E4170 v3 "]lul /}tmp!RA ~ £1.n:A" The Republic of Uganda Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AGENCY Energy for Rural Transformation Phase II, IDA Credit No. 45540-UG Project Brief for Rural Electrification Projects of Electricity Extension and Distribution lines of Gulu - Acholibur, with Tee- Offs at Patiko-Palaro and Patiko-Laroo; Opeta-Acokara, with Tee-Offs at Otwal - Okar, Otwal - Aleka Subcounty, Spur Aboke Health Center IV, Spur Awio Trading Center and Spur Kole District Headquarters in Gulu, Pader, Kole, Oyam District and Environs in Northern Uganda [REA-ERT 11/Srvcs/10-11/00223] Final Report Environmental Proj~ct Brief September 2012 __......-,___ in joint vei)\!Jre ~ ·· J SURV"ESIS with Agip House, 1' Floor, 9 Kampala Road, P. 0. Plot 843 Shelter Road, Naalya Estate Box3473 8 Kampala Tel: +256 312 294958 P. 0. Box 25250, Kampala Fax: 256 312 371 371394 email: Tel: +256 712 654651 admin@survesis.co.ug Web Email:savimaxxcompanylimited@gmail.com www.survesis.co.u www.savimaxx.co.u The Republic of Uganda Rural Electrification Agency Project Brief for Rural Electrification Gulu - Atholibur, with Tee-Offs at Patiko-Palaro and Patiko-Laroo; Opeta-Acokara, with Tee-Offs at Otwal - Okar, Otwal - Aleka Subcounty, Spur Aboke Health Center IV, Spur Awio Trading Center and Spur Kole District Headquarters in Gulu, Pader, Kole, Oyam District and Environs in Northern Uganda [REA-ERT 11/Srvcs/10-11/00223] Final Report Environmental Project Brief September 2012 Report no. 01 Issue no. 01 Date of issue 241h September 2012 Prepared by Samuel Vivian Matagi, Esther Nanfuka Kalule Dr. Moses Kiiza Musaazi, Checked Esther Nanfuka Kalule Approved Samuel Vivian Matagi Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acho~ibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda f··~ ~.'0;• ' Table of Contents LIST OF TABLES .......................................................................................................................... VI LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................... VII LIST OF PLATES ........................................................................................................................ VIII ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ............................................................................................. IX ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS •...•.•...••.•••••.......••••....•.••••••.••.••••••• ; •.•..•••••••••••..•.••••••••..••••••••••..•••••••••..•.• XI THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................... XII 1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background ............................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Rural Electrification ................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Objectives and scope of the Project Brief/EIA .......................................................................... 2 1.4 Structure of the Report ............................................................................................................. 2 1.5 EIA Methodology ...................................................................................................................... 3 1.5.1 Selection of the Environmental Consultants ....................... :.............................................. 3 1.5.2 Literature Review ...................................r:::;:t.\: .. .i~~---··························································· 3 1.5.3 Initial environmental screening ......................................................................................... 4 1.5.4 Inception Report ................................................................................................................ 4 1.5.5 Scoping for Environmental Impacts ................................................................................... 4 1.5.6 Field Visit ............................................................................................................................ 4 1.5. 7 Stakeholder Consultations ................................................................................................. 4 1.5.8 ................................................... 5 Research Methods ......................... :........ :,,.:........ :..........· ,. '" 1.5.9 Physical Environment ................................. :.. :.:.................................................................. 5 1.5.10 Biological Environment .................................................................................................... 5 1.5.11 Human Environment ........................................................................................................ 5 1.5.12 Identification of environmental impacts ......................................................................... 5 1.5.13 Identification of mitigation measures and Impact Ranking ............................................. 5 2 POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................... 7 2.1 Policy framework ...................................................................................................................... 7 2.2 Legislative Framework .............................................................................................................. 8 ··.1 2.3 Regulations ......................................................... ~ ........ ;.............. ::; ............................................ 12 2.4 Occupational Safety and Health Standard us 53:4:ioo8 ......................................................... 15 2.5 The World Bank Safe Guard Policies ....................................................................................... 15 2.6 Institutional framework .......................................................................................................... 16 2. 7 Other relevant Institutions ..................................................................................................... 19 3 BASELINE ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS .............................................................................. 20 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acho/ibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda 3.1 Physical Environment ..·....... .'.................................................................................................... 20 3.1.1 Topography/Relief ........................................................................................................... 20 3.1.2 Hydrology and Drainage .................................................................................................. 21 3.1.3 Geology ............................................................................................................................ 22 3.1.4 Soils .................................................................................................................................. 22 3.2 ........... ~ ..........·... ·:................................................................................... 22 Climate ....................... · c 3.2.1 ............ :,·::.:: .. ::., .. ::· ............................................................................... 22 Rainfall ............. :...· 3.2.2 Temperature .................................................................................................................... 22 3.2.3 Winds ............................................................................................................................... 23 3.2.4 Evaporation ...................................................................................................................... 23 3.3 Biological Environment ........................................................................................................... 23 3.3.1 Flora ...................... :: ......................................................................................................... 23 • < .• ~. ;_ s~a-Hd~. · 3.3.2 Fauna (Include Wildlife ProtettetlAreas) ........................................................................ 27 3.4 The Human Environment'........................................................................................................ 27 3.4.1 Gulu District ..................................................................................................................... 27 3.4.2 Pader District ............: ........................................................................................................ 28 3.4.3 Oyam District ................................................................................................................... 29 4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................... 30 4.1 Description of the Project Site ................................................................................................ 30 4.2 Project Objective .................................................................................................................... 30 4.3 Description of the Project ...........................................................................................: ........... 31 4.3.1 Description of Project ....................................................................................................... 31 4.3.2 Materials and Specifications ............................................................................................ 31 4.4 Description of Project Activities .............................................................................................. 31 4.4.1 Design Stage ........................................................................................................,............ 34 4.4.2 Construction Stage ........................................................................................................... 34 4.4.3 Pole hole digging .............................................................................................................. 34 4.4.4 Pole framing, erection and installation of stay lines ........................................................ 34 f ' •.·; 4.4.5 Conductor ........................................................................................................................ 34 4.4.6 Transformers ....... : ............................................................................................................ 34 4.4. 7 Line hardware .................................................................................................................. 35 'I •· '':- ~ 4.4.8 Services Drops .................................................................................................................. 35 4.4.9 Metering points sectionalising equipment ...................................................................... 35 4.4.10 Post Construction Clean up ............................................................................................ 35 4.4.11 Operation and Maintenance .......................................................................................... 35 4.4.12 Human Resources .......................................................................................................... 36 iii Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Viv'lan Matagi, Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda 5 PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND DISCLOSURE ........................... i; ... : ....................................... 37 5.1 Local Communities .................................................................................................................. 37 5.2 Local Government ........................................................ :................... :...................................... 40 5.3 Key Issues arising from the Consultation Process: .......-1........ : ....... : ......................................... 41 6 PROJECT IMPACTS AND MITIGATIONS ............ :.. ::~.:: ..... : ..................................................... 45 6.1 Likely Positive Project Impacts/Enhancement ........................................................................ 45 6.2 Details of the positive impacts ................................................................................................ 45 6.2.1 Electricity su~ply in the rural areas .................................................................................. 45 6.2.2 Employment opportunities ............................................................................................... 46 6.2.3 Sale of construction materials ......... :.:......... : ... ::: ............................................................. 46 6.2.4 Improved medical services ...................... /.;:\ .. ~ .................... :............................................ 46 6.2.5 Promote industrialization ................................................................................................ 46 6.2.6 Improvement of education .............................................................................................. 46 6.2.7 Improvement of telecommunication ............................................................................... 47 6.2.8 Improvement in security .................................................................................................. 47 6.2.9 Improvement of the standard of living .........................:~· ................................................ 47 ·d· 6.2.10 Improvement of banking services .................................................................................. 47 6.2.11 Reduce deforestation .................................................................................................... 47 6.2.12 Decrease global warming ................................ :................. : ............................................ 47 . . .. ...... -. .. 6.2.13 Provision of pumped water supply .......;. . ,, ...................................................................... 47 6.3 Likely Negative Project Impacts .............................................................................................. 48 6.4 Details of the negative impacts .............................................................................................. 48 6.4.1 Hydrology and Water Quality .......................................................................................... 48 6.4.2 Geology and soils ............................................................................................................. 49 6.4.3 Noise and vibrations ......................................... ,, ............................................................. 49 6.4.4 Increase in suspended particulate matter.(,dust) .............................................................. 49 6.4.5 Habitat destruction .......................................................................................................... 50 6.4.6 Fire outbreaks .................................................................................................................. 50 6.4.7 Generation of construction solid waste ........................................................................... 50 6.4.8 Occupational health and safety ....................................................................................... 51 6.4.9 Visual impacts and landscape .......................................................................................... 51 6.4.10 Impact on flora ............................................................~.: ....:.............................................. 51 6.4.11 Impacts on Fauna ........................................................................................................... 55 6.4.12 Electrocution and electric shocks ................................................................................... 55 6.4.13 ............ L............................................................ 55 Electromagnetic fields .......................... · •.,., . . . 6.4.14 Social Impacts ................................................................................................................ 56 iv Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader t , -~·} ;_I '- \ Environmental Project Brief of the propo$ed ~3kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda ~ ~: .j. ·~: \ 6.4.15 HIV/AIDS ............................·............................................................................................ 56 6.4.16 Impact on Cultural/Religious Sites ................................................................................. 56 6.4.17 Impact on Property and Crop Production ...................................................................... 57 6.4.18 Land uptake ................................................................................................................... 57 6.4.19 Impacts of residential areas; the road users and safety of the general public .............. 57 7 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES., ................................................................................................... 58 7.1 'No Project Option' ................................................................................................................. 58 7.2 Project as Described in the Project Brief ................................................................................ 58 8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN .............................................. 59 9 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................... 67 REFERENCES···········································.···.~·;·.~··· .. ······································································ 69 APPENDIX A: TERMS OF REFERENCf .... ;................................................................................ 71 APPENDIX B: 33KV LINE ROUTE SURVEY OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT .................................. 86 APPENDIX C: STRIP MAP OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT .......................................................... 90 APPENDIX D: STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTED .......................................................................... 102 APPENDIX E: LOCAL AND CENTRAL FOREST RESERVES TRAVERSED BY THE POWER LINES ... 153 v Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda List of Tables Table 1.11mpact Ranking according to the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix ..................................... 6 Table 2.1: Maximum permissible noise levels from a factory/workshop* ......................................... 13 Table 6.1: Positive impact ranking ...................................................................................................... 45 Table 6.2: Negative impact ranking .................................................................................................... 48 Table 6.3: Project site specific impacts on flora .................................................................................. 52 Table 8.1: Impact-Mitigation-Monitoring-Responsibility Matrix ........................................................ 60 vi Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu .-Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda List of Figures Figure 2.1: Governance structure within the power sector (Slightly adopted from UETCL, 2009) ..... 17 Figure 2.2: Role of the Electricity Regulatory Authority ...................................................................... 18 Figure 3.1: Map of Toporagrahy of the Project Area .......................................................................... 20 Figure 3.2: Map of Drainage of the Project Area ................................................................................ 21 Figure 3.3: Map of Protected Areas .................................................................................................... 24 Figure 4.1: Map of Project area .......................................................................................................... 32 vii Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matag·l, Team Leader ·'I Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda List of Plates Plate 3.1: Vegetation of Kole District, Palm Tree ................................................................................ 25 Plate 3.2: Vegetation of Pader District, Burnt grass ............................................................................ 25 Plate 3.3: Cotton growing in Gulu, District .......................................................................................... 25 Plate 3.4: Savana grassland, Pader District ............................. ~ ........................................................... 25 Plate 3.5: Rock at Samuel Baker Fort, Patiko, Gulu District ................................................................ 25 Plate 3.6: Dry burnt grass, Gulu District ............................................................................................. 25 Plate 3.7: Maize Field, Patiko Sub County Prison Farm, Gulu District.. ............................................... 26 Plate 3.8: Sorghum growing in Oyam District ..................................................................................... 26 Plate 3.9: Shrub vegetation, Oyam District ......................................................................................... 26 Plate 3.10: Sun flower growing, Patiko Sub County ............................. ;.............................................. 26 Plate 3.11: Vegetation around Fort Samuel Baker, ............................................................................. 26 Plate 3.12: Traditional huts in Gulu, District ....................................................................................... 26 Plate 4.1Patiko Trading Centre ............................................ ,.............................................................. 33 Plate 4.2 Electricity lines at Acholi Bur from Pader ............................................................................. 33 Plate 4.3 Acholi Bur Secondary School. ............................................................................................... 33 Plate 4.4 Laguti County Head Quarters ............................................................................................... 33 Plate 4.5 Opeta Health Centre II, Kole District .................................................................................... 33 Plate 4.6 Onoro Nursery and Primary School, Kole ............................................................................. 33 .................................... :.......... 39 Plate 5.1 Patiko Trading Centre FGD ..........................·.... :... :.................. · Plate 5.2 Palaro Inter Religious Members ........................................................................................... 39 Plate 5.3 Awach Trading Centre .......................................................................................................... 39 Plate 5.4 Bungatira Sub Counyt .......................................................................................................... 39 Plate 5.5 FGD in Oyam District ............................................................................................................ 39 Plate 5.6 FGD at Tukum ...................................................................................................................... 39 viii Rural Electricity Agency ,Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS BP Bank Policies {World Bank) DWD Directorate of Water Development EAPMPS East African Power Master Plan Study EA Environmental Assessment EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ERA Electricity RegulatoryAuthority ERT Energy for Rurah.:fr,an&formation GEF Global ,fnvironment Facility GoU Goverriment of Uganda GWh giga watt hours ICT's Information Communication Technologies IDA International Development Agency IPP Independent Power Producers kV kilo volt MDG Millennium Development Goals MEMD Ministry of Ene~gy and Mineral Development MV medium voltage MVA mega volt amperes MW mega Watt NBI Nile Basin Initiative NEMA National Environment Management Authority NEMP The National Environment Management Policy NORAD Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation NWP National Water Policy OP Operational Policies {World Bank) OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development PPE Personal Protectiv~ Equipment PSIP Power Sector lnvestmentPian \ PV Photo Voltaic RAP Resettlement Action Plan RPF Resettlement Policy Framework RE Rural Electrification REA Rural Electrification Agency REB Rural Electrification Board RESP Rural Electrification Strategy and Plan RoW Right of Way UEB Uganda Electricity Board UEDCL Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited ix Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda UEGCL Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited UETCL Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited UIA Uganda Investment Authority us Uganda Standard X Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS xi Rural Electrk'1ty Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader j v,',>").' A Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda ·. ~} '. THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Government of Uganda with funding support from The World Bank through the International Development Agency IDA is implementing Rural Electrification projects in Priority Areas under the Energy for Rural Transformation Project. An Environmental Assessment (Project Brief} of the areas is a pre-requisite to all construction of power extension and distribution lines in the priority areas. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA} the Client has therefore prepared an Environment Assessn'ient (Project Brief} for the construction of the proposed construction of a 33kV electricity ''po~er extension and distribution lines (the "Project"} in Gulu - Acholibur and Opeta-Acokara, in Gulu, Pader, Kole, Oyam District and Environs in Northern Uganda. Survesis in joint venture with Savimaxx Limited (the "Consultant"} was contracted by Rural Electrification Agency (the Client} to provide consultancy services for the compilation and preparation of the Project Brief. The two firms mobilised Environmental Practitioners and specialists to carry out the assignment. '· ! Project Objective and Justification The actual objective of the project was to prepare an Environmental Project Brief for Gulu - Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda 33kV power grid extension. The proposed project is the construction a 33kV electricity extension line of bare conductor overhead lines and a distribution system at selected load centres. The Engineer's cost estimate for the project is US $ 3,805,990.68; Gulu-Acholibur US$ 2,760,785 and Opeta-Acokara US $ 1,045,205.68 respectively. :;1:, It is expected that the project will stimulate several economic acfivities within these areas and even beyond. The beneficiaries are expected to develop agro-based and srryall as well as medium scale industries, while institutions and households will also get electricity supply. Mobile telecommunication masts in the area, which ar~. powered t;>y dl~sel generators, will also get electricity from the national grid, through the projeai:~' :s. · :if · · Project Description The project area is located in northern Uganda and will include construction of about 172km of 33 kV power extension and distribution lines from Gulu - Acholibur, with Tee-Offs at Patiko-Palaro and Patiko-Laroo; Opeta -Acokara, with Tee-Offs at Otwal - Okar, Otwal - Aleka Subcounty, Spur Aboke Health Center IV, Spur Awio Trading Center and Spur Kole District Headquarter located in Gulu, Pader, Kole and Oyam Districts. xii Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity po,.;er line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda ·\. ' {~; Project Activities The main project activities indude fixing of eucalyptus creosote-treated poles 2m into the ground, spacing them at 100m on dry terrestrial land, and 150-200m spacing in wetland areas using metallic drums and murrum in soggy areas, installation of the 100mm ACSR, 300 amps bare conductors overhead lines and installation of transformers. Positive Impacts Using the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix it showed that the project had overhauling positive significant impacts on the project area. These include but not limited to the following:- • Electricity supply in the rural areas • Employment opportunities • Sale of construction materials • Improved medical services • Promotion of industrialization,g • Improvement of education • Improvement of telecommunication • Improvement in security • Improvement of the standard of living • Improvement of banking services • Alternative power source hence reducing deforestation • Decrease global warming • Provision of pumped water supply Negative impacts and mitigation Using the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix it showed that the project had overwhelming slightly negative impacts on the project area. These slight negative impacts can be easily mitigated. These include but not limited to the following: - • Geology and soils • Noise and vibrations • Increase in suspended particulate matter (Dust) • Habitat destruction and loss of vegetation cover xiii Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda • Fire outbreaks • Generation of construction solid waste ':. \ ~ ' ~; ·\ .'; fo iV • Occupational health and safety • Visual impacts and landscape • Impact on flora • Impacts on Fauna • Electrocution and electric shocks • Electromagnetic fields • Influx of skill and unskilled labour in the projectar~a ~r, ·~ • HIV/AIDS • Impact on cultural sites • Impacts on Crop Production • Land uptake • Impacts of Access roads • Impacts on residential areas Conclusion and Recommendations The findings of this Project Brief concur with the guidance in Environmental and Social Management Framework for the Energy for Rural Transformation Project. The anticipated potentially negative environmental impacts for the grid extension from Gulu to Acholibur and Opeta to Acokara and surrounding environs are generally slightly negative, localised, of short term, minor in nature and can easily be handled at source during construction. According to World Bank OP 4.01 this project is ranked as Category B where a detailed EIA is not needed br Category I under The Environment Act where only a project brief is required. Significant irl)p~cts were identified as those related to occupational health and safety. Again these are loc;;JI)sed,.site specific and can be handled by either using appropriate engineering or provision of appropriate personal protective equipment. The 33kV power extension lines passes through two Central Forest Reserves of Ogom in Pader District and Cwero in Oyam District. The lines also traverse one Local Forest Reserve Otwal in Gulu. It is recommended that the line is relocated on the opposite side of the road where there is no forest reserve. The line change should consider the following: -A 90 degree bend so as to cross the road to the opposite side on the last electricity pole to t;he forest. Thereafter, the electricity line should move parallel to the original line design vntil, wt;1er:1 opposite the last pole at the end of the forest. The line should then cross over to the last pole outside the forest using a 90 degree bend. All bends should have the necessary accessories i.e. stay wires. The appropriate road crossover line xiv Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed .33kV electricity P:cny.er line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda n ,\'(~ ,_ ;-;~·,: height (i.e. 45 feet) should be observed. In areas where the line passes through heavy populated and built up areas, which may result in a lot of land uptake leading to destruction of property, it is recommended that the line is. relocated where compensation will be minimal. The power line \ I ~ ~ crosses the following wetlands in Oyam District Akai - Debe; Odworo; Aguru; Bar-Wala and Acekene. It is recommended that H-member structures are used to avoid poles being put directly in the wetlands. It is recommended that the Contractor should have an Environmental Specialist to give on-spot guidance on the environmental aspects such as emergency issues, traffic management, solid waste and wastewater management, occupational health and safety issues. It is recommended the Contractor should give equal employment opportunities to women as well as men within the project skills requirements; and to maximize the procurement of local products and services. There should be a deliberate policy to employ local people from the project area. The District Engineers, Environment Officers, Public Health Officials, REA, ERA and NEMA should monitor the project particularly during the construction phase. The project area is generally flat with seasonal wetlands with loose soils. Anchorage of poles is not easy, as poles tend to bend over time .. Me;,t?llic drums will be used in soggy areas and filled with murrum, forming bunds at pole sites irl wetlands. . . Since nearly all the negatiye impacts are minor and can be easily mitigated, the Environmental Practitioners are of the strong option that project be approved by NEMA expeditiously so that the Government of Uganda can full fill its development programmes. XV Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background The Government of Uganda with funding support from The World Bank (the IDA) is currently in the process of implementing Rural Electrification projects in Priority Areas under the Energy for Rural Transformation Project. An Environmental Assessment of the projects is a pre-requisite to all construction of power lines in the areas. The Rural Electrification Agency (the REA) the Client therefore proposed a project for the construction of a 33kV electricity power extension and distribution lines (the "Project") in Gulu - Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara and environs in Northern Uganda. Survesis in joint venture with Savimaxx Limited (the "Consultant") was contracted by the Client to provide consultancy services for the preparation of Environmental Project Brief. The two firms mobilised Environmental Practitioners and Specialists1to:catry out the assignment. This report presents the findings of the environmental screening, scoping, field visit, community consultation and in-depth interviews. The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), which was done concurrently with this Project Brief, is in a separate report. 1.2 Rural Electrification Rural Electrification is one of the main pillars of the power sector reform strategy and the program established with the support of development partners to operationalize the Energy for Rural Transformation (ERT) Project. The Rural Electrification Strategy and Plan (RESP) embody the following important elements:- 1. The primary objective of the RE strategy is to reduce inequalities in access to electricity and the associated opportunities for increased social welfare, health and income generating opportunities. 2. Raising the rural electrification rate from the present 1% to 10% within ten years. 3. Raise Electricity coverage in the country to 30% in ten years. 4. Use of Rural Electrification Fund to achieve,,equitab!eregional access. q ' :.~ t,:r~~~ :: 5. Use of Private Sector initiatives to develop projects. 1 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagif Team Leader (' Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda 6. Promoting decentralised power supply (mini-grids and PVs), especially utilizing renewable energy sources.in.erder to electrify remote areas. 7. Regulation .ofsmall grids using light regulation to remove administrative barriers that could hinder private sector investment in rural areas. However, development in rural areas has lagged behind urban areas. Much of Uganda's rural population remains isolated and has not yet received or seen the benefits of liberalisation of the economy. This is partly due to inadequate physical infrastructure and therefore, lack of integration with national, regional, and international markets. In order to achieve rural transformation in the country, it is necessary to develop those sectors that will add value where it is needed. The energy sector, for example, affects the productivity of rural enterprises as well as the quality of life of rural households (REA, 2009). 1.3 Objectives and scope 9lf~e P~oject Brief/EIA The overall objective of the Project Brief was to conduct an Environmental Assessment (EA) and prepare a Project Brief detailing the potential impacts of the project and their mitigation measures. This Project Brief meets the requirements of REA's Environmental and Social Management Framework, which guides all environmental and social issues in the Energy for Rural Transformation (ERT) project (REA, 2007). Other areas covered include:" · • Justification of the Project • Background of the Project • Project site, maps and photos of the area • Baseline Data • The physical form of the development • Construction practice • Preliminary analysis of alternatives' . • Impact identification,, nature, extent, magnitude and complexity, probability, duration, frequency • Mitigation and Complexity 1.4 Structure of the Report The Report is structured as follows: • Chapter 1 is the Introduction; ' 2 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader , . "'''• '\: Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu ~Ach61ibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda ,. : . ;, .~ ~r • Chapter 2 provides an overview of the Uganda power sector, Policies, Legal and Institutional framework; • Chapter 3 describes the detailed base line conditions of the project area; • Chapter 4 outlines the project description; • Chapter 5 contains public consultations and disclosure rE!s61ts; • Chapter 6 presents analysis of project impacts and mitigations • Chapter 7 provides analysis qf the project aJtr,r~p.ti)o:.eS ~.n;­ ' • Chapter 8 presents the proposed environmental management and monitoring plan • Chapter 9 contains conclusions and recommendations • Chapter 10 is references • Chapter 11 are appendices 1.5 EIA Methodology 1.5.1 Selection of the Environmental Consultants The following Registered Environment Practitioners were hired by the Consultant to carry out the assigt'lment: - 1. Samuel Vivian Matagi, Registered Environmental Practitioner/Team Leader; 2. Esther Nanfuka, Registered Environmental Practitioner/Sociologist; 3. Eng. Dr. Moses Kiiza Musaazi, Electrica.l Engineer. 4. Felix Obete GIS Specialist The selection of the consultants was done in recognition of the need of their skills in the assignment. 1.5.2 Literature Review Literature was reviewed to obtain background information on ~nvironmental data, the energy sector in Uganda, the proposed project, policies and'legal and institutional framework. The documents referred to are given in references. The Con~ultant followed the terms of reference (Appendix A) provided by the Developer/Client in carrying out the assignment. The Client also provided the detailed Feasibility Study report, line diagram of the connections (Appendix B) and Strip Maps (Appendix C). 3 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagif Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricitY. power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda .:lh> ,..•. 1.5.3 Initial environmeQtal screening :: · Environmental issues and/or impacts that were likely to arise from the project at the construction, operation and maintenance phases were identified using Environmental Screening checklists issued by NORAD for development projects. Activities that were likely to affect the environment were documented for further evaluation using environmental scoping as recommended by Guideline for Environmental Impact Assessment in Uganda (1997). This process continued in the field. From the screening undertaken, it was :confirmed, ,that the proposed project is of low impact and the ..' ..' ' :;·.! :(h mitigation measures being re.>i 1.5.8 Research Methods Qualitative methods of research using direct observation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to obtain information on neighbourhood issues and facilitate public participation in the proposed project area as recommended by the National Environmental Act Cap.153, The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 1998 and The National Environment (Conduct and Certification of Environmental Practitioners) ,Regulations, 2003 and EIA Guidelines for Uganda. Professional expertise was used to arrive a't'mftigation measures to be undertaken during construction, operational and maintenance phases project. 1 'oltne Quality Assurance for the EIA study and report preparation was done as recommended by Good Practices for Environmental Impact Assessment of Development Projects (OECD, 1992). 1.5.9 Physical Environment Using a checklist from Guidelines of Environmental Impact Assessment for Uganda (NEMA, 1997) an inventory of the existing physical environment was analysed. This included but not limited to the following: - topography and landscape, soil, geology and geomorphology, hydrology and water resources, climate. Meteorological data like wind speed and direct, ambient temperatures and flooding potential activities that are likely to impact the project were got from meteorological stations in the project area or from the Department of Meteorologi<:;~l head quarters in Kampala. '', 1.5.10 Biological Environment Using a checklist from Guidelines of Environmental Impact Assessment for Uganda (NEMA, 1997) an inventory of the existing biological environment was analysed. This included but not limited to the following: - wildlife, vegetation, biodiversity, the integrity of surrounding ecosystems protected habitats. ·.;,; 1.5.11 Human Environment Using secondary data from the population censu ;~;~!dL'he UND~. human development report, 1 District Development Plans, background demographic ·information from the project areas was obtained and integrated into the EA report. Information included population, age structure, sex ratio, mortality, mobility, socio-economic issues and ethnic composition. 1.5.12 Identification of environmental impacts Identified impacts were analysed for their significance. The impact of project activities like excavation of poles, cutting of trees and construction of equipment storage area were reviewed. 1.5.13 Identification of mitigation measures and Impact Ranking Mitigation measures for each impact were identified, ranked ~n.,~ the best feasible alternative recommended. Mitigation measures were based on the expert analysis and experience, best practices and opinions of the stakeholders. lnitiallyithe no project option was done. This is usually when project activities have irreversible impacts on the environment. Identified impacts were analysed for their significance. They were ranked according to Rapid Impact · Assessment Matrix developed by Christopher M. R. Pastakia of VKI, Horsholm, Denmark (Pastakia, 2004). The Ranks range from of -5 to +5 (Table 1.1). Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader (,; ~- ,, Environmental Project Brief of the propqsed 33kv electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda Table 1.1/mpact Ranking according to the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix No. Impact Rank Rank. Description of the Rank 1 +5 Major positive A 'major change' will occur at a point when the condition extends to change/impact a regional/national boundary and is of major importance. Such a change would also be permanent, irreversible, though it could be non-cumulative. 2 +4 Significant The lower limits of 'significant change' can be taken as the point positive when a condition is outside local boundaries but is of major change/impact ' importance, yet is temporary, reversible and non-cumulative . 3 +3 Moderate . A cohdition of moderate change will lie between the limits of positive ' 'chang.e' .' and 'significant change'. change/impact 4 +2 Positive A condition of 'change' will occur up to a conditic;>n of local change/impact importance with significant magnitude, which is permanent, - irreversible and cumulative. 5 +1 Slightly A condition that is local in importance and a slight change from the positive status quo, yet is permanent, irreversible and cumulative, change/impact represents the upper limit of the 'slight change' condition. 6 0 No Cq~ditions that have neither importance nor magnitude will score a change/status zero, and can be banded together. Any condition in this band is quo either of no importance, or represents the status quo, or a no change situation. 7 -1 Slightly A condition that is local in importance, and a slight change from the negative;· status quo, yet is permanent, irreversible and cumulative, change/impact represents the upper limit of the 'slight change' condition. 8 -2 Negative A condition of 'change' will occur up to a condition of local change/impact importance with significant magnitude that is permanent, irreversible and cumulative. 9 -3 Moderate A condition of moderate change will lie between the limits of negative change' and 'significant change'. Change/impact 10 -4 Significant The lower l.imits of 'significant change' can be taken as the point negative )Nheil a .condition is outside local boundaries but is of major change/impact importance, yet is temporary, reversible and non-cumulative. 11 -5 Major negative A 'major change' will occur at a point when the condition extends to change/impact a regional/national boundary and is of major importance. Such a change would also be permanent, irreversible, though it could be non-cumulative. 6 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and"opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda 2 POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTIT~JIO~,J\~.FRAI\ItEWORK ' ,, J ~ ; ' f j This section presents an overview of the Uganda powef sector. The structure of the sector in respect of the policy, legislative and institutional framework. 2.1 Policy framework In 1997, the Government of Uganda formulated a comprehensive plan for transforming the Energy Sector into a financially viable industry. Since then there have been significant reforms in policy and legislative frameworks, which are briefly outlined below: The Energy Policy for Uganda, 2002 In 2002, the GoU developed a comprehensive policy on energy. The goal of the policy is to meet the energy needs of Uganda's population for social and economic deveibpment in an environmentally sustainable manner. "t Renewable Energy Policy for Uganda, 2007 The overall goal of the Renewable Energy Policy is to increase the use of modern renewable energy, so that its proportionate use increases from the current 3.8% to 61% of the total energy consumption by the year 2016. The National Environment Management Policy '(J•f :"''' ";. The National Environment Management Policy (NEMP) was adopted by Cabinet in 1994. Its overall goal is the promotion of sustainable economic and social development that enhances environmental quality without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The National Industrial Policy The National Industrial Policy that was developed in Feb. 2008 is a framework for Uganda's "transformation, competitiveness and prosperity." The economic transformation of Uganda critically depends on industrialization, the application of science and technology and innovation. National Water Policy The National Water Policy (NWP), adopted in 1999, provides the overall policy framework for the water sector. The National Water Policy promotes the principles of integrated water resources management as a means to ensuring sustainable management and utilization of Uganda's water resources. 7 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda Uganda Wildlife Policy, 1999 ; The policy aims to conserve in perpetuity the rich biological diversity and natural habitats of Uganda in a manner that accommodates the development needs of the nation and the well-being of its people and the global community. The Uganda Forestry Policy 2001 The main objective of thi,s policy ~~ t9 1 ¢sta,blish an integrated forestry sector that achieves sustainable increases in the.,economj~;,so~:tiaLallP·environmental benefits from forests and trees by the people of Uganda, especially the poor and vulnerable. The policy provides for the protection of the Permanent Forest Estate (PFE) under government trusteeship and the development and sustainable management of natural forests on private land. It also provides for a wide cross section of stakeholder participation in the management of the forests. The policy further enc9urages partnerships with the local forest communities to develop sustainable management of f,or~sts. This P!lttnership provides an opportunity for foreign companies to work with the local commu:nities tq,;.i~pl~tnent Clean Development Mechanism projects through reforestation and afforesta~i1!\).\ll• · 2.2 Legislative Framework This Section presents the J~gislation framework which includes acts, regulations, guidelines, requirements or procedures, issued by public authorities, related to the energy sector, water sector, application of agricultural chemicals and protection of the environment. This legal review covers The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and the national standard on Occupational Safety and Health US 534, 2006. The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995 The Constitution of the Republic of Ugfjnqa'is the main framework on which all legislation in Uganda is based on. The Constitutio~ provid~s for among other things matters pertaining to land Chapter 15, Article 237; the environment Chapter 15, Article 245, National Objective and Directive Principle of State Policy Chapter XII Protection of natural resources such as land, water, wetlands, oil minerals, fauna and flora; Chapter XXI Clean and Safe water and Chapter XXVII The Environment. Article 245 of The Constitution stipulates that it is the duty of each citizen individual or corporate to protect and preserve the envi~onment from abuse, pollution and degradation and also to provide measures intended to manage the enyi~Hnm.ent for development in a sustainable manner by promoting environmental awareness.;·; Furthermore, Article 39 states that, "Every Ugandan has a right to Clean and Healthy ebvironmeot." The Electricity Act, 1999 The Electricity Act, 1999 aims. a't bringing about an enabling environment for the transformation of the electricity sector. The main objective of the Act is to provide a framework for regulation of the generation, transmission, distribution, sale, export, import and distribution of electrical energy in Uganda. 8 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda Part VII, Article 63 of the Act stipulates that Government shall promote, support and provide rural electrification programmes. While Articles 64 and 65 require the Minister responsible for electricity, to prepare and implement a Rural Electrification Strategy and Rural Electrification Fund. This project operationalizes the Act by enabling gove'rnment .~;t;end eleJ:;tricity in remote rural districts ' . like Gulu, Pader, Kole and Oyam. t) , , The National Environmental Act CAP.153 This is the law making operational the Constitutional Article of everybody having a right to live in a clean and healthy environment (See Article 39 of the Constitution). This Act is currently the most significant law on the environment and the management of chemicals. It prohibits the discharge of hazardous substances into any part of the environment except with the guidelines of the National Environment Management Authority. Furthermore, it is the National Environment Act Cap.153 that requires planned projects listed in its third Schedule to be subjected to EIA and the on-going ones to be monitored and subjected to periodic Environmental Audits. This report is a fulfilment of the Environmental Act, where an environmental assessment is need for projects/activities that are not consistent with the environmental surroundings. ·· Workers' Compensation Act {2000) The Workers Compensation Act, 2000 provides for the provision of financial compensation for work related injury ,or illness. Section 28 of The Workers' Compensation Act (2000} states that, "Where a medical practitioner grants a certificate that a worker is suffering from a scheduled disease causing disablement or that the death of a workman was caused by any scheduled disease; and the disease was due to the nature of the worker's employment and . was coQtracted within the twenty-four months immediately previous t~ the date of such. disablerl'l~'ht or dedth, the worker or, if he or she is deceased, his or her dependants shall be entitled to 'Ctdlms and toreceive compensation under this Act as if such disablement or death had been caused by an accident arising out of and in the course of his or her employment." The act further stipulates, "If on the hearing of an application for compensation in terms of subsection {/) of this Section the court is satisfied on the evidence that the allegations in the certificate are correct, the workman or his dependants, as the case may be, shall be entitled to compensation under this Act as if the contracting of disease were pn)njury by accident arising out of and in the course of the workman's employment." The provision':.ofpersonal protective equipment (PPE) to employees minimizes accidents and injuries is emphasised. The Employment Act, 2006 The Employment Act 2006 is the governing legal statutory instrument for the recruitment, contracting, deployment, remuneration, management and compensation of workers. The Employment Act 2006 is based on the provisions of Article 40 of The Constitution of Uganda. The Act mandates Labour Officers to regularly inspect the working conditions of workers to ascertain that the rights of workers and basic provisions are provided and workers' welfare is attended to. The Act also provides for the freedom of association of workers permitting workers to join labour organizations. This provision is also supported by the Labour Unions Act 7, 2006, which provides elaborate guideline and regulation for member-ship. , \. !l! . 