RWA Kigali-Ruhengeri-Gisenyi

RWA Kigali-Ruhengeri-Gisenyi

:

TITle of the project

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE KIGALI – RUHENGERI Road.

LOCATION

KIGALI – RUHENGERI

REPUBLIC OF RWANDA

Table of content

List of figures

1 EXECUTIVE summary

1.1 Recommendation

2 Project Classification

2.1 Type of Work

2.1.1 Section 1: Rehabilitation

2.2 Site Location and Sensitivity

2.3 Environmental Requirements

2.4 Level of Study Required

2.5 Level of Study Provided

2.6 Standards for Environmental Impact Assessment Studies

3 Main Text

INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT

3.1.1 Objectives of the Study

3.1.3 Data Basis

3.1.3.1Topographic Maps

3.1.3.2Meteorological and Hydrological Data

3.1.3.3Other Sources of Information

3.1.4 Field Data Collection

3.2 Location of the Project and Its Impact Zone

3.3 DescripTion of the Project

3.4 Alternatives

3.5 Legal Framework

3.6 Plans and Projects

3.7 Inventory and Assessment

3.7.1 Geology, Geomorphology, and Soils

3.7.2 Emission, Dust, Noise, Vibration

3.7.3 Water Recourses

3.7.4 Agriculture and Forestry/Silviculture

3.7.5 Settlement and Infrastruture

3.7.6 Fisheries and Hunting

3.7.7 Ecological Resources (Habitats)

3.7.8 Socio-Economics

3.7.9 Landscape Aesthetics

3.8 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

3.8.1 Project Phase: Construction-Caused Impacts

3.8.1.1Geology, Geomorphology, and Soils

3.8.1.2Emission, Dust, Noise, Vibration

3.8.1.3Water Resources

3.8.1.4Agriculture and Forestry/Silviculture

3.8.1.5Settlement and Infrastructure

3.8.1.6Fisheries and Hunting

3.8.1.7Ecological Resources (Habitats)

3.8.1.8Socio-Economics

3.8.1.9Landscape Aesthetics

3.8.2 Project Phase: Layout-Caused Impacts

3.8.2.1Geology, Geomorphology, and Soils

3.8.2.2Emission, Dust, Noise, Vibration

3.8.2.3Water Resources

3.8.2.4Agriculture and Forestry/Silviculture

3.8.2.5Settlement and Infrastructure

3.8.2.6Fisheries and Hunting

3.8.2.7Ecological Resources (Habitats)

3.8.2.8Socio-Economics

3.8.2.9Landscape Aesthetics

3.8.3 Project Phase: Operation-Caused Impacts

3.8.3.1Geology, Geomorphology, and Soils

3.8.3.2Emission, Dust, Noise, Vibration

3.8.3.3Water Resources

3.8.3.4Agriculture and Forestry/Silviculture

3.8.3.5Settlement and Infrastructure

3.8.3.6Fisheries and Hunting

3.8.3.7Ecological Resources (Habitats)

3.8.3.8Socio-Economics

3.8.3.9Landscape Aesthetics

3.8.4 Conflict Analysis

3.8.5 Land Acquisition

3.9 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ACTION PLAN

3.9.1 Environmental Mitigation Measures

3.9.2 Traffic-Related Mitigation Measures

3.9.3 Institutional Arrangements ...... 67

3.9.4. Time table and Budget...... 68

List of Figures

Fig. 1Site location and sensitivity

Fig. 2Environmental requirements

Fig. 3Level of study required for the present project

Fig. 4Field campaigns of the Consultant for the study in hand

Fig. 5Features recorded in the field campaigns

Fig. 6Road sections of the project

Fig. 7Location of the project and the road sections

Fig. 8Road alignment changes, foreseen in the road design

Fig. 9Population in the project zone

Fig. 10Important local and regional installations

Fig. 11Provisional assessment of mining areas

Fig. 12Classification of conflicts and measures

Fig. 13Environmental mitigation measures...... 38

Fig. 14Traffic-related mitigation measures...... 38

1 executivesummary

The “Kigali – Ruhengeri Road Rehabilitation Project” is located in the North-West of Rwanda; it has a length of 83 km. The project is classified as a category B project (according to the World Bank classification)

The proposed project is unlikely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are sensitive, diverse, and unprecedented. The assessment identified sites and areas of conflict in the field. Conflicts are classified into two classes:

Class A conflicts are of regional or local character; settling those conflicts is also essential and is required latest during the setting up of the final detailed design for execution. No Category A measure was identified for this project.

