Can We Imagine Pollution Free Rivers around Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia? What were the Wrong-Doings? What Action Should be Taken to Correct Them?

Abstract

Water is one of the most important compound that comprises our largest planet' (earth), and is the fluids of most organisms that are living on earth [1]. It constantly circulates in between atmosphere and earth surfaces, which includes the land, rivers, lakes, ponds and oceans that make up our planet. 70.9% of the earth surfaces are covered by water, and of which about 97% is found in salt water oceans, 2.4% are ice caps, 0.6% are land surface water such as rivers, lakes and ponds, 1.6% water is retained in the ground water, and the remaining 0.001% is found as vapor, clouds and precipitation [1,2]. Africa appears to have abundance water resources including more than 17 big rivers, which covered over 1,700,000 km 2 , more than 160 lakes, which covered larger than 27 km 2 catchments, vast wetlands, and limited but widespread. The annual average precipitation of Africa is plentiful, as compared to that of Europe and North America [3]. Water in Africa is mainly uses for agriculture and domestic purpose. However, utilization of water for industry purpose is very low, which is estimated to be only 3.8% of total annual renewable water resources [4]. Our country Ethiopia, has totally 12 river basins with annual runoff volume of 122 billion m 3 of water, and the estimated runoff is equivalent to 2.6-6.5 billion m 3 of ground water potential. Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, has a number of rivers, which are the tributary of main/big/tiliku and little/small/tinishu Akaki River [5]. For example, Kebena, Banche Yeketu, Kortame, Bulbula, Lequ Soramba and kotebe and Fincha, rivers are the main tributaries of the Akaki Rivers [6]. Both of the big and small Akaki rivers are the main branches of Akaki river, which are flowing into the southern direction of Aba-Samuel Lakes [7]. The Great Akaki river rises from northeastern part (Entoto Kidane Miheret Mountain area) of Addis Ababa city and flows into the eastern part of city [6], and finally runs into Aba-Samuel dam after 53 km.

 the Impact of Watershed Land Use on River Water Quality: Implication for Planning in the Case of Kebena River Watershed, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“…The results in this study are in agreement with earlier studies in the watershed (AACSPPO, 2017; Worku and Giweta, 2018). The clear deterioration in the dry season water quality suggest that perhaps the pollution sources are mainly from point sources located at different parts of the river course (Worku and Giweta, 2018). This is possibly true because in most of the places along the river course, liquid wastes from nearby residential settlements and other land uses are directly connected to the river through open ditches and road side drainage lines, aggravating the impact during the dry season as there is no rain to dilute the river water.…”

“…In Addis Ababa, rivers and riversides are among the natural resources that are negatively affected by the rapid watershed urbanization (Worku and Giweta, 2018;AACSPPO, 2017;Yohannes, and Elias, 2017;Mazhindu et al, 2012;Gebre and Rooijen, 2009;Alemayehu, 2001). Land-use change and deforestation in Addis Ababa have resulted in high level of river water pollution, which has become a threat to human health and native biodiversity causing habitat loss and fragmentation (AACSPPO, 2017;Weldegebriele et al, 2012;Beyene et al 2009).…”

“…Kebena River is one of the main tributaries of the Awash River basin, originating from the northern tip of the Entoto Mountain in Addis Ababa. Despite the fact that many people use Kebena river water for various domestic purposes, the river is continually exposed to contamination by solid and liquid wastes from different sources (Worku and Giweta, 2018;Seyoum et al, 2017).…”

Assessing the impact of watershed land use on Kebena river water quality in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“…In the developed countries, fresh water ecosystems supply water that is directly treated and distributed to consumers (Arthington et al 2010). Whereas, in the developing countries, hundreds and millions of people continue to use water directly from natural sources for drinking and domestic purposes (Worku and Giweta 2018;Seyoum et al 2017).…”

“…In Addis Ababa, rivers and riversides are among the natural resources that are negatively affected by the rapid watershed urbanization (Worku and Giweta 2018;AACPPO 2017;Yohannes, and Elias 2017;Mazhindu et al 2012;Gebre and Rooijen 2009;Alemayehu 2001). Land-use change and deforestation in and around Addis Ababa have resulted in high level of river water pollution, which has become a threat to human health and native biodiversity causing habitat loss and fragmentation (AACPPO 2017;Weldegebriele et al 2012;Beyene et al 2009).…”