Figure 3:3: Woreda Map, Traversed by the Transmission Line (Previous Woreda Boundary Delineation)

Home , Aleltu, Artuma Fursi, Debre Sina (woreda), Habru, Jile Timuga, Kalu (woreda)

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA SFG3876 Public Disclosure Authorized

ETHIOPIAN ELECTRICPOWER (EEP)

Alamata-Combolcha II-Legetafo 230 KV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Final Report Public Disclosure Authorized

October 2017, Addis Ababa

i Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ...... i List of Tables ...... v List of Figures ...... v List of Annexes ...... vi List of Acronyms ...... vi Executive Summary ...... viii 1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Project Proponent and Financer ...... 3 1.3 ESIA Study Team ...... 3 2 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT AND THE ESIA STUDY ...... 4 2.1 Objective of the Proposed Development Project ...... 4 2.2 Objective of the ESIA Study ...... 4 3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 5 3.1 Project Location ...... 5 3.1.1 Project Location for Lot One ...... 5 3.1.2 Project Location for Lot Two ...... 9 3.2 Description of the Proposed Project ...... 11 3.2.1 Key Components ...... 11 3.2.2 Topography of the Line Route ...... 13 3.2.3 Description of the Proposed Lot One Project ...... 14 3.2.4 Description of the Lot Two Project activities ...... 16 4 METHODOLOGY OF THE ESIA STUDY ...... 18 4.1 Steps for undertaking the ESIA Study ...... 18 4.2 ESIA Methodology ...... 21 5 CONSULTATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND PROJECT AFFECTED POPULATION 25 5.1 Introduction ...... 25 5.2 Consultation Process ...... 26 5.3 Key Issues Raised by the Stakeholders and with the Project Affected Population ...... 30

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

6 NATIONAL, REGIONAL POLICIES AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK, AND INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS ...... 32 6.1 Policy Framework ...... 32 6.1.1 Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia ...... 33 6.1.2 National and Regional Conservation Strategy ...... 34 6.1.3 Environmental Policy of Ethiopia ...... 34 6.1.4 National Energy Policy ...... 35 6.1.5 National Health Policy ...... 37 6.1.6 Land Tenure Policy ...... 37 6.1.7 National Biodiversity Policy ...... 38 6.1.8 National Policy of Women ...... 39 6.2 Legislative Framework ...... 39 6.2.1 Environmental Impact Assessment (Proclamation No, 299/2002) ...... 39 6.2.2 Environmental Pollution Control (Proclamation No. 300/2002) ...... 42 6.2.3 Public Health Proclamation ...... 42 6.2.4 National Rural Land Administration and Use (Proclamation No. 456/2005) ...... 42 6.2.5 Expropriation of Landholdings for Public Purposes and Payment of Compensation Proclamation No. 455/2005 ...... 43 6.2.6 Payment of Compensation for Properties Situated on Landholdings Expropriated for Public (Regulation No.135/2007) ...... 44 6.3 Institutional Framework ...... 45 6.3.1 The Environmental Protection Organs ...... 45 6.3.2 Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (former EPA) ...... 46 6.3.3 Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity ...... 47 6.3.4 Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) ...... 47 6.3.5 Ethiopian Electricity Agency-Directive # EEA/1/2005 ...... 49 6.3.6 Other relevant bureaus at regional and Woreda level ...... 49 6.3.7 Woreda administrations ...... 49 6.4 International conventions relevant to this project ...... 50 6.4.1 UNFCC (Convention on Climate Change) ...... 51 6.4.2 Other International Agreement ...... 51 6.5 Summary of the World’s Bank Safeguard Policies and Guidelines ...... 52 6.5.1 Environmental Assessment (OP 4.01) ...... 53

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

6.5.2 Natural Habitat (OP 4.04) ...... 54 6.5.3 Indigenous Peoples (OP 4.10) ...... 55 6.5.4 Physical Cultural Resources OP/BP 4.11...... 56 6.5.5 Involuntary Resettlement (OP 4.12) ...... 56 6.5.6 Forests (OP 4.36) ...... 57 6.5.7 World Bank Environmental, Health and Safety Guideline for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution ...... 58 7 DESCRIPTION OF THE BASELINE ENVIRONMENT ...... 59 7.1 Biophysical Environment ...... 59 7.1.1 General Status of the Biophysical Environment of the Study Area ...... 59 7.1.2 Land Use Status of the Right of Way...... 62 7.2 Socioeconomics Environment ...... 70 7.2.1 Population and Settlement ...... 71 7.2.2 Social Services ...... 72 7.2.3 Infrastructure, Transport and Communication Facilities ...... 75 7.2.4 Main Economic Activities and Investment ...... 75 7.2.5 Tourism Development ...... 76 7.2.6 Water Supply Services ...... 76 8 ALTERNATIVES ...... 77 9 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS ...... 79 9.1 Positive Impacts ...... 80 9.1.1 Additional Power Capacity ...... 81 9.1.2 Employment Opportunity ...... 81 9.1.3 Boost the economy ...... 81 9.1.4 Gender Issues ...... 81 9.1.5 Reducing Deforestation and Support in Reducing Global Warming ...... 81 9.1.6 Capacity Building ...... 82 9.2 Negative Impacts the physical and Biological Environment ...... 82 9.2.1 Impacts on Air Quality and Proposed Mitigation Measures (Lot -1 and Lot-2) ...... 82 9.2.2 Noise Impact and Proposed Mitigation Measures Lot 1 and Lot 2 ...... 83 9.2.3 Impacts on Surface Water Quality and Proposed Mitigation Measures ...... 84 9.2.4 Impacts on Soil and Proposed Mitigation Measures (Lot -1 and Lot-2) ...... 85 9.2.5 Impacts on Residential Areas (Lot-1) ...... 85

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

9.2.6 Impacts on Terrestrial Flora and Socio-Economically Valued Plantations and Proposed Mitigation Measures (Lot-1) ...... 87 9.2.7 Impacts on Fauna and Proposed Mitigation Measures...... 89 9.2.8 Landscape and Visual Intrusion and Proposed Mitigation Measures ...... 89 9.2.9 Impact on Cultural, Religious and Archeological Resources and Mitigation Measures ..... 90 9.2.10 Oil spill on farmland and Proposed Mitigation Measures...... 92 9.2.11 Solid waste generation at the construction sites (LOT 1& LOT 2) ...... 93 9.2.12 Impact caused by Road safety & traffic management and proposed Mitigation measures 94 9.2.13 Impacts on Terrestrial Flora and Proposed Mitigation Measures ...... 95 9.2.14 Impacts on Fauna and Proposed Mitigation Measures...... 96 9.3 Negative Social Impacts...... 99 9.3.1 Impacts on Agricultural Land and Proposed Mitigation Measures (Lot One) ...... 99 9.3.2 Impact on Eucalyptus Plantations and housing and Proposed Mitigation Measures ...... 100 9.3.3 Occupational Safety and Health Issue and Proposed Mitigation Measures ...... 101 9.3.4 Health Impact, Exposure to HIV/AIDS and STI and Proposed Mitigation Measures ...... 101 9.3.5 Influx of labor, and Proposed Mitigation Measures ...... 102 9.3.6 Impact on vulnerable groups Proposed Mitigation Measures ...... 103 9.3.7 Electromagnetic Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures ...... 104 9.3.8 Electrocutions and Proposed Mitigation Measures ...... 105 9.4 Impact during Decommissioning Phase ...... 106 10 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)...... 115 10.1 Objectives of the ESMP ...... 115 10.2 Institutions Responsible for the Implementation of ESMP ...... 116 11 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING ...... 126 11.1 Back ground ...... 126 11.2 Capacity Building Needs and Training Requirements ...... 133 12 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 134 12.1 Conclusions ...... 134 12.2 Recommendations ...... 134 13 ANNEXES ...... 139

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

List of Tables Table 3-1: List of Zonal administrations and their respective woredas and city administrations traversed by the transmission line ...... 5 Table 3-2: Legetafo Substation Coordinatoes ...... 9 Table 3-3: Combolcha Substation Coordinate ...... 10 Table 3-4: Stretch category of the Transmission Line ...... 13 Table 5-1: Key concerns and responses ...... 30 Table 7-1: Zones and Wereda names ...... 70 Table 7-2: Population of the project Zones & Woredas ...... 72 Table 7-3: Number of Kindergartens, schools, children students &/School & students ...... 73 Table 7-4: Type and number of health service centers by 2012/13 ...... 74 Table 7-5: Water supply service by 2012/13 ...... 76 Table 9-1: Affected Land use along the Transmission line from Alamata to Legatafo substation ...... 98 Table 9-2: Summary of potential Impact of the proposed project ...... 110 Table 10-2: Summary of Environmental and social management plan ...... 120 Table 11-1: Environmental and social monitoring parameters and indicators ...... 128 Table 11-2: Overall Cost Summary for the Implementation of ESIA Study ...... 133

List of Figures Figure 3:1: Existing TML passes through different Zones and woreda near Sendafa town ...... 6 Figure 3:2: Location Map of TML ...... 7 Figure 3:3: Woreda Map, traversed by the Transmission line (previous Woreda boundary delineation) ... 8 Figure 3:4: Legetafo Sub Station Location map ...... 9 Figure 3:5: Location Map of Combolcha II Substation ...... 10 Figure 3:6: Typical example of existing ROW opened up during the first single circuit ...... 12 Figure 3:7: Partial Topographic View of the Line Route ...... 14 Figure 4:1: Typical flow chart of the Environmental Impact Assessment of a project ...... 24 Figure 5:1:Discussions with Silase church representatives...... 28 Figure 5:2: Consultation with PAP’S at Aleltu Woreda, Maru kebele ...... 28 Figure: 6:1: Organizational structure of EEP focused with emphasis on Environment and Health & Safety sections ...... 48 Figure 7:1: Transmission line runs through farmlands near Sendafa town ...... 63 Figure 7:2: Transmission line crossing regenerating eucalyptus tree near Beke (North Shewa) Town ..... 63 Figure 7:3: Eucalyptus tree traversed by the transmission line in Tarmaber woreda ...... 64 Figure 7:4: Transmission line route Debre Birhan to Debre Sina leaving the Wof Waha forest to the left side ...... 66 Figure 7:5: Acacia tree along the route in eastern part of Shewa Robit town ...... 66

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Figure 7:6: Transmission line runs across settlement area in Shewa Robit Town ...... 66 Figure 7:7: Planted forest at Shekla village ...... 67 Figure 7:8: Settlements traversed by the transmission line at Senbete Town (Oromia Special zone) ...... 67 Figure 7:9: Kosro forest at Susula village near Hayk Town ...... 68 Figure 7:10: Perennial/fruit crops traversed by the line at Wuchale Town ...... 68 Figure 7:11: Perennial Trees traversed by the line in Doro Gebir village near Weldiya Town ...... 69 Figure 7:12: Farmlands near Alamata town, traversed by transmission line ...... 70 Figure 9:1: St. Silase Church holly water Baptizing house at Aleltu Woreda ...... 91 Figure 25: Flow Chart for Grievance Redressing Channel and Procedures ...... 119

List of Annexes Annex 1: Findings of the Consultation with the Project affected population ...... 139 Annex 2: Minutes of Public Consultation ...... 150 Annex 3: List of Consulted Institutions and Individuals ...... 207 Annex 4: Template for the Collection of Socio-Economic data ...... 212 Annex 5: Site Photos ...... 213

List of Acronyms

AFE Amhara Forest Enterprise BP Bank procedure (Word Bank) CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CSE Conversation Strategy of Ethiopia DC Direct Current EEA Ethiopian Electricity Authority EEC Electric Power Corporation EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ESIA Environment and Social Impact Assessment ESMP Environment and Social Management Plan EPA Environmental Protection Authority (the previous competent authority) FDRE Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia GDP Gross Domestic Product

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

GIS Geographic Information System IAPs Interested and Affected Persons ICS Interconnected System KV Kilovolt masl meter above sea level MoEFCC Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change MoWIE Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity NGO Nongovernmental Organizations NPC National Planning Commission OHS Occupational Safety and Health OP Operational Policy of the Bank PAP Project Affected Population POPs Persistent Organic Pollutants RAP Resettlement Action Plan RLSABs Regional Labor and Social Affair Bureaus ROW Right of Way SCS Self -Contained System WB World Bank

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Executive Summary

Introduction

Ethiopia is endowed with numerous energy resources, including various nonrenewable and renewable energy resources. Among others, hydro and wind power are the major one and has one of the lowest levels of energy per capita consumption considering the ever-increasing population dwindling fuel wood resources, price hike of petroleum fuel and power shortage.

Improving access to electricity has shown direct impact on poverty reduction through economic growth, enhancement of the delivery of social services and quality of life. Improving access to electricity to urban and rural population, meets the Ethiopian strategy for Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Program (SDPRP) and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of 2030. Consequently, under the Ethiopia’s Second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II), it is targeted to increase electricity coverage from present level of 60 % to about 90 % by the FY 2019/20 (NPC, 2015).

Accordingly, to meet the demand of energy of the country and the target stipulated in GTP, EEP has undertaken different studies like Power System Expansion Master Plan for the coming 25 years. Among the efforts made so far, currently energy is being generated from various hydropower and wind power stations and is transported through high voltage transmission lines. It is known that the construction of the first phase Alamata–Combolcha II -Legetafo -Kaliti 230 kV Transmission Line was started in 2008 and completed in 2011. In addition to this, Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) carried out feasibility study for second phase project to upgrade the existing single circuit transmission line to a double circuit transmission line on the other arm of the existing electric towers of the Alamata-Combolcha II-Legetafo -Kaliti I 230 kV Transmission line that has been constructed in the first phase.

The EIA Proclamation approved by the Federal Government of Ethiopia states that projects shall be subject to EIA and no proponent shall commence implementation of development projects without preparation of EIA and clearance and authorization of the report from the Authority or from the Relevant Regional Agency, as appropriate. Therefore, in response to both the

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project requirements of the World Bank and the MoEFCC policies and guidelines, this ESIA was carried out as an integral part of the detailed design for the proposed Alamata-Combolcha II- Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project.

Objective of the Proposed Development Project

The major objectives of the project are to:

1. Transmit the power generated by Tekeze Hydropower plant to the main load centers by upgrading or reinforcing the transmission system. 2. Reduce frequent outage of the system, due to faults on the Finchaa - Ghedo - Geferssa 230 kV line. 3. Reduce high transmission loss. 4. Increase reliability and system stability.

Objective of the ESIA Study

The fundamental objective of this Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study of the Alamata–Combolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project aimed to promote and ensure the implementation of the project in an environmentally friendly and socially acceptable.

The detail objectives of the ESIA study of the Alamata–Combolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project are to:

1. Ensure that direct and indirect environmental and social impacts are identified and addressed. 2. Anticipate and avoid, minimize or offset the significant adverse physical, biological and social impacts of the proposed development project. 3. Incorporate environmental and social measures into project design and execution. 4. Protect the productivity and capacity of natural systems and the ecological processes that maintains their function. 5. Evaluate alternatives to the proposed project, including the no action or without project alternatives.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Project Proponent and Financer

The Project proponent is the Ethiopian Electric Power. The International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group will finance the total foreign exchange costs plus a part of the local costs of the project (Estimated US$100 Million).

Project Description

The proposed Alamata-Combolcha II-Legetafo 230 KV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project consists of two lots. Lot One deals with the stringing of power transmission line covering a distance of 458 km with 30 m Right of Way (ROW). The list of major towns along the Transmission line route include Alamata, Kobo, Woldiya, Hayk, Desse, Combolcha , Kemissie, Debre Sina, Debre Birhan, Sheno, Sendafa and Legetafo.

The ROW is already opened up during the first phase of single circuit of the Alamata-Combolcha -Legetafo 230 KV Transmission Line Reinforcement project and required to further clearance in some sections of ROW for safe construction, maintenance and operation of the proposed phase two Alamata-Combolcha II-Legetafo 230 KV Transmission Line Reinforcement project.

During the first phase, single circuit TML project, access roads have also been opened to be used as access routes to transmission line stringing and maintenance activities. During implementation of the proposed project (phase II-double circuit TML), the existing access roads will be further upgraded, as required, if there are any situation that hamper accessibility, like rejuvenated eucalyptus and other species trees, damaged roads and some places are occupied by services and homesteads.

Lot Two is all about upgrading of the existing Combolcha and Legetafo substations, which are found in Combolcha (Amhara Region, Kombolch Town) and Legetafo (Addis Ababa, Yeka Sub City) substation premises.

ESIA Methodology

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

For the preparation of this ESIA, a desk review of various documents such as previous ESIA study report, detail design reports of the proposed project as well as the National legal and institutional frameworks and the World Bank’s Safeguard Policies have been reviewed.

In addition, extensive discussions were made with the Project Office, the Design Department and the Environmental Unit of EEP to develop common understanding on the scope of the ESIA study and to obtain relevant data/information relevant to the stipulated assignment.

The consultant team was deployed to the project site for three weeks (January 23 to February 14, 2015) to carry out the fieldwork. Consultations were made with officials and experts from Woredas, City Administrations and Zonal Offices. Furthermore, interviews and discussions with several local authorities and stakeholders along the transmission line route were carried out during the fieldwork. Six City Administrations, 4 Zonal Administrations and 22 Woreda Administration and their respective sectoral offices have been consulted in the process.

Consultation with Stakeholders and Project Affected Population

A number of consultation sessions were conducted during January 23 to February 14, 2015 at various places along the proposed transmission line route with various community groups, Woreda and Kebele Authorities, PAPs, elders, and various religious groups at the national, regional, and Woreda level institutions and beneficiaries at the local levels. During the consultation with stakeholders and the project affected people (PAP), participants drawn from 22 towns and Woredas and 6 Zonal administrations have participated (Figure 4.1).

When conducting consultation, the study team focused on the towns through which the proposed transmission line is expected to pass. These towns were considered to represent the major service centers within the project development area and served as consultation focal points for both rural

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project and town-based stakeholders. Furthermore, vulnerable groups were also consulted during the ESIA process and were invited to participate in the community consultation processes.

Throughout the consultation process, both the Woreda and Kebele administrators were aware of and committed for supporting vulnerable groups such as elders and women who will be displaced due to the project. Among the expected support rendered for the vulnerable social groups are to prepare suitable places for their relocation and to involving them in some micro and small income generating schemes. The key issues raised during the consultations with stakeholders and the project-affected population is discussed in detail in the Table 5.1, section 5 and Annex 1 below.

Stakeholders, PAPs and beneficiaries raised broad ranges of issues during the ESIA consultation sessions. The key concerns that were expressed by the stakeholders and project affected population and the respective responses are discussed in the Table 4 and annex 1. Some of the key issues raised during the consultation were: The issue of compensation: Few individuals are complaining they have not received adequate or no compensation for the houses they have already lost, Experts in the Woreda Administration expressed their concerns that the affected people have not been provided by the proponent appropriate livelihood restoration alternatives, Some individuals are complaining that they have not been paid adequate compensation for their perennial crops they have lost, Some experts from the administration also expressed concern about the cumulative impacts that may result from the installation of the additional transmission line. All concerns were recorded and addressed in a manner appropriate to the issue and were captured and considered under the RAP1 prepared and disclosed for this project.

The consultation process created better understanding between the community and the project proponent and also raised awareness among the communities the extent of the impact and the ways and means of how these impacts will be addressed. According to the information provided by the project proponent more than 38 million Birr has been paid for the property damage and land accusation within the ROW during the implementation of the first phase TML project.

During the consultation, most of the issues and concerns raised by affected groups and the community members have been discussed and incorporated in the minutes of the stakeholder’s

1 http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/672081486982957834/pdf/SFG3021-RP-P119893-Box402887B- PUBLIC-Disclosed-2-10-2017.pdf

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project meetings Annex 2. Accordingly, the findings of consultation with PAP found in some relevant woredas and city administrations of the project area were discussed and summarized here under section Annex 1.

Policy, Legal, Institutional and Administrative Frameworks

The relevant National policy, legal, administrative, and institutional framework as well as World Bank Operational policies and legal documents that are relevant to this ESIA study is discussed in the report. Accordingly, pertinent environmental and social provisions in the Constitution of the FDRE, National and Regional Conservation Strategy, relevant Policies (including Environment Policy of Ethiopia, Land Tenure Policy, Health Policy and Energy Policy of Ethiopia), Legislative framework and relevant regulations (including Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation - No. 299/2002, Environmental Pollution Control Proclamation- No. 300/2002, a Proclamation to Provide for the Expropriation of Land Holdings for Public Purposes and Payment of Compensation -No. 455/2005 have been considered. From administrative/institutional framework point of view, relevant institutions namely, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity; Regional Environmental Organs, and other relevant bureaus at regional and Woreda level have been taken into account.

Description of the Biophysical Environment

The project area is characterized with different topographic features and soil characteristics. Gentle slopes and undulating terrain features with several textural classifications of rock types have been identified.

The mean annual temperature recorded was 10-150C at Addis Ababa and 220C at Shewarobit and Habru areas. The mean annual rainfall varies from 900- 1200 mm along the project area.

The project area fauna and flora species are attributed by the existence of varied species and significantly disturbed due to the expansion of subsistence level agricultural practices that predominate in the area. Depending on the landscape and specific geographical area, Eucalyptus camaldulensis forest, natural forest, bushes, and shrubs across the hilly terrains are existed. There are also some extensive flat plain, which are dominantly covered with farmlands.

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Species that are common in many parts of the country like Spotted Hyenas, Hare, Fox, Jackal, Baboons etc. are seen in the area. According to consultation with Tarmaber Woreda office, Debre Sina forest is rich in fauna such as Gelada Baboon, Cheetah, Bushbuck, Duikers, Colobus monkey, and different species of birds. Diversity of fauna in many routes is very low because of the decline of their natural habitat due to deforestation and wildlife hunting. Important habitat for avifauna in the section is Cheffa wetland, which is rich in bird species like White-faced whistling duck (Dendro cygnaviduata) and cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis).

Socioeconomic Environment

The socio-economic environment of six Zones of the proposed project i.e., Amhara North Shewa Zone, South Wello Zone, Oromiya special Zone (Amhara Region), North Wello Zone, Oromiya North Shewa and Finfine Zuriya special Zone and their respective Woredas along the project site are discussed.

According to the 2007 census of Central Statistical Agency (CSA) and projected for 2015, almost all zones have 1:1 sex ratio of male to female population.

Amharic and Oromifa are predominantly spoken languages. Tigrigna and some other languages like, Argoba Languages are also spoken in one or more zones. In most of these Zones, Orthodox Christianity is the dominant religion having significant numbers of worshipers, followed by Muslim, Protestant and other religions.

Project Alternatives

During phase one of the project study, from the proposed options, double circuit of 230 kV lines (additional one circuit) to be implemented in the future was taken as the best option. Therefore, the phase one-project activities were implemented during 2008-2011 and left the remaining stringing of other additional circuit to be implemented in the next phase- two, i.e. the current proposed stringing activities.

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project stringing of other single circuit transmission line on the already existing arm of towers of the phase one project, which the alternative feasible route options were selected at previous phase from technical economic, social and environmental point of view.

Environmental and Social Impacts

For the purpose of this assessment, impacts and /or benefits that will occur during construction and operation and decommissioning phases are considered and discussed.

Positive Impacts

Key potentially beneficial impacts associated with the implementation of the project are:

• Additional power capacity • Employment opportunity • Boost the economy • Addresses gender issues • Reducing deforestation and support in reducing Global Warming • Capacity building

Key Environmental and Social Impacts and Mitigation measures

Phase Negative Impacts Mitigation Measures

Impacts on Bio-Physical Environment

Construction Impacts on Air Quality (Lot -1 and Lot-2) During the upgrading and extension work The project shall control the speed of of the substation activities under construction vehicles, conduct regular component two such as excavation, vehicle maintenance, watering of movement of construction vehicles along access roads during the dry season to the access roads under component one suppress dusts, and prohibit idling of would contribute to dust release, which vehicles on site to minimize the ultimately affect the air quality of the generation of dust and greenhouse project area and nearby. gases.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Phase Negative Impacts Mitigation Measures

Additionally, due to the involvement of Moreover, all of the above potential machineries during stringing of the impacts can however be minimized and transmission lines, fuel exhaust and dust /or avoided via the implementation of a will be emitted into the environment and construction environmental and social is expected to further affect the ambient air management plan, which will be quality. prepared by the contractor.

Construction Noise Impact (Lot -1 and Lot-2) and operation Acceptable noise levels can be Noise abatement measures will be temporarily exceeded due to the operation taken in the zones crossing the of vehicles and equipment in the working residential areas, including adequate zone of the high voltage transmission line. work scheduling. Periodical Noise may also be produced from maintenance and service should be electrical discharges around high voltage undertaken for those vehicles and other power lines. machineries on duty in this project. All construction work activities will be advised to be conducted during the day time Construction Impacts on Surface Water Quality (Lot-1 and Lot -2) Considering Lot One and Lot Two Implement watershed management, as component, impacts like erosion/sediment required; Plan and implement soil and deposition arising from disposal of easily- water conservation practice in all sites erodible material from construction during and after the construction activities, aggravated soil erosion from phases, as required; enforce earthworks heavy traffic during construction, for access road or other activities to be enhancement of slope instability arising carried out in a manner to minimize civil works near and around the project spoil generation as well as dispose site, and disposal of spoils in sloping sites spoils properly; Limit vehicle speed to minimize the potential disruption of

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Phase Negative Impacts Mitigation Measures

during land clearance might cause impacts loose soil that aggravate erosion of on watercourses and water quality. soils; the contractor shall also train work crews in safe handling and disposal of petrochemicals and spill containment facilities in case of incidents of spillage . construction Impacts on Soil (Lot -1 and Lot-2) Preparation of land for construction of The contractor should employ soil bays at the Alamata and Legetafo existing conservation plan for the proper substations (Lot Two), access roads and management and control of significant clearing of vegetation, bushes, and shrubs soil erosion problems. for stringing of the transmission line (Lot Excavation and vegetation clearance One), are likely to cause soil erosion. will be limited, replanting of all sites Moreover, hilly and highly erosion prone after completing the construction using topographic conditions as well as select tree species suitable for soil movement of machineries will cause conservation purposes. increase in sedimentation load and deterioration of quality of streams and the nearby rivers.

Construction Impacts on Residential Areas (Lot-1) The assessment identified a total of 180 EEP has prepared and disclosed RAP residential houses owned by 120 HHs that comprises all measures to (699 PAPs) and demolition of physical implement the appropriate and required assets within the established 30mt Right of compensation for affected people, Way (ROW). including those PAPs affected by the proposed project on residential houses located under the ROW.

