REPUBLIC OF RWANDA MINISTRY IN CHARGE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT P.O. Box: 4386 KIGALI SOCIO-ECONOMIC INCLUSION OF REFUGEES AND HOST COMMUNITIES PROJECT (SEIRHCP) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (ESMF) FINAL REPORT March 2019 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In the framework of improving the living conditions of refugees and host communities, the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management and with the funding from the World Bank is developing the project entitled “Socio Economic Inclusion of Refugees and Host Communities� (SEIRHCP). The project will be implemented in the six Districts hosting refugee camps, namely Kirehe, Gatsibo, Karongi, Nyamagabe, Gisagara, and Gicumbi hosting respectively the refugee camps Mahama, Nyabiheke, Kiziba, Kigeme, Mugombwa, and Gihembe. The project has four components: the first component aims to ensure access to basic services and socio-economic investments. The component is divided into two parts: access to basic services (education, health and water) and socio-economic investments (roads and markets). The key sub- project activities will include construction, rehabilitation, or upgrading school infrastructures, health facilities, water and sanitation facilities, roads, and markets in six districts hosting refugees. The second component aims to ensure economic opportunity with access to finance (grants or loans) and livelihood opportunities to both refugees and host community. The main objectives of this component are to promote entrepreneurship and wage employment through access to finance (grants or loans) and to provide capacity building for improved access to finance to refugees and host communities. Component three aims to rehabilitate the environment in and around refugee camps. The component will provide solutions to environmental degradation caused by the establishment of the refugee camps. This component includes rehabilitation of ravines and gullies through engineering interventions and surface water reservoirs for productive use of diverted storm water. The fourth component consists of project management and monitoring and evaluation. It will strengthen the technical capacity of all implementing agencies and enhance the monitoring and evaluation of the project. The SEIRHCP will bring benefits for refugees and host communities but it is also expected to have potential negative social and environmental impacts on the surroundings during implementation of sub-projects. In order to manage those negative impacts, the World Bank requires having the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) as a safeguard instrument. The ESMF is an instrument that guides the assessment of environmental and social impacts resulting from sub-projects. This ESMF contains measures and plans to reduce, mitigate and/or offset adverse impacts and enhance positive impacts as well as monitoring responsibilities during SEIRHCP implementation. The cost estimate to implement this ESMF is equivalent to 359,066 US$ for the first year of the SEIRHCP implementation as most construction works are expected on the first year. The estimated cost includes ESIA studies, environmental audits, awareness creation among the beneficiaries of the SEIRHCP and the required training workshop for the implementing institutions (MINEMA and Districts). The ESMF implementation costs will be adjusted later on during the SEIRHCP implementation. 1 Other costs related to the mitigation and monitoring measures of environmental and social impacts during the construction and operation phase of sub-projects are expected to be integrated in each sub-project design and construction contractor contracts. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................... 1 LISTS OF TABLES...................................................................................................................................... 8 LISTS OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................................... 9 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ................................................................................................... 10 GLOSSARY OF TERMS ........................................................................................................................... 12 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 14 1.1. General Context .......................................................................................................................... 14 CHAPTER 2: SOCIO-ECONOMIC INCLUSION OF REFUGEES AND HOST COMMUNITIES IN RWANDA PROJECT ................................................................................................................................. 15 2.1. Project Overview ............................................................................................................................. 15 2.2. Project Components ......................................................................................................................... 15 CHAPTER 3: STUDY APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY OF ESMF............................................... 21 3.1. Literature Review............................................................................................................................. 21 3.2. Field Visits and public consultation ................................................................................................. 21 CHAPTER 4: BASELINE INFORMATION ............................................................................................. 22 4.1. Key Baseline information on Rwanda ............................................................................................. 22 4.1.1. Physical Environment of Rwanda ............................................................................................. 22 4.1.2. Biological Environment ............................................................................................................ 28 4.2. Physical and biological environment of SEIRHCP target areas ...................................................... 29 4.2.1. Karongi District......................................................................................................................... 29 4.2.2. Gatsibo District ......................................................................................................................... 32 4.2.3. Gicumbi District........................................................................................................................ 35 4.2.4. Gisagara District ....................................................................................................................... 38 4.2.5. Kirehe District ........................................................................................................................... 41 4.2.6. Nyamagabe District................................................................................................................... 43 4.3. Socio-Economic Environment ......................................................................................................... 46 4.3.1. Population and Demography of Districts and sectors hosting refugee camps .......................... 46 4.3.2. Economic activities ................................................................................................................... 50 CHAPTER 5: ADMINISTRATIVE, POLICY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK .......................... 57 5.1. National Policy and Legal Framework ............................................................................................ 57 5.1.1. National Environmental Policy of 2003 .................................................................................... 57 3 5.1.2. National Water Resources Management Policy of 2011 .......................................................... 57 5.1.3. Land Policy of 2004 .................................................................................................................. 58 5.1.4. Forest Policy of 2017 ................................................................................................................ 58 5.1.5. National Environment and Climate Change Policy of 2018 ..................................................... 58 5.1.6. National Sanitation Policy of 2016 ........................................................................................... 59 5.1.7. National Human Settlement Policy in Rwanda of 2009 ........................................................... 60 5.1.8. NST-1/Seven Years Government Program (2017-2024) .......................................................... 61 5.2. National legal framework............................................................................................................... 61 5.2.1. Rwanda Constitution of 2003 as amended in 2015 ................................................................... 61 5.2.2. Law no 43/2013 of 16/06/2013 governing land in Rwanda ...................................................... 61 5.2.3. Law no 32/2015 of 11/06/2015 relating to Expropriation in the Public interest ....................... 62 5.2.4. Law no 47bis/2013 of 28/06/2013 determining the management and utilization of forests in Rwanda ............................................................................................................................................... 62 5.2.5. Organic Law no 04/2005 of 08/04/2005 organic law determining the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of the environment in Rwanda .............................................................. 63 5.2.6. Ministerial Order no 001/ 2018 of 25/04/2018 determining the list of works, activities and projects subject to an environmental impact assessment .................................................................... 64 5.2.7. Law n0 13ter/2014 of 21/05/2014 relating to refugees .............................................................. 64 5.2.8. Other relevant regulations applicable to SEIRHCP .................................................................. 64 5.3. International and regional conventions ............................................................................................ 65 5.3.1. International Conventions and treaties ...................................................................................... 65 5.3.2. Regional conventions ................................................................................................................ 66 5.4. World Bank environmental and social safeguard policies ............................................................... 67 5.4.1. Environmental safeguard policies ............................................................................................. 67 5.4.2. Social safeguards policies ......................................................................................................... 68 5.5. Institutions relevant to SEIRHCP .................................................................................................... 70 5.5.1. Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) ................................................... 70 5.5.2 The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) ............................................................................... 70 5.5.3. Ministry of Environment (MoE) ............................................................................................... 71 5.5.4. Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) .......................................................... 71 5.5.5. Rwanda Development Board (RDB) ........................................................................................ 72 5.5.6. Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) .................................................................................. 72 5.5.7. Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) ................................................................... 72 5.5.8. Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC)........................................................................... 72 4 5.5.9. Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) ................................................... 73 5.5.10. Ministry of Health (MoH) ....................................................................................................... 73 5.5.11. Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) ....................................................................................... 73 5.5.12. Micro Finances Institutions (MFIs) ........................................................................................ 73 5.5.13. Local Governments ................................................................................................................. 73 CHAPTER 6: STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATIONS ............................................................................ 75 6.1. Objectives and approach of the stakeholder consultation ................................................................ 75 6.2. Consulted organizations ................................................................................................................... 75 6.3. Key Findings of the consultation ..................................................................................................... 77 CHAPTER 7: ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR SEIRHCP .... 81 7.1. Objectives of ESMF ......................................................................................................................... 81 7.2. Rationale of ESMF .......................................................................................................................... 81 7.3. Proposed sub-projects of SEIRHCP ................................................................................................ 83 7.4. Potential positive impacts of SEIRHCP ........................................................................................... 84 7.5. Potential adverse impacts of SEIRHCP ........................................................................................... 84 7.6. Summary of Identified potential environmental and social impacts ................................................ 85 7.7. Environmental and Social mitigation measures for identified potential impacts of SEIRHCP ....... 92 CHAPTER 8: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PROCESS FOR SEIRHCP ....... 99 8.1. Sub-projects brief preparation and submission ................................................................................ 99 8.2. Sub-projects screening ..................................................................................................................... 99 8.2.1. Sub-projects categorization through Screening Process ........................................................... 99 8.2.2. Sub-projects review and approval through the Screening process .......................................... 101 8.3. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (EIA) study .......................................................... 102 8.3.1. Scoping ................................................................................................................................... 102 8.3.2. EIA Study Preparation ............................................................................................................ 102 8.4. Review of the EIA Report by MINEMA ....................................................................................... 105 8.5. Public Hearing and Decision making............................................................................................. 105 8.6. Summary of EIA/EMP procedures for SEIRHCP ......................................................................... 105 CHAPTER 9: CAPACITY BUILDING, TRAINING & TA REQUIRED FOR ESMF IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................................................................... 108 9.1. SEIRHCP coordination and implementation arrangements ........................................................... 108 9.2. Institutional capacity needs for ESMF implementation ................................................................. 108 5 9.3. Required trainings .......................................................................................................................... 109 CHAPTER 10: ESMF IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND BUDGET .................................... 111 10.1. ESMF implementation arrangements and coordination ............................................................... 111 10.2. ESMF monitoring plan ................................................................................................................ 116 10.3. Disclosure of ESMF and other safeguards instruments ............................................................... 118 10.4. Grievance Redress Mechanism .................................................................................................... 118 10.4.1. Community and Lower Level Grievance Redress Mechanism ............................................. 119 10.4.2. Advanced Project Level Grievance Redress Mechanism ..................................................... 120 10.4.3. Judiciary Level Grievance Redress Mechanism ................................................................... 121 10.4.4. World Bank Grievance Redress Service (GRS).................................................................... 122 10.5. ESMF implementation budget ..................................................................................................... 124 CHAPTER 11: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................ 126 CHAPTER 12: REFERENCES ............................................................................................................... 127 CHAPTER 13: ANNEXES....................................................................................................................... 130 Annex 13.1. Key information to be included in the sub-project brief .................................................. 130 Annex 13.2. Sample TORs for EIA/EMP study for SEIRHCP ............................................................ 132 Annex 13.3. Sub-project EA screening guidance and categorization .................................................. 137 Annex 13.4. List of works, activities and projects subject to an environmental impact assessment .... 138 Annex 13.5. SEIRHCP Environmental and Social Screening Checklist for Component 1&3 ............. 140 Annex 13.6. SEIRHCP Environmental & Social Screening ChecklisT for Component 2 ................... 145 Annex 13.7. Checklist of Environmental & Social Management activities for each phase ................ 147 Annex 13.8. Key content to be included in the EIA Report ................................................................. 148 Annex 13.9. Format of typical EMP ..................................................................................................... 153 Annex 13.10. Guidelines for preparation of EMPs ............................................................................... 156 Annex 13.11. Chance find procedures .................................................................................................. 158 Annex 1.12. RDB Project Screening Criteria Form.............................................................................. 159 Annex 13.13. Template for safeguards progress report ........................................................................ 162 Annex 13.14. Public consultations guiding questions during ESMF preparation ................................ 163 Annex 13.15. Minutes of consultation meetings................................................................................... 167 Annex 13.16. Consultation Attendance Lists........................................................................................ 179 .............................................................................................................................................................. 179 6 7 LISTS OF TABLES Table 1: Environmental Issues in Kiziba Refugee Camp ............................................................. 31 Table 2 : Environmental management Issues in Nyabiheke Refugee Camp ................................ 34 Table 3: Environmental Management Issues in Gihembe Refugee Camp ................................... 37 Table 4: Environmental Management Issues in Mugombwa Refugee Camp............................... 40 Table 5: Environmental Issues in Mahama Refugee Camp .......................................................... 43 Table 6: Environmental Issues in Kigeme Refugee Camp ........................................................... 45 Table 7: Demographic of districts hosting Refugee Camps ......................................................... 46 Table 8: Demographic of sectors hosting Refugee Camps ........................................................... 47 Table 9: Demographic breakdown of refugees and asylum seekers in Rwanda........................... 48 Table 10: Existing infrastructure in host communities ................................................................. 55 Table 11: Consultation with Stakeholders .................................................................................... 76 Table 12: World Bank Safeguards Policies triggered by SEIRHCP ............................................ 82 Table 13: SEIRHCP proposed sub-projects .................................................................................. 83 Table 14: Summary of potential adverse environmental and social impacts of SEIRHCP .......... 84 Table 15: Criteria for impacts classification ................................................................................. 86 Table 16: Potential environmental & social impacts during construction phase of SEIRHCP .... 87 Table 17: Potential environmental & social impacts during operation phase of SEIRHCP (Component 1&3) ......................................................................................................................... 90 Table 18: Environmental & social impacts during operation phase of SEIRHCP (Comp 2) ....... 91 Table 19: Environmental & social mitigation measures for construction and operation phases .. 93 Table 20: Institutional capacity for ESMF implementation ....................................................... 109 Table 21: Roles and responsibilities in ESMF implementation.................................................. 111 Table 22: Procedures for ESMF implementation ....................................................................... 113 Table 23: Proposal of monitoring Indicators .............................................................................. 116 Table 24: Grievance Redress Process at Project level ................................................................ 123 Table 25: Budget estimate for the ESMF implementation ......................................................... 125 8 LISTS OF FIGURES Figure 1: Map of Elevation, Lakes, Rivers and Administrative boundaries of Rwanda .............. 25 Figure 2: Map of Rwanda Land Use ............................................................................................. 28 Figure 3: Topography of Nyarusange cell hosting Kziba Refugee Camp .................................... 30 Figure 4: Kiziba Refugee Camp ................................................................................................... 32 Figure 5: Topography of Nyabishwamba Cell hosting Nyabiheke Refugee Camp ...................... 33 Figure 6: Nyabiheke Refugee Camp ............................................................................................. 35 Figure 7: Topography of Gihembe cell hosting Gihembe refugee Camp ..................................... 36 Figure 8: Deep ravines formed at the outlet of constructed water channel .................................. 38 Figure 9: Topography of Mugombwa cell hosting Mugombwa Refugee Camp .......................... 39 Figure 10: Mugombwa Refugee Camp ......................................................................................... 41 Figure 11: Topgraphy of Munini cell hosting Mahama Refugee Camp ....................................... 42 Figure 12: Mahama Refugee Camp .............................................................................................. 43 Figure 13: Topography of Kigeme cell hosting Kigeme Refugee Camp ..................................... 44 Figure 14: Bare soil nearby Kigeme Refugee Camp .................................................................... 45 Figure 15: Market place on the roadside in the vicinity of Gihembe refugee camp ..................... 51 Figure 16: Charts of ESMF implementation process (Component 1&3) ................................... 105 Figure 17: Chart of ESMF implementation process (Component 2) .......................................... 107 Figure 18 : Grievance Redress process Chart ............................................................................. 124 9 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ARAP Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan BDAs Business Development Advisors BNR National Bank of Rwanda BRD Development Bank of Rwanda CRRF Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework DEOs District Environmental Officers EA Environmental Assessment or Analysis EDPRS Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy ElS Environment Impact Statement EMP Environmental Management Plan EIA Environment and Social Impact Assessment ESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework FONERWA Rwanda Green Fund GoR Government of Rwanda GRC Grievance Redress Committee GRM Grievance Redress Mechanisms GRS Grievance Redress Service INMR Institute of National Museums of Rwanda MFIs Micro Finance Institutions MINAGRI Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources MINECOFIN Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning MINEDUC Ministry of Education MoH Ministry of Health MINEMA Ministry of Emergency Management MININFRA Ministry of Infrastructures MINISPOC Ministry of Sport and Culture MoE Ministry of Environment NGOs Non-Government Organizations PCU Project Coordination Unit PFI Participating Financial Institution PPE Personal Protective Equipment PSC Project Steering Committee PWDs People With Disabilities RAP Resettlement Action Plan RAPEP Rwanda Association of Professional Environmental Practitioners RDB Rwanda Development Board REG Rwanda Energy Group REMA Rwanda Environment Management Authority RPF Resettlement Policy Framework RTDA Rwanda Transport Development Agency SACCOs Savings and Credit Cooperatives SEIRHCP Socio Economic Inclusion of Refugees and Host Community Project 10 SGBV Sexual Gender Based Violence SP Strategic Plan SPIU Single Project Implementation Unit ToR Terms of Reference TVET Technical and Vocational Education and Training UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees WB World Bank WASAC Water and Sanitation Corporation 11 GLOSSARY OF TERMS Sub-project proponent: Individual, cooperative, or enterprise that has submitted a business plan to a Participating Financial Institution for funding from the SEIRHCP matching grants under component 2 of the project. Cumulative impacts/effects: The total effects on the same aspect of the environment resulting from several activities or projects. Developer/Developer: The entity, person, company/agency proposing to develop/implement/install a new project/sub-project or expand an existing road construction or rehabilitation project. Direct impacts: An effect on the environment brought about directly by the project. Disclosure: Information availability to all stakeholders at all stages of the development. Environment: The totality of the natural (physical and biological components) and societal (cultural, social, economic, political) components and processes that define our surroundings. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA): A systematic, comprehensive, logical process of analysis of a project and its effects (positive and negative) on the environment based on prevailing baseline conditions and a description of the mitigation actions that will be carried out to avoid or minimize these negative effects. Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF): A safeguard instrument that examines the issues and impacts that occur when a project consists of a program or series of sub- projects and the impacts can only be determined when the program or sub-project details have been identified. It sets out the principles, rules, guidelines and procedures to assess environmental and social impacts. It also contains measures and plans to reduce, mitigate and/or offset adverse impacts and enhance positive impacts. It also contains provisions for estimating and costs estimates of such measures and information on the agencies responsible for addressing project impacts. Environmental and Social Management Plan (EMP): A safeguard that details the measures to be taken during the implementation and operation of a project with the following objectives: (i) to eliminate or offset adverse environmental impacts or reduce impacts to acceptable levels; (ii) to specify the actions needed to implement these measures. Environmental Impact Statement: Report submitted to the authority by the developer stating the likely impacts of the proposed project, as well as measures for mitigating or managing the environmental impacts during the project development and operation. Environmental monitoring: describes follow-up activities and decisions on a regular basis to ensure the development and operational activities of the project comply with the conditions agreed upon in the environmental management plan. 12 Impact: A positive or negative effect that the project is likely to have on any aspect of the biophysical and/ or socio-economic environment. Indirect impact: A positive or negative effect that the project indirectly has on an aspect of the environment Involuntary resettlement: The forceful loss of land / resources that requires individuals, families and / or groups to move and resettle elsewhere. Mitigation measures: The actions identified or proposed to negate or minimize the negative environmental impact that a project may have on the environment. Participating Financial Institution: Bank, SACCO, or MFIs that has entered into an agreement with BRD to participate in and offer SEIRHCP matching grants under component two of the project. Pollution: Contamination altering the state of purity (e.g. chemical effluent discharge into a surface water body). Project and sub-project: A set of planned activities designed to achieve specific objectives within a given area and time frame. Project Brief: The initial submitted document to RDB to initiate the process that will lead to the issuance of the ESIA certificate of approval. Scoping: This refers to the initial stage in an environmental assessment that determines the major environmental parameters which are likely to be affected and the aspects of the project that may cause these effects. Reviewing: Is an assessment of the so far submitted project details by an environmental agency to decide as to whether there are gaps to be answered. Screening: An initial step when a project is being considered for environmental assessment. The screening is the determination of the level of assessment that will be conducted. In the case of GoR, screening will place the project into one of three environmental categories (I, II, or III). At this stage, it may be decided that the project does not require a full ESIA and therefore can proceed based on the Project Brief recommendations. Stakeholder: A person, group(s) of persons or institutions who have an interest in the project, and who will be directly or indirectly affected by the project activities. . 13 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1. General Context Rwanda has been a generous host to refugees, since the first arrival of Congolese refugees in 1996. The country is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, the 1967 additional protocol, and the 1969 Organization of African Unity Refugee Convention. Refugees enjoy the right to work, freedom of movement, the right to own land, access documentation, amongst other entitlements which further lend to Rwanda’s progressive approach to displacement and tangible contributions to the region. In 2016, the GoR announced four commitments on refugee inclusion, related to graduating camp- based refugees out of assistance programs and increasing formal access to work opportunities, providing all refugees with ID cards, integrating refugee children into national education systems, and including urban refugees into national health insurance systems. In 2019, the government fleshed out details on how to implement the four commitments in the Strategic Plan for Refugee Inclusion 2019-2024. Further, the country has committed to applying the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), which provides for a comprehensive, predictable, and sustainable response that benefits both refugees and host communities (UNHCR 2018a). In this regard, the GoR in collaboration with World Bank is in the process of developping a project “ Socio-Economic Inclusion of Refugees and Host Communities (SEIRHCP)� whose main objective is to improve access to basic services and economic opportunities, and support environmental management for refugees and host communities in the target areas in Rwanda. The proposed SEIRHCP will be implemented through 4 components: 1. Component one: Access to Basic Services and Socio-Economic Investments 2. Component two: Economic Opportunity 3. Component three: Environmental management 4. Component four: Project Management/ M&E Consequently, the implementation of SEIRHCP through the aforementioned components with sub-projects activities will require compliance with the World Bank environmental and social safeguards policies. Thus, the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) instrument is developed to examine the issues and impacts that occur when a project consists of a program or series of sub-projects. The ESMF sets out the principles, rules, guidelines and procedures to assess environmental and social impacts of those sub-projects of the SEIRHCP. Furthermore, the ESMF also contains measures and plans to reduce, mitigate and/or offset adverse impacts and enhance positive impacts as well as monitoring responsibilities. It provides costs estimation of such measures and information on the agencies responsible for addressing project impacts. 14 CHAPTER 2: SOCIO-ECONOMIC INCLUSION OF REFUGEES AND HOST COMMUNITIES IN RWANDA PROJECT (SEIRHCP) 2.1. Project Overview SEIRHCP seeks to provide socio-economic opportunities that benefit both refugees and host communities in terms of access to and quality of services, while maximizing livelihood and employment opportunities for refugees and host communities to grow the local economy and build self-reliance, in addition, the project activities will mitigate the negative impacts of refugees on the environment. The achievement of the project development objective will be measured against the following proposed key results: a) Beneficiaries with improved access to social and economic infrastructure and services, disaggregated by type of service and target group, including refugees and host community members (number) b) Beneficiaries of economic opportunity activities that report an increase in income, disaggregated by gender and target group, including refugees and host community members (number) c) Direct project beneficiaries (number), of which percent of females (percentage) d) People provided with improved environmental conditions in refugee hosting districts (number) These Project Development Objective-level indicators will be reviewed and updated as necessary through project preparation. 2.2. Project Components The proposed project will be implemented through four components: Access to basic services and Socio-economic investments; Economic opportunities; Environmental management; and Project management/Monitoring and Evaluation. Component 1: Access to Basic Services and Socio-economic investments This component includes sub-projects to address the strain that refugee populations place on services, including education, health and water. An intention to integrate refugee children into the national education system is a key commitment made by the Government of Rwanda in 2016 and this commitment is clarified in the Strategic Plan for Refugee Inclusion, 2019 - 2024. This component will enable the delivery of key steps outlined in the SP to achieve integrated education by upgrading school facilities in the vicinity of the camps. It will also support facility construction or upgrade and training for technical and vocational education and training (TVET). It further supports socio-economic investments in the form of road upgrading to connect refugees to markets and market infrastructure near the camps to promote economic activity and social integration. Infrastructure under this component will be built in an efficient manner to mitigate climate change 15 impacts and will be accessible to people with disabilities (PWDs) as well as addressing potential risk for Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) (e.g., includes appropriate lighting). The component will be implemented through two sub-components. Sub-component 1: Access to Basic Services This sub-component will finance activities as follows: (a) Education: investments to support the integration of refugee children into national schools, to harmonize the quality of education across refugee and host community populations and to support access to technical and vocational education and training. Elementary and secondary schools around the camps have a range of different harmonization needs Many refugee and host community members also lack post-secondary education options, particularly technical and vocational education (TVET), which can help employment prospects. Possible activities under this sub-component include: (i) construction, rehabilitation or upgrading of elementary, secondary, and technical and vocational schools; (ii) provision of facilities and equipment as required for schools (books, furniture, toilets, science kits, etc.) and (iii) study grants for market-linked TVET jobs skills training. (b) Health: the basic needs of refugees are met in camp-based health clinics that are run by UNHCR implementing partners. However, for more serious health issues, refugees are referred outside to district hospitals and higher facilities. Some issues are also addressed through health centers at the sector level. Sub-projects could include: (i) construction or upgrading of health clinics, centers and/or district hospitals; and (ii) purchase of equipment and medical supplies. (c) Water supply: The refugee presence often affects the water table as refugees and host communities utilize the same water source. Refugees also generally enjoy a higher level of service delivery through UNHCR implementing partners, which can be a source of tension with host communities. Investments for this subcomponent could include construction or rehabilitation of water supply systems for host communities, such as wells, boreholes, pumps, water tanks or other community-based water systems. Subcomponent 2: Socio-economic investments This subcomponent will support investments to promote economic activity, connect remote refugee and host populations to markets and to strengthen the access of traders and entrepreneurs to the refugee and host population. This subcomponent will finance: (a) Road upgrading: Due to land scarcity, some refugee camps have been constructed in remote areas far from centers of economic activity. This increases the cost of travel to seek employment and is a major obstacle to self-reliance. It also prevents local traders from accessing the potentially lucrative refugee market. Under this subcomponent, roads will be revamped to link refugee populations and host communities to economic opportunities. 16 (b) Market infrastructure is generally poor or non-existent in and around the camps. Assessments undertaken during project preparation to identify constraints to economic inclusion recommended that investing in market places will increase economic activity and enhance social cohesion by providing a place for refugees and host communities to interact. This subcomponent can finance market facilities outside camps that can be used by refugees and host communities. Sub-projects could include: (i) Construction of market places and stalls; (ii) Installation of lighting for security and extended business hours; (iii) Construction of water and toilet facilities for markets; and (iv) Construction of child care facilities to encourage women’s participation and minimize the problem of child neglect in the camps and host Districts. Component 2: Economic Opportunity The component will be implemented through two subcomponents: (a) to promote entrepreneurship and employment through access to finance (grants or loans); and (b) improve access to finance through advisory services and capacity-building. Subcomponent 2(a): Access to finance for refugees and Rwandan entrepreneurs (US$8,000,000) This sub-component will provide finance to refugees and Rwandan entrepreneurs. Both grants and loans will be possible. During the initial phase, a matching grant scheme will be implemented while exploring options to open up a line of credit that would be attractive to refugees and host communities. The remainder of this section describes the matching grant scheme. Matching grants will be provided as a complement to loans offered by participating financial institutions, including SACCOs and MFIs. The process for the scheme will be as follows: • Cooperatives or enterprises will prepare a bankable proposal; • Participating financial institutions (PFIs), including SACCOs and MFIs, will appraise the proposal; • If the project is considered viable, then BRD will conduct safeguards screening; • The beneficiary contributes 10 percent; the program contributes in grant (30 percent) and the beneficiary contracts a loan with the PFI for the balance (60 percent); • The matching grant will be released once the loan is repaid; and • BRD will transfer the grant to the PFI or hold it until the loan has been repaid in the case of MFIs, which cannot hold deposits. The grant will, therefore, serve both as a collateral and a repayment incentive for the loan. Going through financial institutions will allow for proper screening and appraisal of projects and will ensure that the projects are market-based and viable. The financing could cover initial investments or expansion of existing businesses. This design uses existing access to finance mechanisms, while addressing the issue of lack of collateral for Rwandans and refugees, improving repayment rates and reducing non-performing 17 loans, which tend to be high in the case of SACCOs (above 20 percent). The eligibility criteria, minimum allocation per district, maximum amount per grant and operating procedures – including a negative list of activities – will be detailed in a grants manual. Eligible beneficiaries of this component are: • MSMEs led by refugees and/or host communities; • SMEs with proposals that will employ people, of whom at least 10 percent are refugees; • Cooperatives with proposals that will employ people, at least 10 percent of whom are refugees; and • Joint cooperatives between refugees and Rwandan nationals. Subcomponent 2(b) Capacity building for improved access to finance (US$1,000,000) The project will provide capacity-building to strengthen the financing value chain and improve access to finance in the six project districts through: a) Building the capacity of enterprises and cooperatives to start and grow their projects; b) Enhancing the capacity of the existing network of Business Development Advisers (BDAs), who will, in turn, support local initiatives by linking them with funding from the project and other sources. In addition to existing BDAs, refugees will also be trained as BDAs and will operate in and outside the camps; and c) Enhancing PFI capacity, including SACCOs, to help them access financing and better manage their funds. The government supports business planning and entrepreneurship skills through a network of BDAs, whose role is key in the financing value chain.