Class B conflicts will be mitigated during the execution of construction works. Environmental guidelines for the contractor shall be established before works will start.

In some cases of the conflict solving process, the involvement of the Administration, Local Administrations, Local Stakeholders, and landowners is required. Their participation shall be ensured during implementation.

Sites of conflicts and mitigation measures are laid done in environmental map series H+E in the detailed scale 1:2.000. Various mitigation measures are recommended and applied.

Dumping sites and quarries are identified in the road rehabilitation design

Recommendation

The project is categorised as environmentally sound if the measures of the Environmental Action Plan, proposed in this report, will be implemented. Negative impacts will be reduced to a negligible level.

2 Project Description

2.1 Type of WORKs: Rehabilitation

The project will not affect the width or the alignment of the existing paved road. The drainage system will be adjusted and improved to actual and future requirements. The road will be resurfaced. No additional land will be required.

2.2 Site Location and Sensitivity

The following table shows key characteristics according to the World Bank’s “Guidelines for Environmental Screening of Road Projects” (1997). Characteristics, which are valid for the present project, are highlighted.

No. / Low
Sensitivity / Medium
Sensitivity / High
Sensitivity
1 / Natural Habitats / No critical habitats; no other natural habitats / No critical habitats; other non-forest natural habitats occur / Critical natural habitats are existing; protected and proposed protected and non-protected areas
2 / Resettlement / Low population density; dispersed population; no or little roadside activities; well established business and legal tenure along right of way / Medium population density; settlements; some roadside activities; mixed ownership and land tenure along right of way
[] / High population; major towns and villages; intensive roadside activities; low income families and illegal ownership of land in and along right of way
3 / Indigenous People / No indigenous people / Dispersed and mixed indigenous population; mainstream indigenous population / Indigenous territories and reserves; vulnerable indigenous population
4 / Induced Development / Area or region is well consolidated; dense road network / Medium density road network; open lands are still available / Area or region is underdeveloped; road network is incipient or non-existent
5 / Soil Stability/ Erosion / Flat terrain; no potential erosion problems
/ Medium slopes; some erosion potential
/ Mountainous terrain; high slopes; unstable soil formations; high erosion potential
6 / Cultural Heritage / No known or suspected cultural heritage sites / Suspected cultural heritage sites; known heritage sites in area of influence / Known heritage sites along the right of way

Fig. 1Site location and sensitivity
(from: Guidelines for environmental screening of road projects, World Bank, 1997)

2.3 Environmental Requirements

The cross table between type of project and environmental and social sensitivity is shown in the following table (fig. 2). The most sensitive issue shall be taken into account, not the average value. The level of required environmental study is classified in three levels.

No. / Type of Project / Low
Sensitivity / Medium
Sensitivity / High
Sensitivity
1 / Maintenance / Level 1 / Level 1 / Level 1
2 / Rehabilitation / Level 1 / Level 1 / Level 2
3 / Improvement / Level 1 / Level 2 / Level 2
4 / Upgrading / Level 2 / Level 2 / Level 3
5 / New construction / Level 2 / Level 3 / Level 3

Fig. 2Environmental requirements
(from: Guidelines for environmental screening of road projects, World Bank, 1997)

2.4 Level of Study Required[1]

Combining the result of the sensitivity analysis (fig. 1) and the classification of possible study levels (fig. 2), determines which level of environmental study is required for the proposed road (fig. 3). The level required for the present project is highlighted in the table below.

No. / Type of Project / Low
Sensitivity / Medium
Sensitivity / High
Sensitivity
1 / Rehabilitation / Level 1 / Level 1 / Level 2

Fig. 3Level of study required for the present project
(applied from: Guidelines for environmental screening of road projects, World Bank, 1997)

The preparation of environmental guidelines for the contractor have been ensured and agreed with the Administration during the development of the final detailed design of the rehabilitation works

The application of those guidelines shall be controlled and guaranteed as part of the supervision of the rehabilitation works.

Apart from the application of environmental guidelines during the execution of works, additional screening of environmental and social issues was undertaken, including an environmental survey.

According to the definition of the World Bank on the degree of environmental and social impact, the impact of the project will be classified as minor.

The road rehabilitation project of the Kigali – Ruhengeri road shall be classified as a category B project according to World Bank (WB) definitions.

