Erer Irrigation Project - Feasibility Study Phase II

Summary of Final Interim Report

Client: Ministry of Water Resources, Ethiopia

Consultants: Water Works Design & Supervision Enterprise, Synergies Hydro (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Date: February 2007

Objectives

• Develop an irrigation project across the Erer River.
• Assess technical, environmental, and socio-economic feasibility.
• Determine optimal dam site and irrigation scheme layout.

Key Components of Phase II

• Field Surveys: Topographic and soil surveys across 7,740 ha.
• Field Investigations: Geological, geotechnical, and (pending) hydrogeological assessments.
• Data Collection: Meteorological, hydrological, socio-economic, and agricultural data.
• Design Criteria: For dam, irrigation, drainage, and crop water requirements.

Findings

• Topography: Detailed maps prepared for dam, reservoir, and command areas.
• Soil: Soil types assessed through auger holes and profile pits; lab testing ongoing.
• Hydrology: Inadequate historical data; rainfall-runoff models planned to estimate water availability.
• Geology: Site underlain by Precambrian metamorphic rocks; 3 dam sites assessed.
• Livestock: Rich resource base; low productivity due to poor pasture and breeding practices.
• Fisheries: Currently nonexistent; dam reservoir has future potential.
• Marketing: Poor access to inputs; most cereal production for self-consumption.
• Forestry: Degraded vegetation; some dense Acacia woodland along streams.
• Energy: Access to electricity; potential for agro-processing and small industries.

Environmental Considerations

• Potential impact on Babile Elephant Sanctuary.
• Need to maintain downstream flow for ecological and human needs.
• Proposed mitigation measures to be detailed in the full EIA report.

Next Steps

Pending works include hydrogeological investigations, core drilling at dam sites, and final feasibility design (Phase IV).