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Phase Negative Impacts Mitigation Measures

For the loss of crops both perennial and annual, compensation payments will be made on the basis of the principle and procedures stated in the country’s regulation No. 135/2007. Awareness creations should be undertaken for the farmers after the establishment of the transmission lines that the ROW can be used for crop farming and grazing but not for tree planting. Construction Impacts on Terrestrial Flora and Socio-Economically Valued Plantations (Lot- and operation 1) About 40 hectares of eucalyptus tree, 412 Off set plantation and replanting of ha of natural vegetation and 25 ha of forest indigenous tree species, avoid mass de- falls under the existing Right of way. vegetation and selective cutting of Rejuvenated planted trees above 5 meters trees, awareness to the construction tall might be cut down and de-vegetated crew to avoid total de-vegetation of the for ease of access during construction and forest and using, human labor as much operation stringing activities. as possible for stringing as opposed to A total of 823 permanent and fruit trees heavy machinery to avoid impacts on presently occupying and situated within herbaceous layer within and nearby the the existing 30-meter ROW of the project area. transmission line, requiring removal, clearing or reposition to give way for the stringing activities. Construction Impacts on Fauna (Lot -1) and operation The clearance of the vegetation in the Awareness creation to workers shall be existing ROW and access roads implemented to minimize disturbances particularly in the plantation forest during of wildlife during construction

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Phase Negative Impacts Mitigation Measures

stringing of the proposed transmission line activities. Limited number of workers will disturb the shelter of wild animals and should also be involved inside may force them out from their habitat and plantation forest areas along the could exposed them to illegal hunting. transmission line route. Bird mortality from striking of the The proposed and existed TML shall be transmission wires will be of minimum fitted with bird warning spheres concern in the project areas and the (colored balloons), Fitting of flapper anticipated no or limited impacts on Birds, devices on the shield wires, which will as the TML route and WofWasha located make them more visible and avoid any at distant and the potential impacts will be striking. very limited and/or no in such locations Undertake regular monitoring and where, although there is bird population collect data on avifauna electrocuted existed such as WofWasha. In addition, along the proposed transmission line, if climbing animals like monkeys may be occurred. impacted from electrocution while Awareness rising for community attempting to climb up the towers. members and workers about illegal However, in areas like Tarmaber forest hunting. (WofWasha) where there is relatively The contractor shall develop a site abundant wildlife, the transmission line management plan, as required to ensure may induce no physical hazard to birds proper management of impacts during and climbing animals. construction period Operation Landscape and Visual Intrusion (Lot-1) The Proposed High Voltage No significant impact is expected, as Transmission line (HVTL) is likely to The proposed transmission line has cause visual impacts hence disturbing the already been decided to follow the aesthetic beauty of the area. existing transmission line route Impact on Cultural, Religious and Archeological Resources (Lot -1)

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

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Construction Construction of stinging activities under Stringing of the line / project activity of and operation Lot1 might have a temporary restriction of Lot1 will consider the timing of the access to St. Silase Church Holy Water.2. construction to avoid any access Insignificant impact is anticipated related restriction to the Holy Water Service. to electromagnetic field effect from the The project will undertake prior TML. consultation with the community and church leaders before commencing the construction activities. The project will also use various mechanisms of stringing design just to string the line without any contact to the area through using pass over mechanism of the stringing activities. To prevent any unprecedented impacts from live line, the contractor shall place safety signs and awareness during construction activities and even after the construction activities. No impacts anticipated from EMF, as the stringing activities used the EEA directive3 on clearance of vegetation and houses for the specified Kv line Construction Oil spill on farmland (Lot -1 and Lot-2) No significant oil spill incidence will If oil spillage incidents from the trucks occur during the construction of the and machineries occurred, the project. However, there might be an contractor should provide adequate incident of oil leakage from vehicles safety orientation to the construction

2 St. Silase Church Holly Water is found at the right side of the ROW at Aleltu Woreda, Maru Kebele. 3 https://chilot.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/directive_overheadeleclineqltysupply.pdf

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Phase Negative Impacts Mitigation Measures

during construction activities, which workers and vehicles drivers and impact the farmland, if happened. machine operators that the vehicles to be in good condition with proper maintenance. Besides, drivers/ operators shall mount the temporary containment facilities/structures with their vehicle/machine to prevent the damage of any spill incidents to the farmlands If required, the contractor shall develop the emergency preparedness plan that comprises of spill management. Construction Solid waste generation (Lot -1 and Lot-2) and operation Materials such as vegetation striping, It is highly recommended to implement concrete mixes, packing materials, appropriate collection, segregation, containers for various construction safe temporary storage, and transport to materials, plastics bottles and sacks, designated dumpsite for final disposal. litters, etc. are expected to be generated It is also recommended to remove and disposed indiscriminately within and wastes regularly from the project site. around the construction sites of the 458 Make available sufficient number of kms stringing and upgrading of labeled garbage bins and container at substations during construction and every spot of construction and work operation phases. These wastes unless sites, as applicable. properly managed, might contribute for As required, the contractor will prepare the significant point and non-point sources a site waste management plan under the of pollutions to the surrounding contractor ESMP biophysical and social environment, particularly impacted the quality of surface and ground water resources.

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

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Construction Impact caused by Road safety & traffic management (Lot -1) The occurrence of road accident as a result Speed limit signs shall be in place, of proposed project is minimal. However, Detail traffic management plan will the construction activities of Lot One also be prepared by the contractor. involve frequent movement of large Safety advice and warnings shall be vehicles to transport materials for provided to the community residing stringing activities. This may result in nearby and construction laborers, as increased event of car accidents. These much as possible. risks are more when the access routes have steep gradient, bends, and bad road situations. Negative Social Impacts Construction Impacts on Agricultural Land (Lot -1) One of the potential impacts of this The project will undertake the project will be temporary destruction of installation and stringing activities of farmlands during the stringing of the the transmission line during off-crop transmission lines. Seasonal agricultural season through proper planning activities of the farmers may be disrupted before the commencement of the and crops may be destroyed during the project. If there is an activity that will installation of the proposed transmission be implemented on the crop season, line. the client will pay compensation for PAPs as per the principles of the agreed RAP. .

Construction Impact on Eucalyptus Plantations and housing (Lot -1) 40 ha of Eucalyptus tree plantation of the The individuals that are affected due to enclosure area, and 180 houses and the implementation of the proposed

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

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structures are also found within the project will receive compensation as existing right-of-way. per the asset evaluation indicated in the RAP report. Construction Occupational Safety and Health Issue (Lot -One and Two) and operation During construction and operation phases Orientation and training about the of this project, it is anticipated that the cause and impacts of physical and occupational safety hazards could mechanical hazards due to the project possibly occur. The work force, especially activities will be provided for the the laborers engaged in stringing might be workers and community residing exposed for temporary physical and within and around the project area, the mechanical injury during the installation contractor will provide appropriate of the proposed transmission line. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as protective gear, safety boots, gloves, protective clothing, dust masks and ear-mufflers to the workers and staffs. As required, the contractor shall prepare a Safety Management Plan. Warning sign and awareness poster will be placed at the core project activities area Induction and ongoing training will be provided regularly to the workers every morning before starting the construction activities, as applicable

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

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Construction Health Impact, Exposure to HIV/AIDS and STI (Lot -1 and Lot 2) Some of the significant health concerns The contractor should ensure that associated with proposed stringing workers are provided with the required activities and substation-upgrading facilities. Workers’ accommodations activities include shortage of facilities like require provision of potable water and toilets and catering facilities for availability of wastewater and solid construction workers. waste disposal services. Influx of people and interaction between To minimize the spread of HIV/AIDS, locals and skilled workers from other consultation with local communities areas can also lead to a higher risk for the and health experts throughout the spread of socially communicable diseases project implementation will be needed. including HIV/AIDS. The workers and local communities shall be advised about HIV/AIDS. Condoms should also be provided to the workers and the communities free of charge. Construction Influx of Labor (Lot -1) The impact of Labor influx due to the The contractor shall adopt and proposed rehabilitation and upgrading implement the Labor Influx power TML project might be minimal. Management Plan of the project office, However, certain section of the TML as required. stringing activities will be located and Health education programs, control of traversed through remote villages and illegal/illicit drugs and prostitution and workers will be moving to these villages other socially condemned activities from other neighboring areas. Though near the project site need to be limited numbers of workers are believed considered. Moreover, mechanisms to move to these villages, there might be need to be put in place to prevent and possible negative impact by inflow of minimize Gender Based Violence

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

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labor or people in such areas. Workers’ (GBV) and Violence Against Children accommodations may need to be (VAC). constructed on-site. This may result in Such mechanism should include impacts on community infrastructure, working with the contractors to prevent health, and safety. Food prices on local sexual harassment in the workplace and markets might increase, security and GBV and VAC in the project affected smuggling issues might arise and women communities (for example through from local communities might be at risk code of conducts), strengthening of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) grievance redress and other monitoring and unwanted pregnancies. mechanisms to ensure safe and ethical reporting systems to alert cases of GBV and VAC and assure them to access adequate response.

Construction Impact on Vulnerable Groups (Lot -1) The household survey and assessment It is recommended that special documented two households headed by assistance to be provided for the 57 elderly PAPs with visual impairment and women headed households to enable physical challenges and about 57 women them cover costs of labor for headed households. demolition of properties and removal The two elderly household heads with of household belongings to the new visual impairment and physical challenges relocation sites after collection of requested special assistance in demolition compensation and securing land for of their assets and transportation of their construction of replacement houses. household belongings to new relocation The project should facilitate provision sites. of additional assistance from established government institutions, such as Women and Children Services Affairs.

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Phase Negative Impacts Mitigation Measures

Operation Electromagnetic Effects (Lot -1 and Lot-2) Electric overhead lines are considered as As per the Ethiopian Electricity a source of electric and magnetic fields, Authority (EEA) directives on the which may have a perceived health power line clearance for various level effect. Although inconsistencies and no of power voltage, the existing tower clear and convincing evidence exists to height is considered to be sufficient to show that residential exposures to mitigate and/or avoid any perceived electric and magnetic fields are a threat health effects from the electromagnetic to human health, the EMF decreases field to human and other livestock. very rapidly with distance from source Moreover, awareness on how the and there should be no potential health electromagnetic field could affect the risks for people living outside the 30-m health of the community and about the wide way leave corridor precaution measures should be created among the nearby community members and construction workers. Signage will be in place, as required Operation Electrocutions (Lot -1 and Lot-2) During operation, impacts are related Transmission lines should be checked mainly with electrocutions and possible regularly, whether they are at low slung induce effects from electromagnetic height, so that immediate measures fields. The placement to flow-slung lines would be taken on time to avoid the or lines near human activities (e.g. high risks on highways and residential ways, buildings) increases the risk of places. electrocutions. In working areas of substation Furthermore, in Lot Two of this project displaying posters, danger and other (upgrading of the substations), workers warning signs will be posted for on duty in these substations will face the creating awareness to workers working risk of electrocution. Even if the in the substations (Lot Two). occurrence of such risk is very minimal, a

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

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precautionary measure should be Implement the mitigation measures established. stated in the ESMP particularly for EMF impacts and minimize and /or avoid the anticipated potential impacts from Electrocutions

Impact during Decommissioning Phase

The goal of project decommissioning is to remove the existing electric towers, cables and line equipment partly or as a whole and return the site to a condition as close to a pre-construction state as feasible. The major activities that will be required for the decommissioning of Alamata- Combolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV transmission line are:

• Electric tower removal, • Electrical system removal and • Re-vegetation

It is noteworthy that the specific requirements and approach for each activity may not be as exactly as it was before commissioning, because the technologies and construction techniques available when the project will be decommissioned may have changed. The disassembly and removal of substation equipment will essentially be the same as its installation, but in the reverse order. Therefore, potential environmental impacts caused during decommissioning will be mitigated on the existing technology by following the developed Management Plan.

Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)

In the context of a project, environmental management is concerned with implementation of the measures necessary to minimize or offset adverse impacts and enhance beneficial impacts. In this particular case, Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), MoWIE, construction supervisor and the zonal officer responsible for implementation of project environmental and social safeguards

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project management and monitoring plan, over the project period. In addition, other relevant regional and local levels environmental offices will take the responsibility in supervising the implementation of the environmental mitigation and monitoring plans.

The regional and EEP environment team will take the major responsibility in supervising the implementation of the environmental mitigation and monitoring plans. The overall environmental management plan costs around ETB, 5, 925, 000, 00. However, the cost for environmental management of some impacts as related to settlement, compensation for crop damage and annual trees will be based on the finding of the RAP.

Capacity building needs and Training requirements

Capacity need assessment was made during the ESIA study and the study team has found some technical capacity gaps on the occupational health and safety issues and the natural resource management and conservation towards ensuring the sustainable development during implementation of the project. These capacity gaps are identified in Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) and Woreda Administrations that are mainly responsible for the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures. Hence, the training program has proposed for the EEP staffs in charge of the implementation of the project and to other relevant organizations that in one way or another be involved in the implementation of the ESMP. The proposed training will be conducted by consultants qualified in Environmental management and monitoring, Compensation and Livelihood restoration, and Occupational Health and Safety disciplines.

Environmental and Social Monitoring

As a prerequisite, environmental and social monitoring is one of the essential tools for effectiveness of the ESMP by providing basis for rational top management decisions regarding impact control. Monitoring should be carried out during all project life cycle to ensure that all predicted potential impacts would be addressed timely, impacts not to be greater than predicted and to verify the impact predictions. The estimated total cost for the effective implementation of monitoring system is ETB, 1,770,000.00.

In general, the overall cost for the implementation of the ESIA study is ETB, 7,695,000.00.

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1.1 Background

The project owner, the Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) is a statutory corporation owned by the Ethiopian Government established for the purpose of generating and transmitting electricity for the country. The Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) was established as public enterprise under the Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Electricity (MoWIE) based on the Council of Minster’s Regulation 302/2013. EEP operates two power supply systems namely: the main interconnected system (ICS) and the main self-contained system (SCS).

According to the documents obtained from EEP, the existing ICS hydroelectric plants are Fincha, Melka Wakena, Koka, Awash II, Awash III and Tis Abay I & II, and Gilgel Gibe 1. The geothermal plant at Aluto Langano and Furthermore, the new hydropower plants such as Gilgel Gibe 2, Tekeze and Tana Beles and Ashegoda wind power are connected with the main system (ICS).

The large and widely distributed population of Ethiopia has request and led to the development of an extensive transmission system. The system consists of four principal levels of transmission line voltages: 230 kV, 132 kV, 66 kV and 45 kV. The backbone of the system is the 230 kV connecting Melka Wakena and Fincha, the two largest hydropower plants to Addis Ababa. Two parallel circuits, one single and another double circuit of 132 kV line connect Addis Ababa to the other three hydro generating plants, namely Koka, Awash II and Awash III power plants. The Tis Abay I & II hydro power plants are interconnected at Bahir Dar substation through a single circuit of 66 kV and a double circuit of 132 kV line respectively. The Aluto Langano geothermal plant is interconnected to the ICS at Adami Tulu.

Currently, the electric energy generated from the hydro power plants is transported through high voltage transmission lines rated 45 kV, 66 kV, 132 kV, 230 kV, and 400 kV. The total length of the existing transmission lines is about 12,825 km.

Although Ethiopia is endowed with numerous energy resources and having the above mention old and newly established hydroelectric and wind power generating plants, it has one of the lowest levels of energy per capita consumption considering the ever-increasing population dwindling fuel

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project wood resources, price hike of petroleum fuel and power shortage. The existing energy crisis prevalent in different points of the country would be further aggravated if proper action is not taken in due time.

Ethiopia is one of the few countries that have been registering a double digit’s economic growth. Hence, the supply of enough energy with the demand required is paramount in realizing the continuous and sustainable development of the country. Furthermore, improving access to electricity services in urban and rural areas will enhance the productivity of the economy and build human capital through provision of social services. Therefore, at one hand, improving access to electricity has shown direct impact on poverty reduction through economic growth, enhancement of the delivery of social services and quality of life. On the other hand, improving access of electricity to urban and rural population, indirectly meets the Ethiopian strategy for the Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Program (SDPRP) and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of 2030.

Cognizing of the urgency of supplying enough energy both for urban and rural economic development, the Government of Ethiopia’s Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP) has given a for front on the development of hydroelectric and other energy source alternatives. Consequently, the GTP I is targeted to increase the power generation capacity of the country from present 2,500 MW to about 10,000 MW. Whereas, under the GTPII to reach 17,346 MW, more than double the number of electricity consumers to about 6.955million and increase its electricity coverage from present level of 60 % to about 90 % by the FY 2019/20 (NPC, 2015).

Accordingly, to meet the demand of energy of the country and the target stipulated in GTP, EEP has undertaken different studies like Power System Expansion Master Plan for the coming 25 years’ horizon considering all the supply alternatives such as small and big Hydro Plants, Photo Voltaic / Solar energy, Wind Power, geo-thermal and coal fired plants.

Among the effort made so far, energy is currently generated from various Hydropower and Wind power stations and is transported through high voltage transmission lines. Of these, a newly constructed hydropower station, Tekeze hydro plant entered into service in year 2007 and is interconnected to Mekele substation through a 230 kV double circuit part of which is consumed in

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project the Mekele-Alamata area and the significant part is transported to the main load center at Kaliti for further distribution.

The construction of the Alamata–Combolcha II -Legetafo -Kaliti 230 kV Transmission Line started in 2008 and completed in 2011. The main purpose of the first phase single circuit transmission line was to transmit power generated by Tekeze Hydro Power Plant (Tekeze HPP) from Alamata Substation to the main load center at Kaliti via Combolcha II and Legetfao.

The Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) carried out feasibility study for second phase project to upgrade the existing single circuit transmission line to a double circuit transmission line by reinforcing the existing Alamata –Combolcha II-Legetafo -Kaliti I 230 kV Transmission Line.

The prime purpose of The Alamata –Combolcha II -Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project is the delivery of power generated from Tekeze Hydro Power Plant to the main load center to improve system stability and reliability. The transmission line reinforcement work will be conducted on one arm of the electric towers of the existing Alamata-Combolcha II- Legetafo -Kaliti I 230 kV Transmission line that has been constructed previously.

1.2 Project Proponent and Financer

The Project proponent, Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) is established based on the Council Ministers Regulation no. 302/2013 as a public enterprise under the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity for the purpose of Generating and Transmitting electricity throughout the country.

The International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group will finance the total foreign exchange costs plus a part of the local costs of the project (Estimated US$ 100 Million). Reinforcement and Expansion of the electricity network component consists of two sub components: (i) Gird upgrade and (ii) grid extension in order to improve the overall service delivery of the Ethiopian Electricity Network.

1.3 ESIA Study Team • Engineer Tequam Tesfamariam (MSc in Environmental Engineering) • Ato Berhanu Tekalign (MSc in Ecology) • Ato Getachew Abrha (MSc in Hydrogeology) • Ato Abdulahi Abdulkadir (Sociologist)

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

2 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT AND THE ESIA STUDY

2.1 Objective of the Proposed Development Project

The major objectives of the project are to -

1. Transmit the power generated by Tekeze to main load centers by upgrading or reinforcing the transmission system. 2. Reduce frequent outage of the system, due to faults on the Finchaa - Ghedo - Geferssa 230 kV line. 3. Reduce high transmission loss. 4. Increase Reliability and system stability.

2.2 Objective of the ESIA Study

The major objective of this Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study of the Alamata–Combolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project aimed to promote and ensure the implementation of the proposed TML project in an environmentally friendly and socially acceptable.

The detail objectives of the ESIA study of the Alamata–Combolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project are to:

1. Promote development that is environmentally and socially sustainable and that optimizes resource use. 2. Ensure that direct and indirect environmental impacts are identified and addressed. 3. Anticipate and avoid, minimize or offset the significant adverse physical, biological and social impacts of the proposed development project. 4. Incorporate environmental and social measures into project design and execution. 5. Protect the productivity and capacity of natural systems and the ecological processes that maintains their function. 6. Evaluate alternatives to the proposed project, including the no action or without project alternatives.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.1 Project Location

The proposed Alamata-Combolcha II-Legetafo 230 KV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project consists of two lots. Lot One deals with the stringing of power transmission line covering a distance of 458 km with 30 m Right of Way (ROW) and Lot Two the upgrading of the existing Combolcha and Legetafo substations.

3.1.1 Project Location for Lot One

The proposed line route covers a distance of 458 km with 30 m Right of Way (ROW). The line route of Alamata-Combolcha II-Legatafo Transmission line passes a number of towns. The list of major towns along the line route include Alamata, Kobo, Woldiya, Hayk, Desse, Combolcha , Kemissie, Debre Sina, Debre Birhan, Sheno, Sendafa and Legetafo.

The main activity of the proposed project under this lot one is the stringing of power transmission line, which will be fitted on the free arm of the already existing tower erected for the phase one project. This power line pass through 16 woredas and 6 city administrations between Alamata- Legetafo located in six (6) zonal administrations of different regional states (see the table 2.1below)

Table 3-1: List of Zonal administrations and their respective woredas and city administrations traversed by the transmission line

No. Zone Woreda City Administration 1 South Tigray Alamata Town 2 North Wello • Habru, • Gubalafto, • Kobo 3 South Wello • Kalu, • Combolcha , • Desse Zuriya • Tehuledere • Ambasel 4 Oromiya Special • Jile Timuga, • Artuma Fursi • Dawa Chefa

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

5 North Shewa • Angolela ena Tera, • Debire Birhan • Bosena ena Worena, • Shewa Robit • Tarma Ber, • Hageremariaam • Efrata ena Gidim Kormash • Kimbibit and Aleltu 6 Finfine Zuriya Special • Bereh • Legetafo Legedadi Total 16 6

Figure 3:1: Existing TML passes through different Zones and woreda near Sendafa town

The stringing of this proposed project will be on the free arm of the previous TML tower (see Figure 2.1) that traverses through some towns, villages, farmlands (both croplands & perennial crop lands), manmade forest areas (predominantly eucalyptus plantation), closer areas (for the regeneration of natural habitat), hills and valleys along 458 km stretch between Alamata to Legetafo substation.

The proposed stringing activity on the existing transmission line towers from the previous single circuit project will start from Alamata substation, Southern Tigray Region to Legetafo sub-station near Addis Ababa and it will traverse through settled areas, farmlands, shrubs, thick bushes and plantation forests for a distance of about 458 km. The proposed transmission line will follow the

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project route of the existing Addis Ababa – Alamata high voltage transmission line. See below the location map of the TML (Figure 2.2, and 2.3).

High voltage Transmission Line

Figure 3:2: Location Map of TML

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Woreda traversed by the transmission line. 1. Alamata 2. Kobo 3. Gubalafto 4. Habru 5. Ambasel 6. Tehuledere 7. Dese Zuria 8. Kalu 9. Chefa Dawa 10. Artuma fursi, Efrata Gidim, Jille Timuga 11. Kewet 12. Tarmaber 13. Bosana Warana, Debrebirhan Zuria 14. Angolala 15. Kimbibit 16. Aleltu, Bereh

Figure 3:3: Woreda Map, traversed by the Transmission line (previous Woreda boundary delineation)

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

3.1.2 Project Location for Lot Two

The proposed project activities of Lot Two, which is upgrading of the existing Combolcha and Legetafo Substations will be undertaking within the already existing substation found in Combolcha and Legetafo substation premises. Legetafo Substation is found in the capital city Addis Ababa, Yeka Kifle Ketema. Below and below are the location map and Coordinates (see figure 2.4, and 2.5 and Table 2.2 and 2.3).

YEKA Sub city

Figure 3:4: Legetafo Sub Station Location map

Table 3-2: Legetafo Substation Coordinatoes

CORNER NAME EASTING NORTHING C-1 486883 999594 C-2 486882 999443 C-3 486810 999443 C-4 486808 999410 C-5 486708 999410

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

C-6 486710 999594 C-7 486755 999594 C-8 486756 999622 C-9 486834 999623 C-10 486833 999593

The second substation is found at Combolcha Amhara Region, Combolcha town. The location Map and coordinate is indicated below:

Figure 3:5: Location Map of Combolcha II Substation

Table 3-3: Combolcha Substation Coordinate

CORNER NAME EASTING NORTHING C-1 582423 1219966 C-2 582515 1220092 C-3 582265 1220252 C-4 582141 1220072 Get 582256 1220011

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Distance from Addis Ababa to Combolcha is 256 kilometers. This air travel distance is equal to 159 miles. Location of Combolcha II Substation, Amhara Region, Combolcha town coordinates of the substation.

3.2 Description of the Proposed Project

The first phase single circuit Alamata-Combolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line has been completed in 2011. The main purpose of the single circuit transmission line was to transmit the power by Tekeze Hydro-Power Plant from Alamata Substation to the main load center at Kaliti via Combolcha II and Legetafo.

The Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has completed the feasibility study under the project entitles “Alamata –Combolcha II –Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Project”. The main purpose of the Alamata-Combolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project is the delivery of power generated from Tekeze Power Plant to the main load center to improve system stability and reliability. The transmission line reinforcement work will be conducted on one arm of the electric towers of the existing single circuit Alamata –Combolcha II –Legetafo-Kaliti I 230 kV constructed previously.

The proposed project comprises two main categories of activities that will trigger impact on the social and biophysical environment. The first category of activities is stringing of 458 Km power transmission line on one arm of the existing towers already erected within the 30 m width Right of Way (ROW) (Lot One) and the second category of activities is upgrading of Combolcha and Legetafo substations..

3.2.1 Key Components

The major component of the project is stringing of a second circuit reinforcement 230KV transmission cable line from Alamata substation to the main Interconnected System (ICS) load center in Akaki. The total length of the reinforcement transmission line is 458 km, passing through ten (10) woreda towns and several rural settlements located in Tigray, Amhara, Oromia regions and one Sub city in Addis Ababa Administration.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

The stringing work will involve laying of power transmission cables on one shoulder of existing Alamata - Combolcha – Legetafo - Kaliti I 230 kV Transmission line towers.

The total estimated number of existing erected transmission towers along the proposed routes is estimated at 980, with an average span of 350 meters between towers. The tower is made of steel structure having an average height between 14 and 33 meters, depending on the topography and soil formation. Tower installation materials and methods confirm to EEP and Ethiopian Electricity Authority (EEA) standards.

The ROW width for the proposed 230 kV transmission line is 30 meters, which is 15 meters either side of the centerline. The ROW is already opened up during the first phase single circuit of the project and requires to further clearance in some places for safe construction, maintenance and operation of the power line (see figure 2.6). Except in urban areas, access to transmission towers is limited to the use of existing feeder roads, footpaths, and open farmlands. No storage site, workshop and camps are expected during this phase. The details of four stretch categories along the 458 km TML of the stringing activities is indicated in the table below (see Table 2.4).

Figure 3:6: Typical example of existing ROW opened up during the first single circuit

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Table 3-4: Stretch category of the Transmission Line

Stretch Line Route Description

primarily passing through plain agricultural land, crossing rivers Stretch 1 Alamata to Woldia and unconsolidated soil formations

Woldia to passes through hilly undulating terrain avoiding Dessie and Stretch 2 Combolcha II Combolcha towns to reach Combolcha II Substation

Combolcha to passing through hilly topography and undulating terrain via Stretch 3 Debre Berhan Kemissie, avoiding Shoa Robit and Debre Berhan towns

Passing through flat agricultural land and small hilly plateaus, Debre Berhan to Stretch 4 parallel to the major interstate highway avoiding urban Legetafo settlements of Sendafa town.

3.2.2 Topography of the Line Route

The proposed 230 kV power transmission reinforcement line covering a total of 458km distance originates from Alamata substation and passing through three regional states, namely Tigray, Amhara and Oromia, and one sub city under the City Administration of Addis Ababa to reach to the final load center in Kalti.

Approximately, 980 transmission towers, made of steel structure with four stands, are mounted parallel to the existing 132kV transmission line, crisscrossing the main interstate highway that runs north of Addis Ababa via Dessie to Mekelle at several points. The traffic density is observed to be high due to intensive and frequent movement of long distance public transport buses, medium and short distance mini bus transport services and heavy trucks and freight transport vehicles.

The transmission line passes through plain agricultural lands, hilly terrains, unconsolidated soil formations, and depleted mountain forests while deliberately avoiding crossing most towns and concentrated rural settlements located along the line route (Figure 2.7). The altitude of the line route area ranges from 800 meters above sea level in the low lands of Kalu woreda to 3100 meters

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project above sea level of rugged mountains of Tarmaber (Debresina). Several rivers cross the area fed by the highland watershed along with numerous intermittent streams. Natural vegetation found along the line route includes bush scrub, acacia species and kurkura (wild nut) trees.

Figure 3:7: Partial Topographic View of the Line Route

3.2.3 Description of the Proposed Lot One Project

The main project activities under Lot One are Power line stringing, Access road and ROW and the details are discussed below:-

Line Stringing of 230 KV

Line stringing of 230 KV is covering a total of 458 km from Alamata - Combolcha - Legatafo substations. Under this Lot one, the transmission line reinforcement work will be done on the free one arm of the electric towers of the existing Alamata-Combolcha II-Legetafo-Kaliti I 230 kV transmission line. Design of the new line will be fitted on the existing transmission and/or utility corridors. Since the corridors has been already established, only upgrading of the existing ROW (cutting of the regrowth vegetation to an allowable height and demolishing structures and houses within the ROW) will need to be done to minimize obstacles that may arise during stringing.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Access Roads

During the first phase single circuit TML project, access roads have been opened up to be used as access routes to transmission line stringing and maintenance activities. During implementation of the proposed project (phase II-double circuit TML), the existing access roads will be further upgraded, as required, if there are any situation that hamper accessibility, like rejuvenation of eucalyptus and other species trees, damaged roads and occupied by services and homesteads. Therefore, leveling of the grounds within the existing ROW and access roads to the TML for transporting construction materials will therefore need to be done. Once the construction is completed, temporary access road will be decommissioned and the ROW will be restored to its original status, in consultation with the community and relevant local offices.

Preparation of the Right of Way (ROW)

An existing ROW, which was established during the first phase, is largely passive but critical component of transmission line activities. It provides a safety margin between the high-voltage lines and surrounding structures and vegetation. The ROW also provides a path for ground-based inspections and access to transmission towers and other line components, if repairs are needed. Within the ROW, growing native vegetation with slow growth and low mature heights is preferred. In some cases, access road constitutes a portion of the ROW and provides a more convenient access for vehicles maintenance and inspections.

Once the existing ROW is established at an acceptable level with the 30-meter-wide will be ready for transportation of construction materials, conductor stringing4. Stringing is generally carried out by pulling the conductor off using truck-mounted spool. Such stringing technique with the truck- mounted spool will have enormous advantage to reduce interference of huge workforce and assignments of vehicles in farmlands and other land uses along the stringing to be carried out.

4Conductor stringing is the process of attaching conductor wires to the insulators mounted at the towers.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

3.2.4 Description of the Lot Two Project activities

The project activities that will be carried under Lot two will include the upgrading and extension of Combolcha II and Legetafo 230 kV substations by constructing bays at the Alamata and Legetafo existing substations.

