor zone. The major perennial or cash crops are coffee,
mango, lemon, orange, papaya, banana, avocado, sugarcane, and chats. Table 6-8 also shows that
12,620 hectares of land were covered by cash crops in 2020 with an average productivity of
nearly 133 quintals per hectare in Illubabor zone. Table 6-8 also shows that 9041hectares of land
were covered by cereals in 2020 with an average productivity of 35 quintals per hectare in Sheka
zone. The major perennial or cash crops are coffee, lemon, banana, and apple. Table 6-8 also
shows that 2,626 hectares of land were covered by cash crops in 2020 with an average
productivity of 200 quintals per hectare in Sheka zone. Farmers in the proposed project area
produce crops using traditional farming system mainly by hoe cultivation system using oxen for
ploughing. Moreover, farmers are not using different machineries important for their mainly crop
production and preparation due to lack of power. However, if the proposed project is going to
be implemented in the area, farmers can also use modern technologies to produce surplus and
earn additional income from their crop production. Though most farmers practice sedentary
crop production there is also shifting cultivation which involves clearing of the forest and burning
the thrash before cropping. This practice affects the forest since after some years of cropping the
land is left fallow in order to restore the fertility of soil and farmers will clear other areas of
forests for similar purposes of cultivation and such practice continues.

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Table 6-8. Major crops average productivity in quintals per hectare

Illubabor Zone Sheka Zone

Major crops Cultivated Average productivity Major crops Cultivated Average productivity in
Cultivated area in in quintals per Cultivated area in quintals per hectare
hectare hectare hectare
Cereal 115951.69 38.84 Cereals 9041 35
Pulses 9,982 15.02 Pulses 4493 50
Oil Crops 3,351.9 7.62 - -
Cash crops 12,620.71 132.29 Cash crops 2626 200
Source: Project Affected Zones Planning and Economic Development Offices, 2021

Table 6-9 shows Illubabor and Sheka Zone farmers land holding size and more than 60% of farmers
own less than 2 hectares in Illubabor zone. On the other hand, average household size of the
zone is 5 and there is low productivity per hectare in the proposed project areas which in turn
affects their endeavour of fulfilling livelihood security. This shows that modern technologies
should be introduced and practiced in order to increase productivity through different
mechanisms. One of the important infrastructures in introducing and practicing modern
technologies is the supply of power. Hence, the implementation of this project will highly benefit
the local communities.
Table 6-9. Farmers land holding size in Illubabor and Sheka zones

Illubabor Zone Sheka zone

Land holding Number of Percent Land holding Number of Percent
size farmers size farmers
<1 36,105 26.20 <1 44,379 26.6
1.01 - 2 47,816 34.70 1.01 - 2 69,688 41.7
2.01 - 3 28,526 20.70 2.01 - 3 26,680 16.0
3.01 - 4 16,992 12.33 3.01 - 4 13,731 8.2
4.01 - 5 8,365 6.07 4.01 - 5 12,553 7.5
Total 137,804 100 Total 167,031 100
Source: Project Affected Zones Planning and Economic Development Offices, 2021

Livestock

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Table 6-10 shows that in 2020 there are about 1,369,585cattles, 682,566 sheep, 304,598 goats,
2,496,401 chickens, 115,164 horses, 32,973 mules, and 87,521 donkeys in Illubabor zone. There are
about 1,363,080 cattle, 902,561 sheep, 402,476 goats, 1,577,535 chickens, 115,501 horses, 5,111
mules, and 2,829 donkeys in Sheka zone (Table 6). Livestock raised for various economic and social
reasons such as transport, and food (milk, meat, eggs), and as a source of cash income for the
farming households. Cattles in the project area are used primarily for dairy and meat production,
as well as, farm traction. Mules and donkeys are most frequently used for transportation. Goats,
sheep and poultry and their products are used as households’ income sources and expenditure.
However, contrary to huge number of the livestock population in the zones, the yield obtained
is very low due to shortage of feed, lack of improved breeds and veterinary services.

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Table 6-10. Illubabor and Sheka Zones Number of Livestock (Animals) in 2020

Type of Cattle Goats Sheep Horses Mules Donkey Chicken

animals
Illubabor 1,369,585 304,598 682,566 115,164 32,973 87,521 2,496,401
Zone
Sheka 1,363,080 402,476 902,561 115,501 5,111 2,829 1,577,535
Zone
Source: Project Affected Zones Planning and Economic Development Offices, 2021

Dependence on natural resources for livelihoods

Participants during public consultation have indicated that the local communities have preserved
the forest and they get 50% and the government gets 50% from the forest income. Accordingly,
the forest is one means of livelihood for the people living the project area. Moreover, households
use the forest to produce honey using traditional beehives. Table 6-11 shows honey production
in kilograms for two years in which there is a decreasing trend, and the total production of honey
is decreased from 21,191,597 Kg in 2019 to 10,733,034 Kg in 2020. Therefore, the concerned
body should give attention as this might be one of the signs of tree degradation. The main reason
for such decreasing trend may be attributed to a significant decrease in tree cover from 2010 –
2020 in Ethiopia (https://www.globalforestwatch.org/map/country/ETH/). In 2010, there are 12.4 Mha of
tree cover in Ethiopia. This tree cover has been reduced to 18 Kha in 2020. Furthermore, there
is an indication that bee populations have generally decreases in these areas (personal
communication with some members of the communities).
Table 6-11. Trends of honey production from beehives in the forest

Year Traditional beehives Transitional beehives Modern beehives

Honey Number of Honey Number of Honey Number of
production participants production participants production participants
2019 8,578,516 134,219 9,710,040 42,705 2,713,813 12,304
2020 5,758,547 131,145 2,535,380 101,905 2,192,196 13,861
Total 14,337,063 265,364 12,245,420 144,610 4,906,009 26,165
Source: Project Affected Zones Planning and Economic Development Offices, 2021

Off-Farm Activities
Projected affected people practice off-farm activities in addition to their on-farm activities of crop
production and livestock rearing. Most of the income generation activities of the communities
are traditional, similar and mostly practiced to meet their daily demands. Some of the activities
widely undertaken include petty trade, sell of fuel wood, and gathering wild honey from the forest
they have preserved. This shows that there is low awareness in creation and implementation of
other businesses, lack of skill and experience in income generating activities, limited number and
capacity of the private sectors to absorb the growing number of unemployed youths, weak saving
culture of the community to create employment opportunities, and shortage of credit and saving
facilities in the project area. One of the reasons for such kinds of problems is lack of power and
the implementation of the proposed project to some extent will address most of the problems.

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Poverty Analysis
Poverty is due to several factors, for example, access to productive resources, education and
access to credit. There is also disparity of land sizes among people on one hand and female headed
and male headed households. The inhabitants of the project area in Sheka Zone have enough
resources to sustain their life. Those people living close the East African Tea Estate, namely, Keja
Kebele, Masha Woreda also work there to support their household income.
The total poverty line for an adult per year is 7,184.0013 ETB. Based on the assessment of the
populations of the project areas, the annual household income is well above this poverty line.
They also produce cash crops such as coffee and Khat (Chat).

6.3.5. Social services

Education Service
Education is a backbone of development in general and a principal means of improving the lives
of individuals in particular. Accordingly, the government and its partners have made great efforts
to make accessible for pre-primary, primary, secondary, college and university education at the
proximity of the students in Ethiopia. As a result, the numbers of educational institutions have
increased highly in all over the country including the project area though there is a problem of
offering quality education in those institutions. Table 6-12 shows that a significant number of
students learn in different levels of education in Illubabor zone. Of these, 3,104 students learn
in 30 pre-primary schools, 179,960 students learn in 438 primary schools and 33,600 students
learn in 55 secondary schools with a net enrollment ratio (NER) of 54.7 and 37.7 in primary and
secondary educations respectively. However, Table 6-12 also shows that there are 3.8% and 8.5%
dropouts in primary and secondary education respectively. There are also 193, 6890 and 1664
teachers in pre-primary, primary and secondary schools respectively. This implies that all these
students, teachers and schools are eagerly waiting for access to electricity from this project
especially for those which are not still getting the service.
Table 6-12. Education in Illubabor zone, 2021

Level Number of Number Number Ownership GER NER Student Dropout

institutions of of rate
students teachers
Pre-primary (KG) 30 3,104 193 Private
Primary (Grade 1-8) 438 179,960 6890 GO & NA 54.7 3.8
NGO
Secondary (Grade 9-12) 55 33,600 1664 GO & NA 37.7 8.5
NGO
Colleges
University 1 GO
Source: Socio-economic Profile Report of the Respective Zones and own calculations, 2021

13
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia: Poverty and Economic Growth Analysis (Planning and Development
Commission, 2018)

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Health Service
Healthy people are productive. Hence, when the people are healthy, they have a great
contribution for development and growth. Thus, to be healthy and in order to be productive and
in turn to contribute for development and growth, they should protect themselves from diseases.
Disease prevention helps to ensure the health of a person without large expenditures on
medicine, medical equipment and medical expertise. However, if in case these people become
sick they should get appropriate health services. One of the important things to provide them
with proper health services is the supply of electricity. In so doing this electric power project will
have an immense contribution for proper and quality health service provision. In the proposed
project area, there are different health institutions providing health services. Table 6-13 shows
that there are 2 hospitals, 40 health centers, 91 clinics, 279 health posts, 7 rural drug vendors
and 14 pharmacies in Illubabor zone. One of the main input to make these health institutions
function well are health professionals. Accordingly, there are 28 doctors, 136 health officers, 297
nurses, 82 laboratory technicians, 4 X-ray technicians, 78 pharmacists, 49 environmental
health/sanitary professionals, 11 health assistants and 549 health extension workers. Within these
health institutions and professionals, the health coverage is 96% though there are lots of question
raised on the quality of the service due to lack of infrastructures like electricity power supply.
Table 6-13 also shows that there are 1 hospital, 13 health centers, 46 clinics and 57 health posts
in Sheka zone.There are 18 doctors, 50 health officers, 24 nurses, 10 laboratory technicians, 7
X-ray technicians, and 10 pharmacists working in these health institutions. Thus, the
implementation of the proposed project in these areas will improve the quality of health services.
Table 6-13. Health Institutions & Professional in Illubabor and Sheka Zones Project areas, 2021

Type of Health Number Type of Health Number

Institution Professionals
Illubabor Sheka Illubabor Sheka zone
zone zone zone
Hospitals 2 1 Doctors 28 18
Health Centers 40 13 Health Officers 136 50
Clinics 91 46 Nurses 297 24
Health Posts 279 57 Laboratory technicians 82 10
Rural Drug Venders 7 - X-Ray technicians 4 7
Pharmacies 14 - Pharmacists 78 10
Total 433 117 Environmental 49
Health/Sanitary
Health Assistants 11
Health extension 549
Total 1234
Health Coverage 96%
Source: Socio-economic Profile Report of the Respective Zones, 2021

Stakeholder and public consultation participants have pointed out that most health institutions
are suffering from shortage or lack of power. Thus, the implementation of this project will solve
their problem and they will get access for electricity so that they will be able to function
successfully. On the other hand, the residents of the project area are suffering from top 10
diseases (Table 6-14) and these diseases demands power to investigate them. Hence, this project

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will have paramount importance to address the health problems of the local community in the
project area.
Table 6-14. Top 10 diseases in Illubabor and Sheka zones in 2020

S.No Illubabor zone Sheka zone

Type of diseases # of cases Type of diseases # of cases
1. Pneumonia 32,337 Pneumonia 73,636
2. Dyspepsia 27,186 All Respiratory diseases 70,748
3. Disorders of urinary system 24,983 Acute upper respiratory infections 70,251
4. Acute upper respiratory 19,640
Diarrhea 48,864
infections
5. Typhoid and paratyphoid 18,307 Typhoid fever 36,442
6. Functional intestinal disorders 13,584 Dyspepsia 27,758
7. Fever of unknown origin 11,789 Urinary tract infection 27,553
8. Joint disorders 11,430 Epidemic typhus 21,458
9. Hypertension 10,830 Infections of the skin and
18,791
subcutaneous tissue
10. Helminthiases 10,797 - -
Source: Socio-economic Profile Report of the Respective Zones, 2021

6.3.6. Physical Infrastructures and Institutions

Institutions and physical infrastructures are crucial for socio-economic development in a given
country. Hence, the Ethiopian Government is striving to construct different institutions and
physical infrastructures throughout the country including the project area. Accordingly, the
existing institutions and physical infrastructures mainly pure water supply and sanitation,
transportation and communication networks, waste disposal management and recreational
services are assessed in the proposed project area.
Water Supply
The proposed project area gets water from different sources such as shallow well, hand dug well,
spring development, river diversion, gravity spring, and SPDD (Table 6-15). However, most of
them are not functional; one of the reasons for such non-functionality is lack/shortage of power.
Thus, the implementation of the proposed project will improve the supply of water in the project
areas.
Table 6-15. Water sources with their functionality and non-functionality in Illubabur Zone

Water Schemes 2019 2020

Functional Non Total Functional Non Total
functional functional
Deep wells 20 2 22 25 6 31
Shallow well 27 29 56 27 29 56
Hand dug well 1537 165 1702 1516 194 1710
Spring 2537 195 2732 2777 215 2992
development
River diversion 3 0 3 3 0 3
Gravity Spring 2 0 2 2 0 2
SPDD 8 7 15 9 7 16
Total 4134 398 4532 4359 451 4810

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Source: Ilubabor Zone Water and Energy Resource Development Office, 2020

Power and Energy Supply

In the proposed project area, some towns are supplied with electricity. The towns supplied with
electricity in the zone are Alge 01 and Suphe, Gobora, Gore and Onga, Becho and Leka, Bilo and
Nopha, Bure and Sibo, Dupha and Gobe, Lalo and Gordomo Elemo, Halu Hurumu 01, Mettu
town and Burusa Birbirsa, and Yayo. This shows that many rural towns in Illubabor zone have no
access to power and the implementation of the proposed project creates access for electricity
for those which have not yet supplied with power.
On the other hand, Table 6-16 shows that, the majority of people used firewood, electricity and
crop residue ranking from 1to3 in 2019 and 2020. This shows that most local people use firewood
as their source of energy which in turn causes deforestation and health problems due to indoor
air pollution.
Table 6-16. Energy source in Illubabur Zone

Domestic 2019 2020

energy source No of Population Rank No of Population Rank
Charcoal 4,852 5 4,852 5
Firewood 678,532 1 6677081 1
Dung 90 6 470 6
Crop residue 18,658 3 18658 3
Kerosene 11,009 4 11009 4
Electricity 219,798 2 220871 2
Source: Ilubabor Zone Water and Energy Resource Development Office, 2020

Road, Transportation and Communication Services

Road, transport and communication services are fundamental inputs in improving development
activities being undertaken in a given locality. Since they provide services to other sectors of the
development, it would be impossible to bring socio-economic development in the absence of
adequate transport and communication infrastructure and services. As a result, the existing
services in the proposed project area are assessed in this study.
Roads: Road infrastructures are very important for the development and utilization of resources
and promoting investment in the area which in turn such investment and development activities
bring significant socio-economic benefits both at local and national levels. Accordingly, there are
different types of roads in the proposed project area. The figure below shows that the trends of
the construction of roads in 2019 and 2020. For instance, the gravel road increased from 1,495
km to 1,710 km, and all-weather roads increased from 1,707 km to 1,934 km. This will contribute
for the implementation of different projects such as the construction of transmission lines.

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 2019 208.43 1,495.2 4.135 1,707 900.28
7 .84
2020 216.84 1,710.0 7.75 1,934 1,013.75
1 .60
Source: Socio-economic Profile Report of the Respective Zones, 2021

Transport: Transportation is crucial for the movement of human beings and moving materials
from place to place. Thus, the existence of transportation infrastructure such as roads and
vehicles are very important for achieving development in a certain locality. Accordingly,
transportation facilities are paramount for the construction and implementation of the proposed
project in the area.
Telecommunication: Telecommunications services such as internet, cable and satellite
television services, wireless communication services like cellular telephony, paging, and telephony
which are important for facilitation of development activities in a certain area. In so doing, there
is expansion of those telecom services in the proposed project area though it is not enough due
to lack of power and other factors. Hence, the construction an implementation of the proposed
project will help Ethio-telecom to maximize its efforts in the expansion and provision of its
services for both urban and rural communities in the area.
Banks and Other Financial Institutions
Banks: There are totally 30 branches of banks in 2020 belonging to Development Bank of
Ethiopia, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Oromia International Bank, Oromia Cooperative Bank,
Awash Bank, Dashen Bank, Wagagen Bank and Hibret Bank in Illubaor zone. The availability or
access to financial resources and institutions is a key to provision and expansion of goods and
services, promoting credit and savings, and accelerating rural and urban investment. However,
most of these financial institutions suffer from lack or shortage of power supply.
Saving and credit associations: There are different types of saving and credit institutions in
the zone which initiate saving and facilitate credit for business activity and economic development

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in the proposed project area. Accordingly, different governmental and non-governmental
institutions are delivering loan, saving, credit activities, and regulate the flow of money to facilitate
the economic growth of the zone through those saving and credit institutions.

6.3.7. Gender Issues and Vulnerable Groups

Gender Issues
Projects should be gender sensitive to create equal access for services and resources especially
if people are going to be displaced due to the proposed project. On the other hand, during
public consultation it was raised that women suffered during delivery due to lack of power, health
problems due to indoor pollution in cooking foods and other domestic activities in project areas.
Moreover, women participation in development as compared to men is low though there are
improvements nowadays. This implies that the burden of the work in the family makes women
not to participate in outdoor development activities as like as men. Hence the implementation of
the project will reduce the load/burden of women by letting them for getting access to electricity
in the project area which in turn makes the local women to participate in different socio-
economic developments equally like men by completing their domestic activities easily using
electric power.
Vulnerable Groups
There might be vulnerable groups in the project areas such as disabled people, old people,
lactating women, pregnant women, and children who are going to be affected by the proposed
project. Therefore, during the preparation of resettlement action plan such groups of people
should be seriously identified and taken into considerations for appropriate compensations.

6.3.8. Religious institutions, Historical, Cultural and Archeological Sites

Though Ethiopia is endowed with various historical, cultural as well as natural tourist attractions,
there are no any historical, cultural and archaeological sites in this project site. However, there
might be religious institutions, burial places and others. Hence, such kinds of issues should be
taken into considerations.

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 7. Public and Stakeholder consultations
7.1. The Need for Stakeholder and Public Consultation in ESIA Process

In ESIA process, Stakeholder and Public Consultations are paramount importance and mandatory
practices, in accordance to the requirements, as set forth in national and WB policy and legal
frameworks on ESIA procedures and course of actions, as well as, on public consultation and
participation.
Public and stakeholder consultations are useful for gathering environmental data, understanding
likely impacts, determining community and individual preferences, selecting project alternatives
and determine community and individual preferences, designing viable and sustainable mitigation
and compensation plans. Public and stakeholder consultations in the ESIA process is undertaken
at all stages of project phases (the project planning, design, implementation and operation phases).
The aim is to provide information to interested and affected parties, solicit their views and consult
on sensitive issues. Hence, stakeholder and public consultations are important components of
development projects. Thus, the same holds true for the proposed 230 kV Electric Power
Transmission Line Project, which will be implemented from Metu-Mesha in South-west Ethiopia
Peoples and Oromia regional states.

7.2. Stakeholder consultations

Stakeholder’s consultations were held at three Government administrative layers. The types of
stakeholders are given below accordingly.
Zone level

• Administrator
• Vice Administrator
• Advisor to the Administrator
• Ruling Party Head
• Road Construction head
• Forest, Environment and Climate Change Head
• Urban and Rural Development Head
• Education Head
• Agriculture Head
• Land Administration Head
• Women, Youth and Children Head
• Government Communication Affairs Head
• Finance Head
• Oromia Wildlife and Forest Enterprise Head
• Investment Office Head

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Woreda Level

• Administrator
• Ruling Part Office Head
• Agriculture office Head
• Investment Office Head
• Finance office Head
• Agriculture Head
• Health office Head
• Forest and Environment protection Head
• Land Administration Head
• Livestock office representative

Town Administration

• Mayor
• Municipality Office representative
• Advisor to the Mayor
• Ruling Party Office Head
• Urban and Rural House Office Head
• Trade Office
• Agriculture
• Health Office head
• Environmental protection head
• Women, Youth and Children Office Head
• Land Administration Office Head
• Water supply Office Manager
• Investment Office head
• Livestock team representative
Kebele Level

• Chairman
• Vice chairman
• Kebele Council representative
• General Manager
• Security Head

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 7.2.1. Illubabor Zone Stakeholders Consultation

Stakeholders at Illubabor Zone were conducted regarding Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line project (Figure 7-1). They are familiar with the project and raised various benefits
and some negative effects of the project on those projects affected peoples (PAPs) as like as any
other projects. More specifically they have pointed out that the project has many benefits such
as getting access for electric power for those who haven’t and providing power without
interruption for those who have access before. On the other hand, since 87 percent of the
residents of the zone are farmers, the project has negative effect on the PAPs as it affects their
cash crops, forests and fruits. Moreover, they have indicated that both the local government and
community benefit from the forest equally with 50 percent each sharing from the income of the
forest. After a detail discussion, the participants have reached at consensus that the PAPs should
be compensated based on Ethiopian Proclamation No 1161/2019 and Regulation No 472/2020
and the project should be implemented as soon as possible.