[1] They are paid success fees by the National Employment Program through vouchers when they provide support to entrepreneurs. Enhancing the skills of BDAs will enable them to better advise entrepreneurs and develop their portfolio, thereby increasing their activity and income, including by charging service fees to the enterprises or cooperatives they support. SACCOs are a key element of the financing value chain given their widespread presence across the country.[2] However, some lack capacity to manage funds and screen proposals. Strengthening SACCOs capacity for project screening, fund management and to identify new clients will contribute to improving access to finance for small entrepreneurs in the target districts. Business planning and entrepreneurship skills are limited in the target districts. Many potential cooperatives and businesses lack the knowledge, skills or resources to draft bankable proposals for project financing. The project will therefore provide the following training and capacity building: [1] BDAs provide support at the sector level to generate business ideas, help MSMEs access financial services, and support existing businesses and start-ups. There are two BDAs in each sector in all 30 districts in the country. Under this project, they can a) raise awareness on the financing available to host communities and refugees and b) support entrepreneurs and businesses access the funding by helping them develop business plans and linking them to financial services. [2] There are 416 SACCOs in Rwanda – one in each administrative sector. 18 • Self-initiative training, to be performed by a specialized training provider. This type of training has a proven track record for fostering entrepreneurship;[3] • Training on financial literacy, business plans preparation, to be performed by BDAs; and • Cash flow management, loan repayment, basic accounting, to be performed by BDAs. BRD will undertake a needs assessment and prepare a capacity-building plan for the BDAs and PFIs, including SACCOs. The Plan will describe in detail the needs and form of technical support to be provided in the six project districts. Component 3: Environmental Management The establishment of refugee camps has degraded the environment leading to tensions between refugees and host communities. Many camps are located on hilltops and have inadequate drainage systems. This has caused storm water runoff resulting in soil erosion and landslides that have formed the ravines in and around refugee camps. The rapid environmental needs assessment conducted during project preparation has revealed major environmental issues, including: a) Ravines and gullies rampant in all refugee camps; b) Contamination of surrounding waterbodies through overflow of sewage from poorly designed and managed refugee camp sanitation facilities; c) Improper solid waste management; d) Overexploitation of wood and non-timber forest products for cooking fuel and other purposes. Climate change is predicted to increase the likelihood of extreme weather events, flooding and landslides, exacerbating the current problems. In addition to affecting social cohesion, the environmental damages mainly formation of ravines also has negative economic impacts through soil degradation into loss of agricultural land and damage to houses and infrastructure (such as roads and markets) in the host communities. The SEIHCRP component three will support the rehabilitation and stabilization of the natural environment in and around the camps to minimize negative impacts, reduce tensions with host communities and improve the productivity of existing natural resources. Rehabilitation of degraded environment will involve the stabilization of ravines walls, the enhancement of drainage systems; storm water speed control and harvesting into surface water reservoirs for productive use by host communities. Where possible, activities under this component will be implemented through labor intensive public works, with employment to be made available for refugees and host communities. [3] Teaching personal initiative beats traditional training in boosting small business in West Africa. Campos, Frese, Goldstein, Iacovone, Johnson, McKenzie. World Bank 2017. 19 Component 4: Project Management/M&E This component will strengthen the technical and administrative capacity of the GoR to manage the project. It will cover the cost of project management, implementation and supervision at MINEMA and the districts, including: a) Procurement and financial management; b) A rigorous monitoring and evaluation system, including analytical work to evaluate the impact of refugee inclusion on the local economy; c) Progress reporting; and d) Compliance with safeguards policies. Project management will include monthly coordination meetings between MINEMA and the districts to ensure effective management and information flows. The component will also include support to stakeholder engagement (communications plan, grievance redress, etc.) and capacity building. 20 CHAPTER 3: STUDY APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY OF ESMF 3.1. Literature Review SEIRHCP is prepared to strengthen the socio-economic progress and environmental protection registered in Rwanda. In preparation of the literature review of the ESMF, several documents were reviewed including the project concept note, the baseline information of the six districts, the national legislation, policies and international laws and conventions that are relevant to SEIRHCP as wells as the World Bank Safeguards Policies. 3.2. Field Visits and public consultation Field visits were carried out in the districts hosting refugee camps: Gicumbi, Gisagara, Nyamagabe, Karongi, Kirehe and Gatsibo Districts. The aim was to conduct field observations and get insights in the current status of refugee camps and their neighboring host communities to identify the potential environmental impacts likely to occur during SEIRHCP implementation and assess potential mitigation measures that may be considered in accordance with national legislation and World Bank safeguards policies. Additionally, a rapid environmental need assessment was also undertaken to identify the major environmental issues occurring in refugee camps and affecting host community in order to inform the priority intervention on the environmental component of the SEIRHCP. Furthermore, consultations were held with refugees and host communities, the Districts, Sectors and cells officials, MINEMA staff in refugee camps as well as UNHCR implementing and operating partners. The consultation was an open discussion on the project objectives, presenting the project components to the stakeholders, and identifying potential sub-projects that might bring responses to current challenges faced by the refugees and host communities. 21 CHAPTER 4: BASELINE INFORMATION This section provides the baseline information on physical, biological and socio-economic environment of Rwanda and the target areas of SEIRHCP in particular. 4.1. Key Baseline information on Rwanda 4.1.1. Physical Environment of Rwanda Located in Central East Africa, at latitude 2.00S and longitude 30.00E, Rwanda is a mountainous landlocked country bordered to its north by Uganda for about 169km, to its South by Burundi for about 290 km, to its West by Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for about 217km and Tanzania to its East by about 217km. Rwanda has a total surface area of 26, 338 sq. km of which the total land area is 24, 948 sq. km (97%) and 1 390 sq. km (3%) is water. In the physical environment, brief baseline information is provided for the following: climate, topography, and hydrology, water quality for surface water, wetlands as well as the pedology and soils. 4.1.1.1. Topography The Rwandan topography is hilly and mountainous with an altitude varying between 900 m and 4,519 m. Rwanda is often referred to as the country of a “thousand hills�, because of its numerous highly dissected hills, often with flat peaks and convex slopes, separated by relatively narrow valleys, with the lowest altitude of 900m at Rusizi River and the highest altitude at Mount Karisimbi 4,519 m. The average altitude is 1,250 m above sea level. The components of that relief are: • Congo�Nil Ridge over laying Lake Kivu with an altitude between 2500 m and 3000 m. It is dominated in the Northwest by the volcanic ranges consisting of five volcanic massifs of which the highest is Karisimbi with 4507 m. • The central plateau presents a relief of hills with an altitude ranging between 1500m and 2000m. • The lowlands of the East are dominated by a depression characterized by hills with more or less round top and 1000 to 1500 m in altitude. • The lowlands of the South�West in Bugarama plain with an altitude of 900 m are part of the tectonic depression of the African Rift Valley. The six districts hosting refugee camps are located in the reliefs components mentioned above. They thus present differences as far as the relief is concerned. Kirehe and Gatsibo belong to low land of the East with Gatsibo presenting some hilly topography characteristic of the North and North West; Gicumbi is located in mountainous region of the North extending to the Western high mountains; Gisagara and Nyamagabe are part of the central plateau while Karongi is dominated by hilly topography of the mountainous West. 22 The relief aspects have to be considered during the implementation of the project components of the SEIRHCP. 4.1.1.2. Climate Rwanda is endowed with a tropical temperate climate due to its high altitude. The average annual temperature ranges between 16°C and 20°C, without significant variations. Rainfall is abundant with two main seasons. Winds are generally around 1.3 m/s. In the high regions of the Congo-Nile ridge, average temperatures ranges between 15 and 17°C and the rainfall is abundant. The volcanic region has much lower temperatures that can go below 0°C in some places. In areas with intermediary altitude, average temperatures vary between 19 and 21°C and the average rainfall is around 1000mm/year. Rainfall is less irregular, and sometimes causes periods of drought. In the lowlands (East and Southeast), temperatures are higher with the highest going beyond 30°C in February and July-August. Rainfall is less abundant in lowlands regions ranging between 700 to 970 mm/year. Weather in Rwandan is determined by the rainfall patterns with the climate characterized by four seasons of which two are wet and the other two are dry. However, rainfall is generally well distributed throughout the year. Eastern and South-eastern regions are more affected by prolonged droughts while the northern and western regions (Musanze, Rubavu) experience abundant rainfall (1200 mm) that usually causes erosion, flooding, and landslides. (MININFRA, ESMF report 2016) 4.1.1.3. Hydrology Rwanda, being in the Great Lakes Region, has many water sources. The country overlaps two major catchments. Western Rwanda is part of the Congo River and the Atlantis Ocean. Eastern Rwanda is part of the Nile River basin. Its rivers flow to the east, eventually entering the Nile River and the Mediterranean Sea. The Mwogo River flows northward along the eastern slopes of the Congo Nile divide. The river turns sharply to the southeast and becomes the Nyabarongo River and then passes just west of the capital city of Kigali. Several tributaries, or branches, from the mountain slopes join this wide and swift waterway. The Akanyaru River in the south divides Rwanda and Burundi. This river flows east and the North, joining the Nyabarongo River in the South of Kigali. Rwanda has a relatively big quantity of water with rivers, lakes and wetlands occupying 8% of country’s surface area (211,000 ha) of which lakes, rivers and wetlands make up 128000 ha, 7260 ha, 77000 ha respectively. (MININFRA, ESMF Report 2016) 4.1.1.4. Surface water Rwanda has a dense hydrographical network of ± 2 km/km² (length of the superficial flow network by km² of surface). The country is divided into two hydrographical basins with a separating line 23 called Congo-Nile Ridge, moving from the North to the South and perpendicular to the volcanic chain, making natural obstacles exchange between the catchments basins of the Northern Kivu and the Southwest of Uganda and those of Rwanda. In the West of that line there is the Congolese basin (33% of the surface of the national territory) that drains 10% of water resources of the country. It comprises rivers Sebeya, Koko, Rusizi, Rubyiro, as outflows of Lake Kivu (102800 ha on the Rwandan side, 473 m of maximum depth), Ruhwa and many other small rivers. Rwanda's water resources cover a surface area estimated at about 212 000 ha, made of rivers and wetlands; the water of wetlands cover some 77 000 ha, that is 37% of the total surface. Rwanda is divided into two major drainage basins, the Nile to the east and the Congo to the west. The Congo River Basin covers 25 percent of Rwanda and receives 10 percent of the total national rainfall. The rainfall regime has a strong influence on the hydrological regime. The country experiences floods during the long rainy season (March – May) and floods subside during the long dry season (June – September). The catchment/watershed of these marshlands are the many hills that catch rain water and drains slowly to the lower areas where the marshlands modify the movement of water in the channel network by lowering the peak flow and volume of flood discharges. Ground water in most of these marshlands areas is struck at a depth of 8m. The marshlands provide recharge of the ground water through percolation during water retention time in the area. According to a study by FAO, the total area of marshlands of Rwanda is estimated at about 165 000 ha which are partially exploited depending on their degree of flooding. However, only 4 000 ha of wetland are fully equipped with irrigation and drainage systems and 1 200 ha are partially equipped. Most rivers originate from the slopes of the Congo-Nile ridge. The two main rivers, namely Nyabarongo and Akanyaru, together with their numerous tributaries form downstream from Lake Rweru, the river Akagera which drains the best part of Rwanda’s waters towards the Nile, forming the border with Burundi in the south and Tanzania in the east. Rivers Nyabarongo and Akagera are closely associated with vast marshes and numerous shallow lakes found along these rivers. The ecology of these ecosystems is very dynamic and complex; the vegetation of marshes and the size of the lakes change continuously with the rainfall and the flow rate of the rivers. 24 Figure 1: Map of Elevation, Lakes, Rivers and Administrative boundaries of Rwanda Source: Fidele Kamarage et Al, 2017 Rwanda has 28 lakes of significant size. Among which six largest lakes are entirely within the national territory: Runhondo, Muhazi, Mugesera, Ihema, Rwanye and Burera. Another three including Rugwero, Cyahoha and Kivu, are shared with neighboring countries. The largest and most spectacular is Lake Kivu, so large as to seem almost like a sea to the landlocked inhabitants. Lake Kivu lies at 1, 460m above sea level and is 90 km long (North-South) and 49 km wide (east- west). Lake Kivu has an average depth of 220m, and a maximum depth of 475m with a rough, jagged coast. Lake Kivu is shared between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Western Rwanda at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes. Great volumes of dissolved methane gases that may be developed as energy sources exist in its deep waters. Lake Kivu drains to the south into Lake Tanganyika by the swiftly descending Rusizi River. The Central Plains are drained by the Nyabugogo, and Akanyaru rivers. Rwanda’s eastern border is formed by the Akagera River on its way to Lake Victoria. The rivers and lake cover some 135,000 ha, or 5% of national territory (MININFRA, ESMF Report 2016). 4.1.1.5. Water Quality In general, the pH of surface water range between 6 and 7.5; and rivers are characterized by high sediment loads attributed to erosion caused by extensive agriculture, mining and activity from the 25 volcanic regions with the potential for contamination with organic matter and leaching of nutrients in mineral fertilizers such as arsenic, lead, mercury, fluoride, iodide and other toxic metalloids and heavy metals. The microbiological pollution is also observed and is a result of domestic wastes and debris carried by storm water into the natural water bodies. There is also an occurrence of increasing water hyacinth and other aquatic plants (algae) that result in waterbodies eutrophication (MININFRA, ESMF Report 2016). 4.1.1.6. Wetlands Rwanda has four important swamp areas including the Kamiranzovu complex in the South West, the Rugezi complex in the North, the Rweru Mugesera complex in the South East and Akagera complex in the East. These marshlands are associated with and clustered around rivers. While Rugezi and Kamiranzovu are high altitude wetlands, most of others are in low altitude. An inventory of wetlands conducted in 2008 identified 86 marshlands covering a total surface of 278,536 ha, corresponding to 10.6 % of the country’s surface; 10 lakes covering 149,487 ha and 861 rivers totaling 6,462 km in length (REMA, 2009). There are different classifications of wetlands in Rwanda. Cambrezy (1981) proposed a classification based on analytical survey of physic-climatic conditions. Rwanda is endowed with: • Big swampy valleys located mainly in the Eastern region covering an estimated 50,000 ha. • The mountainous marshes located in the Eastern and northern region expanding on approximately 30 ha. • The small marshlands in Central & Southern region but covering a big are of 45,000 ha; and • The “sub� type of marshland located on the shore of the Lake Kivu and Bugarama that have similar features as the mountain marshes of the Eastern and Northern region. Another classification of marshland in Rwanda was made taking into consideration the surface area. In this categorization, very small marshlands area considered as those with less than 20 ha. Small marshlands vary between 50 and 100 ha while big marshland can have more than 50 ha. The classification of the marshland is one of the most important factors for their categorization. This varies depending upon their length and width and is often limited by the presence of rocky hills or by any other factor that deters or favors the rivers speed of flow. The small marshlands are generally separated from hills by small strips of land called transition soils. The importance of their surface area depends on the marshland configuration. These transitional soils have properties that are intermediary between upland soils and marshland soils, due to a low concentration of alluvial material, high concentration of colluvial material and better drainage than in the marshlands. The six districts hosting refugee camps are endowed with marshland varying in size. Currently, an estimated 94,000 ha have been brought under agriculture, the large majority of this area being spontaneous maize, sweet potatoes and beans cropping. In addition, the wetlands are 26 used for a variety of traditional activities including the collection of leaves to make handicrafts, extensive grazing and making of bricks. The ecosystems services offered by some wetlands are spawning habitat for fish and habitat of a number of globally threatened species such as crocodiles, snakes and a large variety of water birds including herons, egrets, ducks, etc. Some 180 bird species have been identified in the wetland habitats of Rwanda, including 6 European migrant birds. (MININFRA, ESMF Report 2016) 4.1.1.7. Groundwater In general, little information is available on groundwater resources though the assumptions assert that Rwanda is much more endowed with groundwater water sources based on the water sources observed during the rain sources. 4.1.1.8. Pedology, Soils and land use The soils vary from one location to another depending on agro-climatic regions. The same applies for land use that is mainly dictated by the priority crops that differ from one area to another. The bulk of the land in Rwanda is used for agriculture. Most of the agricultural practices include mono- cropping, mixed farming an associated crops. These consist of agro-pastoral systems, agroforestry, aquaculture, grassland, grazing land and fallow land. The land use in Rwanda is divided in three components including arable land on 46.32%, permanent crops on 9.49% and other land used for different purposes occupying 44.19% of the total land. The Rwandan pedology is characterized by six types of soils namely: Soils derived from schistose, sandstones and quartzite formations (50%); Soils derived from granite and gneissic formations (20%); Soils derived from basic intrusive rocks (10%); Soils derived from recent volcanic materials (10%); Soils derived from old volcanic materials (4%); Alluvial and colluvial soils (6%). There is also an assortment of deposits of minerals such as tin, wolfram, Colombo tentalite and gold with the mining sector playing significant role in the national economy and as one of the key drivers of foreign direct investment in the country. Rwanda’s soils contain many of the metal compounds found in laterite soils, but are generally lighter, more fertile, more workable, and less problematic to farmers than true laterite soils. There are two sub zones, with vastly different soils. To the northwest and the lower portions of the larger river valleys are very fertile volcanic soils covering approx. 10% of the country. Elsewhere, the largely metamorphic bedrock has produced generally poor quality with fertility varying and depending on extent of erosion and leaching. 27 Figure 2: Map of Rwanda Land Use Source: Kagera TAMP project 2010 About 30% of Rwanda’s land is suitable for farming, and another 30% for grazing. Except where the land is seriously eroded by heavy farming, the soils have good humus content and fertility. Intensive food crop production, often on steep slopes, has led to serious soil erosion. Pasture land has also been overgrazed in many areas. Population pressure on the richer lands is sufficiently intense that soil damage, which is due to leaching and runoff, erosion, and intensive farming without adequate fertilizer, is an increasingly serious problem. 4.1.2. Biological Environment The baseline information on biological environment is also important to present in the ESMF. Rwanda is covered with diversified ecosystems that include mountains, ombrophile forests, gallery forests, savannahs, wet and aquatic zones, wood and agro ecosystems. All these ecosystems have a rich flora and fauna. The human activities affect the ecosystem through economic activities. The implementation of the sub projects in various components will in one way or another affect the biological environment and the impact receptors in biological environment are affected. 28 4.1.2.1. Flora and Fauna Rwanda is one of the Africa’s most important biodiversity areas due to its location in Albertine Rift, combined with the varied topography and climate variability. The landscape is suitable to a variety of ecosystems, such as humid afro montane forests, planted forests and remnant forest such as riparian gallery forest; savannahs; a large network of water body: lakes, rivers & wetlands and a large cropland & grazing areas. There are other ecosystems including volcanic hot springs and old lava located in the northern and western part of Rwanda. The ecosystems are home for many species diversity. Most of Rwanda’s natural forest ecosystems can be found within the Akagera, Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks, and Gishwati, Iwawa Island and Mukura Forest Reserves (MINITERE, 2003). Coming back to species diversity, Rwanda has a very rich flora & fauna. The number of known plant species is 2,150 while 151 mammal species have been identified. There are 87 species of amphibians & reptiles; 670 bird species. About 30 % of the population of mountain gorillas is located in Rwanda. The forest cover is a habitat to a large number of chimpanzee and other monkeys (MINITERE, 2003). While the ecosystems with rich biodiversity of flora and fauna are located mainly in National Parks and other protected areas, it should not be ignored that the ecosystems located on hillsides and wetlands remain also crucial and need protection against mainly anthropogenic factors. This explains why an overview of the biodiversity within the districts of interest to be covered by the projects becomes relevant. The Districts hosting refugees camps present various ecosystems with diverse flora and fauna that need to be preserved and protected. 4.2. Physical and biological environment of SEIRHCP target areas 4.2.1. Karongi District Karongi is one of the Districts of Rwanda bordering the Western part of Lake Kivu. With a relief of high lands with steep features (figure 2), the altitude varies from 1470 to 2200 m. Due to its location in the Congo Nile ridge, the district presents a tropical climate of high altitude with two dry seasons, one starting from December to January and the other runs from June to mid- September. The annual average temperature varies between 16ᵒC to 21ᵒ5C. The district also experiences two rainy seasons, one starting in mid-September up to the end of December while the other start from February to end of June. It is one of the regions of Rwanda with high rainfall ranging from 1100 to 1500 mm. The district enjoys a high rainfall due to agro-climatic factors. Due to the proximity to Lake Kivu, different water courses of the western part of Congo Nile end up in Lake Kivu draining the mountainous areas of Karongi (Karongi District, 2013). 29 Figure 3: Topography of Nyarusange cell hosting Kziba Refugee Camp Source: Topographic map of Rwanda, 1988 Karongi District presents various types of soils including the clay loam soils in the proximity of Lake Kivu and humic acid soil in the part of western high land. The soils on steep slopes are poor due mainly to soil erosion. About 40% of the arable land is too fragile for cultivation and more than two-thirds of the soils need protection against erosion to remain productive. Some localities, mainly the valleys and marshland are favorable for vegetables, maize and Irish potatoes (Clay & Dejaegher, 1987). There are different types of wetland in Karongi district. On one hand, mid altitude wetlands are located along Lake Kivu where the altitude is between 1400 and 1500 m while the inceptisols and nitrosols dominate as the main soil type. On the other hand, high altitude wetlands located above 1800 m, the main type of soil is histosols. The vegetation in the district is characterized by secondary succession due to continued human activities, especially farming. The cultivated lands around Lake Kivu have changed from natural ecosystems to agro ecosystems. The maintenance of biodiversity, its conservation and even its restoration is a major challenge. The landscape of Karongi District is dominated by crops as well as tree plantations and vegetation along erosion ditches (Clay & Dejaegher, 1987). ➢ Kiziba refugee camps and its surroundings Located in Rwankuba sector, Nyarusange Cell, the Kiziba refugee camp is established on the hillside. The activities in camps have negatively impacted the biophysical environment in and around camps. The economic and social activities of both refugees and host communities have 30 contributed to the degradation of forest and other vegetative cover in and around camps. This was caused by the pressure of the high population on the environment. The Rapid assessment for Environmental Management interventions in refugee camps in Rwanda (2018) revealed the main environment issues around Kiziba refugee camp and associated impacts on both refugees and host communities as follow: • Improper storm water management and inadequate drainage systems leading to storm high volume and speed storm water runoff , erosion/landslides and consequently the formation of ravines and gullies (2 ravines); • Improper solid waste management resulting in soil and water pollution in surrounding waterbodies; • The need to meet firewood demand resulting in forest and vegetation degradation. Table 1: Environmental Issues in Kiziba Refugee Camp Camp Environment issues Significant impacts on refugees Significant impacts on hosting communities Gullies and ravines Loss of Human life, dwelling structures and Risk of loss of human life and infrastructures livestock, loss arable land and infrastructures High Volume, High speed storm Loss of Human life, dwelling structures, grave Loss of productive land use to crop water desecration risk and infrastructures cover lodging scouring, flooding etc Pollution from inappropriate solid Malaria and vector borne gastrointestinal diseases from Water pollution and associated waste disposal open garbage pits health risks Fire wood gathering Violent confrontation with host communities, risk of Forest and other vegetative cover sexual violent and /or exploitation, loss of productive degradation, violent confrontation time Firewood and charcoal cooking Respiratory and eye health, less of productive time Source: World Bank Rapid Environmental Needs Assessment (2018) 31 Figure 4: Kiziba Refugee Camp Source: Google Earth, 2019 The satellite image of Kiziba refugee camps illustrates how the area is under high human pressure resulting in environmental degradation. It is also clear that there is no vegetative cover in and around Kiziba camp. 4.2.2. Gatsibo District The district of Gatsibo falls in the agro climatic zone of dry low land covering 15.15 % of Rwanda. The relief is characterized by hills of low altitude and flat land separated by valleys in the East, South East and North. The average altitude is 1550 m. The West and South West are characterized by high mountains in the localities of Nyagihanga, Kageyo, Gatsibo, Muhura, Gasange and Remera. The mean annual rainfall is about 90 mm. The rainfall is bimodal, the main rainy season extending from February to mid-June. The District is known for low rainfall and high temperatures that limit the availability of water. The hydrology is largely constituted of streams and rivers such as Walufu, Karungeri, Cyamuganga, Kanyonyomba, Rwangingo, Kabahanga, Kagina, Kagende, Rwagitima and Ntende (Gatsibo District, 2013). 32 Figure 5: Topography of Nyabishwamba Cell hosting Nyabiheke Refugee Camp Source: Topographic map of Rwanda, 1988 In terms of soil, there is an abundance of the humus-bearing grounds ferralisols originating from the deterioration of the shales and phyllites. The ground of granite has texture with little red clay especially in the south – west of the District. Termites affect a big part of the District while land productivity is highly affected by drought. Xérokaolisols remains the dominant soil type more dominating. The eastern part of Gatsibo is dominated by low wetlands at an altitude between 1200 and 1500 m, with vertisol as the dominant type of soil (Gatsibo, 2013). In the Western part, at altitude above 1800 m, there are wetlands with histosols dominating. Estimates show that the District has 2452 ha of wetlands and 1654 ha of the surface is drained for rice production on large scale with the aim to contribute to food security and income generation (Gatsibo, 2013). The flora of the District consists of vegetation cover of stepped wooded. Its hills are covered by short grasses as well as small trees and shrubs. Concerning afforestation, the main tree species preferred are eucalyptus and pinus. Agro-forestry is also predominant in the north-west region where coffee plantations are the major cash crops. ➢ Nyabiheke Refugee Camp and its surroundings Established in Gatsibo sector, Nyabicwamba cell, Nyabiheke camp is located on hillside. The socio- economic activities of refugees have contributed to the degradation of forest and other vegetative cover in and around the camps. This was caused by the pressure of the refugee populations on environment. 33 The Rapid assessment for Environmental Management interventions in refugee camps in Rwanda (2018) revealed the major environment issues around Nyabiheke refugee camp and associated impacts on both refugees and host communities as follow: • Improper storm water management and inadequate drainage systems leading to storm water runoff, erosion and consequently the formation of ravines and gullies (1 ravine); • The need to meet firewood demand resulting in forest and vegetation degradation. Table 2 : Environmental management Issues in Nyabiheke Refugee Camp Camp Environment issues Significant impact on refugees Significant impact on hosting communities Gullies and ravines Loss of Human life, dwelling Risk of loss of human life and livestock, loss arable structures and infrastructures, grave land and infrastructures desecration High Volume, High speed Risk of Loss of Human life, Loss of productive land use to crop cover lodging storm water dwelling structures, infrastructures scouring, road accessibility cut-off by flooding etc. Fire wood gathering Violent confrontation with host Forest and other vegetative cover degradation, communities, risk of sexual violence violent confrontation and /or exploitation, loss of productive time Firewood and charcoal cooking Respiratory and eye health, less of productive time Source: World Bank Rapid Environmental Needs Assessment (2018) 34 Figure 6: Nyabiheke Refugee Camp Source: Google Earth, 2019 The satellite image of Nyabiheke refugee camps illustrates how the area is also under high human pressure resulting in subsequent environmental degradation. 4.2.3. Gicumbi District The relief of Gicumbi district is of high altitude varying from 1800 to 2500 m. It is characterized by steep slopes of a mountainous topography. It is located in the highlands area of Buberuka with a succession of steep hills and sometimes separated by deep valleys and high altitude. The plateau is surrounded by steep ravines with small valleys segmented by multiple swamps. The steep hills give rise to a multitude of watersheds, all converging towards the Great Basin of the Nile (Gatsibo District, 2013). 35 Figure 7: Topography of Gihembe cell hosting Gihembe refugee Camp Source: Topographic map of Rwanda, 1988 The average annual temperature is around 150 and 160 C with a typical tropical climate whose rainfall ranges between 1200 mm and 1500 mm. The short rainy season extends from September to December while the short dry season extends from January to February. The long rainy season takes place from March to May and the long dry season from June to August. The main rivers draining the district consist of shallow rivers, surrounded by wide swamps. The hydrographic network includes several rivers with torrential character, sometimes cut by rapids or falls with the potential to produce electricity. These rivers or streams are located in the plains of floods swamp namely Mwange, Mulindi, Mutulirwa, Walufu, Muyanza and Gaseke. The hydrography of the District is also dominated by the wetlands of Rugezi and Lake Muhazi whose waters are respectively shared with the Burera District in the North, Rwamagana region in East and Gasabo District of Kigali City. Due to the mountainous character and dominance of lateritic soils and granites on 90 % of the district, soil erosion is active during the long rainy season. The soils in quartz are also represented on a lot of massifs while the swamps and the shallows are characterized by rich and deep clay soils. Nowadays effort has been put on fighting soil erosion as well as the putting in place of radical terracing for environmental protection (Clay & Dejaegher, 1987). ➢ Gihembe Camp and its surroundings Gihembe refugee camp is established on the hillside of Kageyo sector, Gihembe cell. The drainage system is inadequate and causes negative impacts downstream. The drainage channels do not go beyond the refugee camps and deep ravines have formed at the extremity of the drainage outlet by concrete. Land degradation has taken place in adjoining farm land along the valley especially the land sliding taking place in agricultural land has caused the decline in soil fertility. 36 The Rapid assessment for Environmental Management interventions in refugee camps in Rwanda (2018) revealed the major environment issues in and around Gihembe refugee camp and their associated impacts on both refugees and host communities as follow: • Improper storm water management and inadequate drainage systems leading to storm water runoff, erosion and consequently the formation of ravines and gullies (5 ravines); • The need to meet firewood demand resulting in forest and vegetation degradation. Table 3: Environmental Management Issues in Gihembe Refugee Camp Camp Environment issues Significant impact on refugees Significant impact on hosting communities Gullies and ravines Loss of Human life, dwelling structures and Risk of loss of human life and livestock, infrastructures loss arable land and infrastructures High Volume, High speed storm Loss of Human life, dwelling structures, grave Loss of productive land use to crop cover water desecration risk and infrastructures lodging scouring, flooding etc Fire wood gathering Violent confrontation with host communities, Forest and other vegetative cover risk of sexual violent and /or exploitation, loss degradation, violent confrontation of productive time Firewood and charcoal cooking Respiratory and eye health, less of productive time Source: World Bank Rapid Environmental Needs Assessment (2018) Figure 8 below shows a ravine formed at the extremity of the rehabilitated drainage system in Gihembe refugee camp. 37 Figure 8: Deep ravines formed at the outlet of constructed water channel Source: Field visit (November 2018) 4.2.4. Gisagara District With an elevation between 1600 and 1800 m, the relief of Gisagara District is characterized by the presence of hills separated by valleys (figure 8). The average annual temperatures generally oscillate around 200C with amplitudes changing between 150C and 200C and annual rainfalls of about 1200 mm. As is the case in the rest of the country, the rainfall is characterized by four distinct seasons: a short rainy season from September to December, a short dry season in January to February followed by a long rainy season from end February to May and a long dry season from June to August. The district experiences heavy rainfall, approaching 1500mm (Gisagara, 2013). 38 Figure 9: Topography of Mugombwa cell hosting Mugombwa Refugee Camp Source: topographic map of Rwanda, 1988. On the topographic map, individualized hills can be seen Figure 9. Among those hills, Mugombwa appears in the center of Mugombwa cell. Gisagara is endowed with a network of water sources and streams that snake in the bottom of valleys. Along 80 km of southern border, the District is surrounded by Akanyaru River. Its main tributaries are Migina that surrounds the District on the Western side and Akabogobogo that falls in Akanyaru through the middle of the District. The soil type predominating in Gisagara is the clay soil derived from shale, characteristic of the Mayaga region as well as humic soils of the central plateau. The dominating land use in Gisagara District is farming, forest, settlement, and trading centers. The land used for agriculture covers approximately 70 %. The main crops are banana plantations and the forests cover is approximately 10 % (Gisagara District, 2013). The district has low altitude wetlands of Akanyaru, Nyabarongo and Akagera at an altitude varying between 1200 and 1500 m. Histosols are the main soil type. On the other hand, the district presents in hilly area mid altitude central plateau wetlands at an altitude between 1400 and 1800 m. In terms of biodiversity, the fauna is characterized by a broad diversity of species of birds and also domestic animals like cows, goats, sheep, pigs etc. The forests in the Gisagara District are mainly owned by local people, with limited publicly owned forest. ➢ Mugombwa refugee camp and its surroundings Mugombwa camp, located in Mugombwa sector, Mugombwa cell is affected by environmental issues similar to other refugee camps due to high density of people. The improper waste 39 management system results in soil and water pollution in and around refugee camps. One of the most serious problems caused in the host community is the contamination of waterbodies by sewage overflow from poor design of sanitation facilities within refugee camps. The Rapid assessment for Environmental Management interventions in refugee camps in Rwanda (2018) revealed environment issues in and around Mugombwa refugee camp and their associated impacts on both refugees and host communities as follow: • Improper storm water management and inadequate drainage systems leading to storm water runoff , erosion and consequently the formation of ravines and gullies (1 ravine); • Improper design of sanitation facilities resulting to sewage overflow during rainy season and consequently polluting surrounding waterbodies; • The need to meet firewood demand resulting in forest and vegetation degradation. Table 4: Environmental Management Issues in Mugombwa Refugee Camp Camp Environment issues Significant impact on refugees Significant impact on hosting communities Gullies and ravines Loss of Human life, dwelling Risk of loss of human life and livestock, loss arable structures and infrastructures land and infrastructures High Volume, High speed Loss of Human life, dwelling Loss of productive land use to crop cover lodging storm water structures, grave desecration risk scouring, flooding etc and infrastructures Fire wood gathering Violent confrontation with host Forest and other vegetative cover degradation, communities, risk of sexual violent violent confrontation and /or exploitation, loss of productive time Pollution from raw sewage Malaria and vector borne Faecal water pollution and health associated risks release into drainage system to gastrointestinal disease from prevent overflow from shallow exposed sewage sanitation facilities Firewood and charcoal Respiratory and eye health, less of cooking productive time Source: World Bank Rapid Environmental Needs Assessment (2018) 40 Figure 10: Mugombwa Refugee Camp Source: Google Earth, 2019. 4.2.5. Kirehe District Dominated by a relief of low plateau area, Kirehe presents also a chain of mountains dividing the region into two geographical entities. These are characterized by a low altitude plain of more or less 1350m, separated by isolated hills and mountains such as Mahama and Migongo Mountains. The average elevation of the District is 1500m above sea level. The mean annual temperature is 19.40C and the rainfall oscillates around 898 mm. The principal water course of the District is the Akagera River which surrounds the south-eastern part of the District and continues northward into Lake Victoria. 41 Figure 11: Topgraphy of Munini cell hosting Mahama Refugee Camp Source: Topographic map of Rwanda, 1988 Some areas are characterized by loamy and sandy soils with loam mixture in other area. Fertile soils are exploited and give satisfactory production for food crops like banana, maize, beans, soya beans and cassava. Banana plantation is mostly located in the areas of Mushikiri, Gatore, Kirehe and Musaza where it covers 11,500 ha of land (Kirehe District, 2013). The dominating vegetation types are the ones of the savanna, very dense and dominated by acacia trees. Apart from natural forests which are tending to disappear completely, there are other forests planted by the District and those belonging to local inhabitants. ➢ Mahama Refugee Camp and its surrounding The establishment of the refugee camps in Mahama sector, Munini Cell has various consequences on the environment with the concentration and high densities of refugees. An intense pressure on land has occurred resulting in land degradation, improper waste management and soil erosion. For wall creeping when building their shelters, refugees use clay extracted in the host community plot of land. This increases soil erosion. Due to poor drainage system, heavy rainfall experienced in Rwanda during the rainy season cause run-off taking various types of waste from the camps to affect surrounding areas, mainly farming land. Contamination of the nearby Akagera River might affect the biodiversity. The Rapid assessment for Environmental Management interventions in refugee camps in Rwanda (2018) revealed the main environment issues in and around Mahama refugee camp as follow: • Improper storm water management and inadequate drainage systems leading to storm water runoff, erosion and consequently the formation of ravines and gullies (1 ravine); • Improper waste management; • The need to meet firewood demand resulting in forest and vegetation degradation associated impacts on both refugees and host communities. 