Activities under Lot Two will therefore consists of design, manufacture, test, supply, erection and commissioning (including civil works) of the following substations: -

• Extension of one 230kV Alamata incoming line bay at the existing Combolcha -II 230/132/33kV substation • Extension of one 230kV Legetafo outgoing line bay with 230kV, 15Mvar shunt reactor at the existing Combolcha -II 230/132/33kV substation • Extension of one 230kV Combolcha -II incoming line bay with 230kV, 15Mvar shunt reactor at the existing Legetafo 230/132/15kV substation.

By implementing the Lot Two component of the project activities the following advantages will be realized: -

1. The function of these substations will be upgraded to deliver the energy transmitted to the distribution networks originating from the stations. 2. The possibility of controlling the various items of equipment (circuit Breakers, disconnections, power transformers, etc.) either from the control room or locally from the equipment operating mechanism and from national load dispatch center.

For effective implementation of Lot Two activities, appropriate areas within the existing premises has been accomplished prior to the project commencement and some of these include -

• The layout of all the stations should be prepared in such a manner so as to allow future extensions for additional lines and/or transformers. • The bus bars will be aluminum alloy tube with equipment connections consisting of aluminum stranded conductors. This solution has been chosen for its simplicity, economy and space saving.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

• Upgrading of Earthling Grid, Lighting Systems, etc at existing substations have to be considered after justifying the existing system incapability to accommodate the new comings envisaged at this project.

In general, the activities that will be carried out in these substations are very technical and hence a small number of and very professional experts in the electrical engineering field of study will perform all activities. Main activities that will be carried out in the existing substations among others are interconnecting the new power line with already existing system in the substations and installing the new power line system with already being functional control panel boards of these substations. Moreover, design, manufacture, test, supply, erection and commissioning of these substations will also be carried out in Lot Two of this proposed project.

Consequently, all activities in Lot Two will be carried out completely in already existing substations premises and no new land for the upgrading of these substations is required.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

4 METHODOLOGY OF THE ESIA STUDY

4.1 Steps for undertaking the ESIA Study

ESIA is a process that constitutes key but conventional steps. Hence the assessment process has to be followed these steps in systematic manner so as the ESIA team be able to evaluate the project in the context of the environmental, socio-economical and regulatory issues and concerns of the area in which the project is proposed to be implemented.

The steps to be followed to undertake ESIA study for this proposed project are summarized as hereunder (Figure 3.1).

Step 1: Scoping

Once the decision has made that the proposed project to undertake full ESIA with screening result, scoping will be followed. Scoping is the first step in the ESIA which will be used to define the proposed project activities vis-à-vis the regulatory (i.e. legal), bio-physical, and socio-economic environments in which these activities will occur. Scoping identifies which of the activities has a potential to interact with the environment. Scoping is conducted early in the ESIA process so that major issues on environment and socioeconomic situation related to proposed project has to be identified for the rest of the ESIA process. In scoping phase, the following key elements have to be considered: -

1. Collect and review existing environmental and socio-economic data relevant to the proposed development project. 2. Collect and review existing design, technical specifications and overall prefeasibility and/or feasibility study of the proposed project. The project cycle will be considered. 3. Assemble and review relevant legislative requirements, environmental standards and Guidelines associated with the proposed development project. 4. Conduct preliminary consultation with project stakeholders and other potentially interested and affected parties, so that key issues will be identified at this initial stage.

Step 2: Collect and review detail information

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

At this stage detailed information about the proposed project feature, environmental and socioeconomic data will be assessed and being synthesized to ensure all of the proposed activities and their consequences will be considered in all stages of the project cycle.

Step 3: Establish existing socioeconomic and environmental baseline

In order to identify any potential impact and potential change to the natural and socioeconomic environments, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the existing environment prior to commencement of the proposed activities. In this regard, there is a need to characterize the existing baseline environmental and socio-economic conditions including establishing the prevailing conditions for a range of media. These media include among others: - Bio-physical environment (air, water, soil and groundwater, flora and fauna), socio-economic (demographics, economic activity and service provision). To establish baseline data detailed review of all secondary data sources and undertaking physical observation (field observation) to collect the primary data is required.

Step 4: Project alternatives

Consideration of project alternatives will occur at two levels, first at the initial stage where “no option” for the proposed project has to be considered based on the analyzed data at hand, and second at the design stage where there will be an opportunity to explore engineering alternatives within the selected project design definition.

Once project alternatives are defined in the project concept stages, the issues identified will be assessed and compared with financial, logistical, technical design, safety and environmental/socioeconomic criteria. The project alternative that is determined to likely result in the best balance against these criteria will be typically the one that moves forward into the detailed design phase.

Step 5: Consultations

Consultation is a crucial component for the successful ESIA study and conducted at all levels of the ESIA study. Accordingly, at this stage, all relevant stakeholders will be identified and consultations will be carried out at all levels of the ESIA study process. By conducting such consultations, the people that will be affected by the proposed project undertakings or have an

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project interest in the proposed project will have an opportunity to express their feedback, opinions, and concerns.

The consultation process mainly focuses on providing information on the proposed project in a manner that can be understood and interpreted by the relevant audience, seeking comment on key issues and concerns, identifying potential impacts and offering the opportunity for alternatives or objections to be raised by the potentially affected parties and other stakeholders.

Step 6: Identification and analysis of the environmental impacts

Impact identification and analyzing is very crucial step in ESIA study process. At this stage, key potentially beneficial as well as adverse impacts on the physical, biological and socio-economic environment associated with the whole cycle of the proposed (construction, operation and decommissioning phases) will be identified with the help of checklists, site survey and consultations with stakeholders and affected parties. Then once the impact (both positive and negative) has been identified, further analysis on impact prediction and overall impact evaluation will be made.

Hence, at this stage, the impact in general and the quality and/or spatial dimensions of the changes in particular will be forecasted and the probability of the occurrence of the impact will be estimated. In line with this, the overall impact evaluation has been made to determine the incidence or magnitude and significance of the impact before mitigation measures have proposed.

The impacts of the project activities are evaluated against the environmental components and for each component, a score using the defined criteria is determined. This score then provides a measure of the impacts against the components. The final environmental assessment score is achieved by adding up individual scores for performance, reversibility and cumulative and multiplying their sum by individual scores for importance and magnitude. This is then compared against the numerical ranges to give a final range value that in turn corresponds to level of significance of changes.

Step7: Environmental Mitigation and Benefit Enhancement Measures

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

This step is also a crucial stage as a corrective measure for the anticipated impact of the proposed project. Accordingly based on the impact assessment result, feasible and cost effective mitigation and benefit enhancement measures that may reduce potentially significant adverse environmental impacts to acceptable levels will be recommended under this step.

Step 8: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Environmental management plan is a comprehensive means for the implementation of the proposed mitigation measure by specifying the responsible implementers and estimated budget for the proposed mitigation measures. Monitoring plan will also provide the information necessary for feedback into the environmental management process and will assist in identifying where additional mitigation effort or where alteration to the adopted management approaches may be required.

Furthermore, the monitoring plan will describe the various environmental management strategies and generic procedures for their implementation. In such a way that the monitoring plan will identify the management roles and responsibilities for ensuring that monitoring is undertaken properly and timely.

Step 9: Preparation of ESIA Report

Undertaking ESIA is a process that follows all steps discussed above. Finally, the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report will be produced. This report is expected to address the key issues and risks affecting overall environmental performance of the project together with effective corrective means and mitigation measures.

Following the above steps in relation to information/data collection to prepare the ESIA study the following methods were adopted (see figure 3.1. the EIA process flowchart).

4.2 ESIA Methodology

Desk Review/ Literature review

For the preparation of this ESIA, a desk review of various documents pertinent to the proposed project was made by the study team. Relevant documents such as the previous ESIA study report,

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project compensation payments for the project affected people during the first phase of this project as well as damage of properties within the ROW have been reviewed.

Similarly, data/ information on the existing environmental conditions of the project area, technical feature and detail design reports of the proposed project as well as the national legal & institutional frameworks, and the World Bank’s safeguard Policy have been compiled.

Interviews with Proponent and Regulatory Bodies

The ESIA team has the opportunity to discuss with the project proponents, the Ethiopian Electric Power responsible for executing the reinforcement of the existing 230 kV transmission line project. Extensive discussions were made with the Project Office, the Design Department and the Environmental Unit of the EEP to develop common understanding on the scope of the ESIA study and obtain relevant data/information as regards to the assignment.

Furthermore, interviews and discussions with several local authorities and stakeholders along the transmission line route were carried out during the fieldwork. Extensive consultations with 6 city administrations, 4 zonal administrations and 22 woreda administration and their respective sectoral offices have also been made (refer annex 1 findings of the consultation with the Project affected population).

At Federal level, the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate change (former EPA) as well as other relevant offices were also consulted and their roles and responsibilities in implementing the ESIA study have been defined.

Field Survey

The consultant team was deployed to the project site for three weeks (January 23 to February 14, 2015) to carry out the fieldwork. During the fieldwork, consultations were made with officials and experts from woredas, city administrations and Zonal administrations. During the field survey, biophysical and socio-economic data of the project area has been collected and the potential impacts that are expected because of the implementation of the project have been assessed. Furthermore, the team has made consultation with stakeholders and people with complaints that adequate or no compensation is given to them.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Consultation

Among the steps and methods that have been employed during the study, consultation and discussion with the stakeholders and the project-affected people is of paramount importance. During the fieldwork consultation with various community groups, Woreda and Kebele Authorities of PAPs, elders, religious group and others were held in group and at the individual informant level. Refer Annex 2 Minutes of Public Consultation and Annex 3 List of consulted institutions and individuals.

Analysis and Report Writing

The field study and documentations analyzed targeting to address all relevant issues related to physical, biological and socioeconomic (income, livelihood, agriculture, livestock, gender, etc) in an integrated manner. In addition, in-depth analysis was made to come up with specific information on potential impacts of the project together with the analyzed and proposed mitigation measures required for the identified negative impacts.

The ESIA report comprises the findings of the survey, results of the public consultation process, potential impacts identified, and the proposed mitigation measures together with the review of the national legal and institutional frameworks and the World Bank’s safeguard Policies relevant to this project. The ESIA report also describes in detail the mitigation measures, roles and responsibilities of the parties involved in the process of the ESIA study and the resources that will be needed to implement the proposed mitigation measures. The ESIA study report also provides the time frame for the implementation, as well as monitoring and evaluation to see if the proposed measures appropriately implemented to minimize impacts.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Figure 4:1: Typical flow chart of the Environmental Impact Assessment of a project

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

5 CONSULTATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND PROJECT AFFECTED POPULATION

5.1 Introduction

Public and stakeholders consultations with relevant institutions and beneficiaries are important and critical in the planning process and preparation of an effective project design and implementation of of the proposed TML project. The most important step is to hold stakeholder consultations with relevant institutions, local communities and all other interested/affected parties during planning and screening process and in the course of any further environmental assessment work that helps to identify key issues and determine how the concerns of all parties will be addressed.

The ESIA underpins the importance of continuous consultation with relevant stakeholders and PAPs throughout the project implementation cycle so as to ensure the environmental friendly and social acceptable implementation of proposed project activities. The ESIA consultation process was designed to inform stakeholders of project activities, provide an overview of potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts, and give the community with an opportunity to express their concerns in relation to this project. Beyond the ESIA process and throughout the life of the project, this consultation process will seek to ensure stakeholders receive up to date information about the project and enable them provide feedback or raise issues of concern to them.

The study team in fulfillment of Article 43 No.2, which states that: “Nationals have the right to participate in national development and, in particular, must be consulted with respect to policies and projects affecting their community including the affected parties, interest groups, and community representatives” has carried out the above consultation process

As a principle, the guidelines for public consultation include, among others, a requirement of major elements of the consultation program should be timed to coincide with significant planning and decision-making activities in the project cycle. In terms of Ethiopia’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process, public consultation should be undertaken during-

• Preparation of the environmental assessment (EA) terms of reference;

• Carrying out of an EA;

• Review of an EA report; and

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

• Preparation of environmental terms and conditions of approval.

Moreover, during the EA process for the Bank financing projects like the proposed project classified under environmental assessment category “Category A” the EEP is required to consult project affected groups about the project’s environmental aspects and takes their views into account. The consultation should be initiated as early as possible and it is essential to consult the public throughout project implementation, as necessary to address EA related issues that affect them.

The objectives of the consultations include the following: • To inform publics about the project and its likely anticipated impacts on the nearby social and biophysical environment. • To gather the views of stakeholders on the projects. • To accommodate the stakeholders' concerns during the project implementation. • To establish the social implications of the project on the different stakeholders.

5.2 Consultation Process

Prior to the preparation of the meetings with relevant stakeholder and the project-affected population, the following preparatory arrangements were made to conduct consultations during the field work-

1. Identification of the most relevant stakeholders to the project 2. Designing and developing of various formats, checklists and questions for discussion with stakeholders 3. Formulation and development of key issues for discussion 4. Arrangement of consultation meetings with stakeholders

Among the steps and methods that have been employed during the study, consultation and discussion with the stakeholders and the project-affected people is of paramount importance. During the fieldwork, consultation with various community groups, Woreda and Kebele Authorities, PAPs, elders and various religious groups were held in group and at the individual informant level.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

The ESIA consultation process was designed to inform stakeholders of project activities, provide an overview of potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts, and give the community with an opportunity to express their concerns in relation to this project. Beyond the ESIA process and throughout the life of the project, this consultation process will seek to ensure stakeholders receive up to date information about the project and enable them provide feedback or raise issues of concern to them.

A number of consultation sessions were conducted during January 23 to February 14, 2015 at various places along the proposed transmission line route with various community groups, Woreda and Kebele Authorities, PAPs, elders, and various religious groups at the national, regional, and Woreda level institutions and beneficiaries at the local levels. During the consultation with stakeholders and the project affected people, participants drawn from 22 towns and Woredas and 6 Zonal administrations have participated (Figure 4.1).

The study team follows steps when conducting consultation with stakeholders: -

i. Briefing by the consultant about the project ii. Encourage the stakeholders to express their views about this project iii. Visit the nearby transmission route to observe the real issue on the ground

In an effort to maximize community input to the ESIA process, multiple consultation sessions were conducted and during these consultations period, the study team conveyed the following points to the participants:

i. Information about the project activities ii. Response for the questions raised by the community about the project iii. Made effort towards creating common understanding between the project proponent and the stakeholders

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project process and were invited to participate in the community consultation processes. During the consultation process, both the Woreda and Kebele administrators were aware of and committed for supporting vulnerable groups such as elders and women who will be displaced due to the project. Among the expected support rendered for the vulnerable social groups are: to prepare suitable places for their relocation and to involving them in some micro and small income generating schemes.

In all relevant woredas and city administration, the consultation was managed and undertaken in to two groups. The stakeholder consultation, mainly deals with the woreda/ City administration officials, administrators and experts, was made in their respective administration office. While public consultation was made, with the affected groups, the community members, and kebele administrators, right on the spot of the inhabitants subjected to be consulted.

Throughout the consultation process, both the Woreda and Kebele administrators were aware of and committed for supporting vulnerable groups such as elders and women who will be displaced due to the project. Among the expected support rendered for the vulnerable social groups are: to prepare suitable places for their relocation and to involving them in some micro and small income generating schemes. The key issues raised during the consultations with stakeholders and the project-affected population is discussed in detail in the Table 4.1, section 4 and Annex 1 below.

Figure 5:1:Discussions with Silase church Figure 5:2: Consultation with PAP’S at representatives Aleltu Woreda, Maru kebele

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Stakeholders, PAPs and beneficiaries raised broad ranges of issues during the ESIA consultation sessions. The key concerns that were expressed by the stakeholders and project affected population and the respective responses are discussed in the Table 4 and annex 1. Some of the key issues raised during the consultation were: The issue of compensation: Few individuals are complaining they have not received adequate or no compensation for the houses they have already lost, Experts in the Woreda Administration expressed their concerns that the affected people have not been provided by the proponent appropriate livelihood restoration alternatives, Some individuals are complained that they have not been paid adequate compensation for their perennial crops they have lost, Some experts from the administration also expressed concern about the cumulative impacts that may result from the installation of the additional transmission line. All concerns were recorded and addressed in a manner appropriate to the issue and were captured and considered under the RAP5 prepared and disclosed for this project.

Referring to the documents that have been provided by EEP, the ESIA Study Team has the general understanding that compensation for the Project Affected People (PAP) has been paid as per FDRE law (proclamation No.455/2005) and regulation No. 135/2007. However, the study team has also received complaints from some individuals of the PAPs. These individuals informed the study team that they have not received adequate or no compensation. Based on the findings of this assessment, RAP has been prepared, consulted upon, and disclosed in 2016. During the RAP preparation, review was made on the implementation of the first round compensation. Based on the data reviewed, a total of 3559 households along the project line route have been paid out compensations for targeted houses, perennial plants and crops situated within the ROW of the proposed transmission line route. The record also shows a total amount of ETB 38,597,545.29 paid by EEP to PAPs between 2008 and 2011. However, despite the many positive achievements of the

5 http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/672081486982957834/pdf/SFG3021-RP-P119893-Box402887B- PUBLIC-Disclosed-2-10-2017.pdf

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project first phase RAP, in some of the surveyed towns, the ROW clearance areas of the transmission line route continued to be occupied by PAPs who claimed to have not been compensated due to lack of legal title deeds for their properties, unresolved compensation issues, and from absence of coordinated enforcement to clear the ROW after compensations was made out to PAPs.

The assessment during the RAP preparation identified a total of 180 residential houses and attached household facilities made with wood structure, plastered with mud and cement mortar, corrugated sheet metal and other substandard roofing materials and 823 permanent and fruit trees situated within the 30meter right of way of the transmission line belonging to 120 HHs (699 PAPs) require removal, clearing or reposition to give way for the stringing project activities.

The project RAP clearly indicates that the project will provide compensation for 120 households (of which 17 households were not covered during the first phase because there assets were determined to be out of the range of the RoW and 103 households who were excluded from the first round assessment and compensation on the bases of legal land ownership rights). For households covered during the first phase but continued to occupy the ROW due to unresolved grievance issue and absence of effective time frame and enforcement to vacate the land they already collected compensation for, the RAP has outlined detail recommendations to strengthen the grievance redress system, effective implementation of the resettlement plan and timely evacuation of human settlements and vegetation coverage from the designated RoW clearance areas.

5.3 Key Issues Raised by the Stakeholders and with the Project Affected Population

Stakeholders raised broad ranges of issues during the ESIA consultation sessions. All concerns were recorded and addressed in a manner appropriate to the issue. The key concerns that were expressed by the stakeholders and project affected population and the respective response are discussed in the below table 5.1:

Table 5-1: Key concerns and responses

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

No. Issues raised Response or proposed mitigation measures

1 The issue of compensation: PAPs whose properties existed at the time of the first phase Few individuals are implementation period, but excluded from the assessment complaining that they have because the project staff believed the assets are out of the not received adequate or no range of the ROW clearance area or those who were not compensation for the compensated for their properties and houses were houses they have already considered during the preparation of RAP for the second lost during the first phase phase of this project.

The recent RAP, which was prepared, cleared and disclosed

considered these groups of PAPs and qualified them to be eligible for adverse impact mitigation and compensations. List of PAPs referred for the case has been indicated in annex II of the RAP document (http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/672081486982 957834/pdf/SFG3021-RP-P119893-Box402887B- PUBLIC-Disclosed-2-10-2017.pdf).

2 Experts in the Woreda livelihood restoration activities are considered during the Administration expressed project RAP preparation to particularly support the their concerns that the vulnerable Households/PAPs affected people have not been provided by the proponent appropriate livelihood restoration alternatives.

3 Some individuals This issue has been fully discussed in the RAP and complained that they have mitigation measures also included. not been paid adequate compensation for their

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

perennial crops they have lost

4 Some experts from the At the moment the project is stinging of the TML on the administration also already existed free arm of the Tower and no significant expressed concern about impacts would be considered, however, if any additional the cumulative impacts that TML is installed the cumulative impacts will be considered may result from the installation of the additional transmission line.

5 Considering inadequacy of Resolving all outstanding compensation and other compensation paid for their resettlement related issues by revitalizing and strengthening lost assets/ properties in grievance redressing system and mechanisms comparison to what they have lost, during the first phase of the project.

During the consultation, most of the issues and concerns raised by affected groups and the community members have been discussed and incorporated in the minutes of the stakeholder’s meetings. Accordingly, detail findings of consultation with PAP found in some relevant woredas and city administrations are summarized under Annex 1.

6 NATIONAL, REGIONAL POLICIES AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK, AND INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS

6.1 Policy Framework

Following the constitution of the FDRE; social, environmental, economic and public health related issues has to be considered in all development projects and programs. Hence relevant policies and laws at various government levels have been drafted and issued in more recent years. Accordingly, a review and commentary on the extent to which all social, economic and environmental related issued are addressed as following.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

6.1.1 Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

The Constitution is the supreme law of the country, whose provisions must be complied with by all other policies, regulations and institutional frameworks. The Constitution of the FDRE (Proclamation No. 1/1995 as amended) is the foundation for human rights, and natural resources and environmental management.

The concepts of sustainable development and environmental rights are enshrined in the Constitution of the FDRE through articles 43 and 44, which states among others the right to development and right to live in clean and healthy environment. Article 44(2) of the Constitution states that all persons who have been displaced, or whose livelihood has 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. The government shall pay fair compensation for property found on the land but the amount of compensation shall not take into account the value of land. Moreover, the Constitution states that, without prejudice to the right to private property, the government may expropriate private property for public purposes subject to payment in advance of compensation commensurate to the value of the property (Article 40(8). Moreover, Article 43 (2) dealing with the rights to development states that nationals have the right to participate in national development and, in particular, to be consulted with respect to policies and projects affecting their community.

Economic objectives of the Constitution states that Government has the duty to hold, on behalf of the people, land and other natural resources and to deploy them for their common benefits &development. Government shall all the time promote the participation of the people in the formulation of national development policies and programs; it shall also have the duty to support the initiatives of the people in their development endeavors (Article 89 5&6).

Article 92 of the Constitution states that the design and implementation of any program and development projects shall not damage or destroy the environment, and people have the right to be fully consulted and express their views in planning and implementation of environmental policies and project.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

6.1.2 National and Regional Conservation Strategy

Since the early 1990s, the Federal Government of Ethiopia has undertaken a number of initiatives that aims to develop regional, national and sectoral strategies to conserve and protect the environment. Paramount among these was the conservation strategy of Ethiopia (CSE, 1996). This document provides a strategic framework for integrating environment into new and existing policies, programs and projects. It is also an important policy document, which views environmental management as an important component of development. It recognizes the importance of incorporating environmental factors into development activities from the outset.

The major environmental and natural resources management issues facing Ethiopia are well documented in the CSE (FDRE, 1997). The CSE sets out detailed strategies and action plans as well as the institutional arrangements required for the implementation of sect oral as well as cross- sectoral interventions for the management of Ethiopia’s natural, man-made and cultural resources. The most important areas that are addressed by the CSE include the following:

1. Management of forest and woodland resources 2. Land resource use policy and strategies; physical land use planning. 3. Integration of social, cultural and gender issues in sustainable resources and environmental management 4. Promotion of participation in sustainable development of natural, artificial and cultural resources, and environmental protection 5. Development of environmental education, public awareness and human resources

6.1.3 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 and promote sustainable social and economic development through sound management and use of natural, human-made 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 consists mainly of guiding principles and various sect oral and cross-sect oral policies for sustainable environmental management.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

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

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) policies are included in the cross-sect oral environmental policies. The EIA policy emphasizes the early recognition of environmental issues in project planning at all levels of administration. The principal features of the Environmental Policy in this area are:

1. Provides for protection of human and natural environments 2. Provides for an early consideration of environmental impacts in projects and program design 3. Recognizes public consultation 4. Includes mitigation plans and contingency plans 5. Provides for monitoring and auditing 6. Establishes legally binding requirements 7. Institutionalizes policy implementation

The policy establishes the Federal Environmental Protection Authority (nowadays Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) to harmonize sect oral development plans and implement environmental management programs for the country. Based on the principal features of this policy, the proposed project has been subjected to undertake full EIA by giving emphasis on public participation that encompasses all relevant stakeholders having a stake on this project. Hence this policy framework has given a platform for sustainable development by focusing on social, economic and environmental issues raised as a result of this proposed project.

6.1.4 National Energy Policy

This policy is intended to enhance and foster “Agricultural Development Led Industrialization (ADLI)” strategy and is consistent with other sector polices. In addition to this, it provides the necessary support and incentives the participation of the private sector and community, particularly women in the development of energy.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

This policy has come into effect with the following general objectives taking into consideration:

1. To ensure a reliable supply of energy at the right time and at affordable prices, particularly to support the country's agricultural and industrial development strategies adopted by the government. 2. To ensure and encourage a gradual shift from traditional energy sources use to modern energy sources. 3. To stream-line and remove bottlenecks encountered in the development and utilization of energy resources and to give priority to the development of indigenous energy resources with a goal toward attaining self-sufficiency. 4. To set general guidelines and strategies for the development and supply of energy resources; 5. To increase energy utilization efficiency and reduce energy wastage; and, 6. To ensure that the development and utilization of energy is benign to the environment.

Based on the above mentioned general objectives, the policy has stipulated and set energy sector policy priorities are:

1. To place high priority on hydro-power resource development, as hydrological resources are Ethiopia's most abundant and sustainable energy forms; 2. To take appropriate policy measures to achieve a gradual transition from traditional energy fuels to modern fuels; 3. To set, issue and publicize standards and codes which will ensure that energy is used efficiently and properly; 4. To develop human resources and establish competent energy institutions; 5. To provide the private sector with necessary support and incentives to participate in the development of the country's energy resources; and 6. To pay due and close attention to ecological and environmental issues during the development of energy projects.

The policy document has also identified main policy issues. The following among others are: Energy resource development, Energy supply, Energy conservation, and efficiency. Furthermore, comprehensive policy measures also addressed as main policy Issues. The measure of this policy

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project try to cover and address the following measures related with: Energy and environment, Energy science and technology, Manpower development and energy education, and Energy institutional issues.

The policy issues referred in the policy document have direct linkage benefit with the proposed project by providing pertinent issues to be considered during the whole project cycle. In line with this, the Government will ensure that the development of energy projects, energy generation, transmission and use is benign to the environment.

6.1.5 National Health Policy

Ethiopia had a low level of health coverage even in comparison with other Sub-Saharan countries. This is largely related to low levels of income and widespread poverty, low levels of education, nutritional deficiencies, poor environmental conditions, and inadequate access to health services. The government has therefore assigned a very high priority to significantly improving health care and, in 1998, issued a health policy based on the following main principles:

1. Promotion of disease preventive components 2. Ensuring accessibility to health care for the whole population 3. Development of appropriate capacity based on needs assessment. 4. Promotion of private sector and NGO participation in the provision of health care 5. Promotion and strengthening of inter-sect oral activities through a national self-reliance program 6. Democratization and decentralization of the health care system

Health Sector Development Plans and Strategies have been designed to implement the stated health principles within a defined period of time. The strategies include raising the awareness of personal and environmental health care and sanitation through information, education and communication (IEC); control of disease; and promotion of primary health care through community participation.

6.1.6 Land Tenure Policy

The Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) states that the right to ownership of rural and urban land, as well as all natural resources, is exclusively vested in the

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

State and People of Ethiopia. Article 40 of the Constitution indicates that land is a common property of the Nations, Nationalities and the People of Ethiopia, and shall not be subjected to sale or to other means of transfer.

The Constitution of FDRE retained land under the control of the people and government of Ethiopia thus, prohibiting its buying and selling. Also article 4(5) of the Proclamation 94/1994 deals with provision of land for the conservation, development and utilization of state forests or protected areas. However, this can be effective only after the consultation and consent of the peasantry and subject to the assurance of their benefits.

In general, all legal provisions cited above, make rural and urban lands the property of the People and Government of Ethiopia, and buying and selling of land is prohibited but leasing rights is allowed. Moreover, it is the right for existing land owner to be compensated fully and satisfactorily if land is expropriated by the state.

The Land Policy of Ethiopia strongly support that project plans must include attractive and sustainable resettlement strategies to the people who are going to be displaced as a result of the development plan, and they have to be fully convinced, compensated and have to participate in all phases of the project implementation. Hence this policy has laid a foundation in building trust- ship among the people who are going to be displaced as a result of the development (in this case people displaced for the proposed reinforcement of the power transmission line project) and the implementers who have powers and duties specified under relevant regulations. Consequently, for effective implementation of the policy intent, the FDRE has proclaimed the expropriation of landholdings for public purposes and payment of compensation (proclamation No. 455/2005), and Regulation on Payment of Compensation for Properties Situated on Landholdings Expropriated for Public (Regulation No.135/2007).

