Assessing Environmental Management System: The Case of Dukem Town, Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne, Ethiopia

Abstract

The article discusses the problem of industrial pollution in Ethiopia, a newly industrializing country. The federal, state, and local governments have implemented various laws, policies, and initiatives to address the issue, and environmental organizations have been established. The study focuses on evaluating the environmental management system in Dukem Town using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, including questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and observational data. The study finds that industrial pollution in Dukem Town, particularly at Di Yuan Ceramic and Habesha Steel Mills Plc in the Eastern Industrial Zone, is rapidly expanding. Most functioning industries in the town lack waste treatment plants, and even where they exist, they are not properly used. Many industries discharge untreated effluent into the adjacent community or nearby communities’ drainage facilities without proper treatment, violating the specified requirements. Even in cases where industries have waste treatment plants, most of them do not function properly due to financial and political challenges. As a result, the environment and communities around them are vulnerable to pollution and its adverse effects.

Keywords:Environmental protection; Environmental management system; Industrial pollution control; Sustainable development policy; Oromia Special Zone (Ethiopia)

DOI: 10.7176/CEIS/10-1-03

Publication date:September 30^th 2023