International Journal of Research in Social Sciences
Year : 2017, Volume : 7, Issue : 5
First page : ( 1) Last page : ( 7)
Online ISSN : 2249-2496.

Predicting the negative socio economic implications of a dam construction project

Madzimur Farai

Online published on 20 June, 2019.

Abstract

This paper presents the method for predicting the socio economic impacts of a proposed dam project. The paper focuses on demonstrating the use of the neighbourhood analysis function in ILWIS GIS to accurately estimate the area that will be flooded by the dam after it has been constructed. Without the accurate information on the actual position of the dam site and the area to be flooded by water, it is difficult to predict the impacts of the proposed dam project on the socio economic activities of the area. The paper also illustrates the critical socio economic information that a project proponent requires during the process of SEIA of a dam project. After determining the total area that will be flooded by water after dam construction, the proponent can now go at the site of the proposed project and start establishing the socio economic implications of the project on the local people. The views of the people are obtained through the process of public consultation. Public participation is a process that involves all parties who may potentially have an interest in a development or project, or be affected by it. It entails a wide range of activities ranging from providing information, through consultation to direct involvement of the public in the decision making process. Knowledge of the local people's perceptions about a projection is critical as it will shed light on whether the locals accept the project or not. Consulting the public improves awareness and prevents resistance from local communities. Thus in SEIA of dam construction, it is critical to estimate the actual area that will be flooded by water after the dam project is complete. Such knowledge is critical as failure to accurately estimate the area to be flooded might lead to flooding of key socio economic activities such as settlements, pasture, crop fields and cultural sites.

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Keywords

Socio economic impact assessment, public consultation, dam construction.

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