6.1.7 National Biodiversity Policy

The National Biodiversity Policy (NBP) was established in 1998 based on a holistic ecosystem approach to conserve, develop and utilize the country's biodiversity resources. The policy provides for guidance towards effective conservation, rational development and sustainable utilization of the country’s biodiversity, and contains comprehensive policy provisions for the conservation and

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project sustainable utilization of biodiversity. Integration of biodiversity conservation and development in federal and regional sect oral development initiatives, and mobilization of international cooperation and assistance, have been identified as the principal strategies for implementation of the policy.

This policy framework provides direction and regulatory tools on overall conservation and sustainable development of the country. In line with this the proposed project will have and be expected to support the conservation of nature including the forest resource as has been required.

6.1.8 National Policy of Women

The national Policy of the Ethiopian Women was issued in March 1993. In this policy, it is indicated that government policies, laws, regulations, plans, programs and projects should be based on the following objectives:

1. To ensure participation of women in the formulation of government policies, laws, regulations, programs and projects that directly or indirectly benefit and concerns women 2. To insure participation and involvement of women in implementation and decision making processes 3. To ensure equal access of men and women to the country’s resources

6.2 Legislative Framework

6.2.1 Environmental Impact Assessment (Proclamation No, 299/2002)

The definition of powers and duties of the executive organs of the FDRE proclamation No. 691/2010 is required to be amended, among others, to re-establish and transfer powers & duties of the previous Federal Environmental Protection Authority (that was re-established by proclamation 295/2002) to the newly established Ministry, the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Accordingly, all responsibility of the previous EPA under proclamation 299/2002 has been transferred to the newly established MoEFCC.

Proclamation (No 299/2002) aims primarily at making the EIA mandatory for categories of projects specified under a directive issued by the MoEFCC. Among the powers and duties of

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

MoEFCC with regard to EIA, some of them are: to establish a system for environmental impact assessment of public and private projects, as well as social and economic development policies, strategies, laws and programs, and to establish a system for the evaluation of environmental impact assessment of investment projects submitted by their respective proponents by the concerned sect oral licensing organ or the concerned regional organ prior to granting a permission for their implementation in accordance with the environmental impact assessment proclamation.

Apparently, proclamation 299/2002 specifies that the projects and activities that will require an environmental impact assessment (EIA). The proponent of the project must prepare the EIA following the format specified in the legislation. The MoEFCC will then review the EIA and either approve the project (with or without conditions) or reject it. The Proclamation requires, among other things:

Specified categories of projects to be subjected to an EIA and receive an authorization from the EPA or the relevant regional environmental agency prior to commencing implementation of the project.

1. Licensing agencies to ensure that the requisite authorization has been duly received prior to issuing an investment permit, a trade or operating license or a work permit to a business organization. 2. The MoEFCC or the relevant regional environmental agencies may issue an exemption from carrying out an EIA in projects supposed to have an insignificant environmental impact. 3. A licensing agency may suspend or cancel a license that has already been issued where the MoEFCC or the relevant regional environmental agency suspends or cancels environmental authorization.

Procedures that need to be followed in the process of conducting an environmental impact assessment are described in the Proclamation. Thus a project developer is expected to act as follows:

1. Undertake a timely environmental impact assessment, identifying the likely adverse impacts, incorporating the means of their prevention, and submitting the environmental

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

impact study report accompanied by the necessary documents to the EPA or the relevant regional environmental agency. 2. Submit an environmental impact study report to the EPA or the relevant regional environmental agency for review.

Environmental guidelines are among the tools for facilitating the consideration of environmental issues and principles of sustainable development and their inclusion in development proposals. To put this Proclamation into effect the EPA issued guideline documents, which provide details of the EIA process and its requirements. According to this EIA guideline projects are categorized into three schedules:

Schedule 1: Projects that may have adverse and significant environmental impacts thus requiring 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

However, projects situated in an environmentally sensitive area such as land prone to erosion; desertification; areas of historic or archaeological interest; important landscape; religiously important area, etc. will fall under Schedule 1 irrespective of the nature of the project.

According to this guideline, all project proponents and executing bodies (agencies) in the country should operate in close cooperation with the MoEFCC to ensure that proper mitigating measures are designed and implemented, especially for projects with an adverse effect on the environment. This in effect means that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should be prepared by project proponents and be examined, commented and approved by the MoEFCC.

Based on the basic objective and principles of the national Environmental Impact Assessment (Proclamation No, 299/2002), all Regional States have adopted and customized to their regional realities. Hence all regions have EIA proclamation and/or regulations, which development projects in their jurisdiction have been evaluated.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

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

Proclamation No. 300/2002 on Environmental Pollution Control primarily aims to ensure the right of citizens to a healthy environment and to impose obligations to protect the environment of the country. The law addresses the management of hazardous waste, municipal waste, the establishment of environmental quality standards for air, water and soil; and monitoring of pollution. The proclamation also addresses noise as one source of environmental pollution and it seeks for standards and limits for noise providing for the maximum allowable noise level taking into account the settlement patterns. In general, the Proclamation provides a basis from which the relevant environmental standards applicable to Ethiopia can be developed, while sanctioning violation of these standards as criminally punishable offences

Furthermore, it empowers the Federal Environmental Protection Authority or the Regional Environmental Authority to assign environmental inspectors with the duties and responsibilities of controlling environmental pollution. In order to ensure implementation of environmental standards and related requirements, inspectors belonging to the EPA or the relevant regional environmental agency are empowered by the Proclamation to enter, without prior notice or court order, any land or premises at any time, at their discretion. Such wide powers derive from Ethiopia's serious concern and commitment to protecting the environment from pollution.

6.2.3 Public Health Proclamation

The Public Health Proclamation (200/2000) comprehensively addresses aspects of public health including among others, water quality control, waste handling and disposal, availability of toilet facilities, and the health permit and registration of different operations. The Proclamation prohibits the disposal of untreated solid or liquid hazardous wastes into water bodies or the environment that can affect human health.

6.2.4 National Rural Land Administration and Use (Proclamation No. 456/2005)

The Rural Land Administration and Use Proclamation (Proclamation No. 456/2005) defines the state ownership of rural land and the tenure rights of the land occupant, including rights to "property produced on his land", rights of inter-generational tenure transfer, and rights of exchange

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project land and limited leasing rights. Provisions are made for the registration and certification of tenure rights. Part Three of the Proclamation presents regulations relating to the use of rural land, particularly as it relates to soil and water conservation and watershed management. The rural land administration and land use laws are to be implemented by the regional states.

Land holding right gives the right to use the land for agricultural purposes as well as to lease it and, while the right remains in effect, bequeath it to family members, as well as the right to acquire property thereon, by labor or capital, and to sell, exchange and bequeath the same. The Proclamation also addresses environmental concerns, including non-compliance with directives on environmental protection.

Article 7(3) of the Proclamation reinforces the rights of land users to compensation for the development they have made on the land. It also states that when the land holder is evicted by federal government, the rate of compensation would be determined based on the federal land administration law. When the rural land holder is evicted by regional governments, the rate of compensation would be determined based on the rural land administration laws of regions.

It is envisaged that the Proclamation will create a sense of ownership among the vast majority of the rural population and enable them to take initiatives and collectively engage in environmental management activities.

6.2.5 Expropriation of Landholdings for Public Purposes and Payment of Compensation Proclamation No. 455/2005

The expropriation of landholdings for public purposes and payment of compensation (proclamation No. 455/2005) proclaimed since it has become necessary to define the basic principles that have to be taken into consideration in determining compensation to a person whose landholding has been expropriated, and to define organs that shall have the power to determine and the responsibility to pay the compensation. Under Part Two of this proclamation, provisions are made for the power to expropriate landholdings, notification of expropriation order and responsibilities of the implementing agency. Part Three of the Proclamation presents regulations relating to determination of compensation, particularly as it relates to basis and amount of

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project compensation, displacement compensation, and valuation of property, establishment of property valuation committees, and complaints and appeals in relation compensation.

Regarding complaints and appeals in relation to compensation the proclamation clearly stated how to go about under Article 11 of this proclamation. In rural areas and in an urban center where an administrative organ to hear grievances related to urban landholding is not yet established, a complaint relating to the amount of compensation shall be submitted to the regular court having jurisdiction. A party dissatisfied with a decision, rendered in accordance with Sub-Article (I) and (3) of this Article may appeal, as may be appropriate, to the regular appellate court or municipal appellate court within 30 days from the date of the decision. The decision of the court shall be final.

For the proper implementation of this proclamation, Article 14 of this proclamation specified power to issue regulation and directives for Council of Ministers and Regions respectively. This Proclamation is applicable to the transmission line development and is the legal basis for relocation and compensation payment for lost properties to the people affected.

6.2.6 Payment of Compensation for Properties Situated on Landholdings Expropriated for Public (Regulation No.135/2007)

The regulation has three parts, with a total of 24 Articles, comprising general section of the regulation, assessment of compensation, and provision of replacement of land, and payment of displacement compensation. For this particular purpose and this proposed project some pertinent articles and provision are discussed briefly. Since the project is mainly located in vast rural land and settlement area, review on compensation for crops, perennial crops, trees, protected grass, and compensation for permanent improvement on rural land, has been made. Furthermore, a provision of replacement rural land, and displacement compensation for land used for crops & perennial crops are covered. Accordingly, this regulation has captured formula for calculating each type of compensation required and relevant for this proposed project.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

6.3 Institutional Framework

The definition of powers and duties of the executive organs of the FDRE proclamation No. 691/2010 is required to be amended, among others, to re-establish and transfer powers & duties of the previous Federal Environmental Protection Authority (that was re-established by proclamation 295/2002) to the newly established Ministry, the Ministry of Environment, Forest& Climate Change. Here after the EPA powers and duties are transferred to MoEFCC and the naming also changed this way.

6.3.1 The Environmental Protection Organs

Environmental Protection Proclamation (Proc. 295/2002) is aimed to assign the responsibilities for environmental management to various entities in order to ensure sustainable use of environmental resources, thereby avoiding possible conflicts of interest and duplication of efforts. It is also intended to establish a system that fosters coordinated but differentiated responsibilities among environmental protection offices at a federal and regional level.

At the federal level, the MoEFCC is in charge of formulating policies, laws, regulations and standards. Enforcing the laws and policies including EIAs and environmental monitoring, for all projects or activities that falls under the control of the Federal Government also falls within the responsibilities of the MoEFCC.

Each of the main federal institutions active in the construction of infrastructure, or economic development is required by law to have its own environmental unit. The Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity is one of the few federal institutions that indeed have an Environment Unit.

According to the Environmental Protection Organs Proclamation, the regional states are required to create their own regional environmental agencies. These institutions are to deal, among others, with EIAs for regionally managed infrastructures or development activities.

According to the Environmental Protection Organs Proclamation, the regional states are required to create their own regional environmental agencies. These institutions are to deal, among others,

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project with EIAs for regionally managed infrastructures or development activities. Most of the regional states have already established their own Regional Environment Protection offices

6.3.2 Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (former EPA)

The MoEFCC is one of the line ministries which directly report to the prime minister. The MoEFCC is the key national level environmental agency, with a mandate to address environmental issues. The environmental legislation gives the MoEFCC powers to fulfill its role, support all federal agencies in establishing environmental units, and develop skills in strategic environmental analysis of policies and public instruments. The MoEFCC is involved in the development of environmental policy and legislation, setting environmental quality standards for air, water and soils, monitoring pollution, establishing EIA procedures and an environmental information system, and undertaking capacity development in relevant agencies to ensure the integration of environmental management in policy development and decision-making.

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry is responsible for:

Establishment of a system for environmental assessment of public and private sector projects, as well as social and economic development policies, strategies, laws, and programs of federal level functions.

1. Review, decision-making and follow-up implementation of environmental impact study reports for projects, as well as social and economic development programs or plans where they are subject to federal licensing, execution or supervision; also proposed activities subject to execution by a federal agency, likely to entail inter- or trans-regional and international impacts. 2. Notification of its decision to the concerned licensing agency at or before the time specified in the appropriate law or directives. 3. Auditing and regulation of implementation of the conditions attached to the decision. 4. Making its decisions and the EIA report available to the public. 5. Resolution of complaints and grievances in good faith and at the appropriate time. 6. Development of incentives or disincentive structures required for compliance with regional environmental agency requirements.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

6.3.3 Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity

MoWIE is responsible for overall inventory, monitoring, planning and management of surface and groundwater resources in the country. This includes aspects of watershed management, water supply and water quality management that affect rural development programs. MoWIE has a unit directly responsible for environmental concerns.

6.3.4 Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP)

The Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has been established under the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy based on Council of Ministers Regulation No. 302, 2013. According to this regulation EEP is established to:

Undertake feasibility studies, design and survey of electric generation, transmission and substation; contract out such activities to consultants as required,

Undertake electric generation, transmission and substation construction and upgrading; contract out such activities to consultants as required.

EEP has key and competent organs to undertake its overall duties and responsibility specified by regulation stated above. Accordingly, EEP has organs such as Environmental and Health and Safety units which are responsible for the implementation of environment and socio-economic issues raised in this proposed project see organizational structure of the EEP.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Figure: 6:1: Organizational structure of EEP focused with emphasis on Environment and Health & Safety sections

However, there are gaps in handling valuation of the property losses, relocation of PAPs and compensation issues. As the study team was informed and identified it, the main reason for this is shortage of manpower, trying to cover this vast area (morethan 20 woredas) and sensitive issues, with two social workers assigned by EEP. Once they finalized valuation and made compensation, they failed to monitor and/or followup the resettlement/relocation actions to be taken by the relevant actors in the process.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Hence, either the manpower deployed, for the resettlement and related issues, has to be increased or the EEP organs such as district offices have to be involved in the process with their respective woredas they covered.

6.3.5 Ethiopian Electricity Agency-Directive # EEA/1/2005

The Ethiopia Electricity Agency is responsible for setting standards and specifications for electricity transmission line projects and related activities. Accordingly, the Agency has issued a directive which determines the ROW set back and the restriction of growing of trees exceeding 7 meter in the transmission lines. The Alemata Kombolcha –Legetafo 230kv II circuit transmission line ROW clearance is set according to the Directive #EEA/1/2005 Article 7, sub article 7.14 which states that transmission lines with voltage not exceeding 230kv shall have transmission line ROW of 30 meters. The Directive also allows cultivation of crops not exceeding 7meters in height beneath the overhead electricity transmission line.

6.3.6 Other relevant bureaus at regional and Woreda level

At the regional level, the Bureaus and offices of Mines and Energy are the responsible organs on issues related to energy.

6.3.7 Woreda administrations

Woreda administrative structure is almost similar in all over the country. The Woreda administration is a major decision-making government organ. The Woreda administration has the following duties and responsibilities, among others:

1. Implementation of the policies, laws and directives of the state. 2. Coordination of the activities of various offices in the Woreda. 3. Maintenance of peace and security in the Woreda, directing the police and security forces. 4. Planning and implementation of projects. 5. Supervision of development programs within the Woreda. 6. Proper use and accounting for the annual budget.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

At the district level, the woredas are the key focus of the government's commitment to decentralized delivery of services. At this level various offices accountable to the administration has been established to perform and ensure wellbeing of the socioeconomic, environmental, good governance, and peace and stability of the respective Woreda.

Following the Woredas, Kebele is the lowest administrative level structure. It generally comprises sub-kebeles and is headed by an elected chairman. The main responsibilities of the Kebele administration include preparation of an annual Kebele development plan; ensuring the collection of land and agricultural income tax; organizing local labor and in-kind contributions for development activities; and resolving conflicts within the community through the social courts.

Regarding this specific proposed project where the power line runs through Woredas and kebeles will have a great role and interest in the implementation of the project. A total of 16 Woredas and 6 city administration and their respective kebeles will be considered in the overall implementation of the proposed project.

6.4 International conventions relevant to this project

Ethiopia is a country that signatory to and ratified many international conventions and agreements related with environment. Framework for Climate Change Convention and Stockholm Conventions are few among others that related to this proposed project under question. Accordingly, the country has proclaimed several legislations, which are applicable to POPs and climate change (mitigation measure for global warming by controlling greenhouse gas emission to the accepted level). Environmental Pollution Control Proclamation No. 300/2002 and Pesticide Registration and Control Council of State Special Decree No. 20/1990 are among the most important legislations for regulating POPs chemicals and regulating the emission of greenhouse gases in Ethiopia. Furthermore, the country has also developed the National implementation plans for these conventions as per the agreement made by the conference of the parties for each convention.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

6.4.1 UNFCC (Convention on Climate Change)

Ethiopia is signatory for the Convention on Climate Change and ratified through Proc. No. 97/1994). The ultimate objective of this Convention and any related legal instruments that the Conference of the Parties may adopt is to achieve, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Convention, stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Such a level should be achieved within a time frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner.

To achieve the objective of the Convention and to implement its provisions, the Parties shall be guided by various principles. Among these several principles, pertinent ones to this proposed project are: -

The Parties should protect the climate system for the benefit of present and future generations of humankind, on the basis of equity and in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. Accordingly, the developed country Parties should take the lead in combating climate change and the adverse effects thereof.

The Parties should take precautionary measures to anticipate, prevent or minimize the causes of climate change and mitigate its adverse effects. In line with this proposed project will contribute and support the global effort so far made on stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

6.4.2 Other International Agreement

Ethiopia has ratified the following international conventions that are relevant to natural resources and environmental management:

1. Convention on Biological Diversity (ratified through Proc. No. 98/94), 2. Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol (ratified in January 1996),

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

3. United Nations Conventions to Combat Desertification (ratified through Proc. No.80/1997), 4. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) through proclamation No.14/1970. 5. Montreal Protocol for Substances Depleting the Ozone Layer (1990)

6. Convention on Biodiversity (Rio convention) 1994

7. Framework Convention of United Nations on Climate Change (1994)

8. Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary movement of Hazardous Substance (2002)

9. African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

10. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as waterfowl habitat (Ramsar)

11. Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, ratified 1972

12. Stockholm convention on persistent organic pollutants (PAPs, 22nd May 2001)

The government has established the Ministry of Environment and Forest. This is designated as focal point for the implementation of the international environmental conventions.

6.5 Summary of the World’s Bank Safeguard Policies and Guidelines

The World Bank’s safeguard policies is intended to help and promote socially and environmentally sustainable approaches to development as well as to ensure that Bank operations do not harm people and the environment.

The safeguard policies include the Environmental Assessment (EA) policy and those policies that fall within the scope of EA.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

These policies are most relevant to this proposed Transmission Line project and include, among others, Safeguard policies on Environmental Assessment, Involuntary Resettlement, Natural Habitats and Safeguard policies on Physical Cultural Resources, Safeguard policies on Indigenous Peoples and Forestry apply to the Project. This project is expected to trigger the following WB safe guard policies and the project will need to adequately address the following safeguard policies to minimize project impacts

6.5.1 Environmental Assessment (OP 4.01)

Environmental Assessment (OP 4.01) is applied to identify, avoid, and mitigate the potential negative environmental impacts associated with Bank lending operations. This policy is considered as the umbrella policy for the Bank's environmental 'safeguard policies'.

The reinforcement power transmission project is determined as Category ‘A’, requiring a full ESIA. In relation to public consultation, OP 4.01 requires a two-stage process:

1. Shortly after environmental screening and before the terms of reference for the full ESIA are finalized, and 2. Once a draft ESIA report is prepared.

In addition, the Project is required to consult with stakeholder groups throughout project implementation as necessary to address ESIA-related issues that affect them.

This proposed project is categorized as Category A project under the World Bank’s Category classification. This happens when the project is believed to have adverse environmental impacts that are significant.

The world Bank’s Category A projects include projects that have large scale conversion or degradation of natural habitat; extraction, consumption, or conversion of substantial amounts of forest, mineral and other natural resources; direct discharges of pollutants resulting in degradation of air, water, or soil; production, storage, use or disposal of hazardous material and wastes; measureable change in hydrologic cycle; risks associated with the use of pesticides, etc. Among others, hydropower and transmission line projects are considered as Category A.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

In contrast in Category B project, impacts are site specific, reversible and less adverse than Category A. Hence the proposed project is Category A where full ESIA is required.

6.5.2 Natural Habitat (OP 4.04)

This policy triggered by the Project which states that wherever feasible, Bank- financed projects are sited on lands already converted (excluding any lands that in the Bank's opinion were converted in anticipation of the project). The Bank does not support projects involving the significant conversion of critical natural habitats unless comprehensive analysis demonstrates that overall benefits from the project substantially outweigh the environmental costs. If the environmental assessment indicates that a project would significantly convert or degrade natural habitats, the project should include acceptable mitigation measures. Such mitigation measures include, as appropriate, minimizing habitat loss (e.g., strategic habitat retention and post-development restoration) and establishing and maintaining an ecologically similar protected area. The Bank accepts other forms of mitigation measures only when they are technically justified.

The Bank encourages borrowers to incorporate into their development and environmental strategies, analyses of any major natural habitat issues, including the identification of important natural habitat sites, the ecological functions they perform, the degree of threat to the sites, priorities for conservation, and associated recurrent-funding.

Existing protected areas and areas officially proposed by governments, areas initially recognized as protected by traditional local communities (e.g., sacred groves), and sites that maintain conditions vital for the viability of these protected areas (as determined by the environmental assessment process); or sites identified on supplementary lists prepared by the Bank or other authoritative sources. Such sites may include areas recognized by traditional local communities (e.g. sacred groves); areas with known high suitability for biodiversity conservation; and sites that are critical for rare, vulnerable, migratory, or endangered species. Listing of the endangered species is based on systematic evaluations of such factors as species richness; the degree of endemism, rarity, and vulnerability of component species; representativeness; and integrity of ecosystem processes.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

If an EIA indicates that a project would significantly convert or degrade natural habitats, the project must include mitigation measures acceptable to the Bank. Such mitigation measures may include, as appropriate, minimizing habitat loss (e.g., strategic habitat retention and post-development restoration) and the establishment and maintenance of an ecologically similar protected area. The Bank accepts other forms of mitigation measures only when they are technically justified. The Bank takes into account the borrower's ability to implement the appropriate conservation and mitigation measures. If there are potential institutional capacity problems, the project must include components that develop the capacity of national and local institutions for effective environmental planning and management.

6.5.3 Indigenous Peoples (OP 4.10)

This Operational Policy provides policy guidance to ensure that indigenous people benefit from development projects, and to avoid or mitigate potentially adverse effects on indigenous people caused by Bank-assisted activities. Special action is required where Bank investments affect indigenous peoples, tribes, ethnic minorities, or other groups whose social and economic status restricts their capacity to assert their interests and rights in land and other productive resources. The Bank defines "indigenous peoples," "indigenous ethnic minorities," "tribal groups," and "scheduled tribes" as social groups with a social and cultural identity distinct from the dominant society that makes them vulnerable to being disadvantaged in the development process.

There is a general understanding in Ethiopia that all people in the country are indigenous. However, there are groups who are historically disadvantaged and underserved and need special assistance in the four emerging regions of the country namely Afar, Somali, Benishangul- Gumuz and Gambella Regional States as well as some parts from Oromiya and SNNPR. Owing to their limited access to socioeconomic development and underserved status over the decades, the Government of Ethiopia has designated these four regions as developing regional states. The Ethiopian Government and the World Bank have agreed to consider these regions underserved and OP 4.10 applies to these regions and pastoralist areas in southern and Oromia regions, on project by project basis. The people living in the project area from different Ethnic groups are extremely poor, vulnerable and in need of great care concerning resettlement and restoring/improving

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project livelihoods. None can be described as indigenous peoples under the above definition in this project; OP 4.10 is not triggered because the mentioned emerging regions are not the target areas for this project.

6.5.4 Physical Cultural Resources OP/BP 4.11

Cultural resources are important as sources of valuable historical and scientific information, as assets for economic and social development, and as integral parts of a people's cultural identity and practices. The loss of such resources is irreversible, but fortunately, it is often avoidable. The objective of OP/BP 4.11 on Physical Cultural Resources is to avoid, or mitigate, adverse impacts on cultural resources from development projects that the World Bank finances.

The United Nations term "cultural property" includes sites having archaeological (prehistoric), paleontological, historical, religious, and unique natural values. Cultural property, therefore, encompasses both remains left by previous human inhabitants, and unique natural environmental features.

The World Bank requires that, before proceeding with a project that may risk damaging cultural property (e.g., any project that includes large scale excavations, movement of earth, superficial environmental changes or demolition), the cultural property aspects of the project site must be determined.

Tangible cultural heritage, which includes movable and immovable objects, sites, structures, groups of structures, and natural features and landscapes that have archeological, paleontological, historical, architectural, religious, aesthetic, or other cultural significance. Therefore, it is identified that the project might have impact on the Holly water of Silase Church which is found under the ROW at Aleltu woreda particularly at Maru kebele which triggers the physical cultural resource policy of the world bank i.e., OP 4.11.

6.5.5 Involuntary Resettlement (OP 4.12)

This policy applies to the Transmission Line Project because involuntary resettlement may be required.

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Any requirement for involuntary resettlement is considered to be one of the most important environmental impacts of a proposed project, and Bank guidance on resettlement and compensation is now very comprehensive and specific, particularly in relation to the identification, participation and support of project-affected persons (PAPs). The policy objectives stated in OP 4.12 are as follows:

1. Involuntary resettlement should be avoided where feasible, or minimized, exploring all viable alternative project designs; 2. Where it is not feasible to avoid resettlement, resettlement activities should be conceived and executed as sustainable development programs, providing sufficient investment resources to enable the persons displaced by the project to share in project benefits. Displaced persons should be meaningfully consulted and should have opportunities to participate in planning and implementing resettlement programs; 3. Displaced persons should be assisted in their efforts to improve their livelihoods and standards of living or at least to restore them, in real terms, to pre-displacement levels or to levels prevailing prior to the beginning of project implementation, whichever is higher. There will be some people that will be displaced as a result of the project implementation. The project is therefore expected to trigger this policy.

6.5.6 Forests (OP 4.36)

This policy is principally related to World Bank activities in the forestry sector; it includes policies on the conservation of forest biodiversity, the sustainable management of forest areas, and the participation of local people particularly in the management of the surrounding forests. The policy emphasizes that the management, conservation, and sustainable development of forest ecosystems and their associated resources are essential for lasting poverty reduction and sustainable development. This Policy states that:

1. The Bank does not finance projects that, in its opinion, would involve significant conversion or degradation of critical forest areas or related critical natural habitats; 2. If a project involves the significant conversion or degradation of natural forests or related natural habitats that the Bank determines are not critical, and the Bank determines that there are no feasible alternatives to the project and its siting, and comprehensive analysis

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demonstrates that the overall benefits from the project substantially outweigh the environmental costs, the Bank may finance the project provided that it incorporates appropriate mitigation measures.

There will be some forest areas that should be cleared during the wire stringing. The project is therefore expected to trigger this policy.

6.5.7 World Bank Environmental, Health and Safety Guideline for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution

Environmental, Health and Safety/EHS/ Guidelines are technical reference documents with general and specific examples of good international industry practices. EHS issues are mentioned which associated with electric power transmission and distribution, that occur during construction and operation phase of a facility along with recommendation with their management. The guideline includes Environmental issues, right of way maintenance mechanisms, vegetation management including forest fires, bird collision and electro caution, Aquatic habitat alteration, electric and magnetic field, hazardous materials including insulating oil fuels and wood preservatives, pesticides and their handling storage and application with related occupational health and safety issues. In addition, performance indicators are also referred.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

7 DESCRIPTION OF THE BASELINE ENVIRONMENT

This section provides baseline information of the project area obtained from reviewing relevant documents and field assessment that was conducted from January 23 to February 14, 2015.

The baseline information has been provided by classifying the entire route into five sections that have similar land use, geographical setting and agro- climatic conditions.

The socio-economic and the bio-physical environment assessment of these route sections namely; Legatafo-Tarmaber, Tarmaber-Shewa Robit, Shewa Robit-Harbu, Harbu-Robit and Robit- Alamata have been assessed and summarized in the table below.

7.1 Biophysical Environment

7.1.1 General Status of the Biophysical Environment of the Study Area

• Topography

The topography from Legetafo to Debre Birhan is dominantly flat plain area. It gradually increases from there on, until it reaches Tarmaber at an altitude of 3061m.a.s.l.and continues to steep-sloped mountains with sharp decline of altitude to 1200m.a.s.l at Shewa Robit Town. After Shewa Robit and Harbu small towns the altitude starts to increases from an altitude of 1800m.a.s.l at Combolcha Town to 2500m.a.s.l at Desse Town. It again decreases from there on, until it reaches 1600 m.a.s.l at Robit Town. At last, the line traverses to Raya-Kobo Valley, which is surrounded by Zoble Mountain in the east and the western escapement of the mainland in the west. The plain is characterized by flat topography not greater than 1500 m.a.s.l altitude.