Figure 7-1. Consultation with Illubabor Zone Stakeholders

Metu Town Stakeholders Consultation

Since the expansion of Metu distribution station and the erection of some electric towers for
transmission affect some people in Metu town, stakeholders under Metu town administration
were also consulted about Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project (Figure
7-2). In so doing, participants have raised different benefits of the project and their concerns
about PAPs. As to the benefit, the participants have argued that the project will benefit both the
Metu and Masha towns and many small towns and rural areas all the way from Metu to Masha.
However, it will have also negative effects on especially PAPs since it might affect their plots of
land, house, cash crops and others. Accordingly, the participants said that the PAPs should be
compensated based on appropriate proclamations and regulations. More importantly, the Metu
town Mayor has pointed out that the town administration will give a plot of land for those PAPs
if their land and/or house are affected by the project. Moreover, he pointed out that town housing

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development, land administration, and construction offices will contribute a lot to solve any
problems created in relation to the project.

Figure 7-2. Consultation with Metu Town Administration Stakeholders

Metu Woreda Stakeholders Consultation

Stakeholders at Metu woreda administration were also consulted about Metu – Masha 230 kV
single circuit transmission line project (Figure 7-3). The participants argued that any project has
benefits and some negative effects and the same holds true for this project. Previously, the
participants have argued that we were not consulted as a result not able to answer the
questions/concerns raised by the proposed PAPs such as loss of their plots of land and house.
However, from now onwards the participants stated that we are familiar with the project and
will follow up and monitor its implementation together with the concerned bodies. Moreover,
the participants have emphasized on the appropriate compensation of PAPs based on the right
proclamations and regulations. Furthermore, they have indicated that there are two categories
of land holdings those with green card and those with a plan done by GPS, and two of them are
legal and they are entitled for compensation if there are any such PAPs.

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Figure 7-3. Consultation with Metu Woreda Administration Stakeholders

Alle Woreda Stakeholders Consultation

Stakeholders in Ale woreda are consulted and they have pointed out that they know well the
project that includes the expansion of Metu distribution station, construction of Masha
distribution station, and construction of Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line
project (Figure 7-4). They also indicated that the project gives access to electric power not only
to urban areas but also to rural areas to their vicinity on which the distribution stations are going
to be constructed and/or upgraded. On the other hand, the project has a negative effect on some
people as project uses 400m2 of their land, forest, houses, cash crops and others for the erection
of each tower. Thus, as much as possible the project should try its best to minimize the
destruction of the households’ properties and their natural resources. However, taking all the
necessary measures if there are households’ properties and their natural resources to be
destructed by the project, they should be compensated based on the new proclamation and
regulation. Moreover, when estimation of compensation is made it should be clear based on
proclamation and regulation. Furthermore, the participants have mentioned that if the PAPs are
compensated properly, they will develop a sense of belongingness to the project. If not, they may
complain as like the Masha – Gore road project that does not still pay the compensation for PAPs
by arguing that we have lost our land, natural resources and other properties without being
compensated properly and also not getting electric power that passes through our land. This
negatively affects the success and sustainability of the project.

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Figure : Consultation with Alle Woreda Administration Stakeholders
Figure 7-4. Consultation with Alle Woreda Administration Stakeholders

Didu Woreda Stakeholders Consultation

Didu woreda stakeholders are consulted about Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission
line project (Figure 7-5). They know the project and even recommended to be implemented more
of on the farmland rather than on forest areas since the lives of the community mainly depends
on the forest, cash crops in the forest, beehives and others. The project has many benefits for
both urban and rural areas. The participants of the woreda said that they are happy in the project
but when it passes on their woreda if it makes us access to electric power from particularly the
nearest newly constructed Masha distribution station, we will be happier. They have indicated
that Didu woreda is connected to Metu distribution station with a distance of nearly 60 KMs.
However, they get electricity once in a week and even when the light comes it does not have a
power even to lighten the bulb. As result almost all the residents of the woreda uses fuel wood
which indirectly affects the forest in their locality. Thus, if this project is implemented, they hope
that they will have access of a good power from the newly constructed Mash distribution station
which is less than 30 KMs distance from Didu woreda. On the other hand, the project affects the
forest which is one of the livelihood sources of the local people, cultivable land, houses, cash
crops, traditional beehives and others that affects some of the local people. Hence, the
participants have argued that the PAPs should be compensated based on appropriate
proclamation and regulation after the estimation is done properly.

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Figure 7-5. Consultation with Didu Woreda Administration Stakeholders

7.2.2. Sheka Zone Stakeholders Consultation

Sheka zone stakeholders have said that we all know well the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line project and we are waiting for its implementation eagerly and we all are worried
about its delay since we are living without electric power (Figure 7-6). The project has a significant
benefit for the zone in general and Masha town in particular since these areas are far from Addis
Ababa or the center without the necessary infrastructures. Thus, if these areas get electric power,
it will contribute a lot to bring socioeconomic development. The participants have argued that
residents of the zone are suffering from lack of electric power as a result the local people are
using fire wood for cooking food by deforesting the forest which in turn affects their health due
to indoor pollution, students are not learning and studying well, mothers are not getting even the
minimum services during their delivery, youths are not getting or creating employment
opportunities, and people are not able to have access to mills and the like. Hence, having access
to electric power in these areas will solve and/or minimize these problems. On the other hand,
the project may have some negative effects on the forest, cultivable lands, houses, cash crops and
others since 400M2 lands are required to erect each electric tower. This implies that individuals
using such resources will be affected by the project, and those PAPs should be compensated
properly using the appropriate proclamation and regulation after the estimation is done properly
by the estimation committee established by incorporating professionals, local elders and other
concerned bodies. Participants have also argued that the local people is willing to accept the
compensation done by the committee as long as it is estimated properly and paid timely and make
free the area for the project and the zonal stakeholders will work towards that day and night.
Finally, the stakeholders make emphasis on timely payment of the compensation for the PAPs
and they will follow up for its action and the zone together with the town will give a plot of land
for PAPs to reconstruct their affected houses.

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Figure 7-6. Consultation with Sheka Zone Administration Stakeholders

Masha Town Stakeholders Consultation

The stakeholders of the town have argued that they are waiting eagerly for Metu – Masha 230
kV single circuit transmission line project implementation since the town has no electric power
(Figure 7-7). Participants have said that though there is distribution line connected from Metu
substation it is better to say that there is no light or power because the light comes once or
twice in a week and when it comes it works for few hours. Even the light that comes during those
few hours let alone to use for other purposes it does not lighten the bulbs. As a result, there is
very limited socioeconomic development in the town. Consequently, youths do not have access
to employment opportunities, students are studying by torches and candles, women are forced
to use totally fuel wood for cooking that in turn affects their health, and mothers are not
delivering in health institutions due to lack or shortage of power. However, though all town
residents will be benefited with this project directly or indirectly, there are some PAPs, and they
should be compensated for their properties based on appropriate compensation proclamation
and regulation. Moreover, stakeholders indicated that the town administration will follow up
whether the compensation is made properly and paid timely. Furthermore, the town
administration will offer a plot of land for those PAPs on the other parts of the town.

Figure 7-7. Consultation with Masha Town Administration Stakeholders

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Masha Woreda Stakeholders Consultation

Masha woreda stakeholders know well Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line
project and they are following up for its implementation (Figure 7-8). The participants have said
that electric power is very important for everything both in urban and rural areas. It creates
employment opportunities for youths, lets the students to learn and study well, mothers can get
better services during their delivery in health institutions, and women can use electric stoves and
others for cooking food. On the other hand, when the distribution substation is built in Masha
town and towers are erected in Keja and Wollo rural kebeles of the woreda, some people will
be affected, and those PAPs should be compensated based on the newly revised proclamation
and regulation after a proper estimation is made by the committee. The woreda stakeholders will
follow the proper and timely payment of the compensation for PAPs and also make free the
compensated land/area for the project by working day and night within a short period of time.
Moreover, the woreda administration will work together with other concerned organs to offer
a plot of land for those PAPs if their house is damaged totally and they do not have a land to
reconstruct their house both in rural and urban areas.

Figure 7-8. Consultation with Masha Woreda Administration Stakeholders

7.3. Public consultations

7.3.1. Illuababor Zone

Kola Korma Kebele Public Consultation

Project affected people of both gender groups living in Kola Korma kebele of Metu woreda were
consulted about expansion of Metu distribution substation and Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line project (Figure 7-9). The participants have indicated that they know the project
and it will benefit both the local people and government. While the local people benefit from
electric power for different purposes, the government will get sales revenue by selling electric
services. However, the participants have argued that we will be affected by the project if our
small plot of land which is 10m by 20m is going to be used for the expansion of Metu distribution

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substation and erection of some towers which are going to be constructed in their local area.
Thus, Metu town administration should establish appropriate estimation and valuation committee
and our properties should be counted and valuated one by one and the PAPs have to get
appropriate compensation payment that is done based on the new compensation proclamation
and regulation. The participants have pointed out that since there were problems in relation to
compensation payment for PAPs in their local area such kinds of problems should not be repeated
in this project. Moreover, they have indicated that the town should give them a plot of land to
reconstruct their damaged house in some parts of the town. If the town does not have a plot of
land in its land bank since almost all lands in the vicinity of the town are covered by perennial
crops and trees, it should give the PAPs even by taking some lands from the better off households
somewhere in the town territory who are not affected by the project like us after paying them
the necessary compensations. Finally, women were consulted separately, and they also
emphasized on the appropriate valuation and payment of compensation and provision of plot of
land when they are displaced. Otherwise, they argued that they will become a street family with
a very worst living condition.

A B

Figure 7-9. Consultation with Project Affected People (PAPs). A, consultation with project affected male and
female; B, consultation with project affected females

Sagi Kebele Public Consultation

Project affected people of both gender groups living in Sagi kebele of Ale woreda were consulted
about Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project (Figure 7-10). The participants
have indicated that they know the project and it has various benefits for those rural and urban
areas which have no access for electricity and some negative effects on some people like us
especially if we are not compensated appropriately. Accordingly, the participants have hotly
discussed about the issue of compensation. They argue that the properties of the PAPs who were
affected by the Masha – Gore Road project in their locality were not appropriately valuated and
even the estimated compensation that was signed by the PAPs is not paid till now though the
Masha – Gore Road project is underway. The participants added that when they are asking for
their payment and if that is not the case the project should not be started, they are beaten by the

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policemen and this is creating conflict between the local people and government. Hence, they
emphasized that such kinds of problems should not be repeated in this project. Moreover, if a
project comes in one area, it should create employment opportunities for the local youths and
others. However, what has been happing in some projects like the current Masha – Gore Road
project in their locality is bringing workers including the day laborers from other areas. As a
result, the local youths are complaining about such issues and they hope that the upcoming
project will solve such problems. Furthermore, the participants have stated that the transmission
line passes in their rural kebele but if the PAPs are not benefited from the project by getting
access to electricity by fulfilling the necessary requirements, they might not feel a sense of
ownership to the project. Hence, the concerned bodies should work towards that to make them
to develop a sense of ownership for the project by letting them to access to electric power.
Finally, women were consulted separately and they argued that such study was done before eight
years and stated “you are again studying similar issues, we need action beyond the study”.
Moreover, they emphasized on the appropriate valuation and payment of compensation on time;
otherwise, it will affect the success and sustainability of the project.

Figure 7-10. Consultation with Project Affected People (PAPs)

7.3.2. Sheka Zone

Keja and Wollo Kebeles Public Consultation

Project affected people of both gender groups living in Keja and Wollo kebeles of Masha woreda
were consulted about the construction of Masha distribution substation and the Metu – Masha
230 kV single circuit transmission line project (Figure 7-11). The participants have indicated that
they know the project and it has various benefits and some negative effects on some people like
us particularly if we are not appropriately compensated. Some of the benefits of the projects are
creating employment opportunities for youths, letting the students to learn and study well,
rescuing the forest from being deforested for fuel wood, keeping the health of women/mothers

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who were affected by indoor air pollution when using fuel wood for cooking, providing better
services for mothers during their delivery in health institutions, and letting women to use electric
stoves and others for cooking food. As result the promised to support the project by what they
can even by carrying stones and other inputs for the project. On the other hand, when the
distribution substation is built in Masha town and towers are erected on 400M 2 lands in Keja and
Wollo rural kebeles, their cultivable land, houses, cash crops, forest and traditional beehives and
others will be affected, and they have to be compensated properly after a proper estimation and
valuation is made by the appropriate committee that includes professionals, local elders and other
concerned bodies. If this is the case, they state “we will be happy and welcome the project as like
as the majority of people in the kebele and the woreda”. Finally, the issue of forest was raised at
both gender group discussion and when discussion was held with women separately, they have
indicated that the local communities have preserved the forest and they get 50% and the
government gets 50% from the forest income. As a result, we hope that the project will try its
best not to significantly affect the forest. But if some forests are affected by the project while
erecting some towers we can replace the loss by planting trees in other areas based on their
previous experiences and practices of preserving forest for many years.

Figure 7-11. Consultation with Project Affected People (PAPs)

The summary of key issues raised by stakeholders of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line project, and the responses provided by the project team are summarized below:
Table 7-1. Key issues raised by stakeholders and responses

Date of Zone/Woreda/ Number of Key issues raised Responses provided

consultations town participants
Illubabor Zone
October 06, Iluabobor Zonal 8 (1 female) • The project affects • The project
2021 Administration houses, cash crops impacts are both
and coffee shade temporary and

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 Date of Zone/Woreda/ Number of Key issues raised Responses provided
consultations town participants
trees which have permanent. There
direct impact on are houses and
household trees that will be
incomes. permanently lost.
• Compensation ti • The Client will
the PAPs should pay compensation
be paid on time before the start
and before the of the project.
start of the
project.
October 07, Metu town 8 (1 female) • The project affects • The Consultant
2021 Administration houses and trees has explained that
falling inside the there will be
Right-of – Way of permanent loss of
the project. some houses and
• The Metu Town Eucalytus trees
Addministration inside the RoW
will provide the of the project.
PAPs with plots of • Since the PAPs
land to construct are living in Metu
new houses town
• The Client should administration
pay compensation and have only 200
for the PAPs square meters of
land, they do not
have any spare
land to construct
new houses even
if compensation is
paid. The Metu
town
administration
will help the PAPs
by providing plots
of land to
construct new
houses.
October 07, Metu Woreda 11 (1 female) • Previous projects • Any
2021 Administration do not normally compensation will
consult their office be paid based on
to explain about the currently
the project. They functional laws
appreciated the and regulation of
importance of Ethiopia.
consultations • The Consultant
• There are two has explained
type of land compensation
ownership, i.e., (1) processes, i.e.,
a green card and asset inventory,
(2) a plan with GPS asset valuation
readings. Both are and etc.
legal and the PAPs • Compensations
with these land will be paid

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 Date of Zone/Woreda/ Number of Key issues raised Responses provided
consultations town participants
ownerships status before the
should be commencement
compensated if the of the project
project affects activities.
their asset.
• Appropriate
compensation
should be
implemented.
October 8, Metu Woreda, 17 (6 female) • They are • The Consultant
2021 Kolo Korma concerned that has informed the
Kebele their small plot of PAPs that a
land10 m x 20 m consultation was
size will be conducted with
permanently lost the Metu town
due to the project. administration
They do not have concerning loss of
any spare land to houses and trees
build new houses from
even if they are communities at
paid Kolo Korma
compendation. Kebele.
Therefore, the • The Metu town
Metu town administration has
administration said that they
should give them a could provide
replacement plot plots of land for
of land from its house
land bank or construction. But
elsewhere in its this is something
jurisdiction to to be seen in the
build their new process in the
houses. coming period.
• There should be • Any
appropriate asset compensation for
valuation lost assets will be
committee and paid based on the
appropriate existing Ethiopian
compensation laws and
should be paid regulations.
before the project • Paying
starts. compensation for
• They have bad lost assets will be
experiences from done before the
previous projects commencement
where of the project.
compensation was
not paid in an
appropriate
manner (their
assets were
undervalued).

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 Date of Zone/Woreda/ Number of Key issues raised Responses provided
consultations town participants
October 8, Metu Woreda, 6 females • The Metu town • The Metu town
2021 Kolo Korma administration Administration
Kebele should replace has promised to
plots of land to give plots of land
enable us build for permanently
new houses since affected houses,
their current but this is to be
houses will be seen in the
permanently lost. coming period.
• Compensations • Compensation
should be paid will be paid
before the start of before the start
the project of the project to
• If the Metu town give time for
administration fails relocation and
to give them plots construction of
of land to new houses
construct new
houses and
compensation is
not paid before
the start of
project, their
livelihood will be
seriously affected.
They do not have
spare money to
rent houses for a
long time and they
will be homeless
and dependent.
October 09, Alle Woreda 9 males • They stated that • This ESIA study
2021 Administration the project should will evaluate
avoid as much alternative routes
forest areas and to minimize
houses as possible. negative impacts
This should be of the project.
considered its • Payment of
route selection. compensation is
• Compensation based on existing
should be paid law and
according to the regulation.
existing law and • The Client will
regulation pay
• If not compensated compensations
properly, the PAPs for impacted
will file repeated asset before the
complaints. project starts.
October 10, Didu Woreda 8 males (1 • They support the • This ESIA study
2021 Administration female) project. They, mainly focuses on
however, stated the identification
that they would of impact of the
like to have a new project, propose

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 Date of Zone/Woreda/ Number of Key issues raised Responses provided
consultations town participants
connection from mitigation
the new substation measures and
at Masha. prepare
Currently, they are Environmental
getting power and Social
from Metu Management Plan.
substation only Practical activities
once a week. This such as issues
new project will connected to
solve this problem. power
• Due to the distribution will
shortage of power, not be addressed
every member of in this ESIA study.
the urban • The Client will
community uses pay compensation
fuel wood. This before the start
has negative effect of the project.
on the health of
the forest and
increases
degradation of the
forest (e.g.,
selective cutting
and thining the
tree stands).
• Compensation
should be paid
properly and
before the start of
the project.
Sheka Zone
October 11, Sheka Zonal 10 males (3 • They stated that • The Client will
2021 Administration females) power is very pay compensation
important for before the start
them to trigger of the project.
local business The due process
enterprises and of payments of
improve living compensation has
quality of the been explained.
communities. • It is true that
• The use of power plays
firewood for important role
cooking and this for local
has negative effect businesses. But
on forests the ESIA study
• Compensation should be
should be paid completed snd
before the start of approved to
the project. enable the project
to start.
October 11, Masha town 6 males (1 • There is a severe • The Client will
2021 administration female) power shortage. pay compensation
As a resul, youth based on law and

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 Date of Zone/Woreda/ Number of Key issues raised Responses provided
consultations town participants
of the town have regulation of
no job Ethiopia.
opportunities. • Payments of
• Compensation compensation will
should be paid in a be completed
proper manner before the
based on the project starts.
existing law and
regulation. This
should be done
before the project
starts.
October 11, Masha Woreda 6 males (1 • There are loss of
2021 female) assets due to this
project.
Compensation
should be paid in a
proper manner
based on existing
law and regulation.
• Once the Woreda
administration
proves that
compensation is
paid for PAPs, it
will help the
project for clearing
compensated
assets to facilitate
the
implementation of
the project.

