Government of the Republic of Ethiopia

EEPCO (Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation)

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

GILGEL GIBE II POWER

TRANSMISSION PROJECT

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Milano, August 2004

ELC-Electroconsult
Via 1° Maggio, 41
20021 Baranzate di Bollate (MI)
Italy
Gilgel Gibe II Power Transmission Project ESIA report

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

1. FOREWORDS 8

1.1 GENERAL 8

1.2 METHODOLOGY 8
1.2.1 Assessment Team 10

2. POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS 11

2.1 INSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 11

2.1.1 Regional Government 11
2.1.2 Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 11
2.1.3 Agricultural Institutions 12

2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL NATIONAL POLICIES AND STRATEGIES 12

2.2.1 Conservation strategy of Ethiopia (CSE) 12
2.2.2 Ethiopian Environmental Policy 12

2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL FRAMEWORK LEGISLATION 13

2.3.1 Proclamation on Institutional Arrangement for Environmental Protection 13
2.3.2 Proclamation on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 13
2.3.3 Proclamation on Environmental Pollution Control 14

2.4 LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR EXPROPRIATION AND COMPENSATION 14

2.4.1 Land tenure 14
2.4.2 Expropriation 14
2.4.3 Compensation 15

2.5 INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS 15

2.5.1 Multilateral agreements 15
2.5.2 Regional requirements 16

3. REVIEW OF EEPCO PREVIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 17

4. PROJECT INFORMATION 18

4.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 18

4.1.1 System Option Analysis 18
4.1.2 Synthesis of project characteristics 19
4.1.3 Project Benefits 19

5. ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 20

5.1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 20

5.1.1 Population 20
5.1.2 Settlement pattern, housing and household economy 20
5.1.3 Social services 21

5.2 PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 22

5.2.1 Physical characteristics 22

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5.2.2 Flora & Fauna 23

6. REPORT OF FIELD VISIT 24

6.1 SITE VISITS 24

6.1.1 From GGII switchyard to Welkite 24
6.1.2 From Welkite to Sebeta 25
6.1.3 From GGI HPP Switchyard to GGII HPP Switchyard 26

6.2 SYNTHESIS OF RESOURCES VALUES 26

7. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO - ECONOMIC IMPACTS 28

7.1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS 28

7.1.1 Impacts on residential areas and community services 28
7.1.2 Impacts on cultural and historical sites 29
7.1.3 Impacts on health and safety 29

7.2 IMPACTS ON PHYSICAL ENVIRONMNENT 33

7.2.1 Impacts on Land Use 33
7.2.2 Impacts on Soils 34
7.2.3 Impacts on Air Quality 34

7.3 IMPACTS ON BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 35

7.3.1 Flora 35
7.3.2 Fauna 35
7.3.3 Impacts on National Parks and Reserve Areas 36

7.4 SYNTHESIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 36

8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 38

8.1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS 38

8.1.1 Resettlement 38
8.1.2 Health and safety 39

8.2 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMNENT IMPACTS 41

8.3 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT IMPACTS 42

9. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN 43

9.1 INTRODUCTION 43

9.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING RESPONSABILITIES 43

9.2.1 The executing agency 43
9.2.2 The supervising agency 43
9.2.3 The monitoring agency 44

9.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN 44

10. EVALUATION OF COMPENSATION COSTS 46

10.1 FROM GGII SWITCHYARD TO WELKITE 46

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10.2 FROM WELKITE TO SEBETA 47

10.3 FROM GGI HPP SWITCHYARD TO GGII HPP SWITCHYARD 48

10.4 OVERALL COMPENSATION VALUE 48

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LIST OF THE TABLES PAGE

Table 5.1 Permanent crops 19

Table 5.2 Annual crops 20
Table 6.1 Values of the different resources at survey date (in Ethiopian Birr) 26
Table 7.1 N° of dwelling houses per stretch of the HVTL 27
Table 7.2 Exposure limits adopted by different organizations in the world 31
Table 7.3 Land area affected by HVTL construction 32
Table 7.4 Land use system of the affected areas 33
Table 7.5 Exotic invasive species, localities invaded and damage occurring 34
Table 7.6 Synthesis of Environmental Impact Matrix 36
Table 9.1 Synthesis of Environmental Monitoring Matrix 44
Table 10.1 Percentage and total length of different crops along the line alignment 45
Table 10.2 Expected compensation cost per item (in Ethiopian Birr) 45
Table 10.3 Percentage and total length of different crops along the line alignment 46
Table 10.4 Expected compensation cost per item (in Ethiopian Birr) 46
Table 10.5 Annual crops affected areas by tower erection 46
Table 10.6 Percentage and total length of different crops along the line alignment 47
Table 10.7 Expected compensation cost per item (in Ethiopian Birr) 47

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ANNEXES

Annex I The Ethiopian Environmental Laws

001 Proclamation N°9/1995 “Environmental Protection Authority Establishment

Proclamation” 24th August, 1995
002 Proclamation N°295/2002 “Environmental Protection Organs Establishment
Proclamation” 31st October, 2002
003 Proclamation N°299/2002 “Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation” 3rd
December, 2002
004 Proclamation N°300/2002 “Environmental Pollution Control Proclamation” 3rd
December, 2002
005 Proclamation N°…../2003 “A Proclamation to provide for appropriation of land
for government works & payment of compensation for property “ (DRAFT)

Annex II Plans

001 HVTL General Plan (Scale 1: 500.000)

002 HVTL GGII HEP Switchyard – Welkite Substation (Scale 1: 250.000)
003 HVTL Welkite Substation – Sebeta Substation (Scale 1:500.000)
004 HVTL GGI HEP Switchyard – GGII HEP Switchyard (Scale 1:125.000)

Annex III List of the people that attended to the meetings

001 Meeting in Woira

002 Meeting in Gomsha
003 Meeting in Gasore
004 Meeting in Guraghe Zone (SNNPR) office
005 Meeting in South-western Shoa Zone (Oromiya Region) office

Annex IV Pictures

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ABBREVIATIONS

ADB Asian Development Bank

ADLI Agricultural Development Led Industrialization
AfDB African Development Bank
ARCCH Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage
CEP Country Environmental Profile
CSA Central Statistics Authority
CSE Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia
EA Environmental Assessment
EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
EEPCO Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EIB European Investment Bank
EMaP Environmental Management Plan
EMF Electromagnetic Field
EMoP Environmental Monitoring Plan
EMU Environmental Monitoring Unit
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
EPE Environmental Policy of Ethiopia
ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
EU European Union
FDRE Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
GOE Government Of Ethiopia
GGIHEP Gilgel Gibe I Hydro Electric Power Plant
GGIIHEP Gilgel Gibe II Hydro Electric Power Plant
HVTL High Voltage Transmission Line
IDB Inter-American Development Bank
IEE Initial Environmental Examination
INIRC International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection
IRPA International Radiation Protection Association
NRPB-UK United Kingdom - National Radiation Protection Board
REA Regional Environmental Agencies
ROW Right Of Way
SNNPR Southern Nations and Nationalities People’s Region
STDs Sexual Transmitted Diseases
TL Transmission Line
WB World Bank
WHO World Health Organization

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1. FOREWORDS

1.1 GENERAL

The review of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is a part of Agreement
No. 33-20/99, between EEPCO and ELC ELECTROCONSULT S.p.A, for Engineering
Services for Gilgel Gibe II Power Transmission Lines and Substations Project.

In general terms the purpose of the ESIA is to predict the negative and positive impacts
that are likely to occur as a result of preparing, constructing and operating the HVTL.
Moreover the ESIA should also identify measures to avoid, reduce or compensate the
identified negative impacts.

In details the assessment, according to Terms of Reference, has the following targets:

visit project sites between GGIIHEP switchyard and Addis Ababa, focusing on the
densely settled area of Welkite, evaluating critical environmental issues, if any;

review the IEE report prepared by EEPCO local offices;

consider the Environmental Management and Monitoring aspects;

prepare the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment report in accordance

with financing agencies guidelines.

The following assessment was carried out by ELC Power Environmentalist, as part of
the activities requested by EEPCO, from July to August 2004.

1.2 METHODOLOGY

ELC was charged with the responsibility of reviewing the ESIA prepared by EEPCO
officers and of predicting the likely environmental consequences of implementing
project activities.

For these reasons the following actions have been undertaken:

Areas with distinct characteristics based on settlement pattern, production system,

agro climates zones have been chosen for sampling;
List of names for house hold heads has been prepared for random selection;
Interviews with community house holds and community elders have been carried
out;
Meetings with local communities and focus group discussions have been
organized;
Meetings with Weredas agricultural and environmental officers of the affected
regions or zones have been held;

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Relevant literature has been reviewed.

Topographic maps (1:50.000 and 1:250.000) have been used during the
assessment.

According to the above targets, the ELC consultant, together with EEPCO officers,
performed the following activities:

on July 7 ELC Power Environmentalist organized the inspections to the HVTL

route sites together with Mr. Yohannes (EEPCO Environmental Expert) and Mr.
Belay (EEPCO Project Manager);

on July 8 and 9 ELC Power Environmentalist analysed the available

documentation in Addis Ababa project office, the route’s maps and the Ethiopian
legislation framework;

on July 10 and 11 ELC Power Environmentalist carefully reviewed the Draft Initial
Environmental Report prepared by Mr. Yohannes (EEPCO Environmental Expert);

on July 12, 13, 14 and 15 ELC Power Environmentalist together with EEPCO
Environmental Expert performed the inspection visit to the HVTL route and to the
substations sites. During the visit several meeting with local communities chiefs
were held in order to understand the perception of the project by rural people and
to evaluate the resettling problems and related solutions with local communities;

on July 16 the Environmental problems and aspects highlighted during the site
visits were deeply discussed with EEPCO Environmental Expert and EEPCO
Project Manager;

on July 17 ELC Power Environmentalist together with EEPCO Environmental

Expert performed the inspection visit to the HVTL route between Woliso and Addis
Ababa and to the substations sites. During the visit they had a meeting with the
Oromiya Zone Administrative Officers and with some local communities in order to
discuss with the affected communities, the resettlement and compensation
problems;

On July 18 and 19 the site visit report, with a tentative evaluation of compensation
costs was prepared by the consultant.