• Climate

The climatic condition of the project area is varied along with the change of in altitude throughout the line traversing towns and weredas. Starting from temperate ‘Dega’ climatic region with the mean annual temperature of 10oC to 15oC followed by subtropical 180C to 220C in the lowlands and valleys and continues reaching 30oC near Shewa Robit, which represents the tropical climatic region.

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The annual rainfall increases from 1200mm near Addis Ababa to 1400mm at Debre Birhan area.900mm to 1000mm is registered in the lowlands and valleys of the area of Kalu and Tehuledere and Gubalafto areas. The principal feature of rainfall, when it reaches to Robit and Alamata is very poor in both distribution and variability from year to year. Rainfall distribution over the project area is Bimodal, characterized by a short rainy season (Belg) and the long rainy season (Meher).

• Soil

The soil along the route varies with the topography. Large part of the section covered with dark- colored soils from volcanic origin, such as volcanic ash, tuff and pumice. In the higher altitude where there is intensive cultivation, the soil is predominantly blackish clay with stone mulches. The type of soil along rivers and streams is dominantly loose materials consisting of clay, silt, sand and gravel in different proportions. The major soil types in at Showarobit area is represented by varied soil type like clay, loam soil, residual clay soil rich in organic material, gravelly sand soil and fractured rock with big boulders and cobbles. When the line reaches around Alamata, the soil type dominantly represented with alluvial sediment deposit transported from the escarpment of mountains. The soil is rich in organic and inorganic material for the production of crops.

• Geology

Geology of the project area is characterized by different rock and terrain types. It includes flat plain with recent deposit, gently slopes, and undulating terrains covered by basalts and ignimbrites of tertiary volcanic rocks and quaternary sediments. The rocks belong to Tarmaber basalt is plagioclase phyric basalt. Quaternary alluvial with minor agglomerate are also deposited along river channels. There are also tertiary flood basalt; Desse basalt and Kemise rhyolite, and Quaternary unconsolidated sands. The rock types around the Habru and Robit belong to the Alaji rhyoltic to the Tarmaber basaltic series. Additionally, river banks of major rivers constitute alluvial or lacustrine soils. When the line traverses Alamata, there is plain area which is formed by the accumulation of sediments from the surrounding scraps in an old lake bed. Due to low gradient, the streams form wide flood plain, alluvial flats and swamps as they reach the plain.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Water Resource

The proposed project area is situated with in the two major basins (Awash Basin and Blue Nile Basin). The topography of the area is dissected by ravines and gorges through which rivers and streams tumble down the eastern escarpment of the Great Rift Valley.

Borkena River is a major river which is a tributary of the Awash River. Others such as Aleltiu, Legedadi, Derma, Jara, and Feresdora are also among the main rivers in the area. Large part of the project area’s watershed drains into to Borkena River, which ultimately flowing to the Awash River Basin. Wide River channels such as Alewuha and other rivers flow into the valley from the western escapement of the mainland.

Terrestrial Vegetation

The original vegetation has been significantly disturbed due to the expansion of subsistence level agricultural practices that predominate in the area. Eucalyptus camaldulensis is better established species in the area.

Debre Sina forest is part of WofWasha forest is rich in different kinds of species such as Hagenia abyssinica, Olea europaea cuspidata and Juniperus procera. With the exception of few and scattered bushes & shrubs across the hills, the vegetation coverage of the area is low.

Among the few existing species like Grar (Acacia spp.), Agam (Carissa edulis), Tid (Juniperus procera) are the major ones observed in shekla forest reserve.With the increased number of closure areas and awareness by the farmers, vegetation cover in the hilly terrains is increasing. Tid (Juniperus procera), Grar (Acacia spp.), Garawa (Veronica amygdalin), Wanza (Cordia Africana) are among the trees in Kosro forest reserve near Hayk Town.

• Wildlife

Species that are common in many parts of the country like spotted hyenas, hare, Fox, jackal, baboons etc. are seen in the area.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

According to consultation with Tarmaber Woreda office, Debre Sina forest is rich in fauna such as Gelada Baboon, Cheetah, Bushbuck, Duikers, Colobus monkey, and different species of birds. Diversity of Fauna in rest of route is very low because of the decline of their natural habitat.

The population and diversity of Fauna in the area is expected very low mainly because of the decline of their natural habitat. Important habitat for avifauna in the section is Cheffa wetland which is rich in bird species like White-faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) and cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) Due to deforestation and wildlife hunting. The fauna recorded were in general monkeys, baboons, hyenas, Fox, Springbok Hedgehog, , and Rabbit are common forms observed in other parts of the project area.

7.1.2 Land Use Status of the Right of Way

Legetafo- Debre Birhan section

This section covers 21.2% of the total area of the ROW along the entire route. All Woredas traversed by the transmission line in this section are predominately rural and dependent on agricultural production (Figure 6.1 and 6.2). Intensive agriculture and encroachment for settlement over the last century has significantly affected the natural vegetation cover of the area. The livelihood of the population in the project area is mainly dependent on subsistence agriculture and livestock keeping. The existing farming practice within and around the project area is mainly conventional, which are attributed by using traditional methods of oxen plough and the households have very small and fragmented farming land size. The major food crops grown grown include barley, wheat, teff, lentils, horse beans, chickpea and other crops.

In addition to the extensive farm lands, patches of privately owned eucalyptus tree are scattered around rural settlement areas. During field assessment, it was observed that the line runs through regenerating eucalyptus tree near Sendafa, Beke, Aleltu, Chacha and Debre Birhan towns. There are also about 12 houses with in the right-of-way of the transmission line from Legetafo to Sheno Towns.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Figure 7:1: Transmission line runs through Figure 7:2: Transmission line crossing farmlands near Sendafa town regenerating eucalyptus tree near Beke (North Shewa) Town

Debre Birhan to Tarmaber section

This section covers 6.7% of the total area of the ROW. The transmission line in this section runs mainly across undulating topography pre-dominantly covered with eucalyptus tree and farmlands. Most of the eucalyptus trees are found between Keyet and Guloberet Towns. The eucalyptus trees are among the closure areas in Amhara Regional State owned by Amhara Forest Enterprise. During site assessment, most of the tree traversed by the transmission line was regenerating to above 5m (Figure 6.3).

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Figure 7:3: Eucalyptus tree traversed by the transmission line in Tarmaber woreda

Tarmaber to Debre Sina section

This section covers 0.8% of the total area of the ROW along the entire route. This section comprises from the top of Tarmaber cliff to Debre Sina Town which is extremely steep escarpment and a narrow strip of the plateau overlooking north of Ankober and Afar. The transmission line runs through planted forest currently enclosed as part of ‘Wof Washa’forest under Amhara Forest Enterprise.

Wof-Washa forest lies between Debre Sina and Ankober in North Shewa Zone. It covers 13,000 ha in Baso Werana and Ankober Woredas. The current extent of the WofWasha forest is estimated to be 167km2. From the total area, 92km2 are covered with disturbed natural forest while the plantationeucalyptus forest covers about 42.7km2, out of which, 3.6 hectare of land is traversed by the Transmission line during the first phase of the project. The remaining 33.9km2 are open and

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project bush land as well as agricultural land and settlements. The forest is on very steep slopes in (mostly east-facing) narrow valleys, with altitudes ranging from 2,000 m to 3,730 m.

Wof-Washa is a montane, mixed (broadleaved and conifer) forest, the main species found are Hagenia abyssinica, Oleaeuropaea cuspidata and Juniperus procera at the higher altitudes, with Podocarpus falcatus and Allophylus abyssinicus lower down.

During field assessment, it was observed that dense Eucylyptus plantation forest is observed from the Tarmaber woreda to the south direction. The transmission line traverses tarmaber woreda at Sina kebele, which located about 32 km far from the Tarmaber eucalyptus plantation site (Figure 6.4). The Wofwasha forest is located at Wofwasha kebele, which is found 32 km away from the TML and found in another kebele called Debre Meaza. Debre Meaza is situated in between the two kebeles (Sina and Wofwasha) (Please refer munities and Figure 6.4 below).

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Figure 7:4: Transmission line route Debre Birhan to Debre Sina leaving the Wof Waha forest to the left side

This section covers 5.5% of the total area of the ROW along the entire route. Man has for a long time heavily impacted the natural vegetation of most of the hilly terrain. What little natural vegetation remains is to be found on the very steep sides of cliffs and inaccessible valley bottoms covered with sparse bushes and shrubs. Similarly, the line from Debre Sina down to Shewa Robit runs dominantly through hills covered with shrubs and small extent of farmlands confined in the valleys. Privately owned eucalyptus tree are also traversed by the line on the vicinity of Debre Sina town. Along the eastern periphery of Shewa Robit Town, the exsisting line traces about 1 km of thick forest of dominantly acacia tree (Figures 6.5 and 6.6). Amhara Forest Enterprise preserves the forest as closure area. There are also about 8 illegal settlements within the right-of-way of the transmission line.

Figure 7:5: Acacia tree along the route Figure 7:6: Transmission line runs across in eastern part of Shewa Robit town settlement area in Shewa Robit Town

Shewa Robit to Harbu section

This section covers 25.3% of the total area of the ROW along the entire route.The transmission line from Shewa Robit to Harbu Town runs mainly across hills covered with bushes and shrubs used for grazing and to some extent through farm lands. Sorghum and maize are the main crops cultivated in the area. Thick forest area comprising different kinds of trees like acacia (Acacia

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project spp.), Agam (Carissa edulis), chat, eucalyptus tree are also traversed by the transmission line along the eastern periphery of Shekla rural village. During field assessment, the consultant also observed that about 19 settlement houses are within the right-of-way of the transmission line at Senbete Town. The transmission line in near vicinity of Kore Meda and Chefa Robit towns also traverses three houses and eucalyptus tree (Figures 6.7 and 6.8).

Figure 7:7: Planted forest at Shekla village Figure 7:8: Settlements traversed by the transmission line at Senbete Town (Oromia Special zone)

The transmission line then runs about 36km through Cheffa wetland from Jimate to Harbu Town. Cheffa Wetland plain is located in Borkena and Jara River basins with in Oromia Special Zone, Amhara Regional State. Its total area is estimated to be 82,000 ha. White-faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata), cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) and Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus) are among the most abundant bird species in the wetland.

Harbu to Wuchale section

This section covers 15.6% of the total area of the ROW along the entire route. The line traverses through open shrub-land with undulating topography and farms until it reaches Combolcha substation. As part of soil and water conservation, some hilly terrains in the area known to be bare have now been covered with bushes. In the section between Combolcha and Hayk Towns, the line traverses through mountains and valleys far from Desse town. The main crop in the lowland of

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Kalu Woreda are horse beans, sorghum and barely, while teff is a major crop type in the highland of Desse and Hayk areas. The line also touches small part of Kosro forest at Susula village near Hayk town. Kosro forest is planted forest hosting different kinds of big tree such as T'id (Juniperus procera), Weyra (Olea Africana) and some eucalyptus tree.

In the section between Hayk and Wuchale, the line traverses hills covered with shrubs and farmlands. Particularly, the line runs through extensive farmland plain on the foothill of Ambasel Mountain near Wuchale Town. Then after, it traverses through perennial crops and settlement area along western periphery of Wuchale Town. The perennial crops traversed by the line are coffee, avocado, mango, papaya, chat and others (Figures 6.9 and 6.10).

Figure 7:9: Kosro forest at Susula village Figure 7:10: Perennial/fruit crops near Hayk Town traversed by the line at Wuchale Town

Wuchale to Robit section

This section covers 14.2% of the total area of the ROW. Along the route between Wuchale and Weldiya, the line dominantly runs through hills covered with shrubs and farmlands. 6 houses and perennial crops are also traversed by the transmission line near Weldiya Town at Doro Gebir village. The perennial crops are banana, Papaya, Mango, Coffee and some eucalyptus tree (Figure 6.11). The rest alignment along the route up to Robit town, it is characterized by hills covered with bushes and fertile valleys used for crop production.

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Figure 7:11: Perennial Trees traversed by the line in Doro Gebir village near Weldiya Town

Robit to Alamata section

This section covers 10.7% of the total area of the ROW along the entire route. In this section between Robit and Alamata, the line runs through Raya Kobo valley which is surrounded by Zoble Mountain in the east and western escapement of the mainland in the west. The transmission line traverses through farmlands relies mainly on rain-fed agricultural system and some farmlands cultivated by modern irrigation system from deep boreholes (Figure 6.12). The main crops grown in the area are Sorghum, Maize, Teff, and other cereals from July to November. Farmers were producing once a year. But now, with the use of ground water since 2005, they are producing twice a year. In addition to the above cereals, the most commercial crops in the country such as tomato, onion and pepper are cultivated during the dry season with irrigation system.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Figure 7:12: Farmlands near Alamata town, traversed by transmission line

7.2 Socioeconomics Environment

In this section six Zones with their respective woredas along the project site will be discussed (Table 6.1). The Zones and their respective woredas relevant for this particular project or purpose are the following:

Table 7-1: Zones and Wereda names

Zone Wereda and City Name

Amhara North Shewa Angolela ena Tera woreda, Debre Birhan City Zone Administration,Bosena ena Worena woreda,Tarmaber woreda,Shewa Robit City Administration, Efrata ena Gidim woreda,and Hageremariyam Kormash Admin council No.1.

South Wello Zone Combolcha City Administration, Kalu Woreda, Desse Zuriya Woreda, Tehuledere Woreda, and Ambasel Woreda.

Oromiya special Zone Jile Timuga Woreda, Artuma Fursi Woreda, and Dawa (Amhara Region) Chefa Woreda

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North Wello Zone Habiru Woreda, Gubalafto Woreda, and Kobo Woreda

Oromiya North Shewa Kimbibit and Aleltu Woreda

Finfine Zuriya special Legetafo Legedadi City Administration and Legetafo Zone Kebele.

7.2.1 Population and Settlement

According to the 2007 census of Central Statistical Agency (CSA) and projected for 2015, almost in all zones most of the populations reside in rural areas. Almost all zones have 1:1 sex ratio of male to female population. For the detail demographic information of the seven Woredas located under this zone refer table 6.2.

In North Shewa of Amhara region, North Wello, and South Wello zones, predominantly Amharic language is spoken followed by the Oromifa language. Languages like Argoba, Tigrigna and others are also spoken in one or more zones. In Oromiya north Shewa zone, Amhara Oromiya special Zone, and Finfine Liyu zones, Oromifa language is spoken followed by the Amharic and other language. In South Tigray zone, Tigrigna language is spoken followed by the Amharic language. In most of these Zones Orthodox the dominant religion having significant numbers of followers, followed by Muslim, protestant, and other religions.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Table 7-2: Population of the project Zones & Woredas

Urban+Rural (Total Urban Rural Population)

Zone/ Woredas Both Male Female Both Male Female Both Male Female No.

1 North Shewa 2,113,419 1,087,319 1,026,101 343,510 160,780 182,730 1,769,909 926,538 843,371 Zone

2 South Wello 2,985,964 1,480,525 1,505,439 398,185 193,749 204,436 2,587,779 1,286,776 1,301,003 Zone

3 Oromiya Special 510,295 253,566 256,729 66,553 32,296 34,257 443,742 221,270 222,472 Zone (Amhara R.)

4 North Wello 1,551,691 751,356 772,996 175,171 84,788 90,383 1,376,520 693,908 682,612 Zone

5 Oromiya North NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA Shewa Zone

6 Finfine Zuriya NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA special Zone

7 Bereh Woreda 81610 40887 40723 NDA NDA NDA 81610 40887 40723 Source: Zonal Administration Office Remark; NDA is No Data Availed

7.2.2 Social Services

The distribution of social services in the Zonal and respective Woredas where the power line traverses, basic social services such as schools and health service centers are available at various levels. In terms of education, all Zones where the power line traverses have schools from kindergarten up to higher level educational centers. Accordingly, the respective Woredas of the zones have basic formal schools primary to secondary schools (Table 6.3).

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Table 7-3: Number of Kindergartens, schools, children students &/School & students

Number Number of of KGS Number of teachers children/students enrolled Student Student Type of and school teacher No. Zones Schools schools Total Male Female Total Male Female ratio ratio

KGS NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA

North Shewa Primary 1026 NDA NDA NDA 450339 233709 216630 NDA NDA Zone (Amhara 1 Region) Secondary 48 NDA NDA NDA 55888 27075 28813 NDA NDA

KGS 53 105 7 105 4618 2382 2236 1:87 1:44

Primary 1132 13634 8904 4730 553682 284063 269619 1:489 1:41

Secondary 34 1597 1353 244 42594 24640 17954 1:1253 1:27

2 South Wello Zone Preparatory 20 464 436 28 8767 5270 3497 1:438 1:19

KGS 7 33 6 27 956 504 452 1:136 1:30

Primary X 3276 - - 110202 55013 55189 NDA 1.33

Secondary 192 192 NDA NDA 3963 2299 1664 NDA NDA Oromiya special Zone (Amhara Preparatory NDA NDA 3 R.) 42 42 713 457 256 NDA NDA

KGS NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA

Primary NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA North Wello 4 Zone Secondary NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA

KGS NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA

Primary NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA Oromiya North 5 Shewa Zone Secondary NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA

KGS NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA

Primary 50 342 209 133 15363 8413 6950 NDA NDA Finfine Zuriya 6 special Zone Secondary 2 19 17 2 198 136 62 NDA NDA Source: Zonal Administration Office Remark; NDA is No Data Availed

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In terms of health service, all Zones where the power line traverses have basic health centers some from health post up to referral hospitals, and some others from health post up to health centers. Accordingly, the respective Woredas of the zones have basic health services see table 6.4, even if the information has not been presented fully, it will give some clue. Furthermore, according to respective Zonal finance and planning departments’ information, in all respective Woredas health coverage have been growing from time to time.

Table 7-4: Type and number of health service centers by 2012/13

No. Zones Type of Health service No. of Health service center center

1 North Shewa Zone Hospital/Referral 4 (Amhara Region) Health Center 88

Health Post 387

Permanent immune NDA

Pharmacy NDA

Drug store NDA

2 South Wello Zone Hospital/Referral 5

Health Center 138

Health Post 235

Permanent immune NDA

Pharmacy 125

Drug store 54

3 Oromiya special Hospital 0 Zone (Amhara R.) Health center 27

health post 105

Permanent immune 128

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4 Finfine Zuriya Hospital/Referral NDA special Zone Health Center 4

Health Post 22

Permanent immune NDA

Pharmacy NDA

Drug Store 3 Source: Zonal Administration Office Remark; NDA is No Data Availed

7.2.3 Infrastructure, Transport and Communication Facilities

In almost all Woredas, towns and rural kebeles, where the power line traverses have basic infrastructures such as road, water supply, electricity and telephone. But these facilities and services are not adequate to serve the needs of the people residing along the transmission line route.

7.2.4 Main Economic Activities and Investment

Almost all Woredas where the power line traverses are predominantly rural and the mainstay of the population is mixed farming. Agricultural practices have not yet been developed much and mainly practiced by using traditional farming methods by using oxen. Most of the woredas along the project are primarily known as crop growing areas and secondly they also depend on livestock production (but not much). In some woredas of the project area, some farmers also involved in timber production and other income generating schemes.

There are also mega investments Projects that are ongoing and on the pipeline such as for example, the textile factory, leather tanning, steel bar manufacturing plant, soft drink factory bear factory, flower plantation, blanket factory in and around Alemata, Combolcha , Debre Birhan and Legetafo towns along the route of proposed transmission line.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

7.2.5 Tourism Development

In general, the Zones where the power line traverses are very reach in historical, natural and religious resource as a tourist site. But not much more have been done in the tourism development and hence the income obtained from this sector is minimal. The nearest tourism site for this proposed project is Wof Washa, a protected forest, found near Tarmaber.

7.2.6 Water Supply Services

In terms of water supply, all Zones where the power line traverses have basic water supply services. Accordingly, the respective Woredas of the zones also have water supply services of low quality standards and coverage (Table 6.5). According to the information provided by Zonal finance and planning departments, Woredas water service coverage has been growing at an alarming rate from time to time.

Table 7-5: Water supply service by 2012/13

No. Zones Hand Dug Spring Deep Shallow Fixed with pipe No. of Coverage (%) well Well Well lines and others Beneficiaries

Fixed Others Rural Urban Urban Rural with pipe

1 North Shewa Zone NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA 93.70 77.45 (Amhara Region)

2 South Wello Zone 4311 1613 40 218 70 90 NDA NDA 82.75 75.70

3 Oromiya special 756 124 30 79 NDA NDA 81,295 311,914 75.70 88.75 Zone (Amhara R.)

4 North Wello Zone 107 200 7 3 NDA 10 129362 NDA NDA 58.42

5 Oromiya North NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA NDA Shewa Zone

6 Finfine Zuriya 185 30 7 39 NDA NDA 71604 NDA NDA NDA special Zone (Berek Woreda)

Source: Zonal Administration Office Remark; NDA is No Data Availed

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

8 ALTERNATIVES

As stated in the previous study document of the project, from the selected proposed options of the first phase of this project, double circuit of 230 kV lines (additional one circuit) to be implemented in the future was taken as the best option. Therefore, the phase one-project activities were implemented during 2008-2011 and left the remaining stringing of other additional circuit to be implemented in the next phase-phase two of the current proposed stringing activities.

Currently, the implementation of second phase of Alamata-Combolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project seems to have only two alternative options (do nothing and implemented as proposed) due to the reason that, the current phase two project in which only stringing of other single circuit transmission line on the already existing arm of towers of the phase one project, which the alternative feasible route options were selected at previous phase from technical economic, social and environmental point of view.

Option I-Do nothing option

The “Do-nothing” alternative is the option of not undertaking any activities under the proposed project. In the case of the construction of the proposed second phase Alamata-Combolcha II- Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project, there would not be both positive and negative impacts associated with the do-nothing alternative.

However, EEP has the responsibility to generate and supply electricity to consumers throughout the country and therefore requires maintaining a national grid with a reliable supply of electric power all over the country. To ensure this, EEP aimed to increase its generating capacity and reinforce the existing transmission systems and currently, EEP is striving to undertake abundant expansion and generation projects.

If this project is not constructed, not only the power generated will not be transmitted to the national grid and the national grid will not be able to function at full expected capacity but also the existing planned power transmission potential will be useless and uneconomical. Consequently, the long term economic development plan of the country would be compromised and slowed down. Therefore, do-nothing option is rejected and is not a feasible option.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Option II

Option two considers implementation of the proposed stringing of second circuit of 230 kV line from Alamata via Combolcha and Cotobie to Kaliti, a distance of 458 km. Although these project activities could generate positive and negative impacts, adverse impacts of the project will be manageable and can be mitigated through different best management and mitigation options. This can be easily handled due to the reason that the transmission line will be strung through on the already existing arm of towers with no new major changes both in right of way/RoW/ and access road. In addition from the current situation of power demand and electricity distribution point, the positive impacts of the project can be so much important and incomparable from the do nothing option.

Therefore, the environmental and social impact assessment study is conducted by considering the implementation of Alamata-Combolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project is feasible and best option.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

9 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS

The construction of the Alamata–Combolcha II -Legetafo -Kaliti 230 kV Transmission Line started in 2008 and has been completed in 2011. The main purpose of the single circuit transmission line was to transmit power generated by Tekeze Hydro Power Plant (Tekeze HPP) from Alamata Substation to the main load center at Kaliti via Combolcha II and Legetfao.

The Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has now conducted feasibility study to reinforce the existing Alamata–Combolcha II-Legetafo -Kaliti I 230 kV Transmission Line.

The purpose of The Alamata–Combolcha II -Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project is the delivery of power generated from Tekeze Hydro Power Plant to the main load center to improve system stability and reliability. The transmission line reinforcement work will be conducted on one arm of the electric towers of the existing Alamata-Combolcha II-Legetafo - Kaliti I 230 kV Transmission line constructed in 2011.

The focus of this chapter is to identify the significant impacts of both negative and positive nature and to analyze it under the scenario where no mitigation and enhancement measures are put in place. For the purpose of this assessment, impacts and /or benefits that will occur during construction and operation and decommissioning phases will be considered. The environmental analysis will therefore attempt to screen out the insignificant impacts and bring the major significant impacts on board for the attention of decision makers.

Moreover, the potential impacts will be described as per the guideline set by the Country’s and the World Bank safeguard policies and procedures. Depending on the nature of the issues raised, impacts will be presented in qualitative and quantitative manner as appropriate.

Based on impact prediction methods, and the results of public consultations, both beneficial and adverse environmental impacts have been identified. Suitable mitigation measures are discussed. The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) presented in Section nine discussed the budget required and responsibilities for the implementation of recommended mitigation measures,, as required

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

In this chapter project, the potential anticipated impacts will be described using the following parameters.

• Impacts will be described by their nature, whether they are negative, beneficial, no change, or not known, direct and indirect;

1. Circumstance of the impacts and the probability of their occurrence will be defined; 2. Impacts will be evaluated and described in terms of degree of severity or significance; 3. Impacts will be evaluated and described in terms of geographical coverage; 4. Potential impacts will be examined and described in terms of duration, frequency and reversibility nature; and 5. Impacts will be defined and described in terms of proposed project phases, i.e., whether it is during construction, operation and/or both.

The proposed 230 kV transmission line route from Alamata-Combolcha - Legatafo about 458 km in length with a free corridor line of 30 meters’ width will have temporary and permanent impacts on the existing settlements, farmlands, flora and fauna of the area. Temporary impacts are those impacts related to the construction phase (stringing) of the planned transmission lines. The construction of the proposed transmission line is expected to be completed in about 18 months. The impact of the proposed project will mainly include interruption of agricultural activities, clearing of bushes and shrubs, and disturbance of wildlife.

Permanent impacts are related to the operational phases of the transmission lines. The main permanent impacts of the Project are the clearance of rejuvenated vegetation (eucalyptus trees and forest) that were cleared during the first phase of the project, as it is required not to obstruct the operational activities and to avoid the impact on power transmission (eucalyptus trees and forest); destruction of terrestrial wildlife habitats;

The proposed power transmission project will have both positive and negative impacts on the biophysical and socio-economic environment.

9.1 Positive Impacts

Key potentially beneficial impacts associated with the implementation of the project are:

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

9.1.1 Additional Power Capacity

With the additional substations and power lines, EEP will be able to increase its electric power reliability and power supply capacity. This additional capacity would have a positive impact on the increasing power demands across the country in terms of economic empowerment. The implementation of this project will also enable EEP to connect more households and institutions to the national grid.

9.1.2 Employment Opportunity

The Proposed project is expected to generate employment opportunities during both construction and operation phase .It is expected that many people (including women to the extent possible) will get jobs during construction; and an additional people will probably get direct and indirect jobs during operation.

9.1.3 Boost the economy

The implementation of this project will boost the Economy of the country through investment and expansion of businesses and income generation opportunities.

9.1.4 Gender Issues

Women as well as men will benefit equally from the employment opportunities that will be created as a result of implementation of this project. Women often run shops and bars in the areas and during the construction period, it is anticipated that there will be further income generating activities for women such as food catering/restaurants for workers on the construction sites and the selling of local products for the construction camp workers. These activities will benefit mainly women who are very often the sole supporters of their families. It is also recommended for the contractor to give equal employment opportunities to women.

9.1.5 Reducing Deforestation and Support in Reducing Global Warming

As stated in the Ethiopian energy policy, providing and access to adequate and affordable energy for households and industry and support in rolling back the rate of deforestation and conservation of water resources. In line with the energy policy, the proposed project will have a positive impact

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project in providing clean and affordable energy and promote green economy the country adopted as its national strategy. The project will enable the country to reduce emission of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere consequently resulting in reducing the effects of global warming.

9.1.6 Capacity Building

The effective undertaking of the projects will require capacity building and awareness campaigns. Health, safety and environmental and social management training and awareness will be provided to workers (including skilled and unskilled laborers, site management staffs, and maintenance teams) during project construction and operational phases and to project affected persons (PAPs), local residents, and others whose activities could be affected by the proposed projects.

9.2 Negative Impacts the physical and Biological Environment

The negative environmental and social impacts are expected to be generated from construction of bays at Alamata and Legetafo existing substation under the components Lot two of upgrading and extension of Combolcha II and Legetafo 230kV substations. The significance level of these impacts are assumed to be very low because of all activities under Lot two will be carried out in already existing substations premises. The negative impacts of both Lot one and Lot two are discussed below.

Construction phase

9.2.1 Impacts on Air Quality and Proposed Mitigation Measures (Lot -1 and Lot-2)

Impact

Air pollution may arise during the construction phase as a result of dust and emissions from construction vehicles, plant, and equipment. Dust may be generated by excavation and earth moving operations. It is unlikely under most weather conditions that dust generated on construction sites would cause a nuisance at residential receptor sites given their distance from the works. During the upgrading and extension work of the substation activities under component two such as excavation, movement of construction vehicles along the access roads under component one would contribute to dust release. Therefore, these dust emission problems may pose health

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project related problems in workers at the site. Additionally, due to the involvement of machineries during stringing of the transmission lines, fuel exhaust and dust will be emitted into the environment and affect the ambient air quality. Exhaust emissions may occur as a result of poor maintenance of plant and equipment or over revving of engines. Temporary roads and haulage routes will be located away from residential development and croplands as far as possible.