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 8. Analysis of Project Alternatives
8.1. General

The IFC Guidance Note 1 (GN 25) requires the examination of technically and economically
feasible project alternatives and documentation of the rationale for selecting a particular course
of action. The core objective of the Metu – Masha 230 kV power transmission line is to supply
power to Masha town and its surrounding areas. This section outlines how the project represents
an optimal route that is environmentally and socially feasible through minimizing impacts of these
receptors. It also starts with no or zero option and thoroughly evaluate details of three alternative
routes. Based on these detailed analyses, the optimal route will be selected for further impact
assessment, mitigation measures and Environmental and Social Management Plan. These
alternatives are described below and Annex 13.5 for further details.
Given that the location of the Masha substation was fixed, no location alternatives were examined
for the substation. Thus, alternatives assessment is based on transmission line route alternatives.
The present ESIA Update revises the selection of Alternative I which was made at the 2016 ESIA
and examines Alternative 2, which is a clear improvement over Alternative 1, in the sense that
the crossing of large, dense forest areas is avoided at the expense of crossing cultivated areas and
tea farm areas. Alternative 3 offers a further improvement of Alternative 2, by minimizing the
impact to tea farms, using existing tracks as far as possible. Alternatives are examined for a section
of 34.3 km of the transmission line route, which presented the greatest challenges in terms of
forest and biodiversity loss. The parts of the route before and after this section are common for
all alternatives.
Details are provided in the following paragraphs and in Figure 8-1 at the end of this section.

8.2. The No-project or zero alternative

In the No-project option, there are not anticipated impacts due to the implementation of the
Metu – Masha 230 kV power transmission line, i.e., it entails the maintenance of the status quo.
That is no 24 hours/week power supply to Masha Town. This project option, however, has
impacts on the local economy and livelihoods of the communities of Masha Town and its
surrounding areas such as Woredas of the Sheka Zone. It is anticipated that the new sub-station
at Masha could serve as a springboard for at least the electrification of Woreda towns of the
Sheka Zone. This project also enables the students to study their subject longer than usual by
clean energy source. Masha Town currently uses Diesel run generator for power supply and the
Metu – Masha 230 kV power transmission line helps the town to reduce cost. Furthermore, more
local economic activities and investments will be triggered by the implementation of the Metu –
Masha power transmission line. In view of these factors, the No-project option was
dismissed.

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 8.3. Alternative 1

This alternative passes through both cultivated areas and large section of forests. In this case,
large trees of highly valued tree species will be removed. Some of these tree species are Pouteria
adolfi-friderici, Cordia africana, Albizia gummifera, Prunus africana, Milletia ferruginea, Schefflera
abyssinica (an important resource for honey), Syzygium guinese and etc. These trees have a
diameter of more than 1 m and it has taken 100 of years for them to get to this size. Cutting
these indigenous trees along the ROW of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission
line project negatively affects the biodiversity of the project area. Furthermore, these mature
tree species are also habitats for epiphytic plants and their removal will also result in the loss of
these epiphytic plants. Table 8-1 shows some features of Alternative 1.
Table 8-1. Characteristics of Alternative 1.

Length of the section Area of forest cleared Key biodiversity issues

70 km A large area of forest will be a. Vulnerable plant species will be removed
cleared; significant loss of along this long stretch of the ROW of the
biodiversity power transmission line, e.g.
b. A high proportion of highly valued and the
flagship plant species of the forest will be
removed, e.g. Pouteria adolfi-friderici
c. A large proportion of plant species that are
important source of non-timber forest
products, e.g. honey will be removed.
Examples are Syzygium guineese and
Schefflera abyssinica
d. Potential loss of epiphytic plant species such
as orchids and little-known bryophytes14.

Furthermore, Blue Monkey, Cercopithecus mitis, lives in the canopy of these high trees. This species
is of least conservation concern, but its population is decreasing. Therefore, the removal of a long
stretch of forest area and forest disturbance create open spaces and could potentially affect this
species having a decreasing population trend. Due to the high negative impacts of Alternative 2
on the biodiversity, this option was not selected for further ESIA study.

8.4. Alternative 2

This project alternative passes through cultivated fields avoiding forests. A total length of this
alternative is 69.7 km and a large forest area will fall in the RoW of the Metu – Masha 230 kV
single circuit transmission line project in this alternative. There are tree species along this RoW.
By avoiding forest of the project area, which are also designated as National Forest Priority Areas,

14 Previous studies in moist Afro-montane Forest, which is close to the project area, has resulted in several new
records of rare Bryophytes and new species of the same group. Since there is little information on this group of
plant biodiversity, a removal of their hosts (tree species) for a long stretch will have potentially adverse impact
them (cf. Hylander et al, 2010; Hylander et al., 2013)

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the RoW crosses a long stretch Tea Estate causing significant damages to tea shrubs. Table 8-2
gives details of the characteristics of Alternative 2.
Table 8-2. Characteristics of Alternative 2.

Length of the section Area of forest cleared Key biodiversity issues

69.7 km The forest area that needs to a. Minimum biodiversity loss due to
be cleared is minimized by avoidance of crossing dense forest
crossing scattered forest areas areas
and cultivated areas

Crossing tea farms

8.5. Alternative 3

This alternative is meant to reduce the damage to the tea Estate and use existing foot tracks of
the Estate for ancillary activities such as depositing and mixing construction materials for tower
foundation. The total length of this alternative is 1.4 km longer than Alternative 2. Due to its
significantly low level of forest disturbance, conservation of key indigenous tree species, reduced
adverse impacts on Tea Estate, Alternative 3 was selected for further ESIA study.
A summary comparison of route alternatives is provided below:
Criteria Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3
Length of section 69 km 69.7 km 71.1 km
Accessibility Good Excellent Excellent
Terrain conditions Mountainous, sloppy, Hilly, waterways and flat Hilly, waterways and flat
deep waterways, flat areas areas
areas
Dense forest crossed 21 km 6 km 4 km
Scattered forest crossed 5 km 12 km 12 km
Farm and open land 8 km 19 km 18 km
Loss of biodiversity Clearing of mature trees Significantly improved Significantly improved
of Cordia abyssinica, Fiucs footprint in terms of footprint in terms of
sycomoros and Coffee biodiversity loss, due to biodiversity loss, due to
shade trees; avoiding crossing dense avoiding crossing dense
Removal of vulnerable forest; forest; reduced adverse
species such as Prunus Significant damage to tea impacts on tea farm
africana and a flagship farms
plant species of the
forests, i.e., Pouteria adolfi-
friderici

Resettlement Approx. 50 houses Approx. 35 houses Approx. 35 houses

affected affected affected

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Figure 8-1. Project Alternatives

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 9. Assessment of Impacts and mitigation measures
The assessment of impacts of the project on receptors (biological, physical, social and OHS issues)
are arranged according to the project activities for the construction phase. Table 9-1 gives the
details of the impacts of these project activities on the receptors and how these impacts are
assessed and evaluated. For the operation phase, the assessment of impacts is organized by
receptors, potential impacts and mitigation measures.
Table 9-1. Details of assessment of impacts of project activities on receptors.

Impact Impact features

Impact nature adverse positive neutral
Impact types direct indirect induced
Impact duration temporary permanent
Impact extent local regional international
Likelihood probable possible certain
Receptor low Medium high
sensitivity
Impact negligible low medium high
significance

9.1. Positive impacts

The Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project has the following beneficial
impacts.
i. Employment opportunity
ii. Development of different enterprises and trades
iii. Boost investment, e.g., coffee mill
iv. Improve quality of life
v. Improve education delivery systems and students study norm

9.2. Adverse environmental and social impacts

The anticipated adverse environmental and social impacts of the project are given below
according to the different phases of the project.

9.2.1. Pre-construction Phase

The activities of the project during the pre-construction phase include workforce mobilization
and vegetation clearing by the contractor. The mobilization of workforces for clearing vegetation
and cutting trees is one of the major activities of the project, which leads to environmental and

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 133

public health concerns. Some of the tree species impacted by this project includes vulnerable
species such as Prunus africana and isolated mature individuals of Pouteria adlofi-friderici and etc. If
the direction of the fall of these high trees is not pre-determined, additional damages of the
surrounding vegetation and even Crematogaster ant nests are inevitable. The noise of the
workforces will impact wildlife at least on a temporary basis. This temporary increase in local
population triggers public health issues such as HIV/AIDS and STDs, which will eventually affect
household economy. Table 9-2 provides the project activities and environmental and social
receptors during the pre-construction phase
Table 9-2. Environmental and social Impacts of the project during the pre-construction phase. Key: x denotes
impacts on concerned bio-physical and social conditions will be triggered by the project activity. X denotes that
the project activities adversely affect a receptor, i.e., all receptors with “x” are impacted on by the project.

Receptors Physical Biological and social

Project Activity

health & safety

Occupational
Noise quality

Public health

Solid wastes
Livelihoods

Settlement
Population
Air quality

growth
Fauna
Flora

Workforce x x x x x x x x
mobilization

Vegetation x x x
clearing
along RoW
and access
road

Land x x
Acquisition
Pre-construction phase

for Tower
foundations

Acquisition x x x
of Assets
inside the
RoW

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 134

 a. Workforce mobilization
The contractor mobilizes its workforce to embark on site clearing. This new workforce will adversely impact the air and noise quality
of the project area and lead to an increase in the population of the project site. Such an increase in population could trigger public
health issues such as STDs and HIV/AIDS. It is anticipated that a large quantity of used plastic bottles will be left at the project area.
These solid wastes could be accidentally consumed by livestock apart from their environmental nuisance. Furthermore, while cutting
big trees, there is a high likelihood that these trees fall in the wrong direction damaging vegetation and coffee stands in the immediate
vicinity of the ROW.
Mitigation Measure:

• Orientation of the workforce by the contractor prior to commencing duties

• Health education for the workforce and awareness creation for HIV/AIDS and other STDs
• Apply the best industry practice and applicable law and regulation of Ethiopia for employing workers
• Collect all used plastic water bottles and dispose them at designated areas
• Apply all requirements of the Solid Waste Management Plan
• Apply all requirements of Occupational Health and Safety Management Plan
• Apply all requirements of Air Quality Management Plan
• Apply all requirements of the Forest Management Plan
• Apply all requirements of Biodiversity Management Plan

Conclusion:

The duration and magnitude of this impact is low and reversible. Applying the mitigation measure will reduce this impact to negligible
in the case of HIV/AIDS and STDs. The dust emission due to the activities of the workforce could also be reduced to an acceptable
level if the mitigation measures is strictly used, i.e., prior orientation of the workforce. There will be an increase in the ambient noise
level of the project area but the impact is temporary.
Details of the impacts associated with workforce mobilization are given below.

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 Project activity Impacts on:

reversibility
Cumulative

occurrence
Probability

Objective/
magnitude

subjective

perceived
Adverse/
beneficial
duration

intensity

Direct/

Actual/
indirect
Spatial

effect
scale

of
Workforce Population
mobilization growth local Short-term low none certain low reversible adverse direct objective Actual
Public Health
(HIV/AIDS_ local Short-term low none probable low reversible adverse direct objective perceived
Occupational
health &
Safety local Short-term low none probable low reversible adverse direct objective perceived

b. Vegetation clearing along ROW and access road

This activity of the project results in the emission of dust to the environment. It also potentially leads to potential injuries, which in
turn triggers occupational health & safety. Detailed studies of the plant species of the Row and access road revealed that most species
occurring in these areas are of least conservation concerns and some are vulnerable (e.g., Prunus africana) or with decreasing trend of
populations. Furthermore, some tree species are even not locally abundant (e.g., Pouteria adolfi-friderici and Olea welwitschii). The tree
species of the project area provide habitats for other species (epiphytes) and ant nests for Crematogaster (useful organisms for coffee
pest control). During this activity of the project, a large quantity of used plastic bottles could be left in the project area uncollected.
There will be an increase in the ambient noise level of the project area but it has a temporary impact on the social environment.
The details of the type and number of indigenous and cash crop trees that are adversely impact due to the removal of vegetation along
the RoW of the project is given in

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Table 9-3. A total of 191 mature individuals of the vulnerable Prunus africana and 40 isolated mature individuals of Pouteria adolfi-friderici
will be permanently removed from the RoW of the project.

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Table 9-3. Types and number of tree species removed from the RoW in different Kebeles of Ilu Aba Bor Zone of the Metu – Masha 230 kV power
transmission line.

Kebele CA FS DA SE EU CM SG AD SA OW PA Pad PR AA AG MF GR CL EB EC PF
Jeto 208 21 27 124 7750 202 0 22 0 0 0 0 100 0 254 0 110 106 105 0 0
Gebre Dima 50 12 61 205 2308 236 0 62 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 0 4691 81 0 0 0
Doha 96 31 0 283 16002 441 0 94 302 0 0 40 0 0 45 0 0 281 0 0 0
Kolo Korma 0 0 0 0 966 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 91 0 0 0
Chatu &
Kawo 44 0 0 0 1202 73 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 124 0 54 3 0 0 0
Gaba Guda 58 0 0 0 66 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 106 0 23 5 0 0 0
Gagi Bicha 209 0 0 0 658 168 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 235 0 667 79 0 0 0

Key:
CA = Cordia africana; Ficus sycomorus; DA: Diospyros abyssinica; SE: Sapium ellipticum; EU: Eucalyptus species; CM: Croton macrostachyus; SG: Syzygium guineese; AD: Apodytes
dimidiata; SA: Schefflera abyssinica; OW: Olea welwitschii; PA: Prunus africana; Pad: Pouteria adolfi-friderici; PR: Phoenix reclinata; AA = Acacia abyssinica; AG: Albizia gummifera;
MF: Millettia ferruginea; GR: Grevillea robusta; CL: Cupressus lustanica; EB: Erythrina brucei……; EC: Ekebergia capensis; PF: Polyscias fulva

There is a high number of Eucalyptus trees that are adversely affected by the project across different Kebele of Masha Woreda (Table
9-4). A total of 30 mature individuals of the vulnerable Prunus africana and 10 of the scattered mature individuals of Pouteria adolfi-
friderici will be removed along the Row of the project in different Kebeles of Masha Woreda. A handful of coffee shade trees, e.g.,
Albizia gummifera and Millettia ferruginea will be removed. Furthermore, important trees for honey production, i.e., Syzygium guineese
and Schefflera abyssinica will be also permanently removed from the RoW of the project.
Table 9-4. Types and number of tree species removed from the RoW in different Kebeles of Masha Woreda, Sheka Zone of the Metu – Masha 230 kV
power transmission line.

Kebele CA FS DA SE EU CM SG AD SA OW PA Pad PR AA AG MF GR CL EB EC PF
Wolo 0 8 0 0 1250 5 17 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 7 0 1 1
Keja 12 38 0 0 11113 76 8 0 0 3 28 10 0 0 30 25 56 0 0 0 57
Masha 02 0 0 0 0 15025 4 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 138

Mitigation measures

• Provide workers with personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Avail first aid kits at the work places

• Undertake vegetation clearing in the presence of an Environmentalist or a Forester

• Prepare and execute a tree plantation program to compensate for the environmental loss of the trees felled

• Suppress dust emission by watering the work areas on a regular basis

• Apply all requirements of Biodiversity Management Plan

• Apply all requirements of the Air Quality Management Plan

• Apply all requirements of the Occupational Health & Safety Management Plan

• Apply all requirements of the Emergency Response Plan

• Collect used plastic water bottles

• Apply all requirements of the Solid Waste Management Plan
Conclusion
This project activity is temporary, but the scale of the anticipated impacts is local and their duration are both temporary and permanent.
Cutting of mature tree species and damaging Crematogaster ant nests within the RoW is a permanent impact. The supervision of
vegetation clearing and tree cutting should be done by an Environmentalist and a Forester to provide on-site advises to guide this
project activity. At the canopy of high tree species of the project area standing inside the RoW, there are rare epiphytic orchids.
Cutting their host tree will have a permanent impact on their survival. To compensate for the environmental loss of the indigenous
trees felled, planting of new saplings (10 times the number of indigenous trees cut) is proposed in the ESMP. A Forester of the
Contractor should record all orchid species from the fallen trees inside the RoW and report to the client for further conservation
actions. The anticipated potential injuries and accidents can be effectively mitigated if the mitigation measures and the relevant ESMP
are implemented by the contractor. Furthermore, the local level biodiversity loss can be effectively mitigated by the implementation
of the requirements of the Biodiversity Management Plan.

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Details of the impacts associated with vegetation clearing and access roads are given below.

Project activity Impacts on:

reversibility
Cumulative

occurrence
Probability

Objective/
magnitude

subjective

perceived
Adverse/
beneficial
duration

intensity

Direct/

Actual/
indirect
Spatial

effect
scale

of
Vegetation
clearing along
RoW Air quality local temporary low none certain low reversible adverse direct objective Actual
Total Flora local permanent high none certain high irreversible adverse direct objective Actual
Noise local temporary low none certain low reversible adverse direct objective Actual
Tree species local permanent high none certain high irreversible adverse direct objective Actual
Crematogaster
nests local Permanent high none certain high irreversible adverse direct objective perceived
Fauna local temporary negligible none probable negligible reversible adverse direct objective perceived
Occupational
health &
safety local temporary low none probable low reversible adverse direct objective perceived
Vegetation
clearing along
access roads Air quality local temporary low none certain low reversible adverse direct objective Actual
Noise quality local temporary low none certain low reversible adverse direct objective Actual
Total flora
Tree species local permanent medium none certain medium irreversible adverse direct objective actual
Crematogaster
nests local permanent high none certain high irreversible adverse direct objective actual
Fauna local temporary negligible none probable negligible reversible adverse direct objective perceived
Occupational
Health &
Safety local temporary low none probable low reversible adverse direct objective perceived

c. Land acquisition for Tower foundations

The selected Metu – Masha 230 kV power transmission line entails the acquisition of land for tower foundations. For each tower,
there is a need to acquired a total of 10 m x 10 m plot of land. These plots are distributed across different land use types of the project

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area. These are farmland, forests and Tea Estate. The total number of towers will be 180 for the project. As a result, 1.8 ha of land
will be permanently impacted by the construction of Tower foundation. The estimated length of RoW inside forest is about 4 km
resulting in a total number of about 14 Towers inside forest. Therefore, about 0.14 ha of land will be permanently impacted. The
length of the RoW inside the Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve is 700 m, which will translate into about 2 Towers (0.02 ha of land).
Noteworthy is that there are coffee shrubs and spice plants (Piper capense and Afromomum corrorima) inside this forest. The remaining
3.3 km of the RoW falls inside Gebre Dima forest. In this forest, a total of about 0.44 ha of land will be permanently lost. i.e., trees,
coffee shrubs and spices will be removed permanently for tower foundations.
Some plots of land of the Tea Estate will also permanently lost due to Tower foundation. The estimated number of Tower inside the
Tea Estate is about 12, which results in a permanent loss of about 0.12 ha of tea shrubs. The remaining 152 Towers will be erected in
cultivated land and a total of about 1.52 ha of land will be permanently lost.
The East African Agri-business PLC currently owns 10,000 ha of Tea Estate. There are 1400 tree shrubs in 100 m2 of land. Therefore,
the total number of tea shrubs are 14,000. It has been estimated that a single tea shrub will yield about 4 kg of tea leaves. There will
be foundations for 12 Towers inside this Estate requiring a total area and this amounts to 1200 square meter of land. As a result, there
will be a permanent loss of 1680 tea shrubs, which will be 6,720 kg of leaves annually.
Mitigation measures

• Apply all provisions of the Resettlement Action Plan of the Metu – Masha 230 kV power transmission line

• Payment for permanently lost coffee shrubs and spices plants

• Payments for permanent loss of assets of PAPs due to Tower foundation

Conclusion
The impact of a construction of Tower foundations of the Metu – Masha 230 kV power transmission line is permanent. About 85% of
the Tower foundations are located in the farmlands while only about 8% of these are inside forests. Noteworthy is that only 1% of
the areas of the Tower foundations of the project are inside Sheka forest Biosphere Reserve. Coffee shrubs, spice plants and tree
species will be removed. Furthermore, there will be a permanent loss of tea shrubs of the East Africa Agri-business PLC at Chewaka.
Therefore, the Client should acquire these plots of lands/implement the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) before the commencement
of the Construction Phase of the project.
Details of the impacts associated with land acquisition for tower foundation are given below.

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 Project activity Impacts on:

reversibility
Cumulative

occurrence
Probability

Objective/
magnitude

subjective

perceived
Adverse/
beneficial
duration

intensity

Direct/

Actual/
indirect
Spatial

effect
scale

of
Tower foundation Coffee shrubs local permanent medium none certain medium irreversible adverse direct objective Actual
Spice
plants15 local permanent high none certain high irreversible adverse direct objective Actual
Households’
income local permanent high none certain high irreversible adverse direct objective Actual
Tea shrubs local permanent high none certain high irreversible adverse direct objective Actual

d. Acquisition for assets along the RoW

The RoW also affects residential areas, i.e., 39 Tukuls and 94 CIS in different parts of the project area. Details of the impacted houses
is given below. The level of this impact is different in various Kebeles. In Kolo Korma (Metu Town), 20 Project Affected Persons (PAPs)
have a total area of 200 m2; they do not have extra plot of land to construct new houses. As a result, there are highly affected by the
project. On the other hand, those PAPs in the Remaining rural Kebeles have sufficient land and they can move the location of their
house to new plots. Although the project impact is high in this case as well, it is not as severe as those PAPs in Kolo Korma. Another
major impact of the RoW is the cutting of coffee shade trees falling within its 40 m width. (See Table below). Both indigenous and
exotic cash tree crops belonging to PAPs will be affected.