From July 20 to August 5 the consultant prepared the following report in ELC
Italian home office.

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1.2.1 Assessment Team

A team consisting of ELC – Electroconsult experts and members of EEPCO was

assembled and given the responsibility for conducting the ESIA and preparing the draft
and final reports.

The team included of the following members:

Mr. E. Romagnoli (ELC Power Environmentalist);

Mr. G.F. Pedroni (ELC Project Director);
Mr. G. Pellizzaro (ELC Project Manager);
Mr. Y. Yohannes (EEPCO Environmental Expert);
Mr. T. Belay (EEPCO Project Manager);
Mr. Assafa (EEPCO Surveyor for the HVTL GGIHEP - GGIIHEP Switchyards);
Mr. H. M. Dagne (EEPCO Surveyor for the HVTL GGIIHEP Switchyard- Welkite);
Mr. Abebayehu and Mr. Nega (EEPCO Surveyors for the HVTL Welkite -Addis A.).

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2. POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS

2.1 INSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) includes the Federal State and
nine Regional State Members.

The Power and duties of the Federal, Regional and Local governments have been
defined by proclamations n° 33/1992, 41/1993 and 4/1995.

Under these proclamations, duties and responsibilities of Regional States include

planning, directing and developing social and economic development programmes, as
well as the protection of natural resources of their respective regions.

2.1.1 Regional Government

The HVTL project between GGIHEP-GGIIHEP-Welkite Substation-Sebeta Substation

crosses the following zones:

Guraghe Zone of Southern Nations and Nationalities People’s Region (SNNPR);

South-western zone of the Oromiya Region;

The Oromiya and SNNPR Regional Governments are regional states established by
the Federal Government.
The Regions have Zones and Woredas. Within each Woreda there are Kebeles or
Peasant Associations. Each administrative unit has its own local government elected
by the people.

The Regional Governments have established sector Bureaus, Commission and

Authorities.

2.1.2 Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) was first established in August 1995
under the proclamation N° 9/1995 (please refer to Annex I – 001) and re-established in
October 2002 under the proclamation N° 295/2002 (please refer to Annex I – 002). It is
an autonomous government body reporting directly to the prime minister.

EPA has broad mandates covering environmental matters at federal level. The
proclamation sets out the main responsibilities and broad organizational structures of
EPA such as:
Preparing policies and laws on environmental protection;
Preparing directives and implementation of systems for the evaluation of the
impact of projects on the environment;
Preparing environmental protection standards and implementation of directives on
soil, water and air;

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Enforcing implementation of EIA process (i.e. review EIA reports).

2.1.3 Agricultural Institutions

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has delegated almost its authority
to the regional Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development.

2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL NATIONAL POLICIES AND STRATEGIES

The Constitution dictates important provisions relevant to the countries environmental

policy: art. 44 states that all persons have the right to live in a clean and healthy
environment, art. 92 oblige the government to make all efforts to provide every
Ethiopian with clean and healthy environment.
Articles 91 and 92 also hold the government and the people of Ethiopia responsible for
the preservation of natural resources and maintenance of ecological balance.

2.2.1 Conservation strategy of Ethiopia (CSE)

Since the early 1990s, the GOE has undertaken several initiatives to develop regional,
national and sector strategies for Environmental conservation.

Paramount amongst these was CSE, approved by the council of ministers, which
provided a strategic framework for integrating environmental planning into new and
existing policies, programmes and projects.
Although yet to be approved by the GOE, the CSE is an important strategical document
which views environmental management from several perspectives.
The CSE itself provides a comprehensive and rational approach to environmental
management in a broad sense, covering National and Regional Strategies, sector and
cross sector strategy, action plan and programmes, as well as establishing the basis
for development of appropriate institutional and legal frameworks for implementation
(EPA/MEDAC 1996).

Based on CSE, the Oromiya and SNNP Regional Governments have already prepared
conservation strategy document for their respective region. The document specifies
environmental issues prevalent in the territory, and indicates the guidelines for facing
environmental issues.

2.2.2 Ethiopian Environmental Policy

The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (EPE) was approved by the council of ministers in
April 1997 (EPA/MEDAC 1997). It is based on the CSE which was elaborated through
consultative processes over the period 1989-1995.

The policy has the intent of rectifying previous policy failures and deficiencies which in
the past have led to serious environmental degradation. It is fully integrated and
compatible with the main long terms economic development strategy of the country,
known as Agricultural Development Led Industrialization (ADLI), and other key national
policies like the national population policy and the national policy on women.

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EPE’s main policy goals can be summarized in terms of improvement and

enhancement of the health and quality of life of all Ethiopians and of promotions of
sustainable social and economic development through the adoption of sound
environmental management principles.

Specific Policy objectives and key guiding principles are set out clearly in EPE, and
expand on various aspects of the main goal.

EPE includes sector and cross sector policies as well as provisions for the appropriate
implementation of the policy itself.

Among the sector policies, the wildlife policy is the one developed by the ministry of
Agriculture aiming to preserve, develop and utilize the countries wildlife resources.

Water resources policy and biodiversity policy can also be cited as the ones that
already were implemented in the country.

2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL FRAMEWORK LEGISLATION

2.3.1 Proclamation on Institutional Arrangement for Environmental

Protection

The Proclamation for the Establishment of Environmental protection organs, n°

295/2002 was issued to establish a system which separates and in the meanwhile
coordinates the coordinated but differentiated responsibilities among environmental
protection agencies at Federal and Regional levels.

The Proclamation recognizes assigned responsibilities to different organizations for

environmental development and management activities on one hand, and
environmental protection, regulations and monitoring on the other. This behaviour is
instrumental for the sustainable use of Environmental resources, avoiding possible
conflicts of interest and efforts duplication.

2.3.2 Proclamation on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

The primary aim of the proclamation on EIA, N° 299/2002 (please refer to Annex I –
003) is to make EIA mandatory for specified categories of activities undertaken by the
public or private sectors and to define the extension of EIA for policies, plans and
programmes in addition to projects.

The provision of the proclamation includes:

Projects shall be subjected to EIA and their implementation is subjected to an
environmental clearance from the EPA or the Regional Government
Environmental agency, as applies;
EPA or the regional agency, depending on the magnitude of expected impacts,
many waive the requirement of an EIA;

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All other licensing shall, prior of license issuing, ensure that either EPA or the
regional environmental agency has authorized the implementation of the project;
A licensing agency shall either suspend or cancel a license that has already been
issued in case that EPA or the regional environmental agency suspends or cancels
the environmental authorization.
There are also procedures that must be followed in EIA Process.

2.3.3 Proclamation on Environmental Pollution Control

The proclamation on Environmental pollutions control N° 300/2002 (please refer to

Annex I – 004) in mainly based on the right of each citizen to live in a healthy
environment, as well as on the obligation to protect the environment of the country.

The primary objective of the proclamation is to provide the basis from which the
relevant environmental standards applicable in Ethiopia can be developed, and to
punish the violation of these standards.

The proclamation states that the “polluter pays” principle will be applied to all persons.

Thanks to this proclamation EPA and REA inspectors have the authority to ensure
implementation and to enforce environmental standards and related requirements.

2.4 LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR EXPROPRIATION AND COMPENSATION

2.4.1 Land tenure

Land in Ethiopia is state owned according to the proclamations N°31/1975 (concerning

rural land) and N° 47/1975 (concerning urban land). Under article 3 (1) of the first
proclamation, all rural land shall be a< collective property of the Ethiopian people.

In December 1994 the new constitution was approved, retaining land under Ethiopian
people and government control.
Article 40 states that ownership of both urban and rural land is a common property
which is not subjected to sale or other means of exchange.
Peasants have the right to obtain land without payment and are protected against
eviction from their land.

2.4.2 Expropriation

In Ethiopia involuntary relocation due to expropriation is addressed in the civil code, N°

165/1980 (Arts 1460-1488) under this code the owner may be compelled to surrender
the ownership of land for public purpose.

According to the constitution of FDRE, individuals who have built a property or have
carried out improvements of their grant of land have the vested right of immovability.

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The government may expropriate such property for public purposes, under advance
payment of the property value or other means of compensation, as relocation with
adequate state assistance.

2.4.3 Compensation

Article 7 (2) of proclamation 4/1975 states that the government shall pay fair
compensation for property built on the grant of land, but the amount of compensation
shall not include the value of the land since the land is state owned.

The constitution lays down the basis for the property compensation in case of
expropriation as a result of state programmes or projects in both rural and urban areas.
Article 44.2 states that “All persons who have been affected or whose livelihoods have
been adversely affected as a result of state programmes have the right to a
commensurate monetary or alternative means of compensation, including relocation
with adequate state assistance.”

Therefore, persons who have lost their land as a result of HVTL projects are entitled to
be compensated with a similar land and with the related costs arising from relocation:
assets such as buildings, crops or fruit trees that are part of the property, etc…

Hence project planning must include an “attractive” and sustainable resettlement

strategy, offering adequate compensation and incentives to the loss of livelihood.

A new proclamation to provide for appropriation of land for government works and
payment of compensation for property is actually under approval by FDER (please
refer to Annex I – 005).

