Riverside Development: in the case of Laga Tafo River in Laga Tafo Laga Dadi Sub City, Shegere City

Abstract

Riverside development is defined as any development in front of water or a body of water. TheLaga Tafo River is one of the rivers that exist in Laga Tafo Laga Dadi sub-city, Sheger city, andserves as the sub-city?�?s identity. Water contamination from industrial wastewater disposal isbecoming a major environmental hazard in Laga Tafo Laga Dadi and its surrounding regions.Due to the improper development plans and implementation in the sub-city, the river and the areasnear it occasionally face challenges like river pollution, environmental degradation, and socialand economic issues. Hence, the main objective of this paper is to assess the development along ariverside and to provide recommendations that address the challenges. In order to achieve thisobjective, a combination of qualitative and quantitative research approaches was employed.Structured open-ended and close-ended purposeful interviews, secondary data, and observationswere utilized in the study. The study identified practices like illegal slaughter services andindiscriminate waste disposal that contribute to river pollution. Based on the finding of the study,patterns of riverside usage, including physical exercise and leisure activities, face challenges suchas discomfort, indicating the necessity for environmental improvements. Major challengesidentified include river pollution, environmental degradation, economic disparities, and socialtensions. River pollution, evidenced by discolored water and contamination, poses health risks todownstream communities, necessitating pollution control measures. Environmental degradation,observed in 75% of the riverside area, highlights the vulnerability of riverside habitats and theneed for conservation efforts. Factors contributing to poor riverside development includeineffective plan imp