15 The density of spice plants inside these forest areas for Tower foundations is noticeable. They are also important economic sources of
household as coffee shrubs are.

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A total of 113,450 coffee shrubs will be permanently lost following the cutting of their shade tree (Table below). Furthermore, a total
of 57,158 Eucalyptus and 789 Cupressus lustanica trees will be lost. These cash crop trees are used by the local community as one of
the sources household livelihood income generations.
Kebeles Houses Coffee16 Total
number
of
PAPs
Tukuls CIS
Kolo Korma 0 20 34 22
Qawo & 3 17 225 43
Chatu
Gaba Guda 3 3 102 16
Gagi 0 4 364 56
Bachano
Gagi Kundi 0 2 11 22
Yubi Mari 3 8 1266 21
Sagi Baqi 5 15 0 39
Bebbe 0 2 0 13
Medalu 1 1 0 4
Dildila Boru 0 2 0 22
Jeto Koyami 5 11 24,489 80
Gerba Dima 5 4 32,238 22
Duwa 8 5 51,675 55
Wolo 4 0 123 15
Keja 1 0 2923 17
Masha 1 0 0 10
Kebele 02
Total 39 94 113,450 457

16 The coffee shade trees such as Albizia gummifera, Cordia africana, Ficus sycomorus and others are inside the RoW of the Metu- Masha power
transmission line. These coffee shade trees will be cut. Since the coffee shrubs need the shade of these trees, cutting these trees will affect coffee
production of the smallholder farmers. Therefore, the client need to acquire the land falling in its project’s RoW.

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Mitigation measures

• Apply all requirement of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP)

• Payment of compensation for permanent and temporary loss of assets of the PAPs.

• Apply all provisions of the Livelihood Restoration Plan of this project

• Enable the PAPs at Kolo Korma get new plots of land to construct new houses at least close to where they are living now to
ensure social cohesion and their traditional social activities.
Conclusion
These activities of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project require the removal of houses and cutting of
indigenous coffee shade trees and cash tree crops such as Eucalyptus result in a permanent loss of assets. This impact has a different
magnitude across the entire length of the RoW. Some PAPs are more affected than others. That is, those PAPs in the rural Kebeles
should be compensated for their houses and construct new houses in their remaining lands. But those PAPs at Kolo Korma (Metu
Town) do not have extra plot to construct new houses. Therefore, a replacement plot of land to construct new houses should be
provided by Metu Town Municipality, Metu Woreda and Kolo Korma Kebele. Other permanently impacted assets of the PAPs such
as coffee shrubs, indigenous coffee shade trees and cash tree crops should be compensated for by the Client before the commencement
of the Construction Phase of the Project. A RAP study is needed to valuate these assets and provide details for compensation of these
assets of PAPs.
Details of the impacts associated with acquisition of assets are given below.

Project activity Impacts on:

reversibility
Cumulative

occurrence
Probability

Objective/
magnitude

subjective

perceived
Adverse/
beneficial
duration

intensity

Direct/

Actual/
indirect
Spatial

effect
scale

of

Houses local permanent high none certain high irreversible adverse direct objective Actual
Scattered
trees at the
new
substation local permanent negligible none certain negligible irreversible adverse direct objective Actual

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 Project activity Impacts on:

reversibility
Cumulative

occurrence
Probability

Objective/
magnitude

subjective

perceived
Adverse/
beneficial
duration

intensity

Direct/

Actual/
indirect
Spatial

effect
scale

of
Coffee shade
trees local permanent high none certain high irreversible adverse direct objective Actual
Coffee shrubs local permanent high none certain high irreversible adverse direct objective Actual
Cash tree
crops local permanent high none certain high irreversible adverse direct objective Actual
Household
livelihood local permanent high none certain high reversible adverse direct objective Actual
Basic public
services, e.g.
education and
provisions of
utilities17 local temporary high none certain high reversible adverse direct objective perceived
Social
cohesion18 local permanent negligible none probable negligible reversible adverse direct objective perceived
Traditional
community
associations,
e.g. Idir19 local permanent low none probable low reversible adverse direct objective perceived

17 If the members of the current community are relocated to new places far from their current location, household should change schools for their kids. If these
areas are new with less developed basic public services such as water and power, these PAPs will be highly affected. This impact may be temporary since these
utilities will be developed sooner or later.

18 If the members of the current local community are relocated to different places

19 If the members of the current local community are relocated to different places

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 9.2.2. Construction Phase

This phase of the project is where most of the activities of the project take place. Table 9-5 gives the list
of project activities and their receiving environmental and social environments
Table 9-5. Environmental and social Impacts of the project during the construction phase. Key: x denotes impacts
on concerned bio-physical and social conditions that will be triggered by the project activity.

Receptors Physical Biological Social

Project Activity

and
health & safety
Occupational
Noise quality

Public health

employment

Solid wastes
Livelihoods

Settlement
Population
Air quality

Economy
growth
Fauna
Flora
Soil

Labor influx x x

Excavation of x x x x x x x
Tower
Foundations

Access road to x x x x x
Tower
Construction phase

foundations to
transport
construction
materials

Stringing x x x

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 a. Workforce mobilization (labor influx)
Social impacts are critical to address, as even a modest labor influx may lead to negative impacts on the host community. Pre-
existing social issues in the host community can easily be exacerbated by the influx of labor. The list below indicates expected
categories of risks associated with project induced labor influx:

• Risk of social tension: Conflicts may arise between the local community and the construction workers, which may be related
to differences due to competition for local resources. Tensions may also arise between different groups within the labor force,
and pre-existing conflicts in the local community may be exacerbated.
• Increased risk of illicit behavior and crime: The influx of workers and service providers into communities may increase
the rate of crimes and/or a perception of insecurity by the local community. Such illicit behavior or crimes can include theft,
physical assaults, and substance abuse. Local law enforcement may not be sufficiently equipped to deal with the temporary
increase in local population.
• Increased burden on and competition for public service provision: Presence of construction workers and service
providers (and in some cases family members of either or both) can generate additional demand for the provision of public
services, such as water, electricity, medical services, transport, education and social services. This is particularly the case when
the influx of workers is not accommodated by additional or separate supply systems.
• Increased risk of communicable diseases and burden on local health services: The influx of people may bring
communicable diseases to the project area, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or the incoming workers may be
exposed to diseases to which they have low resistance. This can result in an additional burden on local health resources.
Workers with health concerns relating to substance abuse, mental issues or STDs may not wish to visit the project’s medical
facility and instead go anonymously to local medical providers, thereby placing further stress on local resources. Local health
and rescue facilities may also be overwhelmed and/or ill- equipped to address the industrial accidents that can occur in a large
construction site.
• Gender-based violence: Construction workers are predominantly younger males. Those who are away from home on the
construction job are typically separated from their family and act outside their normal sphere of social control. This can lead
to inappropriate and criminal behavior, such as sexual harassment of women and girls, exploitative sexual relations, and illicit
sexual relations with minors from the local community.
• Child labor and school dropout: Increased opportunities for the host community to sell goods and services to the incoming
workers can lead to child labor to produce and deliver these goods and services, which in turn can lead to enhanced school
dropout.

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 • Inadequate waste disposal and illegal waste disposal sites: Large populations of workers generate increased amounts
of waste, for which no sufficient local waste management capacities may exist, which would likely lead to improper disposal
practices.
• Camp related land use, access roads, noise and lights: The camp use can result in increase in noise and light pollution
especially at night. The construction of new access roads can also lead vegetation removal and landscape transformation.
Mitigation measures

• The Contractor will prepare the construction camp management plan which, in addition to other components, will include the
labor influx management plan. This will be reviewed and approved by EEP and the World Bank.

• The Contractor will select the specific work shift for the construction activities particularly near the settlements, to cause least
disturbance to the local population, particularly women.

• The Contractor will take due care of the local community and observe sanctity of local customs and traditions by his staff.
Contractor will warn the staff strictly not to involve in any unethical activities and to obey the local norms and cultural
restrictions.

• During construction activities, if privacy of the nearby households is affected, the Contractor will inform the house owner to
make particular arrangements. Similarly, Contractor will take care as much as possible that the construction activities should
not affect the privacy.

• The contractor will also ensure that solid waste and wastewater is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner in
designated areas and by approved methods only. Contractor will ensure that soil and water is not contaminated by improper
disposal of solid waste and waste water.
• The contractor will explore alternative water sources and ensure that water usage by the project does not affect or compete
with water requirements of the local community.

• The Contractor will also ensure that noise and light pollution from the labor camp is kept at minimal levels especially at night.
• The contractor will be required to provide qualified key personnel to address the specific risks identified in the project including
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse risks. Contractors will specify key staff with the technical skill and experience to implement the
recommendations and mitigations included in this ESIA.

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 • The bidding documents will include specific requirements that minimize the use of expatriate workers and encourage hiring of
local workers through skill development program, thereby minimizing labor influx.

• The bidders will be required to submit Codes of Conduct (CoCs) with their bids. The CoCs will set clear boundaries for
acceptable and unacceptable behaviors of all individuals and companies and will be signed by companies, managers and
individuals.

• The contractor will be required to establish anti-sexual harassment policies that governs conduct in the workplace.
• The contractor will be required to provide mandatory and repeated training to workers on sexual exploitation and abuse and
HIV/AIDS prevention and on the content and obligations derived from the code of conduct

• Provisions will be set in contracts for dedicated payments to contractors for SEA prevention activities (e.g., training) against
evidence of completion.

• The Contractor will ensure the implementation of the recommendations and mitigations related to SEA risks included in this
ESIA. The implementation will be regularly reported by the Contractors and internally monitored by EEP. Implementation of
these recommendations and mitigations will also be monitored by the third-party M&E Consultant and presented in its
monitoring reports.

• The contractor will make all PPEs (face masks, hand sanitizers etc.) available at site and should also arrange for Covid vaccination
at site when required. All the employees of the contractors (including skilled and non-skilled) must be vaccinated and their
certificates should be checked before their mobilization/engagement.
Conclusion
The scale of these impacts is local, and temporary. Their magnitude, however could be medium to high. With the appropriate mitigation
measues, as described above, and with continuous monitoring, the residual impacts are considered low.
Details of the impacts associated with workforce mobilization are given below.

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 Project activity Impacts on:

reversibility
Cumulative

occurrence
Probability

Objective/
magnitude

subjective

perceived
Adverse/
beneficial
duration

intensity

Direct/

Actual/
indirect
Spatial

effect
scale

of
Workforce
mobilisation Public health local temporary medium none probable low reversible adverse direct objective perceived
Occupational
health & safety local temporary high none probable high reversible adverse direct objective perceived
Competition
on resources local temporary Medium none Probable Medium reversible adverse direct objective perceived
SEA and GBV local temporary High None probable high reversible adverse direct objective perceived
Solid waste local temporary high none probable high reversible adverse direct objective perceived

b. Excavation of tower foundation and construction of Access roads

Excavation of tower foundations and construction of access road is one of the main activities of the project during the construction
phase. This activity results in the emission of dust to the environment. This impact is mitigable and not considered significant. Since
concrete is used to fill tower foundations, there are excess soil around the tower foundations are exposed to soil erosion. If the
proposed mitigation measure is used, the impact can be minimized. The construction of access roads to tower locations results in
the clearing of vegetation and felling some indigenous trees and cash tree crop, e.g., Eucalyptus. Furthermore, this activity triggers OHS
issues such as accidents and injuries.
Mitigation measures

• Water the project area on a regular basis to suppress dust emission

• Spread excess soil around the tower foundation evenly and use the cleared vegetation as mulch to minimize soil erosion
• Prepare Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and apply all of its requirements

• Restrict all excavation activities to the tower foundation areas and access roads

• Provide workers with PPE

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 • Apply all requirements of Biodiversity Management Plan

• Avail first aid kits

• Apply all requirements of the Air Quality Management Plan

• Apply all requirements of the Occupational Health & Safety Management Plan

• Apply all requirements of the Emergency Response Plan

• Avoid excavation of religious sites (graveyards and others)

Conclusion
The scale and magnitude of the anticipated impacts are local and low, respectively and mitigable. Dust emission is one major issues
during excavation and construction of access roads. The implementation of the proposed mitigation measures will minimize these
impacts. During this activity, potential accidents and injuries have been foreseen but the provision of PPE for the workers and first aid
kits will significantly minimize these impacts. Some tree species will be adversely affected along the access roads, which need to be
expanded to allow a passage of vehicles for transporting construction materials. Therefore, impacts due to these project activities are
mitigable.
Details of the impacts associated with excavation for tower foundation and construction of access roads are given below.

Project activity Impacts on:

Spatial scale

reversibility
Cumulative

occurrence
Probability

Objective/
magnitude

subjective

perceived
beneficial
Adverse/
intensity
duration

indirect
Direct/

Actual/
effect

of
Excavation of
tower foundation
and construction
of access roads Air quality local temporary low none certain low reversible adverse direct objective actual
Soil erosion local temporary medium none certain medium reversible adverse direct objective actual
Occupational
health & safety local temporary low none probable low reversible adverse direct objective perceived
Biodiversity
components local permanent high none certain high irreversible adverse direct objective actual

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 151

 Project activity

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP)

Settlement
Impacts on:

local

Spatial scale
permanent

duration
high

intensity
none

Cumulative
effect

Probability
of
certain

occurrence
high

magnitude

P a g e | 152
irreversible

reversibility

Adverse/
adverse

beneficial

Direct/
direct

indirect

Objective/
objective

subjective
actual

Actual/
perceived
 9.2.3. Operation Phase

I. Soil
During the operation phase, the location of tower foundations and access roads will be
revegetated naturally. As a result, a significant soil erosion is not anticipated.
II. Air quality
Once the construction phase is completed, no significant impacts on air quality is anticipated.
III. Noise and vibration
Once the construction phase is completed, no significant impacts on noise level is anticipated.
IV. Flora and Forest
There will be adverse impact on the vegetation during the operation phase, i.e., vegetation
clearance for maintenance purposes. Since the vegetation in the RoW are cleared, a significant
impact is not anticipated. But there is a chance for the germination of seeds of big indigenous
trees in the surrounding forest inside the RoW corridor. Although these seedlings require many
years to become a mature tree, they may not pose risks to the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line project. Maintenance activities also provide an enabling environment for the
introduction of invasive species into the project area. If invasive species produce seeds, these
seeds stay in soil as soil seedbank and results in a permanent risk for their spread to other areas
in the project area. Due to the presence of forested areas in the surrounding, the operation
phase impact on flora and forest is low. It is, however, permanent since the Metu – Masha 230
kV single circuit transmission line project operates for a couple of years.
Mitigation measures

• Identify seedlings of indigenous tree species before clearing the vegetation

• Transplant any seedlings of tree species of the forest that are growing inside the RoW
• Identify invasive species and clear them (uproot the seedlings) before reaching maturity
(seed production stage).
V. Fauna
During the operation phase, bird collision with the transmission line could occur. There is no
migratory route in the project area. Furthermore, the project area is not known as a
steppingstone habitat for migratory birds. The impact on migratory bird is anticipated to be not
significant.
VI. Economy and employment
The project creates opportunities for employment creating positive impacts on the livelihood
income. At a national level, the operation of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 153

line project provides electricity to improve quality of life and boost national economy through
attracting of investments. Generally, this impact of the project during the operation phase is
positive. Besides the impact is indirect and long-term.
VII. Displacement of physical structure (houses, shade trees and crop trees)
During the operation phase, restrictions inside the RoW applies. No houses and big shade coffee
trees are allowed. This limits the capacity of smallholder farmers to grow shade coffee, which
leads to a permanent loss od or at least reduced incomes. Some PAPs in the Urban area, e.g.
Metu town (Kolo Korma Kebele) will physically relocate their residential areas to a new site. But
PAPs in the rural Kebeles have sufficient land outside the RoW corridor to build their new
houses. Table 9-6 depicts the pre-mitigation impacts.
Table 9-6. Pre-mitigation impacts

Impact Displacement of physical structure

Impact nature Adverse positive Neutral
Impact Type Direct Indirect Induced
The impact is direct since houses inside the 40 m corridor of the RoW will be
removed.
Impact duration Temporary Permanent
The impact is permanent since no new house will be allowed to be built inside
the 40 m corridor of the RoW
Impact extent Local Regional International
Impact scale The ESIA study has identified 133 houses (Tukul and CIS) to be relocated as
they are inside the 40 m corridor of the RoW
Frequency The impact occurs only once (a one-time event)
Impact Low Medium High
magnitude The magnitude of the impact is high since urban PAPs have no additional land
outside the RoW corridor to build new houses. These PAPs should get a
replacement land to build new houses
Receptor Low Medium High
sensitivity
Impact Negligible Low Moderate High
significance

Mitigation measures

• Monitor and follow-up to support households to restore their livelihoods during the
operation phase. That is the details of the Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP) details this
aspect.

• Maintain the functionality of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) developed for
Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the construction phase to create enabling
environment for communities to voice their concerns.
VIII. Land and livelihoods
During the operation phase, lands will be permanently lost to tower foundations. But cultivation
of cereal crops including Enset and growing tea shrubs are allowed. The incomes from the land

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 154

occupied by the tower foundation is permanently lost. This land loss variously affect PAPs in the
urban and rural areas. PAPs in the urban area have a total plot size of 200 square meter, which
they use for houses and cultivation of certain crops. For the rural PAPs, they have sufficient land
for cultivation but the impact is still permanent and adverse. For the Tea Estate, there is a
permanent loss of income from lands occupied by tower foundation. The details of pre-mitigation
impacts are given in Table 9-7.
Table 9-7. Pre-mitigation impacts

Impact Land and livelihoods

Impact nature Adverse positive Neutral
Impact Type Direct Indirect Induced
The impact is direct since it leads to a permanent loss of land.
Impact duration Temporary Permanent
No crops are allowed to be grown on tower foundations
Impact extent Local Regional International
Impact scale The ESIA has identified that urban PAPs are more affected than rural PAPs
Frequency The impact occurs only once (a one-time event)
Impact Low Medium High
magnitude The magnitude of the impact is high since urban PAPs have no additional land
to grow crops. These PAPs should get a replacement land to build new
houses
Receptor Low Medium High
sensitivity
Impact Negligible Low Moderate High
significance

Mitigation measures

• Strictly follow-up PAPs, especially those in the urban area with only 200 square meter of
land, to provide support to restore their livelihoods in the operation phase

• The requirements of Livelihoods Restoration Plan developed for the construction phase
should apply for the operation phase as well.
IX. Community health and safety impacts from exposure to Electromagnetic Fields
(EMF)
The Electromagnetic Fields are usually emitted by electric devices such as transmission lines and
any other electric equipment. These invisible forces pose health risks such as chronic health
effects. They also cause acute public health effects. Although there are public health risks due to
high voltage OHTL, the IFC Guidelines for electric power distribution states that there is
empirical data to support that there is chronic public health concern from power transmission
lines and equipment. On the other hand, the International Commission on Non-ionizing
Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Guidelines state that the existence of well-established cases of
acute health effects of exposure to low frequency of EMF. The RoW of the Metu – Masha 230
kV single circuit transmission line project crosses cultivated fields, tea Estate and some part of

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forests, the spatial location. Given the IFC Guidelines, the impact of EMF on the public health is
low. Details of the pre-mitigation impact of EMF is given in Table 9-8.
Table 9-8. Pre-mitigation impacts

Impact Public health risks due to exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)

Impact nature Adverse positive Neutral
Impact Type Direct Indirect Induced
The impact is direct since the local communities move and farm around the
OHTL to meet their livelihood needs
Impact duration Temporary Permanent
Once the OHTL is operation, the emission of EMF is inevitable
Impact extent Local Regional International
Impact scale The Metu – Masha OHTL crosses different regions
Frequency The impact occurs only once (a one-time event)
Impact Low Medium High
magnitude The magnitude of the impact is high since urban PAPs have no additional land
to grow crops. These PAPs should get a replacement land to build new
houses
Receptor Low Medium High
sensitivity
Impact Negligible Low Moderate High
significance

Mitigation measures

• Avoid installation of transmission line above densely occupied settlements.

