Public Disclosure Authorized

E1844 V13

AMHARA NATIONAL REGIONA STATE SOUTH

WOLLO ZONE, DESSIE CITY ADMINISTRATION
Public Disclosure Authorized

Salaysh-Segno Gebya Gravel Road Environmental and Social

Impact Assessment Report
Public Disclosure Authorized

Prepared by Amhara Design and Supervision Works

Enterprise

January,2013
Public Disclosure Authorized

Dessie
Table of Content
Acronym .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................. 7
1. Introduction................................................................................................................................................... 14
1.1 Background.............................................................................................................................................. 14
1.2. Objective of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ............................................................ 16
1.2.1. Specific objectives: .......................................................................................................................... 16
2. Approaches and Methodology ..................................................................................................................... 16
2.1 Data Collection methods and tools Information ..................................................................................... 17
2.2 Field Survey ............................................................................................................................................. 17
2.3. Review of Existing Literature and Maps: ................................................................................................ 17
2.4. Public Involvement and Stakeholders Consultation .............................................................................. 18
2.5. Data Analysis and Report Writing: ......................................................................................................... 19
3. Project Description ........................................................................................................................................ 19
3.1. Project Location...................................................................................................................................... 19
3.2 Project rational ........................................................................................................................................ 20
3.3. Project activities ..................................................................................................................................... 22
4. National policies and regulatory framework ................................................................................................ 23
4.1 Policy framework..................................................................................................................................... 23
4.1.1 Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia ......................................................... 23
5.1.2. National and Regional Conservation Strategy ................................................................................ 24
4.1.3. Environmental Policy of Ethiopia .................................................................................................... 24
4.1.4 Sectoral Environmental Policies ....................................................................................................... 25
4.1.5 National Health Policy ...................................................................................................................... 25
4.1.6. Ethiopian Roads Development (Policy Framework) ........................................................................ 25
4.2 Legislative Framework............................................................................................................................. 27
4.2.1 Establishment of Environmental Protection Organs (Proclamation No. 295/2002)........................ 27
4.2.2 Environmental Impact Assessment (Proclamation No. 299/2002) .................................................. 27
4.2.3 Environmental Pollution Control (Proclamation No. 300/2002)...................................................... 28
4.2.4 National Rural Land Administration and Use (Proclamation No. 456/2005) ................................... 28
4.2.5 EPA’s Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines (2002) ........................................................... 29
4.2.6 Ethiopian Road Authority’s Environmental Impact Assessment Guideline ..................................... 30
4.3. Institutional Framework ......................................................................................................................... 30

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 4.3.1 Federal and Regional States ............................................................................................................. 31
4.3.2 Federal Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) ......................................................................... 31
4.3.3 The Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) ............................................................................................... 33
4.4 Summary of the World Bank’s Safeguards Policies ............................................................................. 33
5. Description of Baseline Environment ............................................................................................................ 34
5.1. Bio-physical Environment....................................................................................................................... 34
5.1.1. Location ........................................................................................................................................... 34
5.1.2. Topography ..................................................................................................................................... 36
5.1.3. Climate ............................................................................................................................................ 36
5.1.4. Geology ........................................................................................................................................... 38
5.1.5. Soil ................................................................................................................................................... 40
5.1.6. Hydrogeology .................................................................................................................................. 40
5.1.7. Flora and Fauna ............................................................................................................................... 41
5.2. Socio-Economic Environment ................................................................................................................ 41
5.2.1. Demographic Features and Settlement Patterns ............................................................................ 41
5.2.2. Health service .................................................................................................................................. 42
5.2.3. Education:........................................................................................................................................ 42
5.2.4. Land use/cover ................................................................................................................................ 43
5.2.5. The existing Road Network, Utilities and Transport Study ............................................................. 45
6. Project Alternatives analysis ......................................................................................................................... 47
7. Environmental Impacts Identifications, Prediction and Analysis .................................................................. 48
7.1. The positive Impacts .............................................................................................................................. 48
7.1.1 Employment Opportunity ................................................................................................................ 48
7.1.2. Social Benefits ................................................................................................................................. 48
7.1.3. Urban Development ........................................................................................................................ 49
7.2. Potential Negative Impacts .................................................................................................................... 49
7.2.1. Slope Destabilization Impact ........................................................................................................... 49
7.2.2. Impacts on soil erosion ................................................................................................................... 49
7.2.3. Impact on Water Resources ............................................................................................................ 49
7.2.4. Impacts on Air Quality, Noise and Vibration ................................................................................ 50
7.2.5. Impacts on Quarry and Borrow Pits ................................................................................................ 50
7.2.6. Impacts on Socio-Economic Environment....................................................................................... 50
7.2.7. Impact on Public Utilities ................................................................................................................ 51

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 7.2.8..Impact on Traffic Accidents and Safety Risks .................................................................................. 51
8. Impact mitigation measures.......................................................................................................................... 52
8.1. Mitigation Measure Impact on Slope Destabilization ............................................................................ 52
8.2. Mitigation Measures impact on soil erosion.......................................................................................... 52
8.3. Mitigation measures Impact on Water Resources ................................................................................. 53
8.4. Mitigation measure impact Air Quality, Noise and Vibration ................................................................ 54
8.5. Mitigation Measures for Soil Erosion at Quarry Sites ............................................................................ 54
8.6. Mitigating measures Impacts on Socio-Economic Environment............................................................ 55
8.7. Mitigation measure Impact on Public Utilities ....................................................................................... 55
8.8. Mitigation Measures Impact on Traffic Accidents and Safety Risks ...................................................... 55
9. Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan ...................................................................................... 61
9.1. Environmental Management Plan ......................................................................................................... 61
9.2. Monitoring Plan and Implementation Program ..................................................................................... 61
9.3. Environmental and Social Monitoring.................................................................................................... 65
9.4. Environmental Cost Estimate ................................................................................................................. 65
10. Conclusion and Recommendation .............................................................................................................. 68
10.1 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................................... 68
10.2 Recommendations ................................................................................................................................ 68
Annexes ............................................................................................................................................................. 69
Annex.1. References...................................................................................................................................... 69
Annex. 2. TOR of the Gravel road EIA consultancy ....................................................................................... 70
Annex .3. CV of EIA Team member .............................................................................................................. 76

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 Figures
FIGURE 2. PUBLIC CONSULTATION FORUM AT 02 KEBELE (LEFT) AND 01KEBELE (RIGHT) .................................................. 19
FIGURE 3: SHOWING LOCATION OF THE CITY WITHIN WHICH THE PROJECT IS LOCATED ........................................................ 20
FIGURE 4. LOCATION OF PROPOSED GRAVEL ROAD AND ROAD NETWORK ........................................................................... 21
FIGURE 5. LOCATION MAP OF THE DESSIE GRAVEL ROAD PROJECT ..................................................................................... 35
FIGURE 6. LOCATION MAP OF THE DESSIE CITY ................................................................................................................... 35
FIGURE 7. ELEVATION AND SLOPE MAP OF DESSIE CITY ....................................................................................................... 36
FIGURE 8.DESSIE TOWN ADMINISTRATION MAJOR LAND USE/COVER MAP, 2012............................................................ 45

Tables
TABLE 1.SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS .......................................................................................... 10
TABLE 2.MITIGATION MEASURES FOR THE ADVERSE IMPACTS .............................................................................................. 11
TABLE 3: DESSIE STATION HIGHEST RAINFALL ................................................................................................................. 37
TABLE 4: DESSIE STATION AVERAGE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE ..................................................................................... 38
TABLE 5. POPULATION SIZE OF DESSIE TOWN BY SEX DISTRIBUTION, 2011 .................................................................... 42
TABLE 6. HEALTH INSTITUTIONS IN 2012 G.C .............................................................................................................................. 42
TABLE 7.EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN 2012 G.C ...................................................................................................................... 43
TABLE 8 LAND USE/COVER OF THE DESSIE TOWN ADMINISTRATION ................................................................................... 44
TABLE 9 :-SHOW THE ASSET REGISTERED FOR DESSIE CITY IN 2012/2013 ............................................................................. 46
TABLE 10.SUMMARY MAJOR IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES ............................................................ 57
TABLE 11- ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT MANAGEMENT, MONITORING PLAN ...................................................... 63
TABLE 12.DESSIE GRAVEL ROAD PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL COST ESTIMATE ...................................................................................... 67

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Acronym
ADSWE Amhara Design and Supervision Works Enterprise
ANRS Amhara National Regional State
BoEPLAU Bureau of Environmental Protection, Land Administration and Use
CSA Central statistic Agency
CSE Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia
DEM Digital Elevation Model
EEPCo Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EIS Environmental Impact Statement
EISR Environmental Impact Study Report
EMB Environmental Management Branch
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
EPC Environmental Protection Council
ERA Ethiopian Road Authority
ESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework
FAO Food and Agricultural Organization
FDRE Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ha Hectare
MASL Meter above Sea Level
MUDC Ministry Urban Development and Construction
NGO Non Governmental Organization
ROW Right-of-Way
SIA Social impact assessment
ULGDP Urban Local Government Development Program
USA United State of America

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 Executive Summary
Dessie is one of the oldest cities in the country and the capital city of South Wollo Zone in the
Amhara National Regional State. It is located on the Addis Ababa - Mekelle highway, at about
400 km distance from Addis Ababa, in the northern part of the country.

According to information from the city council, the current population of the city is estimated at
174,705 people. The city, however, is deficient in infrastructure development and social service
facilities. The infrastructures like gravel road, solid waste management facilities are much below
the demand and requirements of the population of such medium sized urban area. Sustainability
is one of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set by the International community
and hence, governments are expected to work towards those targeted goals.

Dessie city Administration has identified 18 priority municipal projects to be addressed in

2012/2013 and has developed capital investment plans accordingly. Gravel road construction is
planed as one of those priority development areas that have been targeted for the plan period.
The objective of this plan is described as to meet public satisfaction through efficient service
delivery and infrastructure development.

Dessie gravel road project has investigated its design and Engineering work, Geology and
Geotechnical study, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and Socio-economic Studies by
independent consultant of the Amhara Design and Supervision Works Enterprise. The
implementation of this Project will create employment opportunities; improve transportation and
the living condition of the local people. However, the road project will bring negative
environmental and social impacts. The environmental issues are considering through
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before the implementation of development plan to
ensure sustainable development. Prior to implementation of the proposed road project, it is very
essential to identify environmental issues to provide information for decision making and
integrate environmental considerations into the higher level of decision making.

The methodology adopted for conducting this environmental impact assessment study followed
the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ministry of Urban development and construction
Environmental and social Management Framework and Resettlement policy framework- urban

7
local government development project manual November 2008 that meet the requirements of the
World Bank, Federal and Regional Environmental Protection Organs.

The collection of secondary data on environmental components was collected from relevant
documents and literature sources (desktop study) and primary data was also collected through
general public meeting, focus groups discussions, and site observation.

Need for the project

Salaish-segnoGebaye gravel road project is rehabilitation of the existing 10 meter width

deteriorated road to 30 meter width at Tossa hill side though the project is very essential, but
may have negative impacts, therefore the objective of this EIA study is to identify the possible
negative impact during or after construction and to prepare mitigation. Due to the very nature of
the site there will be huge excavation with additional 20m width to the previous 10m width to
Tossa hill side throughout the 2km length; this will pose the negative impacts on the
environment and the people.

According to the reports of the Administration, kebele 01 and 02 (the project area) do not get
adequate transport services due to heavy damage of road. Most of social services such as health,
schools, and market place and bank services are confined in the center of the city where adequate
road and transport facilities are available. As a result, the community in the study area in general
and mothers in particular were facing various problems and difficulties due to lack of transport
services in the area. The problems are very acute during the time of pregnancy when women
have to walk on foot for long distances or are carried on horse carts to receive medical checkup
or to have delivery. The long walk they make on foot or on horse carts expose them to difficult
situations and unexpected problems.

In addition to the problem of road accessibility, lack of proper drainage system in the above
kebeles is also another bottle necks. The run off originated from the tip of the hills that
surrounded the city were drains down towards the city creating flood at various places. Despite
the fact that the city is threatened by flood, the existing drainage system covers only a small part
of the city, mainly the central part just following the road route. Consequently, the project area is
suffering not only from lack of road access but also from the problems of flood.

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Therefore, the construction of the proposed road project will offer the local community easy,
comfortable and quick access to markets and other social services. Following the increased
access and transport opportunities, other socio-economic development will follow including
education, health, communication, market, and banking. The project will reduce travel time to
the social services by mode and location particularly to the clinic and Hospital that are found in
Dessie city.

Description of the project

Construction of proposed gravel road project for kebele 01 and 02 of Dessie city involve
delineation of the project target routes, identification of affected environmental, social and
economic resources, excavation of the route, cut and fill, surfacing and Calvert building with the
necessary downstream structures and Water ways or drainage (1.5m width one side) and walk
way.

The total length of the route is 2 km and 30m width gravel road on the beneath of Tossa hill.
During construction of the road there will be significant biodegradation, air and noise pollution.

Policy, Legislatives and Institutional Framework

The relevant policy, legal and institutional frameworks within which the project will be
implemented have been reviewed and highlighted in the document. Accordingly, Projects to be
implemented under the (Urban Local Government Development Plan (ULGDP) should adhere to
acceptable environmental and social safeguards. The projects should, as far as possible, not result
in significant disturbance of sensitive ecological resources. It should not result in involuntary
resettlement and land acquisition, and where this is necessary it is minimized by exploring all
viable alternatives and where it is unavoidable, compensatory programs are prepared and
implemented

Summary of Environmental and Social Impacts

This part of the report addresses potential impacts associated with the proposed gravel road
construction project and analysis of the related impacts. The project environmental impacts have

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 been those identified as specific to the site such as land clearance, removal of soil and vegetation,
land escape alteration particularly at quarry site, silt deposition and pollution.

Table 1.Summary of Environmental and Social Impacts

Type of Impact Construction Operation

Environmental
Adverse  Slope Destabilization Impact  Impacts on Ambient Air Quality, Noise
 Impacts on soil erosion  Traffic Accidents and Safety Risks
 Impact on Water Resources  Impact of Road Noise
 Accidents from Slips and falls of Stone and soil
Materials
 Impacts on Quarry and Borrow Pits
 Impacts on Vibration
 Positive  Employment opportunity
 Urban development
 Increase livelihood

Social
 Adverse  Impacts on Ambient Air Quality, Noise  Impacts on Ambient Air Quality, Noise
 Traffic Accidents and Safety Risks  Traffic Accidents and Safety Risks
 Impact of Road Noise  Impact of Road Noise
 Loss of Properties and Displacement people
 Positive  Employment opportunity  Employment opportunity
 Urban development  Urban development
 Increase livelihood  Increase livelihood
 access roads provision
 Establishment of proper drainage system

Mitigation measures for the adverse impacts

Mitigation measures are proposed for each of the likely adverse impacts to be posed by the
project and respective to each stage of the project implementation processes.

