Researchers have shown that living near newly built roads in Ethiopia is associated with higher rates of infant mortality. The illegal flow of toxic waste is recognised to be one of the most significant forms of transnational crime, with potentially devastating health consequences for local populations. The researchers based their investigation on the premise that road construction sites provide an ideal opportunity for the illegal disposal of toxic waste. These findings are consistent with the anecdotal evidence on the likely routes followed by toxic waste (UNODC 2009, Greenpeace 2010). Whether these projects foster illegal activities, such as the dumping of toxic waste, is likely to depend on the different institutional arrangements and quality of institutions across the continent.

Source: Ethiopian News August 24, 2017 12:00 UTC