• The Client should measure exposure levels once the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line project is operational to ensure that the exposure of the public to EMF
is within the accepted limit.

• Awareness creation of the effects of EMF for the public by the Client
• Annual monitoring the RoW to make sure that no new houses are built inside the 40 m
corridor.
X. Worker’s health and safety
During the operation phase, there will be maintenance of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line project. Workers will be exposure to EMF and potential risks of electrocution.
The workers should be provided with PPE to mitigate the impact. It is anticipated that this impact
is not significant.
XI. Religious sites
There is no significant impact on the religious site due to the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line project.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 156

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 157
 10. Assessment of cumulative impacts
10.1. Road Construction project

Currently, there is Masha – Gore Asphalt Road construction project. This project crosses
through the forest. Lots of indigenous trees were falling to expand the width of the road. Large
areas of forest have been cleared. Big trees such as Pouteria adolfi-frifderici, Polycias fulva, Olea
welwitchi, Cordia africana and etc. have been clear. Since the clearing is wide, this activity negatively
impact forest integrity and tree density.

10.2. Agricultural expansion

Agricultural expansion (circled areas; these are labeled for year 2020 in Figure 44) is one of the
major factors affecting the forest cover of the project area (Figure 10-1). An estimate of
agricultural expansion from 1984 – 2020 is given in Table 10-1. Three sites (Figure 10-1: A1, A2
and A3) were randomly selected to show the impacts of agricultural expansion on the forests of
the project area.
Table 10-1. A quantitative estimate of the length of agricultural expansion from one forest edge to the other
from 1984 – 2020.

Year Selected Expansion distance Remarks

sites (from one forest edge
to another) in km
1984 A1 1.7 Forest disturbance is observable but there are remnant
A2 1.2 patches of forests inside these disturbed areas of the forest
A3 1.8 (Figure 44). Some remnant patches were distributed along
streams.
1996 A1 2.0 Forest disturbance can be clearly noted but there are small
A2 0.92 remnant patches inside disturbed areas; most of these are
A3 2.0 located along streams (Figure 44).
2006 A1 3.47 Forest areas heavily converted to agricultural lands;
A2 1.0 remnant patches of forests were removed from inside the
A3 3.3 disturbed areas(Figure 44).
2020 A1 2.5 Forest has been fully converted; agricultural landscape has
A2 2.0 become dominant (Figure 44).
A3 3.5

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Figure 10-1. Agricultural expansion and change in forest cover of the project area from 1984 – 2020

10.3. Large-scale investment

The forest cover (cf. circled area) was disturbed in 1984 but the forest in the surrounding area
was intact. (Figure 10-2). This intact forest has been gradually converted into tea Estate. Currently,
the size of the tea Estate has increased significantly.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 159

Figure 10-2. Change in forest cover from 1984 – 2020 due to large scale investment.

10.4. Cumulative effects and their significance

A summary of the cumulative effects of other activities on the selected VEC is given in Table 10-2.
The cumulative impacts are of a high-risk level. But the current Masha – Gore Road Project is
rated as moderate considering the full implementation of its ESMP by the Contractor.
Table 10-2. Significance of cumulative effects on the selected VECs

VECs Other Scenario: long-term Consequences Risk level

activities (2040) (High, moderate
and Low)
Likelihood (Certain <
likely < possible <
probable)

Natural Habitats Agricultural Likely: the past trend High impact: the H
and Biodiversity expansion shows that there is an aerial extent and
increase in the quality of the
expansion of natural habitats
agricultural fields will decline
triggered by an leading to
increase in population depauperated
of the project area. biodiversity and
With the current compromised

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 160

 VECs Other Scenario: long-term Consequences Risk level
activities (2040) (High, moderate
and Low)
Likelihood (Certain <
likely < possible <
probable)

trend of population long-term

growth, it is likely that persistence of
more forest area species.
covers will be both
simplified to grow
coffee and converted
to crop fields.

Large-scale Likely: Historical trend High impact: H

investment shows that there is an significant parts of
increased clearing of the forests will be
forest areas for large- reduced in extent
scale planation of cash and there is a
crop (e.g. Tea). There major decline in
will be more large- the quality of
scale investment that natural habitats.
could simplify forest All of these result
cover and lead to total in local-level
clearing for forests for biodiversity loss
development of Estate. and induced
The current 230 kV habitat
power line and a new fragmentation.
sub-station at Masha
could attract more
investors.

Road Certain: The current Moderate impact: M20

Construction Masha – Gore Road The activities of
Construction project the Road project
has resulted in a led to falling of
permanent loss of selected trees
certain tree species along its Right-of-
and their associated Way. The direct
lower organisms living impact is a
on them (e.g., reduced number
epiphytes). of individuals of

20 The risk level will be moderate if the Road Contractor plants seedlings of these tree species in the
project area as part of implementing the requirements of the ESIA of the Road project

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 161

 VECs Other Scenario: long-term Consequences Risk level
activities (2040) (High, moderate
and Low)
Likelihood (Certain <
likely < possible <
probable)

these tree species

in the forest.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 162

 11. Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)
11.1. Institutional arrangement

The Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) will procure the services of contractors for construction the
proposed the Metu - Masha OHTL. It is likely that the main contractor will procure local services
of sub-contractors mainly for certain project activities. The responsibilities of major parties of
are outlined below.

• Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The EPA will review and
approve ESIA reports of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project.
It is also a sole authority for providing environmental clearance for the implementation of
the project. Furthermore, EPA is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the
provisions of ESMP.

• Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP). EEP is the project proponent and will contract a
consultant (Project Implementation Consultant, PIC) to supervise the implementation of
the proposed Metu – Masha 230 kV OHTL project. The PIC will supervise and monitor
the implementation of the provisions of the ESMP and will report to EEP on a regular
basis. EEP will also assign own experts (Project Implementation Unit, PIU) to monitor the
implementation of all requirements of the ESMP of this project.

• Zonal and Woreda Forest and Environmental Protection Offices. They are
expected to get involved in the monitoring of the implementation of the ESMP of the
project.

• Contractors. The Contractor is mainly responsible for the implementation of all of the
mitigation measures outlined in the ESIA to avoid or minimize environmental, health &
safety and social impacts of the project. Besides, the Contractor should have an
Environment, and Social Management (E&S) Unit, which is solely responsible for the
implementation, management and monitoring of all the environmental and social
mitigation measures according to the ESMP. This Unit should have at a minimum one
Environmentalist, one Forester and one Sociologist/Social expert. The Contractor is
responsible for ensuring its subcontractors are in compliance with the international and
national environmental and social standards. The Contractor will submit weekly reports
and monthly reports to EEP.

11.2. ESMP for Construction

The Contractors will comply with requirements within the scope of work. This ESMP requires
all contractors to develop a detailed Environmental, Social, Health and Safety Plan in accordance
with their own policy framework and management system to foster environmental and social
sustainability of the project. The following sections provide the EHS requirements of civil works
(construction works).

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General Requirements
Risk management.
The Contractors shall ensure the safety of its workforce through evaluating and documenting
whether or not an adequate operational risk assessment has been taken into consideration. This
includes job safety and potential hazardous events.
EHS induction and training.
The Contractor shall establish an EHS induction program for all workforces at the project site.
This induction program should also include all personnel of the subcontractors.
EHS monitoring and inspection.
The Contractor should also establish an EHS monitoring plan in accordance with the ESMP and
in compliance with applicable laws of Ethiopia.
EHS meeting.
The Contractor should hold regular meetings with the representatives of the Client to review
the effectiveness ESMP implementation and resolve EHS problems and planning future activities
of EHS.
Incident Reporting.
The Contractor should have a standard procedure for documenting and reporting incidents. All
types of incidents should be report on time.

11.2.1. Solid waste management Plan

All wastes including used plastic water bottles should be sorted on site and deposited at
designated areas. Wastes of any types should be removed on time and regular basis.
Solid Waste includes those materials which are no more used for project activities and excavated
soil materials.
The following national legislation and policy are relevant.
• The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia.
Article 44 states that all persons have the right to clean and health environment. Article
92 tasks the Federal Government to ensure that all Ethiopians live in a clean and health
environment.
• Environmental policy of Ethiopia
This policy advocates the “polluters pay policy” and authorizes competent authorities to
close down or relocate any enterprise if its activities are considered as posing risks to
human health and the environment.
• Prevention of Industrial Pollution Regulation (159/2008)

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 There are sections which uphold the principles of environmental safety.
• Public Health Proclamation (200/2000)
This proclamation prohibits the disposal of solid or liquid wastes in a condition that
contaminate the environment.
Responsibilities and accountability
The responsible Parties and their roles and responsibilities are given below.

Responsible Parties Roles and Responsibilities

General Manager • Review monthly waste report

• Work with Environmental and Social Officers to address
outstanding waste related issues

Environmental and Social • Ensure wastes are disposed on time

Officers • Ensure the provisions of ESMP are implemented for waste
management
• Ensure all applicable national legislations and policy are
observed by the contractors and their subcontractors
• Prepare and submit monthly waste management issues to the
representative of the client for review

All workforces of the • All workers are responsible for good practice waste
contractors and their management at the project sites
subcontractors
Implementation schedule • Construction phase of the project

Management Actions

• Establish a waste management procedure at the project sites which also takes domestic
solid and liquid wastes and used oils into consideration
Dispose all excavated soil wastes by using the ESMP provisions as a guide.

11.2.2. Soil Erosion Management Plan

The extent of soil erosion during the construction phase depends on the type and physical
properties of soil, slope of the topography, vegetation cover and the duration of the construction.
The project crosses through different types of soil and slopes of topography. The slope of the
RoW of the project ranges from flat to 25%.
The Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project crosses two major soil types,
i.e., Nitisols and Gleysols. Soil erodibility of the project area is low but human factors and
construction activities enhance soil erosion. Both the Nitisols and Gleysoils are moderately
erodible.

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Purpose and scope of this Management Plan

The excavation of foundations and access roads to the tower foundations trigger soil erosion.
This impact likely occurs but its extent is limited to tower foundations areas and the access roads.
The impacts of these activities of the project will have a short duration, i.e., limited to the direct
zone of the AOI of the project. Given the high moisture condition of the area, vegetations growth
will cover these impact areas within a short period of time.
Responsibilities and accountability
The responsible Parties and their roles and responsibilities are given below.
Responsible parties Roles
The Contractor • Ensure that all required Environmentalist/forester are
employed
• Ensure that all management actions are implemented
• Submit its Company Soil Erosion Management
Procedures/policy for approval by the Client
Zonal and Woreda • Regular supervision of the construction activities
Environmental Protection • Regular recording of risks of the activities of the contractor
Office for triggering soil erosion
• Enforce all requirement of the soil management actions
The Ethiopian Electric Power • Regular supervision of excavation activities of the Contractor
• Record the presence of an Environmentalist/Forest at
construction sites on a regular basis
• Record activities of the Contract that pose risks for soil
erosion
• Provide corrective measures to minimize soil erosion
•
Supervision Consultants • Follow day-to-day construction activities of the Contractor
• Hire an Environmentalist/Forester to follow and guide
environmental due diligence of the Contractor

Management actions
• Minimize vegetation clearance and topsoil disturbance

• To minimize water runoff and soil erosion, contour access roads

• Use physical means (e.g., diversion culverts) to minimize sheet erosion

• Stockpile topsoils separately from subsoil. Fill the tower foundation first with subsoil and
then topsoil.

• Evenly spread topsoil over excavated areas

• Backfilling of soil should follow the sequence of their removal

• Spread mulch of the cleared vegetation over excavated areas

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Monitoring and verification

• The implementation of the management actions to mitigate soil erosion is done by visual
inspections. Contractor’s risk footprints will be used for verification of the
implementation of this ESMP.

11.2.3. Forest Management Plan

There are forests in the project area. Coffee agroforestry, where big indigenous trees are uses
as shade, is practiced in the project area. The Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission
line project also crosses some section of the Yayu Coffee Forest and Sheka Forest Biosphere
Reserve. The length of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project in these
sections of the Biosphere Reserves is about 700 m. But there are forest vegetation and plants
growing beneath this big vegetation.
Purpose and scope of this Management Plan

Vegetation clearance along the Row in areas where the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line project crosses forested areas will likely happen. The purpose of the Forest
Management Plan is to minimize vegetation clearance and limit it to the direct impact zone of the
Project AOI. The duration of this impact is permanent since vegetation will be removed from the
RoW. Furthermore, the habitats within the RoW will be modified.
Responsibilities and accountability

Responsible parties Roles

The Contractor • Ensure that all requirements of the Forest Management
Plan are implemented
• Ensure that the damaged forest sites are rehabilitated
• Employ a Forester to follow day-to-day activities and give
guidance for workforces
• Ensure recording forest damages and report to the Client
• Submit Company’s Forest management procedure/policy
and have it approved by the Client
Zone and Woreda • Supervise the implementation of the requirements of the
Environmental Protection Forest Management Plan
Office • Give advice to avoid where possible or at least minimize
forest damage
The Ethiopian Electric Power • Supervise the implementation of the requirements of the
Forest Management Plan
• Revise and approve forest management procedure/policy of
the Contractor
• Evaluate and approve the records of damaged forest
components based on Contractor’s report
Supervision Consultant • Deploy a forester/forest biologist to follow the activities of
the Contractor
• Record forest damages and report to the Client

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 167

 • Record shortfalls of the implementation of the Forest
Management Plant and report to the Client

Management actions

• Adopt avoidance of vegetation removal as a rule of thumb.

• Strictly limit forest clearance to the area of RoW.

• Invasive species could be transported with construction materials, namely sand. The
forester of the Contractor should inspect the disturbed area for the seedlings of invasive
species. In this case, remove all invasive species before they mature and produce seeds.

• Vehicles should use only access roads. There should not be deviations from the access
road and damage other forest components.

• Collection of firewood by the personnel of the Contractor should be strictly forbidden

• Stockpiling of construction materials and equipment pre-maturely should be forbidden.

• Rehabilitate damaged areas before leaving the site

Monitoring and verification

• Visual inspection of the extent of forest damages

• Inspection for the introduction of invasive species on a regular based

11.2.4. Biodiversity Management Plan

There are diverse species in the project area. Most of the plant species are widely distributed in
Ethiopia and were assessed as Least Concern from conservation viewpoint. But there are
indigenous tree species such as Prunus africana, which is assigned a vulnerable IUCN status. Other
species such as Pouteria adolfi-friderici, Olea welwitschii, Apodytes dimidiata and etc. occur in the
project area. Indigenous trees of Ethiopia usually need decades to reach maturity. With regard
to avifauna, they are of least conservation concern based on IUCN assessment criteria.
Furthermore, there is no known route for migratory birds in the project area. On the other
hand, there are ants species which are important to suppress coffee pests. They usually build
their nests on these indigenous trees. Therefore, felling trees with ant nest affects these species.
The impact of the project on the biodiversity of the area is likely to occur. The impact is
permanent since trees will be removed along the RoW and access roads.
Although the project area is not located within the flyways of migratory birds, there is a potential
collusion of these birds and bats of the area with this new power transmission line. This results
in an electrocution of birds and bat species in the project area.
Purpose and scope of this Management Plan

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The purpose of this management plan is to minimize the impacts of the project on biodiversity
of the area. The project triggers the felling of indigenous trees along the RoW. This impact is
likely to occur and has a permanent duration since no big trees are allowed inside the RoW
corridor. Although this impact can be minimized while constructing access road, it is still likely
that some tree felling is unavoidable for access road construction in some place. However, the
extent of this impact is limited to the direct impact zone of the project AOI.
Responsibilities and accountability

Responsible parties Roles

The Contractor • Implement all requirements of the Biodiversity
Management Plan
• Plant tree species impacted by the project activities
• Develop nursery sites and/or work with already
established Woreda nursery sites to germinate
seedlings of impacted trees
• Submit Company Biodiversity Management
procedure for approval by the Client
• Employ one Biodiversity expert
• Give orientations (on-site) for the workforces
Zonal and Woreda Environmental • Supervise the planting of seedlings of impacted
Protection Office trees by the Contractor
• Facilitate working conditions for the Contractor to
use established Nursery sites for germinating seeds
of impacted trees
• Guide the Contractor where to plant these
seedlings
The Ethiopian Electric Power • Record the number of trees impacted in types of
species and number of individuals of these species
• Supervise the activities of the project and
performance of the Contractor with regard to BMP
• Evaluate and approve Contractor’s company
Biodiversity Management Procedure/policy
• Advise Contractor’s personnel to work in an
environmentally friendly way such as avoiding felling
big trees where possible and diverting access road
to minimize biodiversity loss
Supervision Consultant • Follow day-to-day activities of the implementation
of this Biodiversity Management Plan
• Record impacted trees by species types and
number of individuals of each species
• Advise the personnel of the Contractor to work in
an environmentally friendly manner
• Record frequency and type of on-site orientation
for the workforce in connection to the
implementation of all requirements of the
Biodiversity Management Plan

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Management actions
The direction for felling impact trees should be pre-planned to avoid additional damages other
trees and the vegetation.

• Tree species of the project area are used by Crematogaster ants to build their nest. These
ant species are critical for the integrity of pest-predator communities of the ecosystem of
the project areas. The personnel of the Contractor will be given an orientation not to
destroy these ant nests. When trees with ant nest fell, the Contractor personnel will
mechanically detach the nest and attach it to other tree of the same species, under the
supervision of the project environmentalist / biologist.

• Replacement of impacted indigenous trees with exotic trees is not allowed.

• For each impacted individual indigenous tree, plant 10 new individual seedlings of the same
species

• Birds and bats of the project area could potentially collide with the power transmission
line. To minimize or avoid the electrocution of birds and bats install visibility enhancement
objects such as “Aviation” or marker balls and diverters following the World Bank EHS
guidelines21.
Monitoring and verification

• Visual inspection of the types and number of trees impacted will be used to quantify
impacts.

• Counting the number and types of trees felled and planted to mitigate the adverse impacts.
• Evidence of the activities of the Contractor to either establish new Nursery sites or work
with the existing one.

• Visual inspection and counting the number cut trees with ant nests

11.2.5. Air Quality Management Plan

All vehicles entering and leaving the project sites should be covered except when they are loading.
Dust suppression methods such as spraying water on access and internal roads should be
practiced by the Contractors on timely and regular basis in accordance with the ESMP.
The following national legislation and policy are relevant for the air quality management.

• The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia

21
Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution (IFC – World Bank
Group 2007)

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 Article 44 states that all persons have the right to clean and health environment.
Furthermore, Article 51(3) of the Constitution states that the Federal Government shall
establish national standards and basic policy criteria for public health.

• Environmental Pollution Control Proclamation (No. 300/2002)

This law complementary to the Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (1997).

• National guidelines
The Environmental Standards for industrial Pollution Control in Ethiopia. The contents of
this Standard limit the emission of pollutants to the atmosphere.
The overall accountability for the implementation of the air quality management plan lays on the
Contractors and their subcontractors. The table below provides roles and responsibilities of all
concerned parties for the implementation of air quality management.
Responsible Parties Roles and responsibilities
Project Manager Ensure the availability of resources and authority
for the implementation of the air quality
management as specified in the ESMP

Liaison with the community and stakeholders with

regard to air quality management

Ensure that all subcontractors implement

provisions for the air quality management as
indicated in the ESMP

Environmental and Social experts Enforce the management and monitoring of air
quality

Ensure training the workforce and drivers to

observe the provisions of the ESMP
Implementation schedule Construction phase of the project

Management actions
Dust emission and be controlled and managed by implementing the following actions during the
implementation of the project.

• Spraying water on access and internal roads

• Implement the speed limit of trucks and other construction vehicles

• Vehicles transporting loose soil materials shall be covered

• Stockpiling of excavated materials for a long period should be avoided

• Stockpiles, i.e., excavated soil wastes should be covered as much as possible

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Monitoring and verification
The implementation of the provisions of the ESMP for air quality management will be done by
visual inspections. This inspection shall be carried out on a regular period by the representatives
of the client. On the other hand, the Contractors ES personnel should undertake visual inspection
of dust emission on a daily basis.

11.2.6. Traffic Safety Management Plan

The Contractor shall submit a traffic safety plan to be reviewed by the representatives of the
Client before commencing the work. This plan should specify key responsibilities and speed limit
of vehicles it operates in accordance with the ESMP. Furthermore, the contractor should also
develop a plan for on-site parking of cars.
The activities of the project during the construction and operation phase triggers certain issues
with regard to potential traffic accidents. An increased movement of vehicles could lead to
potential impacts on the livestock of the local communities.
Objectives
The objectives of the Traffic Management Plan (TMP) are as follow.