The proposals for mitigation measures have been detailed for implementation both at the design,
construction and operation phases of the project. The design of gravel road is to ensure the basic

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 objective of providing appropriate transport facilities, and the designer is advised to incorporate
the necessary facilities and provisions for improved environmental performances.

Table 2.Mitigation measures for the adverse impacts

Potential Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures

Impacts
 Careful sitting and selection of the road alignments and quarry sites
Slope Destabilization Impact
 Both vertical and horizontal alignments of the road should follow the natural relief
as closely as possible
 Careful and proper execution of construction works
 Avoid and/ or minimize side casting of materials from road cuts on down slopes.
 Minimize the area of ground clearance
Impacts on soil erosion
 Cuts on erodible surface should be properly executed during dry season i.e. before
the summer rains commence.
 Excavated top soils or loss soils cut-off from the old road and selected material sites
should be collected and preserved for reuse particularly clay soils for filling of
gullies, borrow and quarry sites
 Design and execute adequate and proper drainage structures to reduce erosion or
Impact on Water Resources
sedimentation in drainage ways affected by road construction.
 Avoid the risk of pollution to soil, surface and ground water sources through the
reduction of accidental spillage of fuels, oils, greases and other pollutants
 Implement proper disposal of solid and liquid wastes generated by road
construction activities.
 Reduce noise at the source by monitor and maintenance on noisy machines to
Impacts on Ambient Air Quality,
minimize its effects on people living around the project;
Noise and Vibration
 Noise and vibration arise from crushing process should be minimized through
adequately designing of the foundation for the facility;
 use mechanical hammering which reduces the noise level;

 The contractor should erect stone slips and falls control barriers around perimeter of
Accidents from Slips and falls of
cuts, and roadways
Stone and soil Materials
 Leveling of the exploited blocks before abounding the used quarry;
Impacts on Quarry and Borrow
Pits  In order to minimize the effect of flood, landslide and erosion on road & wetland,
the surface rainwater has to be diverted through appropriate ditches or channels
above the quarry

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  Minimize the area of ground clearance i.e. land clearing for road construction
Loss of Properties and
should be restricted to what is absolutely necessary for the road construction;
Displacement people
 Replanting right species of trees on the road side that could provide benefit such
as shade, soil conservation and prevention of gullies, scenery, and protection from
dust, noise and wind etc.
 Pay compensation to the affected people
 Carefully and clearly mark pedestrian-safe access routes
Traffic Accidents and Safety
Risks  Assign traffic safety personnel to direct traffic during school hours
 Maintain supply of supplies for traffic signs, road marking, and guard rails to
maintain pedestrian safety during construction
 Replanting and maintaining of vegetation
Landslides, Slumps and Slips  Draining the subsurface (reduces pore water pressure)
 Construct artificial barriers
 Reduce slope angle

Impact of Road Noise  Plant 30m tree buffer strips between road and surrounding habitation

Environmental Management and Monitoring plan

The environmental management for the Gravel road will be a performance-based site assessment
and management to ensure road designers and operators select the most appropriate and
innovative means of meeting the specified environmental goals. Accordingly, the gravel road
Environmental Management will have to comply with the following environmental goals;

The goals are geared towards:

 preventing water pollution

 minimizing public health impacts
 minimizing damages to flora and fauna resources
 preventing air pollution
 promoting responsible land management and conservation
 minimizing property losses
 Preventing hazards and loss of amenity.

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Accordingly management and monitoring indicators are identified and discussed in detail,
including in a matrix form to help as a checklist for control of major parameters.

The costs required during operation phase of the project will be part of the day to day
administrative and operational is estimated about 262, 240 Eth. Birr.

The budget will be allocated for training and awareness creation of personnel on the principles
Conservation of natural resource, traffic facilities and salary for permanent and temporary staff.

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 1. Introduction
1.1 Background

Dessie is one of the oldest cities in the country and the capital of South Wollo Zone in the
Amhara Regional State. It is located on the Addis Ababa - Mekelle high way, at about 400 km
distance from Addis Ababa, in the northern part of the country.

According to information from the city council, the current population of the city is estimated at
174,705 people. The city, however, is deficient in infrastructure development and social service
facilities. The infrastructures like gravel road and solid waste management facilities do not
adequately addressed demand and requirements of the population of such medium sized urban
area.

Dessie city Administration has identified 18 priority municipal projects to be addressed in 2012/
2013 and has developed capital investment plans accordingly. Gravel road construction is planed
as one of those priority development areas that have been targeted for the plan period. The
objective of this plan is described as to meat public satisfaction through efficient service delivery
and infrastructure development.

Accordingly, the city administration has planned to carry out the implementation of gravel road
construction project under component-1 of the “Urban Local Government Development Project”
ULGDP. The ULGDP represents the third phase of joint collaboration between the World Bank
and Ethiopian Government to support urban development, and creates a new fiscal instrument in
the form of a specific purpose grant (SPG) to urban local governments to support key
performance improvements required for sustainable, accountable service delivery, which is an
additional component to the government’s fiscal architecture of predictable resource transfers to
the urban sector.

Design and Engineering, geology and geotechnical studies, an Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA), and Socio-economic Studies of the Dessie gravel road have been undertaken
by an independent consultant of the Amhara Design and Supervision Works Enterprise
(ADSWE). Considering environmental and social issues through Environmental Impact

14
Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact assessment (SIA) before implementing a project can help to
ensures sustainable by providing information for decision making to reduce adverse impacts

This report deals with the environmental and social impacts of the proposed development
scheme. The environmental and social impact assessment study was conducted by a team that
consists of multi disciplinary professionals that include environmentalist, geologist, socio-
economist, design engineers (structural engineers), and surveyors.

The report is arranged in the format using environmental and social impact assessment guidelines
of the GOE, the World Bank and the African Development Bank for road development projects as
follow.

Section 1: Introduction

Section 2: Methodology

Section 3: Description of the Proposed Project

Section 4: Legal, Regulatory, Policy, and Administrative Framework

Section 5: Description of the Existing Environment

Section 6: Proposed Project and Alternatives

Section 7: Environmental Impacts Identifications, Prediction and analysis

Section 8: Impact Mitigation Measures

Section 9: Environmental management and monitoring plan

Section 10: Conclusion and recommendation

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 1.2. Objective of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

It is understood that construction of the gravel roads will have economic and social benefits in
the improvement of the quality of living and facilitate the economic development of the area by
reducing the prevailing impaired and retarded mobility of goods and services. However, it is also
possible that some aspects of the construction of the gravel roads may have some negative or
undesired impacts on the social, economical and bio-physical environment of the area concerned
if appropriate measures that can correct or mitigate undesirable and unintended results are not
incorporated.

1.2.1. Specific objectives:

 To identify sensitive environmental components likely to be affected by the proposed

gravel road project,
 To provide baseline data on the existing physical, biological and socio-cultural
environment of the project area.
 To Identify, predict and synthesizes of the potential environmental impacts associated
with the project implementation and;
 To design mitigation measures and management plan to avoid or minimize adverse
impacts and enhance beneficial impacts.

2. Approaches and Methodology

The methodology adopted for conducting this environmental impact assessment study followed
the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ministry of Urban development and construction
Environmental and Social Management Framework and Resettlement policy framework- urban
local government development project manual November 2008 that meet the requirements of the
World Bank, Federal and Regional Environmental Protection Organs.

The collection of secondary data on environmental components was collected from relevant
documents and literature sources (desktop study) and primary data was also collected through
general public meeting, focus groups discussions, and site observation.

16
 2.1 Data Collection methods and tools Information

Secondary data were collected through, reviewing published international conventions and
protocols ratified by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE), national and regional
state policies, legislatives, regulations and guidelines related to environment and base line data
(rain fall, master plan population, health service.) were also collected from stakeholders and
authorities with whom consultations made at the project area, Dessie city cabinet members,
local sector offices (Dessie city service, agricultural office finance and local economic office).
Primary data were collected using observation, focus groups discussion, general public meetings,
and key informants.
Checklists and camera was used to collect data from secondary sources from site observation,
camera was used to collect information from site observations and meetings, interview and FGD
guide used to track discussion and collect information.

2.2 Field Survey

Site Visits to obtain Baseline Condition of the Project Area: An extensive field visit to the
project area was conducted by the environmental specialist to collect primary data on bio-
physical and socio-economic conditions of the project area as well as to identify the existing
environmental issues and the potential environmental effects of the proposed project. Land use
and land cover data of the route corridor was also surveyed along the old route alignment.
Moreover, a detailed land acquisition (buildings, institutions, fences, commercial tress, useable
lands, etc.) survey was also conducted to clearly identify and register each and every useable
resources located within the proposed road right-of-way.
Site visits were made from October 6 - 10, 2012 to assess the baseline environmental conditions
of the proposed project site; to define impacted areas and identify environmental components
that are likely to be significantly affected by the proposed project. During field survey, basic data
and information on the biophysical resources, historical and cultural sites have been collected.

2.3. Review of Existing Literature and Maps:

Relevant documents of previous studies as well as important policies, proclamations guidelines
were reviewed. Guidelines such as World Bank Environmental Assessment Guidelines, Urban
Local Development Project Environmental and Social Management Framework, Federal EIA

17
procedural Guidelines, Amhara region Revised EIA Guidelines, Environmental Impact
Assessment Guidelines on Road were reviewed.

Sectoral environmental policies, proclamation on Environmental Impact Assessment,

proclamation on expropriation of land and compensation, Proclamation on urban land
administration and proclamation on preservation of cultural heritage were also reviewed.

2.4. Public Involvement and Stakeholders Consultation

Public involvement is a cornerstone and fundamental principle of the EIA process, The Ethiopian
Government’s Environmental impact assessment guidelines and the project’s ESMF call for
broad public involvement combined with greater accountability in environmental and
development decision-making.

To meet the requirements of both the national and regional regulatory authorities and ULGDP’s
ESMF and seek the views and concerns on the proposed Salaysh-SegnoGebya gravel road
project, formal as well as informal consultations were conducted with concerned officials and
experts at different administrative levels, and with representatives of the local community of the
affected and interested groups (Dessie city municipality,).

Formal public hearing and consultations with participants from different society groups was held
at Kebele 01 and 02meeting hall on March, 22, 2012- March 30, 2012 (see photo on Figure 1.).
In addition, discussions were conducted with semi structured interviews with relevant individuals
and institutions at City, woreda and Kebele levels to solicit their views, concerns and comments
to maximize the social and environmental outcomes of the project, obtaining key information
from indigenous and current experiences and knowledge, impact identification , scoping,
examination of alternatives , planning of potential mitigation measures and identify deliverables
that can be provided by different stakeholders.

Public consultation was extended beyond the affected community in the project area, to
understand the views of any member of the public that is knowledgeable on the impacts of the
project or is better informed on environmental trends of the project area.

Based on the discussions made with the communities, they reflect their fear and suggest the
possible adverse impacts associated design, construction and implementation of the gravel road
project (a) Displacement of local communities,(b)aggravate landslide and flood hazard,(c) loss

18
of market places(Segno-Gebeya),(d) loss of fences, shops and plantation trees, and(e) impact on
telephone lines and waterlines. However, the community has also mention the advantage of the
implementation of the project like (a) Improve access to markets, (b) Improve access to health
facilities, and linkage with other Kebeles (c) increase land value and improve health condition,
(d) Reduce traffic accident, and (e) creates employment opportunity during road construction
phase as well as operational phase.

Figure 2. Public Consultation Forum at 02 Kebele (left) and 01Kebele (Right)

2.5. Data Analysis and Report Writing:

Analysis of the collected data and information to assess and predict the potential impact of the
proposed project as it is designed and report preparation was conducted as per the requirement of
the environmental impact assessment guideline produced by World Bank and Amhara Region
Environmental Protection, Land administration and use Bureau.

3. Project Description
3.1. Project Location
Dessie city is located between 110 13’ N latitude and 390 65’ E longitudes. It is situated at about
400 km distance North of Addis Ababa on the high way to Mekelle. The proposed gravel Road
Project is located in Dessie city and connects two kebeles of the city, namely kebele 01 and 02 to
the main road and market place of the city (Segno gebeya).

19
 The location
of Dessie city

Figure 3: Showing location of the city within which the project is located

As stated above, this is a project of gravel road to be constructed in Salaysh-Segno gebya of

Dessie city. The heavily damaged and heavily trafficked earth road in this area will be part of
the project. The aim is to raise the standard of the road from earth and uncomfortable riding
road to gravel roads so as to facilitate better access of residents. The length of the gravel roads
is stretching from Salaysh to Segno Gebya about two km.

3.2 Project rational

Among the critical problems identified by Dessie city administration, the heavily damaged and
heavily trafficked earth roads for kebele 01 and 02 is one of the major problems of the city. The
proposed road development project will have a length of 2 km.

According to the reports of the Administration, the above kebeles (the project area) do not get
adequate transport services due to heavy damage of road. Most of social services such as health,
schools, and market place and bank services are confined in the center of the city where adequate
road and transport facilities are available. As a result, the community in the study area in general
and mothers in particular were facing various problems and difficulties due to lack of transport

20
services in the area. The problems are very acute during the time of pregnancy when women
have to walk on foot for long distances or are carried on horse carts to receive medical checkup
or to have delivery. The long walk they make on foot or on horse carts expose them to difficult
situations and unexpected problems.

In addition to the problem of road accessibility, lack of proper drainage system in the above
kebeles is also another bottle necks. The run off originated from the tip of the hills that
surrounded the city were drains down towards the city creating flood at various places. Despite
the fact that the city is threatened by flood, the existing drainage system covers only a small part
of the city, mainly the central part just following the road route. Consequently, the project area is
suffering not only from lack of road access but also from the problems of flood.

Therefore, the construction of the proposed road project will offer the local community easy,
comfortable and quick access to markets and other social services. Following the increased
access and transport opportunities, other socio-economic development will follow including
education, health, communication, market, and banking. The project will reduce travel time to
the social services by mode and location particularly to the clinic and Hospital that are found in
Dessie city.

Figure 4. Location of Proposed gravel road and Road Network

21
 3.3. Project activities
The project work mainly involves foundation excavation and compaction of Sub-base and Road
base course at the road location, while material production and transportation will be done at
outside of the city centers.

Clearing and Grubbing

 Clearing and grubbing of 7.6 hectare of land

 Demolishing of existing 1000m3 Asphalt and 600m3 ditch

Drainage work and Concrete Pipe Culverts

 Internal diameter of 90cm Concrete pipe for storm water drains including Class B bedding.
 Internal diameter 15cm Concrete pipe for inlet of water to the ditch every 30m interval both
sides.