42 Table 5: Environmental Issues in Mahama Refugee Camp Camp Environment Significant impact on refugees Significant impact on hosting communities issues Gullies and ravines Loss of Human life, dwelling structures and Degradation of arable land pollution of Akagera infrastructures transboundary river life and livestock, loss arable land and infrastructures High Volume, High Loss of Human life, dwelling structures, and Loss of productive land use to crop cover lodging speed storm water infrastructures scouring, flooding etc Fire wood gathering Loss of life by drowning while crossing Forest and other vegetative cover degradation, Akagera River, Violent confrontation with violent confrontation host communities, risk of sexual violent and /or exploitation, loss of productive time Firewood and charcoal Respiratory and eye health, less of productive cooking time Source: World Bank Rapid Environmental Needs Assessment (2018) The following picture is a satellite image of Mahama camp. Figure 12: Mahama Refugee Camp Source: Google Earth, 2019 4.2.6. Nyamagabe District The relief of Nyamagabe District is characterized by an altitude varying from 1800 to 2700 meters. It is dominated by jagged and irregular slopes making soils susceptible to erosion and degradation associated with landslides. It has uneven altitude with some summits at times going beyond 3000 meters high. The altitude increases when approaching Congo-Nil Crater (Nyamagabe District, 2013). 43 Figure 13: Topography of Kigeme cell hosting Kigeme Refugee Camp Source: topographic map of Rwanda, 1988. The District is among the area with the highest rainfall. The annual rainfall varies between 1300 to 1450 mm with average temperature of 18°C. The climate comprises, essentially, four seasons spreading throughout the year as follows: two dry seasons stretching from January to February and from July to mid-September and two rainy seasons from mid-September to December and from March to June. The watershed of Nyamagabe District is subdivided into two basins: on one hand there is Rukarara river basin where rivers Kato and Nyagisenyi are located; on the other hand, there is Mwogo river basin with rivers Gihimbi, Nyamugali and Nkungu. The hydrography is equally characterized by several seasonal rivers (Nyamagabe, 2013). Soils of Nyamagabe are generally acidic in nature with a pH ranging from 3.6 - 5. This generally implies a very poor soil which is saturated with aluminums cations implying its low agricultural productivity unless organic and mineral fertilizers are added. About 92.2% of the total land used in agriculture in Nyamagabe is protected against soil erosion using radical terraces and reforestation. The land is used mainly for agriculture production and some lands are used in mining activities. Due to the proximity to Nyungwe National Park covering a surface area of 91 138 Ha, about 44 900 Ha are found in Nyamagabe. Nyungwe forest has considerable influence on local and regional bioclimatic conditions. It acts as a sponge which retains water and releases it slowly during the dry season hence ensuring hydrologic functioning and regulation. Nyungwe National Park forest in Nyamagabe District is home to a diversity of wild animals: primates and a multitude of birds. 44 ➢ Kigeme Camp and its surroundings The camp of Kigeme is located in the vicinity of Nyamagabe town in Gasaka Sector, Kigeme camp. On the hillside where refugee houses are built, intensive landslide and soil erosion have taken place resulting in very deep ravines threatening the houses upstream. The main cause is improper storm water management and rainwater harvest. Storm water upstream of the camps becomes devastating downstream and the thin drainage channels are too small to contain storm water speed flow. This is furthermore influenced by the lack of trees and surface water reservoirs in the neighborhood of the camps. Another important environmental issue is related to waste management. Figure 14: Bare soil nearby Kigeme Refugee Camp Source: Field visit (November 2018) The Rapid assessment for Environmental Management interventions in refugee camps in Rwanda (2018) revealed environment issues in and around Kigeme refugee camp and their associated impacts on both refugees and host communities; they are summarized in a table below as follows. • Improper storm water management and inadequate drainage systems leading to storm water runoff , erosion and consequently the formation of ravines and gullies (3ravines); • Improper design of sanitation facilities resulting to sewage overflow during rainy season and consequently polluting surrounding waterbodies; • The need to meet firewood demand resulting in forest and vegetation degradation. Table 6: Environmental Issues in Kigeme Refugee Camp Camp Environment issues Significant impact on refugees Significant impact on hosting communities Gullies and ravines Risk of Loss of Human life, dwelling Risk of loss of human life and livestock, loss structures and infrastructures of arable land pollution and infrastructures 45 High Volume, High speed storm Loss of Human life, dwelling Loss of productive land use to crop cover water structures, grave desecration and lodging scouring, road accessibility cut-off infrastructures by flooding etc Pollution from overflow and raw Malaria and vector borne Feacal water pollution and health associated sewage leakage from communal gastrointestinal diseases from open risks. sanitation facilities garbage pits Fire wood gathering Loss of life by drowning while crossing Forest and other vegetative cover Akagera River, Violent confrontation degradation, violent confrontation with host communities, risk of sexual violent and /or exploitation, loss of productive time Firewood and charcoal cooking Respiratory and eye health, less of productive time Source: World Bank Rapid Environmental Needs Assessment (2018) 4.3. Socio-Economic Environment It is very important to have an overview and analyze the proposed project development in the socio-economic context because this project will have an influence upon the human environment. This section describes the social and economic attributes of the project area. 4.3.1. Population and Demography of Districts and sectors hosting refugee camps The refugee camps are hosted by six districts. Among those two districts are in the Eastern province namely Kirehe and Gatsibo Districts, two are in the Southern province namely Nyamagabe and Gisagara, one in the Western Province and another in the Northern Province. Those are respectively Karongi and Gicumbi Districts. The latest demographics information in Rwanda was recorded in 2012 by the National Institute of Statistics. Table 7 indicates the population in the districts hosting the refugees’ camps in 2012. Table 7: Demographic of districts hosting Refugee Camps Districts Population Total Male Female Kirehe 340,983 161,012 176,971 Gatsibo 433,997 208,355 225,642 Gicumbi 395,606 188,671 206,935 Karongi 331,571 155,887 175,684 Nyamagabe 342,112 161,640 180,472 Gisagara 322,803 150,312 172,491 Source: NISR, 2012 population and housing census. Table 8 shows that Gatsibo is the mostly populated District among the six that host refugee camps with a total number of 433,997 inhabitants while Gisagara has the least number of people with 322,803 inhabitants. What can also be observed from the six Districts is that females outnumber males. This is a characteristic of Rwandan population in the post Tutsi Genocide. 46 Table 8: Demographic of sectors hosting Refugee Camps Sectors Population Total Male Female Mahama 23,858 11,503 12,355 Gatsibo 36,819 17,594 19,225 Kageyo 30,270 14,245 16,025 Rwankuba 20,804 9,818 10,986 Gasaka 41,388 20,824 20,564 Mugombwa 22,872 10,578 12,294 Source: NISR, 2012 population and housing census. From Table 8, the number of females is higher than the number of males. There an exception in Gasaka sector of Nyamagabe District where the number of males is slightly higher than the number of females. The urbanization of the area (as the sector host the urban area of the district) might explain the sex ratio aspect. It is necessary to specify that the information above does not include the demographics of the refugees that are hosted by these Districts/Sectors. 4.3.1.1. Population and demography of refugee camps In Rwanda, there are a total of 146,452 refugees and 3,742 asylum seekers in the camps. Those people who fled conflicts zones in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi are accommodated in six refugee camps whose characteristics can be summarized as follow (MINEMA-UNHCR 2019). • Mahama Refugee Camp: it is located in Kirehe District, Mahama Sector and Munini Cell and was officially opened in April 2015. This refugee camp covers a space of 50ha and accommodates Burundian refugees. It is the biggest camp and has the biggest population of 58,968 people. • Nyabiheke refugee camp: it is located in Gatsibo District, Gatsibo Sector and Nyabicwamba Cell. The camp was officially established in April 2005. By that time the camp was accommodating 4,500 Congolese. However, later, another wave of conflicts in 2007 led to the arrival of another refugee contingent. Currently Nyabiheke camps is accommodating 14,479 refugees. • Gihembe refugee camp: it is in Gicumbi District, Kageyo Sector and Gihembe Cell. This camp was established in December 1997 and it accommodates 13,181 Congolese refugees. • Kiziba refugee camp: it was established in December 1996 and also accommodates refugees from DRC. The camp is located in Karongi district, Rwankuba Sector and Nyarusanga Cell. It was established on a hilly area covering 280,000m2. The camp accommodates 17,071 refugees and is the oldest in the country. • Kigeme refugee camp: it is located in Nyamagabe district, Gasaka sector and Kigeme cell. The camp was established in 2012 to accommodate refugees from DRC. There are currently 20,626 Congolese refugees in the camp. 47 • Mugombwa refugee camp is located in Gisagara District, Mugombwa sector and Mugombwa cell. This camp was officially opened in February 2014 and it currently accommodates 9,397 Congolese refugees. The demographic breakdown in the refugee camps is summarized in table 9. Table 9: Demographic breakdown of refugees and asylum seekers in Rwanda 48 Refugees Age and Gender demographic Breakdown (31st January 2019) Grand Age Breakdown 0 - 4 years 5 - 11 years 12 - 17 years 18 - 59 years 60+ years Total Gender F M F M F M F M F M Kigeme 1,434 1,444 2,262 2,246 1,821 1,812 5,376 3,472 430 329 20,626 Gihembe 1,095 1,096 1,121 1,139 848 920 3,531 2,694 481 256 13,181 Kigali 512 521 756 811 496 532 2,539 5,032 104 133 11,436 Kiziba 1,289 1,283 1,626 1,505 1,291 1,248 4,567 3,253 575 434 17,071 Mahama 5,583 5,704 5,426 5,665 3,714 3,927 13,267 14,116 913 653 58,968 Mugombwa 690 711 1,090 1,100 877 816 2,569 1,202 213 129 9,397 Nyabiheke 1,027 1,076 1,461 1,454 1,373 1,354 3,633 2,538 323 240 14,479 Huye 46 50 53 85 37 50 179 243 10 6 759 Camps Based + Urban refugees 11,676 11,885 13,795 14,005 10,457 10,659 35,661 32,550 3,049 2,180 145,917 Bugesera RC 135 Gatore RC 15 Nyanza RC 5 Nyarushishi TC - Kigali 327 Huye 53 Asylum Seekers in Transit centers and Urban areas 3,742 Total Population 150,194 Source: MINEMA-UNHCR, 2019 49 As shown in Table 9 above, most of the people in refugee camps are very young. Young children below 4 years represent 17 %; refugees aged below 18 years represent 42 % while those aged between 18 and 59 years represent 44 %. In addition, people who are 60 years and above represent only 4 % of the camps population. 4.3.2. Economic activities This section provides baseline information on the socio-economic situation in refugee hosting districts and refugee camps. In terms of the socio-economic situation of Districts hosting refugee camps, it is necessary to mention that each District presents its potential according to its agro-climatic conditions, land and natural resources available for use. Below, the baseline information on socio-economic situation is highlighted for each District and hosted refugee camps. ➢ Karongi District and Kiziba Refugee camps. Karongi District: The main economic activities in Karongi District are agriculture and livestock. Estimates indicate that at least 73.7 % of households depend on agriculture activities for livelihoods and about 11.5% of total households depend on wages from agriculture sector. This means that 85.2% of the households are involved in agriculture. In addition to food stuff, including maize, sorghum, beans, soya beans, peas, Irish potatoes, bananas, cassava, wheat, vegetables and fruit trees, the District produces export cash crops such as tea and coffee. The trade of food stuff and cash crop combines to make the source of rural incomes. Besides cropping, farmers in Karongi have some livestock including cows, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. Currently, bee-keeping is also being carried out to increase income for farmers but it is not yet very developed. Fishing has also been growing as an income generating activities mainly for the population near Kivu Lake. Kiziba Refugee camp: the economic activities conducted by refugees based in the camp consist of different forms of trading established within the camps and in the vicinity of the camps. Economically active refugees are involved in tailoring, hairdressing, clothes retail, kitchen gardening and running of small canteens within the camps and outside in the sector. Some men get involved in construction work, carpentry and cattle keeping. The main challenges faced by refugees are the isolation due to road that is in critical condition making the connection to Karongi very cumbersome and expensive. ➢ Gicumbi District hosting Gihembe refugee camp Gicumbi district: Agriculture is practiced by about 94.8% of the population and it has contributed to nearly 85% of the total production in the district. The main crops grown are beans, sorghum, 50 maize, wheat, sugarcane, Irish potatoes. Of the total population, 65.9 % own cattle contributing mainly to the dairy production and enhancing the welfare of the population in Gicumbi. There are also in Gicumbi few processing units of agricultural products increasing the values of certain products. The tea is the main cash crop with a considerable economic value for the District. The main activities offering employment are: retail, agro-processing, construction, public works and mining activities (mainly quarrying). The art and hand craft are also practiced individually or by associations/cooperatives. Artisanal activities are also conducted and include mainly: masonry, shoes making, carpentry, pottery, brick making, joinery, hair dressing, and weaving. Gihembe Refugee Camp: refugees share a selling space/market with host community very close to the camps. Both host community and refugees interact during the transaction mainly of basic household goods, fruits, vegetable and other food products. In absence of adequate facilities, the market takes place on the road side. Concerning the employment, refugees are mainly involved in low skilled jobs outside the camps in the District/sector. The jobs offered to refugees include night guards, housekeepers and assisting/helping in construction work. Some host communities are employed by refugees, taking care for instance of refugees’ livestock. Since refugees have no land, host communities lease to them some land where livestock is kept and fed. The manure is kept by the host while the refugees content themselves with milk. Figure 15: Market place on the roadside in the vicinity of Gihembe refugee camp Source: Field visit (November, 2018) ➢ Gatsibo District and Nyabiheke Refugee camps. Gatsibo District: the population employed in agriculture represents 84.9%. An estimate of 12.3% of those working in agriculture is part of wage labor and 72.2% are independent farmers. Off- 51 farm employment is not yet well developed and accounts for 15.5% of employment. Those working independently in agriculture represent 5.7%. The District plans to boost food production by increasing the area cultivated and the use of modern agricultural methods including mechanization, fertilizers, irrigation and crop rotation to enhance production. The District also plans to increase land consolidation from 26,312ha to 41,595 ha, develop more marshland for agriculture. Concerning the main crops grown, there is a high production of maize, rice cooperatives, cassava, banana and bean. There is a plan to develop banana processing and small scale processing units handling maize, beans and rice. Gatsibo District is recognized in Rwanda as one of the Districts with a high number of livestock (mainly cattle). However, local breeds are still dominating the improved ones. The genetic improvement is in its infancy. Cattle rearing offer casual employment and there is scope for milk production and meat processing. Beside agriculture, there is an informal private sector that occupies a high proportion of employed people (81.7%). This means that beyond agriculture that hides a form of unemployment due to land scarcity, active population look for other economic occupations (off farm jobs). The public sector employs about 8.4% and 2.4% are employed in parastatal sector while 2.5 % are employed in other non-specified sectors. The existence of a workshop (Agakiriro) offers a high potential for employment for both host community and refugees. It needs however to be equipped for a full operationalization. Once the necessary equipment and infrastructures are available, technicians, traders and refugee craftsmen will be attracted by opportunities in Agakiriro. Nyabiheke refugee camps: refugees get different jobs in and outside the camps. There is employment in retail business, transport (use of motorcycling taxi), education (teaching), carpentry, tailoring, meat processing/butchery, work in bars, small shops, and restaurant, as well as in cattle keeping. Women are mainly employed in the trading of food stuff within the camps and in the vicinity, women are also employed in casual jobs for cleaning and housekeeping and agriculture (cultivation). ➢ Gisagara District and Mugombwa Refugee camps. Gisagara District: the agriculture sector occupies over 86 % of the District’s workforce. The majority of farmers are practicing subsistence agriculture. As a result, the District experiences very low productivity and a high rate of poverty. The most cultivated crops are maize, cassava flour, beans, rice, banana, coffee, fruits and vegetables. Rice especially has brought some change as about 40 % of the farmers are involved in rice production and processing. Due to the presence of large areas of marshland there is high potential for rice farming. There are already rice processing and packing plants. The District of Gisagara is also one of districts with the largest banana production and processing area. The District possesses a banana processing factory producing beverages. Banana leaves are used to make some households items such as bins. An ongoing project concerns the rehabilitation of marshland under the hospice of the UNHCR and WFP. The project offers high potential for employment of both refugees and host community. Most of households (83.1 %), in addition to cropping, own some type of livestock. Among those 52 rearing livestock, 23.6 % raise cattle. There is a plan to construct a plant for meat processing. Other animals most commonly kept are goats, chicken and pigs owned respectively by 67.3%, 58.5% and 39.1%. Refugees in Mugombwa refugee camps are involved in diversified activities within and outside refugee camps. These include: driving, mechanics, construction, tailoring and culinary skills. Some farming cooperatives have been identified, grouping both host communities and refugees. Such cooperatives are focusing on either cropping or livestock rearing. Inside the camp, existing cooperatives are specialized in weaving and producing handbags, while others are practicing butchery. Other associations are formed by savings and lending groups likely to form cooperatives and initiate meaningful production or provision of services. To satisfy the needs in terms of food for both refugees and host community, refugees are involved in the food trade buying and selling different food stuff including ice, beans, cassava flour as well as cooking oil. ➢ Kirehe District and Mahama Refugee camps. Kirehe District: The District relies on agriculture and livestock. The most cultivated food crops are banana, maize, beans, soya beans cassava and rice in marshland. Fruits are also produced like pineapples, oranges, mangoes etc. Crops are grown on a consolidated land of 64,500 ha. Banana plantation is prevalent in the areas of Mushikiri, Gatore, Kirehe and Musaza where it covers 11,500 ha of land in the district. Maize is one of the priority crops and occupies 25,000 ha located mainly in the swampy areas of the Akagera region in the sectors of Sagatare and Kinoni I & II, Nyamugari and Mahama. The District has areas suitable for livestock farming like Mpanga, Nyarubuye and Nasho where 16,000 liters of milk are produced daily. Due to the location of the District near the border with Tanzania, there is small-scale trade at the border with some commodities exported from Rwanda including beans, Irish potatoes, bananas and avocadoes. Agro-processing has potential in the district and crops highlighted for value addition include pineapples, banana and tomatoes. Already there a cooperative that has managed to export processed dried pineapples to the United States. Mahama refugee camp is the biggest refugee camp in Rwanda with a population of almost 60,000 refugees. It presents a big market and at the same time a large source of human capital. Residents in the camp travel outside to seek employment in agriculture, construction and cattle keeping. Like in other refugee camps, refugees are also involved in food supply, buying outside and selling food commodity in the camps. Linking Nyakarambi Center, which is a commercial hub in the district, to Mahama refugee camp would benefit both refugees and host communities by boosting the supply chain through trade relations. Kabeza market serves as a major exchange point grouping both refugees and host communities. Another important activity was developed by weaving cooperatives that have successfully linked their handicraft products with the foreign market. ➢ Nyamagabe District and Kigeme Refugee camps. Nyamagabe District is about 78% of the population relies on subsistence agriculture. The main food crops include (in order of importance) beans, Irish potatoes, wheat, bananas, sorghum, 53 cassava, peas, maize and soya. The main challenge faced by famers is poor soil fertility resulting from soil acidity and non-modernized agriculture. For income generation, cash crops are also adopted by farmers. Tea and coffee are the major cash crops grown in Nyamagabe District. Tea is grown mainly in the western part of the District close to Nyungwe National Park in the areas of Nkomane, Gatare, Buruhukiro, Uwinkingi, Kitabi. Coffee is grown throughout the entire District and presents high potential with possibility to integrate refugees in the production and processing processes. Concerning livestock, approximately 77.6% of households in Nyamagabe District raise some type of livestock. The proportion is relatively high compared to the national average of 68.2%. This is attributed to the practice of Girinka enabling the poorest to own livestock. Among those owning livestock, 47 % have cattle; 15.7 % own sheep; 53 % own goats; 24.% own pigs while 22.9 % have rabbit and 45 % own chickens1. Beyond farming, many people in the district are involved in retail business. A limited number of the population is employed in carpentry, construction, tailoring and waving. While bee keeping and honey production is still practiced at small scale, this activity presents high potential and can be profitable for cooperatives/individuals involved. Kigeme refugee camp is very close to the city of Nyamagabe, this entails different employment opportunities including casual laborers, cattle keeping, carpentry, and teaching. The camps host a high number of saving and lending associations (up to 200) each consisting of 25 to 30 members. In the vicinity of the camps, there is a market place including hair saloon, small retailers & electronic repair services. The market needs rehabilitation. Public light is considered as one of the challenges faced by refugees to operate in the established markets. 4.2.3.1. Baseline information on infrastructures in districts and refugee camps Hosting refugees have affected infrastructures status in the six districts. The presence of camps presents negative and positive externalities on hosting communities. Refugee Camps have brought additional and new infrastructures but they have also put pressure on the existing facilities that were not expanded to accommodate the refugee population and host community members. The following table 10 summarizes baseline information on key infrastructures. 1 NISR, EICV3, 2011 54 Table 10: Existing infrastructure in host communities Camp District Infrastructures available (accessed by refugees) Observation Mahama Kirehe Health facilities: There is a health post in Nyamugali cell, it is The two health centers are not enough to accommodate both refugees and host the nearest health facility for local residents while there are two communities. Host community wish to have access to a Health center outside the health centers within Mahama refugee camp. The host camp. community is allowed to receive free services from the two health centers in the camp but they need to show their mutuelle de santé (i.e. Community-based Health Insurance). School infrastructures: 1 school The school is for the refugees and host community. The school infrastructures remain limited compared to the need identified in terms of classrooms, latrines, laboratories, computer laboratories, etc. Road (km): 13 Km The road is in bad condition and needs to be upgraded to facilitate the movement of people and goods in the region (Rusozi to Mahama). Markets: 1 market (Kabeza) outside the camp and other 2 The market infrastructures have to be established given the opportunity in place markets within the camps for both refugees and host communities. The markets inside the camp (e.i. market constructed by Save the Children International) have to be well organized and upgraded. Nyabiheke Gatsibo Health facilities:1 More infrastructures are needed to provide health care services to refugees and host community School: 8 schools accommodate both refugees and host The school infrastructures need to be upgraded. community student. The classrooms are not sufficient to accommodate all the pupils. Markets: No market Market construction needed Gihembe Gicumbi Health facilities: 1 The Health facility has to be upgraded to meet the needs of refugees and host communities. School infrastructures: 1 The school infrastructures have to be upgraded to cater the needs of refugees and host communities. Markets: Markets inside the camps The identification of needs would consider preferably the market construction for both refugees and host community. Drainage system (m): one ravine rehabilitation on 200m. Even though one ravine was rehabilitated in 2015-2016, there is still an urgent need of ravines rehabilitation Kiziba Karongi Health facilities: 1 Construction of one health center in the host community is required as there is only one health center inside the camp to accommodate both communities School infrastructures: 1 The school is inside the camp and this hinders the inclusion of refugee in the host community. Road (km): 20 km The road is in critical condition that makes difficult the movement of goods especially during the rainy seasons. 55 Markets: 1 The market can be expanded and infrastructure improved. Kigeme Nyamagabe Health facilities : 1 The available health facility has to be upgraded to accommodate the refugees and host community. School infrastructures: 1 school School infrastructures need to be upgraded to accommodate the needs of refugees and host community. Markets: 0 The market is a very important economic driver for self-reliance and the project should consider the construction of the market for refugees and host community. Drainage system (m): One drainage system constructed in 2012-2013 was not resilient to heavy storm water run-off and it was damaged. A new drainage system has to be constructed and address the issue of gully and ravine around the camp. Mugombwa Gisagara Health facilities: 1 The health facility in Mugombwa camp has to be upgraded to accommodate refugees and host community. School infrastructures: 1 school School infrastructures have to be upgraded to accommodate the refugee and host community pupils. Markets: 0 A market is needed 56 CHAPTER 5: ADMINISTRATIVE, POLICY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK This chapter outlines and reviews the existing legislations, policies and institutions as well as identifies the requirements and the relevant legal and institutional arrangements that would guide the implementation of the project in line with the national and international laws applicable to SEIRHCP. In this regard, Rwanda is a signatory to various international conventions and treaties and, it is important that national projects are implemented in line with those legal instruments. Relevant national laws, policies and the international conventions as well as World Bank environment and social safeguards policies are reviewed in this chapter. 5.1. National Policy and Legal Framework This section will elaborate on the relevant policy and regulations in relation to the core principles of environment and social safeguards. 5.1.1. National Environmental Policy of 2003 The main objective of this Environmental Policy is the improvement of man’s wellbeing, the judicious utilization of natural resources, the protection and the rational management of ecosystems for a sustainable and fair development. The policy seeks to achieve this through improved health and quality of life for every citizen and promotion of sustainable socio-economic development through a rational management and utilization of resources and environment. This will be achieved by integrating environmental aspects into all the development policies, planning and in all activities carried out at the national, provincial and local level, with the full participation of the population. This policy also aims to conserve, preserve and restore ecosystems and maintain ecological and systems functions, which are life supports, particularly the conservation of national biological diversity and the optimum utilization of resources to attain a sustainable level of resources consumption. The environmental policy is also emphasizing on the awareness creation among the public to understand and appreciate the relationship between environment and development by ensuring participation of the community in the activities for the improvement of environment in order to meet the actual needs of the community and cater for the needs of the future generations. This policy is relevant to SEIRHCP sub-projects as most of the sub-project activities will be undertaken in the host community surrounding the refugee camps. 5.1.2. National Water Resources Management Policy of 2011 The water policy aims at a fair and sustainable access to water, improvement of the management of water resources, etc. through reforestation on hillsides and water catchments areas. 57 This policy is relevant to SEIRHCP sub projects as among the sub-projects activities to be undertaken under component 1, there will be the construction/rehabilitation of water supply systems for refugees and hosting community. Additionally, under component 3, ravines will be rehabilitated and where applicable surface water reservoir will be constructed as the final outlet of storm water diverted from refugee camps. This major intervention will enable the rehabilitation of hillsides, the plantation of trees and agro- forestry trees to protect hillsides areas and thus protect waterbodies from intense sedimentation pollution. 5.1.3. Land Policy of 2004 The land policy deals among others with the use and management of hill lands and marshlands in Rwanda. The policy calls for rational use and sound management of national land resources to be based on master plan. The policy also provides development of land use plans based on suitability of the areas/lands. Thus, the policy distinguishes the different categories of land and their purposes. The policy gives strategic direction options including the need for hills to be governed by the written law, and the obligation that land should be imposed and the specialization of agriculture in Rwanda should take into account the purpose of the land use as shown in the various programmes, plans and soil maps, including water and soil conservation measures in demarcating land for agriculture. Also, agro-forestry should be incorporating as part of the agricultural landscape on the hills, given that it contributes to soil protection in particular and environmental protection in general, in the sense that it prevents desertification. The policy recognizes the importance of land tenure in the investment of land management and provides requirements for land concession or acquisition of land for sub-projects. The investment in these areas will require complying with the environmental and social safeguards during the implementation of the project. 5.1.4. Forest Policy of 2017 The forest policy is relevant to this project due to the role forests play in water regulation and soil conservation. The draft forest policy aims curbing the continuous wood shortage and but most important to this study the alarming deterioration of soil. The policy recognizes ecological and economic role of forest and aims at linking forestry with rural development by establishing relationship between forestry and beneficiaries (communities). Forest management is linked with soil productivity. The policy provides strategies for revegetation for environmental protection. The policy is relevant to the project as some of the activities of the project touch on revegetation of degraded areas especially in and around the refugee camps because of the presence of refugee camps in the hosting districts. The agroforestry activities will also have positive impacts on the country’s forest stock if successful through supply of firewood and rejuvenating the soil surface area. 5.1.5. National Environment and Climate Change Policy of 2018 58 Within the path of development, Rwanda has recognized the importance of environment and climate change in sustainable development. In 2003, the Government of Rwanda adopted the first ever environment policy to guide the management of environment and natural resources. Although the existing environmental policy of 2003 has brought about significant achievements in the establishment of the necessary institutions as well as the legal and strategic frameworks, its revision was necessary because significant development and reforms have considerably changed the sector context. Despite progress there is still a lack of appropriate and effective mainstreaming response to provisions of the environmental policy in some sectoral activities (e.g. unsustainable use of wetlands; unsustainable land use and farming systems; lack of response to initiatives that promote green technologies, environmental budgeting in the sectoral plans and budgets, etc.). While acknowledging that the 2003 environmental policy was adopted and reviewed in 2018, it is observed that there is a need now to focus on core mission of regulation, protection, preservation, environmental awareness, education and research. Moreover, the policies (e.g. forest policy, biodiversity policy, etc.) catered for issues that were partly covered by the existing policy of environment. This policy will play a big role by avoiding any negative impact that could be generated during the implementation of the project. 5.1.6. National Sanitation Policy of 2016 Sanitation plays a vital role in preventive health care and quality of life. For that reason, the Government of Rwanda has made the provision of sustainable sanitation services one of the priorities of the National Development Agenda and is establishing supportive policies and legislation. The Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) has developed the National Sanitation Policy to ensure the proper implementation of activities in the sanitation sub-sector. The Policy outlines initiatives to overcome challenges and exploit existing opportunities in an integrated manner, and will effectively contribute towards achieving the goals of the National Development Agenda. The GoR will ensure expanded access to safe and sustainable sanitation services through a number of means including: establishing District sanitation centers by providing a wide range of sanitation technologies; improving operation and maintenance of sanitation facilities and assisting Districts and the City of Kigali to plan and design projects to mitigate urban storm water issues. The guidelines provide a minimum standard for safeguarding public health and the environment through efficient management of health-care waste. All types of health-care waste are taken into account by these guidelines, and each health facility is recommended to be responsible for managing its waste from the point of generation to the final disposal. These guidelines are recommended to all stakeholders in the health sector and in particular all those involved in delivery of health-care services in Rwanda. The guidelines provide a framework of waste management strategies outlined below: 59 • Hygiene and infection prevention control committees for waste management, planning and auditing; • Reduce, recycle and reuse; • Waste labelling and containment; • Proper waste handling, segregation, storage and transport and Correct waste treatment and disposal 5.1.7. National Human Settlement Policy in Rwanda of 2009 Human settlement refers to a mode through which man organizes and settles in the environment where he lives. Human settlement does not refer only to housing, a dwelling or a house. It is rather a larger and more complex set in constant evolution, consisting of various elements which supplement housing and make it a human settlement, and which distinguish it from the purely residential areas where the absence of such elements impair any socio-economic and cultural life. Various factors, among others, low incomes, absence of any support from Government structures and incentive mechanisms, contributed to the expansion of unplanned health-endangering residential areas in urban centres, bad management of land, and environment degradation. To address the worrying situation and with a view to efficiently managing the land so as to increase its productivity in terms of settlement and housing, the Ministry of Public Works, in December 1996, issued instructions to govern the urban planning, the restructuring of unplanned residential areas and the regrouping of the rural population. One of sectoral actions in the strategy for poverty reduction is the unceasing improvement of the quality of life of the population. Improved quality of life requires satisfaction of basic needs of rural and urban populations, namely employment. The settlement policy recognizes that the majority of rural population is still missing access to basic services (water, health facility, electricity, roads, etc.). While effort was made to improve infrastructure facilities and the provision of basic services including roads, water, electricity, schools, hospitals, banks, telephones and other socio-economic amenities, rural households are still far-off from those services. The villages that were built to address the challenges present differences in terms of access to infrastructures and social services. Among the fundamental principles, the development of human settlement should enhance economic development, employment and social progress. Thus, the improvement of the conditions of human settlement has been recognized as an essential component of the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS). Sustainable human settlement must be consistent with environmental requirements. National objectives for sustainable development aim at economic and social development within the framework of a secure environment which should always be protected. The settlement policy might be referred to in selecting suitable site for social economic infrastructures to serve the beneficiaries. The sub-projects that will be approved for implementation under the SEIRHCP project will have to consider the guidelines provided by this policy. 60 5.1.8. NST-1/Seven Years Government Program (2017-2024) In the medium-term, the National Strategy for Transformation, NST-1/Seven Years Government Program (2017-2024) sets the priority for a Green Economy approach in its Economic Transformation Pillar that promotes “Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Environment to Transition Rwanda towards a Green Economy�. Moreover, Environment and Climate Change were highlighted in NST1 as cross-cutting areas of policy concern which can be positively impacted by a range of development activities with priority given to agriculture, urbanization, industries and energy. This NST 1 is relevant to SEIRHCP sub-projects as most of the project activities will be undertaken on land under components 1 and 3, which could harm the sustainable environment. Furthermore, several policies have been promulgated to govern the various aspects of environmental management and natural resources, including land policy; forestry policy; biodiversity policy; etc. There are also laws governing economic and other sectors to promote a sustainable and low- carbon development, including land law, forestry law, and water law, legislation governing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and guidelines for Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA). 5.2. National legal framework The main national legislations developed to protect the environment and guide Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for construction activities include the Laws below. 5.2.1. Rwanda Constitution of 2003 as amended in 2015 As the supreme law of the country, the constitution of the Republic of Rwanda stipulates that the state shall protect important natural resources including land, water, wetlands, mineral, oil, fauna and flora on behalf of the people of Rwanda. The constitution entrusts the Government with the duty of ensuring that Rwandese enjoy a clean and healthy environment. Article 22 stipulates that “everyone has the right to live in a clean and healthy environment�. Article 53 provides that: “the State ensures the protection of the environment�. A law determines modalities for protecting, conserving and promoting the environment. The Rwandan Constitution being the supreme Law, its provisions are mandatory to comply with and any sub-project that will be approved for implementation under the SEIRHCP will have to consider the guidelines provided by this law. 5.2.2. Law no 43/2013 of 16/06/2013 governing land in Rwanda The law on the land determines how land should be used in Rwanda. It also institutes the principles that are respected on land legal rights accepted on any land in the country as well as all other appendages whether natural or artificial. 