• Ensure the health and safety of the local communities

• Ensure the safety of the livestock of the communities

• Avoid potential traffic accidents due to the movements of vehicles due to the opening of
this new road
Purpose and scope of the Traffic Management Plan
The purpose of this Management Plan is to guide the contractor to avoid potential traffic accidents
during the construction phase by using designated access roads. The scope of this Management
Plan includes the construction and operation phases of the project.
The following national policies and legislations are relevant with regard to this TMP.
• The Constitution of the FDRE
• Policy on Public health

• Public Health Proclamation (Proclamation No. 200/2000)

Responsibilities and Accountability
The responsible Parties and their roles and responsibilities are given below.
Responsible Parties Roles and Responsibilities

Project Manager

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 Responsible Parties Roles and Responsibilities
• Ensure that all its drivers observe the
speed limits to avoid potential traffic
accidents
• Orient its drivers and create awareness
for implementing the proposed mitigation
measures
• Ensure that all appropriate signposts are
places before the completion of the
project

Representative of the Client/the Client • Review the performance of the contractor

with regard to the implementation
• Ensure that all signposts are placed at
appropriate places to avoid potential
traffic accidents
Woreda Administrations • Assist in ensuring that all road signposts
are placed to avoid accidents
Environmentalist • Advise the contractor and orient its
workforce to avoid potential traffic
accidents
• Prepare quarterly reports with regard to
the implementation of the mitigation
measures for avoiding potential traffic
accidents
• Work with the representative of the client
• Update the TMP if there are new
unplanned events
Implementation schedule • Construction and operation phases of the
project

Management Actions

• The Environmentalist of the contractor should take the lead in guiding the implementation
of the TMP

• Periodic supervision of the management of vehicle movement to access tower foundations

should be done by the Environmentalist

• Collect data form the local communities with regard to TMP

Reporting
The Environmentalist of the contractor should prepare quarterly reports about the status of the
implementation of the requirements of the Traffic Management Plan.

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 11.2.7. Community and Occupational Health & Safety Management Plan

The contractor shall submit an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Plan to be reviewed by the
representatives of the client before commencing the work. The plan should include at least the
following:

• Description of the overall OHS policy of the organization

• Description of hazards and risks to the safety and health of the workers which arise from
the working environment – including occupational health and safety hazards specific to
electric power transmission and distribution projects, such as working close to live power
lines; working at height; electric and magnetic fields; and exposure to chemicals.

• Identification of sources of injury and harm with preventive measures to avoid these
injuries and harms

• Formulation of the organization’s OHS policy for the project.

• The implementation schedule of this management plan is during construction phase of the
project.
The contractors should ensure that all personnel are aware of the objectives and contents of the
OHS plan and establish arrangements specifying responsibilities for all persons. Initiation and
refreshment training should be conducted by the contractors.
Incident reporting. The contractors should report incidents without delay. Such reporting
should be in written form.
Emergency Response. The Contractors should establish a procedure for emergency
preparedness and response. This includes the establishment of on-site first aid station and system
for registration of personnel.
Safety equipment and regulations. The contractors and all the subcontractors should provide
standard PPE for all workers. They should also enforce the uses of these basic safety equipment
by all its personnel and visitors on project sites. The minimum PPEs at site are the following.
• Protective helmet or hard hat

• Protective footwear/safety boots

• Working clothes with strong color

The activities of the proposed project triggers issues pertaining to community health and safety.
Purpose and scope of this Management Plan
The purpose of this Management Plan is to guide the contractor to ensure public health by
avoiding potential impacts due to the activities of the project at its different phases. The scope of
the CHSMP includes the pre-construction, construction and operation phase of the project.

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The following national policies and laws are relevant in connection to the CHSMP.
• The Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Article 44 states that all persons have the right to clean and health environment. Article
92 requires the Federal Government to ensure that all Ethiopians live in a clean and health
environment.
• Environmental policy of Ethiopia
This policy advocates the “polluters pay policy” and authorizes competent authorities to
close down or relocate any enterprise if its activities are considered as posing risks to
human health and the environment.
• Prevention of Industrial Pollution Regulation (159/2008)
There are sections which uphold the principles of environmental safety.
• Public Health Proclamation (200/2000)
This proclamation prohibits the disposal of solid or liquid wastes in a condition that
contaminate the environment.
• Solid Waste management Proclamation (Proclamation No. 513/2007)
• Environmental Pollution Control Proclamation (Proclamation No. 300/2002)

Management actions

• Heath education for communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and STDs. This activity will
enhance personal protection and behavior to avoid this health risk

• The Contractors shall adhere to the following key Workforce Code of Conduct
o Forbidding sale or purchase of alcohol
o Forbidding sale or purchase of drugs

• Ensure that there is a free access to first aid stations for minor treatments

11.2.8. Workers/Labour Management Plan

The labor management of the Contractors should comply with the national labor and
employment law. Details should such payments of wage, working hours and treatment provisions
in cases of accidents. The contractors should employ local laborers and develop a procedure for
equitable selection of laborers.
The contractors should maintain accurate records in relation to:

• Payment of wages and social security

• Working hours.
The contractors should also inform the workers about their rights in compliance with the labor
law of Ethiopia. A standard grievance redress mechanism should be developed by the Contractors
to enable the laborers to raise issues pertaining to workplace concerns. The contractors shall

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ensure that this grievance mechanism is accessible to all workers. The following steps shall be
used by the contractors for the grievance redress mechanism.

• Receiving and recording complains

• Reviewing complaint and allocate actions

• Notify the complaint of the proposed resolution

• Act and update complaint

• Close out and lessons learned

• Report actions to the representatives of the Client

The following national legislation and policy are relevant for worker management.
• The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia
o Article 16: the right of the security of the person
o Article 18: the prohibition against inhuman treatment and forced and compulsory
labor
o Article 31: Freedom of association
o Article 42(1) b: the right to express grievance
o Article 35: Equality of women in the labor force
o Article 36: prevention of exploitive practices
• Labor proclamation.
This is main national law on labor issues such as employment relationships, contracts,
obligations of employers and workers, wage, working time, working conditions and
occupational health and safety, occupational injuries and labor disputes. The number of
locally employed workers and issue on under aged workers should be considered while
applying the provisions of this Proclamation.
• Occupational Health and Safety Directives (2008)
The following provisions were indicated in this Directive/
o Health and safety
o Arrangements in the workplace
o Ambient working conditions
o Hazardous jobs or undertakings
o Specific occupations & processes and requirements

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 o Duties of employers such as safety and health policy, and Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
o Duties and rights of the workers
The responsible Parties and their roles and responsibilities are given below.
Responsible Parties Roles and Responsibilities

Project Manager Ensure that its human resources personnel

implement procedures for employment and
working conditions within the framework of the
existing national and international legislations and
standards.

Health and safety officer (First Aid Expert) Ensure that all provisions in relation to OHS are
implemented and workers are provided with PPE
Implementation schedule Construction phase of the project

Management actions
• Ensure that all standards provisions, including PPE, are implemented to enhance the OHS
issues
• Develop workers’ OHS awareness program
• Develop a worker code of conduct in applying OHS requirements, including the use of
PPE and monitoring system to enhance workplace health and safety

11.2.9. Emergency Response Plan

The following national legislation and policy are relevant for ensuring the occupational health and safety
of the workers.
• Labor law. This specifies provisions for ensuring workers’ rights, for example, minimum
wages, collective bargaining rights and rights to association.
• Prevention of Industrial Pollution Regulation (159/2008). Sections of this Regulation state
the need for emergency response systems and environmental safety monitoring.
The table below provides responsible parties and their roles and responsibilities.
Responsible Parities Roles and Responsibilities

Project Manager • Review emergency reports on a weekly

basis
• Appoint and emergency response
coordinator (First aid expert)

Emergency Response Coordinator (First Aid • Undertake first aid treatment

expert)

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 • Coordinate for further treatments of
accidents and injuries in the nearby clinics
and health centers
• Orient workforces on the potential
accidents and report mechanisms of
accidents to be treated onsite.
• Ensure notification of accidents and
ensure proper response
• Review weekly accidents or near misses to
address them on time.
Implementation schedule • Construction phase of the project

Management actions
All incidents shall be registered and reported accordingly for further actions. A standard checklist
shall be used for this purpose. Incidents can be of the following categories.
• Environmental incidents
• Injuries of workers
• Injuries of people
• Security breach
Monitoring and verification
The Health and Safety officer (First aid expert) is tasked the responsibilities for supervising the
implementation of the Emergency Response Plan of the Contractors and their subcontractors.
This officer shall report incidents monthly to be reviewed by the representatives of the client.

11.2.10. Land and livelihoods

The communities of the project area are smallholder farmers who entirely depended on incomes
generated from their lands. The impacts of the project during construction and operation phases
are given below.
Construction phase Operation phase
• High household income due to • Permanent loss of land to tower
compensation payment from their foundations
lands
• More household income due to
employment opportunity
• Displacement of physical structure,
e.g., houses and cash crop trees

Houses

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The project adverse impacts 133 houses (39 tukuls and 94 CIS). In the rural Kebeles, the PAPs
have additional land to build their impacted houses. But this impact is significant and negative for
the PAPs living in the urban areas where they are located inside the RoW of the Metu – Masha
230 kV single circuit transmission line project.
Coffee, Cash tree crops (Eucalyptus) and fruit crops
The smallholder farmers usually grow coffee under big shade trees such as Cordia africana, Ficus
sur, Albizia schimperiana and etc. In some instances, felling these trees will be unavoidable. Since
coffee plant need shade to give good yield, coffee production will reduce in the absence of shade
trees. Therefore, these farmers are negatively impacted by the project. The also grow Eucalyptus
and fruit crops to supplement their household incomes. The impact of the project on these assets
is direct, adverse and permanent.
Management Actions
The impacts of the project on land and livelihoods is direct and permanent. The impacts are
different in scale and magnitude across these PAPs.
• It is recommended that further studies are conducted to update the Resettlement Action
Plan (RAP) and prepare a Livelihoods Restoration Plan (LRP).
o Conduct asset inventory of PAPs
o Conduct Livelihood Profile of PAPs

11.2.11. Drug and Alcohol Policy

Access control to the site shall be arranged to foster accountability of all personnel. This policy
should apply during the construction phase of the project.

11.2.12. Community Relationships

The contractors and its personnel should interact with the local communities in such a way that
promotes good relationship. Local norms and values should be observed and maintained by the
contractors and all personnel. The contractors bear the sole responsibility for any damage to
public properties that may occur outside the project area. This policy should apply during the
construction phase of the project.

11.3. ESMP for Operation

During operation phase of the project, regular maintenance of the right-of-way to control
vegetation growth will be implemented. This may involve the use of mechanical methods, such as
mowing or pruning machinery, in addition to manual hand clearing and herbicide use. Such
activities may disrupt wildlife and their habitats. However, given the size of the RoW, the impact
is not considered significant. Care will be taken during maintenance to remove fauna species likely
to be present in the RoW.

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 11.4. Estimate of cost of mitigation

The cost of mitigation measures is given in Table 11-1. The calculation of costs is based on
background information such as the cost of one seedling for Biodiversity Management.
Furthermore, the frequency of awareness creation was set as 2 times per Kebele with a total
turnout of 50-60 participants and a publication of information leaflets. In other cases, lumpsum
amounts are given. Employment of staff of the Environmental Unit of the Contractor was
estimated based on current earnings for similar jobs (short-term employment for development
projects).
Table 11-1. Summary of the Environmental and social mitigation measures

Impact source Mitigation Responsible body Amount in ETB ESMP to be Time schedule
measures addressed
Removal of Plant 10 The Contractor 6,250,000.00 Biodiversity Construction
mature seedlings for Management phase
indigenous trees each removed Plan; Soil
tree. Erosion
It is anticipated Management
that close to Plan
25,000
seedlings will
be planted
Felling of trees Transplant the The Contractor 500,000.00 Forest Construction
with ant nests nest onto Management phase
another tree Plan
of the same
species
Air quality: Dust The Contractor 100,000.00 Air Quality Construction
emission of dust suppression by Management phase
watering Plan
access roads
Public exposure Awareness The Contractor 250,000.00 Community and Construction
to EMF raising Health Safety phase
Management
Plan;
workers/Labour
Management
Plan
Public health Health The Contractor 250,000.00 Solid Waste Construction
risks: HIV/AIDs education Management phase
and STDs Plan; Emergency
Response Plan
Occupational Short-training The Contractor 1,000,000.00 Workers/labour Construction
health and safety on first aid for Management phase
the Plan; Emergency
contractor’s Response Plan
workforce;
Provision of
PPE
First aid kits

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 Impact source Mitigation Responsible body Amount in ETB ESMP to be Time schedule
measures addressed
Traffic incidents Signposts at The Contractor 375,000.00 Traffic Construction
relevant Management phase
location Plan
Emergency First aid kits; The Contractor 2,500,000.00 Occupational Construction
Response events transport Health $ Safety phase
injured Plan
subjects to
nearby clinics
or other
places for
treatment
Grievance Setup GRM; EEP 1,500,000.00 Labor Construction
Redress manage Management phase /
Mechanism grievances, Plan Operation
(GRM) report on phase
GRM
implementatio
n
Gender Based Training of The Contractor 1,500,000.00 Labor Construction
Violence personnel; Management phase
establishment Plan
and strict
implementatio
n of CoC
Stakeholder Community The Contractor 2,000,000.00 Stakeholder Construction
Engagement liaison; regular Engagement phase
meetings Plan /
Community
H&S Plan
Establishment of Provide The Contractor 2,500,000.00 Supervision of Construction
Environment and guidance for the phase
Social the implementation
Management implementatio of all ESMP
Unit for the n of the
project for 24 proposed
months Management
(Environmentalist Plans of the
, Forester and project;
Sociologist) prepare
reports as
specified in the
Management
Plans
liaison with the
representative
of the client
and other
stakeholders
with regard to
environmental
and social
issues
Total 18,725,000.00

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 11.5. ESMP summary

Project Environmental and Institutional Responsibilities

Activities Social Impact Mitigation / Compensation / Enhancement Measures Implementation Supervision
A. PRE-CONSTRUCTION STAGE
ESHS Impacts during Pre-Construction

Workforce Transfer of • Orientation of the workforce by the contractor prior to Contractor PIC, PIU
Mobilization responsibility for ESHS commencing duties
compliance to • Health education for the workforce and awareness creation for
Contractor HIV/AIDS and other STDs
• Apply the best industry practice and applicable law and regulation
of Ethiopia for employing workers
• Collect all used plastic water bottles and dispose them at
designated areas
• Apply all requirements of the Solid Waste Management Plan
• Apply all requirements of Occupational Health and Safety
Management Plan
• Apply all requirements of Air Quality Management Plan
• Apply all requirements of the Forest Management Plan
• Apply all requirements of Biodiversity Management Plan

RoW clearance Impact on wildlife • Provide workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) Contractor PIC, PIU
habitats due to RoW • Avail first aid kits at the work places
clearance • Undertake vegetation clearing in the presence of an
Occupational H&S risks Environmentalist or a Forester
• Prepare and execute a tree plantation program to compensate for
the environmental loss of the trees felled
• Suppress dust emission by watering the work areas on a regular
basis
• Apply all requirements of Biodiversity Management Plan
• Apply all requirements of the Air Quality Management Plan
• Apply all requirements of the Occupational Health & Safety
Management Plan
• Apply all requirements of the Emergency Response Plan
• Collect used plastic water bottles

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 Project Environmental and Institutional Responsibilities
Activities Social Impact Mitigation / Compensation / Enhancement Measures Implementation Supervision
• Apply all requirements of the Solid Waste Management Plan

Land • Loss of approx. 1.8 ha • Apply all provisions of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) of the Contractor PIC, PIU
acquisition for of land as well as loss Metu – Masha 230 kV power transmission line
tower of cultivations within • Payment for permanently lost coffee shrubs and spices plants
foundations the RoW • Payments for permanent loss of assets of PAPs due to Tower
foundation

Removal of Loss of residential • Apply all requirement of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) Contractor PIC, PIU
structures from structures and means • Payment of compensation for permanent and temporary loss of
RoW of livelihood assets of the PAPs.
• Apply all provisions of the Livelihood Restoration Plan of this
project
• Enable the PAPs at Kolo Korma get new plots of land to construct
new houses at least close to where they are living now to ensure
social cohesion and their traditional social activities.

B. CONSTRUCTION STAGE

ESHS Impacts during Construction

Labor influx Stress on local The Contractor will prepare the construction camp management plan, Contractor PIC, PIU
resources and services including the labor influx management. This will be reviewed and approved
by project staff by EEP and World Bank
The Contractor will select the specific work shift for the construction
activities particularly near the settlements, to cause least disturbance to the
local population, particularly women.
Contractor will take due care of the local community and observe sanctity
of local customs and traditions by his staff. Contractor will warn the staff
strictly not to involve in any unethical activities and to obey the local norms
and cultural restrictions.
During construction activities, if privacy of the nearby households is affected,
the Contractor will inform the house owner to make particular
arrangements. Similarly, Contractor will take care as much as possible that
the construction activities should not affect the privacy.

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 Project Environmental and Institutional Responsibilities
Activities Social Impact Mitigation / Compensation / Enhancement Measures Implementation Supervision
The contractor will also ensure that solid waste and wastewater is disposed
of in an environmentally friendly manner in designated areas and by approved
methods only. Contractor will ensure that soil and water is not contaminated
by improper disposal of solid waste and wastewater.
The contractor will explore alternative water sources and ensure that water
usage by the project does not affect or compete with water requirements of
the local community.
The Contractor will also ensure that noise and light pollution from the labor
camp is kept at minimal levels especially at night.

Social and gender The contractor will provide qualified personnel to address the specific risks Contractor PIC, PIU
impacts created by identified in the project including Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) risks
project staff due to the and implement the recommendations and mitigations included in this ESIA
unawareness of local
The bidding documents will include specific requirements that minimize the
customs and norms
use of expatriate workers and encourage hiring of local workers through
skill development program, thereby minimizing labor influx.
The bidders will be required to submit Codes of Conduct (CoCs) with their
bids. The CoCs will set clear boundaries for acceptable and unacceptable
behaviors of all individuals and companies and will be signed by companies,
managers and individuals.
The contractor will be required to establish anti-sexual harassment policies
that govern conduct in the workplace.
The contractor will be required to provide mandatory and repeated training
to workers on sexual exploitation and abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention and
on the content and obligations derived from the code of conduct.
Provisions will be set in contracts for dedicated payments to contractors for
SEA prevention activities (e.g., training) against evidence of completion.
The Contractor will ensure the implementation of the recommendations and
mitigations related to SEA risks included in this ESIA. The implementation
will be regularly reported by the Contractors and internally monitored by
the PIU. Implementation of these recommendations and mitigations will also
be monitored by the third party M&E Consultant and presented in its

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 Project Environmental and Institutional Responsibilities
Activities Social Impact Mitigation / Compensation / Enhancement Measures Implementation Supervision
monitoring reports.

Covid-19 The contractor will make all PPEs (face masks, hand sanitizers etc.) available Contractor PIC, PIU
at site and should also arrange for Covid vaccination at site when required.
All the employees of the contractors (including skilled and non-skilled) must
be vaccinated and their certificates should be checked before their
mobilization/engagement.

Excavation of Management of spoil • Water the project area on a regular basis to suppress dust Contractor PIC, PIU
tower generated due to the emission
foundations, excavation works; • Spread excess soil around the tower foundation evenly and use the
tower erection, cleared vegetation as mulch to minimize soil erosion
Risk of soil pollution
stringing of • Prepare Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and apply all of its
and soil erosion;
conductors, requirements
other works Risk of water • Restrict all excavation activities to the tower foundation areas and
contamination; access roads
Dust and air pollution • Provide workers with PPE
from construction • Apply all requirements of Biodiversity Management Plan
activities; • Apply all requirements of Waste Management Plan
• Avail first aid kits
Noise and vibration
• Apply all requirements of the Air Quality Management Plan
from construction
activities; • Apply all requirements of the Occupational Health & Safety
Management Plan
Generation of solid • Apply all requirements of the Emergency Response Plan
waste and hazardous • Avoid excavation of religious sites (graveyards and others)
waste

C. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE STAGE

ESHS Impacts during O&M

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 Project Environmental and Institutional Responsibilities
Activities Social Impact Mitigation / Compensation / Enhancement Measures Implementation Supervision

TL RoW Impacts from tree • Identify seedlings of indigenous tree species before clearing the EEP PIU
Maintenance cutting during O/M vegetation
activities • Transplant any seedlings of tree species of the forest that are
growing inside the RoW
• Identify invasive species and clear them (uproot the seedlings)
before reaching maturity (seed production stage).