Curbing, channeling, open chutes, down pipes and concrete lining of open drains

 Concrete Curbing C-25 Concrete as Shown on the detail to be used at the edge of Asphalt
road. Cost including production, hauling & Placing
 Concrete Curbing C-25 Concrete as shown on the detail no 2 to be used at the edge of the
median & Side walkway. Cost including production, hauling & Placing

Concrete lining for open drains

 Cast in situ Concrete lining of C-20 Concrete for Rectangular Open drains
 5cm thick Cement Screed surface finish to cast in situ concrete

Platching, Stone Work, and Erosion protection

 40cm thick Cement- Mortared Stone Walls(for ditch)

 40x40x6cmcement tile for Side walk Pavement
 4cm thick Sand Used for bedding under tile
 15cm thick Red ash to be used bedding under sand for tile

Stone masonry walls

 Cement-mortared stone walls(for pipe end wall)

22
  Cement-mortared stone walls(for retaining wall)

Preparation of road bed and Protection of Earth works

 Compaction to 93% of modified AASHTO density

 Cut and Borrow to Fill Including Free-haul up to 1.5 Km
 Cut to spoil ,Common excavation
 Cut to spoil, rock excavation

Sub-base and Road base course

 95% of Modified AASHTO density 250mm Compacted layer thickness

 Non-Cemented material 250mm Compacted layer thickness
 98% of Modified AASHTO density 200mm Compacted layer thickness

Ancillary Works

 Erect and construct 14 Signboard and Sign faces with painted background, Symbols, lettering
and borders in engineering grade retro-reflective material with 2mm thick aluminum the Area
not exceeding 2 sq m
 Office Building and laboratory Building Complete as specified including furniture

4. National policies and regulatory framework

Similar to other developmental projects; the proposed gravel road construction project that
passes through kebele 01 and 02 Project is influenced by several policies and programs aimed at
development and environmental protection. Therefore; policies, legislations and institutional
frameworks most relevant to development projects in general and to the proposed project in
particular are presented and assessed for relevant.

4.1 Policy framework

4.1.1 Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
The constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia provides the overriding
principles for all legislative frame-works in the country. The concept of sustainable development

23
and the environmental rights of the people are enshrined in the constitution by the following
articles that stipulate the rights of peoples in country.

5.1.2. National and Regional Conservation Strategy

The initiation of the project on Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia (CSE) in1989 was the first
comprehensive undertaking that laid down the basis for conservation policies and strategies in
Ethiopia. The purpose of the CSE Project was the assessment of the status and trends in the use
and management of the resource base of Ethiopia, the foundation of a policy and a strategy
framework and the development of a Federal Action Plan and Investment Program including
legislative measures and operational arrangements for implementation. The formulation process
has been countrywide, multi-sectoral and participatory. The CSE takes a holistic view of the
natural, human-made and cultural resources and their use and abuse. It seeks to integrate existing
and future Federal and Regional State Government planning in all sectors that rests upon the
natural and human-made environments.

4.1.3. Environmental Policy of Ethiopia

The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (EPE) was issued in April 1997. The overall policy goal is
to improve and enhance the health and quality of life of all Ethiopians, to promote sustainable
social and economic development through sound management and use of natural, human and
cultural resources and their environment as a whole, so as to meet the needs of the present
generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The policy seeks to ensure the empowerment and participation of the people and their
organizations at all levels in environmental management activities, and to raise public awareness
and promote understanding of the essential linkage between environment and development. In
addition to its guiding principles, the policy provides sectoral and cross-sectoral environmental
policies.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) policies are included in the cross-sectoral

environmental policies. The EIA policies emphasize the early recognition of environmental
issues in project planning, public participation, mitigation and environmental management, and
capacity building at all levels of administration.

24
 4.1.4 Sectoral Environmental Policies
The detailed sectoral environmental policies and strategy together with the related law and
regulation are currently in various stages of preparation. One of the policies is the wildlife policy
developed by the Ministry of Agriculture whose prime objective are the preservation,
development and sustainable utilization of Ethiopia's wildlife resources for social and economic
development and for the integrity of the biosphere. This is at present in draft form and covers a
wide range of policies and strategies relating amongst others, to wildlife conservation and
protected areas. A forestry management policy is also under preparation by the Ministry of
Agriculture, to address the problems posed by continued deforestation arising from the use of
wood in construction and as domestic fuel. Water Resources Policy has been formulated by the
Ministry of Water Resources and Biodiversity Policy by the Ministry of Agriculture.

4.1.5 National Health Policy

The health policy and strategy of the government is based on the belief that health policy cannot
be considered in isolation from policies addressing population dynamics, food availability,
acceptable living conditions and other requisite essentials for health improvement and shall
therefore develop effective inter-sectoral connection for a comprehensive betterment of life.
Article 2 of the General Policy states the 'development of the preventive and promotive
components of health care' as one of the basic policy component. The promotion of occupational
health and safety (Article 2.2.2) and the development of environmental health (Article 2.2.3) are
identified as priority policy areas for the health sector.

Article 3.4 of the policy states that inter-sectoral collaboration shall be emphasized in developing
safe disposal of human, household, agricultural, and industrial wastes and encouragement of
recycling'. Article 5.2 states that the promotional and preventive activities shall address
'prevention of environmental pollution with hazardous chemical wastes'.

4.1.6. Ethiopian Roads Development (Policy Framework)

Resettlement and rehabilitation are recognized civic rights in the Ethiopian legislation. Article 44
No.2 of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has a clause stating that:

25
“All persons who have been displaced or whose livelihoods have been adversely affected as a
result of state programs have the right to commensurate monetary or alternative means of
compensation, including relocation with adequate state assistance.”

This is the basis for the compensation procedures established by the ERA has and likewise, the
legal framework for the present resettlement and rehabilitation policy framework.

Furthermore, by signing the credit agreements for the RSDPSP (credit 3032) and the RRP (credit
2438) with IDA, The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia committed itself to abide the
involuntary resettlement policy of the World Bank and both parties do agree on the fact that
development projects should not be realized at the expense of the people affected by the projects.
Thus, the legal framework of the RSDPSP are the Ethiopian constitution as transcended into the
ERA procedures and the World Bank Operational Directive (OD) 4.12 on involuntary
resettlement and its operational policy as spelled out in Involuntary Resettlement Sourcebook:
Planning and Implementation in Development Projects.

Apart from the broad policy frameworks at national level, the main reference behind the
preparation of a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) is ERA's guiding principles as stipulated in its
Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy Framework. The following statement is quoted from the
ERA's Resettlement and Rehabilitation Framework to show when and where a RAP is required
or not.

At project identification, social screening/social impact assessment (SIA) of the subprojects will
be conducted with the aim to determine whether or not a subproject requires detailed
resettlement action plans. The principles of compensation/rehabilitation will be triggered
wherever there will be a land requirement and adverse social impacts. Should, however, the SIA
findings reveal that more than 200 persons are affected by a subproject, a resettlement action
plan will have to be prepared (ERA 2002). In the same issue the World Bank OP/BP 4.12, as
referred in ERA's Policy Framework, states:

As per the above framework, a threshold has been set whether or not to proceed with a detail
RAP once a social screening is done on any proposed road development project. Road
development that entails the relocation of more than 200 individuals or about 40 households is
expected to draw up a resettlement action plan. Those road projects that would displace less than
200 individuals are not expected to come up with a detailed/full scale RAP and instead

26
appropriate compensation measures for lost assets, arrangements for logistical support and a
relocation grant have to be made.

4.2 Legislative Framework

4.2.1 Establishment of Environmental Protection Organs (Proclamation
No. 295/2002)
This law clarifies the institutional mandate and responsibilities of the Environmental Protection
Authority (EPA) and aims to integrate environmental considerations into the policies and
decision-making of sectoral agencies through such means as the establishment of environmental
units in these agencies at the federal level and the creation of independent environmental
agencies at the regional level.

This law also re-established the Environmental Protection Council, a cross-sectoral co-
coordinating body that advises the federal EPA and supervises its activities. The mandate of the
Council includes: (i) reviewing environmental policies, strategies and laws proposed by the EPA
and issuing recommendations to government; (ii) providing appropriate advice on the
implementation of the Environmental Protection Policy of Ethiopia; and (iii) reviewing and
approving directives, guidelines, and environmental standards prepared by the EPA.

4.2.2 Environmental Impact Assessment (Proclamation No. 299/2002)

The Federal Government has issued a Proclamation on Environmental Impact Assessment
(Proclamation No. 299/2002) and the primary aim of this Proclamation is to make EIA
mandatory for specified categories of activities undertaken either by the public or private sectors,
and possibly, the extension of EIA to policies, plans and programs in addition to projects.

The provisions of the proclamation include:

 Projects will be subject to EIA in the plan stage and execution is subject to an
environmental clearance from the EPA or Regional Government Environmental Agency,
as applies;

 EPA or the Regional Agency, depending on the magnitude of expected impacts, may
waive the requirement of an EIA;

27
  All other licensing agencies shall, prior to issuing of a license, ensure that either EPA or
the regional Environmental Agency has authorized implementation of project; and

 A licensing agency shall either suspend or cancel a license that has already been issued,
in the case that EPA or the Regional environmental agency suspends or cancels the
environmental authorization.

 Approval of an Environmental Impact Study Report (EISR) or the granting of

authorization by the EPA or the Ethiopian Road Authority (ERA) does not exonerate the
proponent from liability for damage.

The proclamation is based on the principle that each citizen has the right to have a healthy
environment, as well as the obligation to protect the environment of the country. It contains
provisions for Control of Pollution, Management of Municipal Waste, and Management of
Hazardous Waste, Chemical and Radioactive Substance. It also encompasses provisions for the
formulation of practicable Environmental Standards by the EPA, in consultation with competent
agencies. Furthermore, it empowers the EPA or ERA to assign Environmental Inspectors who
have powers and duties to control pollution.

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

The environmental Pollution Control Proclamation (Proc. no. 300/2002) is promulgated with a
view to eliminate or when not possible to mitigate pollution as an undesirable consequence of
social and economic development activities. This proclamation contains general provisions on
pollution control, environmental standards, powers and duties of environmental inspectors, rights
to appeal and offences and penalties. The pollution control component includes provisions on
management of hazardous wastes, chemicals and radioactive substances, management of
municipal wastes and protection or the ozone layer. The proclamation has provisions on
forfeiture, cancellation and restoration.

4.2.4 National Rural Land Administration and Use (Proclamation No.

456/2005)
Land is the property of the state/public and does not require compensation. The land
proclamations 31/1975 of rural land and 47/1975 of urban land state that the Government holds
the ownership of land; it is the property of the Ethiopian People, Article 7(72) of proclamation

28
4/1975 states that the Government shall pay fair compensation for property found on the land,
but the amount of compensation shall not take any value of the land into account, because land is
owned by state.

Proclamation No.55/1993, article 5.2, states that ERA shall use, free of charge; land and such
other resources and quarry substances for the purpose of construction of highways, in
construction of camp, storage of equipment and other required services, provided, however, that
it shall pay compensation in accordance with the law for properties on the land it uses.

The Right-of-Way (ROW) is the land allocated and preserved by the law for the public use in
road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance work. For example in the Rural Road (RR50)
standard 15m width on either side of the road centerline fall into the legal ROW.

4.2.5 EPA’s Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines (2002)

As part of the ongoing effort to develop environmental legislation and guidelines in Ethiopia, the
EPA released its EIA guidelines document. The document provides a background to
environmental impact assessment and environmental management in Ethiopia. The document
aims as being a reference material to ensure effective environmental assessment and
management practice in Ethiopia for all parties who are engaged in the process. The long-term
objectives of the EIA system as set out by the EPA are:

 Conservation and sustainable use of natural resources

 Integration of environmental considerations in development planning processes

 Protection and enhancement of the quality of all life forms

 Attainment of environmentally and socially sound and sustainable development

The document details the required procedures for conducting an EIA in Ethiopia and the
requirements for environmental management. These requirements are presented on a step-by-
step basis in the guideline. In addition, the document specifies tools that may be considered when
engaging in the EIA process. Reference is made to the legislation and policies with which
potential investors and developers in Ethiopia must comply and key issues for environmental
assessment in specific development sectors are detailed for consideration.

29
In addition, the EIA Guideline provides the categories, the relevant requirements for Ethiopian
Road Authority (ERA) and lists project types under each category. In accordance with this
Guideline, projects are categorized into three schedules:

Schedule-I: Projects, which may have adverse and significant environmental impacts and
therefore require a full Environmental Impact Assessment.

Schedule-2: Projects whose type, scale or other relevant characteristics have potential to cause
some significant environmental impacts but are not likely to warrant a full EIA
study.

Schedule-3: Projects which would have no impact and do not require an EIA.

Accordingly, rural road programs fall into Schedule 1 and major rural road upgrading/
rehabilitation fall into Schedule 2. However, projects located in environmentally sensitive
areas such as land prone to erosion; land prone to desertification; areas of historic or
archaeological interest; important landscape; religiously important area, etc. should be
treated as equivalent to Schedule 1 activities.

4.2.6 Ethiopian Road Authority’s Environmental Impact Assessment

Guideline
On the basis of the EPA's Environmental Impact Considerations for Transport Sector Projects
(January 1998), ERA has issued Environmental Guidelines for the road subsectr to instruct
different parties involved with road sector environmental activities. The main objective of the
document is to provide specific guidelines on how to integrate environmental concerns
associated with road works into planning, design and implementation. It is not a legal document,
but rather an official guideline to serve the activities of the Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA)
and its relations with other organizations in environmental issues.

4.3. Institutional Framework

The following paragraphs discuss the institutional and administrative framework at the Federal
and Regional level and organizations responsible for the preparation of environmental policy and
technical guidelines.

30
 4.3.1 Federal and Regional States
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) was formally established on 1995. The
FDRE comprises of the Federal states with nine Regional State members. The roles of
government at the different levels (Federal, Regional and Local) are defined by the Constitution
(1995) and Proclamations No. 4 of 1995. The government structure takes power from the centre
to Regions and Woredas. Under these proclamations, duties and responsibilities of Regional
States include planning, directing and developing social and economic programs, as well as the
administration, development and protection of natural resources of their respective regions.

4.3.2 Federal Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) was established in August 1995, under
Proclamation 9/1995, and is an autonomous government body reporting directly to the Prime
Minister. It has a broad mandate covering environmental matters at Federal level. The
Proclamation sets out the main responsibilities and broad organizational structure of the EPA.