61 The chapter II of the law categorizes land according to its uses. Articles 12 and 13 of the law gives the state ownership over land which makes up the public domain including lakes and rivers as listed by an order of the Minister having water in its attributions, shores of lakes and rivers up to the length of determined land occupied by springs and wells determined in accordance with an order of the Minister having water in land reserved for Environmental conservation composed of natural forests, national parks, reserved swamps, public gardens and touristic sites among others. As per article 13 of the land law, local administration has the authority over Districts and City of Kigali roads and of other urban areas linking different Sectors headquarters within the same District or those roads that are used within the same Sector with their boundaries as well as arterial roads that connect Districts roads to rural community centres that are inhabited as an agglomeration with their boundaries. Any sub-project that will be approved for implementation under the SEIRHCP will have to consider the guidelines provided by this law. 5.2.3. Law no 32/2015 of 11/06/2015 relating to Expropriation in the Public interest Article 3 of the law stipulates that it is only the government that has authority to carryout expropriation. However, the project, at any level, which intends to carry out acts of expropriation in public interest, shall provide funds for inventory of assets of the person to be expropriated and for just compensation on its budget. This law determines the procedures relating to expropriation of land in the interest of the public. According to the above expropriation law, no person shall hinder the implementation of the program of expropriation on pretext of self -centered justifications and no land owner shall oppose any underground or surface activity carried out on his or her land with an aim of public interest. In case it causes any loss to him or her, he or she shall receive just compensation for it. The Chapter IV of the Law deals with valuation of land earmarked for expropriation. The law identifies properties to be valued for just compensation to be land and activities that were carried out on the land including different crops, forests, buildings or any other activity aimed at efficient use of land or its productivity. Here the law is silent on access to economic activities on the land. Any sub-project that will be approved for implementation under the SEIRHCP will have to consider the guidelines provided by this law in terms of site selection for sub-project implementation. 5.2.4. Law no 47bis/2013 of 28/06/2013 determining the management and utilization of forests in Rwanda Under article 19, the purpose of conservation and protection of forests consists in the following: • to minimize adverse effects on forests resulting from various activities; • to give particular attention to the areas of the country faced with special environmental problems; • to protect native plants and animals; • to protect the biodiversity; • to add value to and exploit forest resources; and 62 • to increase national economy. Any sub-project that will be approved for implementation under the SEIRHCP will have to consider the guidelines provided by this law in terms of the screening process of sub-projects. 5.2.5. Organic Law no 04/2005 of 08/04/2005 organic law determining the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of the environment in Rwanda This Organic Law is about Environmental Protection, Conservation and Management. This Organic law determines the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of environment. The legislation sets out the general legal framework for Environment protection and management in Rwanda. The organic law centers on avoiding and reducing disastrous consequences on Environment. This organic law determines the modalities of protecting, conserving and promoting the environment including people and their habitats for use by current and future generations. For this to happen, the GoR will assume the responsibility to develop strategies, plans and national programs aiming at ensuring the conservation and effective use of environmental resources. Under article 31 every government project or private individual activity will not be approved for implementation if they are contrary to the strategies of conservation of environment as provided for by the law. This Organic Law stipulates that it is a shared responsibility between the government, public and private institutions as well as individuals to protect the environment. Additionally, the Organic law no 4/2005 of 08/04/2005 determining the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of Environment in Rwanda makes some statement about dumping sites. Article 8 stipulates that factories, warehouses, mines, buildings sites, quarries, underground or above ground stock piling shall be declared, even if they do not cause difficulties or accidents. It is stated that those installations must comply with the general principles provided by the competent authorities. The same statement is made for dumping, discharging and storing substances that may provoke or increase the degradation of the area of placement. Under Article 32, the organic law states that no one is permitted to dispose waste in an inappropriate place, except where it is destroyed from or in a treatment plant and after being approved by competent authorities. Article 50 enumerates the obligations of the state, the decentralized entities and the population, it is stated that the state is obliged to establish regulations governing water dams, waste pipe lines, dumping places and the treatment places. Furthermore, this organic law makes preventive provisions on the following: • It is prohibited to dump or dispose any solid, liquid wastes or hazardous gaseous substances in a stream, river, lake and in their surroundings (article 81); • It is prohibited to keep or dump waste in place where it may disrupt the people and the property (article 84); • It is prohibited to pile waste on unauthorized public places including public lands defined by the law (article 90). 63 Any sub-project that will be approved for implementation under the SEIRHCP must comply with the guidelines provided by this Organic Law. 5.2.6. Ministerial Order no 001/ 2018 of 25/04/2018 determining the list of works, activities and projects subject to an environmental impact assessment This Ministerial order provides the list of Works, activities and projects that are subject to a full EIA and partial EIA. The sub-projects will fall under the content of the articles of this Ministerial Order and will be taken into consideration during the screening process of sub-projects. This updated Ministerial Order of 2018 has a more explicit list of activities in Annex 13.4 compared to the first ministerial order of 2008. 5.2.7. Law n0 13ter/2014 of 21/05/2014 relating to refugees The Law n0 13ter/2014 of 21/05/2014 relating to refugees determines the requirements and the modalities for applicants to get asylum. It defines the role of the refugee committee in the management of refugee status. While refugees have some rights, the law also determines their obligations. Article 22 stipulates that “a refugee shall have the obligation to comply with laws, international instruments ratified by Rwanda, regulations in force in Rwanda as well as all measures taken for public security and order�. SEIRHCP will improve the well-being of refugees together with host communities. The project must comply with this law in conformity with the requirements for a refugee. 5.2.8. Other relevant regulations applicable to SEIRHCP • Ministerial Instruction no. 02/UPPR/09 with respect to Excavations and restoration of public infrastructure by communications and Infrastructure Service Providers (CISPs) operating in Rwanda, April 21, 2009; • Law No55/2011 of 14/12/2011 governing roads in Rwanda stipulates that class one roads are roads linking different sectors headquarters within the same district or roads that are used within the same sector. Article 8 stipulates that the management and maintenance of class one roads shall be under the jurisdiction of the districts. A maintenance works shall be funded by the road maintenance fund. Article 12 stated that the government shall identify and provide a quarry for road construction and maintenance material. Any person to whom a permit for extracting construction is issued shall carry out the extraction works in accordance with relevant laws. Article 15 stipulates that the minimum viable widths of the lane of a roadway shall be 3.5m not including the drainage ditches and embankments for class one roads. The rehabilitation of roads of SEIRHCP will have to comply with all relevant stipulations of this law. • General Guidelines and Procedures for Environmental Impact Assessment of November 2006, prepared by REMA. • The Law No. 13/2009 of 27/07/2009 regulating Labour in Rwanda in its article 4 describes children (under 18 years) labour prohibition. Additionally, its Article 9 prohibits gender- based violence and Articles 90 to 96 elaborate the health and safety policies at workplace. 64 5.3. International and regional conventions Rwanda being a signatory to some of the international and regional conventions that are relevant to the SEIRHCP, it is imperative to review some of the conventions which may be considered during the implementation of the project. 5.3.1. International Conventions and treaties These treaties and international agreements are relevant for the protection and the conservation of the environment and in particular the biodiversity in Rwanda. 5.3.1.1. United Nations Convention on Biological Convention of 1992/Convention on Biological Diversity The three goals of the convention are to promote the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. Rwanda being a signatory of this convention it is supposed to work towards the achievement of the three goals. The convention calls for the adoption of national strategies, plans and programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity into their relevant sectoral and cross- sectional plans, programmes and policies. One of the tools that are prescribed for the management of biodiversity is environmental assessment. The article 14 of the convention deals with impact assessment and minimizing of adverse impacts of activities that are likely to cause significant adverse effects on biological diversity. This convention has been signed by Rwanda on 10/06/1992 and ratified on 18/03/1995. 5.3.1.2. Refugee convention of 1951 Rwanda is among the signatories of the 1951 convention relating to the Status of Refugees. It recognizes the right of persons to seek asylum from persecution in other countries. This convention considers a refugee as someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. The convention lays down minimum treatment of refugees. The right of Refugees suggested includes access to the courts, primary education, the right to work and the provision of documentation, including refugee travel documents. Article 2 of this convention specifies that “every refugee has duties to the country in which he finds himself, which require in particular that he conform to its laws and regulations as well as to measures taken for the maintenance of public order�. The SEIRHCP will comply with this convention fulfilling the commitment of the Republic of Rwanda in terms of effective integration of refugees. 65 5.3.2. Regional conventions 5.3.2.1. EAC Protocol on Environment of 1998 The protocol was signed by the Partner States of the East African Community on 29 th November 2003. It has relevant provisions for environmental and social management in general. Under article 5 in its paragraph 4 stipulates that Partners States should promote sustainable utilization of water resources while taking into consideration factors such as ecology, geographic, climatic, hydrologic factors among others; the social and economic needs of each Partner States; the population dependent on the water resources; existing & potential uses of the water resources. Article 6 in its paragraph 1 identifies the protection and conservation of the basin and its ecosystem with emphasis on improving water quality and quantity; preventing the introduction of invasive species; conservation of biological diversity and forest resources; protection and conservation of wetlands and fisheries resources conservation. Article 9 provides for the harmonization of laws and policies for stakeholder participation in protection, conservation and rehabilitation. Sustainable agriculture and land use practices to achieve food security and rational agricultural production is provided. Article 12 of the Protocol urges Partner States to develop national laws and regulations requiring project proponents to undertake EIA and review of EIA reports to be done by all the Partner States if the potential impacts are likely to be trans-boundary and the same to apply for Environmental Impact Assessment and Audits under article 31 and article 32 provides for environmental standards. 5.3.2.2. African Agreement on the nature conservation and natural resources of 1968 Article 2 of the convention stipulates that the contracting States shall undertake and adopt the measures necessary to ensure conservation, utilization and development of soil, water, flora and fauna resources in accordance with scientific principles and with due regard to the best interests of the people�. Article 5 provides stipulates that the contracting States shall take all necessary measures for the protection of flora and to ensure its best utilization and development. To this end the Contracting States shall: (a) adopt scientifically-based conservation, utilization and management plans of forests and rangeland, taking into account the social and economic needs of the States concerned, the importance of the vegetation cover for the maintenance of the water balance of an area, the productivity of soils and the habitat requirements of the fauna; (b) observe section (a) above by paying particular attention to controlling bush fires, forest exploitation, land clearing for cultivation, and over-grazing by domestic and wild animals; (c) set aside areas for forest reserve and carry out afforestation programmes where necessary; (d) limitation of forest grazing to season and intensities that will not prevent forest regeneration; and (e) establish botanical gardens to perpetuate plant species of particular interest. The Contracting States also shall undertake the conservation of plant species or communities, which are threatened and/or of special scientific or aesthetic value by ensuring that they are included in conservation areas. In addition article 7 states that the Contracting States shall ensure conservation, wise use and development of faunal resources and their environment, within the framework of land-use planning and of economic and social development. Management shall be 66 carried out in accordance with plans based on scientific principles, and to that end the Contracting States shall: (a) manage wildlife populations inside designated areas according to the objectives of such areas and also manage exploitable wildlife populations outside such areas for an optimum sustained yield, compatible with and complementary to other land uses; and (b) manage aquatic environments, whether in fresh, brackish or coastal water, with a view to minimize deleterious effects of any water and land use practice which might adversely affect aquatic habitats. Rwanda signed the agreement on 15/09/1968 and ratified it on 20/05/1975. 5.4. World Bank environmental and social safeguard policies The World Bank's has developed 10 environmental and social safeguard policies, which are a cornerstone of its support to sustainable poverty reduction. The objective of these policies is to prevent and mitigate undue harm to people and their environment in the development process or activities. These policies provide guidelines for Bank and borrower in the identification, preparation, and implementation of programs and projects. This ESMF has been designed so that all investments funded under the World Bank will comply with all the Environmental laws of the Government of Rwanda and the Environmental and Social Safeguard Policies of the World Bank. 5.4.1. Environmental safeguard policies This section highlights environmental safeguard policies to be taken into consideration. 5.4.1.1. Environmental Assessment (OP4.01) This policy requires environmental assessment (EA) of projects proposed for Bank financing to help ensure that they are environmentally sound and sustainable, and thus to improve decision- making. The EA is a process whose breadth, depth, and type of analysis depend on the nature, scale, and potential environmental impact of the proposed investments under the SEIRHCP. The EA process will take into account the natural environment (air, water, and land); human health and safety; social aspects (involuntary resettlement, indigenous peoples, and cultural property) and transboundary and global environmental aspects. The environmental and social impacts of the SEIRHCP will come from the proposed investment activities under Components 1,2 and 3 that will receive financing. However, since the exact location of these investments will not be identified before WB appraisal of the project, the EA process calls for the GoR to prepare an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). The policy further calls for the SEIRHCP as a whole to be environmentally screened to determine the extent and type of the EA process. As part of the ESMF process, proposed sub-projects under the SEIRHCP are to be designed at the local level to ensure that they are screened for potential impacts and that they comply with the requirements set out under World Bank safeguard policies. 67 This process requires that SEIRHCP and its implementers screen their activities to identify their potential adverse impacts and thereby determine the corresponding mitigation measures to incorporate into their planned activities. Most of the sub-projects of the SEIRHCP will fall under category B project and will require the development of EIA reports as well as EMPs. This ESMF establishes a mechanism to determine and assess future potential environmental and social impacts during implementation of SEIRHCP. The SEIRHCP has been screened and assigned an EA Category B. 5.4.1.2. Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37) The policy provides guidance on the responsibilities of the project proponent for ensuring that appropriate measures are taken, and enough resources provided for the safety of the dam during construction and operation. MINEMA will ensure that the dams will be designed, and their construction supervised by competent professionals with the required experience. The project proposes the construction of surface water reservoirs (dams), as part of an integrated intervention to rehabilitate ravines in selected refugee camps. The planned structures are not expected to exceed 8m in height. The bank distinguishes between small and large dams; the dams proposed under the project are expected to be less than 15m in height. The project will be expected to get the services of qualified engineers to design appropriate dam safety measures to minimise significant adverse impacts due to failure of the structures. These potential adverse impacts will be addressed through site specific environmental assessments and included in the corresponding Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) in accordance with OP/BP 4.01 (Environmental Assessment). It is recommended that MINEMA adopts the Small Dam Safety Guidelines for Rwanda prepared under the Bank financed third Rural Sector Support Project (RSSP III) in 2009. 5.4.2. Social safeguards policies This section highlights social safeguard policies to be taken into consideration. 5.4.2.1. Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12) This policy covers direct economic and social impacts that both result from Bank assisted investment projects, and are caused by (a) the involuntary taking of land resulting in (i) relocation or loss of shelter; (ii) loss of assets or access to assets, or (iii) loss of income sources or means of livelihood, whether or not the affected persons must move to another location; or (b) the involuntary restriction of access to legally designated parks and protected areas resulting in adverse impacts on the livelihoods of the displaced persons. For sub-project activities that impact people and livelihoods in this way, SEIRHCP will have to comply with the requirements of the disclosed Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) to comply 68 with this policy. This policy is triggered in situations involving involuntary taking of land and involuntary restrictions of access to legally designated parks and protected areas. The policy aims to avoid involuntary resettlement to the extent feasible, or to minimize and mitigate its adverse social and economic impacts. This policy covers direct economic and social impacts that both result from Bank-assisted investment projects, and are caused by the involuntary taking of land resulting in relocation or loss of shelter, loss of assets or access to assets, or loss of income sources or means of livelihood. This applies whether or not the affected persons must move to another location; or the involuntary restriction of access to legally designated parks and protected areas resulting in adverse impacts on the livelihoods of the displaced persons. To address the impacts covered under this policy, the proponent prepares a resettlement policy framework (RPF) with the modalities of a resettlement action plan (RAP). The RPF covers the development of a RAP which must include measures to ensure that the displaced persons are informed about their options and rights pertaining to resettlement. The displaced persons are consulted on, offered choices among, and provided with technically and economically feasible resettlement alternatives and provided prompt and effective compensation at full replacement cost for losses of assets attributable directly to the project. To achieve the objectives of the RPF, particular attention is paid to the needs of vulnerable groups among those displaced, especially those below the poverty line, the landless, the elderly, women and children, indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, or other displaced persons who may not be protected through national and compensation legislation. SEIRHCP will make all possible efforts to avoid impacts on people, land, property, including people's access to natural and other economic resources, as far as possible. Notwithstanding, land acquisition, compensation and resettlement of people seems inevitable in projects that will require land acquisition. A social issue is of crucial concern to the GoR, SEIRHCP and the WB, as its impact on poverty, if left unmitigated, is negative, immediate and widespread. Therefore, policy will handle those cases if present during the implementation of sub- project activities. The above-mentioned policies will be applied according to the activities/ sub-projects to be undertaken under the SEIRHCP. 5.4.2.2. Physical Cultural Resources (OP 4.11) Cultural heritage resources are normally not fully known during project preparation, but some sub- projects may be located in the influence area of some sites. Graves for instance, could be located in project sites. Construction and rehabilitation operations may require borrow pit excavations or some limited movements of earth. Such activities may have potential impacts on previously unidentified physical cultural resources through chance finds of an archaeological nature. 69 This policy requires that whenever physical cultural resources are encountered an investigation and inventory of cultural resources potentially affected need to be carried out. Mitigation measures need to be included where there are adverse impacts on physical cultural resources. The environmental and social screening tool will include the identification of chance finds. The project will be reviewed for potential impact on physical cultural property and clear procedures will be required for identification, protection of cultural property from theft, and treatment of discovered artefacts will be included in standard bidding documents. While not damaging cultural property, sub-project preparation may identify and include assistance for preservation of historic or archaeological sites. 5.5. Institutions relevant to SEIRHCP The institutional framework for environmental management is currently enshrined in the Organic Law of 2005 determining the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of the environment in Rwanda. 5.5.1. Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) The Ministry in Charge of Emergency management (MINEMA) was established recently in October 2018. MINEMA is the former Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR). MIDIMAR was established under the Prime Minister Order no. 36/03 of 27/02/2015 determining mission and functions in the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR). Under this prime Minster order the ministry has the function of developing pro-active refugee policy and a mechanism for the management and protection of Rwandan and foreigner refugees which permits development of a strategic response to the problems of refugees in conformity with national laws and international treaties. In the framework of improving the living conditions of refugees and host communities, the Government of Rwanda through MINEMA and with the funding from the World Bank is developing the SEIRHCP. MINEMA will be the lead coordinating institution implementing the SEIRHCP. 5.5.2 The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) The Development Bank of Rwanda was incorporated in 1967. BRD provides short, medium, and long term financing to investment projects which support the development agenda of GoR. Its major shareholder is the government of Rwanda, and other shareholders are local private and foreign institutions. The bank provides a range of financial services (loans, leasing, equity, guarantee funds, lines of credit, trade finance, and donor-supported grants) within the following priority sectors: agriculture, exports, energy, housing, and education. The bank also provides advisory, capacity building, and technical assistance services. The strategic themes of BRD are 70 focused investments and growth, building strong partnerships, maximizing development impact, and increase resource mobilization. BRD will be the implementing agency for component two of SEIRHCP, administering the matching grants under sub-component 2a and capacity building services under sub-component 2b, while coordinating with and reporting to MINEMA as the lead institution implementing the SEIRHCP. 5.5.3. Ministry of Environment (MoE) The Ministry of Environment is responsible for the Environment and puts in place the organic law regarding environment conservation. MoE is a multispectral ministry covering five sectors: Lands, Water Resources, Forest, Mining and Environment. Environment is a crosscutting sector because it covers the four other sectors. MoE is responsible for the development of policies, laws and regulations as well as coordination of all activities in the management of land, water resources, forest, mining activities and environment and their follow up and evaluation. 5.5.4. Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) was established in 2004 to act as the implementation organ of environment-related policies and laws in Rwanda. REMA was generally tasked the following: • Coordinate different environmental protection activities undertaken by environmental promotion agencies; • Promote the integration of environmental issues in development policies, projects, plans and programmes; • Coordinate implementation of Government policies and decisions taken by the Board of Directors; • Ensure the integration of environmental issues in national planning among concerned departments and institutions within the Government; to • Advise the Government with regard to the legislation and other measures relating to environmental management or implementation of conventions, treaties and international agreements relevant to the field of environment as and when necessary; and • Make proposals to the Government in the field of environmental policies and strategies; etc. The Law no. 16/2006 of 03/04/2006 determining the organization, functioning and responsibilities of Rwanda Environmental Management Authority stipulates in article 3 that REMA has the responsibility to examine and approve EIA reports at any level of socio-economic activities undertaken by any person. And the updated Law no. 63/2013 of 27/8/2013 determining the mission, organization and functioning of Rwanda Environmental Management Authority mandates REMA in its article 3 to: 71 • Closely monitor and assess development programs to ensure compliance with the laws on environment during preparation and implementation. • Monitor and supervise impact assessment, environmental audit, strategic environmental assessment and any other environmental study. REMA may authorize in writing any other person to analyse and approve these studies. Initially REMA was responsible for the approval of EIA reports; this responsibility was transferred to Rwanda Development Board (RDB) where there is a department for EIA responsible for review and approval of all EIA reports. 5.5.5. Rwanda Development Board (RDB) RDB was created by Organic Law n° 53/2008 of 02/09/2008 with a mission of improving the well- being of all Rwandans by fast-tracking development, catalyzing sustainable economic growth, and creating prosperity for all. RDB was assigned by REMA the responsibility of screening, categorizing and reviewing the ESIA reports and authorizing the project to proceed by issuing an ESIA certificate of authorization. 5.5.6. Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) The Prime Minister order no 98/03 of 10/08/2017 determining mission and functions, organizational structure of MININFRA stipulates in its article 2 that MININFRA has the general mission of ensuring sustainable development of infrastructure covering transport, energy, housing, urbanization as well as water supply and sanitation, and participating in economic growth initiatives with a view of enhancing the social welfare of the population. 5.5.7. Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) RTDA was established by the law no 02/2010 of 20/01/2010. Among other mission of RTDA, Article 3 of this law stipulates that RTDA main mission is to manage and control national roads network with a view to achieve road safety and maintenance. To fulfil that mission, RTDA focus on preparing and implementing action plan for roads rehabilitations, initiate and supervise execution of planned and urgent works regarding roads and comply with environmental protection regulations for every construction and rehabilitation woks for roads. Note also that RTDA mandate extends to airports, railways and waterways infrastructures. 5.5.8. Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) Referring to article 1 of the Prime Minister’s Order N° 87/03 of 16/08/2014 determining modalities of transfer of responsibilities, and property of Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA) hence making WASAC and Rwanda Energy Group (REG) two independent separate companies legally incorporated in Rwanda under Law N°07/2009 of 27/04/2009 relating to companies; WASAC is the entity setup to manage the water and sanitation services in Rwanda. 72 5.5.9. Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) The Prime Minister order No 95/03 of 17/07/2018 determining mission and functions, organizational structure of MINAGRI stipulates in its article 2 that MINAGRI has the mission of promoting the sustainable development of a modern, efficient and competitive agriculture and livestock sector, in order to ensure food security, agriculture export and diversification of the productions for the benefit of the farmer and the economy of the country. 5.5.10. Ministry of Health (MoH) The mission of the Ministry of Health is to provide and continually improve affordable promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative health care services of the highest quality, thereby contributing to the reduction of poverty and enhancing the general well-being of the population. 5.5.11. Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) The general mission of the Ministry of Education shall be to transform the Rwandan citizen into skilled human capital for socio-economic development of the country by ensuring equitable access to quality education focusing on combating illiteracy, promotion of science and technology, critical thinking and positive values. 5.5.12. Micro Finances Institutions (MFIs) Microfinance institutions include Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) and some limited companies that operate microfinance activities. The organization of microfinance activities are established by the Law n° 40/2008 of 26/08/2008. Microfinance institutions were established with the aim to boost up rural savings and provide Rwandans with loans to improve their earnings and enhance their livelihoods. The National Bank of Rwanda is mandated to regulate and supervise Microfinance institutions and this is based on the Law n° 55/2007 of 30/11/2007 governing the Central Bank of Rwanda. SEIRHCP will promote entrepreneurship through a Matching Grant programme under component two. Component two will be implemented by MINEMA through MFIs and SACCOs. 5.5.13. Local Governments The law no. 87/2013 of 11/09/2013 determining the organization and functioning of decentralized entities stipulates in its article 123 the responsibilities of the districts as follow: • Implementing government policies adopted; • Provide services that are not delivered by other administrative entities; • Monitor the administration of sectors; • Plan, coordinate and implement development programs; • Put in place programs designed to promote the social welfare. Article 124 stipulates that districts should take into account the aspirations of the population. 73 Under the general guidelines and procedure for EIA, local governments (in this case, it is the six districts and their specific sectors hosting refugee camps) are tasked to perform these various functions: • Sub-projects screening; • Hosting public and individual hearings. • Public awareness, assessing and valuating the properties that will be affected by the project. • Participating in compensation/expropriation process where applicable. The institutions identified above are all relevant to SEIRHCP. Furthermore, any other institution that will be found relevant during the project implementation will be part of the project technical committee if deemed necessary. This may include MINECOFIN, Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), Rwanda Energy Group (REG), Rwanda Education Board (REB), etc. 74 CHAPTER 6: STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATIONS 6.1. Objectives and approach of the stakeholder consultation The main objective of the stakeholders’ consultation in the framework of SEIRHCP was to inform and consult the projects stakeholders on the project benefits and impacts. Meeting discussions were held at the district, sectors, cells and refugee camp levels. The information collected from the consultation was used in the preparation of the safeguards instruments. The consultations were carried out systematically through the six districts and the target groups for discussion were: • Mayors, Vice-Mayors; the Directors of planning; the Environmental Officers; Social Affairs Officers; Agriculture, Health and Education Officers; • Executive secretaries of the Sectors; the land managers (also responsible for the environment); Social affairs officers and Education officers; • Executive secretaries at Cell with a minimum of 10 people among the local residents neighboring refugee camps; • MINEMA Camp Managers, Deputy Camp managers, Officers of UNHCR Implementing and Operating partners in refugee camps (sanitation, health, education, livelihood officers, etc.) ; • Representatives of refugees and ordinary refugees at the refugee camps. 6.2. Consulted organizations Table 11 below summarizes the list of consulted stakeholders and the schedule of each consultation. 75 Table 11: Consultation with Stakeholders No Stakeholders/Institutions Interest in SEIRHCP Date Location 1 Mahama Camp Managers, UNHCR & Partners, Project preparation; Social and environmental considerations 27th November 2018 Kirehe District 2 Mahama Camp Refugee Representatives Project beneficiaries 3 Mahama Camp Host Communities 4 Gatsibo District authorities Project preparation; Social and environmental considerations 28th November 2018 Gatsibo District 5 Nyabiheke Camp Managers, UNHCR & Partners 6 Gatsibo Sector authorities 29th November 2018 7 Nyabiheke Camp Refugee Representatives Project beneficiaries 29th November 2018 8 Nyabiheke Camp Host Communities 9 Gicumbi District authorities Project preparation; Social and environmental considerations 29th November 2018 Gicumbi District 10 Gihembe Camp Managers, UNHCR & Partners Project preparation; Social and environmental considerations 30th November 2018 11 Kageyo Sector authorities 12 Gihembe Camp Host Communities Project beneficiaries 2nd December 2018 13 Kiziba Camp Managers, UNHCR & Partners Project preparation; Social and environmental considerations 3rd December 2018 Karongi District 14 Kiziba Camp Refugee Representatives Project beneficiaries 15 Karongi District authorities Project preparation; Social and environmental considerations 16 Rwankuba Sector authorities 17 Kiziba Camp Host Communities Project beneficiaries 18 Nyamagabe District authorities Project preparation; Social and environmental considerations 5th December 2018 Nyamagabe District 19 Gasaka Sector authorities 20 Kigeme Camp Managers, UNHCR & Partners Project preparation; Social and environmental considerations 21 Kigeme Camp Refugee Representatives Project beneficiaries 22 Kigeme Camp Host Communities 6th December 2018 23 Gisagara District authorities Project preparation; Social and environmental considerations Gisagara District 24 Mugombwa Camp Host Communities Project beneficiaries 25 Mugombwa Camp Managers, UNHCR & Partners Project preparation; Social and environmental considerations 7th December 2018 26 Mugombwa Camp Refugee Representatives Project beneficiaries 27 Kirehe District authorities Project preparation; Social and environmental considerations December 18, 2018 Kirehe District 76 6.3. Key Findings of the consultation ➢ Perceptions and awareness of stakeholders about the SEIRHCP The districts and sectors and camp management authorities were informed about the SEIRHCP from previous World Bank assessment. In general, all consulted stakeholders were enthusiastic to see the SEIRHCP prepared and agreed on providing all the required support once it started. ➢ Benefits from the presence of refugees The presence of refugees has boosted business in the Districts with the exchange of services and goods between refugees and host communities. Since refugees get cash, it has increased the local market exchanges. Refugees contribute to the local economy by their varied skill sets as labor, cross-border trade networks and supply chains. Additionally, their access to humanitarian support through cash-based transfers gives them a purchasing power in consumer demand for goods and services in local markets. The protracted presence brings humanitarian and development financing that can benefit both refugees and host communities. ➢ Main challenges faced by refugees and host community likely to be addressed by the SEIRHCP o Host communities are overwhelmed by the pressure brought by refugees on natural resources available, mainly water resources and forest. Around most of the refugee camps, the springs that were used by local community to get potable water have been polluted by the overflow of sewage from poor sanitation facilities in some refugee camps (Kiziba, Mugombwa and Kigeme). Those natural water sources can no longer provide safe and drinkable water. o Additionally, in all camps refugees and host communities are affected by ravines and gullies formation and the associated impacts (loss of properties, loss of arable land, extreme landslides, accidents, etc.) Host community complained and explained that ravines have resulted from heavy storm water runoff coming upstream from refugee camps. This is a source of tension between affected host community and refugees. o There is also a problem of solid waste management in refugee camps and some areas are used for informal dumping and it increases the breeding habitat for mosquitoes and other vector-borne diseases. o Another main challenges expressed by refugees in different camps are about the insufficiency of fuel wood. This pushes refugees to cutting down the trees in public and private property, generating conflicts with host community. o There is a lack of startup budget for both refugees and host communities to be able to initiate a small business in cooperatives. A sub-project supporting this idea can tremendously contribute to the social integration of beneficiaries. o There is high rate of unemployment in both refuges and host communities and it consequently results in social issues such as alcoholism, drugs abuse, early pregnancies, etc. in the youth. 77 o Due to the high number of people where refugees’ camps were established, the capacity of schools, health centers have been exceeded and more support to strengthening these infrastructures is needed to respond to international and national standards. ➢ Proposed project in relation to environmental management o Rehabilitating the ravines and drainage systems around refugee camps; o Solid and liquid waste management (including sewage); o Tree plantation, afforestation, agro-forestry o Providing alternatives to firewood through saving cooking stoves, support of biogas projects; o Providing access to potable water for host communities. ➢ Proposed sub-projects by stakeholders for social economic inclusion o Diversify the options in national schools accommodating refugees and host community students (i.e: integrate sciences curriculum) o Empower women and youth with small income generating projects o Construct and equip technical schools - TVETs o Upgrade the number of classrooms in national schools attended by refugees students to accommodate refugee and host community students o Rehabilitation of health centers o Supporting existing cooperatives with startup budget to initiate some small business. Those cooperatives must be inclusive to both refugees and their host community o Supporting projects on farming o Rehabilitation of road connecting to refugee camps (mainly in Kiziba and Mahama) o Building market infrastructures where both refugees and host community can interact o Building youth centers o Supporting infirm refugee students to access school facilities located outside the refugee camps Districts officials affirmed that the plot of land for sub-project development can be obtained from public land. ➢ Institutional capacity Most of the districts hosting refugees have at least one project funded by the World Bank. However, where a WB project exists, the District has been a “secondary� stakeholder, not the main implementer. This means that the role of the District in those projects implementation has been limited. For the District involvement where a WB project exist, the district environmental officers and the social affairs officers have been roughly trained to be familiar with the template being used in social and environmental safeguards reporting. However, their knowledge about the environment and social safeguards policies and instruments is limited. 