Restrictions Impacts to livelihood of • Monitor and follow-up to support households to restore their EEP PIU
within the smallholder farmers livelihoods during the operation phase. That is the details of the
RoW Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP) details this aspect.
• Maintain the functionality of the Grievance Redress Mechanism
(GRM) developed for Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the
construction phase to create enabling environment for
communities to voice their concerns.

Land loss Impacts due to the land • Strictly follow-up PAPs, especially those in the urban area with only EEP PIU
occupied by the towers 200 square meter of land, to provide support to restore their
livelihoods in the operation phase
• The requirements of Livelihoods Restoration Plan developed for
the construction phase should apply for the operation phase as
well.

TL operation Community H&S risks • Avoid installation of transmission line above densely occupied EEP PIU
due to exposure to settlements.
EMF • The Client should measure exposure levels once the Metu – Masha
230 kV single circuit transmission line project is operational to
ensure that the exposure of the public to EMF is within the
accepted limit.
• Awareness creation of the effects of EMF for the public by the
Client
• Annual monitoring the RoW to make sure that no new houses are
built inside the 40 m corridor.

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 12. Grievance Redress Mechanism
Effective environmental and social grievance redress mechanism gives an opportunity for the
client to implement a set of specific measures to ensure good governance accountability and
transparency in managing and mitigating environmental and social issues of the project. This
consists of defining the process for recording/receiving complaints to redress these complaints
regarding environmental and social matters.
The following procedures will be followed by Woreda and Kebele GRC.
1. Registration of grievance: an aggrieved party registers a complaint at the Kebele level or
with project liaison officer by using the Grievance Registration Form. The GRC chair will
convene a meeting within 7 days the receipt of the complaints. and within seven days
the committee meeting is convened by the chair.
2. Recoding complaints: The secretary of the GRC will record the complaints into the
Grievance logbook and the aggrieved person is informed of the scheduled hearing. A
maximum of 7 days shall be given between the date the case is recorded and the date
when the hearing is held
3. Meeting schedule of the GRC: The GRC will meet once per week to address emerging
complaints. The GRC will conduct proceedings of the complaints of the PAPs in the
presence of witness.
4. Communication of decisions by GRC: The GRC will communicate its decisions to individuals
who have filed their complaints within 7 days by using Complaint Resolution form.
5. Appeal to Woreda GRC: if the PAPs/individuals who have filed the complaints are dissatisfied
with the decisions of the GRC at a Kebele level, the chairman of the Kebele GRC will
deliver the decisions to the Woreda level GRC for deliberations within 7 days.
6. Court pursuit: if the PAPs/individuals who filed the complaints are not satisfied with the
decisions of the Woreda level GRC, he/she can pursue the case in a court.

13. Environmental and Social Monitoring, Auditing and

Reporting Plan
13.1. Environmental and Social Monitoring and Reporting

The monitoring of the construction practices and mitigation measures will be based on visual
inspections. Table 13-1 give a monitoring plan of the project with key measures to be considered.
It is to be noted that the contractors shall undertake self-monitoring their compliance with the
ESMP and EHS plan. The contractors should perform regular monitoring inspections by using pre-
developed checklists and prepare monthly report to be reviewed by the representative of the
client (Engineering Consultant) and submitted to the competent authority, the Ethiopian
Environmental Protection Authority, MoPD. The contractor should establish an Environmental
Management Unit (EMU) comprised of one Environmentalist, one Forester and one Sociologist

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to ensure the implementation of ESMP for monitoring purposes. The EMU is required to prepare
monthly monitoring reports and submit it to the representatives of the client for review and
further actions. Technical experts could be assigned by the Ethiopian Electric Power to ensure
the implementation of all requirements of the ESMP.
Table 13-1. Proposed monitoring methods for the Contractor

Management issues Performance indicators Means of verification Monitoring frequency

Air pollution and dust • The frequency of • Visual Weekly inspections
control water sprayed on inspections
access road and • Photographic
internal roads documentation
• Evidences that trucks
cover loose materials
Occupational health • Evidence of OHS plan • Visual Daily inspections
and safety and emergency inspections
response plan • Written statistics
• Percentage of of workers using
workers using PPE PPE
• Access to first aid • Photographic
station documentation
• Availability of first aid
expert
• Incidence statistics
(injuries, treatments
and etc.)
Labor management • Proportion of women • Visual Weekly inspections
• Evidences of written inspections
contracts • Employment
• Number of contracts
grievances of workers
• The number of locally
employed workers
• Issue on under aged
workers
Biodiversity • Number of trees • Visual Monthly inspection
management planted inspections
• Number of ant nests • Photographic
transplanted to trees documentation
of the same species as
the ones felled
Community health • Number of • Visual Weekly inspections
and safety community inspections
grievances • Photographic
• Incidences of documentation
damages to public
properties
Waste management • Amount and types of • Visual Weekly inspections
wastes generated inspections
• Evidences for timely • Photographic
disposal of wastes, documentation
e.g., excavated soil
materials

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 Management issues Performance indicators Means of verification Monitoring frequency
• Domestic solid and
liquid wastes
• Used oils

13.2. Environmental and Social Auditing and Reporting

Monthly report
The Contractors shall prepare a monthly report with regard to the environmental and social performance
and their compliance to the ESMP. This report should be submitted the representatives of the client for
review and further actions. The contents of this report shall be based on the monitoring results of the
EMU of the contractors.
Annual Reporting

The Contractors shall prepare an annual environmental and social performance report and overall
compliances with the ESMP. This report shall be reviewed by a supervision Consultant, who is also the
representative for the EEP. This annual report should be submitted by EEP to the Ethiopian Environmental
Protection Authority for a review and approval.

14. ESIA disclosure plan

The ESIA details will be communicated to the PAPs and stakeholders following approval by the
Ethiopian Government and the World Bank.

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 15. Conclusion and Recommendation
15.1. Main findings

The Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has planned to construct Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit
transmission line project. This entails the construction of an extension of the Metu sub-station
and a new sub-station at Masha. Masha town is currently without power. The Metu – Masha 230
kV single circuit transmission line project crosses modified landscape for most of its length and a
very small length of it crosses forests. It is anticipated that the construction of this power
transmission line and new sub-station at Masha stimulates local economic activities and attracts
investments. The ESIA study has recorded a case where an investor in coffee processing in Sheka
Zone has constructed all physical structures but did not start work because of the lack of power.
Furthermore, this project will improve quality of life for Masha and its surrounding communities.
Currently, the local communities use traditional means of flour milling. The implementation of
the project attracts investors to establish flour mills and other related activities. It is anticipated
that several business activities will come up with power, which in turn improve household
incomes.
It is expected that any development project affects the status quo environmental and social
conditions. The ESIA study has recorded the following impacts.
Biological conditions and natural habitats
The project area is a site where part of the remaining moist Afro-montane Forest is located. This
forest is characterized by keystone species such as Pouteria adolfi-friderici, Cordia africana, Prunus
africana, Olea welwitchi and etc. Coffee grows under the canopy of these trees. Furthermore,
spices such as Piper capense and Afromomum corrorima grows as herbaceous layer of this forest
and provide additional household incomes. IUCN conservation assessment was conducted for a
handful of the flora and fauna of the project area. For example, Prunus Africana as assessed as
Vulnerable and other are of Least Concern from the IUCN assessment perspectives. But at a
national level, there are tree species which have low number of individuals in the forest and need
to be protected. Examples are Pouteria adolfi-friderici, Olea welwitchii, Cordia africana and etc.
Noteworthy is also that it takes decades for these tree species to reach maturity. A natural
regeneration of some of these tree species is a challenge since young seedling survival is affected
by wildlife browsing.
Different fauna species were investigated in this ESIA study. Selected amphibians, reptile, birds
and mammals were studies. There are endemic amphibians, reptiles and a mammal species. But
these are widely distributed and were not recorded along the RoW of the project. They occur
in the Moist Afro-montane Forest in the surrounding area of the project. As a result, there is no
direct impact by the activities of the project. The ESIA has also revealed that there is no Important
Bird Area and known bird migratory route in the project area. Furthermore, the bird species are
of least conservation concerns and there is no immediate threat to their long-term persistence.

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 190

A Critical Habitats assessment was conducted during the ESIA study. The study has revealed that
there are no Critical Habitats triggered by this project. Two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves occur
in the project area. These are Yayu Forest Coffee and Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserves. In both
cases, the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project crosses only the transition
zones of these Biosphere Reserves. A transition zone is highly modified section (settlement and
agriculture) of the Biosphere Reserves. There are tree species with ant nests and ESMP has been
developed to mitigate this impact.
As a result of these issues, the ESIA has analyzed three alternative routes and have selected
Alternate route 3. Although there are adverse impacts of flora, these impacts can be mitigated.
ESMP has been developed for different receptors.
Physical conditions
The project affects certain physical features such as ambient air quality, noise level and soil. The
impacts on air and noise level is temporary and is anticipated to be not significant. Excavation of
tower foundations generates excess soil in the surrounding areas triggering soil erosion.
Furthermore, access road construction could also result in soil erosion if slopy contours are not
avoided. ESMP has been developed to mitigate the potential adverse impacts of the activities of
the project.
Socio-economic conditions
The project results in a permanent loss of land to tower foundation and houses. The ESIA has
recorded that a total of 133 houses (Tukuls and CIS) will be physically relocated since there are
in 40 m corridor of the Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project. These
houses are located in rural and urban Kebeles. In rural Kebeles, the PAPs have sufficient additional
land to move their houses and build it in new locations outside the RoW. But this option is not
available for urban PAPS such as those living in Kolo Korima of Metu town. They have 200 square
meters of plot where they have their houses and cultivate garden crops as part of their household
income. Some have also grown crop tree (Eucalyptus) in their area. The ESIA has established that
the impact of the project on PAPs is not uniform and a Livelihood Restoration Plan has to be
prepared to support these PAPs with no alternative to build a new house. The ESMP has
forwarded recommendations, but details studies are required. Furthermore, the crop trees of
the PAPs and shade coffee cultivation system falling inside the RoW will be removed. This results
in reduced income from coffee since the shade trees should be removed from the RoW.
The operation phase of the project also induced health and safety risks due to exposures to
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). The IFC guidelines state that there is no empirical data to support
due to transmission lines and equipment. On the other hand, the ICNIRP states that there are
acute health risks to exposures of people to EMF. The ESIA recommends awareness creation for
the communities with regard to health risks of the EMF emitted due to the operation of the Metu
– Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project.

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Generally, a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP) studies
should be conducted for detailed asset inventory, compensation of lost assets and livelihood
supports for PAPs, which are highly impacted by this project.

15.2. Conclusion and recommendation

Conclusion

• The project triggers biodiversity issues such as cutting indigenous trees inside the 40 m
corridor of the RoW. It also restricts the planting of high trees inside this same area. But
the impacts are mitigable and ESMP has been developed for environmental receptors
receiving these impacts.
• Although there are Biosphere Reserves in the project area, the Metu – Masha 230 kV
single circuit transmission line project crosses their transition zone, which are highly
modified (agriculture and settlement). The ESIA study has revealed that there are no
Critical Habitats that are triggered by this project. There are also National Priority Forest
Areas lying on the RoW of the project. But these have been converted to agriculture and
settlement long time ago.
• Some project activities trigger soil erosion but the impact can be mitigated. An ESMP has
been develop.
• The socio-economic impacts of this project are significant. It triggers physical displacement
of houses and cutting of crop trees. RAP and LRP studies should be conducted to mitigate
these impacts.
Generally, the impacts of the project on bio-physical and socio-economic environments can be
mitigated. The ESMP was also developed for these impacted receptors. Therefore, for the project
to proceed the following conditions should be fulfilled. These are:
(1) all requirements of each ESMP are implemented in full;
(2) the ESMP is improved and adjusted to new emerging conditions which are not captured
during the ESIA study; and
(3) Resettlement Action Plan and Livelihood Restoration Plan are conducted and
implemented.
Recommendation
Therefore, the proposed project is environmentally and socially feasible to be implemented
provided that all the requirements of the ESMP are implemented by the contractor and the
project proponent (project owner, EEP). The regulatory bodies, i.e., EPA and Zonal and Woreda
Office for Forests and Environmental Protection and other government bodies should participate
in ensuring the implementation of all the proposed mitigation measures for the impacts of Metu
– Masha 230 kV single circuit transmission line project.

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 16. References
Ash, L. and Atkins, I (2009) Birds of Ethiopia and Eritrea. An atlas of distribution. Christopher
Helm, London.
BirdLife International (2021) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org
Dixon A. & Wood, A. (2007) Eight local institutions for wetland management in Ethiopia.
Sustainability and state interventions. CAB International. 134 pp.
Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society (1996). Important Bird Areas of Ethiopia. Birdlife
International. Semayata Press. Addis Ababa
Fischer, J., Bergsten, A, Dorrestejin, I., Hanspach, J., Hylander, K., Tolera, S., Manlosa, A.O.,
Rodrigues, P., Schultner, J., Feyera Senbeta and Girma Shumi (2021) A social-ecological
assessment of food security and biodiversity conservation in Ethiopia. Ecosystems and People
17(1): 400-410.
Hardner, J., R.E. Gullison, S. Anstee, M. Meyer. 2015. Good Practices for Biodiversity Inclusive
Impact Assessment and Management Planning. Prepared for the Multilateral Financing
Institutions Biodiversity Working Group.
https://publications.iadb.org/bitstream/handle/11319/7094/Good_Practices_for_Biodiversity_Inclusive_Impact_Assessme
nt.pdf?sequence=1

Hedberg, I. and Edwards, S.1995. Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea, Vol 7, Poaceae (Gramineae).The
National Herbarium, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa and Uppsala.
Hedberg, I., Edwards,S. and Sileshi Nemomissa.2003. Flora of Ethiopia and Eritirea, Vol 4, Part
1.Apiaceae to Dipsacaceae.The National Herbarium Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa and
Uppsala.
Hedberg, I., Ensermu, Kelbessa, Edwards,S., SebsebeDemissew and Eva, P.2006.Flora of Ethiopia
and Eritrea, Vol 5, Gentianaceae to Lamiaceae. The National Herbarium Addis Ababa University,
Addis Ababa and Uppsala.
Hedberg, I., Friis, I. and Eva, P.2009. General part and index, Vol 8.The National Herbarium, Addis
Ababa University, Addis Ababa and Uppsala.
Hedberg, I., Friis,I. and Pearson, E. 2001. Flora of Ethiopia and Eritirea, Vol 1, Lycopodiaceae to
Pinaceae.The National Herbarium, Addis Ababa University, Addis Abeba.
Hedberg, S. and Edwards, S. 1989.Flora of Ethiopia and Eritirea, Vol 3, Pittosporaceae to
Araliaceae. The National Herbarium, Addis Ababa University, Addis Abeba, Asmara and Uppsala.
Ib Friis, Sebsebe Demissew & Paulo van Breugel. 2012. Atlas of the Potential Vegetation of
Ethiopia. Copenhagen: The Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters in Biologiske
Skrifter58. 2010. 307 pp. including 29 colour map plates (1:2 000 000). ISSN 0366 3612, ISBN
97887 7304 347 9. 400 DKK Published online by Cambridge University Press: 16 February 2012

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 193

International Finance Corporation (IFC). (2007) IFC EHS Guidelines for Electric Power
Transmission and Distribution. https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/.
International Finance Corporation (IFC). (2012) Performance Standards on Environmental and
Social Sustainability.
International Finance Corporation (IFC). (No Date) IFC Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS)
Guidelines. Available at: https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/topics_ext_content/ifc_exter
nal_corporate_site/sustainability-at-ifc/policies-standards/ehsguidelines.

International Finance Corporation. 2013. Good Practice Handbook Cumulative Impact

Assessment and Management: Guidance for the Private Sector in Emerging Markets
https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/3aebf50041c11f8383ba8700caa2aa08/IFC_GoodPracticeHandbook_CumulativeIm
pactAssessment.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

International Labour Organisation (ILO). C087 - Freedom of Association and Protection of the
Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87). Convention concerning Freedom of Association
and Protection of the Right to Organise (Entry into force: 04 Jul 1950).
International Labour Organisation (ILO). C105 - Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957
(No. 105) Convention concerning the Abolition of Forced Labour (Entry into force: 17 Jan
1959).
International Labour Organisation (ILO). C111 - Discrimination (Employment and Occupation)
Convention, 1958 (No. 111). Convention concerning Discrimination in Respect of Employment
and Occupation (Entry into force: 15 Jun 1960).
International Labour Organisation (ILO). C138 - Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)
Convention concerning Minimum Age for Admission to Employment (Entry into force: 19 Jun
1976).
International Labour Organisation (ILO). C182 - Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention,
1999 (No. 182). Convention concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the
Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour (Entry into force: 19 Nov 2000).
International Labour Organisation (ILO). Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment: 1987.
International Labour Organisation (ILO). Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women: 1981 (CEDAW).
International Labour Organisation (ILO). Convention on the Rights of the Child: 1990. Adopted
and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 44/25 of 20
November 1989
IUCN. 2013. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 2013.2). Available at:
http://www.iucnredlist.org

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Rodrigues P, Dorresteijn I, Senbeta F, Fischer J. (2019) Living on the edge: Rapid assessment of
the mammal community in a coffee forest in south‐western Ethiopia. Afr J Ecol. 00:1–7.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ aje.12588
Rodriguesa, P, Girma Shumia, Ine Dorresteijna, I, ,Schultnera,J Jan Hanspacha, Hylanderb, K.,
Feyera Senbeta and Fischer, J. (2018) Coffee management and the conservation of forest bird
diversity in southwestern Ethiopia Biological Conservation 217: 131-139.
UNEP-WCMC (2021). Protected Area Profile for Dengego-Melka Jedbu from the World
Database of Protected Areas, July 2021. Available at: www.protectedplanet.net 80 | P a g e
United Nations (UN). (1985) Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer. United
Nations Treaty Series. 1513, 293.
United Nations (UN). (1989) Basel Convention on Hazardous Waste. United Nations, Treaty
Series, 1673, 57.
United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) (1992).
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Convention on Climate Change. Available at:
https://unfccc.int/resource/docs/convkp/conveng.pdf.

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 17. Annexures
17.1. Annex I: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Team

The ESIA was prepared by IRIS Consult PLC (Ethiopia) under the supervision of intec- GOPA
(Germany). The ESIA team comprised the following.
Name Expertise
Prof. Sileshi Nemomissa Team leader and Senior Environmentalist
Prof. Feyera Senbeta Forester
Prof. Seyoum Mengistou Zoologist
Dr. Endalew Addis Senior sociologist
Mr. Girma Demissie Socio-economist
Mrs Semira Berhanu Gender Expert
Mr. Amanuel Kumsa GIS Expert

The ESIA Report was reviewed by Kostas Batos of intec.