9 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ T~am Leader rJ'.i, Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda The Local Governments Act, 1997 i -·1L'1., The Act establishes a form of Government based on the District as the main unit of Administration. Section (34-45) of the Act ~ives legislative and planning powers to the Districts. Districts are also enjoined to plan for the conser~ation of the environment within their local areas and the District Environment Committees esta,blished under Section 15 of the National Environment Act Cap.153 are supposed to guide the District authorities in that regard. In this project the local authorities like Districts, Sub Counties and Local Councils LCI have been consulted and their views corporated. Land Act, 1998 Article 45 of The Land Act gi~es powif}9,t?e G!Jvernment or Local Government to hold in trust for the people and protect na,tural la~~s, · nversr, ground water, natural ponds, natural streams, wetlands, forest reserves, n~~ional parks and any other land reserved for ecological and touristic purposes for the common good of the citizens of Uganda. Article 74 stipulates, "Where it is necessary to execute public works on any land, an authorised undertaker shall enter into mutual agreement with occupier or owner of the land in accordance with this Act, and where no agreement is reached, the Minister may, compulsorily acquire land in accordance with section 43 of this Act!', ' 1 '•.. l ·l:,,l \l Article 43 referrers land acqUisition by Government to Article 26 and clause {2) of Article 237 of the Constitution. Article 26 of The Constitution states that, "(1) Every person has a right to own property either individually or in association with others (2) No person shall be compulsory deprived of property or any interest. ornright over property of any description except where the following conditions are satisfied. (a) Public use, in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public health (b) prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation. Clause 2 Article 237 of the Constitution is the same as Article 45 of the Land Act quoted above. Requires the developer of an energy project to enter into mutual agreement with the owner/occupier of any land required for project construction, and the payment of fair compensation to such owners/ occupier. Section 78 establishes principles for compensation. It is anticipated that in some cases limJted land uptake may occur along the entire route of the power line, although it is expected that power lines should be exclusively in the road reserve. This project will require compensating project affected persons (PAP) as per this Act and as recommended in the Resettlement Action Plan being implemented concurrently with this Project Brief. Land Acquisition Act, 1965 Provides for the expropriation of land l)eeqed for public purposes, but requires the payment of compensation for any dam~ge suffered due to such works. The Investment Code Cap.92 Section 19 thereof provides .that an Investment License may also contain an undertaking by the investor to take necessary steps to ensure that the operations of their business enterprise do not 10 Rural Electr'1flcation Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and,Qpeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda cause injury to the ecology or environment. The Code is enforced by the Uganda Investment Authority from which the investment licence was obtained.' J:~t;'. The Occupational Safety and Health Act No. 9, 2006'¥' • The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2006 consolidates, harmonizes and updates the law relating to occupational safety and health in Uganda. The Act repealed the Factories Act of 1964. Section 45-55 of the Act makes provisions for the health, safety, welfare and appropriate training of persons employed in work places. Management of workplaces ha~e to ensure safety and health of employees and equipment through provision of safety and health measures, appropriate machine guarding, personal protective equipments (PPE) like . rJ~pirator~> overalls and gloves. The Act emphasises work place managers to compel all wbrk~ri'tbt!~omply and use the PPE in order to fulfil the provisions of this Act. Section 46 of the Act requires that every factory be kept in a clean state, including floors, walls, workrooms and ceiling or top of rooms. Furthermore section 47 (2) states that a factory shall not, while work is carried out be so overcrowded so as to cause risk of injury. Section 47{4) provides for ventilation and circulation of fresh air in each workroom. The Control of Agricultural Chemicals Act No. 1, 2007 This Act is enacted to control and regulate the manufacture, sto~age, distribution and trade in, use, importation and exportation of agricultural chemical and other related matters. It requires competent packaging, labelling and advertisement of agricultural chemicals. , >·c~l.!.(~' This project relates to the Act in as far the chemical .treatment of wood electricity poles is concerned. Creosote and other wood treatm~nt.~,ct\etr)icals. are. hazardous chemicals that are suspect to cause cancer. Cancer causing risks are high at the wood treatment plants where these chemicals may escape leading to contamination of soil, ground and surface water. The Water Act Cap 152 This Act provides for and regulates supply of water to the public. It seeks to protect the water as a resource. Under Section 34, any person who pollutes, or s;:~,uses risk of pollution by any foul liquid, gas or other noxious matter to enter into a w~te,rw~~~~,Jj;l~ll be lla~le on conviction to a fine. The Act is enforced by a number of agencies in the Minist~y of Water and Environment. Uganda Wildlife Act, (Cap. 200) 2000 The Act seeks to promote the conservation of wildlife in Uganda so that the abundance and diversity of their species are maintained at optimum levels commensurate with other forms of land use, in order to support sustainable utilisation of wildlife for the benefit of the people of Uganda (section 2). The functions of the Uganda Wildlife Authority as stipulated in section 5 include the identification and recommendation of areas to be declared wildllfi='conservation areas and for the revocation of such declaration. A wildlife conservation area is defined under section 2 of the Act to include a wildlife reserve. Section 93(1) of the Act empowers the Minister by statutory instrument with the prior approval of Parliament, to amend any of the'schedules;:to the Game (Preservation and Control). ' 11 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda Section 15 of the Act clearly states that any developer desiring to undertake any project which may have a significant effect on any wildlife species or community shall undertake an environmental impact assessment in accordance with the National Environment Act. Sub-section 2 of the same section further provides that the Uganda .~ildlife Authority shall perform all the functions required of a lead agency for purposer; of envir~rfii.l:;ntal!:impact assessment under the National Environment Act and any regulations made thereuhder save· ih instances where the Authority is the developer. The purpose of these provisions is to ensure that the development envisaged is one that is in consonance with the main objectives of the Act to wit the conservation and sustainable utilisation of the biodiversity of Uganda. Fortunately, the project does not traverse any wildlife (Game) protected area. The National Forestry and Tree Planting ·Aclt,f8f2003 This Act provides for the coil'servation,·sustainable management and development of forests for the benefit of the people of U&arida; to provide for the declaration of forest reserves for purposes of protection and production of forests and forest produce; to provide for the sustainable use of forest resources and the enhancement of the productive capacity of forests; to provide for the promotion of tree planting; to consolidate the law relating to the forest sector and trade in forest produce; to establish a National Forestry Authority; to repeal the Forests Act, Cap. 147 and the Timber (Export) Act Cap. 151 and for related matters. 2.3 Regulations Environmental Regulations related to project '' •' . ~'"~., National Environment (Noise Standar,~s~C.:ontrol Regulations) 2003 The regulation provides standards for: • The maximum permissible noise levels to which a person may be exposed from a facility or activity; • Control of noise and for mitigating measures for the reduction of noise levels; and giving effect to the provisions of section,}~pf the National Environment Act, Cap.153. Section 7(1): No person shall emit or engage in any activity that emits or likely to emit noise above a maximum permissible levelspecified in regulation 5 of these Regulations, unless permitted to do so by these Regulations. Section 7 (2) Any person who emits or engages in any activity that emits or likely to emit noise above a maximum permissible level specified in this sub regulation (1) commits an offence. Section 8(1) - Duty to control noise. It shall be the duty of the owner or occupier of a facility or premise or machinery to use the best practicable means of ensuring that the emission of noise from those premises does not exceed the standards and limitations set in these regulations. Sub-section (3): A person o.r, occupier of a p,remise or facility or machinery or plant generating noise who fails to comply with this regulatiohca'rl1mits an offence. 12 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda ··?-: Under Sections 23 and 107 of the Environment Act these regulations are aimed at ensuring the maintenance of a healthy environment for all people in Uganda, the tranquillity of their surroundings and their psychological well-being by ... regulating noise levels. This is done through prescribing the maximum permissible noise levels frOtn a facility or activity to which a person may be exposed and the provision for control of noise and for mitigating measuresfor the reduction of noise. Under regulation 8, it is the duty of the owner of a facility or premises to use the best practicable means to ensure that the emission of noise from his/her premises does not exceed the permissible noise levels. The Table below outlines permissible levels of noise at a factory or workshop. ... Table 2.1: Maximum permissible noise levels from o factory/'t'orkshop* · . -' Column 1 Column 2 ·.column 3 85 8 hours 40 hours 88 4 hours 20 hours 91 2 hours 10 hours 94 1 hours 5 hours 97 30 minutes 2.5 hours 100 15 minutes 1.25 hours 103 7.5 minutes 37.5 minutes 106 3.75 minutes 18.75.mihutes 109 1.875 minutes 9.375'minutes • The National Environment (noise standards and control) Regulations, 2003. First Schedule, Part II. Construction equipment like motorised drills, concrete mixtures·'~rfd stone crushers make noise during operation. While construction activities likE!:I:W~stlhg stdne/rock for aggregates, excavation of murram and hammering make noise. The noise''levels should be within permissible limits as described by this Regulation and workers should have appropriate PPE. The National Environment (Standards for Discharge of Effluent into Water or on Land) Regulations, No. 5 of 1999 The standard for effluents or waste-water before they are discharged into water is prescribed in the schedule to these Regulations. Every industry'or•establiM'\'ment' shall install at its premises, anti- pollution equipment for the treatment of efflUent" or'chemical discharge emanating from the industry or establishment. Accidental spillage of transformer oil, used engine oil from construction equipment and lorries, creosote from the treated electrical poles and excreta from the construction labour force may end up on both land and water leading to contamination. National Environment (Waste Management) Regulations No. 52 of 1999 Th.e Regulations made in accordance with section 52 f the Natio"~al Environment Act CAP 153, are meant for management of waste that NEMA may consider necessary. These regulations provide for the management of waste. Regulation 4 describes the sorting and qisposal of domestic waste and . ,'.,~-:~h ··" provides that the generator of domestic waste may, -without. a ·'license issued under these regulations, dispose of non-hazardous waste in :~r\tJr~'nmerlt~lly sound manner in accordance afl with by-laws made by a competent local authority. '-· 13 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda Under Regulation 5(1), a person who owns or controls a facility or premises which generate waste shall minimize the waste generated by adopting the following cleaner production methods:- -Conserving raw materials a·nd energy; • , ;{J. ,\ . ·nti ,,_<; t_'1 ~ 1''!.} f\, ' ,., 't -Eliminating the use of toxidnaterials;t-' ' - Reducing toxic emissions an9 waste; - Monitoring the production cycle from beginning to end; -Identifying and eliminating potential negative impacts of the product - Enabling the recovery and reuse of the by-product where possible -Reclamation and recycling<. - Incorporating environment,al ~qncerns in the design and disposal of a product. It is anticipated a lot of solid waste will be generated at the construction phase of the project. Waste handling should be done as per these regulations. National Environment (Audit) Regulations No. 12 of 2006 The Audit Regulations operationalize Section 3 (3) c of the Environment Act in which it is a requirement for on going activities, whic~ .~re likely to have environmental impacts to be subjected ... , , .l.'v·,r to an environmental audit in accordarice, 'r, . · .:·. ~:·2:1. 'f';l: / ( with •. Section 22 of the Act. The regulation also operationalises the Environm,~ntal l!rlpact Ass~ssment Regulation, in which it is a requirement to follow up projects that carded out an EIA. with an Audit at least three years after the commencement of the project. The proposed project will therefore be subjected to environmental monitoring, reporting and periodic environmental auditing in compliance with sections 22 and 23 of the National Environment Act. The National Environment (Wetlands, River Banks and Lake Shores Management) Regulations, 2000 Under regulation 12, a develOper carrying out a project, which may have significant impact on a wetland, river bank or lake shore shall be required to apply for a permit from the Executive Director of NEMA. In this project a wetland permit will not be required because the electric wooden poles treated with creosote will be p'Cit in metallic drums dotted in the wetland, which will not impair the wetland ecosystem. The Water (Discharge) Resources Regulation No. 32 of 1998 These Regulations (section 4) prohibit regulate the discharge of effluent or wastewater on land or into the aquatic environment. Section 16 requires that in case there is an accidental discharge into a water body the person responsible should report the matter to the Director of Directorate of Water Resources Management Development {D\NRM) within 24 hours. It is anticipated that transformer oil, used engine oil and human excret~l rhay end in water bodies. The onus is on the developer, the contractor and later the system operator to make sure this does not happen. Otherwise, any 14 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader f(, Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda defaulter should be penalised according to section 40 and 104 of the Water Act. Section 40 of the Water Act states that any body who meets an offence is liable ,40 a term of imprisonment of not more than five years or a fine of not more than six million shillings. The Electricity (Primary Grid Code) Regulation 2003 , , ~A_ , ;~,/- ·.· ·• Section 1 and 2 of The Code contains rules. ah9 prdc;edunes dor the efficient management (generation, transmission and distribution) of the electric supply industry in Uganda, taking into account a wide range of operational conditions that are likely to be encountered under normal and exceptional circumstances. REA as the Developer will ensure it will adhere to installation of the electricity line as per section 2.5 Uganda Standards and Codes of Practice of the regulation. The system operator to whom REA will hand over the line should also operate the eleotricity line. based on this section in order to meet both national and international standards. ''. ·.:;., :w' The Electricity {Tariff Code) Regulations, 2003 The major goal of the code is to fairly regulate electricity tariffs in Uganda. Section 4, strives to protect all stakeholders i.e. consumers, generators, transmitters and distributors of electricity. It lays the principles of cost fairness in the sector. Section 6 requires the licensee to justifying any costs or investments included in the formulation of tariffs is reasonable in the circumstances. ERA may challenge sutth costs or investments and where necessary reject them if the Authority considers them to be unreasonable or imprudent. ERA should make sure that the cost of investment of this electricity is realistic so as to keep the tariffs within the payment reach of consumers. ''l~ (;· ' 2.4 Occupational Safety and Health Standard tis 534:2008 The Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems US 534:2008 is a national standard set by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. The objective of the standard is to promote the safety, health and welfare of people engaged in work or employment. As a secondary effect, it protects also co-workers, family members, employers, customers, suppliers, nearby communities and other members of the public who are impacted by the:iworkplace environ~ment. The standard sets out the policy, legal and the implementation framework' of how a'h organization may establish, implement and maintain the standard. ·· 2.5 The World Bank Safe Guard Policies This Project triggers three important World Bank safeguard policies i.e. (i) Environmental Assessment OP/BP 4. 01 (ii) Natural Habitats OP/BP 4.04 and (iii) Involuntary Resettlement OP/BP 4.12. These are briefly discussed below. A comprehensive review can also be obtained from Environmental and Social Management Framework (REA, 2006). Environmental Assessment OP/BP 4.01 This Project will impact the environment. However the Environ:m.~ntal and Social Management Framework, A Field Manual (REA, 2006) gives the prqcedures ofhow to make check lists of impacts, 15 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda their sources, screening and forecasting the main potential impacts. The Project will be constructed along an already built up environment i.e. along the road reserves. This is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts and .is ranked as Category B according of OP/BP 4.01. In comparison with GoU Laws,tO ~k'S f.-1oR GAZETTED "" Figure 4.1: Map of Project area 32 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda Plate 4.5 Opeta Health Centre II, Kole District 33 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda 4.4.1 Design Stage This involved the survey, in detail, of the proposed power line so as to establish the centre line. Subsequently, a 10m corridor was cleared, ~with the centre line as guide, for the entire route. The clearance included cutting 9own tree~ ar11 trimming all vegetation inside the corridor. In addition, 1 all trees in the falling distance ' ' •: .of thet,onridor .... )" ·'.j '}· I (\<~ w.ere cut down or trimmed accordingly. Pole location ·' '" ' ·., ' was done and the appropri?t~ line drawings propuced. 4.4.2 Construction Stage The construction shall be carried out by one main contractor and where necessary assisted by subcontractors. The human resource shall be of 20 skilled personnel. The main contractor shall arrange for equipment storage area or hired, preferably on the project areas, where materials will be stored and for coordination ofthe proje~t,activities. No workers' camps shall be established since all the work force is expected to residejitil~rr'&tt accommodation. 4.4.3 Pole hole digging The pole holes shall be dug, mostly manually except in rocky areas where a pneumatic hammer may have to be used, to a depth 1.5-2.0 m. In waterlogged areas or at river crossings, a bucket excavator may have to be employed. Soils are sandy lose therefore extract refill and compacting is required. 4.4.4 Pole framing, erection and installation of stay lines The poles will be drilled and dressed with the appropriate hardware. The poles shall be erected manually. They shall be plumbed with the aid of ropes. The steel wire stays shall be fixed at appropriate angles, T-offs and terminal structures shall be anchored by stay blocks. All conductor configurations shall be installed eit~er 1vliith ,line post insulators or suspension insulators. The distribution system shall be ·33kV, 3'ipn'ase ·4-wire. The single-phase distribution system shall be single wire earth return (SWER) desi'gn and corlstruction where single phase tapping shall be done off the main line. The poles shall be made from treated eucalyptus wood and will be of height35 feet for the tangent structures standing with 30 feet (9m) above ground, spaced 100-120m apart on the line segments where "Rabbit" conductors are used or 100-105m apart where "Dog" conductors are used. Poles of 40 feet (12m) shall be used where slight an.gles are required while those of 45 feet (14m) shall be used at vertical corners. The 30::: feet (9~) poles shall be used for all secondary lift poles. The 8-feet (2.4m) galvanized cross-arms with cross-arm braces and polymer pin-type insulators shall be employed on tangent structures. 4.4.5 Conductor 2 Most of the lines shall be built with 100 mm ACCR ("Dog") type conductors whose rated current is 2 300 Amps. The smaller lines and minor taps shall be built· with 50 mm ACCR ("Rabbit") type conductors whose rated capacity is 200 amps. Conventional means shall be used for stringing and the wires will afterwards be tensioned on the guyed structures while using pull lifts. 4.4.6 Transformers The transformers shall be fitted with gas detectors, oil temperature, winding temperature, pressure release and oil level relay devices as Well: as' current differential protection and restricted earth fault on at least two windings, where applicable, as rhain protection measure. In order to provide backup 34 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader ,<: Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda protection, all transformers shall be fitted with non-directional over-current protection and restricted earth faults on all windings. The Transformers to be used shall have no PCBs or POPs materials and shall be environmentally acceptable. REA will procure transformers filled to the required level with new, unused, clean, standard mineral oil in compliC]nce with IEC 296 and free from all traces of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) compouudJ·: B~~,,will pr,oc;:ure and ensures delivery and use of 33Kv Transformers using the following specification~: "The transformers procured shall conform to latest edition of appropriate EC specifications and/or other recognized International Standards in particular: IEC 60060, IEC60071, IEC60076, IEC, IEC 60137, IEC 60156, IEC 60126, IEC60354, IEC 60529, IEC60551, IEC60606, IEC60616, IEC60722, IEC60733, B.S. 148 and BS5493. The specifications cover oil immersed, naturally air cooled (type ONAN), outdoor type, three phase, 50Hz, 33/0.433 KV step down distribution transformers of all capacities". 4.4.7 Line hardware '1; • ~~-: ,(' i ~ Using REA specifications, the framing of the structures and obtainiQg the actual hardware (bolts, insulators, etc) shall be carried ou't. It is noted that the specifications were chosen as the most economical and appropriate to rural electrical systems. We are borrowing a leaf from their use elsewhere like the United States where they have been in use for over 65 years with remarkable durability and safety. 4.4.8 Services Drops The residential service drops shall average 15-20m in length bu;t with a maximum length of 40m. 2 The cable size shall be 16 mm , copper duplex (#6 AWG). All energy (kWh) meters will be socket based type so as to prevent meter tampering. For the larger, industrial consumers the service drops 2 shall be of size 25 or 50 mm and made of covered multiplex type .c.Qnductors. ;'~;~?f~l~ \.; :};; ;1 4.4.9 Metering points sectionalising equipm'eilt The cost of each primary metering point shall include; the primary meter with associated CTs and PTs, zigzag configured grounding bank with primary fuses, a voltage regulator and a solid state re- closure. The re-closure shall have a microprocessor-based control system so as to operate at any fault within its zone of responsibility. Maintenance of the re-closure shall be minimized because of the solid state design. The line shall be sectionalised so that minimalistic scheme, which will be a economical to build and operate, will cause adequate le.yel of servfce when needed. It has been recommended to install the re-closures at the m.~ter,ing.p9ints and fu.ses for T-offs of the main line as well as transformer installations. Air Break Switc~es shall be inst~lled at various strategic points so as to facilitate sectionalizing. 4.4.10 Post Construction Clean up All the excess and waste material shall be removed from the Right of the Way (RoW) and properly disposed of at designated areas. All the equipment storage area/s shall be properly cleaned up and the leftovers removed. 4.4.11 Operation and Maintenance The 33kV line shall be fully automated. This means that the syste~ shall be equipped with several automatic devices like re-closures which will de-energize t'he fault'{')5arts of the line e.g. during rain storms, tree branches falling on the line, a collaps't.~d:' pcSie and others. The auto re-closures will therefore ensure reduced damage to the line and increased protection to humans. The transformers 35 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagif Team Leader . '[ '~ .\ ' Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda shall be equipped with surge arrestors and fuse isolators, which will protect them from voltage surges which are likely during lightning and/or system switching. There will routine maintenance of the line every year or whenever deemed necessary by the system operator. The activities shall include, but not limited to, line clearance along RoW, repair of damaged structures, conductors, and cracked or broken insulators. In addition, there will be selected tree trimming and bush clearance as may be observed necessary. A 1-metr€! radius weeding shall be done around each pole as protection against bush fires. There will pe emergency maintenance prompted by technical breakdowns due to faults or after wind or lightning storms. The poles, conductor and insulators will be inspected and those found damaged shall be repaired/replaced. 