Mitigation Measures

The project shall control the speed of construction vehicles, conduct regular vehicle maintenance, watering of access roads during the dry season to suppress dusts, and prohibit idling of vehicles on site to minimize the generation of dust and greenhouse gases. Moreover, all of the above potential impacts can however be minimized via the implementation of a construction environmental management plan.

9.2.2 Noise Impact and Proposed Mitigation Measures Lot 1 and Lot 2

Impact

During the construction, permissible/acceptable noise levels can be temporarily exceeded due to the operation of Lorries and equipment in the working zone of the high voltage transmission line. Noise may also be produced from electrical discharges around high voltage power lines. Similarly, noise can be produced during vehicle movements and other construction equipment. This impact will be low and of temporary nature, it has no potential to disturb the local community around the project area and campsites.

Mitigation Measures

Acute noise damages (Acoustic trauma) occur when the ear is damaged from a single or relatively few exposures of sound at pressure levels of 100-120 dB. Noise damages to the ear can either be temporary or permanent. Noise abatement measures will be taken in the zones crossing the residential areas, including adequate work scheduling. Periodical maintenance and service should be undertaken for those vehicles and other machineries on duty in this project.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

9.2.3 Impacts on Surface Water Quality and Proposed Mitigation Measures

Impact (Lot-1)

During construction, water demand will be minimal for stringing of the Transmission Line. However, the main concern aside from these short-term impacts during construction is the effect from vegetation clearing and access road construction activities. The vegetation protects water quality, maintains soil moisture levels in stream banks, helps stabilize the banks, filters nutrient- laden sediments and other runoff, maintains cooler water temperatures, and encourages a diversity of vegetation and wildlife habitats. In this regard, as Lot two construction activities will be conducted within the existing premises and the anticipated impacts is expected to be no or very limited vegetation disperses, less impact on surface water quality.

Considering Lot One component, impacts like erosion/sediment deposition arising from disposal of easily erodible material from construction activities, enhancement of slope instability arising civil works near and around the project site, and disposal of spoils in sloping sites during land clearance might cause impacts on watercourses and water quality, which is required to be mitigated through the following measures.

Mitigation Measures

To avoid and minimize the potential impacts the following measures are need to be implemented:

• Implement watershed management, as required • Plan and implement soil and water conservation practice in all sites during and after the construction phase, as required. • Enforce earthworks for access road or other activities to be carried out in a manner to minimize spoil generation. • Dispose spoil from access road construction and rehabilitation only at sites, and in a manner, which have been approved by the Engineer, as required • During construction period, the contractor shall also train work crews in safe handling of petrochemicals.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

• Avoid any leakage from construction vehicles that might wash down to the natural drain and impact the surface and ground water quality.

9.2.4 Impacts on Soil and Proposed Mitigation Measures (Lot -1 and Lot-2)

Impacts

Such activities like, preparation of land for construction of bays at the Alamata and Legetafo existing substations (Lot Two), access roads and clearing of vegetation, bushes and shrubs for stringing of the transmission line (Lot One), are likely to cause soil erosion especially in areas with lose soil coverage and during dry and windy periods. Moreover, the movement of machineries that will be used during stringing activities will disturb the top soil, which will ultimately aggravate erosion of the top soil due to wind and rainfall. The topographic condition of some of the area through which the proposed transmission line passes is hilly and is highly sensitive to erosion and the risk of erosion will be higher at those locations. Increase in erosion will cause increase in sedimentation load and deterioration of quality of streams and the nearby rivers.

Mitigation Measures

• Prior to the construction of access roads and stringing of the transmission line, the contractor should have soil conservation plan for the proper management and control of significant soil erosion problems. • Excavation and vegetation clearance will be limited in extent, defined temporary and permanent access routes to be established to avoid damaging the soil structure in the wider area. • Following clearance of vegetation in the existing right-of-way and access roads, it is important to replant all sites after completing the construction using select tree species suitable for soil conservation purposes.

9.2.5 Impacts on Residential Areas (Lot-1)

The major adverse social impacts of the proposed project arise from demolition or removal of physical assets within the established 30mt Right of Way (ROW) clearances along the transmission line route. Accordingly, the assessment identified a total of 180 residential houses and attached

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project household facilities made with wood structure, plastered with mud and cement mortar, corrugated sheet metal and other substandard roofing materials.

✓ Among 180 houses and attached structures owned by 120 HHs: ▪ 103 HHs are those who were excluded and disqualified from the first round assessment and compensation on the basis of absence of legal land ownership right as determined by the municipal or other offices (considered as squatter settlers). This group requires compensations for affected assets and physical relocation (replacement land for construction of houses). Since the residential houses are situated within the designated ROW clearance area and as per the RPF of the project all these PAPs will be provided full compensation and plot of land for relocation regardless of their legal landholding status, which includes informal and squatter settlements, therefore the RAP included these group of PAPs and qualified them to be eligible for adverse impact mitigation and compensations.

▪ 17 HHs are those who legally own and occupy residential houses, possess perennial plants and other facilities within the designated ROW of the transmission line route but not covered and compensated during the first phase project implementation period because their assets were mistakenly determined to be out of the range of the ROW of the line route. This group claim their properties existed at the time of the first phase implementation period, but excluded from the assessment because the project staff believed the assets are out of the range of the ROW clearance area). However, the current RAP included this group of HHs to be fully compensated for their affected assets and will get plot of land for physical relocation (replacement land for construction of houses). Among this group, 3 HHs will only receive cash compensation for plant asset only since the impact is only on the plants not other assets.

▪

Furthermore, the RAP has identified that a total of 80 HHs (400 PAPs), who were compensated by the resettlement action plan prepared for the first phase of the project continued to occupy the ROW clearance areas due to various reasons including unresolved compensation complaints, lack of efficient grievance redressing system and absence of clear and effective evacuation instructions

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project after compensation payments made out to PAPs during the 2008-2011 resettlement implementation. This group of HHs will not be covered by the RAP as already addressed/covered and compensated by the resettlement plan within the first phase of the project. However, those who have grievances on the compensation amount, their grievances will be reviewed and get resolved by the current grievance redress committee that has been established during the current RAP preparation.

Mitigation measures

EEP has prepared a RAP to implement the appropriate and required compensation for affected people, including those PAPs affected by the proposed project on residential houses located under the ROW. The RAP identified a total of 120 project affected HHs who will be affected by the project and to be eligible for compensation for affected residential houses and attached household service facilities, including kitchens, storage rooms, septic tanks and fences and plants and treesIn order to mitigate impacts on vegetation, prior to clearance works it is essential to mark out those areas requiring clearance, all clearing is undertaken within the extent of approved sites only and instruct all construction workers not to cut any tree beyond the marked areas.

9.2.6 Impacts on Terrestrial Flora and Socio-Economically Valued Plantations and Proposed Mitigation Measures (Lot-1)

Impact

Generally, intensive agriculture and grazing as well as encroachment for settlement over the last century has significantly affected the natural vegetation cover in most part of the area traversed by the line. However, closure areas (an area of eucalyptus plantation purposefully left for ecological regeneration) of Debre Sina /Tarmaber as well as Shekla and Kosro are among the planted forest reserves traversed by the transmission line. The plantation forest, in the closure areas, estimated 25 hectare of land, within in the existing rights-of-way and will be permanently cleared and the cutting down of tall trees above 5 meters, if there are any rejuvenated planted trees, and these might be resulted in the deforestation and loss of trees (see Figure 2.6). The construction phase is

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project also expected to be associated with woody species removal along the existing way-leave area resulting in affecting the existing species habitat or its simplification.

A total of 823 permanent and fruit trees, presently occupying and situated within the existing 30meter right of way of the transmission line belonging to 112 HHs, requiring removal, clearing or reposition to give way for the stringing project activities.

Clearance of the Right of way to facilitate movement of vehicles and machines in addition to manual hand clearing will have also temporary effect on bushes and shrubs. During field assessment, some vegetation including indigenous flora like Cordia Africana, Juniperus procera, Ficus vasta, Ficus sur, Acacia Spps are observed that have been traversed by the transmission line. Under those circumstances, the vegetation, bushes, shrubs, and endogenous trees will have to be cleared to avoid power outages through contact of branches and trees with the transmission lines.

As can be seen in Table-9.1, about 40 hectare of eucalyptus , 412 ha of natural vegetation and 25 ha of forest falls under the existing Right of way. The trees, shrubs and bushes under the Right of Way have to be therefore cleared and they will only be allowed to regenerate to a height of 7 meters to minimize their interference with the towers and the transmission lines.

Mitigation Measures

While impact on woody vegetation is going to be permanent, impact on grasses and shrubs is mostly transient. The following measures are among others required to be implemented during construction and operation phase.

• In collaboration and guidance of regional and zonal offices responsible for environmental protection and forests, it is important to offset or replant indigenous tree species • Selective clearing is recommended and trees, which cannot grow more than 7 meter, shall not be cleared. • Clearance for construction work and inspection shall be to no more than necessary extent. • It is important to make the construction crew aware of the need to refrain from indiscriminately cutting the forest and use as much as possible human labor when cutting trees to avoid mass de-vegetation of the forest.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

• After the stringing activity is finalized, the cleared woody vegetation will need to be recovered by planting small trees and plants. • At completion of construction works, areas not needed anymore, will be replanted/reforested as far as the line security is not impeded. If possible, human labor is better to be used for stringing as opposed to heavy machinery to avoid herbaceous layer destruction.

9.2.7 Impacts on Fauna and Proposed Mitigation Measures

The construction phase is not expected to have significant negative impact on wildlife owing to the short width of the existing way-leave and low wildlife density in the line route. However, the clearance of the vegetation in the existing right-of-way and access roads particularly in the plantation forest reserve (closure areas) (Figure 3.6) during stringing of the proposed transmission line will disturb the shelter of wild animals, may force them out from their habitat, and could be exposed to illegal hunting.

Mitigation Measures

Awareness creation to workers shall be implemented to minimize disturbances on wildlife from construction activities. Limited number of workers should also be involved inside forest closure areas along the transmission line route.

9.2.8 Landscape and Visual Intrusion and Proposed Mitigation Measures

Impact

The Proposed High Voltage Transmission line (HVTL) is likely to cause visual impacts and hence disturbing the aesthetic beauty of the area.

Mitigation measures

The proposed transmission line has already been fitted to the free arm of existing tower of the transmission line and the impact due to this project is none or very minimum. However, in case of any serious complains raised from the community nearby, the project will implement some of the mitigation measures, like modification of the Tower color, with the nearby landscape to blend with it. In some section of the area, as applicable, ROW management will also be applied

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project by planting vegetative trees to screens and block views of the TML. All the recommended measures will be implemented in consultation with the communities residing nearby, applicants of the issue and the affected people, prior to the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures.

9.2.9 Impact on Cultural, Religious and Archeological Resources and Mitigation Measures

Impact

St. Silase Church Holly Water is found at the right side of the ROW at Aleltu woreda particularly at Maru Kebele; the Holy Water baptizing service is also undertaken just adjacent to the spring Holy Water (Figure 8.1). Although, the project will not cause a significant impact to the Holly Water, appropriate mitigation measures should be carried out before the commencement of the construction activities in consultation and agreement with the community and Church leaders. If no measure is taken, the construction of Lot One project might result in a temporary restriction of access to the Holy Water and might cause physical damage to the Holly Water by disturbing the areas around the Holly Water. Therefore, considering the baptizing service, which is only in the morning hours and stays closed for the whole day and night, the construction activities will be scheduled accordingly, and this result in a temporary impact and is minimal.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Figure 9:1: St. Silase Church holly water Baptizing house at Aleltu Woreda

Considering the views and believes of the communities and responsible bodies, it is essential to avoid and reduce the impact of the project on the Holy Water. In this connection, recent consultation was conducted with the community members, church leaders, and local government representatives at Aleltu woreda where the Holy Water is located. Following the consultations, it was agreed that the construction work on the site will be conducted without interruption of the service of the Holy water through adopting the below recommendations measures:

Mitigation Measures

• Although, it is mentioned that baptizing activity is done in the morning hours only, it should be noted that the project should not restrict the activities of the baptism. Therefore, stringing of the line (project activity of lot one) has to consider the timing of the construction to avoid any access restriction. The project owner and the contractor should make prior consultation and agreed with the community and church leaders before

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

commencing the construction activities, so that people can safely access the Holy place during the morning time.

• Additionally, it is also equally important to use mechanisms of stringing activities that to string the line without any contact of the Holly Water. E.g., using four leg ladder poles to pass the line over the baptizing house and area.

• To prevent any unprecedented impacts from live line, the contractor shall

o Place a warning sign during construction activities and even after the construction activities.

o Place warning and other safety message poster to restrict community members and church attendants not to be in contact with and climbing on the tower.

o Provide regular awareness on safety measures related to HVTL impact for the surrounding community members and church attendants.

o Place a cautions belt at the construction core area during peak construction period.

9.2.10 Oil spill on farmland and Proposed Mitigation Measures

Stringing technique with the truck-mounted spool will have enormous advantage to reduce interference of huge workforce and assignments of vehicles in farmlands and other land uses along the stringing to be carried out. Hence no significant oil spill will be occurred. However, there might be an incident of oil leakage from vehicles during construction activities, which impact the farmland, if occurred.

Mitigation Measures

In case of any oil spillage incidents from the trucks and machineries:

• The contractor should provide adequate safety orientation to the construction workers, vehicles drivers and machine operators to keep the vehicles and machine to be in good condition with proper maintenance.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

• The vehicle driver shall mount the temporary containment facilities/structures with their vehicle to prevent the damage of any spill incents to the farmlands

9.2.11 Solid waste generation at the construction sites (LOT 1& LOT 2)

Large-scale construction activities like Alamata – Kombolocha II Legetafo project will produce a significant amount of waste, during the 458 km stringing and upgrading of substation activities. materials such as vegetation striping, concrete mixes, packing materials, containers for various construction materials, plastics, used oil containers , etc. are expected to be generated and disposed indiscriminately within and around the construction sites of the 458 kms stringing and upgrading of substations during construction phase. These wastes unless properly managed, will contribute for the significant point and non-point sources of pollutions to the surrounding biophysical and social environment, particularly surface and ground water resources.

Mitigation Measures

As per the applicable best practices, standards and procedures, wastes emanated from the construction are not allowed to be collected and stored on site for long time. It is highly recommended to implement prompt collection, proper segregation, and safe transport to designated dumpsite for final disposal and remove regularly from the project site. Various disposal methods are essential to be employed, like burning, 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) and final disposal at recommended landfill site. The following methods are recommended during the construction activities of the project’s Lot One and Lot Two components:

• Make available sufficient number of labeled garbage bins and container at every spot of construction and work sites, as applicable.

• All wastes, which are not designated as combustible to be burned on-site, will be recycled, disposed of in an appropriate landfill or transported to an approved disposal facility.

• All organic and inorganic materials will be temporarily stored and/or safely disposed of so as not to directly or indirectly influence any surface watercourse or ground water.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

• Avoid direct and indirect discharge of all solids, sludge and other pollutants generated to any watercourses and/ or ground water.

• Any inadvertent disposal of waste material shall be monitored to avoid further social and biophysical impact.

• Clean up landfill/dumping sites to prevent surface and ground water pollution and compact and cover dumped wastes frequently with several inches of soil to reduce odor, to control insects and rodents and finally, to protect public health.

• A perimeter fence shall be constructed at the burning and disposal sites to protect the nearby residents including children and stray animals from intruding and roaming around in searching any usable items and being exposed to a higher health risk.

The solid and liquid waste that will be generate from the construction camp will need to be properly collected and managed before it is discharged into the surrounding environment. In consultation with the local relevant environment or other government offices, special site far from the reach of the community should be designated to dispose the solid and liquid waste to minimize impacts.

9.2.12 Impact caused by Road safety & traffic management and proposed Mitigation measures

Impacts

The occurrence of road accident as a result of proposed project is minimal. However, the construction activities of Lot One involve frequent movement of large vehicles to transport material for stringing activities. This may result in increased event of car accidents. Even though it is of short duration these risks are more when the access routes have steep gradient, bends and bad road situations. Therefore, it is important to implement precautionary, minimize and avoidance measures that have to be taken during construction period so as to avoid/minimize the anticipated impacts. Such measures will include the installation of road safety signs, awareness rising campaign and limiting the speed of project vehicles at the project sites, etc. as detailed below:

Mitigation Measures

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

The traffic management during construction is very essential, and to address these potential risks, the following measures are recommended.

➢ Place a speed limit signs at each place. All signs shall be in English, Amharic and other local languages, if required.

➢ Impose speed limits on all moving vehicles operating on haul routes,

➢ Prepare detail traffic management plan for the implementation of safe traffic management within and around the construction areas.

➢ Provide a safety advice and warnings to the community nearby and construction laborers.

➢ Plan to move heavy, wide or slow moving loads with early warning sign and cautions by the traffic and/or safetyman, as much as possible.

Operation Phase

9.2.13 Impacts on Terrestrial Flora and Proposed Mitigation Measures

Unchecked growth of tall trees and accumulation of vegetation within rights-of-way may result in a number of impacts, including power outages through contact of branches and trees with transmission lines and towers; initiation of forest and brush fires; corrosion of steel equipment; blocking of equipment access; and interference with critical grounding equipment. Regular maintenance of rights-of-way to control vegetation may involve the use of mechanical methods, such as mowing or pruning machinery that may disrupt wildlife and their habitats, in addition to manual hand clearing.

Mitigation Measures

The selective removal of tall growing tree species and the encouragement of low-growing grasses and shrubs is the common approach to vegetation management in transmission line rights-of-way. Vegetation management should not eradicate all vegetation; excessive vegetation maintenance may remove unnecessary amounts of vegetation resulting in the continual replacement of succession species and an increased likelihood of the establishment of invasive species.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

9.2.14 Impacts on Fauna and Proposed Mitigation Measures

Impact

The study team during the fieldwork confirmed wildlife along the proposed transmission line route is very rare. This is because of the prevailing habitat loss, environmental degradation, expansion of cultivated lands, etc. However, in areas like Tarmaber forest (WofWasha) where there is relatively abundant wildlife, the transmission line may induce no or very limited physical hazard to birds and climbing animals. As the TML route and WofWasha located at distant (see Figure 6.4) bird mortality from striking of the transmission wires will be of minimum concern in these areas. The anticipated limited impacts on Birds will be especially in the locations where there is high population of birds such as WofWasha, which is found at a distant from the TML. The transmission lines crossing Debre Sina cliffs not very close to ‘WofWasha’ which is one of the reserved natural forests in the country and the team reassessed the area and identified that the transmission line does not traverse this natural forest reserve. As per the recent assessment and site survey, there is an estimated 32km distance between the Kebele of Tarmaber, which is traversed by the transmission line, and the WofWasha natural forest reserve. In addition, there is a kebele in between the two areas, which is called debre-meaza.

In this location, wild animals such as Gelada Baboon, Cheetah, Bushbuck, Duikers, Colobus monkey, and wild pigs are commonly observed on the cliffs and inside the forest. There are also Porcupine, Warthogs, Hyenas, and other small wild animals. However, the study team identified that the impacts of the proposed stringing activities will be minimum.

Ethiopian Wild life and Natural History Society studied Ankober-Debre sina escarpment including WofWasha (Important Bird Areas of Ethiopia (EWNHS-Ibiza). The inventory study shows that, the only known population of Ethiopian endemic and restricted-range Ankober Serine, a species whose known distribution is limited to narrow altitudinal range from perhaps as low as 2800m up to 3750m along the escarpment rim between Ankober and Tarmaber. Regarding the sensitive bird species population, this study confirms that WofWasha forest is not well known ornithological. Other species of interest recorded at this site includes Rappel’s Chat which is uncommon, Lammergeyer, mountain Buzzard, Peregrine, Red-breasted Sparrow hawk, Alpine Swift, Crag Martine and Blue Rock Thrush.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Collisions of birds with the transmission in this location may cause a physical hazard from electrocution during display flights and when birds are flying in search of food. Birds sitting or perching on conducting cables may also be electrocuted and large species, such as raptors, are most at risk in this case. This happens where the electricity structure dimensions are such that a phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground contact occurs between the bird and the structure. Poor visibility increases possibility of collision and electrocution accidents of birds.

Climbing animals like monkeys may be killed from electrocution while attempting to climb up the Towers. According to the information obtained from Tarmaber woreda Environmental Protection and Land administration Office, the existing transmission line crossing the steep cliff in the Woreda are installed close to ground and is causing deaths of monkeys from electrocution.

Mitigation Measure

As stated in the list of recommendations proposed by the Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society, which is the representative of the IBA, the proposed project, is required to implement the following measures:

• To ensure that no Bird impacts are generated from the stringing activities of the transmission lines that passing through areas rich in avifauna, the TML shall be fitted with bird warning spheres (colored balloons). • Fitting of flapper devices on the shield wires, which will make them more visible. • Undertake regular monitoring and collect data on avifauna electrocuted along the proposed transmission line, if occurred. • Every steel tower pad will have also a danger sign and an anti-climbing barbed wire for the safety purposes.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Table 9-1: Affected Land use along the Transmission line from Alamata to Legatafo substation

Section List of Woredas Affected Main crop Affected Affected Affected Affected traversed by the cultivated types Eucalyptus Natural Forest Houses Transmission vegetation (ha) (number) Land (ha) tree (ha) line. (bushes and

shrubs) (ha)

Legatafo- Bereh, Aleltu, 320 ha Teff, barley, 18.8 ha 48 ha 0 12 Debrebirhan Angolala, Debre Wheat, lentils, Birhan Zuria horse beans, chickpea.

Debrebirhan to Bosona Warena, 80 ha Teff, barley, 10 ha 20 ha Tarmaber Tarmaber wheat

Tarmaber to Tarmaber 0 - 0 0 3.6 ha 0 Debre Sina

Debre Sina to Tarmaber, Kewet 46 ha Teff, wheat, 2.4 ha 40 ha 10 ha 8 Shewa Robit maize, sorghum.

Shewa Robit to Kewet, Efrata 232ha Sorghum, 0.6 ha 132 ha 0 22 Harbu) Gidim, Dawa maize and Chefa, Artuma perennial crops Furse, Jille Timuga, Kalu

Harbu to Kalu, Dessie 164 ha Horse beans, 3.2 ha 66 ha 4 ha Wuchale Zuria, sorghum Tehuledere, barely, teff and Ambasel fruit crops.

Wuchale to Ambasel, Harbu, 120 ha Horse beans, 3.2 ha 100 ha 6.8 ha 6 Robit Guba Lafto, barely, teff and Kobo fruit crops.

Robit to Alamata Kobo, Alamata 152 ha Teff, Sorghum, 2 ha 6 ha 1.2 ha 0 Maize, and other cereals

Total 1114 ha 40.2 ha 412 ha 25.6 ha 48

*The draft ESIA study conducted in 2015 has identified 48 houses to be affected. However, the RAP prepared and disclosed in 2016 has identified 120 HHs with 180 houses and structures to be affected by the project. Below is the summary table taken from the RAP.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Summary of Proposed Compensation Payments (monetary value of affected assets including demolition and mobilization costs)

Location /Zone Affected Compensation (Birr) Remark HHs

North Wollo Zone 4 119,176.60 Houses only

South Wollo Zone 4 97,028.40 Houses & Plants

Oromia Special Zone 4 476,494.41 Houses only

North Shoa Zone 98 3,665,445.82, Houses, fences & plants

Finfine Zuria 10 427,036.30 Houses, plants and fences

Total 120 4,785,381.53

9.3 Negative Social Impacts

Construction phase

9.3.1 Impacts on Agricultural Land/ Crops and Proposed Mitigation Measures (Lot One)

Impact

One of the potential impacts of this project will be temporary destruction of farmlands during the stringing of the transmission lines. Seasonal agricultural activities of the farmers may be disrupted and crops may be affected during the installation of the proposed transmission line. Installation of the proposed transmission line is expected to last for 18 months. However, to avoid or minimize the impact of the project on seasonal crops, the the project will undertake the installation and stringing activities of the transmission line during off-crop season through proper planning before the commencement of the project. If any activity that will be implemented on the crop season and will impact the crop the client will pay compensation for PAPs as per the principles of the agreed RAP before physical construction is started. . ,

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project

Mitigation Measures

The following measures are to mitigate impacts on agricultural land:

• Undertake installation and stringing activities of the proposed transmission line during off crop season by making proper planning before the commencement of the project. • If this cannot be done, EEP should provide compensation to the farmers for the crop damages that will occur during the stringing activities based on the estimation and plan obtained from the RAP Report.

9.3.2 Impact on Eucalyptus Plantations and housing and Proposed Mitigation Measures

Impact

EEP claimed appropriate compensation has been made for the eucalyptus trees and houses that falls within the ROW during the installation of the existing single circuit transmission line. However, the study team during the consultation received complaints from some individuals in relation to the compensation for the loss of housing, eucalyptus and other perennial crops that was made by EEP. According to the information obtained during the consultation with individuals, some have received adequate compensation while others have received no or inadequate compensation for the housing, eucalyptus and other perennial crops. There are also new comers that have settled within the ROW after compensation was finalized.

Mitigation measures

The individuals that are affected due to the implementation of the proposed project will receive compensation as per the RAP.

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9.3.3 Occupational Safety and Health Issue and Proposed Mitigation Measures

During construction phase of this project, the occurrence of occupational safety hazards is anticipated. The work force, especially the laborers engaged in stringing might be exposed for temporary physical and mechanical injury during the installation of the proposed transmission line.

Mitigation

Orientation about the cause of physical and mechanical hazards will be given before the start of the actual work. Moreover, appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as protective gear, safety boots, gloves, protective clothing, dust masks and ear-mufflers will need to be provided for the workers. Therefore, the contractor shall:

• Provide to workers with the relevant protective gears like boots, gloves, protective clothing dust masks and earmuffs. • Provide to workers with safety protection tools/materials for workers during stringing and other construction activities. • Water the working ground to be made wet to prevent dust, as required • Warning signs will be expected to be displayed next to dangerous points and machines so as to restrict the movement of unauthorized personnel on site during construction and to warn heavy load vehicles that will be at the site against possible danger. • Prepare a safety management plan

9.3.4 Health Impact, Exposure to HIV/AIDS and STI and Proposed Mitigation Measures

Some of the significant health concerns associated with the proposed stringing activities include shortage of facilities like toilets and catering facilities for construction workers.

In Ethiopia, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, in recent years, has emerged as a major health hazard, affecting mainly the age group of 15 to 49 years. Influx of people and interaction between locals and skilled workers from other areas can lead to a higher risk for the spread of socially communicable diseases including HIV/AIDS.

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Mitigation measures

The contractor should ensure that his or her workers are provided with the required health facilities. Either these facilities should be put in place before the stringing activities commences or any arrangement could be done such that the personnel working along the line could get the facilities from the neighboring health facilities.

Thus to minimize the spread of HIV/AIDS in the community consultation with local communities and health experts throughout the Project implementation will be needed. The workers and local communities shall be advised about HIV/AIDS and condoms should be provided to the workers and the communities free of charge.

9.3.5 Influx of labor, and Proposed Mitigation Measures

Impact

The in-migrant people for job opportunities will bring both positive and negative impacts to the local people. Some of them will have different cultural backgrounds that might be important for the culture of the local communities, which will bring social interactions with the host community, skill transfer, and other socio-cultural developments. Labor influx in line with the proposed rehabilitation and upgrading power line project might be minimal. However, certain section of the TML stringing activities will be located and traversed through remote villages and workers will be moving to these villages from other neighboring area. Though limited numbers of workers are believed to move to these villages, there might be possible negative impact by labor influx in such areas. Workers’ accommodations may need to be constructed on-site. This may result in impacts on community infrastructure, health, and safety. The influx of labor to the construction areas and their interactions with the local communities may create access for the spread of communicable diseases and price increases in the area. Food prices on local markets might increase, security and smuggling issues might arise and women from local communities might be at risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancies.

Mitigation Measures

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The contractor shall adopt and implement the Labor Influx Management Plan (LIMP), which is prepared by the EEP-Project office, as required. In addition, the mitigation plan stated under this ESIA should take an approach to control the spread of STIs. Health education programs, control of illegal/illicit drugs and prostitution and other socially condemned activities near the project site need to be considered. Moreover, mechanisms need to be put in place to prevent and minimize Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Violence Against Children (VAC). Such mechanism should include working with the contractors to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and GBV and VAC in the project affected communities(for example through code of conducts), strengthening grievance redress and other monitoring mechanisms to ensure safe and ethical reporting systems to alert cases of GBV and VAC and assure them to access adequate response.