2.5 INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

2.5.1 Multilateral agreements

The FDRE has ratified several international convention and protocols, which include:

Vienna convention on Ozone layer protection (1996);

Montreal protocol for substances depleting the Ozone layer (1996);
The Rio de Janeiro convention on biodiversity (1994);
Cartagena protocol on biosafety (2003);
Frame work convention of U.N. on climate change (1994);
Basel Convention for control and regulation of tranboundary movement of
hazardous substances (1989);
Bamako convention on the Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control of
Tranboundary Movements and Management of Hazardous Wastes within Africa,
(1991);
African convention on the conservation of nature and natural resources;

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Ramsar convention on wet lands of international importance (1971);

U.N. Convention to combat desertification (1997);
Paris convention concerning the protection of world cultural and natural heritage
(World Heritage Convention) (1972);
Convention on international trade in endangered species (CITES) (1970);
Stockholm convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) (2002)

2.5.2 Regional requirements

The Regional Development Banks, such as EBRD, AfDB and ADB, have
environmental policies and guidelines mostly similar to those of the WB.

The Regional Development Banks use environmental screening to grade projects as

category A, B or C (ADB & EBRD), or as category I, II or III (AfDB).
These categories are similar, in principle, to those of the WB with only minor
differences between each bank.

IDB and EBRD procedures are developed from WB ones (Hydro Power development,
Environmental effects, 1955).

The fact that responsibility for meeting the lands environmental requirements rests with
the borrower, is common to all the Regional Development Banks and to World Bank.

The EIA Report shall be commissioned and/or carried out by the authorities of the
country, seeking loan.

The banks normally oversee EA works of potentially controversial projects by

establishing independent expert panels to control and to inform about the dealing of
certain environmental aspects.

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3. REVIEW OF EEPCO PREVIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL

STUDIES

Mr. Yohannes, EEPCO Environmental expert, together with EMU and assigned
surveyors carried out an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) on 2004.

The Report is based on Government Laws and Regulations concerning analysis of

environmental impacts, land acquisition procedures and other pertinent aspects.

The IEE appears to be exhaustive and considers all the most important aspects related
to HVTL Environmental Impact.

It is particularly focused on the legislative framework regarding environmental aspects

and expropriation and compensation of land acquisition.

It contains a description of the existing environment and his human and natural
components, assessing negative and positive impacts either temporary or permanent.

Socio-economical aspects, which are the most important in HVTL projects, have been
examined.

Moreover some mitigation measures have been established and an Environmental

Management Plan (EMaP) has been defined.

However as agreed, during the first days meetings with EEPCO officers, the social
aspects of the project and namely the resettlement of the affected people must be
examined closer.

The consultant’s field activity was, therefore, focused on the perception of the feeling
that local communities have about the project, involving them in the evaluation of the
correct price of compensation of crops and affected houses.

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4. PROJECT INFORMATION

4.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The aim of the Project is to connect the new Gilgel Gibe II Hydroelectric plant to the
Interconnected System, through High Voltage transmission line from Gilgel Geibe II to
Sebeta (Addis Ababa) substations passing near Wolkitie area (please refer to Anex II-
001).

The project will transfer a 400 MW electric power to the grid.

It is intended to construct a 400 kV single circuit transmission lines. This line, around
230 km length will be constructed from Gilgel Gibe II switchyard to a new 400/230 kV
substation using the area in the existing Sebeta substation. For reliability purposes a
single circuit 400 kV line with around 45 km length is also proposed to be constructed
from Gilgel Gibe I HEP switchyard to Gilgel Gibe II HEP switchyard.

The 400 kV lines would be supported by steel lattice tower with hot deep galvanized
members.

The conductor to be used shall be selected by the feasibility study and confirmed
during subsequent detail design.

As for the substations, a 400/230 kV substations will be made in the existing

substations of Sebeta and Gilgel Gibe I.

4.1.1 System Option Analysis

During the feasibility study, two options were considered to alleviate the transmission
system problems and minimize some of the environmental and socio-economic
impacts:

Option 1. requires a 400 kV complete transmission line but energization of the line with
230 kV temporarily. This doesn’t require establishing a new substation but
to extend the existing 230 kV substations at Sebeta and Gilgel Gibe I;

Option 2. requires the construction of a 400 kV transmission line from GGII HEP to
Sebeta and Gilgel Gibe I substations.

From environmental point of view both options doesn’t need new substation area.
Considering that Option 2 is the best option from the economical point of view based
on the future generation expansion, this HVTL route was selected by the feasibility
study.

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4.1.2 Synthesis of project characteristics

The main components of the project can be summarized as follows:

• construction of an interconnection line between the switchyard of the designed

GGII hydropower plant passing by the Welkite area (70 km) to the existing Sebeta
substation in Addis Ababa (140 km from Wolkitie) (please refer to Annex II – 002
and Annex II – 003);

• the construction, for reliability purpose, of an interconnection line between the

switchyard of the existing GGI hydropower plant and the designed GGII
hydropower plant (between 33 and 26 km) (please refer to Annex II – 004).

4.1.3 Project Benefits

The construction of the power line would improve services, promote the conservation of
forest resources by reducing fuel wood consumption and biomass resources, increase
reliability and provide additional flexibility for future development and expansion when
necessary.

The availability of electric power in an area plays a significant role in:

Economic development: the availability of electric power allows the development of
industries. Referring to CEP prepared by the GOE, industrialization in the country
shall take place through the development of agriculture which is expected to play a
leading role. Industrialization is seen as the most important means of reducing the
impact of population on the natural resources base. Priority areas of action in this
sector consist in encouraging agro-based industrial undertakings which will use
local raw materials as much as possible. The government also intends to give
priority to industries which will use labour intensive technologies in order to create
job opportunities easing the pressure on natural resources in rural areas.
Reducing pressure on biomass resources: domestic energy requirements are
mainly met by of fuel wood, charcoal, cow dung and crop residue. The main
environmental problems arising form the use of biomass energy include loss of
biodiversity, loss of shelter and shade, reduction of crops fertility, soil erosion,
which result in the pollution of rivers and lakes. Gases such as CO2 and CH4 from
burning biomass and fossil fuels pollute the environment.
In order to reduce the pressure on biomass, as a short terms measure, GOE is
giving high priority to increased tree planting.
However GOE, on long term perspective intends to switch to alternative sources of
energy such as hydropower, geothermal power, biogas, wind, solar, etc. both
developing the existing potential (mainly hydroelectric) and increasing the
transmission and distribution system through new HVTL’s and through an intensive
rural electrification program.

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5. ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

5.1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

The affected areas belong to the following administrative Regions:

Guraghe Zone of Southern Nations and Nationalities People’s Region (SNNPR)
(most of the line between GGII switchyard and Welkite);
South-western Zone of the Oromiya Region (most of the line between Welkite and
Sebeta Substation);
Guraghe Zone of Southern Nations and Nationalities People’s Region (SNNPR)
and Oromiya Region (the line between GGI and GGII switchyards)

5.1.1 Population

According to the census of Central Statistics Authority (CSA), the total Woreda
population along the transmission line route is estimated to be 1.525.650.
The density of population in each Woreda is not the same.
The average population density along the 70 km stretch of GGIIHEP up to Welkite
substation (in the Guraghe Zone) is 211,1 persons per km2, while average population
density in the stretch from Welkite substation to Sebeta substation (Oromiya Zone) is
167,8 persons per km2.

Though there is no available data of population growth for the specific localities, the
country’s average annual population growth is estimated to be 2.73 % (National Office
of Population).

5.1.2 Settlement pattern, housing and household economy

The settlement pattern of the population is totally permanent type of settlement.

In the Guraghe Zone most of the population along the line routes are sedentary
cultivators, supporting their livelihood from the traditional agro-silvi-pastoral production.

They cultivate their land mainly with perennial or permanent crops, see Table 5.1
(please refer to Annex IV, pictures 1-9):

Table 5.1. Permanent crops

also known as false banana is the most
ENSET (Enset ventricosum)
common staple food in these areas
COFFEE (Coffea Arabica)
are the major cash crops for farming
CHAT (Chat Edulis)
communities
EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus sp.)

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The annual crops like vegetables, corn and root crops are usually intercropped with the
permanent crops.
The crop production is mainly dependent on rainfalls.
The traditional livestock production though constrained by feed shortage it is also one
of the communities’ economic sources to integrate the crop cultivation practice.
The land holding size per household in Guraghe land varies from 0.1 to 0.2 Ha.

In the Oromiya Zone the population settlement is scattered.

They cultivate their land mainly with annual crops (please refer to Table 5.2).

Table 5.2. Annual crops

TEFF (Eragrostis teff)
WHEAT (Triticum aestivum)
MAIZE (Zea mays)
LENTILS (Lens culinaris)
PULSE SEEDS

The used farming techniques are still traditional ones, with land worked with animal
traction scratch plow (please refer to Annex IV, picture 10).
The farmers usually support their livelihood from the sale of the mentioned crop
production.

These areas have different settlement and cultivation characteristics:

the area between the switchyard of the designed GGII hydropower plant and the
existing Welkite substation, is densely populated (around 1 Tukul1 every 0.5 km of
line alignment) and cultivated (75%). In this area the main crops are: Enset (False
Banana), Coffee, Chat and Eucalyptus;
the area between the existing Welkite substation and the existing Sebeta
substation in Addis Ababa is more scattered populated (around 1 Tukul every 2 km
of line alignment) and cultivated: permanent crops represent here less than 10% of
the total length (140 km), in the remaining portion of the line annual crops (such as
teff, wheat, maize, etc...) are found;
in the area between the switchyard of the existing GGIHEP and the designed
GGIIHEP the population has a medium density (around 1.5 Tukul per km of line
alignment) and permanent crops represent here around 50% of the total length (26
or 33 km), in the remaining portion of the line there are wild scattered vegetation
and grazing areas.

5.1.3 Social services

The development of social services, particularly health and education, in all Woredas
are low.

1
The Tukul is the typical house where farmers live. There are different kinds of tukuls, but mainly they are made with
wooden walls covered by mud and with grass roofs (please refer to Annex IV picture 11).