78 In the framework of the SEIRHCP, human resource capacity strengthening is needed to make sure that the Districts can properly implement the environment and social safeguards. Consultation in Mahama Refugee Camp with UNHCR Implementing and Operating partners on 27/11/2018 Source: Field data, November 2018 Consultation at Nyabikeke refugee camp with UNHCR Implementing and Operating partners on 28/11/2018 Source: Field data, November 2018 79 Consultation at Gihembe cell with local community on 30/11/2018 Source: Field data, November 2018 Consultation in Kiziba Refugee Camp with UNHCR implementing and operating partners on 3/12/ 2018 Source: Field data, December 2018 80 CHAPTER 7: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR SEIRHCP 7.1. Objectives of ESMF The main purpose of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) is to make sure that potential environmental and social impacts are identified early in the project cycle. Thus, guidelines are proposed so that measures, processes and institutional arrangements can be adopted and integrated in project design and implementation to mitigate any adverse environmental and social impacts. This is a requirement from the World Bank Safeguards Policies as well as national laws and regulations of the Government of Rwanda to predict potential environmental and social impacts and take measures to offset or reduce them to acceptable levels. Hence, the sub-projects activities that will be suitable under this World Bank funding scheme will have to satisfy both the relevant legislation of the Government of Rwanda as well World Bank’s safeguard policies. MINEMA has developed this ESMF as a framework tool to address the anticipated environmental and social impacts of proposed sub-projects. The objective of this ESMF is to: • Put in place procedures and methodology for environmental and social screening, review, approval and implementation of sub-projects to be funded under the SEIRHCP; • Enhance positive environmental and socio outcomes preventing negative environmental impacts as a result of either individual sub-projects or their cumulative effects; • Make necessary sub-projects arrangements for preparation and implementation of sub- projects in order to take into consideration World Bank safeguard issues; • Assess the potential environmental and social impacts of envisaged sub-projects; • Identify and mitigate adverse impacts that sub-projects might cause on the environment and people and propose environmental and social management plan (EMP); • Ensure compliance with the National and World Bank’s relevant environmental and social safeguard policies; • Establish needed roles and responsibilities and specify necessary reporting procedures for environmental management, monitoring of environmental and social concern in the sub- projects; • Define public consultation and disclosure process; • Propose the training, capacity building and technical assistance needed for successfully implementation of the ESMF; and • Estimate the funding needed for the effective implementation of the ESMF requirements. 7.2. Rationale of ESMF SEIRHP falls under the World Bank OP.4.01. Those are projects requiring Environmental Assessment (EA). SEIRHCP falls into projects under World Bank category B. This category is equivalent to the Government of Rwanda impact level schedule 2 projects (IL2). As the SEIRHCP will incorporate sub-projects related to access to basic services and socio- economic investments, economic opportunities and environmental management in and around 81 refugee camps hosted in the 6 Districts, the environmental assessment examines the sub-project’s potential negative and positive environmental and social impacts and recommends any measure needed to prevent, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse impacts and improve environmental performance. The ESMF is a World Bank instrument used to examine the issues and impacts that occur when a project consist of multiple sub-projects, under which most of specific activities, scope and locations are not determined during project appraisal. It outlines environmental and social safeguard policy frameworks, institutional arrangement and capacity available to identify and mitigate potential safeguard concern and impact of each project. To ensure that the sub-projects meet the World Bank environment and social safeguards policies, SEIRHCP will trigger the following World Bank Operational Safeguards policies: • Environmental Assessment (OP4.01) • Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12) • Physical Cultural Ressources (OP/BP 4.11). • Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37) As for the National regulation, the environmental impact assessment is a requirement by the Ministerial Order no 001/2018 of 25/4/2018, for civil works likely to have a significant environmental impact. REMA provides general guidelines and procedures for environmental impact assessment. In addition to providing the principles, rules, guidelines and procedures to assess environmental and social impacts, the ESMF set out the institutional arrangement for various stakeholders concerned to contribute in the environmental and social management during project implementation. Table 12 below presents the WB safeguards policy triggered in the framework of SEIRHCP, action required in response to the policy triggered, the institution responsible for taking action and the timeframe. Table 12: World Bank Safeguards Policies triggered by SEIRHCP World Bank Action required in response to Responsible Timeframe safeguards policies the policy triggered Institution triggered OP/BP 4.01 1. Preparation of the SEIRHCP, Districts and MINEMA 1. ESMF will be approved by the GoR Environmental ESMF (For Component 1 and and World Bank and disclosed in Assessment (EA) 2. Potential adverse impacts 3) Rwanda and WB external website related to Safety of dams before the project appraisal OP/BP 4.37 Safety of addressed through site specific 2. Specific sub-projects EIA/EMP will Dams environmental assessments BRD for Component 2 be approved by MINEMA, RDB and and included in the WB and disclosed in Rwanda and and corresponding Environmental WB external website Management Plans (EMPs) OP/BP 4.11 Physical 3. Preparation of sub-projects Culture Resources specific EIA/EMP including (PCRs) 82 an action plan for chance finds for PCRs when applicable OP/BP 4.12 1. Sub-projects activities Districts and MINEMA 1. RPF will be approved by the Involuntary that might require GoR and World Bank and resettlement involuntary resettlement disclosed in Rwanda and WB through land external website before appraisal acquisition/roads 2. Sub-projects RAPs to be construction resulting in approved by the GOR and WB loss of assets/sources of and disclosed in Rwanda and income WB external website 2. Preparation of Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) 3. Preparation of the Sub- projects Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) 7.3. Proposed sub-projects of SEIRHCP There are various sub-projects proposed by stakeholders during stakeholders’ consultation. The six districts proposed some specific sub-projects likely to enhance social integration of refugee and host community. The proposed sub-projects are identified in Table 13 below. Table 13: SEIRHCP proposed sub-projects Components of SEIRHCP Proposed sub-projects for SEIRHCP Implementing Institutions Component One: ➢ Construction, upgrade and/or Six districts through MINEMA Access to Basic Services and rehabilitation of health facilities. Socio-economic investments ➢ Construction, upgrade and/or rehabilitation of education facilities. ➢ Construction of vocational training schools ➢ Construction of community water systems ➢ Road rehabilitation ➢ Market construction ➢ Equipment for health centers & schools Component Two: ➢ Support for SMEs, cooperatives, etc. BRD through Participating Financia Economic Opportunity ➢ Investment in agriculture/ tourism value Institutions (PFIs) (SACCOs, MFIs chains etc.), and BDAs Component Three: ➢ Rehabilitation of Ravines and Gullies and MINEMA Environmental Management construction of surface water reservoir (where applicable) The proposed sub-projects above will certainly have various impacts on the environment. Both negative and positive impacts are expected. The environmental impacts identified at this level are however preliminary and generic. They will further be specified at later stages of the projects design and implementation with the preparation of EIA, EMPs and RAP. 83 7.4. Potential positive impacts of SEIRHCP • Generation of employment: During the construction of proposed socio-economic infrastructures, jobs will be created for both refugees and host community. SEIRHCP will ensure that the project beneficiaries in the close proximity of the construction sites are offered priority for employment through labor-intensive public works. • Access to startup fund for small business: One of the wishes expressed by both refugees and host communities is to be facilitated to access capital. Those who are eager to be involved in small businesses might have opportunity under the component of “Economic opportunity� to access finance to conduct business through local enterprises and cooperatives. • Poverty alleviation & rural income generation: When refugees and host community will get employed and paid, their living conditions will be much improved. This could support food security as well as the payment for children’s school fee, health services, transportation, etc. • Improved social inclusion and conflict resolution: The sub-projects implementation is expected to contribute to social integration between host community and refugees. Refugees will interact more with host communities as they will be employed at the same construction sites or when they will be members of the same cooperatives. Under component three of SEIRCHP, ravines will be rehabilitated and this will solve one of the major conflicts between refugee and host community. The construction of more schools, markets and health facility will also increase the social cohesion of refugees and host communities. 7.5. Potential adverse impacts of SEIRHCP Adverse environmental and social impacts are expected to occur as the result of the construction activities under the SEIRCHP components as elaborated in the above section. The potential environmental impacts are summarized as follow in Table 14. Table 14: Summary of potential adverse environmental and social impacts of SEIRHCP SEIRHCP Components General anticipated environmental impacts General anticipated social impacts activities Construction and/or rehabilitation -Generation of dust from activities such as � Occupational health and activities of: excavation of construction materials in borrow safety: -Roads and quarry areas, loading, transportation and -Exposition of workers to various -Schools unloading of construction materials, cutting and physical hazards that may result in -health centers drilling of rock masses minor, disabling or catastrophic and -water supply systems -Fumes from vehicles and machinery (CO2 and fatal injuries -markets NOx) -Inadequate precaution during -Agriculture and tourism value handling of construction materials chain (i.e. irrigation, cropping, -Bad odors generated from workers amenities such as cement, oils, lubricants that etc.) can cause damage if breathed in -Rehabilitation of ravines through -Noise emission from construction machineries construction of retainers wall and quarrying operations causing nuisance to -Exposure to loud noise that can structures, storm water diverting local residents and workers cause temporary hearing impairment 84 channels and construction of -Soil erosion from non-stabilized or restored -Hand-arm vibration of vehicles and surface water reservoir (where borrow pits and quarry areas machinery can expose workers to applicable) -Soil erosion due to earthmoving and excavation injuries activities � Community health and -Soil compaction due to civil works and truck Safety: traffic -Increase incidence of cases of thieves -Loss of topsoil layer good for farming due to new people attracted to the -Accumulation of solid waste in farmland, area waterbodies and wetlands due to poor -Increase road accidents due to management of wastes at the construction sites increase vehicles traffic -Pollution of waterbodies (surface and -Increase health concerns in groundwater ) due to siltation, sedimentation , transmission of communicable poor sanitation, improper waste water disposal , diseases due to the concentration of poor storm water management workers -Loss of vegetation and flora -Poorly maintained construction site -Soil and water contamination resulting from can be unhygienic and affect workers excessive agrochemical fertilisers’ use. and community health through stagnant water that remain in borrow pits and in discarded waste such as plastics, old tires and metal containers. Thus, creating breeding habitats for mosquitoes and rodents leading to vector-borne diseases and malaria - Vibration from construction equipment resulting in damages of properties adjacent to the project site -Thunderstorms -Loss of assets and sources of income -Loss of cultural and archeological heritage 7.6. Summary of Identified potential environmental and social impacts Impacts are defined as any change to existing condition of the environment caused by human activity or any external influence. Therefore, impacts can be either positive or negative. Impacts may be direct or indirect, last long or less (permanent and temporary impacts) as well as extensive or have a local effect. Positive and adverse environmental impacts could arise during either the construction or the operation phases of the SEIRHC sub-projects. Table 15 below provides the criteria for impacts classification. This Table was used to classify the potential impacts that might result from the SEIRHC sub-projects. 85 Table 15: Criteria for impacts classification CRITERIA CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION Nature Direct or indirect This classification defines the way in which the environmental change is produced. Synergistic or cumulative Direct: change affects the environment directly; Indirect: change affect the environment indirectly; Synergistic: change is compounded by other effects; Cumulative: effects increase over time. Character Positive and negative This classification defines whether the action is beneficial or detrimental to the environment. Timeframe Temporary or permanent This classification defines the duration of the change to the original state associated with different project phase. Temporary: change remains only during construction phase; Permanent: change remains for the whole project useful life. Reversibility Reversible , recoverable, This classification defines the possibility, difficulty or impossibility of returning to the state prior to the irrecoverable intervention and recovery measures. This criteria cannot be applicable for positive impacts Reversible: returns naturally to its original state; Recoverable: requires human intervention to return to its original state; Irrecoverable: cannot be returned to its original state either naturally or artificially. Magnitude High, medium or low This classification rates the dimension of the environmental and social change produced relative to the total value of the resource affected or the area affected. Table 15 above summarizes the criteria to consider while assessing the environmental impacts that will occur due to the SEIRHC sub- projects taking into account the current baseline information. Thus, Table 16 below identifies the potential environmental and social impacts and indicates that most of the impacts generated by SEIRHCP construction works and operation will be low and temporary. 86 Table 16: Potential environmental and social impacts during construction phase of SEIRHCP (Component 1&3) SEIRHCP Sub-projects Receiving Environment Potential Impacts during construction phase of the sub-projects Classification of Impacts Component 1: Physical Soil quality Soil degradation due to: Direct, negative, -Construction, upgrade Environment - Soil erosion from non-stabilized or restored borrow pits and quarry temporary, and/or rehabilitation of areas reversible and low health facilities. -Extraction of building material like sand and gravel for construction -Construction, upgrade -Erosion due to earthmoving activities and excavation activities and/or rehabilitation of -Soil compaction due to civil works and truck traffic education facilities. -Loss of top soil layer good for farming through construction activities -Construction of vocational -Accumulation of solid waste in farmland causing soil pollution training schools -Construction of community Air quality -Increase dust due to excavation, clearing, civil works, trucks traffic on Direct, negative, water systems unpaved roads, earthmoving activities and stones quarries, loading, temporary, -Road rehabilitation transportation and unloading of construction materials, cutting and drilling reversible and low -Market construction or of rock masses rehabilitation -Fumes from vehicles and machinery (CO2 and NOx) Component 3: -Bad odours generated from workers amenities Rehabilitation of ravines (Engineering works Indirect, negative, involving construction of � Surface water: temporary, retainer walls, storm water Water quality -Contamination/pollution from siltation, sedimentation, poor sanitation recoverable and low channels and construction of and improper waste disposal from construction sites surface water reservoir) � Groundwater: -Poor design of septic tank could result in the leaching of contaminated water into aquifers -Improper management of storm water drainage and runoff leading to water pollution of the surroundings waterbodies Noise -Noise from traffic of heavy vehicles at the construction sites Direct, negative, -Noise from machinery at the construction site temporary, -Noise from the crowd of labor at the construction site reversible and low 87 SEIRHCP Sub-projects Receiving Environment Potential Impacts during construction phase of the sub-projects Classification of Impacts Biotic Flora & -Loss of vegetation due to site clearing Direct, negative, Environment Vegetation/ -Loss of flora and fauna through habitat conversion temporary, Landscape recoverable and low Wetlands -Wetland degradation can occur if waste water, excavated soil and other Indirect, negative, solid/liquid waste from the construction site are dumped nearby or in the temporary, surroundings wetlands. recoverable and low -Wetland degradation can also occur with the runoff of storm water carrying construction site wastes Generation of employment for both refugees and host community Human Direct, positive, Environment Social temporary, high Environment Social integration and conflict resolution through: Direct, positive, -common job opportunities permanent, high -sharing benefits from constructed infrastructures (schools, health centers, roads, water supply systems and markets) � Community health and safety: Generally, these -Road accidents due to the poor traffic management of trucks from the impacts are construction sites Indirect, negative, temporary, medium - Increase incidence of thieves due to new people attracted to the area -Vibration generated by construction equipment may damage the Expect for properties immediately adjacent to the construction sites -Public health concerns related to HIV/AIDS and other sexually -Public Health transmitted diseases (STDs). This could be exacerbated through spread of concerns related to HIV/AIDs the disease by construction workers, truck drivers and prostitutes attracted and to the construction site. catastrophic fatalities from -Poorly maintained construction site can be unhygienic and affect both accidents that have workers and community health through stagnant water that remain in a direct, negative borrow pits and in discarded waste such as plastics, old tires and metal and permanent containers. Thus, creating breeding habitats for mosquitoes and rodents impact leading to vector-borne diseases and malaria 88 SEIRHCP Sub-projects Receiving Environment Potential Impacts during construction phase of the sub-projects Classification of Impacts � Occupational health and safety: -Exposition of workers to various physical hazards that may result in minor, disabling or catastrophic and fatal injuries -Inadequate precaution during handling of construction materials such as cement, oils, lubricants that can cause damage if breathed-in -Exposure to loud machinery noise that can cause temporary hearing impairment -Hand-arm vibration of vehicles and machinery can expose workers to injuries Social Gender issues related to: Indirect, negative, Environment -Women are not given the same opportunities as man for construction temporary and low works -Women are at risk of sexual harassment from workers or in some cases conflicts of illegitimate children conceived (unplanned pregnancy) during the construction work period, etc. Loss of assets and source of incomes: Permanent & negative -Involuntary resettlement due to the loss of primary residential structures -Destruction of source of incomes (crops, trees, commercial structures, etc.) Natural hazards Thunderstorms Indirect, negative, temporary and high Physical Loss of cultural and archeological heritage Indirect, negative Cultural and permanent Resources 89 Table 17: Potential environmental and social impacts during operation phase of SEIRHCP (Component 1&3) SEIRHCP Sub-projects Receiving Environment Potential Impacts during operation phase of the sub- Classification of Impacts projects Component 1: Physical Soil quality Soil degradation due to: Direct, negative, temporary, -Construction, upgrade and/or Environment -Erosion due to improper storm water management and reversible and low rehabilitation of health facilities. rainwater harvest -Construction, upgrade and/or -Accumulation of solid waste in farmland due to improper rehabilitation of education waste management facilities. Air quality -Increase fumes due to vehicles traffic Direct, negative, temporary, -Construction of vocational reversible and low training schools Water � Surface water: Indirect, negative, temporary, -Construction of community quality -Contamination/pollution from sedimentation and poor recoverable and low water systems sanitation -Road rehabilitation � Groundwater: -Market construction or -Poor design of septic tanks could result in the leaching of rehabilitation contaminated water into aquifers Component 3: -Improper management of storm water drainage and Rehabilitation of ravines runoff leading to water pollution of the surroundings (Engineering works involving waterbodies construction works and Noise -Noise from traffic of heavy vehicles Direct, negative, temporary, construction of surface water reversible and low reservoir) Biotic Wetlands -Wetland degradation can occur with the runoff of storm Indirect, negative, temporary, Environment water carrying wastes/debris recoverable 90 Table 18: Environmental and social impacts during operation phase of SEIRHCP (Component 2) SEIRHCP Sub-projects Receiving Environment Potential Impacts during operation phase of the sub-projects Classification of Anticipated Impacts Impacts Component 2: Economic Physical Soil quality -Erosion due to the removal of vegetation cover for site preparation Direct, negative, Opportunity Environment before cropping temporary, -Soil compaction due to livestock grazing recoverable and low -Investments in agriculture -Inorganic mineral seepage/deposition associated with increased value chains (cropping, agricultural production irrigation or livestock Water quality -Surface water and groundwater pollution due to nutrients enrichment Indirect, negative, projects) of waterbodies from runoff or leaching of pesticides and increased temporary, agrochemical fertilizers use especially during rainy seasons or with recoverable and low improper irrigation techniques Biotic Flora & -Vegetation loss due to site clearing before cropping Direct, negative, Environment Vegetation/ - Loss of flora and fauna through habitat conversion temporary, Landscape recoverable and low Wetlands -Loss of ecosystems services Indirect, negative, temporary, recoverable and low Human Social Social cohesion: Direct, positive, Environment Environment -Integration of refugees and host community into same farming permanent, high cooperatives -Share benefit from farming activities � Community health and safety: Indirect, negative, -Public health concerns related to HIV/AIDS and other sexually temporary and low transmitted diseases (STDs) and vector-borne diseases � Gender issues related to: -Women are not given the same opportunities as man -Women are at risk of sexual harassment from their male peers Physical Cultural Loss of cultural and archeological heritage Indirect, negative and Resources permanent 91 7.7. Environmental and Social mitigation measures for identified potential impacts of SEIRHCP The Environmental Mitigation measures are actions to be instituted by the sub-projects developers and construction contractors to ensure that environmental quality is maintained and improved throughout the life of the SEIRHCP. This proposed project bears the potential for a number of negative impacts on the environment associated with construction. However, if proper environmental and social management procedures are in place and adhered to then there would be very minimal negative impact of concern emanating from it. Areas that require significant mitigation measures include water, soil and air pollution, community safety, gender issues and waste management. The broad purposes of the Environmental Mitigation measures are: • To provide a structured list of actions to be undertaken during project implementation, to ensure that environmental and social risks identified during the assessment process are addressed to national and international good practice and standards; and • To provide assurance to MINEMA and districts that their requirements with respect to environmental performance will be met. • Ensure environmental conservation and sustenance to ensure a balanced approach between the development and the ecosystem. • Ensure and enhance safety within the development both within the construction and operation phases. • Promoting environmental ethics within concerned parties and users. Table 19 shows the relevant mitigation measures to be implemented under the ESMF. 92 Table 19: Environmental and social mitigation measures for construction and operation phases of SEIRHCP Anticipated Impacts Relevant Mitigation measures Cost Monitoring Monitoring Estimates schedule responsibility (USD $) Erosion due to -Rehabilitation of borrow pits sites after extraction 20, 000 To be done Contractor, and earthmoving activities -Borrow pits and quarry sites should be in unused areas of land (wasteland) regularly during Districts and excavation, -Borrow pits and quarry sites should be approved by districts/sectors authorities project extraction activities as and landowners implementation and well as soil compaction -Suitable volume size of borrow pits and quarry sites will be operated as per at the completion due to civil works and required volume of materials truck traffic -Top soil will be stockpiled and preserved for the re-instatement of the site or used in the road embankment turfing -Replanting the grasses & vegetation and adopt appropriate anti-erosion practices -Adopting the drainage system to the topography of the site; construction/open drainage channels; not to fill in the drainage channels with material from excavation -Putting aside an area for stockpile topsoil for future landscaping; when possible, selecting a site in a areas not suitable for farming -Addressing landslide risks with integration of land stability into road design -Planting of grasses on embankments slopes; masonry construction on steep slope and planting of trees along rehabilitated roads -Construct Anti-erosive ditches -Earth movement and excavation activities must be done in small sections at a time so that at any given time minimal areas are excavated. It may be done in a manner that slightly precedes the construction activity and therefore the areas that are excavated are immediately constructed. This will reduce the period within which any excavated region will remain open -Ensure that soil traps in the form of rock bankers are installed on the lower edge of the construction sites so as to trap any soil carried away by water. Water use will be properly managed so as to ensure that no running water is left unattended leading to erosion -Movement of traffic within the construction sites will be limited as much as possible so as to ensure minimal area are subject to the movement of the vehicles, loosening the soil and in extension exposing it to erosion -Control of storm water movement through adequate and correctly constructed storm drains so as to reduce the impact of soil erosion -Construct trenches at the construction sites to drain storm water 93 Anticipated Impacts Relevant Mitigation measures Cost Monitoring Monitoring Estimates schedule responsibility (USD $) Improper disposal of � Construction phase: 35, 000 To be done Contractor, and construction wastes -Construction sites must all have a refuse pit where all solid waste will be deposited regularly during Districts (solid and liquid temporarily before transportation in any nearby district landfill. project wastes) as this can -The pit will be constructed in such a way as to segregate paper wrappings, plastic, implementation and result in leachate from metal cans and other waste such as timber off-cuts and other wastes. The items at the completion construction materials deposited in the pit will be examined to identify those that can be re-used and the on the construction rest sold off or given away for re-use elsewhere or recycling. sites and uncovered -Clean up exercises will be regularly undertaken every end of working day so as to stock piles retain cleanliness within construction sites -Workers at site will also be clearly briefed on proper disposal of solid waste and the disposal area will be clearly marked. � Operation Phase: -Collection of solid waste for disposal must be done regularly -Septic tanks must be emptied every 5 years -Install incinerators for burning wastes from health facilities Improper management -Install roof catchment system where rain water should be stored in water tanks and 10,000 during project Contractor, and of Storm water each tanks and used for cleaning and irrigation of garden during dry season. implementation Districts drainage -Construct trenches as to prevent storm water to be a direct source of pollution with all the generated wastes in construction sites that can be carried away if storm water is not properly managed Water quality -Avoid funding projects that need large scale use of pesticides and chemical 5,000 during project Contractor, and deterioration through fertilizers; implementation Districts nutrients enrichment -For project using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, farmers need to be trained on appropriate use, storage & disposal methods -Adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and technologies. Water quality -All sub-projects should pre-treat their effluent before it is sent to treatment works 10,000 During project Contractor, and deterioration through implementation Districts siltation, -Restore vegetation (grass & trees), use terracing on exposed areas to reduce soil sedimentation and erosion in adjoining waterbodies improper effluent disposal -The excavation has to avoid high water table areas and must be conducted using appropriate technologies such as lining. 94 Anticipated Impacts Relevant Mitigation measures Cost Monitoring Monitoring Estimates schedule responsibility (USD $) Increase dust due to -Dust rising during the construction process will be kept down by sprinkling water Must be To be done Contractor, and excavation, extraction, on the site. included in regularly during Districts clearing, civil works -Surrounding vegetation should also be maintained on the construction sites for as the project and earthmoving long as is possible before it is cleared to act as a windbreak and to keep dust from construction implementation activities spreading long distances. contractor -Workers on the site should be issued with dust masks during dry and windy contract conditions. Bad odours generated -Mobile toilets (male and female) are compulsory on the construction sites and Must be To be done Contractor, and from workers should be located within the construction area. Offsite treatment is recommended; included in regularly during Districts amenities -Regular maintenance of mobile toilets, including the emptying of effluent storage the project tanks. construction implementation contractor contract Loss of vegetation due -After construction work, restore vegetative cover Must be during project Contractor, and to land clearing -Plant agro-forestry trees included in implementation Districts The selected vegetation should be based on: suitability, habitat, flowering plants the and shrubs. construction contractor contract Wetland degradation -No disposal of effluents should occur in wetland; To be done Contractor, and -Necessary measures have to be taken to avoid negative impact on wetland (see OP regularly during Districts 4.04) or any endangered species or habitat. project implementation Generation of -Awareness campaigns about jobs; during project Contractor, and employment -Give priority job opportunity to able and qualified local people in the six districts implementation Districts (Especially youth and women in refugee camp and host community); -Develop a code conduct for workers. Community , -Provide speed signs and ramps when close to community with visible road signals Must be during project Contractor, and Occupational health to avoid road accidents; included in implementation Districts and safety -Raising awareness among local community about the threat; Putting in place the security barriers for public safety; construction -Implement appropriate dam safety measure to protect the local communities from contractor the adverse effects of dam failure; contract 95 Anticipated Impacts Relevant Mitigation measures Cost Monitoring Monitoring Estimates schedule responsibility (USD $) -Unskilled workers (labourers) will be recruited, as available, from the local population (refugees and host communities). Therefore, these workers will remain resident in their homes, which will reduce the need for accommodation ; -An STD/HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention programme will be incorporated into the training package for all workers. -A programme designed specifically for promoting safe sex for the construction workforce will be developed. Condoms will be made available to workers on the construction sites premises. These measures outlined above are intended to minimize the risk of an increase in STDs as a result of the SEIRHCP. -Take precaution using machines and equipment especially nearby public and private infrastructures -Raise awareness among machines operators on careful handling of machine and equipment -Contractor should inform the districts/sectors and community in due time about the construction activities that bear the risk of nuisance and accidents -Health and safety personal at the construction site with collaboration with districts /sectors health authorities will ensure the contractor prevent the propagation of breeding habitats by eliminating all breeding habitats near and caused by construction activities -Eliminate all unusable impounded water -Promote the use of mosquito nets in the communities -Workers at site will all be fitted with the appropriate safety gear depending on their duty station. Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) are compulsory on a site construction to avoid injuries will include the following: ✓ Ear muffs: for workers working with noisy machinery; ✓ Gloves: for workers handling materials of injurious equipment and items or other chemicals that are applied on timber; ✓ Helmets: Everyone on construction sites needs to wear their helmets in the construction premises especially workers loading and offloading of materials; ✓ Dust masks: areas with dust generation such as concrete mixing zones; 96 Anticipated Impacts Relevant Mitigation measures Cost Monitoring Monitoring Estimates schedule responsibility (USD $) ✓ Overalls: All construction personal should wear their overall in the construction premises; ✓ Safety boots: All construction personal should wear their overall in the construction premises; ✓ Eye goggles for workers that will work with paint spraying can risk of eye contamination or injuries. Noise generation -The construction activities will be undertaken with minimal heavy machinery and During project Contractor, and affecting nearby rock blasting reduced to a minimum. implementation Districts residents -Construction activities will only be undertaken during daylight hours so as to mitigate noise production during the sleeping/night hours. This should be restricted between 7.00 am and 6.00 pm. -Heavy machinery and vehicles to be used have to be in good condition and emitting low noise levels. -The noise standards for Rwanda are the following according to different areas/zones: ➢ Commercial area: 65 db (day time) and 55 db (night time) ➢ Residential area: 55 db (day time) and 45 db (night time) ➢ Silence zone: 50 db (day time) and 40 db (night time) Air Quality -Constant spraying roads surfaces, excavation and construction sites to keep them Must be moist for dust control included in the -Cover trucks carrying soil, sand and stone with tarpaulin sheets to avoid spilling construction contractor -Prohibit the establishment of construction sites near water bodies contract -Control and compliance to transport regulations on fumes Thunderstorms -Each infrastructure constructed should be equipped with lightning rod Must be During project Contractor, and included in implementation Districts the construction contractor contract 97 Anticipated Impacts Relevant Mitigation measures Cost Monitoring Monitoring Estimates schedule responsibility (USD $) Loss of assets or In the sub-projects design phase, all efforts should be made to: During project Districts and sources of income -Avoid land acquisition implementation MINEMA -Avoid involuntary resettlement -Avoid sub-project sites that will require destruction of assets (crops, buildings, etc.) In case the above is inevitable, mitigation measures will be addressed in specific Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan (ARAP) or Resettlement Action Plan (RAPs) as specified in the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) Cultural and -Chance find procedures must be included in the contractor documents Must be During project Contractor, and archaeological heritage -Prepare an action plan for chance finds for PCRs where it will be found applicable included in implementation Districts the construction contractor contract 98 CHAPTER 8: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PROCESS FOR SEIRHCP This chapter introduces various requirements for the environment and social aspects to be considered by different stakeholders involved in the identification, preparation, approval and implementation of the sub-projects. Different steps, responsibilities and the reporting systems are required during the implementation of ESMF. This will be presented in the sections below. 8.1. Sub-projects brief preparation and submission Referring to the SEIRHCP sub-projects selection criteria under component one and also following the environmental and social safeguards requirements, the six districts environmental officers will provide screened proposals of sub-projects to MINEMA for component one while component three is under MINEMA responsibility. Component two sub-projects (i.e. business plans to be funded by project matching grant) will be provided by PFIs to BRD. For component 1, districts environmental officers will be in charge of conducting the sub-projects screening to assess if proposed sub-projects design and location will not have major environmental and social impacts to the surroundings environment according to each proposed sub-projects. The selected sub-projects after the districts screening will be submitted to MINEMA for approval by Project Steering Committee (PSC). For component 2, PFIs will be trained to complete a simple environmental and social safeguards checklist when conducting their due diligence on business plans for consideration of SEIRHCP matching grants and line of credit. Approved business by the PFI will be submitted to BRD to (i) approve the business plans eligibility for funding (ii) verify and finalize the safeguards screening. For component 3, MINEMA will be responsible for sub-project screening. 8.2. Sub-projects screening 8.2.1. Sub-projects categorization through Screening Process The aim of the sub-projects screening is to determine potential impacts of selected sub-projects, whether they are likely to cause or not negative environmental and social impacts. Each sub-project is classified under appropriate environmental category in conformity with the provisions of the World Bank Operational Policy on Environmental Assessment (OP 4.01). The environmental and social screening results in each sub-project being classified in one of the 3 categories (A, B or C) taking into account the type, location, sensitivity and scale of the sub-project as well as the nature and the magnitude of the potential environmental and social impact. ➢ Category A: concerns any project likely to have significant adverse environmental and social impacts that are sensitive, diverse or unprecedented. The impacts under this category affect broader area than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. This category is comparable to impact level 3 (IL3) in Rwanda’s General Guidelines for EIA (2006). Sub- projects of this type will be excluded from project financing. 99 ➢ Category B: includes any project likely to have potential adverse environmental and social impacts, which are less adverse than those of category A projects. It can be related to human population or environmentally important areas including wetlands, forests, grasslands and any other natural habitat. The impacts are usually site specific, few or none of them are irreversible, and most of them are mitigated more readily than impacts classified under category A sub-projects. This category is equivalent to Impacts Level 2 (IL2) in Rwanda’s General Guidelines for EIA (2006). Sub-projects from the component 1, 2 and 3 of SEIRHCP are likely to be classified under this category ➢ Category C: incorporates any project likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental and social impacts. Beyond screening, no further EA action is required. This category is equivalent to Impact 1 (IL1) in Rwanda’s General Guidelines for EIA (2006). Some sub- project from category 2 of SEIRHCP might be classified under this category and will therefore not go beyond screening process. Additionally, the screening process will also follow the SEIRHCP selection criteria for sub- projects according to each component of the SEIRHCP. The selection criteria for sub-projects under component one and two are the following: ➢ It must be a local community demand-driven; ➢ It must share benefits for both refugees and host communities; ➢ It must address gender concerns and supports the youth and vulnerable groups (PWDs, elderly, women, orphans); ➢ It must have a Long-term sustainability; ➢ It must be identified as a priority in the District Development Strategy (DDS) and/or Local Economic Development (LED) Plan and is consistent with the National Strategy for Transformation (NST) and related Sector Strategic Plans. ➢ It must fill an existing gap in the district but does not substitute for other available sources of funds; ➢ It must not have significant potential adverse social and environmental impacts. The selection criteria for interventions under component three are the following: ➢ Interventions that are involving refugees and host communities; ➢ Interventions that have a long –term impact; ➢ Interventions that are targeting sources of tension between refugees and host communities; 100 ➢ Interventions that are addressing causes of environmental management issues including the unplanned nature of refugee settlements. If any sub-project is found to trigger the World Bank Operational Policy on Physical Cultural Properties (OP 4.11), the sub-project will require stopping the construction activities in the area of the chance find. A chance finds procedure will be undertaken as described in Annex 13.8 and construction work could resume only after permission is given from the responsible authorities. Additionally, if any sub-project is found to trigger the World Bank Operation Policy on Involuntary Resettlement (OP 4.12), resettlement procedures has to be determined with the preparation of a site-specific Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and Abbreviated Resettlement action Plan (ARAP) as specified in the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF). 