9.3.6 Impact on vulnerable groups Proposed Mitigation Measures

Impact

Although no issue related to vulnerable groups were raised during consultation with the community members and other relevant stakeholders, the household survey and assessment documented two households headed by elderly PAPs with visual impairment and physical challenges and about 57 women headed households. These two groups of PAPs require special assistance to facilitate their relocation activities during the resettlement process.

The two elderly household heads with visual impairment and physical challenges requested special assistance in demolition their targeted assets and transportation of their valuables household belongings to new relocation sites.

Mitigation Measures

It is recommended that special assistance be provided for the 57 women headed households to enable them cover costs of labor for demolition of properties and removal of household belongings to the new relocation sites after collection of compensation and securing land for construction of replacement houses.

Special entitlement in the form of financial assistance is proposed in the disclosed RAP for vulnerable groups, such as elderly, women and individuals with health problems and physical

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project challenges/disabilities to assist them in the relocation and resettlement process. It is also recommended that special assistance be provided for the 57 women headed households to enable them cover costs of labor for demolition of properties and removal of household belongings to the new relocation sites after collection of compensation and securing land for construction of replacement houses. The project should facilitate provision of additional assistance from established government institutions, such as Women and Children Services Affairs, which is responsible for ensuring and guaranteeing women get equal access for resources and receive benefits (directly or indirectly) from programs and projects initiated by the government or any other institutions.

OPERATION PHASE

9.3.7 Electromagnetic Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures

Impact

Electric overhead lines are considered a source of electric and magnetic fields, which may have a perceived health effect. The strength of both electric and magnetic fields is a function of the voltage, distance from the conductors to the ground and the lateral distance from the line to the receptor. Many studies published during the last decade on occupational exposure to Electro- Magnetic Fields (EMF) have exhibited a number of inconsistencies and no clear, convincing evidence exists to show that residential exposures to electric and magnetic fields are a threat to human health. However, the EMF decrease very rapidly with distance from source and there should be no potential health risks for people living outside the 30m wide way leave corridor.

Mitigation Measures

The strength of electric field decreases with distance from the transmission line and the conductors. Due to insignificant level of electric and magnetic fields emission and as per the Ethiopian Electricity Authority (EEA) directives on the power line clearance for various level of power voltage, the existing tower height is considered to be sufficient to mitigate and/or avoid any perceived health effects from the electromagnetic field to human and other livestock. Moreover, awareness on how the electromagnetic field could affect the health of the community and about

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project the precaution measures should be created among the nearby community members and construction workers. The followings measures are needs to be considered during operation phase

• Identification of potential exposure levels in the work place, including surveys of exposure levels in new projects and the use of personal monitors during working activities; • Personal exposure monitoring equipment should be set to warn of exposure levels that are below occupational exposure reference • Training of workers in the identification and management of occupational EMF levels and hazards; • Establishment and identification of safety zones to differentiate between work areas with expected elevated EMF levels compared to those acceptable for public exposure, limiting access to properly trained workers; • Implementation of action plans to address potential or confirmed exposure levels that exceed reference occupational exposure levels developed by international organizations and national directives like Ethiopian Electricity Authority (EEA6). • Action plans to address occupational exposure may include limiting exposure time through work rotation, increasing the distance between the source and the worker, when feasible, or the use of shielding materials.

9.3.8 Electrocutions and Proposed Mitigation Measures

I mp act

During operation, impacts are related mainly with electro-cautions and possible induce effects from electro-magnetic fields. The placeman to flow-slung lines or lines near human activities (e.g. Highways, buildings) increases the risk of electrocutions.

Furthermore, in the Lot Two of this project (upgrading of the substations), workers on duty in these substations will face the risk of electrocution. Even if the occurrence of such risk is very minimal, a precautionary measure should be established.

6 https://chilot.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/directive_overheadeleclineqltysupply.pdf

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Mitigation measures

• Transmission lines should be checked regularly, whether they are situated at the appropriate slung height, as stated in the EEA directives. If it is below the required slung clearance, immediate measures shall be taken on time to avoid the risks on highways and residential places. • In core substation working areas, it is essential to display posters, danger and other warning signs and make available any safety precaution trifolds or leaflets to create awareness for both workers and community members. • On time implementation of mitigation measures for EMF impacts to avoid impacts from Electrocutions

DECOMMISSIONING PHASE

9.4 Impact during Decommissioning Phase

The goal of project decommissioning is to remove the existing electric towers, cables, and line equipment partly or as a whole and return the site to a condition as close to a pre-construction state as feasible. The major activities that will be required for the decommissioning of Alamata- Combolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV transmission line are:

7. Electric tower removal 8. Electrical system removal 9. Re-vegetation

It is noteworthy that the specific requirements and approach for each activity may not be as exactly as it was before commissioning because the technologies and construction techniques available when the project will be decommissioned may have changed. The disassembly and removal of substation equipment will essentially be the same as its installation, but in the reverse order.

Potential environmental impacts caused during decommissioning and those, which will be mitigated as per the provision in the environmental management plan, are dust and noise to the surrounding environment and public safety.

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Transmission Line Removal

During decommissioning, all transmission line structures and equipment would be dismantled and removed, and the project area restored to pre-project conditions or to conditions acceptable to by the MoEFCC and regional Environmental Bureaus. After the transmission line is deactivated, the transmission line conductors would be disconnected. The conductors would then be removed from the support poles and the support poles would be taken down, and pole footings would be removed

The recycling or reuse of materials, such as scrap metal, would depend on the market and existing technology. Roads implemented for the project to access the transmission line would be closed and restored.

Structural Foundation Removal

When towers are removed from their foundations, the foundations need to be removed too so as to enable re-vegetation of the land. The concrete and steel in the foundations will be dismantled and removed. All concrete and steel debris will be removed from the site if required, the contractor shall prepare a site reinstatement plan and implement accordingly.

Site Access Control

The project cannot limit public access to the site to a level lower than it was prior to the start of construction, except in those areas where public safety could be jeopardized.

Public safety

A safety officer, hired by the contractor, will have the authority or responsibility of keeping all members of the public away from the decommissioning zone, especially if members of the public choose to ignore posting signs or requests for them to keep some distance from the decommissioning zone.

Dust Impacts

Temporary and localized impacts from dust would occur from the decommissioning phase because of vehicular traffic, and other soil disturbances. During decommissioning, some localized dust

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project levels increases will be unavoidable. To minimize these levels, the contractor will use water to control dust, and traffic speed will be held to appropriate levels. Disturbed areas will be re- vegetated or otherwise covered as soon as possible following disturbance.

Noise Impacts

Local noise levels will be affected temporarily by decommissioning activities (such as equipment movement), but for the remote nature of the sites no impacts are anticipated to residences or businesses. Impacts during decommissioning are expected to be limited to workers on-site. It is recommended that all decommissioning will take place during daylight hours. Through communications with the local communities, EEP and the contractor will be kept informed of any dust or noise complaints. If significant dust or noise complaints are received, dust and noise measurements will be taken along the project boundary or near the complaint sources to ascertain the true dust or noise levels.

Fire and Oil Spill Prevention

Fire will be prevented during decommissioning by ensuring that there is adequate availability of fire extinguishers onsite. The personnel undertaking the removal of the equipment will have to be trained on fire fighting and if possible, reasonable fire grills will have to be done to enhance awareness and safety. In case of oil spills, all the equipment and machines that will have the potential of spilling or leaking oil will be checked regularly. If oil spills/leaks are discovered, then capping or any other necessary actions will be taken immediately to prevent the spill/leak from dropping onto the ground. However, careful handling will be done to avoid spilling at all times. The contractor should also arrange the temporary containment structure mounted on the vehicle used for during decommission activities.

Impact on Crops

Project decommissioning activities would be similar to project construction activities, and would primarily involve the dismantling and removal of the transmission line. Actual dismantling, removal, and closure activities would be expected to take as long as or less than the construction period. . To avoid any impact on the crops, the project will carry out the decommissioning

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project activities during off-crop season. However, for any activity that will be implemented during the crop season the project will pay compensation for PAPs as per the principles of the agreed RAP. if , during decommissioning activities.

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Table 9-2: Summary of potential Impact of the proposed project

Environmental Factors

Explanation

Construction Impact Construction Impact Operation source Impact the of Reversibility theImpact of Duration possible Mitigation Positive Impact/Benefit Additional Power supply to the main grid XXX NA NA LT NA The country will get additional and reliable energy

Additional job opportunity XXX XX NA NA LT NA Additional employment opportunity will be created for local labor force and semiprofessionals

Contribute to overall Economic XXX NA NA LT NA Enhances economic development of the country development Gender aspects XX XX NA NA LT NA As a result of flourishing minimarkets, shops, cafes around the project sites improvement of income for both sexes especial for women Contribute for conservation effort made XXX NA NA LT NA Available alternative and affordable energy. Hence by reducing deforestation use of fuel wood will be replaced by electricity which leads to conserve forest resources and reducing the greenhouse gas release Impact on biological and physical environment Impact on Flora (Clearance of vegetation ------DR PR LT Y -Encouragement of grasses and low growing shrubs in the way-leave and for access roads) in transmission line right-of-way. -Care should be taken not to affect indigenous trees.

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Environmental Factors

Explanation

Construction Impact Construction Impact Operation source Impact the of Reversibility theImpact of Duration possible Mitigation Impact on fauna (Impact on Avifauna -- -- DR PR LT Y - Include installation of visibility enhancement and climbing animals) objects such as marker, balls, bird deterrents, or diverters in areas of high density of birds. - Fence around the electric towers installed in protected and conserved area. - Rework the cliff side transmission line bases, the line not to be nearer to the ground

Soil erosion --- -- DR R ST Y - Implementation of Soil and water conservation practices. Air Pollution -- Ø DR R ST Y - Watering of roads and control of traffic speed limit. Socioeconomic Impacts Noise -- Ø DR R ST Y Periodical maintenance and service for those vehicles and other machineries on duty in this project. Impact on settlement --- DR NR ST Y - A detailed Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) - According the result finding of the RAP, relocation and resettlement actions will be done

Agricultural land --- -- DR PR ST Y - Construction time has to be scheduled in seasons where crop is not on field. - Minimize the impact

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Environmental Factors

Explanation

Construction Impact Construction Impact Operation source Impact the of Reversibility theImpact of Duration possible Mitigation of access road impact during construction and implementation by making not permanent road

-According the result finding of the RAP, compensation for property loss will be done

Livelihood- Land use --- -- DR PR ST Y -Compensation shall be paid to the affected peoples. Occupational safety and health -- -- DR R ST Y - Orientation about the cause of physical and mechanical hazards, as a result of every one task, will be given before the actual work has started. - As appropriate, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provide.

- The compound of these substations has to be established in a manner that reduces the risk of electrocutions. -Mechanism for minimizing noise or avoiding noise contact will be established (generator & other noises). - Training on OHS will be delivered for foremen and line staffs

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Environmental Factors

Explanation

Construction Impact Construction Impact Operation source Impact the of Reversibility theImpact of Duration possible Mitigation HIV-AIDS and STD -- Ø ID R ST Y -Awareness raising complain will be conducted for workers and members of local community

-HIV/AIDS protection tools shall be available free of charge to workers.

Electromagnetic field Ø -- DR PR -Reinforce the already established ROW by the previous project (Phase One).

-The reinforcement will include: the demolishing of physical structures (houses, stores, fences, etc.) that already has been made compensation, relocation of informal( settlers within the ROW, - Clearing of large trees, which the owner so far complaining for not be compensated, and trees regenerated more than 4-5 meters. - To cover all these issue the detailed RAP will be prepared and accordingly it will be effective.

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Keys for rating criteria

Symbol Description --- High negative impact -- Low to medium negative Impact Ø Nil (no impact) +++ High positive impact ++ Low to medium Positive Impact -+ Impact uncertain DR Direct ID Indirect PR Partly reversible NR Not reversible R Reversible ST Short term LT Long term Y Yes N No NA Not Applicable

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10 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)

The potential positive and negative impacts and the recommended enhancement and mitigation measures that should be adopted to enhance the positive ones and avoid or minimize potential adverse impacts have already been identified and discussed in the section nine of this report. In the context of a project, environmental management is concerned with implementation of the measures necessary to minimize or offset adverse impacts and enhance beneficial impacts. Unless mitigation and benefit enhancement measures identified and recommended in the EIA study are fully implemented, the very purpose of EIA study aimed to provide basis for shaping the project and enhancing its overall environmental performance cannot be achieved.

In order to be effective, environmental management must be fully integrated with the overall project management effort at all levels (pre-construction, construction and operation phases), with the aim to provide high level of quality control that leads to a project that has been properly designed, constructed and that will function efficiently throughout its life.

To prepare a management plan, the ESIA identified a) the set of responses to potentially adverse impacts; (b) determine requirements for ensuring that those responses are made effectively and in a timely manner; and (c) describe the means for meeting those requirements. More specifically, the ESMP should include the following components:

1. Summary of impacts

2. Description of mitigation measures: the ESMP identifies feasible and cost-effective measures that may reduce potentially significant adverse environmental and social impacts to acceptable levels

3. The plan includes compensatory measures if mitigation measures are not feasible, cost- effective, or sufficient.

10.1 Objectives of the ESMP

The objective of the ESMP is to ensure the proposed mitigation measures will be implemented effectively & timely, and to ensure that all activities during the construction and operation phases

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project will comply and adhere to environmental provisions and standard specifications. Furthermore, to develop procedures, plans, and standardized environmental and social monitoring means that would enables the mitigation measures included in the Environmental and Social Impact Statement will actually be carried out the pre-construction, construction and operation phases of the Alamata- Combolcha II- Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project. In accordance with the above objectives, this ESMP has been prepared and the approach adopted to develop it includes the following:

• Examine the project in terms of its major activities and identify the aspects associated with the project construction which generate environmental impacts; • Identify the environmental issues associated with the major activities; • Develop mitigation measures for the aspects identified as having environmental impacts; • Incorporate environmental mitigation measures into construction schedules and activities and develop corrective actions and ensure monitoring; • Define the specific actions required, roles and responsibilities for these actions, timetable for implementation, and associated costs; • Describe capacity building and training requirements for the implementation of the ESMP, and • Define a proposed institutional structure to govern the implementation of the recommended measures.

10.2 Institutions Responsible for the Implementation of ESMP

The Environmental management plan gives the mitigating measures, monitoring requirements and it identifies the organizations assigned to implement them. Mitigating measures for the impacts that are likely to arise from implementing the project are outlined in the previous chapter and here these measures will be correlated with the institutions responsible for monitoring and implementation.

It is believed that the project proponent, Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), and MoWIE, are responsible for implementation of project environmental safeguards management and monitoring plan, over the project period. In addition, other relevant regional and local levels environmental

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Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Alamata-Kombolcha II-Legetafo 230 kV Transmission Line Reinforcement Project offices will take the responsibility in supervising the implementation of the environmental mitigation and monitoring plans.

(a) Responsibility for the implementation of ESMP related to design change

For mitigation measures related to design change, the employer and the consultant assigned to design the transmission line will be responsible for incorporating the recommended mitigation measures into the design and into the technical specifications of the project.

(b) Responsibility for the implementation of ESMP in the construction phase

During construction, the contractor will be responsible for implementing environmental mitigation measures indicated in the ESIA report. The construction supervisor, EEP ESMU experts and an environmentalist from the regional and local levels environment protection offices will monitor the proper timely implementation of mitigating measures. The PIU has two experts, environmentalist, and Social development specialists to oversee and ensure the overall implementation of safeguards instruments, as required during construction and operation phase. EEP-ESMU and PIU safeguards specialists are also responsible to confirm the inclusion of relevant measures stated under project ESMP to be included in the bidding documents and are also responsible to oversee and check the preparation and implementation of Construction or Site- Specific ESMP as well as hiring of Environmental and social Specialist and Health and Safety Officer by Contractor during construction. The Contractor will be fully responsible for ensuring all project works will be carried out as per the environmental requirements indicated in the design and technical specifications and this ESIA report.

It is envisaged that environmentalist, with a broad range of experience and knowledge in environmental management systems of the proposed development project should be intermittently assigned by EEP and Regional Environmental Authorities and Bureaus or its Zonal and Woreda offices to supervise proper implementation of the mitigating measures. The environmentalists from Regional environmental authorities and bureaus and EEP will be responsible for the overall coordination of the environmental management activities. They will advise the contractors, construction supervisors, the project management office of the EEP and the local authorities

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During the operation period, the environmental issues will be monitored jointly by the EEP- ESMU, PIU safeguards specialists, and Regional environmental authorities and bureaus or its zonal or Woreda offices responsible for environmental safeguards management. The EEP-ESMU and regional authorities and bureaus in charge of environment will coordinate all other relevant organizations, as applicable and required.

10.3 Grievance Redressing Mechanism and Procedures

Grievance addressing mechanisms are proposed for allowing affected people to voice complaints related to compensations and related issues as they arise and, as necessary, for corrective action to be taken expeditiously. Such mechanisms are fundamental to achieving transparency in the compensation and relocation processes.

Therefore, addressing and resolving legitimate and valid issues of PAPs are not only critically pertinent for successful implementation of resettlement related actions, but also a requirement by the GOE and the World Bank social impact mitigation guidelines and resettlement frameworks. The grievance redressing mechanism along with resolution channel and procedures flow chart as presented below is intended to be applied to all relevant claims of PAPs in project areas.

A committee composed of representatives of the local administration, the project management authorities and representatives of PAPs shall be established to ensure a mechanism and venue for redressing grievances and complaints related to any aspect of the compensation and resettlement procedures. The Grievance Redressing Mechanism (GRM) will ensure all grievances and complaints related to compensations and relocations are documented, fairly reviewed and addressed through the Grievance Redressing Committees (GRC).

The GRC procedure shall also require all grievances to be recorded and responded in writing to ensure all complaints are handled fairly and timely in a transparent manner. The overall objective

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PAPs shall be given sufficient time to review compensations package and be advised to report complaints and grievances related with compensations package. The GRC shall examine all reported complaints, give expeditious decisions and communicate the decision to the parties in writing after receipt of complaints.

A party dissatisfied with a decision rendered by the committee shall be advised the right to appeal to the regular appellate or municipal appellate courts, as may be appropriate.

GRC or the municipal appellate court shall review PAPs appeal and make final decision within 10 days from the date of filing the appeal. PAP shall also be advised that the decision of the court shall be final.

Figure 2: Flow Chart for Grievance Redressing Channel and Procedures

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Table 10-1: Summary of Environmental and social management plan

No Environmental & Proposed mitigation measures Responsible for Responsible for Time Horizon Budget for Social impacts implementing the monitoring the implementation

mitigation measures implementation of the Mitigation

of mitigation Measures Mitigation Monitoring measures

Biophysical Impacts

1 Impact on Flora -Re-vegetation of disturbed -Ethiopian Electric -MoWIE During During 1,000,000.00 (Clearance of the way- areas with native plant species; Power. construction & construction -MoEFCC leave and for access operation & operation -Undertake selective clearance -Project Contractor roads will impact of - Zonal office of vegetation vegetation cover; and responsible for

environment cutting down of tall - EEP

trees and shrubs will - Conduct training on Natural >> >> - Project Contractor result in a form of Resource conservation (NRC)

deforestation and loss of for Forman’s and line staffs of

forests) EEP 400,000.00 >>

2 Impact on fauna -Include installation of visibility -Ethiopian Electric - MoWIE During During 500,000.00 (Impact on Avifauna enhancement objects Power construction & construction -MoEFCC and climbing animals) operation & operation -Maintain the standard height -Project Contractor - Zonal office phase from the ground to the responsible for transmission line. environment

3 Soil erosion -Ensure re –vegetation of right- -Ethiopian Electric - MoWIE During During Budget included of-way with small tree and Power construction & construction above in (1) -MoEFCC operation & operation

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No Environmental & Proposed mitigation measures Responsible for Responsible for Time Horizon Budget for Social impacts implementing the monitoring the implementation

mitigation measures implementation of the Mitigation

of mitigation Measures Mitigation Monitoring measures grasses suitable for soil -Project Contractor -Zonal Office conservation purposes. responsible for natural resource management

4 Air Pollution -Take proper dust abatement -Ethiopian Electric - Zonal office During During 200,000.00 measures like watering of roads Power responsible for construction construction and control of traffic speed limit. environment phase phase -Project Contractor

Socioeconomic impacts

5 Noise Periodical maintenance and -EEP - Zonal office During During 200,000.00 service for those vehicles and responsible for construction& construction& -Project Contractor other machineries environment operation operation phase phase

6 Impact on settlement - A detailed Resettlement EEP -MoWIE -prior to -prior to -Already remarked Action Plan (RAP) prepared commenceme commenceme -Woreda nt of the nt of the Administration project project offices

-Refer to the - According the result finding of upcoming result of the RAP, relocation and RAP resettlement actions will be done

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No Environmental & Proposed mitigation measures Responsible for Responsible for Time Horizon Budget for Social impacts implementing the monitoring the implementation

mitigation measures implementation of the Mitigation

of mitigation Measures Mitigation Monitoring measures

7 Impact on Agricultural - Planning crop season -EEP or Project -MoWIE During Starting from 50,000.00 land compatible to construction time Contractor planning phase the

where crop is not on field. & commenceme

nt of the

project -Woreda office - Minimize the impact of access responsible for road impact by making not 25,000.00 agriculture permanent road Starting on

During construction

construction date every - Selection of access road route phase biannual term not dominated by agricultural 50,000.00 field

-Compensation for crop damage(if any) based on the principles of the RAP Based on the finding of RAP

8 Impact on eucalyptus -Compensation for perennial EEP Woreda Before the During the Based on the and perennial crops crops and eucalyptus trees administration construction commenceme finding of RAP

based on the finding of the office phase nt of the RAP construction phase

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No Environmental & Proposed mitigation measures Responsible for Responsible for Time Horizon Budget for Social impacts implementing the monitoring the implementation

mitigation measures implementation of the Mitigation

of mitigation Measures Mitigation Monitoring measures

9 Occupational safety and -Orientation on occupational EEP or MoWIE During the Periodical and 50,000.00 health health and safety issues for the recruitment of follow-up Contractor broad workforce work force monitoring

During construction During construction - Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Contractor 2,000,000.00 construction workers During construction During -Reinforce/finalize security construction

fence of the substations and operation

compound and display safety EEP 300,000.00

signs in all necessary places so Contractor

as reduces the risk of

electrocutions.

Operation Operation phase -Develop mechanism for phase minimizing noise effect from generators & other source EEP Operation Operation phase phase 200,000.00 - Conduct training on OHS for Forman’s and line staffs of EEP EEP OHS training consultant 400,000.00

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No Environmental & Proposed mitigation measures Responsible for Responsible for Time Horizon Budget for Social impacts implementing the monitoring the implementation

mitigation measures implementation of the Mitigation

of mitigation Measures Mitigation Monitoring measures

10 HIV-AIDS and STD -Awareness raising campaign EEP Woreda office During Periodical and 200,000.00 for workers and members of responsible for construction follow-up Contractor local community public health monitoring

. Follow up for entire

construction 200,000.00 -HIV/AIDS protection tools phase shall be available free of charge to workers.

11 Electromagnetic effect -Build awareness of the EEP in association -MoWIE During Once a year 100,000 on human health communities near the with Woreda construction -MoEFCC transmission line on the health administration. and operation effect of electromagnetic effect on health -keep safe height of the transmission line from the ground o consider the timing of the 12 Impact on Cultural, EEP in association -EEP - During Follow up for 50, 000 construction to avoid any Religious and with Woreda construction entire access restriction. -MoWIE Archeological administration. construction o conduct prior consultation Resources – impact on -MoEFCC phase and agreed with the St. Silase Church Holly community and church water Contractor leaders before commencing the construction activities,

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No Environmental & Proposed mitigation measures Responsible for Responsible for Time Horizon Budget for Social impacts implementing the monitoring the implementation

mitigation measures implementation of the Mitigation

of mitigation Measures Mitigation Monitoring measures o use mechanisms of stringing activities that to string the line without any contact of the Holly Water. E.g., using four leg ladder poles to pass the line over the baptizing house and area. o Place a warning sign and other safety message poster o Provide regular awareness to the community on safety measures o Place a cautions belt at the construction core area during stringing activities Total cost (ETB) 5,925,000.00

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11 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING

11.1 Back ground

Identification of potential adverse environmental impacts of the High Voltage Transmission Line Reinforcement project as well as the recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures has already been done in the previous sections and. However, one has also to see the ways and means of implementing the mitigation measures and should be able to monitor whether or not the mitigation measures are put in place as per the study and the requirement.

Environmental monitoring is an essential tool in relation to environmental management as it provides the basis for rational management decisions regarding impact control. Appropriate implementation of the proposed mitigation measures requires establishment of an appropriate environmental and social monitoring system. It is a very essential part of the project implementation and helps to capture unforeseen environmental impacts of the project over the implantation period. Monitoring of environmental parameters will timely signal potential problems and will allow for prompt implementation of effective corrective measures.

Due to capacity and resource limitations, monitoring should be scoped to those indicators that are most relevant for evaluation of the performance of the environmental mitigating measures. The selection of the issues to be monitored must be based on the severity, extent and intensity of the impacts.

For this particular project the proposed environmental and social monitoring indicators, frequency of measurement and reporting requirement are indicated in table 10.1 below.

As a prerequisite, environmental and social monitoring is one of the essential tools for effectiveness of the ESMP by providing basis for rational top management decisions regarding impact control. Monitoring should be carried out during all project life cycle to ensure that all predicted potential impacts would be addressed timely, impacts not to be greater than predicted, and to verify the impact predictions. The monitoring program will set foundation to indicate where changes to design, procedures and/or operations are required, in order to reduce impacts on the environment, workforce and/ or local community.

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Hence, the environmental and social monitoring plan of this project has developed taking into account the following main objectives:

• monitor the biophysical and socioeconomic environmental conditions of the proposed project undertaken: • check on whether proposed mitigation measures and benefit enhancement measures are workable or not: • measure the effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures and to identify its drawbacks, if any: • identify unforeseen and uncertain conditions which might not have be covered during the preparation of the ESIA to provide a basis for formulating appropriate additional impact control measures: and • use as a feedback mechanism to generate information that will improve the planning and execution of future similar projects.

In general, the environmental and social monitoring is very essential part of the project implementation. Hence, the selection of the issues to be monitored must be based on the severity, extent and intensity of the impacts, which will have great influence on the overall implementation of the proposed project. For this particular project the proposed environmental and social monitoring indicators, frequency of measurement and reporting requirement are indicated in table 11.1.

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Table 11-1: Environmental and social monitoring parameters and indicators

S. Impact Proposed Mitigation Means of Performance Frequency of Frequency of Budget for No Monitoring indicators to measurement reporting monitoring be Monitored per year in Birr

1 Impact on Flora Re-vegetation of disturbed areas Routine Re-vegetation once every once every 20,000.00 with native plant species; inspection of disturbed week month areas -Undertake selective clearance of vegetation

2 Impact on fauna -Include installation of visibility Inspection Number of once every every month 30,000.00 (Impact on enhancement objects electrocuted week Avifauna and wild animals - Bird warning spheres (colored climbing balloons), Fitting of flapper and birds animals) devices on the shield wires which will make them more visible

- Maintain the standard height from the ground to the transmission line.

3 Soil erosion -Ensure re -vegetation at all work Routine Formation of Once every once every three 40,000.00 sites at the earliest time and select Inspection gullies on the month during months during tree species suitable for soil project site construction construction conservation purposes phase

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4 Air Pollution -Take proper dust abatement weekly Number of Daily once every 20,000.00 measures like watering of roads inspection patients due to week and control of traffic speed limit. upper respiratory disease

5 Noise Periodical maintenance and Inspection Noise level Every Quarter Every Quarter 25,000.00 service for those vehicles and year year other machineries

6 Impact on - Pay compensation for Routine -Presence/ Before the Before the 700,000.00 housing demolished houses based on the inspection and absence of commencement commencement findings of the detailed follow-up compliant from of the project of the project Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) the people displaced out of the ROW

7 Impact on - Planning crop season compatible Reviewing the Crop yield Every quarter Every quarter 30,000.00 Agricultural to construction time prepared crop losses from the year year land season for all ROW

sites versus the construction time table

Field survey

for access road - Minimize the impact of access Every quarter Every quarter 30,000.00 road by selecting routes not Crop yield year year

covered by not dominated by agricultural land

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Consultation Every month Every quarter -Compensation for crop damage with affected -Presence/ starting the year 100,000.00 based on the finding of the RAP people absence of construction compliant

8 Impact on -Compensation for perennial crops inspection and -Presence/ Every month Every quarter 100,000.00 eucalyptus and and eucalyptus trees based on the follow-up absence of starting the year perennial crops finding of the RAP compliant construction - ROW free of large trees more than 5meter

9 Occupational -Orientation on occupational Routine -Knowhow of 20,000.00 safety and health health and safety issues for the inspection workforce on broad workforce basics of OHS Every month Every quarter -No. of during the year accident construction phase

- Provision of Personal Protective Routine Equipment (PPE) for construction -Number and 30,000.00 inspection workers types of PPE provided

-Reinforce/finalize security fence Inspection of the substations compound and Biannual display safety signs in all 25,000.00 -Availability of necessary places so as reduces the Security fence risk of electrocutions. availability of Biannually

safety signs beginning from

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-Develop mechanism for construction minimizing noise effect from phase generators & other source Inspection -Noise barrier Biannual 25,000.00

developed - Conduct training on OHS for -Reduced noise Forman’s and line staffs of EEP contact.