4.4.12 Human Resources In as far and in as much activity as possible, human resource shall be sourced from the local communities with the help of those in locaj,authority. For example, digging holes and the stringing process, the local people shouJd be given:the''rirst priority. ·.·.·36 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel VIvian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda ,· ~-~· hp;t '' 5 PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND DISCLOSURE (_ ~· . (\ The World Bank and NEMA regulations such as OP/BP:4.01 on environmental assessment, The National Environmental Act, CAP 153, the EIA Regulatio~~"I998, Nati.6nal Environment (Certification and Professional Conduct of Environmental Practitio~e~s) ~egulations (2003) and Guidelines for EIA in Uganda ; require that individuals, groups and entities with a stake in any proposed project should be not only informed about the project but also consulted for their views about the likely impacts and any other concerns about the proposed project. In conformance with the above requirements, the Key Stakeholders in the proposed project were identified and involved in the EIA process. Both primary and secondary stakeholders were consulted. A field trip was made to the project areas from the 29th 'of January to 61h February. The local communities, local authorities and technocrats from the Districts of Gulu, Pader, Oyam and Kole were all consulted. The consultations were conducted wi~hin the qualitative approach framework which gave the EIA team the necessary flexibility to gain deep insights in to the views of the various stakeholders. The main methods that were,emiployed to collect data were key informant interviews, community meetings and Focus GroG~rl'Drscussio~s '(FGDs). The details of the field findings are provided in this Chapter and Plate 5.1 to Plate 5.6. 5.1 Local Communities • The EIA team identified the affected villages from the map and drew a detailed program indicating the specific dates when each of them would be·visited. This program was shared with the L.C.III Chairpersons, L.C.1 Chairpersor,ts oj the respective villages and Sub County ~ • ,. ., A . :- .- •• , \ . ., Chiefs in some instances, in advance. These initi(!l~isits 7: and. interactions I :· L'l- K"o~~,, with the authorities at local level enabled the EIA team to build rapport with the.se entities, win their trust and engage them to mobilise the community members for meetings or FGDs on the programmed days. The purpose of the consultations and awareness activities at community level was to stimulate participatory information gathering and sharing to help avoid potential conflicts as well as raise awareness. The main purpose of the FGDs and community meetings that were held with the communities along the proposed power route was to enhance their participation in the EIA process and to ensure that locality specific issues were identified, and where possible addressed or mitigated. The consultation process focused on '"·;,.' r providing information about the proposed project in· a manner that would ease its comprehension by the potential beneficiaries and affected communities. During the consultation process, the EIA team always sought comment~ l \.I, on key issues and concerns, ! .. attempted to source accurate information, id~Qtifi~d th£; potential impacts of the proposed ·•··· ·.~ '·• ... '.: project and availed the affected commu~iti~s. 1a,mple oppor~unity to identify alternatives or raise objections, where applicable. The following FGDs and community meetings were held throughout the process. Two Focus Group Discussions were held with the residents of 37 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda Ariaga-laliya and Apuukipoko yillages in Gulu District within the Trading Centres of the 2 Villages on 31 tJanuary 2012. ~INO:~ther FGDs were held, one with the L.C.1 Chairpersons of 5 Villages situated along. .t " . the po¥'f,er;rou.te...in . \ ~ l. . f Paicho Sub County and Opinion leaders including ... 5 the Parish Priest of.Ajanyi on ,1 tFebruary 2012. Another FGD was conducted with residents from lcemeTrading Centre in Oyam District, at the Sub County headquarters on 2ndFebruary 2012. • A total of 8 meetings were held with community members in the various districts. Some of the meetings were held at the Sub County headquarters, whilst others were held at venues within the respective Trading Centres. • In Palaro and Patiko, meetings with residents and opinion leaders within the two Trading Centres, were held at the ~.y~ 3¢~,ynty headquarters and the Trading Centre Market, respectively, on 31 5tJanuary 2012.' . : '•.•;,,·:· j • Another meeting was held w1th members of the Village Health Teams of Bungatira Sub County, on 31st January 2012. This meeting was held at the Sub County headquarters. • On the 1st of February 2012, a meeting was held with selected residents of Awach Trading Centre in the presence of the Parish Chief of Acwa at the Sub County headquarters. On the same day a FGD was held with the L.C Ill Chairpersons of Atanga, Angagure, Laguti and Acholibur Sub Counties in Pader District. The FGD was held at a venue located in Acholibur Trading Centre. • Another meeting was held with opinion leaders from various locations in Otwal Sub County, including Acokara, on 2nd February at the Sub County headquarters, and others with the residents of Aleka and Abok Trading Centres, on the same day. • On the 3rd of February a communit-y meeting was held with a group of residents, councillors and a few technocrats from Ab6ke' Sub County. The meeting was held at the Sub County headquarters Plates '5.1 to 5;6 depict the proceedings of these FGDS and community meetings. Detailed recordings of these proceedings are attached to Appendix D. \-•, 38 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda 39 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagif Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda 5.2 Local Government Several key informant interviews were held with both technocrats and political leaders at the District and Sub County levels. Key Informant interviews were held with: • The Consultants had in-depth interviews with the District Natural Resources Officer and District Community Development Officer of Gulu and the District Environment Officer of Pader on 1st February 2012; • the District Environment Officer and District Forest Officer of Oyam on 2nd February, 2012 • and the District Environment Officer of Kole who also serves as the fisheries officer on 3rd February, 2012. • In-depth interviews were also ,held with the LC Ill Chair Persons of Bungatira, Patiko, Palaro and Paicho Sub Counties in Gulu District on 31st January 2012; • and Aleka and Otwal Sub Counties in Oyam District on 2nd February 2012; • A FGD was held with the L.C.III Chairpersons of Atanga, Angagure, Laguti and Acholibur Sub Counties in Pader on 1st February, 2012. The proceedings of these in-depth interviews and focus group discussions are in Appendix D. 40 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader r .· ';'(I Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gufu .-Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda 5.3 Key Issues arising from the Consultation Process: There is a relatively moderate awareness level about the project among higher level politicians and technocrats at district level. Through the stakeholder consultation nieetings, the local communities ,,, ·~ " ' '· got to know about the proposed project and sho~_eq:~.pverwhe·lming support for it. However, the local communities still need in depth sensitizatioh a~out the use of electricity, especially on safety issues during the operation phase. ·. Much as all the politicians at the various levels in the local council were noted to be enthusiastic about the project, several key informants cited the lower level structures such as the L.C.III and L.C.l Chairpersons as the more reliable entities. According to one key informant, 'L.C.V councillors I!Jav:notbe the 'hest to deal with. I have had an '·' .•.. ' ' ij,< •. experience with them. They like politicising everything; and sabotaging each other. The L.C.III Chairpersons are more reliable. They are positive minded and therefore the best to deal with.' Winning the support and cooperation of all the lower local government authorities is as thus critical to the successful completion of the project. All the teams working on the project have to build enough rapport with L.C.III Chairpersons, Sub County Chiefs and L.C.l Chairpersons within the project area for the smooth flow of the work. Local opinion leaders and district staff of Pader and Gulu District~;noted that the land issue in Acholi Sub region is generally sensitive. People are largely suspicious of any government project, as they perceive them as possible ploys to grab their land. According to one key informant, 'The only probll'!m ~ith thes'~u people is that they are still traumatised especially about the issue of land. They~~f~-tvery sus.pidous.' The experience of the EIA team during the assessment process also attests to the suspicious attitudes of the communities in Acholi Sub region. In one case the EIA team was confronted by angry residents who demanded an explanation to what they conceived as illegal movements through their land, when the latter observed the team transecting the area to clarify the starting point of the line. Nevertheless, not much suspicion was reported/ observed in Kole and Oyam Districts. One community member in Oyam district indic~ted tha~ the people of Lango are more development oriented than primitive. He exp'l~ined. ;- thai::they '(" db . hot ·'\ cling on to tradition at the 1·t~ expense of development. ·· · All the stakeholders throughout the project area similarly emphasised the need to build extensive rapport with the local people before implementing any activity. Several Key informants also considered it necessary for the survey and RAP teams to notify both the local leaders and the entire community about their impending movements. The recommended medium of communication in all the 4 districts is the radio. 41 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda ~ I -~ ·, : ~·- '~·i\ '! One key informant noted, ;~e,ople h~,r~'1!i$(e.h to,~he radio a lot. Even those who don't own radios always get information. from othe'r's~· Radio's .are always used to disseminate information of environmental concern, and are effective.' These strategies are considered key to the. aversion of the scepticism about government projects that afflicts some of the communities in the project area. It emerged that majority of the local residents along the proposed power route lack sufficient information about the road reserve pqlicy ~b1 Q,Its implementation. Many of the questions that were raised during either meetings1 FGDsi·tdf~tcgd around the r~ad reserve and the implications of its br abuse. Transects through the project area indicated that a considerable number of them may be affected by the road reserve policy. Transects through the project area indicated that people have constructed houses and planted crops and trees within the road reserve in especially the trading centres. Not many easily identiffable graves were observed within the road reserve. It is imperative that the communities are continuously sensitised about the road reserve policy and its implications throughout the project activities. This will enhance the successful accomplishment of the project activities. The communities in the area do not clearly understand the difference between UMEME and REA and the mandate of each of them. As thus those who espoused negative views about the efficiency and effectiveness of UMEME embraced the project idea with similar attitudes because they confused REA with UMEME; In addit,~pil~,,J~f7r~ctions with the comm.unity me~bers revealed that many of them lacked aware'1;1e,ss ab6J!t the process of power extension to thetr houses, payment and management of powe'r bills and usage of electdcity, including its hazards. One of the adverse impacts that stood out in all the 4 districts was the fear of electrocution due to lack of awareness about the usage of electricity. A few complaints about the lack of compensation for assets lost during a preceding project only emerged in Oyam District. The concern was that the Kamudini line had been kicked off without the compensation of the affected individuals, This has left them in a state of uncertainty. One of the key .. ;.t·· '.fi1tM-'~ informants implored that the compe:hsatlon process should be prioritised ahead of the implementation process. Trees with spiritual and cultural significance were only noted in Acholi and specifically Pader District. In Lango, and Kole District in particular, the Acting District Environment Officer identified a number of tree species with specific socio-economic use to the population. These include palm trees, temarindas, Albizia coriaria, itoba, (the last one is a local name). The trees are used for fruits, flavouring food, fire wood, fences, among other things and should therefore be preserved as much as possible. Similar concerns were raised by all DEOs in the four districts. They noted that trees are hardly replanted after the owners are compensated with money. So the clearance of trees is likely to compound the deforestation problem which is practically endemic in the areas. The issue of the multiple tenure system~, also e(Tierged as critical. There were fears that titles would be demanded for proof of iand own~~s~ip'; yet the predominant tenure system is customary. The. involvement of the respecti\te LC.I Chairperso'hs during the compilation of the RAP will help in identifying the land owners whose property may be affected by the project. In general, the population of the 4 districts anticipate several direct and spill off benefits from the power project. The project is perceived as an opportunity for the targeted communities to reap 42 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief ofthe proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda benefits such as employment arising from the growth of indust~'ies and business opportunities of small, medium and large scale; security, easy access to photocopying and computer services; and boosted operation of the existing health centres and schools, among others. No resistance to the erection of poles was observed or detected from anyof the. affected 'communities throughout the 4 • • .~.--<.;.,\. ::..~·- _R -.~ dtstrtcts. ~"'~~ ·1 . ,t ;·,. ' ~·, However, several considerable impacts were also envisaged. These include, interalia, the loss of vegetation, crops and trees during the clearance of the route; land uptake; electrocution of children and adults; the influx of new people who may increase the spread of STis in the area; power blackouts due to load shedding and the failure to access the national grid due to prohibitive costs and impoverishment due to lack of compensation for lost assets. '•' i. '· .. The proposed mitigation measures include; th'e prompt ~-r)(j approp'riate compensation of affected persons; sensitisation of the local communities abou't, electricity usage with emphasis on how to prevent its hazards; implementation of strategies to instil a spirit of ownership amongst the targeted communities to prevent cases of vandalism; compensation of trees in form of both money and seedlings for planting and the involvement of local leaders and technocrats in the process to avert suspicion of the communities compensation of the affected individuals on the basis of realistic rates; provision of a considerate grace period to households that will be required to relocate, among others. From the consultations and in-depth interviews it became clear tt:rat: - 1. Given that the project activities, to some extent relate to the issue of land (road reserve) that is critical to the livelihoods and survival of\he comrr,unities in the 4 districts whose economies thrive on agriculture; an epitq[ne l~vel oft~ansparency about all the project steps and stages is imperative. For insta't1t:e, ·an effective awareness creation exercise needs to be initiated to inform all stakeholders about the project and its implementation arrangements along the road reserves and avert suspicions of possible land grabbing. The use of all possible media, especially radio and mouth, to disseminate information is important. It is equally important that the local political and opinion leaders are involved in the various stages of the project so that the confidence of the communities in the nobility of the project activities can be inspired. The security organs especially the police in the area should also be informeq ~~- The lack of power supply has been tl;le,'llimiting factor in the industrial development of the area. With the availability of electricity this will unlock the industrial potential of the sub region. The most beneficiary will be the agro-processing industry like grain milling, cotton ginning, rice de-husking I hulling, milk cooling plants and abattoirs. This may reduce rural-urban immigration. 6.2.6 Improvement of education Education in the area has lagged behind partly because of lack of electricity. There are however number of technical schools in the area. In most of these institutions, sciences and other practical subjects like physics, biology, chemistry, electrical engineering and carpentry are taught by theory. Furthermore, the reading time for pupils and students alike is done only during the day. At night candles and paraffin lanterns are used. Because of low illumination this affects their eyesight and the inhalation of paraffin fumes affects.their health. With the supply of electricity this will be an issue of the past. 46 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in G~lu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda 6.2. 7 Improvement of telecommunication Telecommunication in the area is poor and not reliable. The few mobile telecommunication masts in the area use diesel powered generators. With electricity in the area more masts may be built. This will increase teledensity. Local people will be able to access the internet and related computer services. The digital divide will be reduced, en~bli'ng the ,p~ople to enter the information age with its associated globalisation consequences. 6.2.8 Improvement in security Electricity will be used for lighting streets and homes. This will help improve security. Electric fencing will reduce burglary and petit theft. 6.2.9 Improvement of the standard of living Electricity will improve the standard of living of the communities. The first impact will be lighting. 't.-~t' This will increase aesthetic value of the area at night. The use of household appliances like TV, radios, computers and electric ironing will increase. Refrigeration will be possible. Video and disco halls will increase hence raising the profile of the tourism, leisure and hospitality industry. 6.2.10 Improvement of banking services Banking services continue to elude the area because banking facilities require electricity. With the demise of the co-operative movement in Uganda, the only semblance of financial services in the rural 9rea is "money I gift circles" and microfinance. The tragedy with these financial facilities is that the interest rates are very high (up to 36% per annum). With improved power supply, large banks are expected to open branches in the areas and bring their services closer to the people. Electronic mohey trimsfu'r will be-possible. 6.2.11 Reduce deforestation The major source of energy in the area is fuel wood, which accounts for 98% of the energy consumption. This has increased deforestation and accelerated climate change. It is anticipated electricity will give a better source of clean and renewabl~ energy. This will reduce pressure on forests and trees. 6.2.12 Decrease global warming Deforestation and the use of fossil fuels increase global warming. Electricity will reduce deforestation and the use of petroleum powered equipment. This will in turn reduce greenhouse gasses emissions that cause the greenhouse effect that lead to gloqal'warming, resulting in climate change. 6.2.13 Provision of pumped water supply The introduction of electricity will enable water pumping stations and/or treatment works to be constructed in the area. This will reduce waterborne disease like cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid and dysentery. Wet industries like abattoirs and tanneries can be built in the area with reliable water supply. 47 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 3:3kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda 6.3 Likely Negative Project Impacts Negative impacts have been identified and ranked using Pastakia (2004) Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (see Section1.5.13) and are listed in Table 6.2. Table 6.2: Negative impact ranking \;!-.! No. Impact Rank 1 Hydrology and Water Quality. !f!i:'i'i! I ~l Slight negative change/impact 2 Geology and soils -1 Slight negative change/impact 3 Noise and vibrations -1 Slight negative change/impact 4 Increase in suspended particulate matter (dust) -1 Slight negative change/impact 5 Habitat destruction -1 Slight negative change/impact 6 Fire outbreaks -1 Slight negative change/impact 7 Generation of construction solid waste -1 Slight negative change/impact 8 Occupational health and safety ' ''; -1 Slight negative change/impact 9 Visual impacts and landscape ·'{ .,,, ·,;;' -!Slight negative change/impact t::·, :·· 10 Impact on flora -1 Slight negative change/impact ; " 11 Impacts on fauna -1 Slight negative change/impact 12 Electrocution and electric shocks -4 Significant negative change or impact 13 Electromagnetic fields ..,,, -1 Slight negative change/impact 14 Influx of skill and unskilled labour in the project area -1 Slight negative change/impact 15 HIV/AIDS -2 Negative change/impact 16 Impact on cultural sites -1 Slight negative change/impact 17 Impacts on Crop Production -2 negative change/impact 18 Land uptake -1 Slight negative change/impact 19 Impacts on Residential Areas -1 Slight negative change/impact .\ 6.4 Details of the negative impacts·: 6.4.1 Hydrology and Water Quality Water runoff will be minimal since there will only be minimal excavation and dumping of excess material. The line will cross two major wetlands. It is anticipated excavation of pits in these wetlands especially during wet conditions will not impact water quality, altering stream flow and increase soil compaction. However, the poles are treated with creosote, which may be hazardous. ' .: ·;·S, . '{frl':'.· The holes of wooden pole~:sWill occupV a small area. The excavations will mainly be done manually including erection of poles. There will be generally limited compaction of the roads as a result of construction activities. Furthermore the line will be accessed from existing roads, which are maintained by the districts. Mitigation: The impacts can be minimized by careful selection of the line routing to avoid introducing new access roads in the virgin areas. No loose soils from excavations or imported fill should be left at the sites. Furthermore, since most wetlands are seasonal, the timing of the construction activities should be in dry season to minimize soil compaction and alteration to the drainage and water quality. Large spans of poles/or towers should be used to reduce disturbance to the swamps I wetlands areas, by using the H and/or M member structures. Creosote will be less hazardous in wetlands because the p61es ~ill be put in metallic drums and backfilled with murram. ·.~ ' i .\' "\ . '? j<· 48 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagif Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda Open defecation by construction workers should be prohibited as a policy. Human excreta should be disposed in toilets or dug up pit latrines. It is anticipated the impact on hydrology and water quality will be a slightly significant -1 and will be localised only where electricity poles will be placed. 6.4.2 Geology and soils No impact will be encountered from slope stability problems since the terrain is level to slightly undulating. Poor drainage and clay and peaty soils in swafTipS may pose a problem. The sandy soils are susceptible to soil disturbance and not suitable as backfill materials .. Soil compaction reduces the water-holding capacity of the soil and may result!imir-~c'r:eased run-off. However, the pits dug will cover a small and insignificant area to warrant any d5nsiderable impact on geology and soils in any given area. Wetland soils consist of primarily organic matter (decomposed organic matter). These soils are formed very slowly and if disturbed by digging, filling and compaction they do not readily recover and are not easily repaired. Using fill material on access roads especially in undisturbed wetland areas can cause soil compaction and decreased hydrological functioning of the wetland. Considering that the area to be affected is limited, the impacts on geology and soils be will be slightly negatively significant -1 and will be localised only where electricity poles will be placed. Mitigation: Soil conditions at each location should be assessed during excavations. Timing of the construction during dry season will minimize disturbance to sensitive soils and problems in flood prone areas. Locating new access roads in wetlands should not arise since the poles will be located in the road reserve, very close to the edge of the existing road network. 6.4.3 Noise and vibrations During the construction phase, activities like excavations, blasti'rlg, movement of vehicles and the operation of heavy machinery may impact on construction workers or people living near the construction sites or workshops. However, these nuisances will be short-term effects restricted to daytime. This impact is ranked as -1 negative change/impadY 1it' is localised to construction equipment and vehicles and only affects people neM'b1y~L ;r,\ ·c'i: · Mitigation: Most of the construction activities will be carried out by manual labour. There will be one or two vehicles delivering labour and materials to the sites. Furthermore, the existing roads, which already have traffic, will be used during construction. The Contractor should follow the noise regulations and should provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to personnel. All motorised equipment and vehicles should have silencers . .i . I . ·.r : ,.·.('.·,. 6.4.4 Increase in suspended particulate lllatt~((d,tist) ji.;V t'•. I ·• Site clearance, road construction and movement of he'avy machinery and equipment to the site may generate dust within the environment arising out of the vehicular activities. Poor air quality may result from the mostly diesel powered machinery like compactors. These activities will be continuous throughout the construction phase. Some air impurities may also result from cement depending on the nature of materials the Contractor intend to use but this is expected to be localised with -1 negative impact affecting mainly construction workers and people nearby. 