The key functions of EPA are defined in Proclamation 9/1995 and may be summarized as
follows:

 preparation of environmental protection policies and laws and to ensure that these are
implemented

 preparation of directives and implementation of systems necessary for the evaluation

of the impact of projects on the environment

 preparation of environmental protection standards and implementation of directives

concerning soil, water and air

 the conduct of studies on desertification and the co-ordination of efforts to combat it

 preparation of recommendations regarding measures needed to protect the

environment

 enhancement of environmental awareness programs

 implementation of international treaties concerning the environment to which

Ethiopia is a signatory

 provision of advice and technical support to the regions on environmental matters

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The Federal government of Ethiopia issued Environmental protection organs establishment
proclamation (proclamation No. 295/2002). The objective of this Proclamation is to assign
responsibilities to separate organizations for environmental development and management
activities on one hand, and environmental protection, regulations and monitoring on the other
hand in order to ensure sustainable use of environmental resources, thereby avoiding possible
conflicts of interest and duplication of effort. It is also intended to establish a system that fosters
coordinated but differentiated responsibilities among environmental protection agencies at
federal and regional levels.

This Proclamation re-established the EPA as an autonomous public institution of the Federal
Government of Ethiopia. It also empowers every competent agency to establish or designate an
environmental unit (Sectoral Environmental Unit) that shall be responsible for coordination and
follow-up so that the activities of the competent agency are in harmony with this Proclamation
and with other environmental protection requirements. Furthermore, the Proclamation stated that
each regional state shall establish an independent regional environmental agency or designate an
existing agency that shall (based on the Ethiopian Environmental Policy and Conservation
Strategy) be responsible for:

 Ensuring public participation in decision-making process.

 Coordinating the formulation, implementation, review and revision of regional

conservation strategies, and

 Environmental monitoring, protection and regulation.

As indicated above, the new Proclamation on Institutional Arrangements for Environmental

Protection, envisages a widening of the EPA’s mandate. Most of the proposed additional
powers and duties relate to co-ordination and monitoring aspects. Key elements include:

 to establish a system for EIA of projects, policies, strategies, laws and programs

 to enforce implementation of this EIA process (i.e. review EIA reports) and the
recommendations which result from it for projects that are subject to Federal licensing,
execution or supervision

 to determine environmental standards and ensure their compliance

32
  to enter any land, premises or any other places that falls under the Federal jurisdiction,
inspect anything and take samples as deemed necessary with a view to ascertaining
compliance with environmental protection requirements

 to ensure implementation of environmental protection laws

In view of the multi-sectoral nature of the EPE and the number of government agencies
involved in various aspects of environmental management, overall co-ordination and policy
review and direction is the responsibility of an Environmental Protection Council (EPC)
within EPA, whose members represent the key agencies concerned with policy
implementation and representatives from the civil society. With these powers, EPA has the
mandate to involve itself on all projects that have a federal, inter-regional (involving more
than one Region) and international scope.

4.3.3 The Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA)

The Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) was established in 1951 through proclamation
No.63/1963 with responsibilities for the construction, improvement and maintenance of the
Country's road network. Proclamation No.80/1987 reestablished ERA. ERA's Environmental
Management Branch (EMB) was established in January 1998 with major responsibility of setting
and implementing ERA's environmental guidelines in support of the national level requirements.
The EMB holds the capacity of advisory, co-ordination and supervision aspects that are pertinent
to the road environmental impacts and implication assessment as well as co-ordination with the
respective ERA district offices.

4.4 Summary of the World Bank’s Safeguards Policies

The World Bank's environmental and social safeguard policies are a cornerstone of its support to
sustainable development. The objective of these policies is to prevent and mitigate undue harm
to people and their environment in the development process. These policies provide guidelines
for bank and borrower staffs in the identification, preparation, and implementation of programs
and projects. Operational Policy (OP) and bank Procedure (BP) 4.01- Environmental Assessment
is one of the 10 environmental, social Safeguard Policies of the World Bank. Environmental
Assessment is used in the World Bank to identify, avoid, and mitigate the potential negative
environmental impacts associated with Bank lending operations. In World Bank operations, the

33
purpose of Environmental Assessment is to improve decision making, to ensure that project
options under consideration are sound and sustainable, and that potentially affected people have
been properly consulted.

The World Bank's environmental assessment policy and recommended processing are described
in Operational Policy (OP)/Bank Procedure (BP) 4.01: Environmental Assessment. This policy is
considered to be the umbrella policy for the Bank's environmental 'safeguard policies' which
among others include: Natural Habitats (OP 4.04), Forests (OP 4.36), Pest Management (OP
4.09), Physical Cultural Resources (OP 4.11), and Safety of Dams (OP 4.37), Involuntary
Resettlement Policy (4.12).

5. Description of Baseline Environment

The physical, biological and socio-economic environment is investigated to facilitate the
evaluation of potential impacts in chapter 6. This description of the environmental setting is a
record of conditions prior to implementation of the proposed project. It is primarily a benchmark
against which to measure environmental changes and to assess impacts.

5.1. Bio-physical Environment

5.1.1. Location
The project is located in Amhara National Regional State (ANRS) of South Wollo zone, Dessie
town. The proposed gravel road project consists of one road alignment namely Segno-Gebeya-
Salayesh (01 and o2 Kebeles).The proposed gravel road has a total length of 2km stretching
From Salaysh to Segnogebeya (Figure 4. Shows the location of proposed road project)

34
 Salaysh Kebele

Segno Gebya

Figure 5. Location Map of the Dessie Gravel road Project

Road to Mekelle

Road to Addis -
Ababa

Figure 6. Location Map of the Dessie City

35
 5.1.2. Topography
The project area of Dessie Town is characterized by significant variations in topography. As we
prepared elevation map from 30m DEM, altitude variations, range from 1924 meter, in low lying
river valley bottoms to about 3037 meter above sea level in the nearby Tossa mountain ridges.
And the proposed road scheme is in range of 2369 to 2592meter above sea level, slopes ranging
from 0.024 to 19 degree.

Figure 7. Elevation and slope Map of Dessie city

5.1.3. Climate
There is Dessie meteorological station in project area. At this station highest rain fall and average
maximum and minimum temperature data were recorded. The maximum rains fall data are
received in months of July or August, when the full effect of inter-tropical convergence zone
(ITCT) is observed. The details of highest rainfall, average maximum and minimum temperature
data for Dessie station are shown in the table 3.1, 3.2&3.3 respectively.

Rainfall

Like other parts of the country, Dessie is also experiencing four seasons. These are:

 Keremt (mainly rainy season)

 Bega (dry season)

36
  Belg (small rains)
 Meker (a spell between the main rainy season and small rains)

The hydrologic analysis result that rainfall is the major factor controlling the water cycle of the
area of orographic type, which is formed from condensation of the vapors driven by winds
against highly elevated parts of the area.

The rainfall is weakly bi-modal with a small rainy season during the months of April and May
while along rainy season is experienced during summer comprising the months of July, August
and September.

The rainfall recorded at Dessie metrological station for the past 18 years (1994-2011) indicated
that the mean annual rainfall is about 866.25mm. The proportion of the precipitation in the
months of July and August is about 55% of the annual total. The mean monthly rainfall that
characterize the area for 18 years range from 10.00 mm in December to 228.6 in August.

Table 3: Dessie Station Highest Rainfall

Year Jan. Feb. Mar. A. May. Jun. Jul. A. Sep. O N. D

1994 0 0 18.7 51 19.8 14.4 40.9 53.4 37.3 22.6 31 0
1995 0 27.3 24.5 58.8 26.8 40.3 45.2 94 14.5 48 0 23.4
1996 12.8 15 24.3 25.1 24.9 11.9 39.6 63.5 16.2 2.2 38.8 3.5
1997 16.2 0 40.8 18.7 8.8 21 37.5 52.8 12.4 36.5 55.5 0
1998 23.5 35.6 14 21.1 31.6 0 78.1 78.1 21 32.2 0 0
1999 30 0 24.1 0 7.6 8.6 68.3 44.5 50.5 23 0 9.1
2000 0 0 3.7 19.6 15.7 21.9 36.7 53.7 49.6 49.5 23.7 17.8
2001 1.3 0 44 20 32.5 23.4 39.1 46.7 55.2 12.7 0 5
2002 7.5 11.2 23.8 34.1 12.1 Xx 76.2 71 33.2 10.5 Xx Xx
2003 21.5 19.1 20.3 65.9 9.3 17.4 30 55.4 36.4 2.3 8.7 43.2
2004 0 3.4 3.5 21.3 5.1 18.2 46 40 15 37.8 48.4 3.6
2005 10.4 18.9 30.7 55.9 35.5 16.3 55.9 61.5 12.6 13.4 6 0
2006 2.3 1 26.7 41 38.6 20.7 83.6 74.8 52.5 38.8 0 7.9
2007 15.8 38.8 21.8 22.6 21.7 12.4 36.7 34.7 27.1 14.2 8 0
2008 7.3 0.6 0 6.2 26.1 14.1 31.2 46.5 30 33.1 24.2 Xx
2009 9 8.4 7.8 49 8.4 14.1 66.7 50.7 15 28 12.7 Xx
2010 0 26 26 33.6 27.2 20.7 71.4 46.5 8.2 27.7 5.8 4.5
2011 5.6 1 17.4 38.8 37.5 12.5 43 42 8.2

37
 Temperature

Two years (2010-2011) data is obtained from Dessie station for monthly mean temperature. The
two years average value shows that the mean annual temperature of the city is 24.025 0C. The
hottest month with the maximum temperature of 27 0c is May and June while the coldest month
is November and December with the minimum mean temperature of 5 0c and 5.50c. Thus, the
two years average value show variation which range from 5.50c and 5 0c (for November and
December) to 27 0c and 25 0c (for May and June)

Table 4: Dessie Station Average Maximum Temperature

J F M A M Ju J A S O N D
Max 21.6 23.3 22.4 24.1 25 27 25.3 25.1 25 24 22.9 21.5
Mimi 7 7.3 8.9 9.4 9.6 9.8 10.2 10.3 8.8 6.2 5 5.5

5.1.4. Geology
5.1.4.1. Regional Geology
The regional geological setting of the stream basin is part of the geological history of the Afro
Arabian geology; the regional geology of the project area can be summarized as follows:

The Precambrian basement complex does not outcrop in the project area. The Mesozoic
sedimentary rocks are observed at some places in downstream. The bedrock in the upper and
middle catchments is mainly Trap Series basalt. The Series is divided into two groups, namely,
Ashangi and Shield Group, and the two groups are similar in litho logy.

The Ashangi Group comprises the older volcanic rocks which were formed by lava and debris
ejected from fissure eruptions. It covers most of the project area and consists predominantly
rhyolitic and ignimbrite with inter-bedded pyroclastic, trachyte. The eruptions took place at
intervals and in some locations there was sufficient time between different episodes to allow
inter-bedded soil or pale soil layers to form.

5.1.4.2 Local geology

As it is observed from the local geology of the project area include the surrounding volcanic
ridges and mountain area that have same geological formations and have distinct geological

38
formation to the plain area; the Ashangi formation corresponds with the surrounding ridges and
mountain whereas the quaternary volcanic and sediments with the plain area.

A) Volcanic rock
The volcanic ridges and mountain those encompass the project area/ the study area/ are
dominated by the trepans series especially the Ashangi group volcanic. These Ashangi Group
consists of predominantly highly weathered and jointed at the top rhyolitic/ignimbrite acidic rock
which forms mountain and ridge both upstream and downstream of the project site and around the
project site. This rock is the major construction material within the project and around the project
and it occur widely and predominantly in the project site. It has low strength compared to basaltic
rock origin and it has variegated color which is yellow, white and pink colors. The top part of this
rock is highly weathered and covered by dark brown silt clay soil which is developed from
underlying rock in the most part of the study area. This rhyolitic/ignimbrite rock exposed widely
at the top of mountain and ridge and in some amount it exposed along the river bed

B) Quaternary Sediments
The quaternary sediments are all unconsolidated deposits that filled the river water way and come
from surrounding area and mountain. It also located in some amount along the river banks (older
deposit).It has shallow depth on river bed. The erosion/transportation from the highland and
deposition of sediments in the river bed is a continuous process to the present as witnessed in the
field.

This sediment deposits are composed of gravel and sand. While the deposition of the larger
materials like boulders, cobbles, and pebbles is restricted to narrow transportation and the fine
materials reach furthest extremes of the area following flood plains of streams and much in
Project River.

5.1.4.3. Geological Structure

The geological structure of the area is controlled by tectonic events that led to the development
of different topographic feature. These events are characterized by different volcanic eruption,
which gave rise to different volcanic mountain and fault zone. This fault zone (weak zone) is
responsible for development river water way (channel) and it is narrow and elongated and run in
N-S direction.

39
 5.1.5. Soil
The soil types reflect the combined effects of soil formation factors: geology (primarily fine
grained, weathering to produce clays), climate (moderate to high rainfall), topography (with
distinct variation between sites on slopes red soils) and time. Climate, topography and human
settlement are the main factors that have influenced both the land use and the natural vegetation
cover type. The nature of soils and the landscape combined with factors such as a long history of
settlement, prevailing agricultural practices, and increasing population pressure which forces
people to cultivate even steeper slopes all exacerbate land degradation.

The dominate soil type of the specific project site (the road alignments run) is lithic Leptosols.
While the soil types of Dessie town administration are Eutric Vertisols and Lithic Leptosols. As
it can be seen from the soil map, the dominant soil type is Lithic Leptosols which accounts
16831.73 ha (97.92%) followed by Eutric Vertisols 355.81ha (2.08%).

Leptosols: Leptosols accommodates very shallow soils over hard rock or highly calcareous
material but also found on deeper soils that are extremely gravelly and/or stony. Leptosols are
azonal soils with an incomplete solum and/or without clearly expressed morphological features.
They are particularly common in mountain regions. Leptosols correlate with the ‘Lithosols’ taxa
of many international classification systems (USA, FAO) and with ‘lithic’ subgroups of other
soils groupings. Leptosols include a wide variety of soils with greatly differing chemical and
physical properties. By and large, Leptosols are free-draining soils with the exception of certain
Hyperskeletic Leptosols that may have groundwater at shallow depth.

Vertisols: Vertisols are mineral soils that are more than 50 centimeters thick; contain 30 percent
or more clay in all horizons and have cracks at least 1 centimeter wide to a depth of 50
centimeters, unless irrigated at some time, in most years. The typical vegetation in natural areas
is grass or herbaceous annuals, although some Verticals support drought-tolerant woody plants.
The high content of swelling clay and movement of soil by expansion and contraction retard the
development of B horizons

5.1.6. Hydrogeology
As indicated in the previous sections the existing geology and geomorphology of the project area
are characterized by jointed bed rock, and gentle to moderate slope landform respectively. These
conditions are suitable for the infiltration, percolation and consequent storage as groundwater of

40
significant amount of the precipitation in these weak zones. Close observation and estimation of
the discharge (base flow) of the stream at the project area and surrounding areas both up- and
down-streams indicates that the recharge of the groundwater to the stream flow is significant. It
increases to downstream direction. This observation can also be confirmed by the existence of
springs, which are found at the periphery of the stream floodplain/bank foot. The area's
groundwater is stored within weathered section and jointed part of the bedrock, which are
overlain by fine- grained soils at many places. The main recharge of ground water is subsurface
recharge (movement of ground water from neighboring area by percolation).

