Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of Proposed Road Project Kimerdingay-atekna-Meketwuha Road Project, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The Kimerdingay-Atekna-Meketwuha proposed road project is administratively located in Amhara National Regional State, South Gondar Administrative Zone between Guna Bigimeder and Meketwuha woredas .The overall positive socioeconomic impacts of the proposed road project include availability of all-weather reliable roads, reduced transportation costs, increased access to market places for local produces, access to new employment centers, better access to social service centers like health institutions, and strengthening of local economy are felt during the operation phases of the project road. However, the   direct and adverse impacts are increased traffic accidents, pollution due to increased vehicle exhaust gases and transportation of hazardous material in transit, noise and road side litter, displacement of people, damages to properties and crops, reduction of size of farmland, interruption of social services like water supply, electricity and telecommunication services, expansion of HIV/AIDS and other STDs, drug abuse, commercial sex work, child labor, theft, exhaustion of natural resources, price escalation at local level  etc.Mixed methods of data collection both primary and secondary data source were used. Field observation, photo, Goagle earth, transect walk , published and unpublished woredas sectoral report, discussion with the respective project woredas cabinet ,and formal and informal public discussion along the project kebles.The road project directly connect Guna Bigmider with Meketwuha woredas and connect Kimirdngay_Wukiro_Amijaya_Atikna_Giday_Aiyada_Aija_Zikilmoka_Aidiya_Aighisa kebles. The total project population along the project kebles are male= 42,779 female=40,039Along the proposed road project kebles there are three primary, twenty three primary full cycle, one secondary and one secondary and preparatory schools. And also there are ten heath post, four health center and nine animal health post.

Keywords: proposed road, project, socioeconomic impact, adverse, positive, mitigation measure

DOI: 10.7176/CER/11-3-04

Publication date: April 30^th 2019