17.2. Annex II: Minutes of Consultations

A. Illubabor Zone
i. Ilubabor Zonal Administration

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Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 197
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 198
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 199
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 200
 ii. Ale Woreda

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 201

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 202
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 203
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 204
 iii. Didu Woreda

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 205

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 206
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 207
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 208
 iv. Metu Woreda

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 209

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 210
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 211
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 212
 v. Metu Town

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 213

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 214
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 215
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 216
 B. Skeka Zone
i. Sheka Zonal Administration

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 217

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 218
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 219
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 220
 ii. Masha town

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 221

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 222
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 223
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 224
 iii. Masha Woreda

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 225

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 226
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 227
Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 228
 17.3. Annex III: List of plant species of the project area

Population
S/N Species name Family Habit IUCN Category Trend Remark
1 Abutilon longicuspe Hoehst. ex A. Rich. Malvaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
2 Acacia abyssinica Hochst. ex Benth. Fabaceae Tree Not assessed Indigenous
3 Acanthus eminens C.B.Cl Acanthaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
4 Acanthus polystachyus Delile. Acanthaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
5 Aframomum corrorima (Braun) Jansen Zingiberaceae Herb LC Unknown Indigenous
6 Albizia gummifera (J. F. Gmel.) C.A.Sm. Fabaceae Tree LC Unknown Indigenous
7 Albizia schimperiana Oliv. Fabaceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
8 Allophylus abyssinicus (Hochst.) Radlk. Sapindaceae Tree Not assessed Indigenous
9 Amorphophallus abyssinicus (A. Rich.) N.E. Br. Araceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
10 Anthocleista schweinfurthii Gilg Loganiaceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
11 Apodytes dimidiata E. Mey. ex Am. Icacinaceae Tree LC Decreasing Indigenous
12 Asplenium aethiopicum (Burm. F.) Becherer Aspleniaceae Fern Not assessed
13 Asplenium sandersonii Hook Aspleniaceae Fern Not assessed Indigenous
14 Bersama abyssinica Fresen. Melianthaceae Tree/ Shrub LC Stable Indigenous
15 Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff Asteraceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
16 Bidens pilosa L. Asteraceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
17 Bridelia micrantha (Hochst.)Baill. Euphorbiaceae Tree Not assessed Indigenous
18 Buddleja polystachya Fresen. Loganiaceae Tree Not assessed Indigenous
19 Caesalpinia decapetala (Roth)Alston Fabaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
20 Catha edulis (Vahl) Forssk. ex Endl. Celastraceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
21 Celtis africana Buerm.f. Ulmaceae Tree Not assessed Indigenous
22 Clausena anisata (Willd). Benth. Rutaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
23 Clerodendrum myricoides (Hochst.) Vatke Lamiaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
24 Coffea arabica L. Rubiaceae Shrub EN Decreasing Endemic
25 Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott Araceae Herb LC Unknown Indigenous
26 Combretum paniculatum Vent. Combretaceae Climber Not assessed Indigenous

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 Population
S/N Species name Family Habit IUCN Category Trend Remark
27 Cordia africana Lam. Boraginaceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
28 Crotalaria+C12:H116 incana L. Fabaceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
29 Croton macrostachyus Del. Euphorbiaceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
30 Cucumis dipsaceus Ehrenb. ex Spach Cucurbitaceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
31 Cupressus lustanica Mill. Cupressaceae Tree Not assessed Exotic
32 Cyathea manniana Hook. Cyatheaceae Tree/ Shrub LC Stable Indigenous
33 Cyperus sesquiflorus (Torr.) Mattf. & KUk. Cyperaceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
34 Dalbergia lactea Vatke Fabaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
35 Datura stramonium L. Solanaceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
36 Discopodium penninervium Hochst. Solanaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
37 Dracaena afromontana Mildbr. Dracaenaceae Shrub LC Stable Indigenous
38 Dracaena steudneri Engler Dracaenaceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
39 Ehretia cymosa Thonn. Boraginaceae Tree LC Decreasing Indigenous
40 Ekebergia capensis Sparrm. Meliaceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
41 Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman Musaceae Herb LC Stable Endemic
42 Erythrina brucei Schweinf. Fabaceae Tree LC Stable Endemic
45 Euphorbia ampliphylla Pax Euphorbiaceae Tree Not assessed Indigenous
47 Euphorbia schimperiana Scheele Euphorbiaceae Shrub Not assessed
48 Euphorbia trucalli L. Euphorbiaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
49 Ficus exasperata Vahl. Moraceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
50 Ficus sur Forssk. Moraceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
51 Ficus thonningii Blume Moraceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
52 Ficus vasta Forssk. Moraceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
53 Flacourtia indica (Burm.f.) Merr Flacourtaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
54 Galiniera saxifraga (Hochst.) Bridson Rubiaceae Shrub LC Stable Indigenous
55 Gravillea robusta A.Cunn.ex R.Br Proteaceae Tree Not assessed Exotic
56 Guizotia schimperi Sch. Bip. ex Walp. Asteraceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
57 Hallea rubrostipulata (K. Schum.) J.-F. Leroy Rubiaceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous

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 Population
S/N Species name Family Habit IUCN Category Trend Remark
58 Helinus mystacinus (Ait.) E. Mey. ex Steud. Rhamnaceae Climber Not assessed Indigenous
59 Ilex mitis (L.) Radlk. Aquifoliaceae Tree LC Decreasing Indigenous
60 Impatiens hochstetteri Warb. Balsaminaceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
61 Lantana camara L. Verbenaceae Shrub Not assessed Exotic
62 Lobelia giberroa Hemsl. Lobeliaceae Tree Not assessed Indigenous
63 Macaranga capensis (Baill.) Benth. Euphorbiaceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
64 Maesa lanceolata Forssk. Myrsinaceae Tree/Shrub LC Stable Indigenous
65 Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae Tree Not assessed Fruit crop
66 Maytenus gracilipes (Welw. ex Oliv.) Exell Celastraceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
67 Millettia ferruginea (Hochst.) Bak. Fabaceae Tree LC Stable Endemic
68 Momordica foetida Schumach. Cucurbitaceae herb Not assessed Indigenous
69 Musa paradisiaca L. Musaceae Herb Not assessed Fruit crop
70 Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex. Benth. Lamiaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
71 Ocimum urticifolium Roth. Lamiaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
72 Ocotea kenyensis Lauraceae Tree VU Unknown Indigenous
Olea capensis L. ssp. macrocarpa (C. H. Wright) Verdc. Oleaceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
73 Olea welwitschii (Knobl.) Gilg & Schellenb. Oleaceae Tree Not assessed Indigenous
74 Pavetta abyssicica Fresen. Rubiaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
75 Pavonia urens Cav. Malvaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
77 Piper capense L.f. Piperaceae Herb LC Stable Indigenous
78 Platostoma rotundifolium (Briq.) A.J. Paton Lamiaceae herb Not assessed Indigenous
79 Plectranthus punctatus (L.f.) L'H'er. Lamiaceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
80 Polyscias fulva (Hiern) Harms Araliaceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
81 Pouteria adolfi-friederici (Engl.) Baehn Sapotaceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
82 Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkm. Rosaceae Tree VU Unspecified Indigenous
84 Psychotria orophila Petit Rubiaceae Tree Not assessed Indigenous
85 Pycnostachys abyssinica Fresen. Lamiaceae Herb Not assessed Endemic
86 Rhamnus prinoides L’Herit. Rhamnaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 231

 Population
S/N Species name Family Habit IUCN Category Trend Remark
87 Rhus quartiniana A.Rich Anacardiaceae Tree Not assessed
88 Ricinus communis L. Euphorbiaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
89 Rubia cordifolia L. Rubiaceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
90 Rubus apetalus Poir. Rosaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
91 Rubus steudneri Schweinf. Rosaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
92 Rumex abyssinicus Jacq. Polygonaceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
93 Rumex nervosus Vahl. Polygonaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
94 Rytigynia neglecta (Hiern) Robyn Rubiaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
95 Sapium ellipticum (Krauss) Pax. Euphorbiaceae Tree Not assessed Indigenous
96 Satureja paradoxa (Vatke) Engl. ex Seybold Lamiaceae Herb Not assessed Endemic
97 Schefflera abyssinica (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Harms Araliaceae Tree Not assessed Indigenous
98 Schefflera volkensii (Engl.) Harms Araliaceae Tree Not assessed Indigenous
99 Senna didymobotrya (Fresen.) Irwin & Barneby Fabaceae Shrub Not assessed Exotic
100 Senna petersiana (Bolle)Lock Fabaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
101 Sida ternata L. Malvaceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
102 Spathoda nilotica Seem. Bignoniaceae Tree Not assessed Exotic
103 Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC. Myrtaceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
104 Tagetes minuta L. Asteraceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
105 Thalictrum rhynchocarpum Dill. & A.Rich. Ranunculaceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
106 Thea sinensis L. Theaceae Shrub Not assessed Tea plant
107 Thunbergia alata Boj. ex Sims Convolvulaceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
108 Trema orientalis (L.) Bl. Ulmaceae Tree LC Unknown Indigenous
109 Trichilia dregeana Sond. Meliaceae Tree LC Stable Indigenous
110 Typha latifolia L Typhaceae Herb Not assessed Indigenous
111 Urera hypselodendron (A.Rich,) Wedd. Urticaceae Liana Not assessed Indigenous
112 Vernonia amygdalina Del. Asteraceae Shrub/ Tree Not assessed Indigenous
113 Vernonia auriculifera Hiern. Asteraceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous
114 Vernonia myriantha Hook.f Asteraceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 232

 Population
S/N Species name Family Habit IUCN Category Trend Remark
116 Vernonia rueppellii Sch. Bip. ex Walp. Asteraceae Shrub Not assessed Indigenous

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 17.4. Annex IV: Factor driving Cumulative impact Assessment: Forest Cover change between 1984 – 2020:

Forest condition in 1984 before the large-scale investment (cf. the circled area)

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Forest Condition in 1996 (cf. clearing for large scale investment)

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 235

Forest condition in 2006 (cf expanding clearing for large scale investment

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 236

Forest condition in 2020 (cf. expanded forest clearing)

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 237

 17.5. Annex V: Details of alternative routes of the Metu – Masha 230 kV OHTL

i. The whole area

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 238

 ii. Parts
P1

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 P2

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 P3

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 P3A

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 242

 P4

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 243

 P4A

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 244

 P5

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 245

 P5A

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 246

 P6

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 17.6. Annex VI: Details of Critical Habitats Assessment

Critical habitats are areas that contain features that are vital for conservation of species. These are habitats of conservation concern
and require targeted management and conservation. The IFC Performance Standard 6 define critical habitats as “Habitat is defined
as a terrestrial, freshwater, or marine geographical unit or airway that supports assemblages of living organisms and their
interactions with the non-living environment.” These habitats are of high biodiversity value22 and meet the one or more of the
following criteria23. These criteria are:
vi. Criterion 1: Critically endangered (CR) and/or Endangered (EN) species
vii. Criterion 2: Endemic or restricted-range species
viii. Criterion 3: Migratory or congregatory species
ix. Criterion 4: Highly threatened and/or unique ecosystem
x. Criterion 5: Key evolutionary processes
Where the project falls inside IUCN’s Protected Areas Categories 1a, 1b and II, IFC guidance note 6 (Biodiversity Conservation and
Sustainable Natural Resources Management, G9 stipulates that a Biodiversity Management Plan to be prepared. A critical habitats
assessment will be carried out in such case. The project area falls under IUCN’s Protected Areas Category VI (protected area with
sustainable use of natural resources). Category VI protected areas24:

• Conserve ecosystems and habitats together with associated cultural values and traditional natural resources management
system;

22 http://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/115482804a0255db96fbffd1a5d13d27/ PS_English_2012_Full-Document.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

23 http://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/a359a380498007e9a1b7f3336b93d75f/ Updated_GN6-2012.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

24 https://www.iucn.org/theme/protected-areas/about/protected-areas-categories/category-vi-protected-area-sustainable-use-natural-
resources

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) P a g e | 248

 • Large with most area in natural conditions and etc.
The primary objective of Category VI is o protect natural ecosystems and use natural resources sustainably, when conservation and
sustainable use can be mutually beneficial.
G10 of the IFC guidance note 6 also mentioned provisions for Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) including Important Bird Areas.
Fifty-Five biodiversity features have been assessed for critical habitats under IFC Performance Standard 6 (Table Annex VI).
Table Annex VI. Critical habitats Assessment
Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

Criterion 1: Critically Endangered / Endangered Species (The species included in the assessment consist of the strictly protected species

a. Areas that support globally important concentrations of an IUCN Red-listed EN or CR species (≥ 0.5% of the global population AND ≥ 5
reproductive unitsGN16 of a CR or EN species).

b. Areas that support globally important concentrations of an IUCN Red-listed Vulnerable (VU) species, the loss of which would result in the change
of the IUCN Red List status to EN or CR and meet the thresholds in GN72(a).

c. As appropriate, areas containing important concentrations of a nationally or regionally listed EN or CR species

The project area crosses cultivated areas for most of its length. These cultivated areas have been developed over a couple of years of deforestation of
National Forest Priority Areas, e.g., Gebre Dima. It also crosses a small portion of the transition zone of the Yayu UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Just shortly
before crossing the Baro River and shortly after that, a small part of the project area (about 700 m) crosses the transition Zone25 of the Sheka Forest
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

There are endemic plants and fauna in the project area. But they are all widely distributed in Ethiopia and across Africa. As a result, the project area cannot
be considered critical to their long-term persistence. Furthermore, the project crosses cultivated areas, which are already highly disturbed over years. On
the other hand, some plant species, e.g., Prunus africana, were assessed as vulnerable and the project adversely affect some individuals of these species.
There are no important Bird Areas and intact forests adversely affected by the project.

25
The Transition Zone of a Biosphere Reserve, Sheka Forest in this case, is area with human settlements and farming activities. In this study, tree species in the
Transition Zone are common across the study area and have no conservation concerns. These are scattered trees of Albizia gummifera, Pouteria adolfi-friderici
and etc.

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

Flora

Prunus africana The population It occurs in different parts of Ethiopia and several African • This is a widely distributed species
status of this countries; Ethiopia, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, occurring throughout Ethiopia and in
species is Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Africa.
unspecified, VU Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar,
Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Sao • This species is not concentrated in the
Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, project area
Tanzania, Togo, Uganda
• The geographic distribution of the specie
is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Afromomum Population status It is extensively distributed in the southwestern parts of • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Eastern
corrorima unknown, LC Ethiopia: Keffa, Illubabor, Sidamo and Wollega floristic regions Africa.
of Ethiopia): Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Albizia Population status It is widely distributed in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa.
gummifera unknown, LC Mozambique, Madagascar
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Albizia Population status is It is widely distributed in Ethiopia, DRC, Sudan, Zimbabwe, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa.
schimperiana stable, LC Mozambique
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Anthocleista Population status is It is widely distributed in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa.
schweinfurthii stable, LC Zimbabwe, Angola
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Apodytes Population status It is widely distributed in Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa.
dimidiata decreasing, LC Uganda, Central Africa, Angola, South Africa and Australia
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Bersama Population status It is widely distributed in Ethiopia, Guinea Bissau, most of • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa.
abyssinica stable, LC West Africa, Eritrea, Angola, Zambia, Zimbia, Zimbabwe,
Mozambique • The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Cordia africana Population status It is widely distributed in Ethiopia, Guinea, Eritrea, Kenya, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa.
stable, LC Angola, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Croton Population status It is widely distributed in Ethiopia and throughout Africa • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Eastern
macrostachyus stable, LC Africa.

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Cyathea Population status It is widely distributed in southwestern Ethiopia, Malawi, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa.
manniana stable, LC Mozambique, Zimbabwe, DRC, Cameroun, Gunea Bissaou
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Dracaena Population status It is widely distributed in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa.
afromontana stable, LC DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

Dracaena Population status Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Sudan, Malawi, DRC, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa.
steudneri stable, LC Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Rwanda
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Ehretia cymosa Population trend Ethiopia, Cameroun, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Nigeris, Yemen, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia, Africa and
decreasing, LC Soudi Arabia, Madagascar, Comoros, Central African Republic Asia

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Ensete Population status Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa
ventricosum stable, LC DRC
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Ekebergia Population status Ethiopia, Eritrea, Botswana, South Africa, Senegal • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa
capensis stable, LC
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Erythrina brucei Population status Endemic to Ethiopia • Widely distributed in Ethiopia

stable, LC
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Ficus Population status Ethiopia, Senegal, Djibouti, Mozambique, Angola, Yemen, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia, Africa and
exasperata stable, LC India, Sri Lanka Asia

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

unlikely to support >0.05% of the global

population

• Not triggering Criterion 1.

Ficus sur Population status Ethiopia, widespread in tropical Africa, west to Senegal, Cape • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa
stable, LC Verde Islands, South Africa
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Ficus thonningii Population status Widespread in Ethiopia and tropical Africa, West to Senegal, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa
stable, LC Zambia
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Ficus vasta Population status Widespread in Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania and • Widely distributed in Ethiopia, Africa and
stable, LC Yemen Yemen

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Galiniera Population status Widespread in Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa
saxifraga stable, LC Burundi, Rwanda, Zambia, DRC
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Hallea Population status Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi, Burundi, DRC, Uganda •
rubrostipulata stable, LC

Ilex mitis Population trend Ethiopia, Kenya, Eritrea, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Lesotho • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa
decreasing, LC
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

Macaranga Population status Ethiopia, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa
capensis stable, LC
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Maesa Population stable, Ethiopia, Cameroun, DRC, South Africa, Mozambique, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia, Africa and
lanceolata LC tropical Africa, Arabia Asia

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Ocotea Population status Ethiopia, Kenya, DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa
kenyensis unknown, VU Mozambique, South Africa
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Olea capensis L. Population status Ethiopia, Burundi, Cameroon, South Africa, Comoros, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa
ssp. macrocarpa stable, LC Guinea, Gulf of Guinea Is., Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia,
Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, • The species is not concentrated in the
Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, DRC project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Piper capense Population status Ethiopia, Guinea, Angola, Mozambique, South Africa • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa
stable, LC
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Polyscias fulva Population status Ethiopia and Kenya, Angola, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa
stable, LC Guinea
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Pouteria adolfi- Population status Ethiopia, DRC, Sudan, Zimbabwe • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa
friederici stable, LC
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Syzygium Population status Ethiopia, Somalia, Senegal, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa
guineense stable, LC
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Trichilia Population status Ethiopia, Tanzania, Guinea, Cameroun, Côte d’Ivoire, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa
dregeana stable, LC Cameroon, in Congo, DRC, Angola, South Africa
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Trema orientalis Population status • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa

unknown, LC
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Birds

Silvery- Population trend Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Mozambique, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Eastern
cheeked decreasing, LC Zimbabwe and southeastern Africa
hornbill
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Crowned Population trend Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Mozambique, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Africa
hornbill decreasing, LC Zimbabwe, South Africa, Angola, Namibia, DRC
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

unlikely to support >0.05% of the global

population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

African olive- Population trend Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, Mozambique, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Eastern
pigeon decreasing, LC Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Arabia and southeastern Africa and Arabia

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

African Dusky Population trend Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, DRC, Zambia, Zimbabwe, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Eastern
flycatcher decreasing, LC Mozambique, South Africa and southeastern Africa

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Abyssinian Population trend Ethiopia, Eritrea • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Eritrea
slaty flycatcher decreasing, LC
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Rouget’s rail Population trend Ethiopia and Eritrea • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Eritrea
decreasing, NT
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Scaly francolin Population trend Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and Eritrea
decreasing, LC DRC, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon Cameroun, Central
African Republic, Nigeria • The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Abyssinian Population trend Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya • Widely distributed in Ethiopia, Eritrea and
woodpecker decreasing, LC Kenya

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Western Black- Population trend Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, DRC, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and tropical
headed batis decreasing, LC Central African Republic, Gabon, Eritrea, Cameroun Africa

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Sharpe's Population trend • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and East

starling decreasing, LC and central Africa
Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Willow warbler Population trend Widely distributed • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and East
decreasing, LC and central Africa

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

(source: https://ebird.org/species/wlwwar)

African hill Population trend Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, DRC, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and tropical
babbler decreasing, LC africa Abyssinian ground-thrush

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

unlikely to support >0.05% of the global

population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Abyssinian Population trend Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi • Widely distributed in Ethiopia, East and
ground-thrush decreasing, LC Central Africa

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Amphibians

Clarke’s Population status Endemic • Widely distributed in Ethiopia

Banana Frog unknown, EN
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Common reed Population trend Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, Burundi, Rwanda, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and tropical
Frog unknown, LC Sudan, Central African Republic Africa

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Dime Forest Population status Endemic • Widely distributed in Ethiopia

Frog stable, LC
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Speckle-lipped Population status Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and tropical
Mabuya stable, LC Malawi, DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, Gabon, Cameroon, Central Africa
African Republic, Ivory Coast, Guinea Conakry, Nogeria,
Ghana • The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

Striped Skink Population status Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and tropical
unknown Angola, Namibia, DRC, Rwanda, Burundi Africa

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Five-lined Population status Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, Chad, Nigeria, Mali, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and tropical
Skink stable, LC Cameroon Africa

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Whalberg’s Population stauts Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, DRC, Zambia, South • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and tropical
snake-eyed unknown, LC Africa Africa
skink
• The species is not concentrated in the
project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is

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 Species Population trend Distribution Assessment
features and
status (global
and regional)

unlikely to support >0.05% of the global

population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Bearded Population status endemic • Widely distributed in Ethiopia

Ethiopian stable, LC
Montane • The species is not concentrated in the
Chameleon project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

Smooth Population status Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, DRC, • Widely distributed in Ethiopia and tropical
Chameleon stable, LC Cantal African Republic, Cameroon, Sudan, Chad, Nigeria Africa

• The species is not concentrated in the

project area

• The geographic distribution of the specie

is of a large extent and thus, landscape is
unlikely to support >0.05% of the global
population

• Not triggering Criterion 1

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 17.7. Annex VII. Checklist for collection of secondary data

Secondary data collection Form

Project: Metu – Masha 230 kV single circuit Transmission Line project

Secondary data
Date: …………………….

Time:………………………..

Source of secondary data

Zone:……………………………
Woreda: ……………………………

Details of secondary data

Tick (√) Description

Socio-economic report for the last two years
Report of Agricultural activities (cereal production, livestock and businesses)
Information on other active projects in the area
Report on schools
Report on health facilities
Reports of road infrastructure
Report on household income strategies
Report on the physical topography of the areas
Any other secondary information (specifiy):

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