5.1.7. Flora and Fauna

5.1.7.1. Flora
There is no protected natural forest or vegetation in the road alignment and surrounding area.
The vegetation type in the road project area includes bush/shrub and scattered trees. Eucalyptus
is mainly found along the rivers and individual household homestead area which is planted to
satisfy the family wood and energy requirements. No significant impact on this vegetation
anticipated during the road project construction since the road project follows the existing
pavement.

The present poor vegetation cover in the road alignment and surrounding area shall be improved.
Plantation of trees in the road environment could provide benefit such as shade, soil conservation
and prevention of gullies, scenery, and protection from dust and wind.

5.1.7.2 .Fauna
The proposed road project doesn’t cross any protect natural habitat that can be used for feeding
and breeding of important fauna. The proposed road runs through urban area, the route corridor
has no wildlife reserves or habitats that can provide protection for wild animals.

5.2. Socio-Economic Environment

5.2.1. Demographic Features and Settlement Patterns
The total population of Dessie town is estimated at about 174,705.The sex composition shows
that the male population constitutes 84,224(48.21) and the female counterpart is 90,481(51.79).

41
Table 5. Population Size of Dessie Town by Sex Distribution, 2011

Male Female Total

Number % Number % Number %

84,224 48.21 90,481 51.79 174,705 100

Source: CSA, Population Size by Sex, Area, and Density by Region, Zone and Woreda, 2011

The settlement pattern of communities around the project area has created significant problem in
the provision of infrastructure and other services. This is mainly due to the unfavorable
topography of the place which is dominated by mountainous and gorge landscape. This
combined with landslide problem that is recurring along ‘Tossa’ mountain ridges has forced
some residents to think resettlement to other better places.

5.2.2. Health service

The health problem and disease causes among the city population are mainly communicable diseases
water and/or air born diseases. Major factor contributing to these diseases is the poor waste
management and pollution impacts of both the air and water resources of the area. Health facilities
are reasonably increasing in the area with improved coverage. Health services are provided both by
government, NGOs and private institutions. Table below gives list of health institutions available in
the city.

No Type of institution Government Private Total

1 Hospital 2 3 5
2 Health center 7 0 7
3 Clinic 0 15 15
4 Pharmacy 10 10
5 Rural drug vendor 25 25
Table 6. Health Institutions in 2012 G.C

5.2.3. Education:
Dessie city is one of the cities in Ethiopia which host quit large number of students attending
their higher education studies. Dessie University, government and private College, technical
training center, the higher education institutions found in Dessie. The University of Dessie is
established and open on 1996 Ethiopian calendar alone receives ten thousand students in evry

42
year. The University of Dessie is located at the northern periphery of city. The city also has 9
high schools, 37 primary schools, and 28 kindergartens. The number of students of Dessie for the
year 2005 is 40,526. Among these 19,804 are female and 20,722 are male. See below the table

N Typeof school Govern Priv To Number of students

o ment ate tal
. Male Female Total

1 University 1 1 2

2 College 2 3 5

3 Technical 1 0 1
training center

4 High school 4 4 8 5737 5181 1018

5 Elementary 26 11 37 13191 13013 26205

school

6 Kindergarten 7 21 28 1793 1610 3403

Table 7.Educational Institutions in 2012 G.C

5.2.4. Land use/cover

Land use describes how a patch of land is used (e.g. for agriculture, settlement, forest, whereas
the land cover describes the materials (such as vegetations, soils, rocks, water bodies or buildings
that are present on the surface.

The land cover in Dessie town administration is categorized into 8 major classes. The major
classes are the built up area, cultivated land, exposed surface, forestland, grassland, marsh land,
Shrub and bush land, and water body. From the 8 major lands, cultivated land (54.85%) takes the
lion’s share followed by Shrub and bush land (19.50).

As it can be seen from figure.8 (the proposed road alignment superimposed with the land
use/cover, the proposed road alignment passes through built up(urban) area. The proposed road
does not cross any protect natural forest, grassland and cultivated land. The area distribution in
the sub-basin by major land cover is presented in the table below (see the details from the table
below).

43
Table 8 Land Use/cover of the Dessie Town Administration

No LULC Type Area (ha) Area (%)

1 Built-up Area 1594.76 9.27

2 cultivated land 9429.08 54.85

3 exposed surface 65.62 0.38

4 Forestland 625.14 3.65

5 Grassland 2067.97 12.03

6 marsh land 31.11 0.18

7 Shrub and bush land 3352.98 19.50

8 water body 20.88 0.12

Total 17187.54 100%

44
Figure 8.Dessie Town Administration Major Land use/cover map, 2012

5.2.5. The existing Road Network, Utilities and Transport Study

The existing road network comprises of about 45.8km long asphalt road, 105.3 km Gravel road
and 47.7km earthen roads and Cobblestone 31.52km road making a total of about 230.32 km.
The road density in the city is 0.00131 km per person. Some of the existing road network like

45
Salaysh-Segno Gebya road is in a very poor condition. Large part of it deteriorated causing a lot
of problems to traffic and has substantially increased the maintenance cost of vehicles, has
heavily increased property loss and disturbs the day-to-day activities of the dwellers. The modes
of transport in the city include horse-drawn carts and taxis. More than 200 carts, around 200 taxis
and Tagro bajaj 80 are rendering the transport service to the city. The city also gives service for
passengers travelling to Addis Ababa, Mekelle, Woldeya, Bahirdar, Lalebela, Western woreda of
South wollo zone , Asayta city and vice versa.
The table below shows the length of asphalt, gravel and compacted earth surfaced roads in
Dessie city studied by the Dessie city infrastructure department.

Asset Category years

Road Sub-Category 2011/2012 2012/2013
Asphalt Roads 43.8km 45.8km
Gravel Roads 100km 105.3km
Earth Roads 59km 47.7km
Cobble Stone road 25.52km 31.52km
Pedestrian Side walkways 21600Km 21610Km
Bridges 9(No.) 13(No.)
Culverts 7(No.) 15(No.)
Drainage Cover 63(No.) 70(No.)
Drainage Sub-Category
Masonry Drain with slabs 7.82 km 10.82 km
Open masonry channel 25.37km 37.37km
Earth drain 126 km 129 km
Stone lined or paved with out
12.54 km 15.54 km
mortar joints
Concrete-lined Drain 0 0.511 km
Pipe Drains (excluding culverts) 38(No.) 116(No.)

Table 9 :-show the asset registered for Dessie city in 2012/2013

46
 6. Project Alternatives analysis
From a purely natural environmental point of view, the “without project” scenario is preferable
to project implementation, since it would avoid creation of any of the activities related the
project construction and operations and related adverse environmental consequences. However,
the potential social and economic benefits would be foregone; this might be true for other
project. The above is not true for the case of the Salaysh-Segno Gebya gravel road. As discussed
on section of project description one of the upmost environmental and social issues in the city of
Dessie is attributed to the lack of proper road services. Because no action” without the project
means letting the environmental and social issues of the existing earth road to aggravate.

Hence the “without project” alternative is inappropriate not only from social and economic
viewpoint, but also more strongly from the environmental stand points. Since implementation of
the project will improve the present worst social and environmental condition of the city and
associated safety and health issues.

Salaysh-SegnoGebya gravel road project was proposed by Dessie Municipality with the purpose
of adjoining kebele 01 and 02 to the main asphalt road and market places as per the master plan
of the town. The construction of the gravel road does not have other alternative basically for two
major reasons. These are:

a) The proposed road route is based on the master plan of the town and thus, changing the
route could induce the change of the master plan of the town that actually was very
difficult and lengthy process,

b) During master plan preparation, the gravel road route was proposed through thorough
analysis due to the fact that it connects various feeder roads and also connects the
aforementioned two kebeles to the center of the town and main market places.

Therefore, there is no option to change the proposed road route as any alternative action induces
change to the master plan of the town.

47
 7. Environmental Impacts Identifications, Prediction and
Analysis
This part of the report addresses potential impacts associated with the proposed gravel road
construction project and analysis of the related impacts.

The major positive impacts of the proposed project are mainly those of solving the lack of access
roads, poor transportation services and establishment of proper drainage system, while adverse
impacts are mainly related to the involuntary resettlement of about 221 householders.

The project environmental impacts have been those identified as specific to the site such as land
clearance, removal of soil and vegetation, land escape alteration particularly at quarry site, silt
deposition and pollution.

7.1. The positive Impacts

The establishment of this project will have a number of positive impacts to local people and the
region. Some of the major positive impacts include, obtain access road and transportation
services so that the community can easily and comfortably reach to market and socially services,
technology transfer, generating revenues and creation of employment opportunities during the
construction phase of the project. These potential positive impacts, their origin and
characteristics and proposed measures to enhance those benefits are presented below.

7.1.1 Employment Opportunity

The direct and indirect employment opportunity to be created for citizens is economic benefits of
the project. Basically the project will create employment opportunities for women, young and
other needy citizen. It requires low skill level which can be well managed through appropriate
training.

The feasibility study of the project indicates that the road construction will create direct job
opportunity for more than 300 citizens of labour and technical experts during the construction
phase within which most of them will be local residents.

7.1.2. Social Benefits

The employment opportunity to be created by the project will have social benefit beside the
expected economic benefit. The employment income from the project will have a substantial role

48
for social livelihood improvement in the project area. This local income generation related social
benefit will have long term as well as cumulative benefits: As a result of creation of jobs, the
project will have a meaningful impact on poverty reduction as the project area is inhabited by
largely unemployed citizens, the employment priorities would focus on households subsisting
below the poverty line.

7.1.3. Urban Development

The implementation of the project is expected to contribute to the development of process that
would provide social services to the local community. The construction of road automatically
calls for better transport services. The availability of access road and better transport services
will also attracts various social services such as school, health, water supply, market and
banking, contributing to expansion and development of the city.

7.2. Potential Negative Impacts

7.2.1. Slope Destabilization Impact
The rehabilitation area of the road networks is so sloppy that may trigger slope instability as a
result of considerable cutting and grabbing by heavy machineries particularly if excavation is
done during rainy season.

7.2.2. Impacts on soil erosion

The project will involve huge excavation and removal of the excavated soil temporarily, quarry
sites by this aggravates soil erosion, due to its effects of being impervious stratum, diverting and
concentrating runoff water. Soil erosion can be more serious along the route corridors where
considerable cut and fill works are involved, soil structures are naturally weak, steep slope,
gullies and rills are formed, no vegetation cover and susceptible to erosion, the drainage
structure, shall consider the volume of flood and keep the natural way, in addition downstream
sites should be considered

7.2.3. Impact on Water Resources

The project will modify the natural flow of surface water and drainage patterns along the road
alignments by concentrating flows. Earth works for road construction and foundation of drainage

49
structures, and excavation at quarries and borrow pits can result in an increased soil erosion,
temporarily cut-off the normal natural flow and ultimately siltation in the streams and decline in
water quality. In most places, it is common to see substantially high amounts of silts collected at
side ditches that will eventually discharged into water courses. Furthermore, accidental spillage
of fuels, oils, greases and other pollutants during construction phase can have adverse effects on
water qualities of the streams that would eventually receive those effluents charged with
pollutants. Abstraction of water from rivers for road construction and perhaps for application of
water to suppress dust and for road construction may affect the daily demand of the downstream
users (demand for animal, ecological and irrigation).

7.2.4. Impacts on Air Quality, Noise and Vibration

During construction phase there will be a localized air and noise pollution particularly in the
vicinity of roads, borrow pits and quarry sites as a result of earthworks, quarrying activities and
vehicle movements on dusty roads as well as emission of partially oxidized fuels. Noise and
vibration from operation of equipments and by passing vehicles may bring about all nuisances to
local residents.

Excessive noise levels can also occur from the vehicular movement during operational phase,
there will be a significant increase in vehicular movement, generally, and it is recommended that
noise levels in residential areas should not exceed 55dBA.

7.2.5. Impacts on Quarry and Borrow Pits

The source of construction material for the proposed road project is from the nearby Plato, the
process of extraction of selected material will also result in loss of bush and grass. The project
will have moderate impact where operation of quarry sites and borrow pits are practiced.
However such activity should in all cases minimize tree cutting.

7.2.6. Impacts on Socio-Economic Environment

Attempts have been made to widen the road that would bring minimal loss of properties and
displace residents. After trying all possibilities, the properties and fixed assets that would be
affected by the proposed road are included the residential and commercial houses, market place
(Segno Gebeya), fences and plantation trees.
Loss of Housing Units

50
The housing units that would be affected by the proposed road are either residential houses or
commercial houses (shops, flour mills etc) made of wood and plastered with mud in most cases.
The total number of houses affected by the project is 221 (along Salayesh -Segno-Gebeya Road
alignment) details about compensation cost, see RAP document.
Loss of Fences

Different types of fences such as wood, wood and iron wire, masonry and hallow block, masonry
and corrugated iron sheet, and masonry only will be affected and compensation fee is prepared as
per the guideline.
Loss of Plantation Trees

There is no protected natural forest or vegetation in the road alignment and surrounding area
because the proposed road passes through the town. Though no significant impact on this
vegetation anticipated during the road project construction since the road project is follows the
existing road and settlement, compensation fee is paid for those who owns.

7.2.7. Impact on Public Utilities

The construction and operation of the proposed development project is predicted to have
potential impact on public infrastructures found in the area of its influence.. The public
infrastructures that may be affected by the construction activities of the proposed development
project are going to be the utility lines such as telephone, power and water supply lines. The
shops and residential houses present in the existing market are connected to utility services. Thus
there is a possibility that water supply distribution lines buried underground as well as power and
telephone distribution lines could be damaged during project construction activities. However
proper measures can be taken beforehand to minimize these impacts.

According to the inventory 222 telephone poles, about 289 Electric poles and 6 transformers
will be affected by the proposed road project.

7.2.8..Impact on Traffic Accidents and Safety Risks

When the new gravel road commences operation, it is anticipated that it will bring a new traffic
volume that was not there before. Apparently, it will become a centre of movement for the city
minibuses, taxis and Bajaj’s which will make one or frequent trips on a daily basis. Thus the
flow of traffic in the area is another issue which needs further considerations.

51
The impact of the proposed development project on the traffic flow is generally to increase the
traffic volume in the area. Clearly, there will be more vehicle movement and traffic activity
along the Salaysh-SegnoGebya.