4.9 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader J ~. • Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electriCity, r\iJwer line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda 1.. /·r 1.·:,· :., '•. '. ·:. .•. : ' .•~' . : ·;i,. .. \ ~;· ' Mitigation: Motorised equipment and vehicles should be regularly serviced and fitted with filters. Construction sites that are likely to generate dust should be sprinkled with water. Construction workers should wear masks to prevent dust entering their respiratory tract. 6.4.5 Habitat destruction The construction of access roC!dS to deliv~rJ;>ole.s, construction materials and the labour force to the construction sites may destrm{ pa~ts ~Jt\le natural environment. Extraction of sand, murram, lime, stone aggregates and ma\erfl'IIS for 111aking cement like gypsum and limestone may destroy the environment. It is anticipated that habitat destruction will be localised and its impact is ranked -1 slightly negative. However, the summation of destruction done at the construction of each pole long the entire route of the line maY1.big enough to cause worry. Mitigation: Landscaping is required at areas affected. Restoration is recommended at quarries where murram, sand, stone aggregates, limestone and other construction materials will be excavated. Restoration should be the responsibility of the contractor, suppliers and manufacturers of construction materials. 6.4.6 Fire outbreaks There is a possibility of wil~ fire outbr~?;ks,'cay?ed by dry vegetable matter (leaves) resulting from vegetation clearance. Fires might also:rlcci.tr at ~he contractor equipment storage areas. This impact is -1 slightly negative and is localised·. At the hoGsehold level, fire might be caused by short circuits, poor wiring, faulty electrical appliances or the illegal connection of electricity. This is taken as -1 slightly negative impact. During construction and operation, bush fires are a common phenomenon by the local people especially during the dry season when fire is used for clearing land, in preparation for cultivation. Mitigation: Maximum care should be taken not to start fires by bringing in lighters and other sources of fire to areas with dry vegetation matter, which may result from site clearance. In case of fire, the Contractor should'rmobilise .staff and local community to quickly put out the fire. The Contractor should have fire detection and suppression policy, procedures and equipment. The Contractor should be insured against fire. At the household level professional design and implementation of electricity supply installation schemes coupled with implementation of a public sensitisation campaign will greatly reduce incidence of fire outbreaks. Furthermore, REA, the Contractor and the Operator in close collaboration with the respective District Local Authorities are highly advised to undertake community sensitization against bush burning. This should avert burning of poles and associated project equipment. 6.4. 7 Generation of construction solid waste Junk from scrap metal, plastics, PVC cords, vehicle batteries, polythene papers etc., will be generated from construction activity. Spch waste has potential to pose environmental challenges unless appropriately disposed of. This Is taken as -1 slightly negative impact. Mitigation: All storage and construction sites should be kept clean, neat and tidy at all times. No burying or dumping of any waste materials, metallic waste, litter or refuse may be permitted. The Contractor shall implement measures to minimise waste and develop a waste management plan. The Contractor shall practice sorting of waste and decommission/clean up the equipment storage area at the closure of the project activities ... so Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line·in Gllh.J '-P.tti'qiibur and Opefa- Acokara in Northern Uganda ,, t 6.4.8 Occupational health and safety Construction, testing, commissioning and maintenance of electric power lines exposes workers to multiple occupational hazards such as injury or loss of life from accidental falling, motor accidents, electrocution, attack by wildlife (reptiles, bees etc.) which are costly to both affected families in terms of loss of income through loss of productive labour and increased dependency. This is taken as -1 slightly negative impact. Mitigation: Both the Contractor and the Concessionaire who will manage the line need to have a Safety, Health and Environmental Management Policy, that is backed up by clear objectives, targets, activities, procedures and work instructions. These should be pr~ferably based on ISO 14001, Environmental Management System. as recommend.E!d • ·, r .by the lnter.national Standards Organization, .. ., Geneva. All project workers must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, helmets, overalls, gumboots, safety boots, climbing belts, goggles, etc. 6.4.9 Visual impacts and landscape The lines run close to the existing roads for most parts. There will be clearance of vegetation along the Right of Way (RoW). The power line will therefore be visible to the road users. The lines will introduce visual disturbance to the undeveloped areas. The power line will pass close to some homes. The lines will affect the scenic view of these 1 ~or;nes. This ·is taken as -1 slightly negative impact. Mitigation: Unnecessary clearance of vegetation will be avoided. Where the line is not located within the road reserve, the natural woodland can be left to shield the power line. 6.4.10 Impact on flora Clearance of the power line corridor (Right of Way) and access roads will impact the vegetation cover. At each site and specific location the impact is -1 slightlypegative. However, summation of the total removal and cutting down of tall trees and shrubs along the entire corridor will result in substantial deforestation and loss of vegetation cover. This will cause diminished ecological functions due to the removal and degradation of the vegetation ,S,~~r. Construction of the power through the wetlands will be minimal because pqle~/!o.wers yyil.l ·occupy small patches therein. Table 6.3 below shows site specific project impacts;p,r;~~.wetlanqs. and forests. Mitigation measures are recommended for each site. Appendix E shows forest reserves, which will be affected by the power lines. Mitigation: Clearance of trees/vegetation should be kept to the bear minimum and all trees cut should be compensated. REA should consider establishing a woodlot or tree plantation in close collaboration with the respective Local Authorities to offset the total tree cover lost during construction of the power line. This will facilitate' rapid regeneratioh of the vegetation necessary for biodiversity maintenance, soil and water conse'rvatlon;''Etohomically important timber tree species such as Vitellaria paradoxa and Milicia excelsa (Mvuie) and fruit trees like mangoes may be cut but must be compensated. It is recommended a total lOOHa be planted i.e. 25Ha per district at a cost of about US $ 150,000. 51 Rural Electrification Agency ,.t Samuel V1vian Matagi/ Team Leader {- .,~ ··~·· . ·:.:1~ .•~:. ' ' '', ;, ~ Environmental Project Brief of the propo~ed. 33kV ele8~ricity pm.iler lil),e i~ Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda No. Ecosystem (Wetland/ Location Length/ Remarks Forest) & Social Issues (Village, etc) Distance affected (Km) PI'Ql_ect Une: Lot 1 ..~;.,.Licerne- Opeta (Oyam District) Approx. 45Km ,··' ;; 01 Akai- Debe wetland ' t :Akai-Debe Village, 0.12 An expanse seasonal wetland, with permanent Awungo Parish, lceme wetland strip with a river at the curvet, dominant S/C,Oyam District plants in the permanent wetland is papyrus. lhe distance through this wetland is short and can be passed over without erecting any structures therein Plate6.1. 02 Odworo wetland Odworo Village, Omirt 0.3 An expanse seasonal wetland, with permanent Parish, lceme S/C, wetland strtp with a river at the curvet, dominant Oyam Distrtct plants in the permanent wetland is papyrus and palm trees. Use of H-member structure is recommended without having any structures erected therein Plate 6.2. 03 Aguru wetland Aguru Village, Omirt 0.22 Seasonal wetiand, the dominant plants in the Parish, lceme S/C, wetland is papyrus and palms. Use of H-member Oyam Distrist structure is recommended without having any structures erected therein Plate 6.3. 04 Bar-Wala wetland Bar -Wala ViiJ~g~, { : " l 0.24 An expanse seasonal wetland, with permanent ' Okli Parish,' , ' · wetland strip with a river at the curvet, dominant Otwal S/C, plants in the permanent wetland is papyrus and Oyam Distrtct palm trees. Use of H-member structure is recommended without having any structures erected therein Plate 6.4. OS Acekene wetland Acekene Village, Aleka 0.12 Seasonal wetland, the dominant plants in the Parish, Aleka S/C, wetland is sedges. The distance through this wetland Oyam District is short and can be passed over without erecting any structures therein Plate 6.5 06 Otwallocal forest reserve Anger Village, 0.3 lhere are no trees in this forest reserve, sun flower Okii Parish, and maize plants are common in this reserve, It is Otwal S/C, ,;,· more on the rtght than on the left hand side so the Oyam District power line should be maintained on the side where it .c;:' ' ' is currently meant to pass Plate 6.6 Project Une: Lot 2 Gulu-Acholibur (through the Districts of Gulu & Pader) approx. 180km Eucalyptus Trees (Private Lugore Village, Owalo 2. 43 lhe eucalyptus plantation is on the left hand side of Plantation) Parish, Palaro 5/C, the road. The power line will be recommended to Gulu District pass on the opposite side of the road in order to avoid compensation that may arise otherwise Plate 6.7 Cwero Central forest Ajanyi Village, 0.7 The local forest reserve eontains scattered mango reserve Pagik Partsh, trees on both sides of the road so the line should be Paicho 5/C, maintained where it is going to pass Plate 6,8 Gulu District Ogom central forest Googwiri Village, 1.4 The forest reserve contains pines, ticks, and bamboo reserve Kalawinya Parish, trees on the left hand side. On the rtght hand side Angagura S/C, there is only bamboo trees, which cover a shorter Pader Distrtct distance. Since the forest is denser on the left hand side, the power line should pass on the opposite side i: ·~f ' { ( '! I ·. ~· ,. I where the forest is less dense so as to avoid the too '< ' much compensation costs that may arise Plate 6.10 Table 6.3: Project site specific impacts on flora 52 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda Plate 6.5 Acekene Wetland, Oyam District Plate 6.6ptwal Lo.cal Forest Reserve, Oyam District "~ 53 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader .l-' Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda Forest Reserve, Gu/u Plate 6.9 Cultivation in a Wetland, Oyam District Plate 6.10 Ogom Central Forest Reserve 54 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line,in GuiJ-~cholibur and Opet~- Acokara in Northern Uganda 6.4.11 Impacts on Fauna The new power line may cause electric shocks and electrocution to wildlife particularly monkeys and birds on the poles or live wires. High collision risks for birds with a large wingspan are possible where earth wires are mounted ahead of the conductors. Thi1 impact is ranked as -1 slightly s significant, because bird collision or electrocutions on 33kV power lines is minimal because no important bird area was identified along the proposed power line. After the first shocks and electrocutions wildlife normally learn that electricity wir~s and pol~s are dangerous and resident birds/monkeys usually avoid these installations. , . f,t,_~,ji. ,,., 1 ,{::; ,' Mitigation: Collision of birds with the line can be minimized through reducing the number of conductor levels. This will require a different type of poles for the concerned line stretches and fitting of flapper devices on the shield wires will make them more visible and reduce collisions significantly. In areas where bird population is high, such as wetlands, the conductors may be placed in a horizontal alignment running parallel to the ground. 6.4.12 Electrocution and electric shocks The electricity poles will pose a risk to playing childr~'h who may attempt to climb or lean on them. Broken live wires that fall on the ground are a serious risk if stepped on or handled. Maintenance workers are exposed to shocks and electrocution. This impact is ranked as -4 significant negative impact. Electrocution is usually fatal and irreversible. Electrical shocks may leave permanent psychological effects. Other causes of electrocution and electrical shocks at the household level will be due faulty electrical appliances, poor wiring without appropriate earthing and handling electrical installations without insulation. Illegal power connections are another source of electrocutions and shocks. Electrocution and shocks are high with children and illiterafepeople. ,.~, Mitigation: Electrocution and shocks on the power lines and poles should be avoided by proper wiring and earthing. "Danger" sign posts should be hang on each pole. Further, accidental electrocution can be mitigated through routine mainten'an.ce of tli@iPrght of way (RoW) by routinely clearing vegetation. It was noticed in Pader District,;tnpi;D ~'n already existing electricity line that the poles with time tend to bend (see Plate 3.2 and 3.4): This may be due to poor anchorage. The poles are likely to lean causing the lines to sag. This may result in short circuits or wires to break causing electrocutions. Strong back filling material should be used to hold the poles firmly in the ground. To avoid household electrocutions and shocks sensitisation of the local populace will be needed. Focus should be initially on mothers who should pass over the message to the children. Proper coordination and the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment will reduce electrocutions and shocks for the maintenance crew. The lines should be monitored regularly by the maintenance crew (operator) to detect and repair any ,. 1 pole falls or line surging before electrocution occurs. ,,: . 6.4.13 Electromagnetic fields Epidemiology studies show mixed results, which are not conclusive whether electromagnetic fields/ frequency (EMF) cause health effects like cancer in adults (Keen, 2008; WHO, 2007). However, a strong correlation is possible for cancer in children where changes in nerve cell excitability in the central nervous system, nerve and muscle stimulation in adults has been observed (Keen, 2008; 55 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricitY, power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda . .,r~ ,~iJF, 1''~ ' ' ~ 1..~ ( ·;..__ ,: WHO, 2007). This means t.ha:t the field' strength should be kept as low as technically possible and economically reasonable. This impact is taken as -1 slightly negative. Mitigation: Maintaining the RoW clear of human settlements is the recommended mitigation measure, not to expose people to electromagnetic fields. As a precautionary measure people should not live or work near electricity lines. Increased distances from electrical installations empirically reduce exposure to EMF. Maintenance crews should work for short periods in high EMF areas. It is safe to work six meters from most electriE;,~t'~hstallations (Eskom, 2010). T~{~" .~~-~,., >·· ·., , , 1 6.4.14 Social Impacts During the construction phase of the project, an influx of skilled and unskilled labour will occur in the project area. This is likely to. disrupt the closely netted social networks, cause tension between natives and non-locals and a'cce'lerate prostitution and elopement. Electricity construction workers are known to be vulgar. At the operational stage of the project, the opening up of industrial and economic potential ofthe area will·cause an influx of workers and their families. This may interfere with the local traditions and they will be a clash of cultures. With the arrival of electricity, the community will be exposed to globalisation and its associated social ills. This impact is taken as -2 slightly negative. Mitigation: The Contractor;,spould h}Je:J~":'"' 2. Geology and -Compaction of soils -Landscape compacted areas us $ 100,000 for metallic -Number of places landscaped Contractor soils -Kill below ground fauna - In soggy areas such as drums in wetlands - Number of me~allic drums and - The soils are sandy, wetlands use metallic drums trips of vehicles carrying back fill hence not good for and appropriate back fill material holding poles firmly in the materials that will hold poles -number of structures in wetlands ground firmly into the ground and span-length used therein - use of H and M member structures to reduce impact on wetland areas and related places 3. Noise and -loss of hearing ability for - Fit silencers on vehicles and -US$ 10,000 for the supply of - Number of PPE supplied to Contractor vibrations operators of motorised motorised construction PPE workers construction equipment equipment - US $ 15,000 to replace - Number of complaints from the Noise nuisance to -Supply workers with PPE silencers community neighbourhood - Restrict work during the communities day not to affect 60 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in Northern Uganda No. I The Nature of 1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Cost of Mitigation in US $ Monitoring Indicators Responsibility Negative Impact communities 4. Increase in Fine suspended - Fit filters to all diesel -US$ 15,000 for filters -Number of services within a year I Contractor suspended particulate matter from motorised equipment - US $ 20,000 for sprinkling for motorised equipment and particulate exhaust fumes and dust - Sprinkle water on roads to water on dusty roads vehicles matter (dust) from over speeding reduce dust - Number of times water is construction vehicles - Reduce vehicular speed on sprinkled on the road to reduce entering the respiratory murram roads dust tract of workers and local -Number of speed limit sign posts communities. Cause respiratory diseases like cough, asthmatic attacks 6. Fire outbreaks - Cause bush fires that - Preve·n.t the burning of dry ~- US$ 1,000,000 needed to by - Number of public sensitisation REA, ·;r;o may lead to the vegetabJe matter fire brigade tracks for the and awareness.,j;ampaigns against Contractor, ~-a-·---;; destruction of property, -Installation of fire detection IWJiice. bush burning 0Rerator, -:~~ crops, traffic accidents and ·suppression equipment 1~~ ·· -- - Number ··of fire detection and District Loca I and death. at, '' s.chool, factories and suppression _equipment installed Governments - Fire from the equipment othe(public buildings in strategic places LCII, LCI storage area -Good wiring Fire prevention policy, Owners and - Fire caused by electricity -Prevent illegal use of power procedures and.instructions managers of -· in homes, factories and ~ Having fire and emergence public schools or trading centres policy, procedures and buildings can cause the loss of instructions Local property and life. - Fire insurance community -Bush Fires set up by local Sensitize local people people against bush fires and use local leaders to enforce 7. Generation of ~- Construction spoils - Collection of solid waste us$ 200,000 - Number of skips or dust bins Contractor construction littering the construction from source of generation by used for sorting and collection of NEMA 61 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda No. I The Nature of 1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Cost of Mitigation in US$ Monitoring indicators Responsibility Negative Impact solid waste site, workshops and camp providing skips, dust bins etc waste generated District Loca I sites - Sorting solid waste by - Mechanism for Waste collection Authorities - Polythene paper littering category at source of and disposal by the Local the environment and generation Authorities in place and followed preventing water Dump solid waste at by the Contractor penetration in soils when approved district dump sites Number of colour coded solid buried Contracting ·NEMA waste collection contain"~rs I - Metal scrap littedng the approved solid waste ~ ?'-, ~- Jhe number of times_solid waste construction sites, camp handlers particularly is dumped at district approved sites and workshops hazardous waste like used sites which pieces people batteries, engine oil, oil -ir filters, tyres etc 8. Occupational - accidental falling· off ~-Provision appropriate PPE - US$ 200,000 for PPE +~ Number and types of ·PflE~given -REA health and from poles - Having emergency policy - US $ 30,000 for setting up a I to and used by employees· -Contractor safety - motor accidents and procedures Occupational health and - Presence of an emergency policy District -electrocution -Provision First Aid Boxes safety system by the and procedures in place Engineers - Injury due to handling - Having Health and Safety Contractor. - Presence of a health and safety District sharp metal, metal cutting I Policy and procedures policy and procedures Labour appliances -Insurance Officers attack by wildlife District (snakes, bees) Environment Officers - Public Health Officials -NEMA 9. Visual impacts -Visual intrusion that may - Restrict power line to the us $10,000 - Power line restricted to road -Contractor and landscape spoil the nice scenic road reserve as much as reserve -REA beauty of the rural possible Clearance of vegetation setting. minimise clearance of minimised 62 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda No. I The Nature of 1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Cost of Mitigation in US $ Monitoring Indicators Responsibility Negative Impact vegetation 10. I Impact on flora I- Vegetation cover -Landscape US $ 150,000 re-afforestation -Number of areas landscaped Contractor, removal - Restoration (By proving of 100 Ha (25Ha per District) -number of areas restored Suppliers and - Deforestation seedlings, labour cost for by REA - Number of trees cut and Manufacturers - Reduction of biodiversity weeding, land clearance and compensated for of - Loss of habitat for flora planting seedlings) construction and fauna - Rehabilitation materials. -Local climate change ~-Compensate each REA -Local global warming economical tree cut (raise in temperature) 11. I Impacts on I - Electrical shocks (Birds I -Proper earthing us$ 1,000,000 -Number of earth conductors Contractor Fauna and monkeys) -Large spacing of wires -The distance between wires - Electrocutions (Birds and -fitting of flapper devices -Number of flapper devices monkeys) - Laying of conductors in - Conductors placed in horizontal horizontal alignment in areas aligr:v:nent in high number bird ....:-~9'<;' of high bird numbers areas I US$ 500}?00 by the ~-'~- 12. I Electrocution- _ -,~,Cause death _ _ -Proper wirin~ -Number of shot circuits -Contractor_ and electrrc - Blowrng up to crrcurt - Proper earthrng Contractor - - Nuinber of warming signs on The shocks breakers ·c Put "DANGER" signs on electricpoles Concessionaire 1li • - I I - Psychological effects- of- each electrib pole using local - Number of times the way leave is -REA electrical shocks laiigua_ge ' cleared 9f vegetation - Ministry of - Routine clearance of the -Number of leaning poles Education, way leave to prevent - Number of poles that have through vegetation touching power fallen/or knocked primary and lines -Number of illegal connections secondary - Firm anchorage of electric number of community curriculum poles to avoid surging of sensitisation workshops about the District power poles usage and dangers of electricity community - Avoid the use of faulty - Number and type of PPE development 63 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda No. I The Nature of 1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Cost of Mitigation in US$ Monitoring Indicators Responsibility Negative Impact electrical appliances provided to workers officers Minimise illegal power connections - community se nsitisatio n about the dangers of electricity - Provision Qf appropriate :dt- PPE to insta)lation and : :-:2_~ maintenance crews 13. Electromagnetic - A strong .wrrelation is ~- Maintaining the way leave Us$ 25,000 -Measurement of EMF -Contractor fields possible for the. cause of clear of human settlement ~"""<':'! cancer in children-}: -As a precautionary measure . ; i '~ ~. Concessionaire ;_,-:,. - A strong correlation is people should not leave or 1. F The possible fm' the cause of work near power lines. community changes in nerve cell - Increased distances from -REA excitability in the central I electrical installations -ERA nervous system, nerve empirically reduce exposure and muscle stimulation in to EMF. adults - Maintenance crews should work for short periods in high EMF areas. - A distance of six meters from most electrical installations is safe 14. I Social impacts - Disrupt the closely ~- Recruit local personnel as I US$ 10,000 -Number of local people recruited ~-Contractor netted social net works possible - The Courteous nature of the -Workers - Cause tension between -Construction and immigrate immigrate workers -REA natives and foreigners workers to respect cultural -Avoid the use of vulgar language - Accelerate prostitution norms of the local people - Complaints register developed 64 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda No. I The Nature of j Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Cost of Mitigation in US $ Monitoring Indicators Responsibility Negative Impact and elopement. - Warn immigrate workers and used - Interference of local about casual sex, avoid local traditions women particularly the girl - Cause a clash of cultures child - document & address all community complaints promptly 15. I HIV/AIDS -The spread of AIDS Community HIV/AIDS us$ 25,000 Number of community - Contractor - The Spread of sexually awareness and sensitisation sensitisation workshops The transmitted diseases -Contractor having HIV/AIDS - Contractor having an AIDS policy Federation of -The spread of contiguous policy, procedures and procedure Uganda diseases -Supply of free condoms Number free testing and Employees - Promoting ABC of AIDS counselling campaigns - Ministry of control Health ]~ - Free HIV/AIDS tes~ing and The counselling community Individual members of the com111unity 16- J;mpact on Passing wires over -Avoid putting poles in grave US $ 0 no graves and trees for -Number of grave yard diversiop,s -Contractors cultural sites graves yards cultural- religious trees were - Number of trees that avoided - Cutting trees that are of - Avoid cutting trees that are identified in the Resettlement which have cultural religious value cultural-religious of cultural religious values Action Plan. (See functions Resettlement Action Plan report) 17. Impacts on -Destruction of peoples Compensate for any crops us $ 150,000 (See Number of PAPs identified and REA Crop crops along the road and trees that may be Resettlement Action Plan compensated Production reserve destroyed during