-No. of training -Checkout conducted Biannual 25,000.00 minute and report -No. trained produced staffs

10 HIV-AIDS ,STD -Awareness raising campaign for Medical check -Manuals During Every quarter 15,000.00 and workers and members of local up prepared for construction year Influx of labor community on HIV/AIDS orientation phase

-Provide condoms freely to During Delivery of Every quarter 20,000.00 prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS condoms No of condoms construction year phase distributed to users -Preparation and implementation of labor influx management plan During construction Every quarter -No. of training year 15,000.00 - follow up the conducted phase report produced and -No. trained staffs

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- supervision of the implementation

11 Electromagnetic -Build awareness of the Routine Number of During Biannual 400,000.00 effect on human communities near the transmission inspection patients due to operation phase health line on the health effect of electromagnetic electromagnetic effect on health

-keep safe height of the transmission line from the ground o Consider the timing of the 12 Inspection No. of During Every quarter 100,000.00 construction to avoid any access restriction. Posted warning consultation construction o conduct prior consultation and messages Minutes of phase agreed with the community and consultation church leaders before commencing the construction No.of posters activities, and warning o Use mechanisms of stringing message activities that to string the line without any contact of the Holly Water. E.g., using four leg ladder poles to pass the line over the baptizing house and area. o Place a warning sign and other safety message poster o Provide regular awareness to the community on safety measures o Place a cautions belt at the construction core area during stringing activities Total cost (ETB) 1,770,000.00

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11.2 Capacity Building Needs and Training Requirements

Capacity need assessment was also made during the ESIA study. The assessment team has found some gaps on the occupational health and safety issues and the natural resource management and conservation towards the overall sustainable development. These capacity gaps are identified in Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) and Woreda administrations and other relevant environmental offices that are mainly responsible for the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures.

It is proposed provide training to the project of EEP that are in charge of the implementation of the project and to other relevant organizations that in way or another be involved in the implementation of the ESMP. This organization will include Ministry of Water, Irrigation, Electricity, the Woreda administration, and other relevant environmental offices found along the proposed transmission line. The proposed training will be conducted by Consultants qualified in Environmental management and monitoring, Compensation and Livelihood restoration and Occupational health and safety disciplines.

Table 11-2: Overall Cost Summary for the Implementation of ESIA Study

Cost item Amount in Birr

Cost Estimate of the Proposed Mitigation Measures 5,925,000.00

Cost Estimate for Social and Environmental Monitoring 1,770,000.00

Overall cost for the implementation of the ESIA study (ETB) 7,695,000.00

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12 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

12.1 Conclusions

Based on fieldwork and consultations with Project affected people and the local administration offices it was concluded that:

1. It is unlikely that the Project will have severe adverse social and environmental impacts. Most adverse impacts will be of a temporary nature during the construction phase and can be managed to acceptable levels with implementation of the recommended mitigation measures for the Project such that the overall benefits from the Project will greatly outweigh the adverse impacts. 2. All the negative impacts will either be moderate or low in rating and could be easily mitigated 3. Generally, the proposed line will result in appreciable benefits to the people in the project area of influence and bring development opportunities to the country as a whole. The main social impact management issues revolve around compensation and relocation of people along the transmission line corridor and acquisition of the right of way.

12.2 Recommendations

Preparation and implementation of RAP: In a special case, a detailed study is required for Gubalafto woreda is required. As the study team has been informed the 30meteres width ROW was not maintained. Hence, as per the RAP result people who reside in the ROW has to be compensated and relocated.

Additional Manpower

In order to overcome the gap identified, either the deployment of manpower for the resettlement and related issues has to be increased or the EEP organs have to be involved in the process with staffs from the respective relevant woreda offices of the area they have covered.

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Strengthening or establishing effective social committees

Establishing and/or strengthen Resettlement committees and compensation committee at woreda and kebele level where the proposed project is undergoing.

Mitigation

Mitigation is the lessening of negative environmental impacts through:

• Changes in the design, construction practices, maintenance, and operation of a project; and • Additional actions taken to protect the biophysical and social environment, as well as individuals who have been impacted adversely by the proposed project.

The extent and timing of mitigation actions should be based on the significance of the Predicted impacts. Some aspects of impact mitigation can be incorporated into project design and can largely resolve the threat of impacts before construction commences. However, many measures require an ongoing implementation plan to ensure that proposed actions are carried out at the correct times, that environmental measures such as planting and slope protection are maintained, and that prompt remedial actions are taken when the initial measures are not fully successful. Some measures may not be the exclusive domain of the Proponent; Government Departments, local authorities, neighboring communities, businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and the legal system may all be involved in their design and implementation of these mitigation measures. Clear definition of responsibilities, funding, and reporting requirements can help to ensure the success of such measures.

Compliance with the ESMP

The client shall comply with the requirements of the ESMP throughout the project period.

1. A Compensation and Resettlement Action Plan will be developed addressing land, housing, crops and other compensation to be provided to the adversely affected population. 2. A monitoring and evaluation mechanism for resettlement activities will be carried out.

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3. The World Bank’s OP 4.12 on Involuntary Resettlement and Government and guidelines of the Government of Ethiopia will be followed and used complementarily where applicable to avoid conflict. 4. Community participation in planning and implementing resettlement will be should be encouraged; 5. Diligence on the part of the contractor and proper supervision by the Supervising Engineer during construction and the initial operation period is crucial for mitigating impacts

Annual Environmental Audits

MoEFCC jointly with the Regional/zonal environmental offices should undertake an environmental audit (EA) of the projects, in accordance with the EIA Proclamation No. 299/2002 and the relevant compensation laws immediately after completion of the project to confirm the efficacy and adequacy of the ESMP. This can be done by seeking the services of Environmental Consultants licensed by MoEFCC. The team should consist of the following experts at a minimum:

• Lead Environmental Consultant (/Team leader)

• Sociologist

In addition to this MoEFCC should also conduct regular Self Audit of the same.

Compliance Monitoring

During construction, all mitigation measures designed to reduce the impact of the construction activities should be monitored and enforced by the environmental monitoring authorities. This requires:

1. Defining the proposed mitigation and compensatory measures; 2. Specifying who is responsible for the monitoring activity; 3. Including implementation of mitigation measures in contract specifications; 4. Making environmental competence one of the selection criteria for contractors and briefing, educating, and training contractors in environmental protection methods

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Compliance monitoring should not be confined to the right-of-way, but should cover all sites affected by the project, including disposal sites, materials treatment areas, access roads, and work camps.

Effects Monitoring

After mitigation measures are implemented, effects monitoring or evaluation can test the validity of hypotheses formulated in the environmental impact study; they can also determine if the mitigation measures have achieved their expected results. Evaluation is necessary not only for individual projects, but also to advance methodology, assist in designing future studies, and through lessons contribute to the relevance and cost-effectiveness of environmental protection measures. Responsibility for corrective action to be taken in the event of mitigation failure should be defined clearly within the Proponent’s organization.

Monitoring Guidelines

Continuous observations and assessment is essential for identification of impacts unforeseen during the ESIA of the project. To ensure success of the project adequate consultation should be undertaken in the project area with the community members. Monitoring parameters/indicators should be identified and programs developed for their observation and action. When developing a monitoring program, the following should be considered:

1. Frequency of monitoring 2. Required personnel 3. Monitoring should be conducted by trained Personnel

The environmental indicators to be monitored during the project phases namely the construction; operation and decommissioning include those listed in the table below. However, the monitoring parameters can be revised as the project development proceeds to enable and incorporate unforeseen indicators.

Environmental Indicator for monitoring

1. Occupational Health and Safety

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2. Threshold limits Values 3. Minimum safe working distance 4. Number of occupational diseases and accidents 5. Mortality rate 6. Trend of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS 7. Air Quality and humming Noise 8. Aquatic habitat Alteration 9. Water quality and quantity 10. Complaint from community members 11. Vegetation Cover 12. Soil Erosion and gully formation 13. Increased in sedimentation 14. Presence of resident birds 15. Mortality rate 16. Existence of nesting sites

The list of the environmental parameters and their measurable indicators will guide the proponent to effective implement the ESMP.

Reporting

Constant reporting by the site contractor to the proponent is necessary to ensure the project is executed as per the plans. The safety officer/environment officer should always be available at the site to report any concerns for urgent mitigation. The officer should also ensure enforcement of Environment, Health and Safety requirements as per the relevant legislations. The contractor should always consult the project manager/engineer to maintain a clear understanding of all the project aspects and their mitigation measures.

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13 ANNEXES

Annex 1: Findings of the Consultation with the Project affected population

1. Bosena Ena Worana Woreda in this Woreda there were two complaints on the compensation that was made by EEP for the property that have been lost due to the implementation of the existing transmission line financed by the government. Others said they have been compensated for their house and other properties but some housing structures such as the house of Emahoy located at Gudoberet kebele have not still been demolished and removed out of the ROW. Ato Mekonen G/Michael in the Gudoberet Zuriya kebele has been identified as one of the individuals that illegally settled within the ROW. However, the project in its RAP has provided a mechanism to mitigate the impact of the project on squatters and informal settlers. For detail, please refer the RAP.

Photo 1: House at Bosena ena Werana woreda found within the ROW

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Photo 2: Emahoy’s house that is still not demolished

2. Debre Birhan City Administration

1. There are about five complaints regarding compensation, of which some request for partial payment. While one individual named Ato Alemu Bedane has personally complained no payment is made to him for the loss of eucalyptus trees. Individuals such as Sisay Kabtimer, Demeke Demisse, Nigatwa Kifile and Kifle W/Afrash complained the compensation paid to them so far is not adequate 2. One individual by the name Hayliye Alemu has complained his house is within the ROW and he is afraid of the danger and disturbed by noise of the transmission line and he requested the Government to relocate him. 3. At Alemu Bedane (extreme right) at Debire Birhan, complain for not being compensated for the eucalyptus trees he has lost. As it is mentioned earlier, the RAP addresses all land acquisition issues.

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Photo 3: At Alemu Bedane (extreme right) at Debre Birhan 3. Tarmaber woreda

1. No informal settler has been found in the ROW of this Woreda 2. An individual by the name Ato Tadese Alemayehu, have big eucalyptus tree plantation at Dekakit kebele (Shola Meda) and he has complained about the compensation made by the Government for the eucalyptus trees he has lost. His case is in the court and not yet resolved. 3. One individual by the name Ato Habteyuhanis W/Mariam has complained part of his house is within the ROW and he is concerned of the health and noise effect that may result from the transmission line. He said he would like to be relocated somewhere out of the ROW. 4. The trees that are within Ato Tadese Alemayehu’s plantation regenerated to a height of more than 5 meters. There is therefore the need to cut these trees short.

Phonto 4: Eucalyptus tree Plantation of Ato Tadese Alemu’s approaching the tower structure.

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Photo 5: House of Ato Habtemariam W/Mariam found within the ROW

4. Shewa Robit Town City Administration

1. In this woreda, there is no as such major complaining on the compensation made for the property loss of the community. 2. Some people in the town confirmed they have received compensation for their houses and structures but there are houses and infrastructures such as schools have not yet demolished. 3. In some areas the regenerating trees has reached more than 5m height and these trees will need to be cut short.

Photo 6: TVET School in Shewa Robit Town not yet demolished

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5 Efrata Ena Gidim woreda

1. No informal settlers within the ROW 2. No complain has made regarding the compensation

6 Jile Timuga woreda

1. In Senbete town, about three houses were demolished right after the compensation has been made. 2. One house at Gerbi Dire Gelma kebele have not yet been demolished but no one is living there. 3. Some people even if they have received compensation for their houses they are still living within the ROW. 4. One woman among those who have been compensated, but still living in the house within ROW has complained she fears of the danger of living within the Row and would like to be resettled outside of the ROW. All issues indicated are addressed in the RAP.

Photo 7: Woman that complained about the danger of living within ROW and is seeking for resettlement

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Photo 8: Individuals in Senbete still living within the ROW 7 Artuma Fursi

1. In some areas the regenerating trees has reached more than 6m height and will need to be cut short to avoid interference with the transmission line. 2. An individual by the name Weyzero Hawa Adem, at Chefa Robit kebele 01 (kerero) said even if she has received compensation for her house she is afraid of the danger of living within the ROW and would like to be to be relocated outside ROW. This woman has also complained that the money paid to her as compensation is not fair enough to build house in some other place. 3. One individual, who is not willing to give his name, living in this woreda, locally known as Bedeno kebele, has been constructing the house within the ROW. This illegal settler complained that he is a returnee recently from Saudi Arabia and the land is his father’s land hence he has no other place to live and to build his house. Moreover, he complained that no one has told him not to build his house within the ROW. 4. Some people in this locality complained there are some houses within the ROW that have not received compensation.

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Photo 9: Newly constricted house within the ROW at Bedeno village

8 Dewa Chefa

1. 12 people living at Jorota kebele Ejersa Gote, complaining that compensation was not made for their crop loss. 2. No illegal settler within the ROW has been found at this site. 3. Proper compensation was made and then the resettlement action also carried out for one corrugated and cottage house at Bedeno Kebele

9 Desse Zuriya woreda

1. No illegal settler within the ROW has been within this site. 2. Compensation was made for the property loss during the first phase of the project. 3. Proper compensation was made for two houses and the resettlement action was also carried out appropriately. 4. At Bona Ager Gote, there is one house within the left side of the ROW. 5. Part of the community owned eucalyptus trees at Abuye Ager Gote falls within ROW. No clearance of the tree with in the ROW was made and compensation has not yet been made. 6. An Individual by the name Ato Umer Muhe Asfaw has complained he has only received compensation for his house, but not for the eucalyptus tree plantation he has lost.

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10 Tehuledere woreda

1. No illegal settler within the ROW has been found within this Woreda 2. No major complain on the process of compensation in this Woreda. However, few individual complained that the payment was not fair compared to what they have lost

11 Wuchale Woreda

1. Kedija yasin, kebele 02 was offered about 21,000 birr for small cottage house, but at that time she refused to have it. When she reconsiders to have the compensation, the time for the payment of compensation ended. Now knowingly or unknowingly she starts to build big house near to that old cottage which to the opinion of the study team is an act of illegalsettlement within the ROW. 2. One individual by the name Ato Getahun Asfaw, who is leaving in 02 kebele complained that even if he has been compensated for his house he is still living in it within the ROW and feels it is not safe to live there. 3. In general, for most of the affected persons in this woreda, for the property loss, compensation was made. According the woreda’s administration report compensation was not made for about 13 people’s crop loss. And six people also blaming that total payment was not made as per the agreed estimated compensation cost. 4. The regenerating eucalyptus trees and other indigenous trees has reached more than 5m height and will need to be cut short to avoid interference with the transmission line 5. The woreda administration has a series concern on electric tower number 253, found in o4 kebele of this woreda, erected in the high flood area. The basement of the tower is eroded and may fall any time and may cause danger to the nearby community.

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Photo 10: View of Kedija Yasine house that refused to receive compensation

Photo11: site where Kedija’s is preparing to build new house with in the ROW 12 Habru Woreda

1. According the woreda administration and other stakeholder’s belief, some people are living within the ROW. The reason for this according to him is that the compensation was small and people were not happy. This case is still an outstanding issue that has not yet been resolved. Both the affected person and EEP could not reach into agreement on amount of payment to be made for these houses. 2. For most annual and perennial crops, proper compensation has been made.

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Photo12 Big houses within the ROW at Mersa Town

13. Guba Lafto 1. The ROW established in this woreda is very narrow having 10m width (5m left and 5m right side beneath transmission line). According to the woreda administration, all properties loss within 10m width of the ROW has been compensated. The agreed ROW width is 30meters and the study team felt the people at this site have not been compensated as per the agreed specification. According to woreda Administration, if the 30 meters’ width of the ROW has to be maintained, about fifty houses will be demolished and also property such as vegetables will also be destroyed. He added that, this could be a problem both for the community and the proponent EEP. 2. The woreda administration has a series concern on electric tower, found in 04 Kebele of this Woreda installed in a flood area. As a result, basement of the tower is being eroded and is afraid this will be the cause for electric hazard in the area. 3. Illegal settler within the ROW has been found in some part of this Woreda

14 Kobo Woreda 1. According to the information obtained from the Woreda administrators and representatives of the local community, no major complain on the process of compensation was observed.

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15. Angolela ena Tera Woreda

1. According to the information obtained from Woreda administrators and representatives of the local community, no major complain on the process of compensation was observed. Sixteen households were compensated and resettlements of these people out of the ROW have been made.

16. Aleltu Woreda In this Woreda, there is a Holly Water spring of Silase Church has been found under the ROW at Maru kebele. Therefore, the study team has given priority to avoid related impacts and successful consultation has been made. The first consultation has been done with the responsible Silase church leaders followed by Woreda administration office. Later on, another consultation meeting was held with the affected community and users. Awareness creation has been conducted with the community members and the church leaders. As a result, mitigation mechanisms have been identified and agreed with the community and church leaders. Detail information is provided under section 9.2.7.

17 Legetafo-Legedadi City Administrations

1. According the information obtained from the Woreda administration, since this town is near to the capital Addis Ababa and being one of the Finfine Zuriya Liyu Zones, people from different corner need to grab land for housing and this has already resulted in the emergence of illegal settlers. There are also about twelve houses within the right-of-way of the transmission line from Legetafo Sub-staion to Sendafa Town. 2. There were no complaints in relation to compensation in the remaining Woredas except that there is a regeneration of eucalyptus trees in some locations along the route reaching more than 5m height that will need to be cut to minimize interference with the transmission line.

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Annex 2: Minutes of Public Consultation

Angolala Woreda

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Basona Worana Woreda

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Debre Birhan Zuria

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Tarmaber Woreda

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Shewa Robit Town

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Efrata Gidim Woreda

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Jille Timuga Woreda

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Artuma Furse Woreda

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Dawa Chafa Woreda

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Dese Zuria Woreda

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Tehuledere Woreda

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Ambasel Woreda

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Habru Woreda

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Gubalafto Woreda

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Kobo Woreda

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Minutes of Meeting on Consultation with Noth Shewa Aleletu District

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Miutes mof Meeting with Noth Shewa Taremaber Culture and Turism Bureau

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Annex 3: List of Consulted Institutions and Individuals

No Person contacted Region/Federal Organization/position

1 Reta Nigusse Ethiopia Manager, Programme Office of the Transmission Electric Power and Sub-Station

2 Girma Zeleke Ethiopia Co-ordinator, Transmission Sub-Station Electric Power Upgrading and Rehabilitation Project

3 Girma Demisse Ethiopia Environment and Social Manager Electric Power

4 Kidane Gizaw Ethiopia Environmentalist Electric Power

5 Zeleke Zenebe Oromia Head, Aleltu Woreda Administration Office

6 Alemu Negesse Oromia Head, Kimbibit Woreda Administration Office

7 Ahmed Nur Muhe Oromia Expert, Legetafo-Legedadi City Administration

8 Girma Fekadu Oromia Expert, Planning and Budget of Legetafo- Legedadi City Administration

9 Tekileweld Oromia Urban Engineer, Legetafo-Legedadi City Negash Administration

10 Demis Beyene Amhara Coordinator, North Shewa Zone, Planning Core process

11 Mekonen Dibu Amhara City Manager, Debre Birhan City Administration

12 Abebayehu Moges Amhara Head, Debre Birhan Mayor’s Office

13 Abebe eshete Amhara Chairperson, 09 kebele, Debre Birhan City

14 Sisay Kabtimer Amhara Farmer, 09 kebele, Debre Birhan City

15 Teketel Meles Amhara Acting Head, Angolala Woreda Administration Office.

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No Person contacted Region/Federal Organization/position

16 Derash Desalegn Amhara Process owner, Environmental Protection & Land Administration Core Process, Angolala Woreda

17 Defaru Asefa Amhara Expert, Agriculture office of Angolala Woreda

18 Nigusse Zergaw Amhara Head, Bosana Worana Woreda Administration Office

19 Asfaw Moges Amhara Coordinator, Bosana Worana Woreda, Planning Core process

20 Solomon Dibab Amhara Bosana Worana Woreda Technical & Vocational Head

21 Endashaw Amhara Farmer, Bosana Worana Woreda, Abamot Kebele G/Amlak

22 Wondiye Desta Amhara Chairperson, Endoberet Kebele, Bosana Worana

23 Hiskiyas Mensha Amhara Head, Tarmaber Woreda Administartion Office

24 Demise Bekele Amhara Expert, Tarmaber Woreda Agricultural Office

25 Tefera Amhara Farmer, Tarmaber Woreda H/Yohannes

26 Zewdu Mekonen Amhara Mayor, Shew Robit City Administration

27 Endalkachew Amhara Expert, Shewa Robit Urban Agricultural Yeshi Geta Extension Office

28 Samuel Ayele Amhara Dean Yifat TVET, Shewa Robit Town

29 Alemayehu Amhara Head, grievance handling committee, Shewa Teshome Robit Town

30 Tesfaye Mekitew Amhara Head, Efrata Gidim Woreda Administration Office

31 Hailemariam Amhara Expert, Efrata Gidim Woreda Social Works G/Medhin Office.

32 Umer Ademe Amhara Chairperson, Karakore Kebele, Efrata Gidim Woreda

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No Person contacted Region/Federal Organization/position

33 Mehammod Idris Amhara Affected population, Karakore Kebele, Efrata Gidim Woreda

34 Genemo Kebede Amhara Head, Jille Timuga Woreda Administration Office

35 Haymanot Bekele Amhara Former Head, Jille Timuga Woreda Administration Office

36 Jemal Assefa Amhara Chairperson, Merewa Kebele, Jille Timuga Woreda Administration Office.

37 Seyid Muraf Amhara Affected population, Jille Timuga Woreda Administration Office.

38 Ahmed Ibrahim Amhara Affected population, Jille Timuga Woreda Administration Office.

39 Muhe Husen Amhara Affected population, Jille Timuga Woreda Administration Office

40 Ahmed Aliy Amhara Artuma Fursi Woreda Administrator

41 Esrael Werkineh Amhara Head, Artuma Fursi Woreda Administration Office

42 Ahmed Gizaw Amhara Head, Grievance Hearing Committee, Artuma Fursi Woreda Administration Office.

43 Abebech Demise Amhara Process owner, Environmental Protection, Artuma Fursi Woreda Administration Office.

44 Tadesse Girma Amhara Officer, Oromia Special Zonal Finance and Economic Development, Planning &budget Administration.

45 Tedros Seyid Amhara Process Owner, Oromia Special Zonal Finance and Economic Development, Integrated Development process

46 Abera Nigusse Amhara Head, Dawa Chafa Woreda Administration Office

47 Ahmed Amhara Expert, Dawa Chafa Woreda Environmental Mehammod Protection and Land Administration Office.

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No Person contacted Region/Federal Organization/position

48 Kedir Abdurhman Amhara Expert, Social Affair of Dawa Chafa Woreda Administration Office

49 Masresha Tesema Amhara Head, Complain Handling Committee, Dawa Chafa Woreda Administration Office

50 Seyid Asfaw Amhara Chairperson, Bedeno Kebelle,Dawa Chafa Woreda

51 Abdu Endris Affected population, Dawa Chafa Woreda

52 Gebru Zenabu Ethiopia Coordinator, Combolcha Sub-station Electric Power

53 Teyiba Hussen Amhara Head, Kalu Woreda Administration Office

54 Seyid Ibrahim Amhara Chair person, Kebele 07, Kalu Woreda

55 Fatima Shibeshi Amhara Acting Head, Dese Zuria Woreda Office

56 Awol Mohammod Amhara Chairperson, 08 Kebelle, Dese Zuriya Woreda

57 Seada Ali Amhara Affected Population, 08 Kebelle, Dese Zuriya Woreda

58 Gebeyehu Tadesse Amhara Head, South Wollo Zone Administration Office

59 Teshome Fanta Amhara South Wollo Zone Finance and Economic Development Department

60 Endris Yimam Amhara Head, Tehuledere Woreda Administration Office

61 Seyid Yimer Amhara Affected Population, 08 Kebelle, Tehuledere Woreda

62 Mehammod Yesuf Amhara Affected Population, 02 Kebelle, Tehuledere Woreda

63 Seyid Hassen Amhara Affected Population, 01 Kebelle, Tehuledere Woreda

64 Agegnehu Amhara Head, Ambasel Woreda Administration Office Gashaw

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No Person contacted Region/Federal Organization/position

65 Yared Amhara Process Owner, Environmental protection and Hailemariam Land Administration Process, Ambasel Woreda

66 Adugna Haile Amhara Coordinator, Health Insurance unit, Ambasel Woreda

67 Tsehay Guangul Amhara Acting Head, Habru Woreda Administration Office

68 Ali Belay Amhara Former Head, Habru Woreda Administration Office

69 Bushura Abe Amhara Chairperson, 04 Kebelle, Habru Woreda

70 Mohammod Yasin Amhara Chairperson, 06 Kebelle, Habru Woreda

71 Girma Mengistu Amhara Expert, Social Work in Habru Woreda Administration Office

72 Taye Gebeyehu Amhara Affected population, Habru Woreda

73 Asfaw Kebede Amhara Affected population, Habru Woreda

74 Shiferaw Abate Amhara Affected population, Habru Woreda

75 Mola Tefera Amhara Acting Head, Guba Lafto Woreda Administration Office

76 Shambel Abebe Amhara Chair Person, 04 Kebele, Guba Lafto Woreda

77 Sitot Berihun Amhara Expert, Economic Affair in Guba Lafto Woreda Administration Office.

78 Gobez Belay Amhara Head, 04 Kebelle Land Administration Unit, Guba Lafto Woreda

79 Mola Desu Amhara Head, Kobo Woreda Administration Office

80 Shambel Ayalew Amhara Affected population, Kobo Woreda

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Annex 4: Template for the Collection of Socio-Economic data

Information on Possible source of Type of data/ information Remarks information

Information on illegal Woreda -List of persons that have settlers within the Administration Office already received ROW compensation -List of illegal settlers

Population, Zonal /woreda Population size and density, vulnerable groups, Administration Office male female ratio, vulnerable Indigenous groups, Indigenous population, ethnic population, ethnic groups, groups, customs and customs and religion religion

Social infrastructure Zonal/woreda Offices Availability of social and services in charge of health, infrastructure and status of education, water the provision of health, supply, sanitation etc. education, water supply and sanitation

transport and Zonal Offices Provision of electricity, communication and responsible for telecommunication and power providing power, transport within the zone telecommunication, transportation etc.

economic activities Zone Plan office Major economic and and investment investment activities within the zone

Wild life and Zonal Offices in Type of wildlife and Tourist Tourism charge of wildlife and attraction sites within the tourism. zone

Cultural/religious and Zonal Offices in Identification of historical sites charge of social and cultural/religious and cultural issues historical sites

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Annex 5: Site Photos

Tower Pad Transmission line near Sendafa Town

TL across residential area Holy water within ROF of the line near Aleltu

TL traversing Main highway

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Consultation with North Shewa Zone Administration Stakeholders

Consultation with Angolala Woreda Consultation Affected population in Debre Birhan Administration Office Zuriya

TL traversing regenerating eucalyptus tree near Eucalyptus tree traversed by TL at Keyet village Debre Birhan Town

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Eucalyptus tree traversed by TL at Keyet village Regenerating eucalyptus tree traversed by TL at Tarmaber area

Debre Sina/Tarmaber and Wof Washa Forest Debre Sina/Tarmaber planted forest traversed by TML

Clearing of eucalyptus tree with in the ROW at One house and farming activities within the ROW Debre Sina Town at Debre Sina Town

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Consultation with affected population at Debre Yifat TVET School crossed by TL at Shewa Robit Sina Town Town

Dense acacia tree traversed by TL at Shewa Robit Houses traversed by TL at Shewa Robit Town Town

New settlement within the ROW near Kara Kore Hills covered with bushes and shrubs near Kemise Town Town

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Consultation with affected population in Artuma Planted forest at Shekla Village Fursi Wereda

Kombolcha Substation TL across degraded hills near Kombolcha Town

Kosro Forest near Hayk Town TL across foothill of Ambasel Mountain

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HVTL traversing western edge of Wuchale Town Houses traversed by the HVTL at Wuchale Town

Perennial crop traversed by the HVTL at Wuchale House under construction within the ROW at Town Wuchale Town

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