8. Impact mitigation measures

8.1. Mitigation Measure Impact on Slope Destabilization
The rehabilitation area of the road networks is so sloppy that may trigger slope instability as a
result of considerable cutting and grabbing by heavy machineries particularly if excavation is
done during rainy season

Possible mitigation measures for slope destabilization:

 Careful sitting and selection of the road alignments and quarry sites
 Both vertical and horizontal alignments of the road should follow the natural relief as closely
as possible
 Careful and proper execution of construction works
 Construct retaining walls, rock fills etc reshaping and other appropriate measures to protect
slope destabilization.
 Immediate construction of appropriate drainage structure
 Design the road as two way in such a way that the road will be separated by masonry wall
and hill side part of the road is elevated so that, the residents will get ease access to the road
and stability will be obtained
 Dispose excavated materials only at approved depots to avoid spoils of materials on the
downhill slopes, and replant the depots with appropriate tree species to improve the aesthetic
values of those sites

8.2. Mitigation Measures impact on soil erosion

The soil in the project area, though not generally productive due to area is occupied by
residences, there are areas of erosion along the road side that have resulted in part due to
vegetation clearance and in part due to lack of proper drainage. Erosion can be felt in the form of
a gully where vegetation has been removed and where drainage structures were not provided.
These problems may have detrimental effect on the life of the road

52
  Erosion is also envisaged on embankments. Compact the soil on embankments in a well
compacted manner and planting with grasses can minimize the erosion problems on
embankments.

 Minimizing vegetation cutting during construction as well as provision of standard side and
cross drains will minimize the problem.

 Cut of topsoil (excavated soils) should be used for replanting improvements of the
embankments and to refill borrow pits.

 Adopt regulation (in consultation with the local communities and their leaders) that prohibit
livestock grazing on road shoulders, embankments, and right-of-way, as necessary,

 Public education on soil conservation, and road influences on erosion and sedimentation;

 Use of local labour in preventative and first-response maintenance to erosion problems

developing on the road.

8.3. Mitigation measures Impact on Water Resources

Movement of vehicle and machinery can compact the shallow aquifers leading to the
modification of the water table and fragmentation. Deep cutting will also cause modification.
The possible preventive and mitigation measures to protect water resources deterioration and
conflicting demands include:

 Design and execute adequate and proper drainage structures to reduce erosion or
sedimentation in drainage ways affected by road construction.
 Avoid the risk of pollution to soil, surface and ground water sources through the
reduction of accidental spillage of fuels, oils, greases and other pollutants
 Whenever there is conflicting demands on water resources between the local people and
the need for road construction, always give priorities to the local people
 Implement proper disposal of solid and liquid wastes generated by road construction
activities.

53
 8.4. Mitigation measure impact Air Quality, Noise and Vibration
During the road construction period, haulage of construction material increase dust, noise and
vibration. Since the road passes through settlements, raised dust and noise can cause
considerable nuisance, and can result in increased incidence of respiratory related diseases.
Mitigation measure to minimize impacts on noise and vibration:
 Reduce noise at the source by monitor and maintenance on noisy machines to minimize its
effects on people living around the project;
 Noise and vibration arise from crushing process should be minimized through adequately
designing of the foundation for the facility;
 use mechanical hammering which reduces the noise level;
 Reduce dust by watering the road to suppress dust
 Plant 2m tree buffer strips between road and surrounding habitation

8.5. Mitigation Measures for Soil Erosion at Quarry Sites

During construction phase, stone and sand are digged out from the quarry sites. Such activities
may affect the site due to creation of various pits or even big ponds, affecting the natural land
escape of the area. In addition to this, noise nuisance and dust problems will also be induced due
to increased traffic that carries the materials from the quarry sites.

The project will have moderate impact where operation of quarry sites and borrow pits are
practiced. The possible mitigation is,

 Borrow areas or quarry sites should be excavated and fill areas filled in such a way as to
facilitate rehabilitation and reinstatement.

 After completion of the works, all sites should be rehabilitated and restored.

 Large borrow areas should be replanted or transformed into ponds (in consultation with the
competent local authorities).

 Where possible, trees along borrow areas or quarry sites edges should be protected.

 Random movement of heavy machinery at excavation sites should be prevented.

 Cut of topsoil should be used for replanting improvements of the embankments and to refill
borrow pits.

54
 8.6. Mitigating measures Impacts on Socio-Economic Environment
The project impact on property which is higher significant due to the presence of settlements.
The recommended mitigation measures for impact under consideration include:

 Before clearance of services and property the site for relocation should be designated and
alternative service for water, electricity and the like should be provided. Such sites should be
away from areas for water harvesting and from ground water sites.

 The Affected groups should be aware before any property or service is damaged and they
should be consulted for options.

 Payment of full and fair cash compensation, which leaves those, affected by relocation at
least no worse off than they were previously.

 Minimize the area of ground clearance i.e. land clearing for road construction should be
restricted to what is absolutely necessary for the road construction;
 Replanting right species of trees on the road side that could provide benefit such as shade,
soil conservation and prevention of gullies, scenery, and protection from dust, noise and wind
etc.

8.7. Mitigation measure Impact on Public Utilities

The only public utilities that may be affected by the construction activities of the proposed
development project are going to be the utility lines such as power and water supply lines. The
ULGDP project office will ensure that necessary arrangements are done with the Dessie branch
office of EEPCo and the Dessie water supply and sanitation authority to safely relocate their
network lines found in the part of the project site which is not yet cleared for construction of the
Gravel road. The planned relocation of the utility lines will prevent unintended interruption of
water supply and power cut-off in the area caused by project construction activities. The ULGDP
project office will also ensure that the contractor is advised to avoid any unnecessary damage to
existing public infrastructures in the area during the entire construction phase

8.8. Mitigation Measures Impact on Traffic Accidents and Safety Risks

Traffic during construction can lead to accident in construction areas, detours, access roads,
material sites and in near-by towns and villages if proper mitigation and monitoring is not in

55
place. Areas such as sites where there are schools, market places, religious and belief sites as
well as residential areas need special attention. In order to mitigate the impact the following is
recommended:

 It is necessary to make every reasonable effort to minimize road safety hazards and
inconvenience to other road users, resulting from the passage of his, or his subcontractors'
haulage vehicles, and should impose and enforce compliance with speed limits that may be
established for construction traffic at lower speeds than usual

 Proper signs should be in place and training for drivers should be provided to ensure
traffic safety

 Maintain supply of supplies for traffic signs (including paint, easel, sign material, etc.),
road marking, and guard rails to maintain pedestrian safety during operation phase.
 Carefully and clearly mark pedestrian-safe access routes.
 The local people ought to get more information how to behave with motorized vehicles
and keep safe their livestock.
 Properly place hazard marks and signs to limit vehicle speeds especially for sections
passing through difficult terrain and denser settlement areas.

56
 Table 10.Summary Major Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures
phase
Project

Project Activity Potential Proposed Mitigation Measures Institutional Cost

Environmental Responsibilit Estimate
Impacts ies s
 Careful sitting and selection of the road
Construction Phase

The rehabilitation of the road networks passes Slope Contractor No need

alignments and quarry sites
through steeper slopes may trigger slope Destabilization cost
instability as a result of considerable cutting and Impact  Both vertical and horizontal alignments of

grabbing by heavy machineries the road should follow the natural relief as
closely as possible
 Careful and proper execution of
construction works
 Avoid and/ or minimize side casting of
materials from road cuts on down slopes.
 Minimize the area of ground clearance
Construction Phase

Cutting into the soils and rock as well as clearing Impacts on soil Contractor No need
of the protective ground cover to construct the erosion  Cuts on erodible surface should be
cost
road. properly executed during dry season i.e.
before the summer rains commence.
Construction of drainage structures (bridges,
 Excavated top soils or loss soils cut-off
culverts) and construction of retention walls that
from the old road and selected material
involve excavation for foundation works
sites should be collected and preserved for
Excavation at quarry sites will expose the soil to reuse particularly clay soils for filling of
water erosion gullies, borrow and quarry sites

57
  Design and execute adequate and proper
Construction Phase

Earth works for road construction and foundation Impact on Water Contractor No need
drainage structures to reduce erosion or
of drainage structures, and excavation at quarries Resources cost
sedimentation in drainage ways affected
and borrow pits can result in an increased soil
by road construction.
erosion.
 Avoid the risk of pollution to soil, surface
Accidental spillage of fuels, oils, greases and other
and ground water sources through the
pollutants during construction phase
reduction of accidental spillage of fuels,
oils, greases and other pollutants
 Implement proper disposal of solid and
liquid wastes generated by road
construction activities.
 Reduce noise at the source by monitor and
Construction Phase

Earthworks, quarrying activities and vehicle Impacts on Contractor No need

maintenance on noisy machines to
movements on dusty roads as well as emission of Ambient Air cost
minimize its effects on people living
partially oxidized fuels. Quality, Noise and
around the project;
Vibration
Noise and vibration from operation of equipments
 Noise and vibration arise from crushing
and by passing vehicles may bring about all
process should be minimized through
nuisances to local residents.
adequately designing of the foundation for
the facility;
 use mechanical hammering which reduces
the noise level;

58
  The contractor should erect stone slips and
Construction Phase

Along the Robit road, the settlement area is Accidents from No need
falls control barriers around perimeter of
situated beneath the existing road as a result of Slips and falls of cost
cuts, and roadways
this, hazards related to slips and falls of stone and Stone and soil
soil materials will occur Materials

 Leveling of the exploited blocks before

Construction Phase

Extraction of materials from quarries/borrow pits Impacts on Quarry Contractor No need

abounding the used quarry;
involve site clearance and movement of large and Borrow Pits cost
construction materials  In order to minimize the effect of flood,
landslide and erosion on road & wetland,
the surface rainwater has to be diverted
through appropriate ditches or channels
above the quarry
 Minimize the area of ground clearance i.e.
Construction Phase

Construction Phase

Upgrading of the road involves increased carriage Loss of Properties

land clearing for road construction should
width and widens the existing roads towards and Displacement
be restricted to what is absolutely
different properties such as house, fence and people
necessary for the road construction;
market places.
 Replanting right species of trees on the
road side that could provide benefit such
as shade, soil conservation and prevention
of gullies, scenery, and protection from
dust, noise and wind etc.
 Pay compensation to the affected people

59
  Carefully and clearly mark pedestrian-safe
OPERATION

Lack of safe access routes Absence of traffic sign Traffic Accidents City admin 50,000
access routes
and pedestrian safety during construction and Safety Risks
 Assign traffic safety personnel to direct Police office
traffic during school hours
 Maintain supply of supplies for traffic
signs, road marking, and guard rails to
PHASE

maintain pedestrian safety during

construction
 Replanting and maintaining of vegetation
PHASE
OPERATION

City 100,000
Infrastructure (road) and proximity to drainage Landslides, Slumps  Draining the subsurface (reduces pore
Adm.
will aggravate landslide in the project area. and Slips water pressure)
 Construct artificial barriers
 Reduce slope angle
PHASE
OPERATION

City admin. 60,000

Impact of Road
Excessive noise levels can occur from the  Plant 30m tree buffer strips between road
Noise
vehicular movement and surrounding habitation

60
 9. Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan
The environmental management plan and monitoring plans can be seen as protection
against environmental degradation for long term benefit to the society for continued socio-
economic development and environment.

9.1. Environmental Management Plan

This section documented how the environment will be managed during the design,
construction and operation phases of the Dessie gravel road project. The environmental
management plan covers summary of impacts, mitigation measures, responsible
institutions, and implementation schedules.

The EMP will ensure the effective implementation of identified mitigation measures. The
proper implementation of construction works with professionals and careful supervisors
and well planned maintenance afterwards will be the best mitigation measures against most
of the potential negative environmental impacts. Various organizations with different
environmental management responsibilities, Dessie city Administration, Dessie City
Kebele Administration(Kebele 01,02,), Dessie City Infrastructure and ULGDP Co-
ordination Core Process, Dessie town Ensuring Sustainable Environmental Protection Core
Process, interested and affected parties(IAs),study and design consultants(ADSWE),
contractors, and construction supervision companies-have been involved during project
preparation and implementation, and will be involved in the implementation of the EMP.
The main environmental issues, their mitigation measures and implementing bodies are
presented in table 7.

9.2. Monitoring Plan and Implementation Program

Environmental monitoring is an essential tool in relation to environmental management as
it provides the basis for rational management decisions regarding impact control. The
monitoring program for the present project will be undertaken to meet the following
objectives:

 to check on whether mitigation and benefit enhancement measures have actually been
adopted, and are proving effective in practice

61
 to provide a means whereby any impacts which were subject to uncertainty at the time
of preparation of the EIA, or which were unforeseen, can be identified, and to provide a
basis for formulating appropriate additional impact control measures

 To provide information on the actual nature and extent of key impacts and the
effectiveness of mitigation and benefit enhancement measures which, through a
feedback mechanism, can improve the planning and execution of future, similar
projects.

There are two basic forms of monitoring:

1) Compliance monitoring, which checks whether prescribed actions have been carried
out, usually by means of inspection or enquiries.

2) Effects monitoring, which records the consequences of activities on one or more

environmental components, and usually involves physical measurement of selected
parameters or the execution of surveys to establish the nature and extent of induced
changes

62
Table 11- Environmental and Social Impact Management, Monitoring plan

N Environmental Aspects to Monitoring Parameters Location of Frequency Responsibility

o be Monitored (Methods)
Monitoring

1 CONSTRUCTION PHASE
1 Erosion, slope Stability Survey& Extent& degree of soil erosion& Road alignment, Daily Supervisory
. and waste Management observation landslide, Ensure excavation and drains, quarry Staffs, EPLAUB
1 earth work undertaken during dry sites, dredged and Project
season and to areas necessary only, river areas Proponent
Ensure a proper site for waste
dumping.
1 Clearing, Earthworks & Survey Land clearing earthworks should Road alignment Daily Supervisory
. Waste Management &Observation be confined to what is absolutely Staffs, EPLAUB
2 necessary and Project
Proponent
Do excavation works during dry
season
Ensure a proper site for waste
dumping
1 Noise, Dust and Survey, Collect Level of dust, noise and number of Road, Crusher Daily EPLAU and
. Vibration samples and field community complains about noise. sites/Quarry site Project
3 observation Proponent
1 Quarry Site Visual inspection The extent/size of quarry, Quarry Site Three times .
. &Photographic constructed ditches, soil for first one
EPLAU and
4 record conservation and Revegetation year,
Project
activities annually
Proponent
thereafter
1 Traffic Safety Survey, Posting of warning signs or safety Road & Offices daily Supervisory
. Interview &field signal devices in construction areas Staffs,
5 observation &at material sites EPLAUB and
Project
Traffic and workers occupational
Proponent
safety

63
 Number of accidents reported per
month

1 Resettlement Survey, Implementation of proper Resettlement Supervisory

. Interview &field resettlement &compensation areas Staffs,
6 observation program for the displaced people EPLAUB and
and for those who lost their Project
movable &fixed properties. Proponent
2 OPERATIONAL PHASE
2 Accidents and Survey and Number of accidents reported per Road & Offices Bi-annually EPLAU and
. Safety Risks Observation month Project Proponent
1
Number of people who have got
information about traffic safety
Check the presence of hazard
marks & signs to limit vehicle
speeds at difficult terrain
2 Landslides, Slumps Survey Visual Quality of road Every Year EPLAU and
. and Slips inspection Project Proponent
Degree of landslide
2 &Photographic
record, Check replantation
Check the presence of draining the
sub-surface and artificial barriers

2 Impact of Road Noise Survey and field Number of community complain Roads& EPLAU and
. observation about noise Settlement areas Project Proponent
3
Check the plantation of tree buffer
between road &surrounding
habitation

64
 9.3. Environmental and Social Monitoring
This part of the report presents the estimated total cost for environmental management,
monitoring and training cost of the proposed road construction project. Hence; as it was
mentioned above, the scale and magnitude for most of the project impacts; particularly the
site specific one, is not known at this stage (prior to the detail geometric design and material
investigation), the consultant’s summarized cost estimate a preliminary one. This is true
particularly for costs associated with compensation of PAPs, land acquisition and ROW
issues. Therefore, these preliminary costs estimate to be refined and updated in the final land
acquisition and RAP report.