report) 65 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu ·Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in Northern Uganda No. I The Nature of 1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Cost of Mitigation in US $ Monitoring Indicators Responsibility Negative Impact construction of the power line 18 Land uptake -Deprivation of sources of -Ensure that affected US $ 0. No land uptake as per Number of affected households Contractor, livelihood households obtain RAP report (See Resettlement compensated MOE&MD in alternative land of equivalent 1 Action Plan report) conjunction productivity ,., with Local -Ensure that project activities governments are restricted to the road of respective reserve. areas - Development alternative line "'route alignment that avoids concentrated settlements -Compensate affected house holds 19. I Impacts on - Accidents and The Contractor should 1 US$ 25,000 Traffic and road safety measures I Contractor Residential injuries to the ensure that traffic laws are in place Areas, road residents and adhered to. Construction users and safety general public/ materials should not spill on of the general road users the road. Appropriate road public caused by the signage. construction crew 66 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu ,A~holibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda 9 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The findings of this Project Brief concur with the guidance in Environmental and Social Management Framework for the Energy for Rural Transformation Project. The anticipated potentially negative environmental impacts for the grid extension from Gulu to Acholil:.lur and Opeta to Acokara and surrounding environs are generally slightly negative, localised, of short term, minor in nature and can easily be handled at source during construction. According to World Bank OP 4.01 this project is ranked as Category C where a detailed EIA is not needed or Category I under The Environment Act where only a project brief is required. Significant impacts were identified as those related to occupational health and safety. Again these are locali~ed, site specific and can be handled by either using appropriate engineering or provision of appropriate personal protective equipment. The 33kV power extension lines passes through two Central Forest Reserves of Ogom in Pader District and Cwero in Oyam District. The lines also traverse one Local Forest Reserve Otwal in (Julu. It is recommended that the line is relocated on the opposite side of the road where there is no forest reserve. The line change should consider the following: -A 90 degree bend so as to cross the road to the opposite side on the last electricity pole to the forest. Thereafter, the electricity line should move parallel to the original line design until when opposite the last pole at the end of the forest. The line should then cross over to the last pole outside the forest using a 90 degree bend. All bends should have the necessary accessories i.e. stay wires. The appropriate road crossover line height (i.e. 45 feet) should be observed. In areas where the line passes through heavy populated and built up area where a lot of land uptake which may necessitate destruction of property, it is recommended that the line is relocated where compensation will be minimal. It is recommended that the Contractor should have an Environmental Specialist to give on-spot guidance on the environmental aspects such as emergency issue~ t~.affic management, solid waste and wastewater management, occupational health and safety issues. It is recommended the Contractor should give equal employment opp,prtunities to women as well as men within the project skills requirements; and to maximi;o;_e the proc.urement of local products and ' i l.l \ ..:. ,, ' services. There should be a deliberate policy to emplo~,lp~al . .., .. . people f~om the project area. , ' The District Engineers, Environment Officers, Public Health Officials, REA, ERA and NEMA should monitor the project particularly during the construction phase. The project area is generally flat with seasonal wetlands with loose soils. Anchorage of poles is not easy, as poles tend to bend over time. Metallic drums will be used in soggy areas and filled with murrum, forming bunds at pole sites in wetlands. t. ;' 67 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda Since nearly all the negative impacts are minor and can be easily mitigated, the Environmental Practitioners are of the strong option that project be approved by NEMA expeditiously so that the Government of Uganda can full fill its development programmes. 68 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line i~ Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta, Acokara in northern Uganda REFERENCES 1. Apac District Local Government (2004). Sate oHhe Environm~nt Report, 2004. Apac. 2. Gulu District Council (2011). Gulu District 5 year Development Plan for the Period 2011/12- 2015/2016 3. Gulu District Local Government {2005). District State of Environment Report. Gulu. 4. IUCN {2008). The Environmental Action Plan (EAP)for the restoration of Internally Displaced ,·· ' ( ',)\ People {IDP) camps in Pader District. l,nte~na}ional UnioQ for Conservation of Nature, Kampala. With Financial support from Irish Aid and UNHCR. 5. Oyam District Council {2007). OVC Strategic Plan 2007-2012 6. NEMA {1997). District State of Environment Report 1997. Apac. National Environment Management Authority, Kampala. 7. NEMA {1998a). Apac District Environment Profile. Nati.onal Environment Management Authority, Kampala. 8. NEMA {1998b). Gulu District State of Environment Report 1998. National Environment Management Authority. 9. Pader District Local Government {2011). Pade~ Pi1itrict Five, Y~ar District Development Plan FY 2011/12-2015/16, Pader. 10. UBOS {2005a). 2002 Population and Housing Census: Main Report. Kampala 11. UBOS {2005b). 2002 Population and Housing Census: Gulu District Report. Kampala 12. UBOS {2010). 2010 Statistical Abstract. Kampala. : : ... en 13. UBOS {2011). 2011 Statistical Abstract. Kampal~, · 14. WHO {2007). Electromagnetic fields and public health. World Health Organization. Fact Sheet No. 322, June 2007, Geneva http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs322/en/index.html. 15. World Bank {2009). Project Appraisal. Energy for Rural Transformation II. The World Bank. 69 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the 33kV elect/left~ p.o,INer li~e in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda propos~d 1 16. National Population and Housing Census (2002). 17. NEMA (1997). Guidelines of Environmental Impact Assessment for Uganda. National Environment Management Authority 1 <~,ampala. 18. Keen Charles M, 2008 Possible Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields Associated with Electric Power Systems History and Status of the Issue. http:Uwww.emfservices.com/article.htm 19. OECD (1992) Good Practice for Environmental Impact Assessment. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Paris 20. Pastakia, C. M. R. (2004) Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix. VKI, Horsholm, Denmark 21. REA (2006}. Environmental and Social Management Framework. Rural Electricity Agency, Kampala. 22. Survesis and Savimaxx Limited '(2012). Consultancy Services to carryout an Environmental Assessment and Resettlement Action Plan. Resettlement Action Plan Report. '' '~ \;1 70 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda APPENDIX A: TERMS OF REFERENCE 71 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda 72 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda 73 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda 74 Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team leader Rural Electrification Agency Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu "Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda 75 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda 76 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagij Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda 78 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu ·Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda 79 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagjf Team leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda 80 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader I I If f ,il I tf 81 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team leader 82 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagij Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda I I II I • , J ' 1 83 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda 84 Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Rural Electrification Agency Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda 85 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda APPENDIX B: 33kV LINE ROUTE SURVEY OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 86 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda ~e>»mum~~~~·~o\)fVOI.!., T-_SI""""""""'' lQcOMAL~~A'i Environment~! Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur ~nd Opet~- Acok~r~ in northern Ug~nd~ (I ,, •.,· 93 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electri~ity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda II !.1 94 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda 95 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu ·Acholibur and Opeta • Acokara in northern Uganda 96 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagif Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda 97 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda i' f 98 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda 99 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda 100 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda 101 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda APPENDIX 0: MINUTES OF THE MEETING:tON THE G,ULU-ACHOLIBUR GRID EXTENSION WITH THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF AWACH TRADING CENTRE, AWACH SUB COUNTY, GULU DISTRICT HELD AT THE SUBCOUNTY HEADQUARTERS {Eievation-1005m; 36 N 0434168; UTM- 0327827) ON 15r FEBRUARY, 2012 AT 10.00 AM ',, c/11., AGENDA: 1. Introductions 2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader 3. Reactions from the Community Members 4. Questions, Answers and Closing Remarks from the EIA Team. 5. The Attendance list is a,ttached at th~bottom MINUTES MIN MINUTES ACTION BY NO. 1. The meeting was opened by the Parish Chief of Paduny, who welcomed the All community members and thanked them for heeding to his call to them to participate in the meeting. He informed the community members that the EIA team had come on a mission of electricity extension and urged them to participate meaningfully in the meeting. He then called upon the team leader to address the community members. 2. The team leader greeted the members, thanked them for coming for the Samuel Vivian meeting, introduced himself and the rest of the team members. The Team Matagi Leader gave a brief overview of the Project and a brief explanation of the line drawings showing the transmission lines from Acholibur to Gulu. He clearly Nanfuka stated the purpose of convening the meeting as the introduction of the Esther Kalule project to them, find out their perception of the positive and negative impacts of the project and to solicit mitigation measures that could be applied to avoid the negative impacts. He sensitised the community members about the road reserve; how it is measured and the implications of encroaching on it. He then handed over to the Sociologist who then went ahead to find out the participants' perceptions of the impacts of the project. She urged the participants to give their objective views, not to hesitate to ask any questions where necessary and to raise their hands when ready to contribute. 3. The participants were asked about the positive effects electricity would have All 102 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gui~-Ac2olibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda MIN MINUTES ACTION BY NO. on the wellbeing of the community. The answers below are what the participants envisaged to get once they are connected to the national grid. POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. The area is expected to grow at a very fast rate with ttie electricity. It was noted that the population of Awach is very hardworking. Power would boost their energies even further. 2. The operations of key services are expected to improve. The theatre and laboratory at the health centres and schools are expected to improve their services. 3. Business will expand, because it will be possible to work trans-night, which is not possible apparently. 4. Services such as photocopiers, computers and settiog of exams will be brought nearer. It is expensive to travel to Gulu to access them. 5. The coordination between Sub Counties is expected to improve. 6. String benefits such as the tarmacking of the road in the long run are expected to emerge. 7. Awach has been elevated to a To'C'(n, ,~PC!td and therefore requires electricity to operate effectively. '· · '' 4. For every project with positive effects, there are always negative effects too. Members were asked what negative effects this project is likely to have on the people's wellbeing. NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. Electricity is likely to attract many thieves in to the area. ·All those who have been afraid of operating in the dark may-begin steal. to 2. The volume of cars in the area will increase\vfieh the business increases. Some of the drivers drive at a terrific speed. The prospects for the occurrence of accidents will therefore be high. 3. Many of the community members envisaged that they would lose property because they have not been aware about the road reserve. 5. The people were asked to enumerate the best way these negative impacts can be mitigated. MITIGATION MEASURES 1. More police posts should be constructed to handle the rate of crime that may increase. 2. The road will have to be equipped with humps:and the cars fitted with speed governors. ni• _xp _ ~p : ·' 3. The community needs to be rigorously sensitised about the road reserve issue. Adequate compensation should be given to the people who may be affected. 6 The community members who participated in the meeting raised a number All of questions. These include: 1. Where will the electricity be tapped? Is it from Acholibur to Gulu? 2. When will the project kick off? When shall we be able to connect power to f'•l ;':tr,:, our houses? f ' • •• 103 Rura I Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader ,-:(-,' l'' Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda MIN MINUTES ACTION BY NO. 3. The road reserve issue is a bit controversial. Many of us have not surveyed our land where the reserve starts and stops. What will happen to us? The EIA team answered the questions as follows. 1. The electricity will be tapped from Acholibur. 2. The project started•when theifJr.st:~eam came to map out the power route and to conduct the market survey. The_, .erection of poles will follow the survey and RAP processes. Depending on how fast the erection of poles and wiring process take, you may not be able to connect to your house until the end of next year. But the project is coming, simply cooperate with the contractors for it to move fast. 3. The surveyors will map out the reserve and whoever would have encroached on it will be compensate9 for the assets within the reserve but not the land. , !;;;;)a"' , After answering the qu~stions, .the sociologist and team leader, wrapped up by thanking the community members for sparing their time to attend the meeting and urged them to cooperate with all the teams that will be working on the project. The meetjng closed off with a vote of thanks from the parish Chief who expressed gratitude to the government for choosing Awach as a beneficiary. 6 The community members who participated in the meeting raised a number All of questions. These include: 1. Where will the electricity be tapped? Is it from Acholibur to Gulu? 2. When will the project kick off? When shall we be able to connect power to our houses? 3. The road reserve issue is a bit controversial. Many of us have not surveyed our land where the reserve starts arid stops. What will happen to us? The EIA team answered the questions as follows. 1. The electricity will be tapped from Acholibur. 2. The project started when the first team came to map out the power route and to conduct the market survey. The erection of poles will follow the survey and RAP processes. Depending on how fast the erection of poles and wiring process take; you may not be able to connect to your house until the end of next year. But the pr~je~t is coming, simply cooperate with the contractors for it to m'b~e fast. 3. The surveyors will map out the reserve and whoever would have encroached on it will be compensated for the assets within the reserve but not the land. After answering the questions, the sociologist and team leader, wrapped up by thanking the community members for sparing their time to attend the meeting and urged them to cooperate with all the teams that will be working on the project. The meeting closed off with a vote of thanks from the parish chief who expressed gratitude to the government for choosing Awach as a beneficiary. 104 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and ot~ta- Acokara in northern Uganda MINUTES OF THE MEETING ON THE GULU-ACHOLIB-UR'GRID EXTENSION WITH THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF PATIKO TRADING CENTRE, PATIKO SUB COUNTY, GULU DISTRICT HELD AT PATIKO T.C 5 MARKET (Eievation-1073m; 36 N 0424414; UTM- 0333278) ON 31ST r JANUARY, 2012 AT 2:00P.M AGENDA: 1. Introductions 2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader 3. Reactions from the Community Members ,J .\ 4. Questions, Answers and Closing Remarks fro111. the_ EJ&.Team. 5. The Attendance list is attached at the bottom · · · · · MINUTES MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The meeting was opened by the L.C Ill Chairperson, who Kilara Alex welcomed the community members and thanked them for Kating {L.C.III heeding to his call to them to participate in the meeting. He Chairperson) informed the community members that the EIA tearil had come on a mission of electricity extension and he had already met them in his office. He then called upon the team leader to address the community members. 2.. The team leader greeted the comm,un.l)Y1 ,m~.mbe~s C)nd Samuel introduced himself and the rest of the team members. The Vivian Matagi Team Leader gave a brief overview of the Project and a brief explanation of the line drawings showing the transmission Nanfuka lines from Acholibur to Gulu. He also provided the Esther Kalule community with information about road reserves, how they are measured and the implications of encroaching on them. He clearly stated the purpose of convening the, meeting as the introduction of the project to t,he)\1, ,Jin\d out their perception of the positive and negative impacts of the project and to solicit mitigation measures that could be applied to avoid the negative impacts. He then handed over to the Sociologist who then went ahead to find out the participants' perceptions of the impacts of the project. She urged the participants to give their objective views, not to hesitate to ask any questions where necessary and to raise their hands when ready to contribute. ·. ' 3. The participants were asked about the positive effects All electricity would have on the wellbeing of the community. The answers below are what the participants envisaged to get once they are connected to the national grid_,_ POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. It will create development in the area 2. It will be possible to take cold drinks, which is not possible now because of lack of electricity. 105 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the prop.ose.d 33kV electricfty power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda \ MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 3. Services such as photocopiers which have been difficult to access will be brouqht nearer. 4. For every project with positive effects, there are always negative effects too. Members were asked what negative effects this project is likely to have on the people's wellbeing. NEGATIVE IMPACTS . 1. Loss of assets within the road reserve. 2. The community expects load shedding due to power shortages. One member indicated that it will be useless to give them electricity when it is already not enough for the rest ofthe country. 3. The possibilities of electrocution are expected to be high since many of the,.·communi.tY,•J(n,~mbers have never used electricity. ., ) · •"' ·. ·· 5. The people were':lasked to ;enumerate the best way these All negative impacts can be mitigated. MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Community members with property in the road reserve should be duly compensated. 2. The community should be thoroughly sensitised about electricity usage and its hazards. 3. More sources of energy should be exploited to increase the amount of electricity available. 4. Strategies to promote a spirit of ownership amongst the community members shouiP... be' 9evised. The proponent of this idea contended that people may perceive the electricity as a government project, rather than their own, and go ahead to vandalise the power line. 6 The community members who participated in the meeting All raised a number of questions. These include: 1. What avenues are there to increase electricity supply? 2. What will happen if our trees are cut to clear the route? 3. Are the youth here also going'to be employed when the actual work begins? .:, ;: · f ' 4. Suppose there 'iire 2 people with land next to each other? If the pole passes through both lands, who will be compensated? 5. Here in Acholi we don't have plots, we have customary land. This implies that the owners of land here don't have titles. Won't the title be a key requirement for compensation? The EIA team answered the questions as follows. 106 ". ·., Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The government is planning to build new dams such as at Karuma and is exploring new sources of energy like from oii. 2. All the assets that will either be destroyed or relocated will be compensated. 3. The contractors come with their own technical teams, but we shall advise them to provide opportunities for the youth to offer manual labour. 4. Whoever will be affected in any way will be compensated appropriately. ,, , 5. We shall put all your unique features and issues in''mind as we design our compensation strategy. Titles will not qe required where they do not apply; elders may be the appropriate entities to deal with to verify ownership. ,, . After answering the questions, the sod31ogist and team leader, wrapped up by thanking the community members for sparing their time to attend the meeting and urged them to cooperate with all the teams that will be working on the project, work hard to afford the electricity and to increase the tax base for the government to be able to service the World bank loan, plant trees and avoid encroa~hing on the road reserve. The meeting closed off with·an:arrri.ouncemeht about another meeting by the L.C.III Chairpers~n. ' 107 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda MINUTES OF THE MEETING ON THE GULU-ACHOLIBUR GRID EXTENSION WITH THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF PALARO TRADINq .~ENTRE, PALARO SUB COUNTY, GULU DISTRICT HELD AT PALARO SUB COUNTY HEADQUARTERS<) (Eievation-i027m; 36 N 0429466; UTM- 0344547) ON 31ST5r JANUARY, 2012 AT 5:00P.M AGENDA: 1. Introductions 2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader 3. Reactions from the Community Members 4. Questions, Answers and Closing Remarks from the EIA Team. 5. The Attendance list is attached at the, bottom MINUTES 'ir ·} MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The meeting was opened by the L.C Ill Chairperson, who Ngole David welcomed the community members and informed them that (L.C.III the EIA team had come on a mission of electricity extension. Chairperson) He urged the community members to participate freely without fear, since Jh~ project ~~~' r:neant for them. He then called upon the team leag,enct'p';,~ddress the community members. c r':. ., 2.. The team leader greeted the community members and Samuel introduced himself and the rest of the team members. The Vivian Matagi Team Leader gave a brief overview of the Project and a brief explanation of the line drawings showing the transmission Nanfuka lines from Acholibur to Gulu. He also provided the Esther Kalule community with information about road reserves, how they are measured and the implications of encroaching on them. He clearly stated the purpose of convening the meeting as the introduction of the project to them, find out their perception of the positive and negative impacts of the project and to solicit mitigatiod measures that could be 'r·'-. ~ ·c. "·' applied to avoid the .. , negative ,., impacts,i.. He then handed over to the Sociologist ·who then went ahead to find out the participants' perceptions of the impacts of the project. She urged the participants to give their objective views, not to hesitate to ask any questions where necessary and to raise their hands when ready to contribute. 3. The participants were asked about the positive effects All electricity would have on the.;w,eUbeing of the community, The answers below are wh~f'th~«participants envisaged to get once they are connected to the national grid. 108 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu'\A.choliffur and Opet~ - Acokara in northern Uganda MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. Electricity is expected to improve people's standards of living 2. The quality of education in the area ts expected to improve because the candidates will be able to revise for longer hour~. . 3. The health centres will manage to operate 'for 24h6u~s. Admissions of patients will occur even at nigh't} · 4. Electricity will create more job opportunities especially for women who work in business ventures such as salons. 4. For every project with positive effects, there are always negative effects too. Members were asked what negative effects this project is likely to have on the people's wellbeing. NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. These community members indicated that they do not expect any negative impacts apart from the lOss of assets within the road reserve. They were ge!],~r,q!Jy ".excited and speaker after speaker encouraged their colleagues to connect electricity to their houses regardless of their type/nature. 5. The people were asked to enumerate the best way these All negative impacts can be mitigated. MITIGATION MEASURES • • I, , '• ·\ .::l.'