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The health coverage in the Guraghe Zone and Oromiya Region are respectively 48%
and 46.91% (the national health coverage is around 51.24%.

The main diseases in these areas are:

In Guraghe Zone: - unspecified Malaria;

- gastro-intestinal parasites;
- bronco and atypical pneumonia;
- upper respiratory tract infection;
- trachoma & other eye diseases;
- skin and subcutaneous infections;
- amoebiosis.

In Oromiya Region: - acute upper respiratory infections;

- lower respiratory tract infections;
- all forms of Malaria;
- intestinal parasites;
- gastritis and duodenitis;
- skin and subcutaneous infections;
- all other diseases of genitor-urinary system;
- all forms of Tubercolosis.

Regarding the education services there are 250 schools at primary & junior level and
12 schools at senior secondary level giving service in different Woredas of the Guraghe
Zone.

The total number of students currently enrolled at all levels is 258.842 (95% at primary
and junior level and 5% at senior and secondary level).

5.2 PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

5.2.1 Physical characteristics

The line route passes through undulating hills and flat, locally swampy areas, which
elevation varies between 1.980 and 2.400 m a.s.l.

Locally (in the stretch between GGI switchyard and GGII switchyard), mountainous
areas (up to 3.000 m a.s.l.) are crossed.

The interconnection line crosses the Gibe River between GGI and GGII switchyards.

The line crosses several perennial rivers such as Dogossa, Zikir, Winke, Rebu and
Wabe and also several intermittent streams in the study area.

Both perennial and intermittent rivers are used by the communities for human and
livestock consumptions.
Locally the water of some rivers is used also for irrigation purposes.

The land use in the studied area comprises:

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Cultivated land;
Grazing land;
Shrub & Bush land;
Rural settlement.
Overgrazing, deforestation and intensive cultivation techniques have produce large soil
erosion problem in several areas, mainly where Eucalyptus trees are planted (please
refer to Annex IV, picture 12).

5.2.2 Flora & Fauna

The natural vegetation coverage of the area is generally low.

The population density is, together with the conversion into crops and grazing land, the
main deforestation factor.

The autochthonous tree species sparsely present in the area are:

Albizia schimperiana,
Podocarpus gracilior,
Croton machrostachys,
Cordia Africana,
Sapium elipticum,
Juniperus procera,
Phoenix reclinata,
Syzygium guineenze,
Acacia sp.
Ficus sp.

The main bush and shrub species found in the area are:
Dodonea viscosa,
Pterolobium stelatum,
Carrissa schimperiana.

The exotic Eucalyptus tree species are widely grown on individual land holdings as the
major cash crops for the communities.

Due to the decline of the natural habitat, the diversity of wild animals in the studied
area is expected very small, however the following animals are found: Hyenas,
Porcupines, Foxes, Monkeys, Hares, Duikers, Guinea Fowls and other different Bird
species (please refer to Annex IV, picture 13)

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6. REPORT OF FIELD VISIT

6.1 SITE VISITS

From the 12th to the 17th of July 2004, the Consultant together with Mr. Y.Yohannes
(EEPCO Environmental Expert) assisted by the surveyors carried out an inspection
along the proposed HVTL alignment and had several meetings with local communities.

From a socio-environmental point of view, the impression is that the main aspect that
has to be taken in consideration is the impact that the construction of the line is likely to
have on local communities’ homes and crops.

In the next paragraphs the activities carried over during the week, data collected,
assemblies with local communities and meetings with zone authorities are described.

6.1.1 From GGII switchyard to Welkite

The area between the switchyard of the designed GGII hydropower plant and the
existing Welkite substation, is densely populated (around 1 Tukul every 0.5 km of line
alignment) and cultivated (75%). In this area the main crops are: Enset (False Banana),
Coffee, Chat and Eucalyptus.

In order to minimize the impact on local communities, focus group discussions with the
representatives of some selected villages were held (please refer to Annex IV, pictures
14 - 20).

The persons that attended to the meetings were affected households, community
elders and chairmen of local peasant associations (please refer to Annex III – 001,
002, 003).

During the discussion with local communities (Woira, Gomsha and Gasore) members
the following aspects were highlighted:
their awareness that the project plays a vital role in the National Economic
Development of the country;
their general good attitude or impression on the project, expecting employment
opportunities and some income generated by the presence of workers studying
and constructing the line alignment;
their expectation to be able to get electric power supply to their localities, in order
to improve their livelihood status;
the fact that all the affected family heads must be properly compensated for all
their losses (houses and permanent crops);
regarding people relocation, each community underlined that affected people
resettling within the community area is possible, due to the availability of space.

After that each focus group was asked to give a value to houses and permanent crops
that will be affected by the project (the data given are reported in table 6.1).

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In order make local population aware of the project and to establish a collaborative
relationship also local zone authorities were contacted.

During the discussion the representatives of zone administration and agricultural

offices (please refer to Annex III - 004) underlined that:
all affected family heads must be properly compensated for their losses;
the compensation values of the resources must be well defined before
expropriation procedure starts and, in any case, before acquiring the area for
construction.
Moreover they strongly recommended to establish an evaluation committee (that shall
include also affected members representatives), whose goals will be the definition of
the proper value of the different items (houses and crops) affected by line construction.

6.1.2 From Welkite to Sebeta

The area between the existing Welkite substation and the existing Sebeta substation in
Addis Ababa is sparsely populated (around 1 Tukul every 2 km of line alignment) and
cultivated: permanent crops represent here less than 10% of the total length (140 km),
in the remaining portion of the line annual crops (such as teff, wheat, corn, etc...) are
found.

In order to minimize the impact on local communities some interviews with the
representatives of some selected affected areas were held (please refer to Annex IV,
pictures 21, 22).

During the discussion with local communities (Fodu Gora and Obi Koji Peasant
Associations) members the following aspects were highlighted:
their awareness that the project plays a vital role in the National Economic
Development of the country;
their general good attitude or impression on the project, expecting employment
opportunities and some income generated by the presence of workers studying
and constructing the line alignment;
the fact that all the affected family heads must be properly compensated for all
their losses (houses and permanent crops);
regarding people relocation, each community underlined that affected people
resettling within the community area is possible, due to the availability of space.

After the discussion the representatives gave us a value of houses and permanent
crops that will be affected by the project (please refer to table 6.1).

In order make local population aware of the project and to establish a collaborative
relationship also local zone authorities were contacted (please refer to Annex III - 005).

During the discussion the representatives of zone administration and agricultural

offices underlined that:
all affected family heads must be properly compensated for their losses;

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the compensation values of the resources must be well defined before

expropriation procedure starts and, in any case, before acquiring the area for
construction;
Moreover they strongly recommended to establish an evaluation committee (that shall
include also affected members representatives), whose goals will be definition of the
proper value of the different items (houses and crops) affected by line construction.

6.1.3 From GGI HPP Switchyard to GGII HPP Switchyard

In the area between the two switchyards the population has a medium density (around
1.5 Tukul per km of line alignment) and permanent crops represent here around 50% of
the total length (26 or 33 km), in the remaining portion of the line there are wild
scattered vegetation and grazing areas.

Considering that this portion of the HVTL is still at the pre-feasibility stage the local
communities were not consulted.
However the senior surveyor of Gilgel Gibe I Hydropower project, Mr. Assafa, gave an
idea of the value of crops and houses in the area to the Consultant.

Considering his long experience on the area the information given by him were also
reported in table 6.1.

6.2 SYNTHESIS OF RESOURCES VALUES

Local communities, local affected people, administrative zones and agricultural officers
and experienced surveyors were asked to give a value to the resource that HVTL
construction may affect.
In order to standardize the values the following categories were established:

HOUSES (Tukul, wood walls with grass roof) (please refer to Annex IV, picture 11);

1) Small : < 7 m diameter

2) Medium: 7-10 m diameter
3) Large: > 10 m diameter

PERMANENT CROPS (please refer to Annex IV, pictures 1-9);

ENSET
1) Small : 1 – 3 years old;
2) Medium: 3 – 5 years old;
3) Large (productive): 6 – 7 years old;

CHAT
1) Small : 1 – 7 years old;
2) Medium: 8 – 15 years old;
3) Large (productive): more than 15 years old;

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COFFEE
1) Small : 1 – 4 years old;
2) Medium: 4 – 8 years old;
3) Large (productive): more than 8 years old;

EUCALYPTUS TREES
1) Small : 1 – 8 years old;
2) Medium: 8 – 20 years old;
3) Large: more than 20 years old;

The values given, divided into the mentioned categories, are summarized in the
following table 6.1.

Table 6.1 Values of the different resources at survey date (in Ethiopian Birr)
EVALUATION TUKUL ENSET CHAT COFFEE EUCALYPTUS
BY s m l s m l s m l s m l S m l
Woira 10.000 15.000 20.000 3 5 8 5 20 50 15 50 100 5 38 75
Gomsha 10.000 15.000 20.000 5 8 15 10 30 60 50 70 100 20 38 75
Gasore 10.000 18.000 25.000 10 15 20 50 100 150 100 150 200 50 100 200
Guraghe zone 7.000 15.000 30.000 7 15 20 10 20 30 7 9 15 20 75 300
Guraghe aver. 9.250 15.750 23.750 6,3 10,8 15,8 18,8 42,5 72,5 43,0 69,8 103,8 23,8 62,8 162,5
Fodu Gora 1.500 3.000 6.000 10 15 25 15 30 50 5 10 20 10 50 100
Obi Koji 3.000 4.000 6.000 10 15 20 2 5 10 5 - - 5 25 150
Oromiya zone - - - - 15 - - - - - - - - 20 -
Oromiya aver. 2.250 3.500 6.000 10 15 22,5 8,5 17,5 30 5 10 20 7,5 31,7 125
Mr. Assafa 3.000 6.000 10.000 - - - - - - - - - - - -
TOTAL AV. 6.357 10.857 16.714 7,5 12,6 18,0 15,3 34,2 58,3 30,3 59,8 87,0 18,3 49,4 150,0

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7. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO - ECONOMIC IMPACTS

The following considerations are based upon the results of field visits and on the
contents of the IEE carried over by EEPCO Environmental Expert.
The impacts that can be expected from implementing the project are described and an
indication of mitigation actions that may be considered is given.
In addition to addressing the impacts, some sections highlight potential mitigation
measures which will be described in more details in the Environmental Management
Plan.

