A scenario-based multiple attribute decision-making approach for site selection of a wastewater treatment plant: Bahir Dar City (Ethiopia) case study

Authors

  • Tilik Tena Wondim 1. Durban University of Technology, Civil Engineering Midlands, PO Box 101112, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa; 2. Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University (BiT-BDU), PO Box 26, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
  • Bloodless Dzwairo Durban University of Technology, Civil Engineering Midlands, PO Box 101112, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v44i4.26

Keywords:

urban planning, multiple attribute decision making, sewage outfall, sewerage system, site selection, wastewater treatment plant

Abstract

The challenge of selecting an appropriate wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) site is addressed in this study, using the case study of Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. An innovative approach is proposed for selecting the WWTP site. Fifteen practically feasible alternatives were identified based on the geographical information system (GIS) based hydraulic design and considering the overall economy of the system. The three dimensions of sustainability were considered while evaluating
alternatives through incorporating economic, social, energy and environmental criteria in decision-making. The multiple attribute decision making (MADM) method was applied to prioritize the alternatives. Four scenarios representing the different perspectives of choices were used for weight elicitation. The results of the study show that the developed decisionmaking approach identified practically feasible alternatives. The framework and decision-making methodology developed in this study helped to facilitate the decision making by local government in a holistic view that incorporates environmental management in the city of Bahir Dar.

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Published

2018-10-31

Issue

Vol. 44 No. 4 October (2018): Water SA

Section

Research paper

License

Creative Commons License

The content of this journal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Licence.  Users are permitted to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search or link to the full texts of the articles in this journal under the terms of this Licence, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author, provided the source is attributed. Copyright is retained by the authors.

How to Cite

Wondim, T.T. and Dzwairo, B. (2018) “A scenario-based multiple attribute decision-making approach for site selection of a wastewater treatment plant: Bahir Dar City (Ethiopia) case study”, Water SA, 44(4 October). doi:10.4314/wsa.v44i4.26.