Impacts of Dams Construction and Water Harvesting Programs on Community Perception Red Sea in Eastern Sudan

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dams constructed for providing drinking water and for irrigation in the Red Sea state of Sudan. Water harvesting programs implemented by government with assistance of international non-governmental organization were investigated for their effectiveness. The study utilized secondary data literature and some photos of the dam. The area of study is located in the northeast of Sudan latitude 16°-22°N; longitude 35°-37°E. The primary data covered both direct questionnaire and key persons discussion. The area of study constituted about 10% of the total area of Sudan. As described by reports, the topography composed of rocky hills, mountains, outcrop rocks and a network of seasonal watercourses and streams. The hilly nature of the topography and the Basement Complex formation of the base rock made surface rain run-off the only source of fresh water. Open key person discussion pointed to the limited water supply due to geologic and climatic factors. Surface run-off is provided by seasonal stream where Khor Arba’ provides 60% of fresh drinking water, the amounts are affected by years of drought. Water distribution is controlled through a pipe network. Five major catchments were identified according to hydrological and morphological features and were important supply for rain-fed agriculture. The total annual groundwater recharge is 2.06 × 10<sup>6</sup> m<sup>3</sup>. The annual discharge through underground outflow at the ‘lower gate’ is 3.29 × 10<sup>5</sup> m<sup>3</sup>/year. Groundwater discharge due to pumping from Khor Arba’at basin is 4.38 × 10<sup>6</sup> m<sup>3</sup>/year on average. Gates were designed in the dam to reduce siltation. However, sedimentation caused pipes blockage. Results of questionnaire showed that most of the respondents at Arba’at (80%) and Sinkat (92%) were aware of the concept of water harvesting. Disiltation benefit of the dams were acknowledged at both Arba’at (61%) and Sinkat (50%), while deepening of wells was expressed by 40% at Sinkat. Water conservation activities existed at Arba’at (80%) only. Most (85%) were willing to participate in water management. Associations in respondents’ opinion were significant (P =.000) for both desalinization of dams and commitment to water conservation. The positive effects of Non-organization activities in the areas were expressed by participants in both areas. Significant (P =.000) associations could be obtained in respondent’ opinion between the two areas. Significant (P=0.00) associations between respondents’ opinion in the two areas was obtained. Also many respondents at Arba’at (98%) and Sinkat (94%) believed that traditional laws have positive effects on natural resource management.