The EMaP provides a format for the mitigation measures. The repetition should be
helpful in allowing readers to become aware of the mitigation as the issues or impacts
are defined. More details of the measures will be given in the section on EMaP along
with some cost estimates and schedules for implementation.

In general terms we can affirm that no major environmental impacts are predictable,
prior, during or post project construction.
Therefore, environmental critical issues are limited to land acquisition.

However the negative and positive impacts along the R.O.W. of the HVTL have been
described, taking into account the various phases of the project, namely the ground
survey, the construction works, the operation and maintenance aspects.

7.1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS

7.1.1 Impacts on residential areas and community services

Experience with forced resettlement in other development projects has not been good.
Relocation can occur over a period of several years and unless resettlement is planned
and implemented carefully it can create psychological and socio-cultural stress and
tension amongst those displaced and those in the receiving areas, especially if the two
areas are different culturally, ethnically and linguistically.

The HVTL routes across the towns and villages of Kose, Woira, Gubre, Welkite, Girura,
Dilela, Woliso, Goro, Tulubolo, Teji, Asgori, Tefki, Sebeta and Alem Gena.

During the ground survey several dwelling houses have been identified (please refer to
Table 7.1).

Table 7.1 n° of dwelling houses per stretch of the HVTL

STRETCH N° OF AFFECTED TUKULS PER SIZE
s m l
GGIHEP – GGIIHEP -- 25 25
GGIIHEP – Welkite 36 60 24
Welkite – Sebeta 32 24 24
TOTAL 68 109 73

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Totally 250 houses are expected to be affected during the construction phase. Of the
total affected houses, around 50% (almost one every 580 m) are located in the stretch
of only 70 km between GGIIHEPP switchyard and Welkite (this area is characterized
by a dense type of settlement).

In the stretch between Welkite and Sebeta (140 km) only 80 houses are expected to
be affected by the project (one every 1.750 m), and between GGIHEPP and GGIIHEPP
50 houses are probably along the alignment (one every 660 m).

During the final route alignment, all considerable measures shall be taken by the line
surveying team to minimize the number of residential houses to be affected.
However, even if the number of displaced houses and people is high, during the
discussion with local communities and with local peasant’s associations, there is the
possibility to relocate people within the communities to which they belong, avoiding the
mentioned problems.

If the resettlement plans will be successfully implemented, there should be no loss of

livelihood for the relocated population.
The GOE, through local peasant’s associations, shall provide a resettlement site equal
in size and quality to the expropriated land.
All the people will be able to continue with their means of livelihood, but in addition
many will gain employment and new job skills as project labourers.
New means of earning of living will become available through supplying goods and
services to the construction of labour force. A new temporary market at the
construction camp will be opened for the sale of their agricultural and stock production.

As to the community services facilities, the utmost efforts should be taken to avoid any
visual impact on schools, health institutions, churches and mosques during the route
alignment. Thus all the stated community services should be made off the entire route
corridor and none should be affected during the construction and operation phases.

7.1.2 Impacts on cultural and historical sites

The project is expected to have no impact on the cultural and historical resources of
the area: no known historical and cultural site is crossed by line alignment. Where
there are accidental “chances of findings” of some archaeological artefacts on the line
routes, construction workers and surveyors shall report to the environmental monitoring
unit (EMU) of EEPCO, that will then report to the Authority for Research and
Conservation for Cultural Heritage (ARCCH) for further investigations.

7.1.3 Impacts on health and safety

Dust and Noise

General construction activity and traffic, will lead to an increase in dust and noise. This
will have an effect on people’s health: dust can cause respiratory problems and noise,
when loud and frequent, can cause hearing problems amongst both workers and local
residents, and it can cause stress.
These impacts can be mitigated trough the provision and use of proper hearing
equipment for workers and warnings provided well in advance in order that local people
will be prepared. The impact of dust on local people can be limited trough watering the
roads and controlling speed of road traffic.

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The contractors will be required to address these issues in their environmental

management plan when they submit their contract proposals. In addition EEPCO EMU
will monitor contractor’s compliance with environmental protection standards in the
contracts.

Public Safety
Public safety will not be a significant problem since residents within the R.O.W. area
will be relocated.
Heavy vehicles movements between Addis Ababa and the project area may cause
road accidents, particularly with local residents who are not accustomed to heavy traffic
and heavy vehicles.
Project related vehicle will be required to abide by good driving conduct, obey speed
limits and generally follow the rules of safe driving. All vehicles will be equipped with
properly maintained lights and audio warning systems. Night driving will be minimal and
strictly controlled.

During construction, some work accidents (e.g. fall from above, hit by object, car
accidents, etc.) may occur mainly due to the lack of safety precautions.
During the operation phase impacts are related mainly with electrocutions and possible
induce effects from electromagnetic fields.

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs)

The major impacts on health and safety are related to the work force engaged in the
construction and operation of the HVTL: mainly communicable diseases like sexually
transmitted diseases (HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, etc…) and Malaria can spread around in the
construction areas.
The mitigation plan will take an aggressive approach to control the spread of STDs:
health education programs, control of informal sector activities near the project site and
distribution of condoms.
Even with the most vigorous campaign and safeguards, an increase in STDs resulting
from the project is inevitable. Systematic blood testing at the camp clinic is absolutely
necessary, if the increase in AIDS is to be kept at a minimum.
The blood testing must be used for information purposes and not be used to dismiss
infected employees. Contractors should address employee health issues in their
contract proposals.

Other Infectious Diseases

Intestinal diseases, hepatitis, respiratory diseases (including tuberculosis) and plague
are diseases that can occur in situations where a large work force is not provided with
the proper sanitary and work place facilities.
Contractor work camps shall be maintained in a clean and healthy condition as
prescribed by international worker health standards. Human waste will be treated
properly and disposed of by the existing camp sewerage system which will be
maintained in good working order. A clean and protected water supply should be
provided. Kitchen wastes must be burned, buried or taken off site, to prevent a large
rodent population and the breeding of disease carrying flies and other insects.
Health education will include the proper handling and storage of food stuffs, and all
living quarters and work places will be adequately ventilated to prevent respiratory
diseases. Workers should be screened for tuberculosis.

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Substance Abuse

A large construction labour force comprised primarily of young men living away from
families, relatively stable wages and ideal time with few recreational pursuits and no
domestic responsibilities can often lead to the overindulgence with alcohol. This can
lead to abuse, fighting and injury, particularly if women are involved. Men who live in
the area but who work on the construction of the TL, return home in an inebriated state
and abuse and injure family members, and generally can cause a good deal of
domestic upheaval.

The problems of alcohol abuse must be explained to workers as a part of the health
education program. Recreational areas are available at the camp and additional
activities should be a normal part of camp living. Severe penalties for drunkenness and
disorderly behaviour must be given out along with the provision of counselling services
for substance abuse.

The Electromagnetic Field

Being a good conductor, a human body interacts with the electromagnetic fields
(EMF's) surrounding transmission lines. When a man is introduced into an electric field,
an electric current interests his body: inside the body voltage drops are produced,
inducing internal EMF's.

In the last thirty years a great deal of research has been undertaken worldwide in order
to understand the biological effects of EMF's. Most of the studies have concentrated on
a possible relationship between cancer and field exposure, although questions have
been raised about increased risks of birth defects and neurological effects like chronic
depression. A few of the cancer-related studies seem to show a possible link between
exposure to EMF's and cancer, but other doesn’t seem to support the relationship at
all. Generally, all the researches tend to exclude any effects with field lower than 10
kV/m.

The field generated by a 400 kV transmission could be high, so it is suggested not to

neglect the problem until the scientific community do not achieve certain results. On
long term EMF's question could produce many complains by people who live near or
below the conductors: in the United States as well as in other countries, inhabitants
supported by environmental organisations are going to law against electric companies
in order to obtain millionaire compensations.

Figure 7.1 shows the mathematical calculation of electric field intensity carryed out for
two type of towers than can be adopted for the project, namelly the delta and the
trocopyramidal tower. Both calculation refer to the same type of conductor (twin
Moose ACSR) load conditions and sag.

The calculation show the maximum electric field at the ground level would be about 3
(2.98) kV/m for the delta tower and 2 kV/m (2.01) for the trocopyramidal tower (two
circuit on the left and one in the right side of the tower).

Accordingly to the above, measurements of effective electric and magnetic field should
be taken by EEPCO specialists, after line energization, inside the line corridor,
especially near the settlements, at the lowest point of conductors and maximum current
rating.

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2.5
2.01

3
2

1.5
2
Etk Etk

0.5

0 0 0
0 10 20 30 40 50 0 10 20 30 40 50
xk 0 xk 50

Fig. 7.1.a Fig. 7.1.b

Figure 7.1.: EMF at ground level generated by 400 kV T.L.

a. Delta Tower with conductor in horizontal arrangement
b. Troncopyramidal tower with conductor in vertical arrangement

The result of measurements must be compared with the existing international

regulations and indications. The Table 7.2 shows the exposure limit prescribed by
different institutions and organisations in the world: the range of the limits is very large,
giving evidence of great uncertainty existing among the researchers.