·, ·, 1. Commun1ty members w1th property 1r,,t~J! ·rpad rese~ve should be duly compensated. ,.;:t · '· 6 The community members who participated in the meeting All raised a number of questions. These include: 1. When will the actual work begin? 2. Where will the poles stop? 3. The pole is stopping at the school, who will help us to extend it to the next trading centre? 4. What if the pole crosses my garden, how much will you pay per pole? o;y' 5. What if the pole crosses your land, can you grow crops like cassava? 6. People are just back from the camps and have nothihg'ln the road reserve; will they be compensate.d1Jtktne land?' 7. During the war, some people were boded in the road reserve. Who will help us to relocate them? The EIA team answered the questions as follows. 1. Actual work will begin after the survey and RAP processes. Depending how you agree, it may begin soon before you are compensated or later if you opt to wait for compensation, ' ' ) l'• 2. The poles will stop at the school in the tr,adirg6centre. ~i J ' 109 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 3. The extension of the power to Lukoda the next trading centre can only be catered for by another REA project, but is not catered for under this particular fund. May be you could lobby politicians, especially your MP to lobby for the extension on your behalf. 4. You will not be compensated per pole, but in terms of the land lost and the assets on it, but only if the poles enter your land that is outside the road reserve. 5. You may be allowed to grow only crops that do not grow to great heights that may interfere with the line, like cassava, beans, maize etc. : \ 6. The road reserve is expected to be empty by the law, so people without anything in it, will not be compensated at all. 7. The compensation will also include the relocation of the graves to another sites. After answering the questions, the sociologist and team leader, wrapped up by thanking ,the community members for sparing their time to att~,nd the meeting and urged them to cooperate with all the te.ams that will be working on the project, work hard to afford the electricity and to increase the tax base for the government to be able to service the World bank loan, plant trees and avoid encroaching on the road reserve. Themeeting closed off with a vote of thanks form the L.C.III Chairperson. 110 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu•:iltholiS~r a~d Opeta- ~cokara in northern Uganda 'i:;-'''1 '' '',· ~r.l.: ~ -~,:f ~ ' ~ ~ MINUTES OF THE MEETING ON THE GULU-ACHOLIBUR GRID EXTENSION WITH THE VILLAGE HEALTH TEAM OF BUNGATIRA SUB COUNTY HELD AT BUNGATIRA SUB COUNTY HEADQUARTERS, GULU 5 DISTRICT ON 31ST r JANUARY, 2012 AT 10:00 A.M AGENDA: 1. Introductions 2. A. brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader 3. Reactions from the Community Members 4. Questions, Answers and Closing Remarks from the EIA Team. ' 5. The Attendance list is attached at the bottom MINUTES MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The meeting was opened by the L.C Ill Chairperson,' who Simon Opige introduced some of his councillors on the executive and (L.C.III informed the VHT members that the EIA team had come on Chairperson) a mission of electricity extension, but wanted to engage them on several issues. He then called upon the team leader to address the VHT members. 2.. The team leader greeted the VHT members arla'introd~ced Samuel himself and the rest of the team memb~r~:'t~~ Team Leader Vivian Matagi gave a brief overview of the Project and a'b?ief'explanati~n of the line drawings showing the transmission lines from Nanfuka Acholibur to Gulu. He also provided the members with Esther Kalule information about road reserves, how they are measured and the implications of encroaching on them. He clearly stated the purpose of this interaction as the introduction of the project to them, find out their perception of the positive and negative impacts of the project and to solicit mitigation measures that could be applied to avoid the negative impacts. He then handed over to the Sociologist who then went ahead to find out the members' perceptions of the impacts of the project. She urged the P.f!It~~ip~nts to give their objective views, not to hesitate to '1sk' any questions where necessary and to raise their hands when ready to contribute. 3. The participants were asked about the positive effects All electricity would have on the wellbeing of the community. The answers below are what the participants envisaged to get once they are connected to the national grid. ·,·; . ' l < ·'< l'J~, 111 t " Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader •,: .· ~·,' ':~·-· .)·{·F'~~;:~~::' Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 3'3k\Y:electri&\v p~wJ'i 'line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda : :,~~~:· MIN NO. MINUTES •· ,J'i, ACTION BY POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. Electricity is expected to bring development in the area. 2. Many businesses will be initiated, and this will create employment opportunities. 3. Electricity is expected to ease the operations of the health units within the area. 4. For every project with positiv,e ,effects, there are always negative effects too. Member,s:'rwere asked what negative effects this proj~1=t. is li~~jy' to ,h?Ve on the people's wellbeing. NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. The members of the VHT did not anticipate many negative impacts from the project. Their critical concern was the issue of compensation.. Spme .o~.·;.t}ke members conveyed scepticism that they would ~e giv:~n very low rates as always is with regard: \c):. govern:ment projects. One member indicated that he was aware that government is still using rates of 1960s and 1970s. 2. Inconveniences qf~islocation. 5. The people were asked to enumerate the best way these All negative impacts can be mitigated. MITIGATION MEASURES 1. They expect the government to compensate people using realistic rates. 2. The households that will be relocated should be given time to shift before the commencement of the project. 6 The community members who' participated in the meeting All raised a number ofquestions. These i~clude: 1. Is the money going to be given to people over whose houses the power line will pass be enough for them to relocate to other places? 2. Will the payment be a flat rate or shifting one? The EIA team answered the quest'ibns as follows. . /fl. .;'~.1 '·i3.if 1. Everyone will., be \...', ..\•. given comp·ensation worth their assets . ,'· So most likely the' money given will be enough to enable the victim to relocate ifthat is the option they will choose. 2. The rates will be agreed upon by key stakeholders. They will therefore be ap'plied without varying, but those who may be considered vulnerable may get more compensation. After answering the questions, the sociologist and team leader, wrapped up by thanking the VHT members for 112 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY allowing them to take part of their time. They urged them to pass on the message to their communities and especially those along the main road, and urge them to cooperate with all the teams that will be working on the project, work hard to afford the electricity and to increase the tax base for the government to be able to service the World bank loa~. ~f)d avoid encroaching on the road reserve. The meeting dosed off with a vote of thanks form the L.C.III Chairperson. 113 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electrlc{tv p'p.ilfW lin~.in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda "il::' ' ''"ll-':~ :! ., i'l MINUTES OF THE MEETING ON THE ACOKARA-OPETA GRID EXTENSION WITH THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF OTWAL TRADI~G CENTRE H.ELD AT OTWAL SUB COUNTY HEADQUARTERS, OYAM DISTRICT ON 2N° FEBRUARY, :2ClllAT · · 3:oot~;Wf~ tr' ··:-:·,. ·: -· 1 AGENDA: L; . 1. Introductions 2. A brief overview of the proj~ct from the EIA Team Leader 3. Reactions from the Conimuhity Members 4. Questions, Answers and Closing Remarks from the EIA Team. 5. The Attendance list is attached at the bottom MINUTES MIN MINUTES ACTION BY NO. , I ~ •, 1. The meeting was opened by th,~,p,af.!~h (i:hief of Okii- who was sitting in for Angolo Joel the Sub County Chief, who w~lconied the community members/opinion Peter (Ag Sub leaders and informed them that the EIA team had come on a mission of County Chief) electricity extension. He then called upon the team leader to address the community members. 2.. The team leader greeted the community members and introduced himself Samuel Vivian and the rest of the team members. The Team Leader gave a brief overview of Matagi the Project and a brief explanation of the line drawings showing the transmission lines from. Acokara, tq~9peta. He passed on the map for the Nanfuka \' ,, . q. .~:~t \.t;::-.'1,~'- members to scrutinise as he proceeded to provide them with information Esther Kalule about road reserve~)'.' how they are measured and the implications of encroaching on them. He clearly stated the purpose of convening the meeting as the introduction of the project to them, find out their perception of the positive and nega'tive impacts of the project and to solicit mitigation measures that could be applied tb avoid the negative impacts. He then handed over to the Sociologist who went ahead to find out the participants' perceptions of the impacts of the project. She urged the participants to give their objective views, not to hesitate to ask any questions where necessary and to raise their hands when ready to contribute. 3. The participants were asked about the positive effects electricity would have All on the wellbeing of the community. The answers below are what the ~ i participants envisaged to get on,ce.they are connected to the national grid. POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. Electricity is expected to boost businesses of the residents within the Sub County. 2. It is also expected to solve the power problem of the area. 4. For every project with positive effects, there are always negative effects too. All Members were asked what negative effects this project is likely to have on the people's wellbeing. :::: Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda MIN MINUTES ACTION BY NO. NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. The opinion leaders did not envisage any negative impact. In their words, 'It is a good idea; we only encourage you to begin your work. We think nobody will resist. We are willing to offer you all the necessary facilities. 5. The people were asked to enumerate the best way these negative impacts All can be mitigated. MITIGATION MEASURES 1. REA needs to sensitise the communities about' its work. There is a general negative attitude towards Umeme, which the communities confuse REA with. 6 The questions raised by the members All 1. When your house is near the road, it can be easily destroyed. How long does it take to be compensated? 2. In Lango we have about 3 tenure systems. Will you demand for titles? 3. Suppose I am about 400 metres from the road, will it still be possible for me to get electricity? The EIA team answered the questions as follows. 1. Compensation is done by government. And you know government has a lot of bureaucracy, it is therefore difficult to tell exaC:tl{when the compensation will be effected. 2. The requirements will be varied to suit the circumstances of each victim. 3. Whether you get power or not will depend on whether service lines will be installed in your area or not, because you cannot tap from the 33kV. After answering the questions, the sociologist and team leader, wrapped up by thanking the opinion leaders for sparing their time to attend the meeting and implored them to urge people within their communities to cooperate with all the teams that will be working on the pr\>ject, work har.d to afford the electricity and to increase the tax base for the government to be able to service the World bank loan, plant trees and avoid encroaching on the road reserve. ( .. ' ~ 115 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel VMan Matagi/Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed"33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda MINUTES OF THE MEETING ON THE ACOKARA- OPETA GRID EXTENSION WITH THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF ALEKA TRADING CENTRE, ALEKA PARISH, ALEKA SUB COUNTY, OYAM DISTRICT HELD AT ALEKA SUB COUNTY HEADQUARTERS ON 2No FEBRUARY, 2012 AT 4:30P.M ·-~ ~ ; '' . . j~i: ' . :. ) I AGENDA: ' ' 1. Introductions 2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader 3. Reactions from the Community Members 4. Questions, Answers and Closing Remarks from the EIA Team. 5. The Attendance list is attached at the bottom MINUTES MIN MINUTES ACTION BY NO. 1. The meeting was opened by the Sub County Chief of Aleka. She welcomed Apio Vicky the community member,~.and informed them that the EIA team was on a (Sub County mission related to electricity extension and that she had already scrutinised Chief) the maps indicating the power route. She then called upon the team leader to address the community members. 2.. The team leader greeted the community members and introduced himself Samuel Vivian and the rest of the team members. The Team Leader gave a brief overview of Matagi the Project and a brief explana~ion of the line drawings showing the transmission lines from Acokara to Opeta. He passed on the map for the Nanfuka members to scrutinis,e as he pfOF~.ftded to provide them with information Esther Kalule about road reserveS,\• how th~y ;af,e measured and the implications of encroaching on them. He clearly stated the purpose of convening this particular meeting as the introduction of the project to the community, find out their perception of the positive and negative impacts of the project and to solicit mitigation measures that could be applied to avoid the negative impacts. He then handed over to the Sociologist who went ahead to find out the community members' perceptions of the impacts of the project. She urged the participants to give their objective views, not to hesitate to ask any questions where necessary a~d:;tb:; raise their hands when ready to contribute. "•, 3. The participants were asked about the positive effects electricity would have All on the wellbeing of the community. The answers below are what the participants envisaged to,get once they are connected to the national grid. POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. Electricity is expected to boost trade in the area, especially in the trading centres. 2. Security of the area is also expected to be boosted because of the light at night. 3. Students in school are expected to concentrate more with electricity, because they will be able to do revision at night. 4. The operations of the Sub County,~~~ e~pected to become smoother. The Sub County Chief indicated that they are forced to go to Oyam or Lira to" process any 116 Rural Electrification Agency samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda MIN MINUTES ACTION BY NO. letters/ documents. 4. For every project with positive effects, there are always ne~:~t~~ effects too. All Members were asked what negative effects .~~i~1R~8ject j~ ljkely to have on the people's wellbeing. ;f:~ • · · ,· NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. The possibility of accidents arising out of the collapse of poles may lead to death. 2. Death out of electrocution because people are not yet.aware of how to use electricity 5. The people were asked to enumerate the. best ,WC;IY . ' . \I these negative h·. ' '• ~ impacts All can be mitigated. · MITIGATION MEASURES 1. The poles should be strongly erected, may be deeper than usual. 2. The community should be sensitised about how to avoid hazards from electricity 6 The questions raised by the members All 1. Will they allow us to plant crops under the line? 2. What if the 15 metres are at my door, what will happen? 3. How long is the distance between poles? 4. lfthe pole passes over the house, will that house be ' allowed to stay there? ,_ . . The EIA team answered the questions as folloll)(~·c:,~•.:. R c; , 1. Only crops that do not grow to great heights'may be allowed under the pole. These include maize, cassava, but not trees. 2. What will happen will depend on how far the pole will be from your house and the size of your land. You may be allowed to stay there if it is not so close to your house and you still have a lot of space for yourself. 3. The distance is about 100 metres. 4. No, because the risks to the inhabitants of·,th~t- house :are high. After answering the questions, the sociologist and ,team leader, wrapped up by thanking the Sub County Chief and community members for sparing their time to attend the meeting. The team leader specifically urged them to cooperate with all the teams that will be working on the project, work hard to afford the electricity and to increase the tax base for the government to be able to service the World bank loan, plant trees and avoid encroaching on the road reserve. He then bade them farewell. .k Rural Electrification Agency Samuel VMan MatagV Team Leader 'J1 Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda ,, MINUTES OF THE MEETING o:"" THE ACOKARA- OPETA GRID EXTENSION WITH THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF ABOK TRADING CENTRE, BAR PARISH, ABOK SUB COUNTY, OYAM DISTRICT HELD AT ABOK TRADING CENTRE ON 2ND FEBRUARY, 2012 AT 5:30P.M AGENDA: 1. Introductions 2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader 3. Reactions from the Community Mem'b!:lrsi''' 4. Questions, Answers alild.:'.'of the project to the community, find 'out their perception of the positive and negative impacts of the project and to solicit mitigation measures that could be applied to avoid the negative impacts. He then handed over to the Sociologist who went ahead to find out the community members' perceptions of the impacts of the project. She urged the participants to give their objective views, not to hesitate to ask any questions where necessary ·and to raise their hands when ready to contribute. 3. The participants were asked about the positive effects All electricity would have on the wellbeing of the community. The answers below are whatthe participants envisaged to get once they are connected to tne national grid. POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. The electricity will improve the operations of the new Sub 118 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel VIvian Matagi/ Team leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY County · •. 2. The power will help schools and· health. lllnits>to operate effectively. 1 · 1\ 3. The power will create development in the trading centre. 4. It will reduce tree cutting since a substantial number of people rely on wood for fuel. 5. Employment opportunities will be created out of the businesses 6. Abok trading centre community has a borehole that u,ses solar, but it is not sufficient. They felt that the electricity wduld make the operations of the borehole more reliable. 7. Security in the trading centre is expected to be boosted, 4. For every project with positive effects, there are always All negative effects too. Members were asked what negative effects this project is likely to have on the people's wellbeing. NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. The loss of assets for those within the road reserve. 5. The people were asked to enumerate the best way these All negative impacts can be mitigated. MITIGATION MEASURES . \ 1. Adequate and timely compensatip,n shou.ld. 1 : \. be' provided \I ) ' ~ ~f/' to the victims. , · 6 The questions raised by the members All 1. What will happen to a tree along the power route? 2. What if people refuse their land to be surveyed, what will you do? 3. Where will the poles pass? 4. When will the project begin? 5. Will they give us manual jobs such as digging the holes for the poles? ,. 6. Why is it that power supply is on and off? The EIA team answered the questions as follows.• 1. A tree along the power route will be cutbecause it may interfere with the line and cause accidents\:,·· ·' 2. We shall carry out intensive mobilisations in liaison with local leaders at all levels. We don't expect any resistance. 3. The main line will be on the left side. Service lines will also be provided on either side. 4. The project will begin after the survey and RAP exercises. The actual time will depend on how fast the compensatiqn is done, or it may begin immediately if'you, Cj~r!~~.to rece'!ve the compensation later. 5. The contractors come with their own technical teams but 119 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity powel:'line' in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY we shall endeavour to advise them to take on some local people to provide manual labour. 6. Power supply is on and off because the amount of electricity available falls short of existing demand. After answering the questions, the sociologist and team leader, wrapped up by thanking the community members for sparing their time to attend the meeting. The team leader specifically urged themt.to. cooperate with all the teams that will be workin& on the project, work hard to afford the electricity and to increase the tax base for the government to be able to service the World bank loan, plant trees and avoid encroaching on the road reserve. He then bade them farewell. The meeting closed off with a word of prayer said by one of the opinion leaders in the community. 120 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader ,•) Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda MINUTES OF THE MEETING ON THE ACOKARA- OPETA GRID EXTENSION WITH THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF ABOKE SUB COUNTY, KOLE DISTRICT HELD AT ABOKE SUB COUNTY HEADQUARTERS ON 3RD FEBRUARY, 2012 AT 2:00P.M AGENDA: 1. Introductions 2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader 3. Reactions from the Community Members 4. Questions, Answers and Closing Remarks from the EIATeam. 5. The Attendance list is attached at the bottom MINUTES MIN MINUTES ACTION BY NO. 1. The L.C.V Chairperson of Kole had been addressing the same group and (L.C.V offered the EIA team an opportunity to interact with the community. He Chairperson) informed them that the EIA team sought to discuss is~.ues of electricity extension with them before summoning the team leader to address the community members. ' 2. The team leader greeted the community members and introduced himself Samuel Vivian and the rest of the team members. The Team Leader,gave a brief overview of Matagi the Project and a brief explanation of the line drawings showing the transmission lines from Acokara to Opeta. He passed on the map for the Nanfuka members to scrutinise as he proceeded to provide them with information Esther Kalule about road reserves, how they are measured and the implications of encroaching on them. He clearly stated the purpose of this particular meeting as the introduction of the project to the community, find out their perception of the positive and negative impacts of the project and to solicit mitigation measures that could be applied to, avoid ~he negative impacts. He then handed over to the Sociologist who went· ahead to:, find out the community members' perceptions of the impacts qf the project. She urged the participants to give their objective views, not to hesitate to ask any questions where necessary and to raise their hands when ready to contribute. 3. The participants were asked about the positive effects electricity would have All on the wellbeing of the community. The answers below are what the participants envisaged to get once they are connected to the national grid. POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. The electricity is expected to ease the operations of health centres, especially Aboke H.C IV. : 2. Security in the area is also expected to impro,v~., iJ>. r' 3. Electricity is a source of development. .. ;· · 4. Children in schools will be able to revise for lorfger hours '' 5. Employment opportunities from businesses like salons factories welding will 121 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian MatagV Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda J'; MIN MINUTES ACTION BY NO. be created. 4. For every project with positive effects, there are always negative effects too. All Members were asked what ne~atiyeieffects this project is likely to have on the people's wellbeing. ; '"''':1 NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. The loss of assets for those within the road reserve. 2. Death of children due to electrocution. 5. The people were asked to enumerate the best way these negative impacts All can be mitigated. MITIGATION MEASUI,{ES ·,. . ·g 'h, . ,, 1. Adequate and tirnely;compeQsation should be provided to the victims. 2. Sensitisation of the community about the hazards of electricity and how they should be prevented. 6 The questions raised by the community members include: - All 1. Why are the power bills too high? 2. Shall we be compensated before the work begins? The EIA team answered the questions as follows. 1. The power bills are high because the unit of electricity is high and has been increased. The bills are therefore going to be higher in the next few months because government stopped subsidising the consumers. 2. Ideally you should be compensated before the work begins, but it is government that compensates.,a'pd: usually takes long. So if you accept, the work can commence as·you wait for the compensation. The community members suggested that the school for disabilities close to Aboke Health Centre IV should also be catered for next time. They also revealed that they have no trees with specific spiritual importance. Following the community members'. ,~;ubmissions, the sociologist and team leader wrapped up l:?y thanking the community members for sparing their time to interact with the EIA team. The team leader specifically urged them to cooperate with all the teams that will be working on the project, work hard to afford the electricity and to increase the tax base for the government to be able to service the'World bank loan, plant trees and avoid encroaching on the road reserve. He then bade them farewell. 122 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda PROCEEDINGS OF THE KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEW ON THE IMPACTS OF THE GRID EXTENSION FROM GULU TO ACHOLIBUR, HELD WITH THE DISTRICT NATURAL RESOURCE OFFICER OF GULU 5 DISTRICT, AT THE GULU DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS ON 1 r FEBRUARY, 2012 AT 8.30 AM AGENDA: 1. Introductions 2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader 3. Reactions from the District Natural Resource Officer 4. Closing Remarks from the Officer ATTENDANCE '-<:'•.: No. Name Designati9!'L: ·.