The preliminary cost estimate was made based on past experience on similar projects and from the
Consultant’s EIA findings. Thus, the preliminary Costs related to environmental and social benefit
enhancement and impact mitigation measures, etc. taken into account include:

 Costs related to erosion prevention, control and management (soil conservation and
erosion prevention and management and land use management programs, tunnel safety
measures) and mitigating land slides

 Costs related to the resettlement and compensation for loss of properties as well as
livelihood (loss of houses, farmlands, plantation trees)

 Costs related to the loss of privately owned trees and natural vegetation restoration

 Costs for environmental monitoring, training and capacity building

o Local training through workshops

o Advisory group support

o Routine monitoring visit for EMSB

9.4. Environmental Cost Estimate

The major cost components are road side tree plantation, capacity building and institutional
strengthening, and compensation, Details of the cost breakdown are given below.

65
 Roadside Tree Plantation

The total length of the gravel road is 2km.It is proposed to develop roadside tree plantation
on both sides of the main drainage area. Hence 4,000 seedlings will be planted in one running
km. About 8,000 trees shall be planted. Species having aesthetic value, serve as a noise
barrier and best suit to the agro ecology are proposed to be planted on roadside. The species
recommended for the roadside plantation are: Azadirachta indica (Kinin or Nim), Albezia
gummifera (Sesa), casuarina equisetifolia (Arzelibanos), Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda
Melia azandiarach), Graviliaa robusta, Mileiettia ferruqinea, Schinus molle and Phoenix
reclinate. The cost breakdown of a tree plantation is presented as follow:

 Digging a hole- will be covered by the local community labor contribution.

 To plant a seedling-will be covered by the local community.
 Cost of a seedling-2 ETB per seedling. So the total cost for canal bank plantation is
16,000birr(8,000x2)

Capacity building and institutional strengthening

 Awareness creation and training for both direct project beneficiaries and affected parties.
Awareness creation and training will be provided on: solid waste management, efficient &
effective utilization of money, traffic accident, road maintenance and natural resource
management.(for 80 local communities) for two days by 100 birr perdiem at two phases=
(80x4x100) = 32, 000 birr).
 Training for trainers (6kebele experts, 2 Dessie City Infrastructure and ULGDP Co-ordination
Core Process experts and 1 Dessie towns Ensuring Sustainable Environmental Protection
Core Process. For four days by 200 Eth.Birr perdiem=18x200x4= 14,400birr).
 Costs required during operation phase of the project will be part of the day to day
administrative and operational cost that the project is also estimated 262, 240 Eth. Birr.

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 Table 12.Dessie gravel Road Project Environmental Cost Estimate

N Activity Units Quantity Average Total cost

o unit Cost
1 Road Side Plantation No of seedlings 8,000 2 16,000
2 Institutional capacity No of trainees
building
3.1)Awareness creation and No 80x4 100 32,000
training for urban people
3.2)Training for trainers No 18x4 200 14,400
Soil conservation structure Lump sup 100,000
work
3 Traffic sign post 40,000
4 Hiring Environmentalist Month 12 4000 36,000
Contingency 23,840
Total 262, 240

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 10. Conclusion and Recommendation
10.1 Conclusions
The proposed Road Project will traverse an area characterized low to moderate slopes. Route
selection has avoided some of the areas prone to flooding. The adverse direct or indirect
impacts are anticipated in respect of environmentally sensitive areas. During construction
drainage ways and Residential areas can be modified. The movement of livestock can also be
impacted. However by applying the recommended mitigation measures the problems can be
reduced. Respecting local customs in this kind of region is highly recommended. Moreover
the safety livestock, children, women and disabled is important. The use of water from bore
holes and other wells needs a prior agreement with the community..

By applying the mitigation and benefit enhancement measures recommended in this EIA
report properly, there are no environmental grounds for not proceeding with implementation
of the project in the form in which it is presently envisaged, since the long-term benefits of
project implementation outweigh the largely short-term adverse impacts associated with
construction, all of which can be mitigated satisfactorily if close monitoring is adopted.

10.2 Recommendations
 It is recommended that the proposed mitigating measures are properly implemented at the
right time. To ensure its proper implementation regular environmental monitoring and
audit are also recommended.
 City administration should create harmonious relationship between the local community
and the project by holding regular discussions with local elders so as to develop strong
linkages with and avoid unexpected complaints from local communities.

68
 Annexes
Annex.1. References
 EPA (2000),Environmental Impact Assessment Guideline, Addis Ababa,
 FDRE (1995), Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.: Proclamation for the
Establishment of Environmental Protection Authority. Proclamation No. 09/1995. Addis
Ababa.
 FDRE (2002), Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia: Environmental Impact
Assessment Proclamation. Proclamation No 299/2002. Addis Ababa.
 FDRE (2000), Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia: Environmental Pollution
Control Proclamation. Proclamation No 300/2002, Addis Ababa.
 FDRE (2000), Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia: Proclamation on the
Establishment of Environmental Protection Organs. Proclamation No 295/2002, Addis
Ababa
 FDRE (April 1997), Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia: Environmental Policy of
Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.
 EPA/MEDAC (April 1996), Environmental Protection Authority in collaboration with
Ministry of Economic Development and Cooperation: The Conservation Strategy of
Ethiopia; Vol I-V: Secretariat for the Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.
 FDRE (1995), Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Proclamation
No.1/1995, Addis Ababa.
 MOA (1983), Ministry of Agriculture, Land Use Planning and Regulatory Department:
Geomorphology and Soils Map of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa.
 MOA (1993), Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopian Forestry Action Program: Draft Final
Report, Volume 2- The challenge for Development, Addis Ababa.
 MOA (1997), Draft Ministry of Agriculture, The wildlife Policy of Ethiopia; Draft.,
Addis Ababa.1
 MOA (1999), Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources Management and Regulatory
Department, Agro-ecological Zones of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.
 World Bank (1995), The World Bank Roads and the Environment: A Hand Book.

69
 Annex. 2. TOR of the Gravel road EIA consultancy
1. Back ground
According to the regional proclamation No. 9/2003, Dessie city was given the Status of City
Administration, which will be ruled by a Mayor. After the enactment of the above
proclamation, the city was divided into 16 kebeles; 10 urban, 6 rural Among the critical
problems identified by the city administration; lack of adequate road facilities is major
problems of the city. The current practice is very spontaneous that has no any long-term
strategy. Hence, the city administration took the initiative to reverse this situation through
undertaking a detail road development plan. The city Administration prepared this TOR for
the study of development plan to upgrade the existing road located at salaish -segnogebayee
(kebele 01&02).
The source of finance for this assignment is city administration own budget.The preparation
of development plan includes environmental impact assessment, resettlement action plan,
design, and supervision of works during implementation.

2. Existing Situation of the road

Salaish-segno road is deteriorated narrow that cannot the present traffic load, with no proper
drainage and walk way, so that the residents frequently complains about it. The area is the
site of the big market and one of the four in and out lets of the city, the residents particularly
women fill discomfort in using public transport dust, traffic and flood accident, therefore
there is an urgent need to redesign and rehabilitate this road with adequate width, proper
drainage and walk way. since the area is sensitive and densely populated, preparation of EIA
and resettlement plan is mandatory

3. General Objective
The general objective of the project is to upgrade the existing road to better standard that can
serve the present traffic load, and can tolerate the high flood running from tossa hill. To
transform the present local market place to an economically active place to the level it best
fits with the changing environment

4. Scope of work / special tasks/

The spatial coverage of the study area includes the salaish-segnogebaye (01 and 02kebeles)
road, the scope of the work are:
 Design the road with 30 meter width, tow way separated by concrete wall where the hill
side is elevated in order to create access for residents and reduce the height of retaining
wall
 Design proper drainage at each water way and crossing culvert so as to allow the flood to
pass straight.
 Design walk way on the drainage covered with concrete slab on both sides of the road
 Design the road in such a way that surface water will drain to the drainage ditch
structures

70
  Identify possible negative impact that may occur on the Environment or human during or
after construction of the project and prepare mitigation plan
 Consult the public, specifically the people affected by the project
 Prepare draft and final report with 5 copies
 Follow WB guideline in preparing EIA and RAP

5. Knowledge transfer
The city administration at large and the concerned experts in particular will be participated in
every stage of the project study & plan preparation, expected to gain experience, and built
capacity in such activities of the assigned project.

6. Major activities to be executed

6.1. Prepare preliminary Designs

After the completion of the situation analysis, the preparation of preliminary designs will be
the prepared. The consultant is expected to use its professional capacity to come-up with
innovative, functional, environmentally friendly, attractive, user friendly, modern and easy-
to-implement type of design proposals. While conducting the study, the consultant is advised
to take maximum effort to respect the city structural plan.

6.2. Undertake presentation at each major stages

The consultant shall present his work at the end of each stage. The presentation will be both
for the public and for the client. The purpose of conducting the presentations;
 To updating the client on the progress of the study
 To get reflections and decisions on critical issues from clients
 To get and citizens expectations and opinions
 Minutes of each presentation/meeting will be recorded and will be used as reference
material.

7. Responsibilities of the Consultant

The selected consultant is expected to understand the urgency of the study and commit to
finish the study in the agreed timetable. On top of this, the consultant will have the following
responsibilities:
 To provide standard EIA/RPA accepted and certified by REPA
 To provide an implemental and clear gravel road design with acceptable quality
 To provide or cover its own stationery and design materials of any kind and quantity like
computer papers, plotter paper, plotter cartridge, flush disk, and all other office stationeries
 If the consultant finds any need of diversion from the city plan proposal, the only thing he is
required to do is to present and get the prior approval of the client on the intended diversion.
 To provide its working time framework prior to the commencement of the design work
 Provide monthly progress report

71
8. Responsibilities of the client
Being the owner of the project, the client will have the following responsibilities:
 Assign a permanent counterpart that will communicate with the consultant on the behalf of
the client
 Provide the city plan to the consultant.
 Provide any available materials and/or information that can be useful for the study
 Approve and deliver timely scenarios, preliminary designs and regulations submitted by the
consultant.
 Assist and facilitate conditions for the consultant to undertake the field survey and site visit
activities
 Facilitate community meetings and dictions and organize progress evaluation work shops

9. Deliverables and expected outcomes

The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs to the client in the following
forms and quantities:
 Final report of the EIA and RAP study report ; 5 copies of color printed hard copy 2 copies
of soft copy
 Final detail development plan and design of the market areas; 5 copies of color printed hard
copy 2 copies of soft copy. This final design plan should incorporate the proposed road plan,
the drainage plan, engineering working drawings, Perspectives Views, consultation and
supervision plan and the likes
 Model of the study area prepared as final detail plan
 Completed laws and regulations 2 soft copies and 2 hard copies
All soft copies must be delivered on CD and no floppy disk will be accepted. And all maps
must be color printed on a coated white paper and have the required title box with all
legends. The presentation quality of all deliverables shall be given the due attention.

10. Professionals maximum and Minimum Requirement

The client is very confident that the consultant will employ experienced and qualified
professionals to this job. These professionals are expected to be the same professionals
whose curriculum vitae (CV) was attached in the technical document, which was submitted
at the time of bid completion. Any change shall be made only with the prior approval of the
client. The minimum required professional’s mix that the consultant needs to mobilize is
shown in the following table:

No. Title Profession Job description Quantity

1 Project Senior Architect Coordinates the 1
Coordinator with minimum of overall study
10 years activity
experience
2 Senior Architect/ Architect/planer Head the 1
planner with min, 8 years technical team
professional and undertake

72
 experience the design
work
3 Urban planning Professional Undertake at 1
expert urban planner planning and
with min.6 years involve in
experience socio-economic
work
4 Civil Engineer Senior civil Undertake all 1
engineer with civil
min. 8 years engineering
experience works
5 Economist Economists with Play leading 1
min. 6 years of role in the
experience socio economic
study
6 Quantity Quantity Undertake all 1
Surveyor Surveyor or the cost
related profession estimation
with min. 4 years works
experience
7 Lawyer Lawyer with min. Responsible for 1
4 years the production
experience of
relevant
experience
8 Surveyor Surveyor with Undertake all 1
min. 4 years the surveyor
experience works.
9 Sociologist Sociologist with Play leading 1
min. 6 years role in the
experience socio economic
study
10 Environmentalist Post graduate in Play leading 1
environment role to cover all
science or related environmental
field of study considerations
with min. 4 years related to the
experience sub-project

73
11. Time frame of the Project
The client is very keen to see study completed in very short time to respond for the growing
demand of developers in the gravel road project. In light of this relation;

The timeframe planned to complete project

No. Description Months

1 2
1 Undertake physical and socio economic
survey
2 Present survey results and select two
scenarios
3 Produce the preliminary designs, EIA and
ARAP
4 Present and display the preliminary design,
EIA and ARAP
5 Prepare implementation regulation

Cost calculation is not yet finalized in the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) document. Hence
we will include in the final report as compensation cost calculation is finalized.
10. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

10.1. Conclusion
Dessie gravel road Project will provide overall benefits to the people of the in general and
01,02 Kebeles in particular. The project has been evaluated to have many beneficial impacts
such as improve employment opportunities, improve transportation, improve access to
markets and social support networks, improve traffic conditions and reducing vehicle
operating costs, and improves the living condition of the local people.
Although the implementation of Dessie gravel road Project has many benefits, obviously it
will also bring a number of adverse impacts to the biophysical and socio-economic
environment both during construction and operation phase. Slope destabilization, impact on
soil resource, impact on water resources, impact of noise and vibration, accident from slips
and falls of stone &soil materials, traffic accidents and safety risks, impact on flora are the
main impacts on the biophysical environment during construction phase of the project. Loss
of housing units, loss of fences, loss of plantation trees, loss of market places, impact on
public utilities are impacts on socio-economic environment during construction phase.
Accidents and safety risks, landslides, slumps and slips, and impacts of road noise are the
main impacts arise during operational phase.
All significant negative impacts are possible of mitigation. To protect the environment and
promote development, monitoring plan has been prepared to control and regulate the adverse

74
impacts for sustainable operation of the project. The project proponent should fund to
implement the mitigation measures as outlined. Those mitigation measures should be
considered vital to the project success and sustainability.