Table 7.2.: Exposure limits adopted by different organization in the world

Exposure Limits
ORGANIZATION Electric Field Magnetic Field
(kV/m) (mT)
IRPA/INIRC 5 0.1
NRPB – UK 10 0.1
WHO 10 -
EU 10 0.3
World Bank(*) 2-8 -
ex-USSR 5-0.5(**) -
Japan 3(***) -
New York State (USA) 1.6(****) -
Florida (USA) 2(****)
New Jersey (USA) 3(****)
Montana State (USA) 1(****) -
Italian Regulation 5 0.1
(*): Limits adopted in different projects
(**): Inside houses
(***): Limits adopted to avoid electrostatic effects
(****): Outside right-of-way
IRPA/INIRC: International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
NRPB – UK: UK National Radiation Protection Board
WHO: World Health Organisation
EU: European Union

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7.2 IMPACTS ON PHYSICAL ENVIRONMNENT

Clearing of vegetation from sites and R.O.W., construction of access roads, tower pads
and substations are the primary sources of construction related impacts.

7.2.1 Impacts on Land Use

The transmission lines will have significant impacts on land use.

The existing land use of the project area will be affected by the construction of access
roads, the transmission line and the tower pads.

Impacts on substation sites are expected to be marginal because it is intended to use

the existing substation, at list enlarging within the substations the area (actually
available) occupied by transformers or switches.

The HVTL is expected to be a 236 to 243 km 400 kV line.

The width of the free corridor lines (R.O.W.) will be 40 m and the towers pad (on
average) will have an extension of 100 m2.

The towers are assumed to be erected with average span of 350 m each.

Globally the land area that is expected to be affected by HVTL construction is

summarized in Table 7.3 (the temporarily affected area has been overestimated for a
percentage of 5% in order to consider also the access roads).

Table 7.3 land area affected by HVTL construction

STRETCH Length (km) N° of Towers Permanently Temporarily
(Ha) (Ha)
26 (option I) 74 0.74 109.20
GGIHEP - GGIIHEP
33 (option II) 94 0.94 138.60
GGIIHEP - Welkite 70 200 2.00 294.00
Welkite - Sebeta 140 400 4.00 588.00
236 (option I) 674 6.74 991.20
TOTAL
243 (option II) 694 6.94 1020.60

Referring to the above table altogether around 1000 Ha of land will be temporarily
affected and 7 Ha of land will be permanently lost due to tower erection and
construction of access roads.

The land use systems of the affected areas are mainly cultivated land, shrub and bush
land (please refer to Table 7.4).

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Table 7.4 land use system of the affected areas

STRETCH Length (km) Perennial Annual Crops Bush and Shrub
Crops (Ha) (Ha) (Ha)
Temp. Perm. Temp. Perm. Temp. Perm.
GGIHEP – 26 (option I) 54.60 0.37 ----- ----- 54.60 0.37
GGIIHEP 33 (option II) 69.30 0.47 ----- ----- 69.30 0.47
GGIIHEP – Welkite 70 220.50 1.50 14.70 0.10 58.80 0.40
Welkite – Sebeta 140 58.80 0.40 470.40 3.20 58.80 0.40
TOTAL 236 (option I) 333.90 2.27 485.10 3.30 172.20 1.17
TOTAL 243 (option II) 348.60 2.37 485.10 3.30 186.90 1.27

Considering that grazing and annual crops uses are usually not precluded in R.O.W.s
and under the towers, the lands that will be permanently lost are:
350 Ha of perennial crops;
3.30 Ha of annual crops (please refer to Annex IV, picture 23);
1.30 Ha of Bush and Shrub.
The TL and access roads may open up more remote lands in human activities such as
settlement, agriculture, hunting etc…

7.2.2 Impacts on Soils

In Ethiopia, up to 400 tons of fertile soil per hectare are lost annually from land with
insufficient vegetation cover as well as from land where no effective soil conservation
has been carried out.
It is estimated that the amount of soil that the country loses annually due to water and
wind erosion reaches 1.5 to 1.9 billion tonnes.
Soil erosion has caused several direct and indirect negative impacts. It has led to the
degradation of agricultural land and consequent reduction in agricultural production
thus exposing the population to food insecurity.
The accumulation of silt in various water bodies has led to water resources degradation
as well as the shortening of the life span of dams.

During the construction of the tower pads and access roads the clearing of vegetation
and the excavation works may lead the top soil underneath to be threatened by wind
and water erosion. The erosion factor will increase in steep areas.
In the mean time the emergence of soil erosion may cause increasing of sedimentation
load and deterioration of the quality of rivers or streams near by.
Considering that soil erosion linked to deforestation and overgrazing practice creates
some environmental concerns in Ethiopia, this aspect should be managed properly and
mitigation actions should be undertaken during the construction phase.

7.2.3 Impacts on Air Quality

The implementation of the project would also have short term adverse effect on air
quality due to dust and air emissions released by the machineries involved in the
clearing of R.O.W. from shrub, bush and perennial crops.
Road construction will also cause temporary dust pollution in the area.

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7.3 IMPACTS ON BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

7.3.1 Flora

Ethiopia is one of the biodiversity richest parts of the world.

Owing to the long history of agriculture coupled with the diversity of the environment,
Ethiopia is one of the 12 Vavilov centres of crop genetic diversity.
The Ethiopian flora is estimated to contain nearly 7.000 species of higher plants, of
which about 12% are endemic. The vegetations types with the highest portion of
endemics are the woodlands, followed by the Afroalpine and Subafroalpine.
Ethiopia is the centre of origin for various crop species including Arabica coffee, teff,
enset (Ensete Ventricosum) and sorghum in part (State of the Environment Report for
Ethiopia – August 2003).

The clearing of trees, shrubs & bushes during the construction period may negatively
affect the flora genetic resources in the project area.

The loss of natural vegetation cover may also cause habitat disturbance and favours
the expansion of alien invasive species in the study area. Alien invasive species
usually lead to ecosystem disruptions by destroying or displacing indigenous species
through rapid reproduction and expansion (please refer to Table 7.5).

Table 7.5 Exotic invasive species, localities invaded and damage occurring
SPECIES Distribution area Damage occurring
Northern, eastern and Invading most of the country
Parthenium hysterophorus western Ethiopia
Oromiya, SNNPR, Gambella Invading relatively moist
Eichornia crassipes lowlands

During the construction period forest encroachment may increase in the project area
due to the opening of new access roads and to natural vegetation cut for clearance of
the R.O.W..

7.3.2 Fauna

Wildlife can be considered as one of the most important Ethiopian natural resources.
Out of 277 mammals 31, out of 862 birds 16, out of 201 reptiles 10, and out of 63
amphibians 34 are endemic to Ethiopia.
Out of the birds species, 31 are globally threatened. There are 5 mammals and 3 birds
found endangered in Ethiopia (State of the Environment Report for Ethiopia – August
2003).
In the study area some wild animals may be affected during the construction period.
Their shelters would be disturbed and exposed to poaching by the construction workers
or go away from their original locations.

During the assessment, non endangered or endemic wildlife species were observed in
the project area.

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Particular attention must be given to the impact that HVTLs may have on migrant birds:
various migratory birds considered endangered at international level also visit fifty sites
in Ethiopia every year.

Birds usually are affected by obstacles and mass killing trough TL. Electrocution mainly
kills larger predatory birds and other birds are more often killed trough flying into the
wires at high speeds (mainly night active species).
Bird collision with TL nowadays is becoming a significant issue not only on
environmental point of view, but also for power companies for power outages.
In the study area there are not known migratory bird route, which may be affected by
the proposed transmission lines.

Some migratory birds may be present in the swampy areas between Welkite and Addis
Ababa (please refer to Annex IV, picture 24), but for this reason (and also for
geothecnical reasons) the line route has been moved far away.

7.3.3 Impacts on National Parks and Reserve Areas

The richest wildlife areas are today mostly assigned as National Parks or Natural
Reserves and are consequently rarely in conflict with HVTLs projects.

The route of the TLs has been selected in order to avoid National Parks and Natural
Reserves.

7.4 SYNTHESIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

The possible negative and positive impacts have been considered and classified by
five categories (from most important to less important): this classification has been
introduced in an environmental impacts matrix (please refer to Table 7.5).

All possible negative and positive impacts have been identified in the different phase of
the project:

Pre-construction Stage Activity;

Construction Stage Activity;
Post-construction Stage Activity.

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Pre-construction Stage Construction Stage Post-Construction stage Activity

Activity Component Activity Component Component Operation
No Environment Component Line Route Land Equipment Tree Cutting and Foundation Induction Electromagnetic Radio Maintenance
Survey Acquisition and Material Corridor Free Tower Erection Influence Wave Influence Interference
Mobilisation and Stringing

I. Social- Economic
- Residential areas O c O c d O O O E
- Income O C E D E O O O O
- Cultural and historical sites O O O O O O O O O
- Health O O e d e O e O O
- Quiet Daily Life O O d d d e e e O
- Society Unrest O e O O O O O O e
II. Physics
- Soils O O e d c O O O O
- Air quality O O e e O O O O O
- Land Use O O c e d O O O O
III. Biology
- Flora e O e d e O O O e
- Fauna e O e d e O O O e
- Parks and Reserves O O O O O O O O O

Positive Impact Negative Impact

A = Very Important a = Very important O = No Impact
B = More Important b = More important
C = Important c = Important
D = Fair Important d = Fair important
E = Less Important e = Less important

Table 7.6 - Synthesis of Environment Impact Matrix

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8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

The purpose of the Environmental Management Plan (EMaP) is to describe in details,

the possible actions that must be taken to ensure that the identified impacts will be
mitigated as much as possible.

Where impacts cannot be mitigated, compensation programs will be designed, as well

as any environmental enhancement activity that will be required to offset, where
possible, those impacts that cannot be mitigated.

This plan will also provide an estimation of compensation costs where feasible and a
schedule for the implementation activities.
Implementing responsibility will be of EEPCO or EEPCO’s contracted representatives
unless noted otherwise.
To a considerable degree, construction contractors will be responsible for
implementing mitigation measures but, in any case, the ultimate responsibility for
ensuring that environmental and social protection elements are being carried out
properly is of EEPCO.