8.2.2. Sub-projects review and approval through the Screening process As elaborated in the previous section, districts will provide proposals of screened sub-projects to MINEMA for component one. Component three is MINEMA responsibility. After districts screening process, the steps forward will be: ➢ Step 1: MINEMA will categorize the proposed sub-projects (category C or B) according to the anticipated impacts and will approve or reject the sub-projects. ➢ Step 2: Approved and screened sub-projects will be submitted to the Project Steering Committee at higher level for final decision of selected sub-projects. The final selected sub-projects that are in line with WB environmental and social safeguards requirements for a category B project will be submitted by districts or Environmental consultants to RDB for screening and further EIA/EMP processes. The same process will apply for the ravine rehabilitation under component three of SEIRHCP. For component 2, PFIs will submit business plans to BRD to be considered for financing by the matching grant and line of credit. Thereafter: ➢ Step 1: BRD will categorize the proposed sub-projects (category C or B) according to the anticipated impacts. ➢ Step 2: BRD will approve or reject the sub-projects. ➢ Step 3: The result of the screening on the final selected business plans will be shared with the Sub-projects proponents. For those business plans that fall within the WB environmental and social safeguards requirements for a category B, the sub-projects proponents will submit the sub-project proposal to RDB for screening and further EIA/EMP processes. 101 RDB is the national authority in charge of deciding whether or not a project will require an EIA or EMP according to the category of impacts (Category B or IL-2). After the sub-projects sites visit, RDB will provide the ToRS to conduct an EIA or EMP. After completion of the EIA/EMP report and submission to RDB for approval, RDB will issue EIA Certificate of Authorization and the terms of conditions provided specifically for each sub-project, prior to commencing implementation. In case a sub-project is found to be in category C or IL-1, an EIA/EMP is not required and RDB will issue EIA clearance letter. 8.3. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (EIA) study SEIRHCP has been classified under “Environmental Assessment category B� and will finance sub-projects including the construction/rehabilitation of various infrastructures such as education, health centers, roads, markets and water supply facilities, etc. In conformity with the organic law no 04/2005 of 08/4/2015 determining the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of the environment in Rwanda and WB Policy on Environmental Assessment (OP 4.01), the expected sub-projects for the inclusion of refugees and host communities will require EIA before the implementation of sub-projects. 8.3.1. Scoping Scoping is the process of specifying the content of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). During the scoping, the main environment and social aspects that are likely to be significantly impacted by the sub-projects are identified and considered for the EIA study. The minimum information required in scoping for different categories of sub-project can be found in the aforementioned Organic Law no 04/2005 of 08/4/2015. There are 3 basic criteria that might guide the scoping process: ➢ Use precedence; avoid ‘re-inventing the wheel’. Where similar projects in similar environment and social conditions (locations, type of habitat), have previously been subject of a satisfactory Environmental Impact Study (EIS). Then it is logical to use such reference for scoping; ➢ Use ‘likely’ and ‘Significant’ as criteria for determining the range of impacts and thresholds for data assembly respectively; ➢ Maintain the environmental focus. Note that EIA remains a process of identifying and dealing with environmental issues. 8.3.2. EIA Study Preparation 8.3.2.1. Basic consideration to be included in EIA study of sub-projects ToRs will be defined by RDB. The main considerations to be assessed and described in the EIA for sub-projects are outlined as follows: 102 ➢ Planned land use and detailed location of the area proposed for civil works (schools, health centre, access to water, rural roads, markets); ➢ Land title of the area proposed for the sub-projects (eg. private or public land). ➢ Technical specifications (engineering design) for the proposed sub-project ➢ Analysis of likely impacts of construction and operations activities: eg: soil erosion, excavation, digging, filling, extraction of building material , impact on water quality, management of storm water drainage removal of top soil, soil compaction using heavy equipment); air quality, water quality, noise, gender issues, community health and security, solid and liquid waste management, etc. ➢ Where the site is prone to soil erosion due to steep slope measures will be integrated into designs to address the risks. ➢ Planting of grasses on embankments slopes with low landslide risks, stone masonry construction on embankments slopes with high risk; tree planting along rehabilitated roads and other critical areas should be considered. ➢ Possible direct or indirect impacts or sensitive natural habitats or endangered species. ➢ Excavation and filling (i.e. estimate the volume, origin, transport, storage and disposal area of excavated material or fill); ➢ Surface and drainage water (i.e., collection, control, deviation, and confinement); ➢ Avoid subprojects that need large scale use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers; ➢ Solid and liquid wastes disposal (i.e., volume produced, and storage and disposal areas); ➢ Material required (i.e., quantity, characteristic, and access); ➢ Status and management of borrow and quarry areas (location vs construction site, quantity to produce, potential adverse impacts, management technique, etc.). ➢ Measures to reduce the use of resources (e.g. reduction at source, more efficient use, or application of new technologies); ➢ Schedule for the construction activities including duration of the construction work (i.e. start date, end date, and work sequence); ➢ Employees required and daily work schedule based on construction program; ➢ Duration of the project and future development phases; ➢ Cost estimates of sub-projects mitigation measures and monitoring plan 103 8.3.2.2. Composition and Qualifications of the EIA Team of Experts The expertise needed in the EIA study for the sub-projects might vary depending on the type of sub-projects, location and magnitude of the anticipated impacts of sub-projects. The team of experts should however include: ➢ Environmental specialist, with extensive experience in various EIA study for socio- economic and infrastructures development projects; ➢ Ecologist or Natural Resources Management Specialist with vast experience in ecosystems functioning and management (aquatic ecosystems, land ecosystem, protected areas, etc.); ➢ Hydrology or Water resource management Specialist with experience in water quality, impacts of run-off and drainage; ➢ Socio-economic Specialist particularly specialized in investment analysis, rural economy and resettlement action plan. The team’s overall experience and/or reputation in EIA or related assignments should guide the selection of the team of experts. It should also be considered, the professionals/expertise, the responsibilities of the candidates, the formal/academic qualifications including the professional affiliation. For some specific experts, professional certification or affiliation should be strongly considered for ethical concern (E.g. environmentalists, architects, Engineers, socio-economists). 8.3.2.3. Environmental and Social Analysis in EIA Study The EIA study presents a detailed analysis of all environmental and social aspects judged relevant in the scoping and screening exercise. The point of departure is the documentation on the baseline focusing on the situation before the planned sub-projects are implemented. Apart from the prevailing baseline conditions, the EIA highlights policies and laws that will provide guidance in environment and social protection taking into account the specific areas of concern in the use of natural resources/environment likely to be affected by the project. The environment and social impacts assessment will pertain to what might be the environment and social impacts once the sub-project will be implemented. During the impact assessment process, the EIA expert has to carry out consultations with different stakeholders to get their views on the impacts and mitigation measures. Those consultations also aim at associating stakeholders in the implementation of EMP. The EIA study also presents the environmental management and environmental monitoring plans and their estimated costs. The logic is that each significant impacts identified has to be managed by the sub-projects implementers. It should be a realistic plan including actions that can be implemented. Other important aspects to be included in the EIA report are presented below. ➢ Mitigation measures: timeframe and sequence: The EIA has to be specific concerning the timeframe for implementation of activities proposed for mitigation measures in the ESMF. The timeline is proposed and can be readjusted depending on the agreements 104 between stakeholders involved in the implementation. The stakeholders will include MINEMA and Districts. ➢ Resettlement and Compensation Procedures: Some sub-projects might need physical and/or economic resettlement (i.e: roads construction). In that case, the EIA will have a section on the socio-economic baseline information including findings of the survey conducted in the RAP. This will include information on affected people and assets. For information RAP has to be prepared and submitted to MINEMA and World Bank for review and approval. The RAP should have sufficient information allowing adequate resettlement decision. In the preparation of RAPs, guidelines followed are laid down in the RPF ➢ Responsibility for environmental restoration: For sub-projects that might require the excavation of stones, rock, sand or soil, quarry site for construction, the construction contractor under the supervision of the districts will have the obligation to rehabilitate the affected area. 8.4. Review of the EIA Report by MINEMA For components 1 and 3, the draft EIA/EMP report will be submitted by environmental consultants to Districts and MINEMA. Comments will be addressed to the consultants before a final submission of drafts EIA. Validated reports by MINEMA/Districts will be submitted to RDB for review and approval. For component 2, the final EIA/EMP report will be submitted by the sub- project proponent or their consultant(s) to RDB for review and approval. 8.5. Public Hearing and Decision making Public hearings are conducted by RDB for transparency reasons. A decision by RDB will be taken regarding whether EIA review needs to be conducted through public hearing. Where it will be found necessary, RDB will organise a public hearing during which the impacts and mitigations measures in the document (EIA) will be presented to stakeholders (refugees, host community, local authorities at districts/sectors level, NGOs, government agencies, private sector, etc.) before issuing an EIA certificate of authorisation (EIA CA). Public hearing ensure that no environment and social impact was overlooked before taking a decision on the issuance of EIA certificate of authorization. The public hearing will take place in the language that is the most convenient for the audience. The draft document will be circulated for comments by various stakeholders. The public will have to be notified on the time for the review and the affected beneficiaries will be invited for oral or written comments. Beneficiaries under SEIRHCP or any other affected interested party can appeal if dissatisfied by the EIA recommendations at any stage of the process. The complaints raised might be addressed by MINEMA or Districts. 8.6. Summary of EIA/EMP procedures for SEIRHCP Figures 16 and 17 below summarize in two charts the required procedures for EIA or EMP for components 1 and 3 as well as component 2. Figure 16: Charts of ESMF implementation process (Component 1&3) 105 Districts screening and sites visits Submission of screened sub-projects proposals documents to MINEMA by Districts Approval and categorization of sub-projects by MINEMA technical committee Approval of sub-projects by Project Steering Committee Districts Submission of sub-project briefs to RDB RDB screening and sites visits RDB sub-projects categorization Notification (category B or C) on whether or not the sub-project needs a full EIA? YES NO Category C (IL1) Category B (IL2) Yes Full EIA required or EMP required No EIA/EMP needed Districts Prepare EIA/EMP reports with support EIA/EMP ToRs by RDB of Environmental Expert consultant RDB Issuance of EIA clearance Letter Districts share EIA clearance Letter with MINEMA & World Bank Review of Draft EIA/EMP reports by MINEMA and submission of final EIA/EMP reports to RDB Districts and MINEMA will ensure that EIA, EMP and terms of conditions are integrated into the construction contractor contract EIA/EMP final report review for approval by RDB MINEMA will share final approved EIA/EMP reports RDB Issuance of Environmental Impact Assessment Certificate and EIA CA with World Bank of Authorization (EIA CA) 106 Rt Figure 17: Chart of ESMF implementation process (Component 2) MINEMA will SACCOs and MFIs Pre- screening provide assistance and screening tool Submission of pre-screened sub-projects proposals documents to BRD to SACCOs and MFIS Category C (IL1) Category B (IL2) Yes Full EIA required or EMP required Final Screening, approval and categorization of sub-projects by BRD (Safeguard Staff) Submission of sub-project briefs to RDB by sub-projects proponents RDB screening RDB sub-projects categorization notification (category B or C) on whether or not the sub-project needs a full EIA? NO Category C (IL1) Category B (IL2) Yes Full EIA required or EMP required YES No EIA/EMP needed RDB Issuance of EIA clearance Letter to sub-projects Sub-projects proponents prepare EIA/EMP reports with EIA/EMP ToRs by RDB proponents support of Environmental Assessment consultant Sub-projects proponents share EIA clearance Letter with BRD Environmental Assessment consultant submission of final EIA/EMP reports to RDB BRD share EIA clearance Letter with MINEMA and World Bank BRD will ensure that EIA, EMP and terms of conditions are integrated into the EIA/EMP final report review for approval by RDB sub-projects proponents’ matching grant or loan documents BRD will share final approved EIA/EMP reports and EIA RDB Issuance of Environmental Impact Assessment Certificate CA with World Bank and MINEMA of Authorization (EIA CA) 107 CHAPTER 9: CAPACITY BUILDING, TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REQUIRED FOR ESMF IMPLEMENTATION 9.1. SEIRHCP coordination and implementation arrangements As already mentioned in the sections above, MINEMA is the main implementer of the SEIRHCP. MINEMA will assure the overall coordination of the three components of SEIRHCP. The Districts and MINEMA will be in charge of the first component on access to basic services and socio-economic investments. BRD will implement component two. MINEMA will also lead the third component on environmental management. The fourth components concerning project management is not considered in the document since it has no direct relation with the implementation of the ESMF. SEIRHCP will be implemented by MINEMA through its Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) that administrate donor projects as per the national arrangements. The Core staff in MINEMA SPIU is composed of SPIU Coordinator, Director of Administration and Finance (DAF), the Procurement Specialist and the Human Resources (HR) Specialist serving all the programs under SPIU. Other technical staffs are also part of the SPIU depending on the nature and scope of projects. This ESMF, in particular, will be implemented through a technical committee within MINEMA established with the following responsibilities: ➢ Reviewing the screened sub-project proposals submitted by districts; ➢ Submitting categorized and selected sub-projects proposals to the Project Steering Committee (High-level decision-making committee/ members to be designated later on in the SEIRHCP preparation); ➢ Review and approval of draft EIA/EMP studies by consultants before submission to RDB; ➢ Coordination and supervision of environmental and social activities through regular monitoring and evaluation of the sub-projects; ➢ Compile and process periodic monitoring reports (quarterly and annually); ➢ Organize the training and capacity building on environmental and social safeguards for district environmental and social officers. 9.2. Institutional capacity needs for ESMF implementation Table 20 summarizes the results of the institutional assessment conducted during project preparation. 108 Table 20: Institutional capacity for ESMF implementation Institutions Staff currently available for Staff Experience in ESMF Observations SEIRHCP implementation implementation MINEMA 1 Environmental Safeguard It will be the first time for the staff to -Trainings can assist the staff Specialist participate in the implementation of in acquaintance with 1 Social Safeguards Specialist environment and social safeguards under a environmental and social WB funded project safeguards requirements. Mentoring will also be required, particularly in the first year of implementation. -Given the scale of the SEIRHCP and the large number of sub-projects that might require EIA/EMP studies, the staff at MINEMA/SPIU are not enough to coordinate and supervise all safeguards activities under ESMF. Thus, it is recommended that MINEMA have one staff at the district level to follow up the implementation of SEIRHCP. DISTRICTS -Environmental officers The six Districts hosting refugee camps Training is needed on -Social Development officers haven’t yet been involved directly in ESMF environmental and social implementation. In some districts like safeguards at District level to Gatsibo and Karongi districts, the participate effectively in environmental officers have been partially SEIRHCP implementation. involved with WB funded projects under implementation but the assessment indicates that more training will be required under SEIRHCP. BRD 1 Environmental Safeguard BRD has safeguards staff currently BRD Safeguard staff will staff supporting other WB-financed project; participate in training on 1 Social Safeguards staff therefore have some familiarity with environmental and social implementation of safeguards policies. safeguards for the effectiveness of SEIRHCP component two. 9.3. Required trainings In light of the limited safeguards experience outlined above, a comprehensive training needs assessment and development of a training strategy plan should be carried out as an initial implementation activity of this ESMF. It is recommended that training sessions incorporate aspects 109 proposed in this framework focusing on skills in environmental and social safeguards preparation and implementation. For the purpose of this ESMF, capacity building should be targeted at the planners, implementers and reviewers of the SEIRHCP sub-projects. Training will be designed for enhancing the skills on environmental and social impacts so that they are able to implement the proposed screening process and mitigation measures. The proposed trainings are as follow: ➢ Overview of the screening process and requirements; ➢ Rationale for using screening form and Environmental and Social Checklists; ➢ Identification of environmental and social impacts and significance levels according to World Bank and the Government of Rwanda; ➢ Tools required for conducting public consultations in the EIA process; ➢ Designing the appropriate Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and EIA; ➢ Preparation of terms of reference (ToRs) for the consultants carrying out EIA or EMPs; ➢ Incorporation of EIA or EMPs in the construction contractor documents; ➢ Monitoring and reporting during the SEIRHCP implementation The training will take the form of training-of-trainers. Subsequently, the trainers would then be able to train staff at district/sector level. The objective of the environmental and social safeguards trainings is to equip these technical staff with the necessary skills to implement the ESMF and ensure that the project activities are socially and environmentally sustainable. Social and Environmental safeguards specialists from MINEMA in collaboration with WB will provide these trainings. 110 CHAPTER 10: ESMF IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND BUDGET This chapter provides guidance on the ESMF implementation, monitoring and budget taking into account the institutional arrangements required to implement the environment and social management activities. It is necessary to note that the estimated costs for the implementation are provisional at this stage. The real costs will be known once the preparation of EIA, EMPs will be identified for each sub-project. 10.1. ESMF implementation arrangements and coordination This section described the reporting systems and responsibilities of the main institutions in the implementation of ESMF. It also provides activities to be handled by the ESMF and steps to take to ensure adherence to the ESMF. MINEMA and the 6 Districts will implement the sub-projects under component one. Component two will be implemented by BRD. For component three the implementer will be MINEMA alone. Table 21 and Table 22 below summarizes the main activities required for ESMF implementation and who are the key implementers as well as what are the procedures for ESMF implementation. Table 21: Roles and responsibilities in ESMF implementation No Activities Responsible Institutions 1 Sub-projects proposals preparation and screening (complete Component 1: Sub-project developer documents as specified in section 8.2.1 & Districts Component 2: Sub-projects proponents, PFI and BRD Component 3: MINEMA 2 Submission of screened sub-projects proposals to MINEMA Component 1: Six Districts Component 2: Not applicable 3 Categorization and approval of sub-projects (Component 1,2 &3) Components 1 and 3: MINEMA Component 2: BRD 4 Approval of final sub-projects Components 1 and 3: Project Steering Committee Component 2: BRD 5 Submission of sub-projects briefs to RDB Components 1: Districts Component 2: Sub-projects proponents Component 3: MINEMA 6 Hiring Environmental and Social Consultant to conduct EIA/EMP Components 1 and 3: Districts studies Component 2: Sub-projects proponents Component 3: MINEMA 7 Final screening of sub-projects RDB 8 Preparing ToRs for EIA/EMP studies RDB 9 EIA/EMP study Hired environmental and social consultants (all components) 111 No Activities Responsible Institutions 10 Review and approval of EIA/EMP draft report Components 1 and 3: MINEMA 11 Submission of final EIA/EMP reports to RDB Components 1: Districts Component 2: Sub-projects proponents Component 3: MINEMA 12 Approval and issuance of EIA Certificate of authorization (EIA RDB CA) 13 Submission of EIA/EMP reports and EIA CA to World Bank Components 1: Districts Component 2: BRD Component 3: MINEMA 14 Insertion of EMP in construction contractor contract for Components 1 and 3: MINEMA & compliance to WB environmental and social safeguards Districts 15 Insertion of EMP in matching grant or loan documents of sub- BRD projects proponents 16 Implementation of EIA/EMP during construction works and Component 1 and 3: MINEMA and six operation phase of sub-projects districts 17 Implementation of EIA/EMP for sub-projects in component two Sub-projects proponents 18 Monitoring of EIA/EMP implementation during construction Component 1 and 3: MINEMA and works and operation phase of sub-projects districts 19 Monitoring EIA/EMP implementation for sub-projects in Sub-projects proponents, BRD component two safeguard staff 20 Monthly reporting of EIAs/EMPs implementation to MINEMA Component 1: districts Component 2: BRD 21 Quarter and annual reporting of ESMF implementation to WB MINEMA 112 Table 22: Procedures for ESMF implementation SEIRHCP Screening Sub-projects and Implementation Supervision Reporting Components development of safeguards instruments Component 1: Districts: Districts: Districts: Districts: Basic services and Screening of all sub-projects -Implementation of EIA, EMP -Supervision of construction -Submitting monthly reports socio-economic and submitting sub-projects -Including in construction contractor the contractors to ensure the compliance to MINEMA on the progress investments proposals to MINEMA for requirements of the safeguards instruments with national laws and world bank of the implementation approval (mitigation measures, environmental safeguards policies during all phases activities And MINEMA: management plan and monitoring plan) of implementation MINEMA: -Supervision of sub-projects MINEMA: MINEMA: -Consolidate 6 districts screening -Coordination of implementation activities -Coordination and overall information/data and prepare Component 3: -Review, selection and in 6 districts and Technical support supervision on compliance to and submit quarterly reports Environmental categorization of screened throughout the implementation safeguards instruments through field to World Bank Management sub-projects proposals visits -Prepare and submit annual -Submission of selected sub- reports to World bank projects to Project Steering Committee for Final decision Districts: -Submission of sub-projects briefs to RDB -Receiving RDB ToRs for EIA or EMPs -Hiring Environmental consultant to conduct EIA or EMP study MINEMA: -Review of EIA/EMP drafts reports Districts & Consultants: -Submission of final reports to RDB for approval RDB: -Final screening of sub- projects -ToRs for EIA or EMPs 113 SEIRHCP Screening Sub-projects and Implementation Supervision Reporting Components development of safeguards instruments -Issuance of EIA clearance certificate (in case there is no need to conduct a study) -Review of final EIA/EMP for approval -Issuance of EIA certificate of Authorization Component 2: PFIs: Sub-projects proponents: Sub-projects proponents: BRD: Economic Initial screening of all sub- -Implementation of EIA, EMP -Permanent supervision to ensure -Submitting monthly reports Opportunity projects (i.e. business plans) -Considering the requirements of the compliance with national laws and to MINEMA on the progress and submitting sub-projects safeguards instruments (mitigation World Bank safeguards policies of the implementation proposals to BRD for measures, environmental management plan during all phases of implementation activities approval and monitoring plan) and hire BRD: environmental and social staff if necessary BRD: -Finalization of sub-projects - Field visits to supervise MINEMA: screening BRD: implementation of safeguards by sub- -Consolidate 6 districts -Review, selection and -Coordination of sub-projects projects proponents information/data and prepare categorization of screened implementation in 6 districts and Technical and submit quarterly reports sub-projects proposals support throughout the implementation MINEMA: to World Bank -Approval of screened sub- -Coordination and overall -Prepare and submit annual projects supervision on compliance to reports to World bank Sub-projects proponents: safeguards instruments through -Submission of sub-projects district-based staff briefs to RDB -Receiving RDB ToRs for EIA or EMPs -Hiring Environmental consultant to conduct EIA or EMP study -Submission of final reports to RDB for approval RDB: 114 SEIRHCP Screening Sub-projects and Implementation Supervision Reporting Components development of safeguards instruments -Final screening of sub- projects -ToRs for EIA or EMPs -Issuance of EIA clearance certificate (in case there is no need to conduct a study) -Review of final EIA/EMP for approval -Issuance of EIA certificate of Authorization 115 10.2. ESMF monitoring plan The objectives of the monitoring plan are two-fold: ➢ To alert project authorities by providing timely information about the success or failure of the environmental management process outlined in the ESMF in such manner that changes can be made as required to ensure continuous improvement to SEIRHCP environmental and social management ; and ➢ To make a final evaluation in order to determine whether the mitigation measures incorporated in the technical designs and the EMP have been successful or not during the project implementation as well as to determine what further mitigation measures may be required. As for the indicators, table 23 presents the initial proposal of indicators. Table 23: Proposal of monitoring Indicators Anticipated Impacts of SEIRHCP Monitoring indicators sub-projects Land degradation/Soil erosion -Surfaces area with terraces/erosion ditches, terraces developed -Km of storm water channels rehabilitated; -Area rehabilitated for borrow pits and quarries sites Water quality and pollution Water bodies complying with the national/WB standards (pH, temperature, visual observations (presence of litter), etc. State of vegetation -Area with planted trees and shrubs/grasses Occupational and community health -Number of local workers (men, women, youth) and safety -Number of local workers with health problems -Number of accidents caused by project activities and reported -Number of underage pregnancies cases -Number of workers accessing HIV/AIDS services needed -Number of non-compliance events to labour/employment act and other applicable obligations(compliance to code of conduct, labour contracts and labour rights) -Number of complaints regarding the project -Number of Safety equipment (PPE) available at construction site for workers Safety of surface water - Number of assets affected or injuries and lives lost due to dam failure reservoirs/dams Land take/and other resettlement -Number of expropriated PAPs related issues -Number of compensated PAPs -Number of resolved complaints of PAPs Air pollution -Level of pollution vs national and WB standard -Number of speed control ramps with appropriate road signs in case of roads Noise generation -Level of noise complying with the work time (7am-6pm) Waste management -Number of specific areas for waste disposal in appropriate formal dumping sites; -Number of human resources employed in waste management Employment -Number of local workers among contractor employees (distinction to be made between men and women) Gender Issues -Proportion of women among contractor employees as per Rwanda constitution -Number of reported sexual abuse case involving sub-project workers Sustainability of constructed facilities -Number of rainwater harvest tanks 116 -Number of storm water diverting channels -Number of installed lightning rod The purpose of monitoring indicators is to measure to which extent the interventions in the management of environment and social impacts have achieved expected result and decide if further interventions are needed. 117 10.3. Disclosure of ESMF and other safeguards instruments The World Bank policies require that environmental and social safeguards instruments for sub- projects are made available to project affected groups, local NGOs, and the public at large. Public disclosure of ESMF and EIA/EMP documents is also a requirement of Rwanda EIA procedures. Therefore, the Government of Rwanda, through MINEMA will disclose this ESMF as follow: ➢ On its website (soft copies); ➢ Making hard copies available at its headquarters office; ➢ Making hard copies available in the six districts and the sectors hosting refugee camps; The Government of Rwanda will also authorize the World Bank to disclose this ESMF electronically through its external website. Additionally, final safeguards reports such as EIA/EMP and RAP resulting from the sub-projects environmental and social impacts studies will also be disclosed by making hard copies available at MINEMA and the six Districts. The soft copies will be disclosed on MINEMA websites, the respective six Districts website and WB external website. Furthermore, the disclosure of safeguards documents to local populations (host communities, refugees, and vulnerable categories) will be summarized key sections of safeguards documents translated in the local language made available on the notice board of camp management offices as well as District, Sector and Cell offices. The content of the summarized safeguard documents will be mainly information on: ➢ Potential environmental and social impacts of sub-projects and mitigation measures of sub- projects (for EIA/EMP); ➢ Entitlement matrix and cut-of-date, summary of GRM process (for RAP). 10.4. Grievance Redress Mechanism A Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is presented below to uphold the project’s social grievance including GBV-related, compensation/valuation related grievances and environmental safeguards performance. The purpose of the GRM is to record and address any complaints that may arise during the implementation phase of the project and/or any future operational issues that have the potential to be designed out during implementation phase. The GRM is designed to address concerns and complaints promptly and transparently with no impacts (cost or discrimination) for any reports made by project affected people (PAPs). The GRM works within existing legal and cultural frameworks, providing an additional opportunity to resolve grievances at the local, project level. The key objectives of the GRM are: 118 ➢ Record, categorize and prioritize the grievances; ➢ Settle the grievances via consultation with all stakeholders (and inform those stakeholders of the solutions) ➢ Forward any unresolved cases to the relevant authority. As the GRM works within existing legal and cultural frameworks, it is recognized that the GRM will comprise community level; project level and national judiciary level redress mechanisms. The details of each of those components are described in the following sections. 10.4.1. Community and Lower Level Grievance Redress Mechanism Local communities have existing traditional and cultural grievance redress mechanisms which can be used to resolve some project related disputes at the community level, of course with some degree of involvement of and support from local leaders, the contractor(s), and project representatives at local level. Concerning the Socioeconomic Inclusion of Refugees and Host communities Project in Rwanda, the two concerned communities (refugees and host communities) have been having mechanisms to resolve any conflict and misunderstanding. Conflicts that concern host communities themselves are addressed in the normal existing system in Rwanda, starting from Village leaders, Cell level mediators, Sector level mediators, and when necessary the ordinary courts. Refugees in the camps have an administrative structure which is somewhat similar to the Sector administrative structure outside the camp. The camp is divided into quarters and a quarter is divided into villages. Each village elects its village leaders and each quarter elects quarter leaders. Among all these leaders, the executive camp committee is elected internally. It is also worth mentioning that the camp is also headed by a camp manager and the deputy camp manager who are the Ministry’s employees. Conflicts involving refugees themselves are resolved following the camp administrative levels. For cases that are not resolved at the camp level (though these are very few cases), the Rwandan legal system is followed. For cases involving both refugees and host communities, host communities’ committees and executive camp committees meet and deliberate on the cases with the facilitation of Sector and Cell leaders as well as the Camp managers. Cases that are not resolved at this level also follow the Rwandan legal system. It is worth mentioning that refugees, especially refugees from DRC, have a cultural tendency of wanting to resolve most conflicts in their family clans. They have been however encouraged to allow serious cases including gender-based violence cases to go through normal channels. In the context of the Socioeconomic Inclusion of Refugees and Host communities Project in Rwanda, there will be refugee-host joint committees at cell and sector levels. These committees will comprise representatives of refugees and Camp leaders on one side, and representatives of host 119 communities and Cell/Sector leaders on the other side, as well as the project representative (from the District and/or the Ministry), as well as the representative of the contracted company and the representative of the supervising firm. Experience from other projects funded by the World Bank in Rwanda such as Feeder Roads, LWH, RSSP, Rwanda Urban Development Project, etc., indicate that there are certain people that are needed for a grievance redress committee to be more effective. These are: ➢ The President of the committee, a community member residing in the concerned area and preferably, affected by the project, ➢ The Vice President, also a community member residing in the concerned area and preferably, affected by the project, ➢ A women representative, also a community member residing in the concerned area and preferably, affected by the project, ➢ A representative of Village leaders in the Cell or Quarter and the Executive Secretary of the Cell or Quarter Leader (if it is at the Cell or Quarter level), ➢ A representative of Cell or Quarter leaders and the Executive Secretary of the Sector or Camp manager (if it is at the Sector or Camp Level) In the context of refugees in Rwanda and their host communities, and considering their socioeconomic and cultural spectrum, the committee composition will also include the representative of the youth, the representative of people with disability and other vulnerable categories. Additionally, there will be a committee member handling GBV cases. All GR committee members they will receive training. It is expected that all grievance or dispute issues pertaining to the Project will be resolved at this level. Issues that will not be resolved at the level of these committees will be taken to the District level, then to the higher Project Coordination Unit in the Ministry. However, the mechanism will not prevent unsatisfied complainants to resort to the Rwandan judiciary (mediators and courts). The grievance redress committees will be recording all the grievances. They will be recording when and how they were resolved including cases that got referred to other levels (see in annexes, an example of grievance log that will be used in recording grievances). They will be including these in their regular reporting. The project coordination unit will lead and record all complaints and how they were addressed. 10.4.2. Advanced Project Level Grievance Redress Mechanism Many project related grievances are expected to be minor and site-specific. They will revolve around nuisances generated during construction such as noise, dust, vibration, workers’ disputes, etc. These are expected to be resolved easily on site. Difficult grievances might be especially about land acquisition, land boundaries, compensation, income or livelihood loss, misunderstandings between affected households and the Contractor regarding access arrangements or possible severe risks. Most of these might not be resolved immediately and/or on site. In practice, few land acquisition issues are expected. Authorities in the concerned Districts said 120 that they have land available some of the proposed subprojects. They also said that for road rehabilitation, the road side reserved areas might be enough. These authorities said that in the very few instances where land might be needed, they will go through the process of expropriating people in accordance with national laws and WB policies. The grievance committees will, on receipt of each complaint, note the date, time, name and contact details of the complainant, and the nature of the complaint in the Complaints Register. They will inform the complainant of when to expect a response. They will then endeavor to address it to the best of their abilities, as soon as possible. Should they not be able to resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of the affected persons, they will then refer the complaint directly to the District Project management level. Complaints referred to the District will require the District to take earnest action to resolve them at the earliest time possible. It would be desirable that the aggrieved party is consulted and be informed of the course of action being taken, and when a result may be expected. Reporting back to the complainant will be undertaken within a period of two weeks from the date that the complaint was received. If the complainant is not satisfied with the resolutions at the District project management level, the complaint is taken to the higher Project Coordination Unit (PCU) in the Ministry. The PCU will then endeavor to resolve the complaint as soon as possible. Reporting back to the complainant will be undertaken within a period of one month from the date that the complaint was received. If the complainant is not satisfied with the resolutions at the higher Project Coordination Unit (PCU) level in the Ministry, the complaint is taken to the Project Steering Committee. The PSC will then endeavor to resolve the complaint within three months. Reporting back to the complainant will be undertaken within a period of three months from the date that the complaint was received. Should measures taken by the Project Steering Committee fail to satisfy the complainant, the aggrieved party will be free to take his/her grievance to the existing Courts. However, grievances should be resolved at the lowest level possible. It is vital that appropriate signage is erected at the sites of all works prior to the commencement of construction works, providing the public with updated project information and summarizing the GRM process, including contact details of the relevant Project Contact Person. Anyone shall be able to lodge a complaint and the methods (forms, in person, telephone, SMS, forms written in local language) should not inhibit the lodgment of any complaint. Anonymous mechanism of lodging complaints will also be provided. The Complaints Register will be maintained by the committees and social safeguards specialist, who will log the: i) details and nature of the complaint; ii) the complainant name and their contact details; iii) date; iv) corrective actions taken in response to the complaint. This information will be included in Ministry’s progress reports to the Bank. The project level process can only act within its appropriate level of authority and where appropriate, complaints will be referred on to the relevant authority such as those indicated. 10.4.3. Judiciary Level Grievance Redress Mechanism 121 The project level process will not impede affected persons’ access to the legal system. If a complainant is not satisfied with the resolutions at all project levels, he/she will be allowed to take the matter to the appropriate legal or judicial authority as per the Rwandan laws. 10.4.4. World Bank Grievance Redress Service (GRS) Communities and individuals who believe that they are adversely affected by a World Bank (WB) supported project may submit complaints to existing project-level grievance redress mechanisms or the WB’s Grievance Redress Service (GRS). The GRS ensures that complaints received are promptly reviewed in order to address project-related concerns. Project affected communities and individuals may submit their complaint to the WB’s independent Inspection Panel which determines whether harm occurred, or could occur, as a result of WB non- compliance with its policies and procedures. Complaints may be submitted at any time after concerns have been brought directly to the World Bank's attention, and Bank Management has been given an opportunity to respond. For information on how to submit complaints to the World Bank’s corporate Grievance Redress Service (GRS), SEIRHCP complainants can visit http://www.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/products-and-services/grievance-redress- service. For information on how to submit complaints to the World Bank Inspection Panel, SEIRHCP complainants can visit www.inspectionpanel.org. 122 Table 24: Grievance Redress Process at Project level Stage Process Duration 1 The Aggrieved Party (AP) will take his/her grievance to Cell Grievance Committee which will endeavor to resolve it Immediately after receiving the immediately. Where the AP is not satisfied, the Cell Grievance Committee will refer the AP to the Sector Grievance complaint Committee. For complaints that were satisfactorily resolved by the Cell Committee, the committee will inform the higher level of project management and they will log the grievance and the actions that were taken. 