Ethiopian International Journal of Engineering and Technology

A Life Cycle Cost Analysis Over Alternative Maintenance Interventions on Double Bituminous Surface Treatment Road Segments

Feseha Sahile — 2025-03-12

The most important intent of this research will be conducting a life-cycle cost analysis of different maintenance activities over DBST road segments undertaken by Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) Sodo road network and safety management branch directorate, considering the Maintenance District as a case study. In order to meet the objectives of the study, a case study has considered both quantitative and qualitative data. Road condition survey data was collected by conducting road condition survey with the help of Sodo RNSMBD staffs. After collecting the necessary data, all possible input data was arranged in order to feed HDM-4. There was analysis by using Highway Development and Management Model (HDM-4) tool and the life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) were carried out in order to determine the economic viability of different road maintenance intervention alternatives. The analysis was carried out by considering a do nothing, do routine works and do periodic works scenarios. The economic indicator used for this study was Net present value (NPV). Generally, the results of this study indicate that most of the road condition of the selected DBST road segments falls under poor condition. The economic analysis results also depict that implementing preventive maintenance strategy on DBST road segments can significantly decrease the life cycle cost in terms of costs incurred by both the road agency and user under Sodo RNSMBD. Therefore, road agencies should embrace the practices of applying more preventive activities at early signs of pavement deterioration in order to preserve of road assets.

Keywords: DBST, HDM-4, Life Cycle Cost Analysis, Road maintenance, ERA

Investigation of Road Asset Management Practices in South Road Authority (The Case of Sodo District)

Feseha Sahile — 2025-06-12

Road asset management (RAM) is a critical function for ensuring the sustainability, safety, and efficiency of transportation infrastructure. In developing countries like Ethiopia, RAM practices face significant challenges due to the lack of appropriate tools, limited technical capacity, inadequate data systems, and insufficient coordination among stakeholders. This study investigates the current status of road asset management practices in the Sodo District under the South Road Authority (SRA) of Ethiopia. A descriptive survey design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed. Primary data were collected through questionnaires administered to 15 professionals, including team leaders, data collectors, and supervisors, as well as interviews and field observations. The study revealed multiple deficiencies, including a lack of digitalized systems, poor data organization, inadequate maintenance planning, limited awareness, and poor integration of management components. Statistical analysis showed weak correlations between performance monitoring and overall asset system issues, indicating gaps in implementation. Based on the findings, the study recommends adopting a modern, digital road asset management system; enhancing technical capacity through training; improving inter-agency coordination; and implementing evidence-based, proactive maintenance strategies to optimize resource use and extend asset lifespan.

Keywords: Road Asset Management, Sodo District, Infrastructure Maintenance, Rural Roads, Ethiopia, Data Integration

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ASSESSMENT IN THE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM OF ANBESSA CITY BUS SERVICES

RAMESH REDDY RAJU — 2025-06-18

Assessing public transportation services can significantly contribute to improving their quality, thereby attracting more commuters over time. In Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, transport services are provided by the publicly owned Anbessa City Bus Service Enterprise (ACBSE), Alliance bus services, Sheger bus services, and various privately owned vehicles, including minibuses and taxis. This study aimed to analyze customer satisfaction with Anbessa city bus services in Addis Ababa using the SERVQUAL model, considering five service attribute parameters: Responsiveness, Reliability, Tangibility, Assurance, and Empathy. To achieve this objective, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to 500 regular users of Anbessa city bus services in the city. The data obtained was sorted and analyzed using SPSS 20.0 software. The research findings indicate that passengers are satisfied with ACBSE transport services based on responsiveness and tangibility, but they are unsatisfied with the reliability, assurance, and empathy dimensions of service quality. The results of this analysis are useful for transport planners seeking to improve ACBSE bus services at selected terminals in Addis Ababa.

Keywords: SERVQUAL Model, Ambessa City Transport, ACBSE, Reliability, Tangibility

A Lesson from Existing Parks of Addis Ababa

Senait Nigussie — 2025-07-02

Park development must consider public input, as they are the primary users. To enhance recreational ecosystem services, cities should assess existing parks based on public feedback for future green space planning. This paper studied and analyzed the perceived capacity of two parks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, selected for their land use and size, which influence their recreational capacity. Data were collected through a questionnaire from 797 visitors to examine factors like visit frequency, desired amenities, time spent, and travel time to the parks, along with suggestions for improvements. Results indicate medium satisfaction among visitors in both parks, with cleanliness identified as a key concern in Bihere Tsige Park. The majority of respondents in both parks highly favor amenities that support passive recreational activities. Recommendations include enhancing cleanliness in Bihere Tsige Park and increasing greenery in Tekle Haimanot Park. The paper recommends that park managers, policymakers, and planners utilize these insights to improve current parks and guide future developments.

Keywords: Bihere Tsige Park, Frequency of Visit, Level of Satisfaction, Park Amenities, Recreational Capacity, Suggestions, Tekle Haimanot Park

Market-Driven Acacia mearnsii-Based Tanguay System for Sustainable Bioenergy Production in the Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia

Derbabaw Fentie Shiferaw — 2025-07-02

As energy demand increases in urban areas of Ethiopia, the expansion of smallholder plantations, particularly Acacia mearnsii woodlots, has become essential in meeting bioenergy needs. However, small-scale farmers have been underrepresented in the value-added bioenergy production systems. This study explores factors influencing value addition and benefit distribution in the market-driven A. mearnsii-based Tanguay system for bioenergy production. A random sample of 148 producers and 52 traders was surveyed using snowball sampling, supplemented by 7 interviews, 6 focus groups, and field observations. The Heckman two-stage model analyzed participation and product volume in the bioenergy market. A. mearnsii woodlots cover 31,000 hectares, producing 145,000 tons of charcoal annually (equivalent to 8.3 million sacks of 17.4 kg), valued at $43 million. These plantations sequester 5.3 million tons of CO₂ and reduce deforestation on 93,000 hectares. Small-scale farmers earn $1,936 annually, accounting for 60% of their income, while traders earn between $5,000 and $30,000. The first-stage probit model revealed that age (p<0.03), experience (p<0.003), access to credit (p<0.034), and contract marketing (p<0.000) significantly influenced farmers' decisions to engage in value addition. The second-stage Heckman model revealed that training services (p < 0.041), livestock holdings (p < 0.054), and age (p < 0.058) were key determinants of the volume of bioenergy products for value addition. The total relative commercialization margin was 58%, indicating that marketing actors captured a larger share of the final market price, with farmers earning 42%. The study concludes that A. mearnsii woodlots support bioenergy production, income for smallholders, local revenue, job creation, and better rural livelihoods. Improving market access, forming cooperatives, and providing technical training are keys to achieving equity and sustainability in bioenergy production in Ethiopia.

Keywords: Acacia, bioenergy, commercialization, income, market access, policy, smallholder planta-tions