10.2. Recommendations
1. The project proponent should fund to implement the mitigation measures as outlined.
Those mitigation measures should be considered vital to the project success and sustainability.
2. There should be awareness creation and training program for the local community as well
as for concerned City Administration and kebele experts.
3. The community involvement process should be continuous that maintains a regular
means of communication with area residents, to keep them informed of the status of the project
as well as what the community expects from the project proponent and the government.

75
 Annex .3. CV of EIA Team member
1. Proposed position:  Environmentalist
2. Name of firm:  ADSWE
3. Name:  Wubneh Belete Abebe
4. Date of birth: 5. Dec. 1971 Nationality:
Ethiopian
6. Education:  MSc Degree in Environmental Sciences specialization environmental planning
and management; at UNESCO-IHE, Delft, The Netherlands
 B.Sc. Degree in Agricultural Engineering (12+5) at Alemaya University of
Agriculture, (1989/90 to 1993/94)
 Academic: Elementary and Secondary Education: Azezo, Fassiledes
Elementary and Secondary School
7. Membership in
8. /
professional association:
9. Other training:  TOT on knowledge management and WoCAT(EthioCAT) organized &
delivered by MoA, Training given by Dr. Hanspeter (WoCAT specialist,
Switzerland),for 4 days
 TOT on PRA and LFA (Participatory Rural Appraisal and Logical framework
analysis) organized and delivered by SIDA Amhara, for 12 Days at Dessie
 On-farm research on Watershed management, Soil and Water conservation and
agro- forestry, organized and delivered by SIDA Amhara, for 10 days, at
Kombolcha
 Management, Finance, Integrated Rural Development, Policy, Project and
Development Planning, organized and delivered by Amhara region
management Institute, for 73 days,
 Local Level Participatory Planning (LLPPA) training, organized and delivered
by WFP and SCF-UK for 10 days, at Dessie
 Practical training on water harvesting for 20 days organized and delivered by
Agriculture bureau at Woldeya
 GIS & automated Land evaluation for 15 days organized and delivered by
ADSWE, Training By Atkilit Girma (Msc), lecture & Consultant in Geo-
information, Mekele University
 Watershed and river basin management, short course given by UNESCO-IHE
Institute for water education, Delft Netherlands
10. Countries of work 11. Ethiopia
experience:

76
12. Language & degree of 13. English: Excellent (speaking, reading, writing).
proficiency: 14. Amharic (Mother Tongue): Excellent (speaking, reading, writing).

15. Employment record: 16.

 From: 17. July 2009  To: 18. Date

 Employer:  Amhara Design and Supervision Works Enterprise
 Position 19. Project Manager, Land use planning project
held:

 From: 20. Feb. 2009  To: 21. June 2009

 Employer:  Amhara Design and supervision works enterprise
 Position 22. Environmentalist and watershed expert
held:

 From: 23. April 2007  To: 24. Jan 2009

 Employer:  Amhara region agriculture and rural development bureau
 Position 25. Watershed study and development expert and SLM project Coordinator at regional
held: level

 From: 26. October 2005  To: 27. April 2007

 Employer:  UNESCO-IHE, Delft, The Netherlands
 Position 28. MSc student
held:

 From: 29. July 2,2003  To: 30. October, 2005

 Employer:  West Gojam Zone
 Position 31. Soil Conservation and Water harvesting Expert
held:

 From: 32. June 7 2002  To: 33. Jan. 7, 2003

 Employer:  Sayint district
 Position 34. Agriculture office head
held:

 From: 35. June 7, 1999  To: 36. June 7, 2002

 Employer:  Sayint district
 Position 37. Regulatory team leader
held:

77
 From: 38. May 2, 1995  To: 39. June 7,1999
 Employer:  Sayint district (South Wollo)
 Position 40. Soil and Water Conservation Expert
held:

41. Detailed Tasks 42. Work undertaken that Best Illustrates Capability to Handle the Tasks
Assigned Assigned

43. Assist the 44. Name of 45. Sena Irrigation Project, Wojegie irrigation project
international environmental project
expert. 46. Year  2008 - 2009
47. Location  Bolso Sorie woreda,
48. Client 49. SNNPR
50. Main 51. Diversion weir, Gravity Irrigation of 80ha and 100ha
Project Features
52. Positions 53. Environmentalist
held
54. Activities 55. Collection of environmental baseline, prepare EIA
performed report

56. 57. Name of 58. Koga Irrigation and watershed management project
project
59. Year 
60. Location  Mecha woreda
61. Client 62. ANRS and MoWR
63. Main 64. Earth Dam project, gravity irrigation of 7000ha
Project Features
65. Positions 66. SWC expert and later, Environmentalist for MSc
held thesis study
68. Evaluation of EIS prepared and follow-up of
67. Activities
implementation of Environmental management plan (EMP)
performed
and watershed management plan

69. Expertise duties

 Develops a system for gathering and reporting information on soil and water conservation/irrigation related
project preparation,
 Plans, organizes and controls the overall activities of Natural resource management,

78
 Involve in the identification and preparation of Soil and Water Conservation/Irrigation related projects and the
development of participatory and sustainable Soil and Water conservation/ irrigation system for the
organization,
 Collaborates and works closely with all the other partners in activities related to soil and water conservation/
irrigation,
 Supervises the soil and water conservation/irrigation activities,
 Inspects Soil and water conservation/irrigation activities during progress and upon completion; insures that
defects are corrected in accordance with instructions and plans,
 Coordinates and participates in the preparation, review analysis of budget proposals of agricultural and
environmental projects/activities,
 Coordinates and participates in agricultural and environmental projects appraisal; participates in determining
priorities among programs/projects,
 Coordinates and participates in the monitoring and follow up of agricultural and environmental projects, ensures
timely preparation of progress, annual and periodic reports,
 Deliver Training on:
 LLPPA, SWC and Land Use planning so many times for Government and NGO Staffs
 Training government Woreda experts, Supervisors and Development Agents, on soil and water conservation
and LLPPA,
 Guiding community meetings on development issues and training farmers on natural resource conservation
 Planning, Monitoring and Evaluating physical and biological soil and water conservation (SWC) activities,
 Planning and preparing documents of land use planning and watershed management,
 Coordinating and guiding community based development activities,
 Preparing Integrated watershed Management project proposals and implementing the so,
 Implementing, supervising, and monitoring agricultural, and environmental activities,

70. Independent studies

 MSC thesis research on EIA follow-up of Koga irrigation and watershed management project, Amhara region
 EIA study and report of Sena diversion irrigation project, SNNPR
 EIA study and report of Wojegie diversion irrigation project, SNNPR
 EIA study and report of Dorado livestock fattening project, Bahir dar, Amhara region
 Northwest Amhara development corridor Land use planning and environmental studies project, as
environmentalist and project manager

71. Other experiences and duties

 Local Level Participatory Planning (LLPP) coordinator, in Amhara Region-Sayint, from Dec. 1996 to Dec.
1998,

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 Area Based watershed on-farm research coordinator, in Amhara Region, South Wollo zone, from July 1996 to
Nov. 1997

72. Research and studies

73. MSc thesis research

 EIA implementation and Follow-up: A case study on Koga irrigation and watershed management project-
Ethiopia ( 2007)

74. Senior Research project

 The effect of time and frequency of irrigation water application on the emergence of Maize (Alemaya
University of Agriculture) in March – May 1994.

75. Certification
I, the undersigned, certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, this CV correctly describes myself, my
qualifications, and my experience. I understand that any willful misstatement described herein may lead to my
disqualification or dismissal, if engaged.

Signature of staff member or authorized representative of the staff Date: 28 04 2011

Day Month Year

Full name of authorized representative:

80
1.Proposed position:  Socio-Economist
2.Name of firm:  ADSWE
3.Name:  Tadesse Belay
4.Date of birth: 76. Sep. 1974 Nationality:
Ethiopian
5.Education:  MSc Degree in Development Economics (2006/07-2008/09) in Ethiopian Civil
Service College (ECSC)
 BSC Degree in Agricultural Economics at Alemaya University of Agriculture,
(1993/94 to1996/97)
 Academic: Elementary and Junior Secondary school at Gundewyen and High
Schools in Mertulemariam Town (1982/83- 1992/93)

6.Membership in
77. /No/
professional association:
7.Other training: o Two weeks intensive training in “the study, design & implementation of
small scale irrigation & environmental rehabilitation projects for practicing
professionals”.
o Ten days intensive training in project analysis

Project analysis

o Project cycle
o Participatory approach in project formulation
o Valuating cost and benefit, the financial and economic
analysis
o Monitoring methods and tools
o Overall indicators
o GIS and Automated land Evaluation
1. Topics covered during the training:
A. ARCPad, ArcGIS 9.2 & Geoprocessing tools
B. DIVA_GIS
C. ArcHydro
2. Introduction to land evaluation and on:
o Economic and Biophysical
o Automated land evaluation software (ALES)
o Automated land evaluation under ArcGIS 9.2
3. Introduction to ERDAS Imagine 9.1
8.Countries of work 78. Ethiopia

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experience:
9.Language & degree of 79. English: Excellent (speaking, reading, writing).
proficiency: 80. Amharic (Mother Tongue): Excellent (speaking, reading, writing).

10.Employment record: 81.

 From: 82. April 2009  To: 83. Date

 Employer:  Amhara Design and Supervision Works Enterprise
 Position 84. Study quality control & Contract Administration Division Head, in Land use
held: planning & Env’tal impact study Work process
85.

 From: 86. January 10, 2005  To: 87. April 2009

 Employer: 88. Kobo Girana Valley Development Program Office (KGVDP)
 Position 89. Senior Planning and Programming expert and acting head of planning, monitoring &
held: Resource Mobilization Service

 From: 90. February 1998  To: 91. January 2005

 Employer: 92. Commission of Sustainable Agricultural and Environmental Rehabilitation in
Amhara region
 Position 93. Socio-Economic expert in Study, design and supervision department from February
held: 1998 to January 2003.
94. Socio-Economic expert in Planning and Programming service from February 2003 to
January 2005

11..Detailed Tasks 12.Work undertaken that Best Illustrates Capability to Handle the Tasks
Assigned Assigned
95. Spatial Socio 96. Name of 97. North west amhara Land Use Planning & Env’tal
economy expert in Amhara project impact assessment study project
Design & Supervision 98. Year  2010 - 2011
Works Enterprise 99. Location  North west Amhara Growth Corridor,
100. Client 101. Amhara Land Administration & Use Bureau
102. Main 103. Land Use Planning on about 2 million ha.
Project Features
104. Positions 105. Spatial Socio-Economist
held

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11..Detailed Tasks 12.Work undertaken that Best Illustrates Capability to Handle the Tasks
Assigned Assigned
106. Activities 107. Collection of Spatial socio-economic baseline Data,
performed prepare Socio-economic Evaluation report
108. Planning Specialist 109. Name of 110. Small scale Irrigation project
in Kobo Girana valley project
Development program office 111. Year 112. January 10, 2005 to April 2009
113. Location  Kobo woreda, at Waja & Hormat
114. Main 115. Drip & Sprinkler Irrigation project, 10 projects
Project Features irrigating about 35 ha each, irriating 350 ha totally.
116. Positions 117. Senior Planning and Programming expert and acting
held head of planning, monitoring & Resource Mobilization Service
118. Activities 119. Preparing socio-economic Feasibility report and
performed follow-up of its implementation.
120. Socio-economy 121. Name of 122. Small scale Irrigation project
expert in Commission of project
Sustainable Agricultural & 123. Year 124. February 1998 to January 2005
Environmental ehabilitation 125. Location  At different woredas of the Amhara Region
in Amhara region 126. Main 127. Dam & Diversion Irrigation project, 13 implemented
Project Features projects irrigating irriating 868 ha totally.
128. Positions 129. Socio-Economic expert of the study Team
held
130. Activities 131. Preparing socio-economic Feasibility report.
performed
132. Socio-economy 133. Name of 134. Small scale Irrigation project
expert in Tefera Berhie project
General Water works 135. Year 136. April 2009 to Sep 2010
Consultancy Service (Part  At 2 woredas of the Amhara Region & 4 Woredas
timer) 137. Location of SNNRP
138. Client 139. Amhara water resource Development Bureau &
SNNRP water resource Bureau
140. Main 141. Diversion Irrigation project, 9 implemented projects
Project Features irrigating irriating 1000 ha totally.
142. Positions 143. Socio-Economic expert of the study Team
held

83
11..Detailed Tasks 12.Work undertaken that Best Illustrates Capability to Handle the Tasks
Assigned Assigned
144. Activities 145. Preparing socio-economic Feasibility report.
performed
146.
147.
148. Expertise duties
 Develop Methdologies for gathering Data, Analysing Data and writing reports for irrigation and related project
preparation,
 Plans, organizes and controls the overall activities of the implementation of these irrigation projects.
 Preparing fund raising proposalfor funding agencies.
 Prepare implementation progress report for different clients (For funding agents, for management bodies
situated at different levels).
 Coordinates and participates in the preparation, review analysis of budget proposals of agricultural and
environmental projects/activities,
 Coordinates and participates in agricultural and environmental projects appraisal; participates in determining
priorities among programs/projects,
 Coordinates and participates in the monitoring and follow up of agricultural and environmental projects, ensures
timely preparation of progress, annual and periodic reports,
 Guiding community meetings on development issues and in identifying their own problems, set solutions their
identified problems in pariticipatory and rapid approach.

149. Research and studies

150. MSc thesis research

Thesis work: The Impacts of Irrigation on agricultural Productivity and Poverty Reduction: A Case Study in
KGVDP Constructed Modern Small Scale Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation Schemes, Kobo Woreda, North Wollo
Zone, Amhara Region.
Term papers for the partial fulfilment of the master program:
 Flower production in Ethiopia
 Review of EEA/EEPRI report on Industrialization and Industrial Policy in Ethiopia
 Trends and Contribution of Foreign Direct Investment in Ethiopia
 Review on Food Security in china
 The impact of Globalization in developing countries

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13. Certification
I, the undersigned, certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, this CV correctly describes myself, my
qualifications, and my experience. I understand that any willful misstatement described herein may lead to my
disqualification or dismissal, if engaged.

Signature of staff member or authorized representative of the staff Date: 28 04 2011

Day Month Year

Full name of authorized representative:

85