• · ~' ', l Contact 1. Alex Ojera District Natural Resource Officer 0774-308804 3. Nanfuka Esther Kalule Sociologist 0772 - 484265 4. Samuel Vivian Matagi Team Leader/Environmentalist 0712-654 651 MINUTES MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The team and the Natural Resource Officer exchangedgreetings, All and either party introduced themselves to each other. The Natural Resource Officer was informed that the team was conducting an EIA for the Gulu- Acholibur route and so'ught his views about the potential impacts of tht:: project ~n ci the 7 respective mitigation measures and any 1Jother relevant advise from him. 2. A brief overview of the 33kV grid extension from Gulu to Samuel Vivian Acholibur was given by the team leader who also showed the Matagi officer the map of the route to enable him understand the various areas that would benefit. The team leader handed over to the sociologist who engaged the officer in the exploration of the possible impacts of the project. l : 3. The officer was asked to identify the likely positiVe Impacts of the project. POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. Electricity will boost the economic activities in the area, create employment and boost the welfare of people in the benefitting communities. NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. MC!ny people in the area have not been aware of the road reserve and have therefore encroached on it. As thu~. a good number of them are likely to lose property~ when t.h~ road reserve is cleared. .~· p ' 2. At local level a lot of vegetation 'will\:lb~ destroyed iri the process of opening up the lines. 123 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian MatagV Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Those that will lose any pr;.o:p;erty.- whether land or other assets should be duly compensated) · 1 ;1 2. The destruction .of the vegetation should be mitigated by providing the community members with seedlings to replace trees in particular. REA can also contribute seedlings to the forest department of the district. 4. The Natural Resource Officer indicated that the project is Alex Ojera welcome and has been long overdue. He also made a number of observations that he. considered pertinent to the success of the Samuel project. Matagi 1. The Acholi community is still traumatised, especially about the NanfukaEsther issue of land. They are very suspicious. It is important to move with the local leadir-s throughout the process and to obtain authorisation from the district administration. 2. An announcement beforehand is also important. This should notify both the communities and the local leaders about the impending activities of the survey and RAP teams. Many people in Acholi listen to radios, even those who don't have radios get information from others. Radios are always used on issues of environmental concern. When asked whether a radio p·rogramme would be necessary the Natural Resource indicated that the L.C.V Chairperson has airtime every Tuesday at 8am on Mega FM. He is a very positive minded guy who could be lobbied to give the team an opportunity to address the population. 3. Local L.C.V Councillors may not be the best to deal with, but L.C.III Chairpersons are positive and are the best to deal with. I have had an experience with the L.C.V councillors. They like politicising everything: In general the project is a good idea that is welcome. After the submission of the Natural Resource Officer, the EIA team thanked and wished him a good day. 124 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda PROCEEDINGS OF THE KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEW ON THE IMPACTS OF THE GRID EXTENSION FROM GULU TO ACHOLIBUR, HELD WITH THE DISTRICT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER OF 5 GULU DISTRICT, AT THE GULU DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS ON 31 T JANUARY, 2012 AT 8.30 AM AGENDA: 1. Introductions 2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader 3. Reactions from the District Community Development Officer 4. Closing Remarks from the Officer AITENDANCE No. Name Designation Contact 1. Oruut Jimmy District Community Development 0772588499 Officer ., '·~ 3. Nanfuka Esther Kalule Sociologist 0772- 484265 4. Samuel Vivian Matagi Team Leader/Environmentalist 0712-654 651 MINUTES bl ·:"·: MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The team and the District Community Development Officer All exchanged greetings, and either party introduced themselves to each other. The District Community Development Officer was informed that the team was conducting an EIA for the Gulu- Acholibur route and sought his views about the potential impacts of the project and the respective mitigation measures and any other relevant advice from him. , 2. A brief overview of the 33kV grid extension from Gulu to Acholibur Samuel Vivian was given by the team leader who also showed the officer the map Matagi of the route to enable him understand the various areas that would benefit. The team leader handed over to the sociologist who engaged the officer in the exploration of the possible impacts of the project. 3. The officer was asked to identify the likely positive Impacts of the Nanfuka project. -- '- • Esther POSITIVE IMPACTS Oruut Jimmy 1. Employment opportunities will be created. Many m.ore businesses will spring up. 2; Some of Sub Counties don't have power; they rely .on solar which is not reliable. The electricity will ease the operations of these Sub Counties. NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. The loss of assets and properties of people who have developments in the road reserve. ··' 125 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda \ MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Those that will lose any property- whether land or other assets should be duly compensated. 4. The District Community Development Officer indicated that the All community needs the power and the people want it, but they need to be mobilised and given explanations in advance if they are to cooperate_ He also noted that issues of land in Acholi are tricky, because people are suspicious and may lynch the survey and RAP teams. 126 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu ·Acholibur and Opeta • Acokara in northern Uganda PROCEEDINGS OF THE KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEW ON THE IMPACTS OF THE GRID EXTENSION FROM ACOKARA TO OPETA, HELD WITH THE DISTRICT FORESTRY OFFICER OF OYAM DISTRICT, AT THE OYAM DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS ON 2ND FEBRUARY, 2012 AT 12.30 PM AGENDA: 1. Introductions . 2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team 'Lead~r 3. Reactions from the District Officer ; 'r>Jn r:: ~ - 4. Closing Remarks from the Officer AITENDANCE No. Name Designation Contact 1. Okullo Lawrence District Forestry Officer 0782- 510251 3. Nanfuka Esther Kalule Sociologist 0772 - 484265 4. Samuel Vivian Matagi Team Leade-r/Environmentalist 0712-654 651 MINUTES MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The team and the District Forestry Officer exchanged greetings, and All either party introduced themselves to each other. The DFO was informed that the team was conducting an EIA for the Acokara - Opeta route and sought his views about the potential Impacts of the project and the respective mitigation measures lnd any other relevant advice from him. 3. The officer was asked to identify the likely positive Impacts of the -·""' project. • ,2 , 1[2 •:> -· POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. Of course electricity is good because it induces a string of benefits. NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. During the erection of the Kamdini power line many trees were cut and people were promised compensation. That was way back in June 2011, but actual work · begal'l 1Jrit October. without compensation. To date people have not been compensated. The same scenario is likely to occur in this case. 2. In the same area, holes were dug so many times, and some of them have never been covered. These are potential sources of accidents. I hope they won't do the same this time. MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Compensation should be effected before the actual work begins. 2. REA should provide seedlings on top of the mo1~ey. This will ensure that the tree cover of the district does not reduce substantially. , , .·.. 127 ' Rural Electrification Agency Samuel V'1v'1an Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 4_ The DFO concluded that the project is welcome but the negative All aspects should be mitigated. After the submission of the NatUral Resource Officer, the EIA team thanked and wis~e.d him a good day. ','l ,' 128 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda i ,, PROCEEDINGS OF THE KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEW ON THE IMPACTS OF THE GRID EXTENSION FROM ACOKARA TO OPETA, HELD WITH THE DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT OFFICER/ FISHERIES OFFICER OF KOLE DISTRICT, AT THE KOLE DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS ON 3RD FEBRUARY, 2012 AT 11:30 AM AGENDA: 1. Introductions 2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leaqer: 3. Reactions from the District Officer · ,0 ; , · 4. Closing Remarks from the Officer ATTENDANCE No. Name Designation Contact 1. Ogwal Abraham District Environment/ Fisheries 0778 -510379 Officer 3. Nanfuka Esther Kalule Sociologist 0772 - 484265 4. Samuel Vivian Matagi Team Leader/Environmentalist 0712- 654 651 MINUTES MIN NO. MINUTES , ACTION BY 1. The team and the DEO/DFO exchanged greetings, and either party All introduced themselves to each other. The officer was informed that the team was conducting an EIA for the Acokara- Opeta route and sought his views about the potential impacts of the project and the respective mitigation measures and any other relevant advice from him. 3. The officer was asked to identify }~·e l.,i_ke)y ,ft9sitive Impacts of the Nanfuka project. .. ,,..,. Esther : ''.,1 POSITIVE IMPACTS Ogwal 1. There will be an improvement in the economic status of the Abraham business communities. e.g. grinding mills and other factories will be put in place. If the rates of electricity go down, it will be cheaper fuel than paraffin. 2. In the health unit the theatre will now work more effectively, sometimes there is no fuel to run the generator. 3. It will reduce the rate of deforestation in some of these areas; people will use pressure cookers rather than wood fuel. NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. Electrocution from hanging wires 2.Displacement of community members and their gardens 3. A lot of trees will be lost in the process of clearing the route. 4. Influx of workers in to the area who may engage sexually with the community members. There are risks for the spread of HIV in the areas 129 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 3:ikv electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda ' ~' ' "' MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY along the route MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Those that will lose any property- whether land or other assets should be duly compensated. The compensation should be timely. 3. The communities should be thoroughly sensitised about the dangers of electricity and how to minimise them. 4. HIV/AIDS and sensitisation shbuld be effected. 4. The DEO/DFO noted a nLim,ber of local trees with specific importance All to the community. These Include temarindas (cawo) whose seeds are mixed with millet flour for delicacy; palm trees (tugu) that are used for poles/timber and the palm fruits a delicacy; mangoes and non fruit trees like itek and itoba which regenerate fast and are therefore used for burning bricks, firewood and demarcation of land. In the opinion of the officer, the cutting of these trees should be minimised and where inevitable, the owners should be compensated with seedlings as well. tJ;: ' . ~: 130 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader >ii¥i ' Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda PROCEEDINGS OF THE KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEW ON THE IMPACTS OF THE GRID EXTENSION FROM ACOKARA TO OPETA, HELD WITH THE DISTRICT ENVIRONIY!,EI"l!T OFFICER OF OYAM DISTRICT, AT THE OYAM DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS ON 2ND FEBRUARY, 2012 AT12.30 PM AGENDA: 1. Introductions · -, ,;; ·~ ~··· 2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Teah:f'Leadi:k 3. Reactions from the District Officer · .. 4. Closing Remarks from the Officer ATTENDANCE No. Name Designation Contact 1. Opio Moses District Environment Officer 0772 676733 3. Nanfuka Esther Kalule Sociologist . 0772 - 484265 4. Samuel Vivian Matagi Team Lef),der/Environmentalist 0712- 654 651 MINUTES MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The team and the District Environment Officer exchanged greetings, All and either party introduced themselves to each other. The DEO was informed that the team was conducting an EIA for the Acokara - Opeta route and sought his views about the potentia!llmpacts of the project and the respective mitigation measures and any other relevant advice from him. ., 3. The officer was asked to identify the likely positive Impacts of the project. ;?, ~1 j I POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. Electricity will create development in the area. 2. Allow agro processing 3. Schools will improve on performance by studying at night 4. Health centres will be able to use electrical equipments NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. Vegetation destruction 2. Compensation 3. A few buildings affected MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Compensation should be effected before the actual work begins. 131 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Viv'1an Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda ', L!t:rL,. : PROCEEDINGS OF THE KEY I,NFqRIY!A!)I,T },J\I;TERVIEW ON THE IMPACTS OF THE GRID EXTENSION FROM GULU TO ACHOLIB,lJ,~~. HELD ,WITH THE DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT OFFICER OF PADER DISTRICT, AT THE PADER DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS ON 1ST FEBRUARY, 2012 AT 4:00PM AGENDA: 1. Introductions 2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader 3. Reactions from the District Officer 4. Closing Remarks from the Officer ATTENDANCE No. Name Designation Contact 1. Ogena Henry Jimmy 'i ,• Environment Officer :, ' {.; ! ~: :'District 0754 945496 3. Nanfuka Esther Kalule ';: Sociologist 0772 - 484265 4. Samuel Vivian Matagi Tea'm Leader/Environmentalist 0712- 654 651 MINUTES MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The team and the District Environment Officer exchanged greetings, All and either party inf~oduced themselves to each other. The DEO · . "· n·"ed,, was informed that the team was conducting an EIA for the Acokara -Opeta route an'~(~ought his views about the potential impacts of the project and the respective mitigation measures and any other relevant advise from him. 3. The officer was asked to identify the likely positive Impacts of the project. POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. Electricity will create development in the area. NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. A lot of trees were cut dQI-ing.the grid extension from Pader to Abim , :. ,;' 2. Some trees are of cultural-religious significance they should not be cut MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Compensation should be effected before the actual work begins. 2. Those whose trees will be cut should be compensated with seedlings on top of the money. Ther.e is a tendency for the affected to use the money for oth~r n.eeds rather than tree planting. This will further contribute to the drought of trees in the area. 4. The DEO of Pader noted that there are trees of cultural importance 132 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY to the community that should not be cut. The Survey and RAP teams as well as the contractor are expected to take this in to account as they execute their duties. 133 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electric\tv P,?)lf:IJ' Hne in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION ON THE LIKELY IMPACTS OF THE GULU_ ACHOLIBUR GRID EXTENSION,AT ARIAGA-LALIYA TRADING CENTRE (Elevation 1090m; 36 N0421396; UTM 0309344) 5 ON 31 r JANUARY, 2012 AT 8.30 A.M AGENDA: 1. Introductions 2. A brief overview of the 'project from the EIA Team Leader 3. Reactions from the members 4. Concluding remarks from tn~ EIA team ATTENDANCE See attendance list at the end. MINUTES MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The L.C.l Chairperson of the area, Mr Oling Charles, welcomed the The L.C.l participants to the discussion;,i$han!would pass over the roofs of their houses and endanger their .lives. 4. The participants expect power pu~9,ges and very high power bills. The participants indicated that their colleagues with power were decrying the failure of Umeme to distribute power equally and to manage the billing process. The people were asked to enumerate the best way these negative impacts can be mitigated. ,) ,·,·, MITIGATION MEASURES 1. The participants noted that it was qrtJcial for them to be duly and promptly compensated The holes for the poles should be deep enough to prevent the 2. poles from collapsing 3. Umeme should be advised to improve its performance, especially with regard to how they bill. They should employ a fair billing system 4. Enough compensation to enable individuals/ households whose houses may be in the way of the power line to shift them to safer locations. · 4. The participants raised a number of questions. These included: Samuel Vivian • Isn't it dangerous for people to live near the electricity poles? Matagi &Nanfuka • What if one had planted a tree, will .it bg compen~~ted? How Esther about a house, will it be compensa~~~:~ '"' ·, ' ' • I have just bought a piece of lanct,"if the line passes through my land, will I be compensated to buy new land? 135 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY • We are crying becaus,e .of Umeme's inefficiency. Can you consultants influencj) h~Y;J/~hev,, work? <' • I ,,·,y•; ;, • \ > !. The Sociologist and the Team leader addressed the questions as follows. • The participants were informed that land within the road reserve is not compensated because it is not supposed to be occupied by them, but that any developments on it will be valued and compensated. All developments in the reserve, including trees and houses are compensated. Land is only compensated if the power line passes outside the reserve and encroaches on it • It is not recommended for high voltage power lines like the 33KV and 132KV to pass over people's houses because of risks of electrocution. That is why; people within the road reserve where the route will pass have to be compensated to relocate their houses away from the reserve. However, the distribution lines are oflow voltage and pose minimal risk. • Umeme is a separate entity from REA on whose behalf we are working. REA fixes the power and hands over the management of its distribution to Umeme. So we don't have any influence over Umeme, but the general country is pressurising it to improve. The sociologist and the team leader together urged the participants to cooperate with the RAP. team which would be following them soon. The Team Leader then thanked the participants for their time and contributions and bade them farewell. In reaction, the L.C.1 Chairperson of the area assured the team of their cooperation, arguing that they were development oriented people. He also noted that they were grateful for being chosen as beneficiaries. 136 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda Focus Group Discussion on Grid Extension at Apuu Kipoko Village (Eievation-1058m; 36N0420743; UTM 0313519}, Agonga Parish, Bungatira Sub County, Gulu District on 31st January 2012 at lO.OOa.m AGENDA: 1. Introductions 2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader 3. Reactions from the members · 4. Questions, Answers and Concluding remarks from.the E,lA team '•,·'-,i,fl L,-, ' ·-n:·;'~ 1 ATTENDANCE See attendance list attached MINUTES MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The L.C.l Chairperson welcomed the participants and asked the Ocitti George EIA team to introduce themselves. The Team Leader welcomed (L.C.l the participants, greeted them and introduced himself and the Chairperson). rest of the team members, i.e. the sociologist and interpreter. Samuel Matagi 2. The Team Leader gave a brief overview of the Project and a brief Samuel explanation of the line drawings showing the transmission lines Vivian from Gulu to Acholibur. He informed the participants that the Matagi purpose of this meeting was to inform them about the project, solicit their views about its positive and negative impacts and measures to mitigate the negative impacts. He informe'd them that little negative impacts were expected because the line would be mainly fixed in the road reserve. He'wenb ahead to' inform them about the dynamics of the road reser'v~; how it is measured, its use and implications of abusing its policy. He also informed them about issues of valuing and compensation of assets. He then handed over to the sociologist to engage the participants in discussing the likely impacts of the project. 3. The members were asked about th~; positive effects electricity would have on their wellbeing. The an·swets below, are the benefits the participants expect to accrue-cfrorr\ being connected to the national grid ' ' POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. They expect to get out of darkness 2. Employment opportunities are expected to manifest because all big industries, factories and activities need power. E.g grinding mills, barber shops, saloons etc. With power they will be brought near. 3. Cost reduction with regard to transport charges incurred 137 Rural Electrification Agency ,,'1, Samuel Vivian MatagV Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY to access s~r:vices f~~r.V~ns, grinding mills and others. ~·' ~r, -' . , ~ , :j;>i" • I ,,,:· , ' . >, • All For every projecfwith positive effects, there are always negative effects too. Members were asked what negative effects this project is likely to have on the people's livelihood. , - ., 01: NEGATIVE IMPACTS 5. 1. They expect cases of accidents and electrocution since they have not had electricity for a long time. There are people who do not know how to use it. They may end up dying. 2. There are a number of people who are not aware about the road reserve and have used it for several purposes such the construction ., of houses. , :1· Such people will lose their land and prope·rty. . .1> " .· . . ' ;; t , ,. ·, The people were agked to enumerate? the best way these negative impacts should be mitigated. MITIGATION MEASURES 1. The community members should be sensitised about the All potential hazards from electricity use and how they should ,avoid• 1 them. , ,, . ,• . . • . I>H1i.l\-- 2. All the ~ff,~cted 1 indbYWI~?Is should be duly .compensated for ?qy~,propertY', lost :so that the adverse 1m pact of the losses qn the w~lfare is minimised. They should strive to compensate them immediately. 3. UNRA gave the members of this community a few lectures on road reset'Ves and the importance of keeping it virgin; but they feel they need more sensitisation about the topic. 4. The participants raised a number of questions to the EIA Team. Samuel These include: Vivian • For a long time people in this area have been about the road Matagi reserve. You will find a house within 3 metres from the road. &Nanfuka Supposing an individual totally refuses to let you use the road Esther reserve for the pole, what will you do? • Suppose you want to getthe service in to your house, will it be necessary for you to pay? • The transformer may be placed in a person's land, how will such a person be convinced to accept it there? • Suppose you have brought power and people's income here is low, will they be given lower prices because of their low income? The team leader and the sociologist answered the questions as follows: • The road reset'Ve is regi,Jiated by the law for activities such as power linesi water pipes•;a''?ra telephone lines etc. This implies that an i.nc,Jividual who encroaches on it is a criminal. There is no way a person will refuse to vacate the reserve when they are the ones in the wrong. 138 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line·in Gulu -A,holibur and Ope,ta - Acokara in northern Uganda MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY • REA is just working on the power line but the management of distribution is handled by Umeme. Their procedure is that each potential customer has to apply and pay a specified amount to be considered for connection. You will also have to pay the electricity bills yourself. There is no free electricity. • There is no concession for low income earners. T~e electricity charges are applied uniformly throughout the country. You have to work hard to be able to foot your electricity bills. • The people were also advised not to .build in the road reserve; that is 15m away from the center of the ·road, on either side of the road and to .. wor~ hard to enable themselves and the country at largE!"1to 'pay the electricity bills and the loan, respectively. The EIA Team Leader and the sociologist then thanked the members for their time and contributions and bade them farewell. 139 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity pow~r line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda ;~ \,' 140 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda 141 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel V'1vian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda '1., 142 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda 143 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda 144 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda 145 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Viv·1an Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda 146 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda Rural Electrification Agency samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda .L~O Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda 149 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda 150 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda 1' 151 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda 152 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda APPENDIX E: LOCAL AND CENTRAL FOREST RESERVES TRAVERSED BY THE POWER LINES 153 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda 154 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta - Acokara in northern Uganda ~tPIWit.J,V\M' ,.....,_ ~~l.VL*£ -~· """"""'' 155 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader Environmental Project Brief of the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Gulu -Acholibur and Opeta- Acokara in northern Uganda ~~ . ,., E ~ ~ j "' :r ~ ~ ~ t-1 1.1 . ;i !;1 ~ tl 1!1 i ... - ."' ~... -< ~ ,. lS ~ ! ~ ,.. r ~ l; ~ tf ~ ~ i ~ i <: il\ 1"1 156 Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader