TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS-THE ETHIOPIAN EXPERIENCE

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Past experience in Ethiopia has shown that water resources development projects implemented without environmental and health consideration face serious environmental and social problems. The environmental dimensions of sedimentation and soil erosion through accelerated vegetation removal, loss of grazing land, displacement of people, proliferation of disease vectors, productivity decline through salinization and water logging and loss of wild life habitats constitute the major problems encountered. This paper reviews the environmental and health consequences of water resources development projects, and assesses current practices and arrangements for impact assessment and follow-up environmental monitoring in Ethiopia. Lack of compulsory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and an established responsibility and procedure for follow-up actions, coupled with shortages of trained manpower and financial provisions constitute serious constraints for effective integration of environmental and health considerations into the development process. Recommendations include the need for compulsory EIA, well defined institutional responsibilities and inter-sectoral collaboration.