College of Social Sciences & Humanities

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Assessment of Social and Economic Impacts of Mining of Construction Materials: The Case of Cheha Woreda in Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia Regional State
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2023-11) Nebiyu Daniel Gebreyes
Mining of construction materials has been recognized as a socioeconomic activity serving as a fundamental source of income for construction material manufacturers and for some communities. Nonetheless, most operations are often accompanied by adverse impacts on the same communities and the environment. Thus, the study sought to establish the social and economic impacts of mining of construction materials activities in Gurage Zone, Cheha woreda central Ethiopia's regional state. Gasorena-keracha kebele. Specifically, it sought to examine the social impacts of construction mining activities in the study area, assess the impacts of construction mining activities on the economic life of the local community, and evaluate the level of awareness of the people about the rules and regulations governing the operations of construction mining in the study area. The study applied qualitative and quantitative approaches with a sample size of 310 households, 88 quarry workers, 16 focus group discussions, and 15 key informants. The sampling methods used were census for the quarry workers, stratified sampling for households, and purposive sampling for the key informants. Data were collected using questionnaires, in-depth interviews, observation, and pictorials. Data were analyzed through content analysis, descriptive analysis, and inferential analysis. The findings show that mining of construction materials activities a health hazard, and the majority of quarry workers do not use protective clothing or gear at work. The damage to buildings and other household property, and generally the noise pollution and vibration, have indeed important implications for the social impacts, disadvantages, or negative concerns. However, the study confirmed to some extent that each of the two study areas indicated positive impacts. Majority of the respondents considered MCM (quarrying) activities has often had a negative impact on the community. It was concluded that awareness of socioeconomic rules and regulations on the MCM significantly influences the local community and environmental degradation. The study recommended that the Cheha wereda and Gurage Zone Mine and Energy Departments fulfill their responsibilities by implementing the country's decree and directive, enforcing compliance with social and economic rules, regulations, policies, and principles governing the mining of construction materials in the area, and developing a county quarrying and mining policy.