2 On receipt of the complaint, the Project Sector Committee will endeavor to resolve it immediately. If unsuccessful, As soon as possible but not they will then notify the District project management level. exceeding one week after receiving the complaint 3 The District Project Management will endeavor to address and resolve the complaint and inform the aggrieved party. As soon as possible but not They will refer to the higher-level Project Coordination Unit at the Ministry unresolved grievances for his/her action. exceeding two weeks after receiving the complaint 4 The national level Project Coordination Unit at the Ministry will try to resolve the complaint as soon as possible and, As soon as possible but not if the matter remains unresolved, the complaint will be referred to the Project Steering Committee. exceeding one month after receiving the complaint 5 The Project Steering Committee tries to resolve the complaint as soon as possible. If the matter remains unresolved, or Within 3 months after receiving the the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome at the Project Steering Committee, the complainant will be free to complaint take the matter to the existing Courts. 6 Unsatisfied complainants after the resolution from the Project Steering Committee will be allowed to take their Any time after the resolution of the complaints to the existing courts. Project Steering Committee 123 The chart below illustrates a summary of the grievance redress mechanism. Figure 18 : Grievance Redress process Chart 10.5. ESMF implementation budget The cost estimates to implement this ESMF are only calculated for the first year of the SEIRHCP implementation as most construction works are expected on the first year. The estimated cost includes ESIA studies, environmental audits (EA), awareness creation among the beneficiaries of the SEIRHCP and the required training workshop for the implementing institutions (MINEMA and Districts). The ESMF implementation costs will be adjusted later on during the SEIRHCP implementation. The estimated costs in Table 25 are based on the national cost estimated by Rwanda Association of Professional Environmental Practitioners (RAPEP) to undertake the following studies: ➢ The cost for one EIA study is approximately 6,849 USD $ ➢ The cost for one ESIA study is approximately 9,132 USD $ ➢ The cost for one EMP study is approximately 2,283USD $ ➢ The cost for one ESMP study is approximately 4,566$ ➢ The cost for one EA study is approximately 13,698USD $ The other implementation costs estimated in Table 25 below are: ➢ The awareness creation will approximately cost 5, 874.USD $ covering the advertisement using Radio and TV discussion ➢ Capacity building for MINEMA, BRD, SACCOs, FMIs and Six districts through workshop on safeguards instruments will cost approximately 6,163 USD $. 124 Table 25: Budget estimate for the ESMF implementation Components Broad activities Required Safeguards Costs (US$) Notes: instruments Components 1 Rehabilitation/Constructi Environmental For Kirehe and Karongi, ESIA studies are anticipated for 2 roads to 3 on of: and Social 18,265 construction for a ESIA cost of 9,132 $ US per road. Roads Impact Assessment (ESIA) Rehabilitation/Constructi Environmental Impact One EIA study is anticipated for each of these construction activities in on of : Assessment (EIA) 246,575 every district. -Schools -Health facilities This is a total of 6 EIA study per district -Markets -Water supply systems 1 EIA study will be conducted for a cost of 6,849 $ US -Rehabilitation of ravines Investments in agriculture Construction of surface Site specific NA The EMPs, will be part of the site specific EIAs water reservoirs and dams Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) that incorporate appropriate dam safety measures. Environmental Audit 82,188 An approximate of 6 environmental audits for 6 Districts per sub-projects (EA) (roads, schools, health facilities, water supply systems, markets, ravines repair) at a cost of US$ 13,698 per EA Awareness 5,874 Public awareness creation on the project creation and through Radio ($2,690) and TV ($3184) discussions Capacity building Capacity 6,164 Training workshop/seminars on Building for safeguards policies and instruments for SEIRHCP staff in implementing agencies Districts, BRD, PFIs, and MINEMA at $ 3,424 for trainings and $ 2,739 for remuneration of trainers. Total 359,066 125 CHAPTER 11: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS This Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) has been prepared to guide SEIRHCP implementing institutions (Districts, BRD, and MINEMA) and other stakeholders to identify and mitigate environmental and social impacts under the SEIRHCP. The SEIRHCP aims at improving access to basic services and economic opportunities, and supporting environmental management for refugees and host communities in the target areas in Rwanda. Thus, this framework will apply to sub-projects under component one, two and three as construction/rehabilitation works are expected for roads, schools, health facilities, markets and water supply systems as well as ravine repair. This ESMF provides guidance on the implementation arrangements and safeguards requirements for the SEIRHCP sub-projects. In accordance with the organic law no 04/2008 of 08/04/2005 determining the modalities of protecting, conserving and promoting the environment in Rwanda and the EIA guidelines in Rwanda (2006), each sub-project under SEIRHCP is expected to have an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) in case a full EIA is not required. The implementation of SEIRHCP will ensure that the sub-project activities comply with the environmental and social safeguard policies. The successful implementation of this ESMF will depend on the involvement of districts/sector officials as well as refugees and host communities which are the main beneficiaries of the SEIRHCP. It is recommended that the staff in MINEMA/ SPIU and the district technical staff (environmental and social officers) should be adequately trained to implement the screening process and when required develop and implement appropriate environmental and social management monitoring plans. In particular, districts environmental officers and MINEMA staff at district level should be empowered to adequately administer the ESMF and mitigate potential negative environmental and social impacts and ensure that proper mitigation measure are taken. The cost estimates to implement this ESMF are approximately 359,066 US $ but this estimation was only calculated for the first year of the SEIRHCP implementation as most construction works are expected on the first year. The ESMF implementation costs will be adjusted later on during the SEIRHCP implementation. 126 CHAPTER 12: REFERENCES Clay, D., C & Dejaegher (1987). Agro-ecological zones: The development of a regional classification scheme for Rwanda. Tropicultura, 1987,5, 4.153-199. Gatsibo District (2013). District Development Plan, 2013-2018. . Gicumbi District (2013). District Development Plan 2013 – 2018. Gisagara District (2013). District Development Plan 2013-2018. GISAGARA District (2017). Local Economic Development (LED) Strategy for Gisagara District, 2017 – 2024. Government of Rwanda (2015). Constitution of Republic of Rwanda of 4thJune 2003, as amended to date especially in its articles 29, 30, 49, 62, 88, 90, 93, 101, 108, 118, 190, 191 and 201. Karongi District (2013). District Development Plan 2013 – 2018. Kirehe District (2013). District Development Plan 2013-2018. MINECOFIN (2000). Rwanda Vision 2020. MINECOFIN (2000). Rwanda Vision 2020. MINECOFIN (2007). Economic Development & Poverty Reduction Strategy 2008-2012. MINECOFIN (2007). Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy 2008-2012. MINECOFIN (2012). EDPRS II Guidelines MINECOFIN (2012). EDPRS II Guidelines) MININFRA (2015). Habitat III. MININFRA (2015) Expropriation Law N° 32/2015 of 11/06/2015 Relating to Expropriation in the Public Interest Ministry of Infrastructure (2009). Ministerial Instructions No. 02/UPPR/09 Regulating Excavations and Restoration of Public Infrastructure by Communications and Infrastructure Service Providers Operating in Rwanda. MINITERE (2003). National Strategy and Action Plan for the Conservation of Biodiversity in Rwanda. MINITERE (2003). The Rwandan Environmental Policy. 127 MINITERE (2004) : National Land Policy NISR (2014). Integrated Household living conditions Survey, EICV 3). NISR (2017). Statistical Year Book NISR. 2012. Fourth Population and Housing Census, Rwanda (2012). Population size, structure and distribution. Nsengimana, H., Bizimana, J.P., Sezirahiga, Y. (2011). A study on air pollution in Rwanda with reference to Kigali City and vehicular emissions. UNR/REMA. Nyamagabe (2013). District Development Plan 2013-2018. REMA (2018). Inventory of sources of air pollution in Rwanda. Prioul, C. & Sirven, P (1981). Atlas du Rwanda. Université Nationale du Rwanda. REMA (2009). Rwanda State of the Environment and Outlook. Chapter 7. Water & Wetland resources. REMA (2015). Rwanda: State of Environment and Outlook Report 2015. Rwanda Environment Management Authority. REMA (2018). Inventory of sources of air pollution in Rwanda. Determination of future trends and development of a national air quality control strategy. REMA (2006). General Guidelines and Procedures for Environmental Impact Assessment. REMA (2007). ESIA Guidelines 2007. REMA (2007). Rwanda State of Environment and Outlook Report. Republic of Rwanda (2014). Law no 13 tern/2014 of 21/5/2014 relating to refugees. Republic of Rwanda (2018). Ministerial order no 001/2018 if 25/4/2018 determining the list of works, activities projects subject to environmental impact assessment. Republic of Rwanda (2005). Organic Law n° 04/2005 of 08/04/2005, determining the modalities of protection Conservation and promotion of environment in Rwanda UNICEF (2018). Rwanda Humanitarian situation report, April 2018. UNICEF (2018). Situation Analysis of Children in Rwanda. Summary report. https://www.unicef.org/rwanda/RWA_resources_sitansummary.pdf, accessed on 9th February 2019. UNHCR (2017). Commitments of Rwanda at the Leaders’ Summit on Refugees. 128 https://www.unhcr.org/rw/12219-commitments-rwanda-leaders-summit-refugees.html , accessed on 9th February 2019. UNHCR (2017), Global Trends. Forced displacement in 2017, th https://www.unhcr.org/5b27be547.pdf, accessed on 9 February 2019. 129 CHAPTER 13: ANNEXES Annex 13.1. Key information to be included in the sub-project brief Key information that should appear in the project brief to be submitted to RDB, include: a) Name, title and address of the developer; b) Name, purpose, objectives and nature of project including attributes such as project size, design, planned activities; c) The type/ category of infrastructure to be constructed (school rooms, health facility, road, market, etc. d) The category of beneficiary the infrastructure/development project will serve within the district; and of what economic or social importance; e) A description of the spatial dimensions site (for schools, health facility, market and length and location connected if it is a road); f) Where the materials for construction will be sourced from- e.g. extraction of materials in quarries (soil/ earth, rock, tones, sand,.) from within what distance; g) Names and addresses of owners of land or property thereof where the infrastructure will be located (and for road, where it will pass); h) Provide confirmation that the construction site will be a public land (government owned); i) Provide details on alternatives construction sites or roads alignment considered; j) If it is a private land, provide information on land acquisition and explanation on the reason why involuntary land acquisition could not be avoided; k) Identify where construction materials will be extracted. Present a summary description of the soil types and rock structure and grading in terms of suitability for construction (indicate whether this is based on laboratory analysis or expert opinion); l) Numbers and if applicable, names and exact addresses of all parties who are likely to be affected by the project and the scale of effect. Provide information about land tenure/ownership of the area affected (including those with and without title deeds) and whether public, institutional or individual private ownership; m) Description of the biophysical characteristics (including all species of flora, fauna) and legal status of the areas where the proposed infrastructure will be located. Indicate where there are physical or natural barriers like escarpments, Rocky Mountains, rivers, natural forests, permanent swamps. A map of where the proposed infrastructure will be located and shade the areas likely to be affected; n) Description of the social, cultural and economic activities of the areas where the proposed infrastructure will be constructed or where it will pass if it is a road (including cultural sites, social investments like schools, human settlements, burial sites/ memorial grounds,..) economic activities like markets, commercial centres, industries or large scale commercial farms and/ or forest plantations; and other surface and aerial infrastructures like airfields, electricity and telecommunication lines, water supply and/ or sewage pipes; o) Projections use of the constructed infrastructure and estimated lifetime when the rehabilitation will be required after decommissioning; p) Describe possible alternative sites/ routes considered for the same project and the comparative scores in terms of economic and financial viability, technical feasibility, social acceptability and/ ecological/environmental sustainability; 130 q) Overview of the governance arrangements including organic laws, ordinary laws, ministerial orders, local administrative structures, policies strategies and plans of Government regarding environmental management, land and natural resources management, infrastructures development, urban and rural development, as well as, international laws and conventions; r) Provide information on the perceptions (issues and expectations) of project beneficiaries on project design, construction and operation phases (host communities and refugees) as well as opinions of local leaders (districts, sector and cell authorities) and other opinion leaders resulting from preliminary consultations; s) Full contacts of the person responsible for the project (on behalf of the proponent: This is because EIA work involves decision making and accountability and there must be some specific and known person (or designate) to be held accountable. 131 Annex 13.2. Sample TORs for EIA/EMP study for SEIRHCP 1. Background Information: Describe the pertinent background issues. This should include a brief description of the major components of the proposed project, a statement of the need for the project, the objectives it is intended to meet, the implementing agency, a brief history of the project (including alternatives considered), its status and timetable, and a list of any associated projects. If there are other projects in progress or planned within the region that may compete for the same resources, they should also be identified here. 2. Objectives: Summarize the general scope of the environmental assessment and discuss its timing in relation to the project preparation, design, and execution processes. 3. Study Area: Specify the boundaries of the study area for the assessment (e.g., water catchment area and land use), as well as any adjacent or remote areas that should be considered with respect to specific impacts (temporary infrastructure). The project could have different study areas corresponding to the level of impact. 4. Scope of Work: Define the tasks. In some cases, the tasks to be carried out by a consultant will be known with sufficient certainty to be specified completely in the terms of reference. In other cases, specialized field studies or modelling activities will need to be performed to assess impacts. In that case, the consultant will define particular tasks in more detail after some period of assessment and will submit the detailed scope of work to the District for approval at a later date. Task 4 in the Scope of Work (below) is an example of the latter. Task 1: Describe the Proposed Project: Provide a brief description of the relevant parts of the project using maps of appropriate scale where necessary and include the following information: ➢ Project justification; ➢ Location, general layout, size, and capacity; ➢ Pre-construction activities; ➢ Construction activities; ➢ Schedule of activities; ➢ Staffing and support; ➢ Facilities and services; ➢ Operation and maintenance activities; ➢ Required offsite investments; ➢ Life span. 132 [Note: specify any other type of information relevant to the description of the project category.] Task 2: Describe the Environment Assemble, evaluate, and present baseline data on the relevant environmental characteristics of the study area. Include information on any changes anticipated before the project commences. Modify the list below to show critical project information (e.g., information relevant to the project category and other project-specific information). Avoid compiling irrelevant data. Present environmental characteristics of the study area on a map to facilitate the understanding. [a] Physical environment: geology; topography; soils; climate and meteorology; ambient air quality; surface and groundwater hydrology; coastal parameters; existing sources of air emissions; existing water pollution discharges; and receiving water quality. [b]Biological environment: flora; fauna; rare or endangered species; ecologically important or sensitive habitats, including parks or reserves, and significant natural sites; species of commercial importance; and species with potential to become nuisances, vectors, or dangerous (of project site and potential area of influence of the project). [c]Socio-cultural environment: ➢ Provide information on population; land use; planned development activities; community structure; employment; distribution of income, goods and services; recreation; public health; cultural/ historic properties (examine the historical importance of the area); ➢ Provide information on social impacts relating to involuntary resettlement or loss of physical assets (structures, crops) where applicable; ➢ Investigate on heritage and cultural aspects of the site and provide findings information; ➢ Conduct an assessment on public perception of the proposed development subproject and provide a short summary on the perceptions (issues and expectations) of project beneficiaries on project design, construction and operation phases (host communities and refugees) as well as perceptions of local leaders (districts, sector and cell authorities) and other opinion leaders resulting from preliminary consultations. Consultations should be conduct through individual interviews and group discussions. Task 3: Describe and analyze the legislative and regulatory framework and issues Describe the pertinent regulations and standards at international, national, regional and local levels that govern environmental quality, health and safety, protection of sensitive areas, protection of endangered species, site, and land use control. ToRs should specify those that are known and should require the consultant to investigate for others. 133 Then review and analyze relevant laws, regulations and guidelines that govern the conduct of the assessment or specify the content of the report, including international treaties, national laws and/ or regulations and/ or guidelines on environmental reviews and impact assessments. Task 4: Determination of the Potential Impacts of the Proposed Project Distinguish between positive and negative impacts, direct and indirect impacts, and immediate and long-term impacts. Identify impacts that are unavoidable or irreversible. Wherever possible, describe impacts quantitatively, in terms of the affected environmental components (e.g., area, number) and environmental costs and benefits. Assign economic values when feasible. Characterize the extent and quality of available data, explaining significant information deficiencies and any uncertainties associated with the predicted impacts. If possible, develop ToRs to conduct research to obtain the missing information. Identify the types of special studies likely to be needed for this project category. The engineering plans should reflect "best practice" in alignment and construction to ensure that potential negative environmental impacts are minimized (e.g., through measures to prevent soil erosion risk, ensure proper drainage, and provide for waste disposal, landfill material, and used oil. Task 5: Analyze the Alternatives to the Proposed Project Describe alternatives that were examined in the course of developing the proposed project and identify other alternatives, which would achieve the same objectives. The concept of alternatives extends to site, design, technology selection, construction techniques and phasing, and operating and maintenance procedures. Compare alternatives in terms of potential environmental impacts; capital and operating costs; suitability under local conditions; and institutional, training, and monitoring requirements. When describing the impacts, indicate which are irreversible or unavoidable and which can be mitigated. Quantify the costs and benefits of each alternative, incorporating the estimated costs of any associated mitigating measures. Include the 'no project' alternative to demonstrate environmental conditions without the project. Task 6: Develop the Management Plan to Mitigate Negative Impacts The Environmental Management Plan focuses on three generic areas: mitigation measures, institutional strengthening and training, and monitoring. The emphasis on each of these areas depends on the context-specific project needs. Mitigation of environmental and social impact: Recommend feasible and cost-effective measures to prevent or reduce significant negative impacts to acceptable levels. Quantify and impacts and estimate the costs of the mitigation measures. Consider compensation to affected parties for impacts that 'cannot be mitigated. The plan should include proposed work programs, budget estimates, schedules, staffing and training requirements, and other necessary support services to implement the mitigation measures. 134 Monitoring: Prepare detailed arrangements to monitor the implementation of mitigation measures and the impacts of the sub-project during construction and operation. Include in the plan an estimate of capital and operating costs and a description of other required inputs Task 7: Organize and facilitate public consultations, in accordance with the provisions of the General EIA guidelines and other attendant legislation. Task 8: Prepare the EIA Report: The EIA report should be concise and limited to significant environmental issues. The main text should focus on findings, conclusions, and recommended actions supported by summaries of the data collected and citations for any references used in interpreting data. Detailed data should be presented in appendices or in a separate volume. Prepare the EIA report according to the outline below: ➢ Executive Summary; ➢ Introduction ➢ Policy, Legal, and Administrative Framework; ➢ Description of the Proposed Project; ➢ Description of the existing Environment; ➢ Significant Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures; ➢ Analysis of the Alternatives; ➢ Emergency Plan; ➢ Environmental Management Plan (including Monitoring Plan); ➢ Conclusion and recommendation ➢ List of References; ➢ Appendices: o Terms of reference; o List of the EIA team; o Records of Interagency and Public/ NGO Communications; o Data and Unpublished Reference Documents. 5. Consulting Team: Identify the expertise to include on the EIA team. 135 Environmental assessment requires interdisciplinary analysis. Members of the team could consist of people with the following specializations: socio economist; rural development; human geography; and/or terrestrial ecology and geology (e.g., wildlife, plant, and conservation ecology). 6. Other Information: List data sources, project background reports and studies, relevant publications, and other items to which the consultant's attention should be directed. 136 Annex 13.3. Sub-project EA screening guidance and categorization Category A. In general, certain types of sub-projects are likely to have adverse impacts of a Category A nature. Category A includes sub-projects which have one or more of the following attributes that make the potential impacts “significant�: direct pollutant discharges that are large enough to cause degradation of air, water or soil; large scale physical disturbance of the site and/or surroundings; extraction, consumption, or conversion of substantial amounts of forest and other natural resources; measurable modification of hydrologic cycle; hazardous materials in more than incidental quantities; and involuntary displacement of people and other significant social disturbances. Category B. Projects in Category B often differ from A projects of the same type only in scale. Large irrigation and drainage projects are usually Category A; however, small-scale projects of the same type may fall into Category B. Construction of a 50-km expressway would also require Category A due to scale, while rural road rehabilitation will tend to raise only minor environmental issues (Category B). Projects entailing rehabilitation, maintenance or upgrading rather than new construction will usually be in Category B. A project with any of these characteristics may have impacts, but they are less likely to be “significant�. However, each case must be judged on its own merits. Many rehabilitation, maintenance and upgrading projects may require attention to existing environmental problems at the site rather than potential new impacts. Therefore, an environmental audit may be more useful than an impact assessment in fulfilling the EA needs for such projects. Category C These projects are likely to have negligible or no environmental impacts. EA is normally not required. Before classifying a project in this category, it is important to consider potential issues, some of which may not immediately spring to mind. For example, disposal of medical wastes may be an issue in many health projects. 137 Annex 13.4. List of works, activities and projects subject to an environmental impact assessment As per the Ministerial Order no.001/ 2018 of 25/04/2018 determining the list of works, activities and projects subject to an environmental impact assessment in Rwanda are specified as follow: I. Works, activities and projects that are subject to a full EIA: 1) All buildings classified in the following categories: ✓ Entertainment and public assembly facilities; ✓ Theatre and indoor sport facilities; ✓ Places of worship; ✓ Outdoor sport facilities; ✓ Learning/training institutions that include any building or a group of buildings under single management that are used for more than 500 students or trainees; ✓ Hospitals and health centers; ✓ Publicly accessible facilities with a capacity to host more than 500 people; 2) Industries; 3) Buildings with activities which can cause hazards; 4) Warehouses for storage of hazardous materials; 5) Warehouses and storage facilities of perishable agricultural commodities occupying an area of a half a hectare (1/2ha) and above; 6) Places where people are detained for punitive or corrective reasons or because of their mental condition; 7) Places of non-industrial commercial activities, where such activities or commercial products may cause fire, cause combustion with extreme rapidity, give rise to poisonous fumes or cause explosions; 8) Garages; 9) Bonded warehouse; 10) Hotels; 11) Construction and repair of international, national, district roads and repair of large bridges; 138 12) Construction of hydro-dams, hydropower plants and electrical lines of high and medium voltage; 13) Construction of petroleum products and gas pipelines and their storage tanks; 14) Construction of terminal ports, airports and railways; 15) Agricultural and breeding activities which use chemical fertilizers and pesticides in wetlands; 16) Large scale investment projects in agricultural and breeding activities which use chemical fertilizers and pesticides on hill sides; 17) Works and activities that involve genetic modification of seeds and animals; 18) Works in parks and in its buffer zone; 19) All works related to mining; 20) Commercial small and large scale quarrying; 21) Construction of artificial lakes; 22) Construction of water storage dams; 23) Works and activities for marshlands reclamation; 24) Construction of slaughter houses. II. Works, activities and projects that are subject to a partial EIA 1) Towers and antennas; 2) All types of buildings, except those qualified for full EIA with a capacity to host more than one hundred (100) people but not exceeding 500 people; 3) Micro hydroelectric power, low voltage electric lines and off grid electrical lines. Highlighted are some of the sub-projects to be implemented in the SEIRHCP 139 Annex 13.5. SEIRHCP Environmental and Social Screening Checklist (ESSC) for Component 1&3 Note: The Environmental and Social Screening Checklist (ESSC) is designed in this ESMF to avail information to the decision makers during project implementation. It identifies impacts and mitigation measures and recommends further environmental analysis if required. This form will be filled for each sub-project and will also be used to apply to RDB (in addition of the project brief) in order to obtain EIA certificate of authorization or EIA clearance. SEIRHC Sub-project Activity: …………………………………………… District: ………………………………………………………………… Sector: ………………………………………………………………….. Cell: …………………………………………………………………….. Villages: ………………………………………………………………… Date of Screening: …………………………………………………….. Environmental and Social screening guiding questions 1. Resource use and socio-economic impacts (Yes or No) a) Does local communities relies on the use of natural resources? ........................ If yes, explain how will the sub-project affect people's use of natural resources (e.g., drinking and washing water, land cultivated for food, wood fuel, traditional medicines plant, and extraction of building materials, etc.)? ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… b) Will be there additional demands on natural resources as a result of the sub-project? ..................................................................................... If yes, explain……………………………………………………………………………………… c) Will the sub-project restrict people's access to natural resources at any time before, during, or after construction? ........................................................................................ If yes, what plans are available to provide additional resources to meet increased permanent and- temporary needs of local populations? .................................................................................. …………………………………………………………………………………………………… d) Will the sub-project affect downstream users of resources, especially water resources? ..................................... If yes, how will those resources be protected? ....................................................................... e) Are future natural resource use opportunities being cut off? …………………….. If yes, what measures will be undertaken? ......................................................................... f) Will the sub-project affect land or water use, or require leases, or changes in tenure? .................................................................. If yes, what measures will be undertaken? ......................................................................... 140 g) Will the sub-project require resettlement of any residents? ............................................ If yes, what measures will be undertaken? .................................................................................... h) Will the sub-project result in construction workers or other people moving into or having access to the area? .................................................................. If yes, how many people and how will this affect the availability of local resources? ..................................................................................................................................................... i) Will the sub-project create jobs locally? ................................................... If yes, will this include what percentage (%) of work for local women and the youth? ……………………………………………………………………………………… j) Will the sub-project provide a safe working environment? ....................................... k) Will the sub-project outputs be targeted to meet the needs of vulnerable groups in the community (e.g., women, youths, elderly, or PWDs)? ............................................... If yes, provide more details per group…………………………………… l) Is the sub-project site culturally or archaeologically sensitive? ………… m) Are rock shelters present in the sub-project site? ………………………………………............................................................................. n) Are caves present in the sub-project site? .............................................................................. o) Is the sub-project site a place of worship? .................................................................... p) Does the sub-project site have any cultural value for the community? ................... If yes, provide more details……………………………………………………………………… q) Is it a sub-project site located in or nearby a cemetery or memorial area? .......................... If yes, how far it is from the project site (m/km)? ……………… r) Will the sub-project result in destruction of assets (structures and crops, etc.)? If yes, what measures will be undertaken? ......................................................................... s) Will the sub-project result in the loss of primary residential structures and consequently involuntary resettlement? ................................................................. If yes, what measures will be undertaken? ................................................................................ 2. Biophysical/ landscape impacts (Yes or No) a) Is the local vegetation at sub-project site mainly forest, swamp vegetation, or farmland? ............................... If yes, provide more details……………………………………………………………………… b) Will the immediate or downstream effects of the sub-project change the vegetation cover? .................. If yes, provide more details……………………………………………………….. c) Will the sub-project affect important species, habitats, or ecosystems in the area? If yes, provide more details……………………………………………………….. d) Is the sub-project site environmentally classified as sensitive area? Check the list of environmentally sensitive environments for Rwanda. If yes, provide more details……………………………………………………….. e) Is the sub-project site located on a steep slope or very-gently-sloping land? If yes, provide more details……………………………………………………….. f) Are there areas of limestone karst or wetlands? ………………………. 141 If yes, have special consideration been given to their management? ............................................... g) Will vegetation be removed or any surface left bare? ......................................... ……… If yes, what will be the impact of clearance? .................................................................................... h) Will sediments or sand be prevented from entering streams? .................................... i) Will slope or soil stability be affected by the sub-project (e.g., by using heavy machinery)? ......................................... If yes, what measures will be undertaken? ................................................................................ j) Will a large land area or a high proportion of a community's land be affected? ............. If yes, what measures will be undertaken? ................................................................................ k) Will quarries or borrow pits-be developed or operated under the sub-project? ...................... If yes, provide details on the location of the selected site and proof of necessary authorization? .............................. l) Will the present landscape be altered (e.g., by rock or soil removal, spoil dumping, or timber removal)? .......................................... If yes, what measures will be undertaken? ................................................................................ 3. For projects affecting vegetated areas (Yes or No) m) Is the local vegetation at sub-project site mainly savannah, savannah woodland, planted trees, tropical forest? ............................................... If yes, provide details……………………………………………………………………………… n) Are there important species, habitats, or ecosystems in the sub-project site (in the immediate area or off site) or is the area environmentally sensitive or fragile? For e.g.: birds, bats, bees, etc.……………….. If yes, provide details…………………………………………………………………………….. o) Will vegetation be removed or any surface left bare? If yes, provide details…………………………………………………………………………….. 4. Impacts on water and air quality (Yes or No) p) Will the sub-project generate waste products (including increased sewage or solid wastes)? .................................................................................... If yes, provide details and what measures will be undertaken? ……………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. q) Are there any identified dumping sites for solid and liquid wastes? …………………. If yes, where will be the dumping sites? .................................................................................. r) Is there are any site-specific-erosion plans and sediment-control plans for the sub-project site? ……………………………………. If yes, provide more details…………………………………………………………………….. s) Will the sub-project or its waste disposal affect the quality of local streams or the groundwater? ………………………………. If yes, what steps are planned to minimize sedimentation and siltation in streams and contamination of groundwater? .............................................................................................. 142 t) Will toxic chemicals (e.g., herbicides, tar, oils spills, paints, and other hazardous chemicals) be used or disposed of along the route of sub-project? ................ If yes, what the measures will be undertaken…………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………… u) Will hazardous substances (e.g., large quantities of fuels) be used or stored in the sub- project area? ………………………………………………….. If yes, what plans are there to contain these substances? How will fuel, oil, or other hazardous chemicals be delivered, transferred, and stored to prevent leaks from contaminating the soil, streams or beaches?....................................................................... ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. v) Will the sub-project create dust or noise problems? ........................................................... w) Will the sub-project reduce safety for pedestrians, including children and old people? If yes, what plans are there to minimize these impacts? ............................................................. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… x) Will the batching areas (for concrete or bitumen) produce some waste and spillage? …………………………………………………………… y) Will these and other construction sites be contained while in use and cleaned and rehabilitated after use? If yes, what plans are there to minimize these impacts? ........................................................... ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. z) Will there be serious dust problems in settled areas during sub-project operation? ………… If yes, what measures will be taken to reduce this impact? …………………………………….. 5. Environmental health, natural hazards, and construction hazards (Yes or No) a) Will there be a water logging problem at the sub-project site? …………………………. If yes, what steps will be taken to control disease vectors, especially mosquitoes? .................. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… b) Is the environment at the sub-project site naturally unstable (i.e., in an area prone to erosion, in an area of known earthquake or landslip activity, in an area prone to severe storms, floods, or droughts, thunderstorms)? ……………… If yes, what plans are there to protect the development against these natural hazards? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… c) Are safeties measures in place to protect the workforce and will all workers have the necessary PPE and be trained to use of safety equipment? .................................. d) Is there a contingency plan to deal with spills of hazardous chemicals (including oil products) in the sub-project area? ...................................... If yes, …………………………………………………………………………………… e) Are fire-fighting and spill-clean-up materials / chemicals available for use at the sub- project site (e.g., water, sand, detergent, acid, or alkali)? ......................................... f) Are measures being taken to ensure safety to road users after project completion (e.g., speed bumps and adequate road furniture)? ............................................................. 143 Is the sub-project found in the list of project that require EIA or partial EIA as per the Ministerial Order no.001/ 2018 of 25/04/2018 determining the list of works, activities and projects subject to an environmental impact assessment in Rwanda (Annex 13.4. of ESMF)? ………………. If the answer to any of the questions is “yes�, Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is required in the contractors’ documents If the answer to any of the questions related to land acquisition is “yes�, please consult the RPF and prepare the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) or Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan (ARAP) DECISION MAKING: Refer to Annex 13.3 of ESMF o Sub-project categorization: ………………… Refer to Annex 13.4 of ESMF o EIA required :…………….( ✓Yes)……… (✓No) o EMP required: …………. (✓Yes)……….. (✓No) CERTIFICATION We certify that we have thoroughly examined all the potential adverse impacts of this sub-project as described in the sub-project brief. To the best of our knowledge, the associated safeguard instruments (EIA, EMPs, RAP) if any, will be adequate to avoid or minimize all adverse environmental and social impacts. Cell Authority Sector Authority Name: Name: Position: Position: Telephone: Telephone: Signature: Signature: District Environmental Officer (DEO) SEIRHCP Field Officer Name: Name: Telephone Telephone: Signature: Signature: 144 Annex 13.6. SEIRHCP Environmental and Social Screening Checklist (ESSC) for Component 2 Environmental and Social screening guiding questions (Yes or No) 1) Is the sub-project found in the list of project that require EIA or partial EIA as per the Ministerial Order no.001/ 2018 of 25/04/2018 determining the list of works, activities and projects subject to an environmental impact assessment in Rwanda (Annex 13.4. of ESMF)? ………………. 2) Will the sub-project affect people's use of natural resources (e.g., drinking and washing water, land cultivated for food, wood fuel, traditional medicines plant, and extraction of building materials, etc.)?............................. 3) Will the sub-project restrict people's access to natural resources at any time before, during, or after construction? ................................ 4) Will the sub-project affect land or water use, or require leases, or changes in tenure? ............. 5) Will the sub-project require resettlement of any residents? ........... 6) Will the sub-project result in construction workers or other people moving into or having access to the area? .............. 7) Is the sub-project site culturally or archaeologically sensitive? .................. 8) Is it a sub-project site located in or nearby a cemetery or memorial area? .......................... 