Most of the impacts which occur during the construction phase can be reduced or
avoided through the application of sound construction management guidelines.

Construction contracts will require all qualified bidders to include environmental

management plans as a part of their submitted bids. The additional costs of these
plans cannot be predicted at this time, but they are considered an integral part of total
project costs.

The EMaP, outlined below, takes into account the impacts identified and described in
the previous chapters.

8.1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS

8.1.1 Resettlement

Impacts on residential places and community services can be avoided or minimized by

a careful selection of ROW.

The sensitive spots such as mosques, churches, graveyards, schools, clinics or

hospitals must be avoided during the final route selection.

However 250 houses are expected to be affected during the construction phase.

Over the years, world experience gained in involuntary relocation programs, has
produced a number of basic criteria that should be followed in order to reduce
problems to relocated people:
quality of life of resettled people and host communities should not be
compromised;

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the resettlement program has to be adequately financed by GOE trough Regional

Governments, to ensure that local commitment and newly occupied resettlement
land will have the same production characteristics of the expropriated ones;
support should be given to provide that resettled persons will not produce a
negative impact on the life standards of host communities;
both resettled persons and host communities should actively participate in the
resettlement planning procedure;
transition period should be as short as possible, and the clearance of line corridor
should not proceed until the affected persons have not move to the relocation
places;
the resettlement areas should be as close a possible to the abandoned ones;
resettlement planning must assure that families, communities and social/cultural
groups will be kept together;
resettled people should be provided with a proper compensation value of their
houses, in order to allow them achieve the same or a higher standard of
abandoned ones.
A proper EEPCO resettlement implementation unit should be established for working
together with local communities authorities (supervised by regional officers) that should
be charged of the following matters:
disbursement and utilization of funds;
preparation of new sites;
preparation of programmes and timetable for expropriation of immovable
properties;
compensation payments;
preparation of progress report.
The resettlement implementation office will ensure that the relocated population is
properly re-established and has reached the previous production level and living
standard.

8.1.2 Health and safety

In general terms, in order to avoid the diffusion of communicable diseases, coming

form migrant workers, it is suggested to recruit work forces from project areas
communities.

Dust and Noise

These impacts can be mitigated trough the provision and use of proper hearing
equipment for workers and warnings provided well in advance in order that local people
will be prepared. The impact of dust on local people can be limited trough watering the
roads and controlling speed of road traffic.
The contractors will be required to address these issues in their environmental
management plan when they submit their contract proposals. In addition EEPCO EMU
will monitor contractor’s compliance with environmental protection standards in the
contracts.

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Public Safety
All construction sites must be well marked, warning both workers and general public of
danger to their safety.
Project related vehicle will be required to abide by good driving conduct, obey speed
limits and generally follow the rules of safe driving. All vehicles will be equipped with
properly maintained lights and audio warning systems. Night driving must be minimal
and strictly controlled.

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs)

STDs cannot be totally prevented. To minimize their incidence, informal sector
development in proximity to the construction site must be regulated.
Workers should be provided with health education lectures and free condom should be
made available.

Other Infectious Diseases

Malaria prevention and control measures should be taken in the camp sites.
Sanitary conditions of the camps should be developed and maintained to international
standards for construction camps. Human wastes must be managed using proper
disposal and treatment facilities that should be located in order to ensure that seepage
does not occur. Kitchen wastes must be disposed of in a proper manner (incineration,
burial or taken off site and disposed of in sanitary landfill sites) to prevent the
proliferation of rodents, flies and other diseases carrying insects.

Proper facilities for washing and bathing should be provided for the work force. All work
and living areas must be properly ventilated to prevent respiratory diseases including
tuberculosis. All workers should be tested for tuberculosis.

Substance Abuse
The problems of alcohol abuse must be explained to workers as a part of the health
education program. Recreational areas should be available at the camp and additional
activities should be a normal part of camp living. Severe penalties for drunkenness and
disorderly behaviour must be given out along with the provision of counselling services
for substance abuse.

Occupational health
Comprehensive occupational health standards established by GOE should be followed
and the contractors will be considered responsible for full implementation.

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8.2 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMNENT IMPACTS

In order to minimize the impacts on physical environment the following measures

should be taken into consideration:
the shortest possible line route should be selected;
the construction of access and maintenance roads should be reduced to the
minimum necessary level. These roads should be temporary as much as possible;
placement of new structures in agricultural areas should be done minimizing crops
disruption, damages to irrigation systems and established field management
practices. If some flexibility of TL alignment is still possible, field boundaries, roads
or canals should be followed;
the extent and duration of land clearing and levelling should be reduced to
minimum. Where clearing of land is required, re-vegetate the area with native flora
and/or crops. Manually clear the vegetation and sell firewood where clearing of
trees is required. Cut trunks with flush surface and retain roots in place to minimize
soil erosion and consequent increment of surface water turbidity;
forest transiting and, in general terms, tree cutting for access roads should be
reduced to the minimum. Tree cutting should be limited, if and where necessary,
for line construction and /or maintenance activities;
the area of shrub and bush lands loss due to TL and access roads construction
should be compensated by a proper reforestation program, in order to restore the
lost woody biomass;
the use of herbicides and/or defoliation substances should be avoided as much as
possible for vegetation clearing, prior construction activities;
after construction, the vegetation cover within line corridor should be restored.
During operation, vegetations should be maintained by manual or mechanical
means to the extent necessary to guarantee vertical clearance;
after construction access roads should be maintained only if strictly necessary for
line’s maintenance activities and/or when necessary or useful to local dwellers,
otherwise land previous conditions should be restored;
during construction of towers and access roads, some erosion problems may
occur, particularly on hilly or slope terrains. Therefore particular care should be
taken to avoid significant erosion problems in these areas.

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8.3 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT IMPACTS

The clearing of trees, shrubs & bushes during the construction period may negatively
affect the flora genetic resources in the project area.
In order to reduce the damages on natural vegetation, tree cutting should be carefully
evaluated one by one, taking into consideration the fact that shrub and bush are
generally not so high to affect HVTL during operation.

In order to minimize the adverse effect on flora and maintain the ecosystem, re-
vegetation activities should be practised on disturbed and open areas.

The reforestation activities should be realized using autochthonous species of plants,

such as: Cordia Africana, Albizia schimperiana, Acacia sp., etc…

The cost of revegetation programme should be included in the total project cost and
revegetation activity should be handled by local Woreda environmental protection
offices.

In order to reduce to the minimum level the pressure on existing wild animals, the
following measures should be undertaken during construction and maintenance period:
construction workers should be oriented not to practise any illegal hunting or
poaching in the project area. They must be aware that hunting is strictly forbidden
by Ethiopian laws, unless for persons holding a permission from national
authorities;
the habitat losses should be minimized by reducing the vegetation clearing and
avoiding unnecessary ones;
re-vegetation activities for restoring wild animal’s habitats, should be carried on as
soon as possible, in order to reduce the spoiling of shelter, hunting etc… areas to
the minimum.

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9. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN

9.1 INTRODUCTION

Monitoring is required prior to, during and after construction is completed.

The purpose of this phase is to make periodic checks on the environmental impacts
during the different phases of the project, comparing them with those foreseen during
the first phases of ESIA process.
Monitoring provides a very useful feedback, which permits to correct at the right
moment any environmental problem due to the project and meanwhile to acquire
experience in planning future projects.

It must be mentioned that usually institutions that manage projects hardly worry about
monitoring, because they want to avoid correspondent costs, but the experience shows
that, on a medium-long term, preventing problems is far more convenient then fixing
them (when it’s too late).

In this chapter of the ESIA report we will establish the control and monitoring methods.

9.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING RESPONSABILITIES

The Environmental Monitoring Responsibilities shall be divided into three categories:

1. the executing responsibilities;

2. the supervising responsibilities;
3. the monitoring responsibilities.

Referring to that, three organizations will participate in the environmental monitoring

and management program as described below.

9.2.1 The executing agency

The executing agency will have the responsibility for the design and the assessment of
the physical works in accordance with Ethiopian environment regulations. Moreover it’s
under the executing agency responsibility the physical implementation of the activities
of the project, as well as the efforts to mitigate potential negative impact.
The management contractor should create the executing agency. Two or three persons
whose specific tasks are to control and monitor the environmental aspects of the
project as described in the following chapters should constitute this agency.

9.2.2 The supervising agency

The supervising agency will have to verify if the implementation of works, in order to fit
environmental recommendations, has been carried out. It will also control periodically if
the monitoring plan is proceeding.

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The supervising agency shall perform periodical checks and produce a report on the
results of these checks, as described in the following paragraphs.

9.2.3 The monitoring agency

The monitoring agency will have the responsibility for monitoring the environmental
aspects of the project during normal working operations. This responsibility must be of
a public agency: its specialists and inspectors will be responsible for the timely
monitoring of the agreed indicators as described in the following paragraphs.

9.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN

Referring to the above considerations on environmental impacts and management plan

an Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP) has been established in order to reach the
following objectives:

1. to help decision making in environmental management monitoring;

2. to create a co-ordination mechanism between EEPCO and the other partners
involved in the environment monitoring activities;
3. to emphasize the positive effects caused by the electric energy supply;
4. to give general guidelines to prevent or decrease negative effects of HVTL
construction;
5. to give general guidelines for environmental management in HVTL operations;

The possible negative and positive impacts have been considered and classified by
five categories (from most important to less important): this classification has been
introduced in an environmental impact matrix, dividing the different impacts phases:
pre-construction, construction and operation.

The results of the study are summarised in an Environment Observation Matrix (please
refer to Table 9.1.).

In this matrix when, what, how, how frequently monitoring is necessary is defined.

