The factors driving large-scale engineering projects (LSEPs) in developing countries, and their effects on local environments and communities, are no better exemplified than in the case of large-scale dam projects (LSDPs). This paper demonstrates that LSEPs/LSDPs cannot be `tagged on' to developing nations in order to trigger or promote technological, economic or welfare development. In fact, they may ramify destructively into existing social, environmental and engineering infrastructures. Engineers involved in LSEPs will be better placed they develop multidisciplinary skills and a keen awareness of the complex web of socio-ecological interactions into which their projects are typically launched.