A rapid health impact assessment of the Turkwel Gorge hydroelectric dam and proposed irrigation project

Abstract

A rapid health assessment of the Turkwel Gorge hydroelectric dam and proposed irrigation project in Kenya is described. The project will lead to increased risk of a number of communicable diseases including malaria and schistosomiasis, to the human population in the surrounding area. Mitigation measures are available and should be incorporated in the design and operation of the irrigation project to maximise costeffectiveness.

Health Impact Assessment of the construction of hydroelectric dams in Brazil

“…This risk has also been identified for leishmaniasis. Nomadic herdsmen, fishermen, and farmers have been identified as high-risk groups for these diseases (Renshaw et al, 1998). In our study, the threat of the proliferation of vector-borne diseases during the construction of large hydroelectric projects in tropical regions is also a reality and impacts the local riparian population, including the indigenous population of Rondônia.…”

“…The increase in vector-borne diseases due to the construction of hydroelectric dams is a recurring problem and was also reported during the construction of the dam in Turkwel Gorge, a semi-arid region in Kenya, which was completed in 1994 (Renshaw et al 1998). Since then, concerns about the environmental and health impacts have been reported, and authors have noted the proliferation of the main vector of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, near the reservoir of the hydroelectric plant (Pantoja and de Andrade, 2012).…”

“…During the construction of the Rosal Dam, in south eastern Brazil, authors have revealed the potential in the area for the transmission of malaria, schistosomiasis, and cutaneous leishmaniasis (Rezende et al, 2009). Among the infectious parasitic diseases, the researchers involved in data collection in the hydroelectric dam in Kenya also identified a risk of an outbreak of the disease known as "Rift Valley Fever", a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, because the construction site of the hydroelectric dam has a combination of people, water, animals, and mosquitoes that facilitate a virus outbreak (Renshaw et al, 1998). In Brazil, there is also the risk of outbreaks of mosquitoborne diseases, specifically dengue, yellow fever, and malaria, which are endemic in the Amazon region, where hydroelectric plants on the Madeira River are installed (Britto, 2007).…”

First field evidence for natural vertical transmission of West Nile virus in Culex univittatus complex mosquitoes from Rift Valley province, Kenya.

“…13 Renshaw and others noted the potential for the reservoir in the gorge and the associated irrigation projects downstream from it to increase the incidence of vector-borne disease by expanding existing arthropod vector habitats and creating new ones that would result in heightened vector populations. 14 The authors of this report emphasized the need to monitor vector populations at the irrigation project in the future; unfortunately, no funds have been made available to accomplish this task.…”

“…Pokot and Turkana herdsmen and their livestock traditionally inhabit the area, although the reservoir and irrigation project are attracting settlers (fishermen and farmers) from outside the districts. 14 Yearly rainfall in this semi-arid region ranges from 300 to 550 mm a year; daytime temperatures vary from 26ЊC in the wet season to 32ЊC in the dry season. A detailed description of the dam site and surrounding area is provided by Renshaw and others.…”