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Activity Phase Resource Environmental Environmental Weight Standardisation Location of the Observations
components Indicators effect observations frequency

I.: pre-construction Site survey Plants belonging to Plant damages e The width of the plant Areas around towers Once
residents damaged area and lines
Land acquisition The society where Society complaint b The land acquisition has Areas around towers Twice (before and after
are the tower basis been suitable with the rules and lines land acquisition)

II.: Construction Labour, Workers Society complaint D Level of labour recruitment Around the tower Once at six months
equipment recruitment close to residence
and material Air quality Dust pollution e Air quality standard Part of the tower Once at six months
mobilisation close to residence
Noise Noise e Noise quality standard Part of the tower Once at six months
close to residence
Route clearance Society’s land Plant damages e New land functions Part of the tower Once
close to residence
Tower erection Space and area Land use e Changes in area function, Part of the tower Once at six months
and stringing erosion and landslide close to residence
problems
Traffic Traffic nuisance e Level of traffic nuisance Part of the tower Once at six months
close to residence

III.: Operation Electric power Free area EM field e Free area according to the Under the towers At the beginning of
transmission rules and in the R.O.W. operations and every
six months
Maintenance Society plants Plant damages e How many plants are Part of the tower Once at six months
damaged close to residence
Excavation activity Landslide / e How much erosion appears The tower sole Once at six months
erosion
Positive Impact Negative Impact
A = Very Important a = Very important O = No Impact
B = More Important b = More important
C = Important c = Important
D = Fair Important d = Fair important
E = Less Important e = Less important

Table 9.1 - Synthesis of Environmental Monitoring Matrix

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10. EVALUATION OF COMPENSATION COSTS

Referring to the average cost (please refer to Table 6.1) of all the different items
considered to be affected by the construction of the HVTL a tentative evaluation of the
compensation has been carried over.

The evaluation of total n° of plants affected by project construction has been done
considering a distance between each plant of 2 m (that means a density of 10.000
plants per km of line alignment).

In order to make the evaluation more clear the same division into three different
stretches of areas affected by the construction of the HVTL has been maintained.

10.1 FROM GGII SWITCHYARD TO WELKITE

The area between the switchyard of the designed GGII hydropower plant and the
existing Welkite substation, is densely populated (around 1 Tukul every 0.5 km of line
alignment) and cultivated (75%). In this area the main crops are: Enset (False Banana),
Coffee, Chat and Eucalyptus.

The total length of this stretch of the line is around 70 km.

The number of Tukuls along the line alignment is likely to be 120, of which 24 are large
size ones (20% of all), 60 are medium size ones (50%), and 36 small size ones (30%).

Of the 70 km of total length, permanent crops as detailed in following table 10.1 cover
around 50 km.

Table 10.1 percentage and total length of different crops along the line alignment
CROPS ENSET CHAT COFFEE EUCALYPTUS
(30% = 15 km) (20% = 10 km) (10% = 5 km) (40% = 20 km)
dimension s m l s m l s m l s m l
percentage (%) 25 50 25 15 45 40 50 25 25 45 45 10
length (km) 3,75 7,5 3,75 1,5 4,5 4 2,5 1,25 1,25 9 9 2

Considering a density of 10.000 plants per 1 km the expected, and coffee crops (taking
to consideration that even large plants are not high) will be affected only by tower
erection compensation costs have been reported in the following table 10.2.

Table 10.2 expected compensation cost per item (in thousands of Ethiopian Birr)

TUKUL ENSET CHAT COFFEE EUCALYPTUS

s m l s m l s m l s m l s M l
229 651 401 281 945 675 229 1539 2332 15 15 22 1647 4446 3000

Referring to this data the total estimated compensation cost for the stretch is
16.427.000 birr.

Considering an exchanging rate of 8.7 birr per 1 US$, the tentative estimated
compensation cost in US$ for the stretch 1.888.000.

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10.2 FROM WELKITE TO SEBETA

The area between the existing Welkite substation and the existing Sebeta substation in
Addis Ababa is sparsely populated (around 1 Tukul every 2 km of line alignment) and
cultivated: permanent crops represent here less than 10% of the total length (140 km),
in the remaining portion of the line annual crops (such as teff, wheat, corn, etc...) are
found.
The number of Tukuls along the line alignment is likely to be 80, of which 24 are large
size ones (30% of all), 24 are medium size ones (30%), and 32 small size ones (40%).
Of the 140 km of total length, permanent crops as detailed in following table 10.3 cover
only 10 km.

Table 10.3 percentage and total length of different crops along the line alignment
CROPS ENSET CHAT COFFEE EUCALYPTUS
(30% = 3 km) (25% = 2,5 km) (2,5% = 0,25 km) (42,5% = 4,25 km)
dimension s m l s m l s m l s m l
percentage (%) 50 25 25 100 ---- ---- 50 50 -- 70 30 ----
length (km) 1,5 0,75 0,75 2,5 ---- ---- 0,125 0,125 -- 3 1,25 ----

Considering a density of 10.000 plants per 1 km the expected, and coffee crops (taking
to consideration that even large plants are not high) will be affected only by tower
erection compensation costs have been reported in the following table 10.4.

Table 10.4 expected compensation cost per item (in thousands of Ethiopian Birr)

TUKUL ENSET CHAT COFFEE EUCALYPTUS

s m l s m l s m l s m l s m l
203 261 401 112 95 135 383 ------ ------ 7 15 ----- 549 618 -----

Even if tower erection and line stringing operations will be mainly realized after the
harvest, probably there will be some damages. Therefore some compensation value
should probably be considered also for annual crops disturbances.

Around 85% of the 140 km stretch (119 km) is cultivated with annual crops: mainly teff
and wheat. Considering that in 119 km, the construction of 340 towers is expected and
each tower occupies an area of 100 m2 the affected areas and related compensation
costs will be as reported in table 10.5.

Table 10.5 annual crops affected areas by tower erection

CROPS TEFF WHEAT
(76% = 95 km) (24% = 2,5 km)
Affected areas (Ha) 26 8.3
Productivity (q/Ha) 14 25
Average price (birr *q) 250 180
Value of crops lost (birr) 91000 37350

Referring to this data the total estimated compensation cost for the stretch is 2.907.000
birr.

Considering an exchanging rate of 8.7 birr per 1 US$, the tentative estimated
compensation cost in US$ for the stretch 334.000.

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10.3 FROM GGI HPP SWITCHYARD TO GGII HPP SWITCHYARD

In the area between the two switchyards the population has a medium density (around
1.5 Tukul per km of line alignment) and permanent crops represent here around 50% of
the total length (26 or 33 km), in the remaining portion of the line there are wild
scattered vegetation and grazing areas.

Taking in consideration that up to now still two different options are under evaluation
the tentative estimation has been carried out for both: OPTION I (33 km length) and
OPTION II (26 km length).

For OPTION I the number of Tukuls along the line alignment is likely to be 50, of which
25 are large size ones (50% of all) and 25 are medium size ones (50%).
For OPTION II the number of Tukuls along the line alignment is likely to be 40, of which
20 are large size ones (50% of all) and 20 are medium size ones (50%).

In OPTION I alignment 4.5 km and in OPTION II 3.6 km are covered by permanent

crops as detailed in following table 10.6.

In both alignments data on the age of the permanent crops is not available, therefore it
has been considered an average cost between the categories previously mentioned
(small, medium, productive).

Table 10.6 percentage and total length of different crops along the line alignment
OPTIONS CROPS ENSET COFFEE EUCALYPTUS
I Percentage (%) 67 16,5 16,5
Length (km) 3 0,75 0,75
II Percentage (%) 67 16,5 16,5
Length (km) 2,4 0,6 0,6

Considering a density of 10.000 plants per 1 km the expected compensation costs

have been reported in the following table 10.7.

Table 10.7 expected compensation cost per item (in thousands of Ethiopian Birr)

OPTIONS TUKUL ENSET COFFEE EUCALYPTUS

m l
I 271 418 381 46 545
II 217 334 305 36 436

Referring to this data the total estimated compensation cost for the stretch is 1.661.000
birr for OPTION I and 1.328.000 birr for OPTION II.

Considering an exchanging rate of 8.7 birr per 1 US$, the tentative estimated
compensation cost in US$ is 191.000 (for OPTION I) and 153.000 (for OPTION II).

10.4 OVERALL COMPENSATION VALUE

Referring to the previous considerations, the overall compensation value can be

estimated as follows:

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OPTION I: 1.888.000 + 334.000 + 153.000 = 2.375.000 US$

OPTION II: 1.888.000 + 334.000 + 191.000 = 2.431.000 US$

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REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK - Environmental Assessment Guidelines / Vol III: Sector

Guidelines. 1992.

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK - Environmental Guidelines for Selected Industrial and

Power Development Projects. 1990

BRUZZI L. “Valutazione d’impatto ambientale: guida agli aspetti procedurali, normativi,

tecnici” – S. Marino October 1999

BRESSO M., RUSSO R., ZEPPETELLA A. “Analisi dei progetti e valutazione d’impatto
ambientale” – Milano June 1988

EBRD – EUROPEAN BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT –

Environmental Procedures

EC WORKING GROUP - Proposal for basic restrictions for protection against

occupational exposure to electromagnetic non ionizing radiation. Recommendations of
an international working group set up under the auspices of the commission of the
European Communities. Physica Medica, vol. VII, n. 2,1991.

EPA – ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AUTHORITY – State of Environment Report

for Ethiopia – Addis Ababa - 2003

FDRE – THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA– June, 1997 –

Country Environmental Profile.

FDRE -– August 24, 1995 - Proclamation N° 9: “Environmental Protection Authority

Establishment Proclamation”

FDRE - THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA – October 31, 2002

- Proclamation N° 295: “Environmental Organs Establishment Proclamation”

FDRE - THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA – December 3,

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