Assessment the Potential Impacts of Urbanization: Case of Jimma City (Research Note)

Currently the effect of urban discharges on water quantity and quality issues and additional recreational amenities perceived in the urban landscape have gained growing public interest for the provision of sustainable urban development. This is due to the fact that urbanization is converging to challenge city infrastructure due to their adverse impacts on precipitation extremes and the environment of urban areas at large. This study was aimed at identification of the treats of urban expansion and prediction of the environmental responses to urbanization of Jimma City. This is an important input for the decision of environmentalists, hydrologists, storm and waste water management for the better plan and sustainable development of the city. The study analysis of stream flow indicates, urbanization was found to be one of the responsible factors for changing the surface of the land disturbing the hydrological process of Jimma City by altering the magnitude of surface runoff, aquifer recharge and river flows. The expansion of Jimma city have intensified, surface water discharges from developed areas and uncontrolled waste release which have affected the social, environmental and economic state of the area. Increased flood peaks, water volume and pollutant loads, reduced ground water recharge were found to be the major sources water quantity and quality degradation. Degraded water quantity and quality in turn resulted in water crisis, ecological risk, reduced quality of life and reduced level of ecosystem service.