2.5 Level of Study Provided

The environmental study bases on an intensive environmental survey along the road project, including the entire potential project impact corridor. The study contains two parts:

- the environmental/social report in hand:

- the Environmental Impact Assessment Study concentrated on existing conflict sites, the institutional set-up, and on the development of appropriate mitigation measures

Technical data is derived from the design study conducted separately as part of project technical design, and which also includes drawings of the environmental map series in the scale of 1:2.000 for the road (available in project files).

The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment includes the inventory, the impact assessment, and the development of mitigation measures according to the requirements of a full-size Environmental and Social Impact Assessment.

2.6 Standards for Environmental Impact Assessment Studies

The given Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is elaborated according to guidelines of international organisations on the field of environmental protection management and environmental management systems.

The structure of the given study and the assessment methods used correspond to these international standards, especially to the requirements of the World Bank. The main standards are given in the following Operational Policies (OPs) series of the World Bank

OP 4.01 Environmental Assessment, including Public Consultation

OP 4.04 Natural Habitats

OP 4.09 Pest Management

OP 11.03 Cultural Property

OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement

OD 4.20 Indigenous Peoples

OP 4.36 Forests

OP 4.37 Safety of Dams

OP 7.50 Projects in International Waterways

OP 7.60 Projects in Disputed Areas

3 Main Text

3.1 Introduction AND CONTEXT

3.1.1 Objectives of the Study

The report in hand is the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).

The objective of the ESIA was to determine and estimate the future potential environmental and social impacts of the activities to be undertaken under the project, and to define the mitigation measures, monitoring and the institutional measures to be undertaken during the implementation of the project.

The scope of work was to produce an ESIA for predicting, monitoring, and mitigating potential impacts, in compliance with national and Bank policies and guidelines.

The consultant discussed with government and project officials, local communities and private sector operators in order to assist in designing solutions and recommendations for the environmental and social impact assessment process that are appropriate, clearly defined, uncomplicated and user friendly.

The Assessment is based on:

  • Environmental and social data collected in Rwanda
  • Topographic maps regarding land-use, settlement pattern, and natural drainage systems
  • Aerial photographs of the town of Ruhengeri
  • The environmental survey conducted along the road

The contribution to the road design is based on

  • Field survey along the road alignment within a corridor of 400 m in average, including environmental, social, and other features, which may have some influence on the dimension of the projected structures
  • Actual topographic survey data of the road corridor of some 30 m in average, provided as digital data sets in the format of AutoCAD
  • The Environmental and Social Action Plan
  • The Environmental Sound Drainage Design.

3.1.2 Data Basis

3.1.2.1 Topographic Maps

Aerial photographs in the scale of ~1:10.000 are available for the town of Ruhengeri. They derive from 2004, prepared by the ongoing Urban Infrastructure and City Management Project (PIGU), under the World Bank financing. The project road does not cross the City of Ruhengeri, since it stops at Mukungwa river bridge, 3,2 km before reaching the City.

3.1.2.2 Other Sources of Information

Information was collected from the Internet, from central and local Government officials and from the population in the region and in the capital. Local data collection was carried out in cooperation with the University of Butare.

3.1.3 Field Data Collection

Consultants for the study in hand carried out the following field campaigns:

No / Date / Action
1 / 06.03.-13.03.2005 / Kigali – Ruhengeri: first field inspection
2 / 28.04.-02.05.2005 / Kigali – Ruhengeri: environmental field inspection

Fig. 4Field campaigns of the Consultant for the study in hand

Field data collection and field survey were carried out with the help of a handheld GPS instrument, registering geographical coordinates and elevation of each point and feature.

Data collected in the field are presented in the drawings which form part of the project documentation (not included in this report because of their bulk). The selection of appropriate mitigation measures below bases largely on the findings of the field survey.

All the features raised are materialized and clearly described in separate drawings

No. / Features / Remarks
Bridges and major road-crossing water structures / Location, type and size identified and included in the design of works
2 / Bridges and road-crossing water structures / Not applicable
3 / Road-crossing water courses, where additional water structures are needed / Location, type and size identified and included in the design of works
4 / Important water kiosk / Not applicable
5 / Additionally needed longitudinal drainage infrastructure / Not applicable
6 / Settlement, low density / Beginning and end
7 / Settlement, high density (village centre) / Beginning and end
8 / Building / Inventory along the roadside conducted
9 / Building to be demolished / Not applicable
10 / Zone of insecurity for pedestrians / Not applicable
11 / Land-use type / Forest and woodland, semi-natural vegetation zone, line of trees at the roadside, agriculture, banana plantation, settlement
12 / Water pollution / Locations identified and measures included in the design of works
13 / Erosion, denudation, slope instability / Location, intensity, description
14 / Quarry, dumping site / Location identified
15 / Preference of road widening / Not applicable
16 / Road crossing, road junction / Location, direction of important features, identified and included in the design of works
17 / Stopping places of buses and taxi / Location, size identified and included in the design of works
20 / General characteristic of road section / Beginning, end: e.g. mountainous, steep slope, many curves, used by pedestrians
21 / Pedestrian’s use of road / Beginning and end: quantity classification of road-passing pedestrians
22 / Important site of conflict / Location, description

Fig. 5Features recorded in the field campaigns

3.2 Location of the Project and Its Impact Zone

The “Kigali-Ruhengeri Road Rehabilitation Project” (approx. 83 km) starts at the Western end of Kigali town and was built as an international trunk road in 1981 to 1985 by a Chinese company, financed by the German Government.

The road crosses through the major settlements of Gihinga (7.000 inhabitants in 2002). The mileage of the road derive from the road design database, which is created by BCEOM road design project team.

All mileage notations in this EIA report refer to this road-design database mileage-system. The notations are homogeneous within the entire environmental report as well as in all environmental drawings. The entire project contains of 83km.

Section No. / Location / Starting from / Ending at
Kigali – Shyorongi – Gakenke – Ruhengeri / PK 00+000 / PK 83+008

Fig. 6Road sections of the project

Fig. 7Location of the project and the road sections

3.3 DescripTion of the Project

The detailed project description is given in the design documents. Some of its main characteristics are summarised here. No changes of the existing width of the road or its alignment are foreseen. The drainage system will be adjusted to actual and to future requirements. The road will be rehabilitated. No additional land will be required.

The road starts at the Western end of Kigali town as a right-hand junction to Ruhengeri (PK 0+000, h=1.375m) from the international trunk road to Gitarama and Bujumbura/Burundi. After a steep mountainous section of 5,2km with predominantly open woodland and forests, the road follows generally the hill ridges, climbing from h=1740m up to 1.760m at PK 16+000. The road passes mainly through agricultural fields and banana plantations, arriving at the village of Shyorongi.

The following section up to PK 25+500 (h=2.130m) is characterised by a small longitudinal road slope and steep descending hillside slopes on both sides of the road, which are mainly covered by trees and open forests.

The descending mountainous road section leads down to the valley of Kwisumo River (PK 30+000, h=1.820m). Following the left bank of the river, numerous creeks, water courses, and gullies arrive at the roadside, draining a hilly zone, which is purely under agricultural use. Overexploitation and not appropriate agricultural production systems lead to intensive erosion processes.

At PK 44+000 (h=1.930m), the road crosses with two bridges permanent rivers (Bahimba River and Base River). The road follows the Base River valley, crossing the river at around PK 51+500 (h=1.750m).

The road passes through Gakenke Village at PK 56+200 (h=1.670m). Gakenke is the major centre for market, transport, education, and health facilities for an extended region. An earth road branches out from here reaching the hospital and several school centres after 1.2 km (h=1.690m). The earth road is not part of the project.

The mountainous and ascending road section culminates at PK 67+500 (h=2.110m). The valley of Mukungwa River is reached at PK 72+000 (h=1.680m).

The road follows the river course on its left bank up to the bridge over the Mukungwa River at PK 83+003 (h=1.647m). The bridge marks the end of road under study, and the beginning of the section to Gisenyi, on the DRC border, to be financed by the European Union.

3.4 Legal Framework

In June 2004, the « The Organic Law on the Protection, Conservation and Management of the Environment in Rwanda » was enacted. The following articles are of interest in the framework of the present road rehabilitation project:

Article 12 refers stipulates that the irreversible usage of land should be limited and as rational as possible. This regulation will be of major interest for the impact assessment of gravel pits and dumping sites.

Article 17 refers specifically to the environmental management of gravel pits and dumping sites, but is also applicable for other conflict sites along the road.

Articles 36 prescribes measures to reduce noise, dust, and vibrations caused by heavy machinery for excavation and road construction. Especially in the vicinity of residential areas, schools, and hospitals these minimizing measures are required.

Artcicle 108 includes sanctions if measures prescribed in rticle 36 are not respected.

The Rwanda Environment Management Agency approves procedures for several major projects across the country like in the travertine-mining sector, the irrigation and drainage construction sector for agricultural production zones, and for extended quarries operated for road construction projects.