9) Is the vegetation at sub-project site mainly forest, swamp vegetation, or farmland? ......... 10) Will the sub- project change the vegetation cover of the area? .................... 11) Will the sub-project affect important species, habitats, or ecosystems in the area? ............... 12) Is the sub-project located on a steep slope or very-gently-sloping land? …………. 13) Will a large land area or a high proportion of a community's land be affected by sub- project? ................. 14) Will quarries or borrow pits-be developed or operated under the project? ........................ 15) Are there important species, habitats, or ecosystems in the sub-project site (in the immediate area or off site) or is the area environmentally sensitive or fragile? (For e.g.: birds, bats, bees, etc.)…………………… 16) Will vegetation be removed or any surface left bare? ......................... 17) Will the sub-project generate waste products (including increased sewage or solid wastes)? ....................... 18) Will the sub-project or its waste disposal affect the quality of local streams or the groundwater? .......... 19) Will the sub-project create dust or noise problems? .................... 145 20) Will the sub-project require intensive labour work force? ........................ 21) Will the sub-project have a large scale use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers? …………. If the answer to any of the questions is “yes�, Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is required in the sub-projects proponents’ loan documents If the answer to any of the questions related to land acquisition is “yes�, please consult the RPF and prepare the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) or Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan (ARAP) DECISION MAKING: Refer to Annex 13.3 of ESMF o Sub-project categorization: ………………… Refer to Annex 13.4 of ESMF o EIA required :…………….( ✓Yes)……… (✓No) o EMP required: …………. (✓Yes)……….. (✓No) CERTIFICATION We certify that we have thoroughly examined all the potential adverse impacts of this sub-project as described in the sub-project brief. To the best of our knowledge, the associated safeguard instruments (EIA, EMPs, RAP) if any, will be adequate to avoid or minimize all adverse environmental and social impacts. Sector Authority PFIs (SACCOs and MFIs) Name: Name: Position: Position: Telephone: Telephone: Signature: Signature: BRD Verification Name: Position: Telephone Signature: 146 Annex 13.7. Checklist of Environmental and Social Management activities for each phase of SEIRHCP SEIRHCP PHASES ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Conceptual & Prefeasibility ➢ Screening the project: approving and classifying the project through Phase site inspection visit; ➢ Receiving sub-projects ToRs for EA/EMP from RDB ➢ MINEMA SPIU preparing sub-projects ToRs for ARAP/RAP and valuation where applicable; ➢ Scoping the environmental study through analyzing environmental and social impacts, conducting consultations with the public if required, designing mitigation measures and monitoring plan of sub-projects; ➢ Preparation of EIA/EMP through consulting services; ➢ Preparation of ARAP, RAPs and valuation through consulting services; ➢ Submission of EIA report to RDB and; ➢ Submission of ARAP/RAP for MINEMA SPIU approval and World Bank; ➢ Issuance of EIA CA by RDB after EIA/EMP approval ➢ Approval of ARAP/RAP by World Bank and valuation process begins; ➢ Approval of valuation report by SPIU MINEMA and ARAP/RAP implementation by Compensation of PAPs; ➢ Incorporating EIA/EMP reports and terms of conditions in the construction contractor contract ➢ Strengthening districts and sector capabilities to monitor environmental management plan, as required Implementation of SEIRHCP ➢ Regular Supervision to ensure that mitigation measures, conditions and specifications in EMP/RAP are fully implemented during construction; Construction, Supervision, ➢ Monitor construction activities and reporting to MINEMA referring and Monitoring Phase of sub- the indicators; projects ➢ Address community or PAPs complaints about the sub-projects implementation Operation and Maintenance ➢ Monitor that the mitigation measures of impacts anticipated during the Phase operation phase of sub-projects are implemented and report to MINEMA referring the indicators 147 Annex 13.8. Key content to be included in the EIA Report The EIA report should include: a. Estimates on the number of people the proposed sub-projects will serve; b.Information on the sub-project connection to Kigali city or districts large centre or major infrastructures like industry or national park or fish ponds? c. Estimate of the total annual traffic volume for humans and goods (real or monetary terms); for roads projects d.Rationale on the benefit of refugees and both host community; e. Estimated total number of skilled and unskilled people employed in construction, operation and maintenance as well as annual indirect jobs (if possible estimate total wages); f. Estimate of the costs to implement the sub-project; g.Estimate of the total population displaced/ re-settled involuntarily and the estimated impact on social stability, community bonding or cultural heritage; h.Estimate of the total annual costs on operation and maintenance of the sub-projects infrastructure; i. Estimate of the total annual costs incurred or suffered as a result of the SEIRHCP (e.g. total number of accidents, incidences of floods or landslides attributed to the roads); j. Estimate of the effects on the local, regional and national economy; k.Estimate of political and socio-cultural returns such as regional integration, reduced local conflicts, directly attributed to the SEIRHCP; Alternative sub-projects sites or options Environmental Consultant will analyze a series of alternatives and consider a few project alternatives and their likely impacts. This should be documented and presented in the sub-projects proposals. Alternatives in project development use a series of permutations – which refer to a combination of factors such alternatives are likely to include: ➢ Site locations/ routes; ➢ Land use options, size; ➢ Types of construction materials and source of construction materials; ➢ Technology to be used in site preparation and/ or construction phases; ➢ Mode of transportation of materials, personnel; ➢ Waste management and disposal sites ; ➢ Types and/ or source of power, water, other utilities and/ or their supply routes ➢ Avoid or minimize land acquisition. Each of these alternatives should be analyzed and scored on pre-set criteria that consider environmental sustainability in relation to other factors including economic viability or benefits, technical feasibility and social/ cultural acceptability. This is an important piece of information for decision makers because it educates or guides decision makers on how to manage the balance between development and environment. 148 Description of the environment Biophysical Environment Describe the geology and geophysical characteristics: - Geology and geological formations of the regions, district and project area, and in sufficient detail the geological features – including geological structures, formation and mineralogical characteristics of the project area right down to sites; - Surface material and bedrock characteristics of the proposed project area; isolate and categorize overburden material that will be disturbed and which, once disturbed, may adversely affect water quality in the area or neighborhood; - Presence of sills and faults that cut across or extend through the planned project area according to the plan/ technical drawings); and alternative route; Climate: Climatic factors are important features in the planning, design and construction of schools, health centres, roads and influence the impact on the area. Detailed information required includes: - A brief and analytical description of the regional and local climate; where possible give recent trends and projections. More specifically, - Mean monthly and annual rainfall for the site and number of days per month with measurable precipitation. - Mean monthly, max and mini temperatures for the past 3-5 years; - Monthly mean wind direction and speed – where appropriate hourly wind direction and speed, with the maximum one-minute speed in each hour for the past 3-5 years may be required. If this is hard to get for the specific area, extrapolate from the nearby station; - mean monthly evaporation for the previous 5 years; - Record of incidences of extreme weather conditions – e.g. severe or prolonged drought, massive landslides, extraordinary heavy rainfall or flooding, for the previous 5 years. The data from the weather stations may be supplemented by collecting data from communities using techniques such as historical profiling which documents historical events. It is essential that precipitation, temperature and other climatic parameters be presented in form of maps and showing comparisons with other areas of the country. Topography: The most suitable representation of the topography is the topographical map of the area. This should be current and to appropriate scale. A range of scales should be used depending on the size of the area to be mapped. Scales of 1: 10,000 and 1: 100,000 (for comparison with national level, may be appropriate. Surface contours should be delineated to appropriate intervals and describe topographic patterns and landforms with regard to parameters such as elevation, relief and aspect (slope orientation/direction). Soil characteristics: A description of the soil types to be disturbed by the sub-projects, their fertility, erodibility and depth should be provided and the soils should be mapped according to a recognized soil classification system. 149 Land capability and land use before the SEIRHCP Land capability: Inventories and evaluations of land capabilities in the proposed area (avoid all land where expropriation might be expected). For the various land capabilities described, document the area and location of the capacity classes to be disturbed by the project. Land use around the proposed site/route. Please attach the plan or technical drawings and the map: - Existing land use; - Historical production of agriculture, forestry, mining, conservation; - Historical pattern of settlements (although these could appear in the socioeconomic component – just describe the building structures as land use/cover); - Any evidence of misuse e.g. overexploitation, abandonment, - existing structures; Likely post-project land use capability: record any anticipation of land use change; Ecology: the natural vegetation/ plant life around the proposed infrastructure area. Please, note the level of diversity. This should include: dominant species; endangered, rare or threatened species; exotic or invasive species and how they were introduced. Indicate the location and documentation of the area of the various vegetation and forest types that is likely to be directly or indirectly disturbed by the road project. It may be important to prepare and submit a vegetation map for the pre-project area. Wildlife resources: include parameters as species composition, distribution, abundance; Rare, endangered or threatened species; migration route and staging areas; Habitat evaluation, distribution and utilization; critical habitat; regional and local significance of populations; Sensitivity to disturbance. Document the type, location, quantity/ numbers and capability of habitat (carrying capacity) that is likely to be disturbed or lost as a result of the project. Water resources: Identification of all water courses, streams, rivers and dams and the catchment area nearby the sub-project area and the state of those waterbodies ➢ Surface water quality: an analysis of surface water samples must be done ➢ Drainage density of areas to be disturbed/ affected: make a record in Kilometers of drainage path per square Kilometre of land area. ➢ Surface water use: identify who uses the surface water along the affected water courses, down to the receiving water body, for what purpose and how much in cubic meters per day. ➢ Ground Water: information required includes: • Depth of the water table(s); • Presence of water boreholes and springs and their estimated yields; • Ground water quality – the EIA experts must analyze water in boreholes and springs in the affected zone so as to be able to characterize the water quality; 150 • Ground water zone - Identify the groundwater zone which is likely to be affected the construction or operation of the schools/health center/markets/water supply systems/roads. Its importance as national, regional or international resource (e.g. where transboundary water resources are affected) should be described. If available, maps at appropriate scales should be provided indicating the ground water zone boundaries. Stratigraphic sections, in sufficient detail to indicate the conceptual groundwater model, the nature and location of significant aquifers and aquacultures and relevant physical properties, should be provided. Wetlands: information that should be documented include location of wetlands vis-à-vis the school/health centers/ markets/road infrastructure; the extent thereof and an indication of the significance in terms of ecological functioning and socioeconomic services; the biodiversity of the wetlands. Air Quality: A survey of the air quality and existing sources of air pollution in the area should be made including fallout dust, suspended dust and gaseous emissions (only if the project include a scheduled process as defined in the relevant provisions of Environmental laws). Noise and Vibration: Existing noise levels on and around the property should be identified as well as potential noise impact sites. If the potential impacts warrant it, pre-school/health centre/road construction noise levels may be required. Similar exercises should be done for vibration. Archaeological and Cultural Aspects: The EIA team needs to: ➢ conduct a baseline survey to identify and describe archaeological sites in the study area if applicable; ➢ recognized archaeological and cultural interest should be described and shown on a plan in case it is found in the sub-project area Sensitive Landscapes and Protected Areas: Sensitive landscapes should be described and if possible, should be indicated on the technical drawings and how they will be protected. Indicate which ones have statutory protection (by local laws or national legislation).-if found in the surroundings of the sub-project site Visual Aspects: Describe the visibility of the project site from scenic views, tourist routes and existing residential areas. This should include the visibility of dust and other air-borne pollutants. Local socio-economic and cultural characteristics: Include: ➢ Social and economic infrastructure; people and their cultures and norms; ➢ Population density, growth and location; ➢ Unemployment estimate for the area ➢ Housing- demand, availability 151 ➢ Social infrastructure – schools, hospitals, sporting and recreational facilities, shops, police, civil administration ➢ Water supply/ distribution, access and use ➢ Power supply ➢ Telecommunication lines/ use ➢ Demographic and human settlement patterns ➢ Description of old and current road networks, including closed roads and their categories and when they were constructed and de-commissioned; ➢ Summary of public consultation with sub-project beneficiaries, local authorities and any other concerned stakeholder. 152 Annex 13.9. Format of typical EMP The EA process involves the identification and development of measures aimed at eliminating, offsetting and/or reducing environmental and social impacts to levels that are acceptable during implementation and operation of the projects. As an integral part of EA, EMP provides an essential link between the impacts predicted and mitigation measures specified within the EA and implementation and operation activities. The World Bank guidelines state that detailed EMPs are essential elements for Category “A� projects, but for many Category “B� projects, a simple EMP will suffice. Operational and Maintenance Phase Operation here implies the period during which the infrastructure is in use. The EMP should describe how the significant impacts, identified in construction phase, will be managed during the period when the school/health centre/ road is in use, including what will be done to manage the traffic when undertaking minor repairs in the case of the road. The checklist below should provide the guide: 1. Geology of the area and surrounding parts. 2. Topography: here, a plan of anticipated post-school/health centre/road construction (during operational phase) topography is required. 3. Soils: include depth of soil that will be used and how fertility and erosion will be managed; 4. Land capability: indicate anticipated land capability during post-construction/ operational phase, and a plan to restore or improve land capability; 5. Land use: Include what type of land use is planned. 6. Natural vegetation/ plant life; 7. Animal life: For river diversions, the ESIA team should emphasize how aquatic fauna life will be maintained or restored; 8. Surface water: water is a known enemy/ destroyer of infrastructure and very often construction work tends to divert or block natural water flow. Indicate the strategies for managing the following: i. water balance previously described in parts 3 and 4; ii. storm water iii. surface rehabilitation (in so far as this affects surface water); iv. the legitimate requirements of surface water users on the affected watercourse; v. In the case of river of stream flow diversions, the EMP should indicate how the significant impacts identified in parts 3 and 4 will be managed paying particular 153 attention to erosion control, structural stability and surface drainage into and out of the diverted section. 9. Ground water: the EMP should indicate the strategies to be undertaken for: i. Optimizing surface water quality in order to minimize adverse groundwater impacts; ii. Meeting the requirements of legitimate ground water users in the affected zone. iii. In case of river or stream diversions, the control of seepage into and out of the diverted sections of the river or streams should be highlighted; 10. Air quality: Include an air pollution control plan if the assessment reveals significant impacts on air quality at potential impact sites (e.g. where the road passes through a busy commercial centre). 11. Noise: Include a noise reduction plan if significant impacts are expected at any parts of the road (e.g: junctions), etc. 12. Sensitive landscapes; 13. Visual aspects; 14. National socioeconomic structure 15. Who and where are interested and affected parties 16. Submission of information: The proponent will determine which information is required by statutory instruments before submission. 17. Maintenance: some of the measures described in this part will require maintenance after they have been implemented and up to the decommissioning period. Again, this will be site-specific but the proponent should consider where appropriate, the maintenance of at least the following: a. Rehabilitated land by planting trees, stabilizing vegetation on slopes and exposed surfaces. Ensure that use of herbicides and other polluting substances is prohibited. b. Water pollution control structures - maintaining flow-speed-reduction features in drains, and remove waste materials; c. Rehabilitated residue deposits; d. Bridges and destroyed infrastructure along the road; 18. Climate- including temperature, precipitation, humidity; In general, the most critical project elements to be monitored include: 154 - Implementation and effectiveness of erosion and sedimentation control measures (e.g. re-planting of vegetation in disturbed areas or erodible areas); - Water management issues (e.g., water logging, flooding, and drainage issues); - Waste disposal issues (e.g., used oil, old tyres, and scrap metal, and the management of liquid and solid wastes from construction camps); - Management and reclamation of excavation pits and quarries; - Social impacts (e.g., related to compensation issues, resource use conflicts, and communicable diseases); - Site safety (e.g., accidents and accident risks during construction); - Occupational health and safety (e.g., the safe handling, and storage of materials and safe operating procedures). Occupational health and safety risks could be minimized by defining procedures for handling materials, conducting tests, paving, operating heavy equipment, and constructing trenches. - For road infrastructure, timely maintenance to prevent/ minimize road degradation, flooding, road accidents, traffic noise, and landscape degradation; Monitoring by districts and supervised by MINEMA during the construction of SEIRHCP sub- projects is important, to ensure strict compliance with contract specifications. The construction site should receive the most attention, but other sites and associated activities must also be considered, such as: Source of water supply; Construction basecamp; Quarry and mineral extraction sites; Spoil deposit sites; Asphalt mixing plant and cement batching plant; Construction traffic between all sites; and Occupational health and safety. Decommissioning phase: This part should briefly describe when and how the SEIRHCP sub- projects will be decommissioned. Every effort should be made during the life of the SEIRHCP sub-projects to minimize the cost and amount of work required in this phase. The decommissioning means permanent closure or temporary closure for reconstruction or part closure/ limited use for rehabilitation).The proponent or their ESIA experts should address the management of potentially significant impacts identified in earlier project phases. 155 Annex 13.10. Guidelines for preparation of EMPs The minimum requirements for ESMP were set out in OP 4.01 of the World Bank and the following are important elements constituting an ESMP: 1. Description of Mitigation Measure Feasible and cost-effective measures to minimize adverse impacts to acceptable levels should be specified with reference to each impact identified. Further, the ESMP should provide details on the conditions under which the mitigation measure should be implemented. The ESMP should also distinguish between the type of solution proposed (structural and non-structural) and the phase in which it should become operable (design, construction and/or operation). Efforts should also be made to mainstream environmental and social aspects wherever possible. 2. Monitoring program In order to ensure that the proposed mitigation measures have the intended results and comply with national standards and World Bank requirements, an environmental performance monitoring program should be included in the ESMP. The monitoring program should give details of the following: ➢ Monitoring indicators to be measured for evaluating the performance of each mitigation measure (for example: national standards, engineering structures, extent of area replanted, etc). ➢ Monitoring mechanisms and methodologies ➢ Monitoring frequency ➢ Monitory locations 3. Institutional arrangements Institutions/parties responsible for implementing mitigation measures and for monitoring their performance should be clearly identified. Where necessary, mechanisms for institutional coordination should be identified, as often, monitoring tends to involve more than one institution. 4. Capacity Development and Training To support timely and effective implementation of environmental project components and mitigation measures, the ESMP draws on the EA's assessment of the existence, role, and capability of environmental units on site or at the agency and ministry level. If necessary, the ESMP recommends the establishment or expansion of such units, and the training of staff, to allow implementation of EA recommendations. Specifically, the ESMP provides a specific description of institutional arrangements-who is responsible for carrying out the mitigation and monitoring measures (e.g., for operation, supervision, enforcement, monitoring of implementation, remedial action, financing, reporting, and staff training). To strengthen environmental management capability in the agencies responsible for implementation, most ESMPs cover one or more of the 156 following additional topics: (a) technical assistance programs, (b) procurement of equipment and supplies, and (c) organizational changes. a. Implementing schedules Timing, frequency and duration of mitigation measures with links to the overall implementation schedule of the project should be specified. b. Reporting procedures Feedback mechanisms to inform the relevant parties on the progress and effectiveness of the mitigation measures and monitoring itself should be specified. Guidelines on the type of information wanted and the presentation of feedback information should also be highlighted. c. Cost estimates and sources of funds Implementation of mitigation measures mentioned in the EMP will involve an initial investment cost as well as recurrent costs. The EMP should include cost estimates into the sub-project design, bidding and contract documents to ensure that the contractors will comply with the mitigation measures. The costs for implementing the EMP will be included in the sub-project design, as well as in the bidding and contract documents. 157 Annex 13.11. Chance find procedures Chance find procedures will be used as follows: ➢ Stop the construction activities in the area of the chance find; ➢ Secure the discovered site to prevent any damage or loss of removable objects. In case of removable antiquities or sensitive remains, a night guard shall be present until the responsible local authorities take over; ➢ Notify the supervisory Engineer who in turn will notify the responsible local authorities (at the district level) and the Ministry of Sport and Culture (MINISPOC) within 24 hours or less; ➢ The local authorities would be in charge of protecting and preserving the site before deciding on subsequent appropriate procedures. This would require a preliminary evaluation of the findings to be performed by the archaeologists of the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda (INMR) within 72hours. ➢ The significance and importance of the findings should be assessed according to the various criteria relevant to cultural heritage; those include the aesthetic, historic, scientific or research, social and economic values; ➢ Decisions on how to handle the finding shall be taken by MINISPOC and INMR. This could include changes in the layout (such as when finding an irremovable remain of cultural or archaeological importance) conservation, preservation, restoration and salvage; ➢ Implementation for the authority decision concerning the management of the finding shall be communicated in writing by INMR ➢ Construction work could resume only after permission is given from the responsible authorities in INMR and MINISPOC concerning safeguard of the heritage; ➢ Relevant findings will be recorded in World Bank Implementation Supervision Reports, and Implementation Completion Reports will assess the overall effectiveness of the project’s cultural property mitigation, management, and activities, as appropriate. These procedures described above must be referred to as standard provisions in sub-projects construction contracts, when applicable. During project supervision, the Site Engineer shall monitor the above regulations relating to the treatment of any chance find encountered. 158 Annex 1.12. RDB Project Screening Criteria Form Once a Project Brief has been received and reviewed by the Authority, a proposed project is exempted from further compliance with EIA requirements if all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The project will not substantially use natural resources in a way that pre-empts use or potential use of that resource for any other purpose. 2. Potential residual impacts on the environment are likely to be minor, of little significance and easily mitigated. 3. The type of project, its environmental impacts and mitigation measures are evident and well understood. 4. Reliable means exist for ensuring that impact management measures can and will be adequately planned and implemented. 5. The project will not displace significant number of people, families or communities. 6. The project is not located in, and will not affect, environmentally-sensitive areas such as: a) National parks b) Wetlands c) Productive agricultural land d) Important archaeological, historical and cultural sites e) Areas protected under legislation f) Areas containing rare or endangered flora or fauna g) Areas containing unique or outstanding scenery h) Mountains or developments on or near steep hill slopes i) Forests j) Lakes or their shores k) Areas important for vulnerable groups such as fishing communities l) Areas near high population concentrations or industrial activities where further development could create significant cumulative environmental problems m) Groundwater recharge areas or drainage basins 159 7. The project will not result in and/or: a) Policy initiatives which may affect the environment b) Major changes in land tenure c) Changes in water use through irrigation, drainage promotion or dams, changes in fishing practices. 8. The project will not cause: a) Adverse socio-economic impact b) Land degradation c) Water pollution d) Air pollution e) Damage to wildlife and habitats f) Adverse impact on climate and hydrological cycle g) Creation of by-products, residual or waste materials which require handling and disposal in a manner that is not regulated by existing authorities. 9. The project will not cause significant public concern because of potential environmental changes. The following are guiding principles: a) Is the impact positive, or harmful? b) What is the scale of the impact in terms of area, numbers of people or wildlife affected? c) What is the intensity of the impact? d) What will be the duration of the impact? e) Will there be cumulative effects from the impact? f) Are the effects politically controversial? g) Have the main economic, ecological and social costs been quantified? h) Will the impact vary by social group or gender? i) Is there any international impact due to the proposed projects? 160 10. The project will not necessitate further development activity, which is likely to have a significant impact on the environment. 161 Annex 13.13. Template for safeguards progress report Province ……………………………. District: ……………………………… SEIRHCP Components: ……………………………. Sub-project: …………………………………………. Quarter: ……………………………………………… Anticipated Monitoring Responsibility Execution Comments Recommendation Impacts Indicators (yes or No) Prepared by Names: Position: Date: Signature: 162 Annex 13.14. Public consultations guiding questions during ESMF preparation Consultation with District authorities and Leaders in the refugee camps: November/December 2018 � [A brief presentation on the project, its background, objectives and components] � What do you think about this project (the Socioeconomic Inclusion of Refugees and Host communities Project in Rwanda)? � Which activities would you wish a project like this to finance? � What would you expect from a project like this? � What impacts do you think a project like this can have on communities’ and refugees’ social welfare, livelihood, socialisation with others, etc? Which ones, for example? � Do you think a project like this can have impacts on the environment or surrounding? If yes, what are those impacts (e.g. Soil erosion, land degradation, deforestation, water pollution, etc). � Are there any institutions at the community level that are active on development issues and managing community affairs? If yes, enumerate them. � Are there any institutions that combine refugees and host communities in a joint dialogue or action? � How are community problems or grievances resolved? Is there any better mechanism you would wish to suggest for better resolution of community grievances? � How are refugees’ problems or grievances resolved? Is there any better mechanism you would wish to suggest for better resolution of refugees’ grievances? � How do you normally communicate to communities and refugees? Are you happy with that communication? Is there any way you think the communicated can be improved? � Are you happy with the way refugees are socially integrated in the rest of the community? Explain your answer. � What do you do to help refugees socially integrate themselves in the rest of the community? What challenges do you face when integrating the refugees? � What impacts (positive and/or negative) do refugees and the camp have on communities neighboring the camp? � What impacts (positive and/or negative) do host communities have on refugees? � Do you have any questions or concerns you would wish to raise about this project? 163 Consultation with Host Communities: November/December 2018 � [A brief presentation on the project, its background, objectives and components] � What do you think about this project (the Socioeconomic Inclusion of Refugees and Host communities Project in Rwanda)? � Which activities would you wish a project like this to finance? � What would you expect from a project like this? � What impacts do you think a project like this can have on your social welfare, livelihood, socialisation with others, etc? Which ones, for example? � Do you think a project like this can have impacts on the environment or your surrounding? If yes, what are those impacts (e.g. Soil erosion, land degradation, deforestation, water pollution, etc). � Are there any institutions at the community level that are active on development issues and managing community affairs? If yes, enumerate them. � Are there any institutions that combine refugees and host communities in a joint dialogue or action? � How often do you interact with people in the camp? What opportunities or occasions bring together refugees and host communities? � How are problems or grievances resolved in your area? Are you happy with the process through which problems or grievances are resolved? Is there any better way you would wish your grievances to be resolved? � How do you normally get information or news? How do leaders or authorities communicate to you? Are you happy with that communication? How would you wish to best be communicated to? � Are there any to forums that you think are appropriate for effective engagement and communication (e.g. Umuganda, etc.)? � Are you happy with the way refugees are socially integrated in the rest of the community? Explain your answer. � What impacts (positive and/or negative) do refugees and the camp have on communities neighboring the camp? � Do you have any questions or concerns you would wish to raise about this project? 164 Consultation with Refugee Representatives - November/December 2018 � [A brief presentation on the project, its background, objectives and components] � What do you think about this project (the Socioeconomic Inclusion of Refugees and Host communities Project in Rwanda)? � Which activities would you wish a project like this to finance? � What would you expect from a project like this? � What impacts do you think a project like this can have on your social welfare, livelihood, socialisation with others, etc? Which ones, for example? � Do you think a project like this can have impacts on the environment or your surrounding? If yes, what are those impacts (e.g. Soil erosion, land degradation, deforestation, water pollution, etc). � Are there any institutions at the community level that are active on development issues and managing community affairs? If yes, enumerate them. � Are there any institutions that combine refugees and host communities in a joint dialogue or action? � How often do you interact with people outside the camp? What opportunities or occasions bring together refugees and host communities? � How are problems or grievances resolved in the camp? Are you happy with the process through which problems or grievances are resolved? Is there any better way you would wish your grievances to be resolved? � How do you normally get information or news? How do leaders or authorities communicate to you? Are you happy with that communication? How would you wish to best be communicated to? � Are there any to forums that you think are appropriate for effective engagement and communication? � Do you happen to go outside the camp, for example, to look for occupation/employment outside the camp? How often? Where do you normally go to look for work? What challenges do you face while trying to get employment outside the camp? What skills or capacities do you need to get employment outside the camp? � Are you happy with the way refugees are socially integrated in the rest of the community? Explain your answer. � What impacts (positive and/or negative) do communities outside the camp have on refugees and the camp? � Do you have any questions or concerns you would wish to raise about this project? 165 Social and Environmental Safeguards Institutional Assessment Guide [Very brief introduction on social and environmental safeguards] � What do you know about social and environmental safeguard policies (National Laws and policies in relation with social development and environmental safeguards, World Bank Operational Policies)? � Do you have staff in charge of social development and environmental safeguards at the District? What are their qualifications? Can you elaborate on their specific responsibilities? Do they have experience in preparing, implementing and monitoring social development and environmental safeguards in development projects (e.g. World Bank-funded projects)? � Talk about strengths and opportunities that you think you have that will help you appropriately ensure social and environmental safeguards in development projects in your District (political commitment, existing capacity, training of staff, competitive salaries of staff, resources, equipment, transport, communication, strategic partnerships and cooperation with other entities, fund raising etc.) � Are there any weaknesses that you think need to be worked on in order not to hamper the implementation of social and environmental safeguards in development projects in your District (poor working conditions, pull factors from private sector, low salaries and benefits, etc.)? � What challenges and threats do you have or think you might have to overcome in ensuring social and environmental safeguards in development projects in the District? What do you think can be done to overcome those challenges and threats? � Can you enumerate other partners that you work with in ensuring social and environmental safeguards in development projects (From ministries, From regulating agencies, From District, From Sector and Cells, Public institutions, Private institutions, NGOs, etc.)? � Talk about the capacity that those partners have in implementing social and environmental safeguards. � Are you satisfied with the capacity that those partners have in implementing social and environmental safeguards? If not, what should be done? 166 Annex 13.15. Minutes of consultation meetings Consultations with stakeholders: From 26th to 30th November and 3rd to 7th December 2018 The consultations with stakeholders were carried out in 6 districts hosting refugee camps in the following order: Kirehe, Gatsibo, Gicumbi, Karongi, Nyamagabe and Gisagara. In each District, 5 consultation sessions took place covering: - Meeting at the District headquarters with Mayor, vice-mayors; the Director of planning; staff in charge of environment; the staff in charge of social affairs; staff in charge of agriculture; the staff responsible for health and the one in charge of education. - Meeting at the Sector hosting the refugee camps with the Executive secretary of the Sector; the staff in charge of land (also responsible for the environment); the staff in charge of social affairs and the one responsible for education. - Meeting at Cell hosting the refugee camps with the Head of the Cell with at least 10 people among those neighboring the refugee camps. - Meeting at the refugee camps with different partners offering various services in refugee camps - Meeting with representative of refugees and refugees themselves Prior to making the travel to districts and refugees camps where the consultations took place, contacts were established and appointments negotiated and agreed upon with the facilitation by the staff from MINEMA. For the reporting purposes, we propose a summary of consultation per district and not for each consultation session. The reason for this is that most of the time, different categories of people consulted within the district were bringing up the same challenges and proposing the same solutions in the form of the projects. A summary at district level will allow us to avoid repetitions. In the process of summarizing, precautions will be taken to avoid any omission of important ideas/suggestions from any category of stakeholders from the District. Another clarification to make here is that the consultation was conducted by two teams, one dealing mainly with environmental safeguards and the other more interested in social safeguards. Since our work is related to the former, the main information that will be in the present summary will be the one required for the purpose of ESMF. 1. Consultations on Mahama Refugee camps and Host communities – Kirehe District – 26th& 27th November 2018 The camp of Mahama has 58,000 refugees, grouped in 9 quarters; 18 villages. In the district of Kirehe, some stakeholders met have already heard about the project about Social Economic Inclusion of Refugees and Host Communities (SEIRHCP). Others, especially those at Cell level were learning about the project for the 1st time. Everyone agreed that the project is highly needed since it is not easy to take care of so many people in refugee camps. 167 Apart from this challenge, the presence of refugees has been beneficial in terms of business development. Refugees were exchanging maize against rice and this contributed to the development of the business centre. Since the establishment of the refugee camp, different infrastructures have been put in place including the school that currently accommodates 21,638 students grouping both children from refugees and host community. About 400 teachers are employed by the school for primary and secondary education. For health facilities, two health centers are in place. Three market places exist, two inside the refugee camps and one outside for host communities. The one outside the refugee camps serve both refugee and host communities. From the time refugees get cash instead of food stuff, the markets are performing better. Potential projects have been identified through the discussion pertaining to different challenges: - In education, there is also need to diversify the options especially adding scientific orientation in existing program. - The beneficiaries, especially women and youth should have a framework enabling to learn how to conduct small projects generating income for self-reliance. - The youth also need a youth center and play grounds that can help them develop their talent. The only one playground available is flooded when it rains - There is also a serious problem of unemployment among the youth. To address this, stakeholders wished to have a TVET school that can help the youth from refugees and host community to be prepared for a profession. - Adding more the rooms: the rooms available in the school are not enough to accommodate the high number of students. Currently a class can have 180 pupils - the creation of Cooperatives grouping refugees and host communities; - Expanding the refugee nursery school for the use by Host communities; - Fishing cooperative; - An irrigation project that can boost farming activities for both refugees and host community - A project facilitating access to farming land for refugees for integration with host community. ➢ For the proposed projects to succeed once funded, stakeholders expressed the need to change the mindset especially for refugees waiting for resettlement. Behavior change is a prerequisite for refugees to be dedicated sustainably to suggested projects. In relation to the environment: 168 - Stakeholders revealed that there is a serious problem of fuel wood. The area where the camp was established used to be a green place with farms and forests. Nowadays, those have disappeared. - They recommended the planting of trees in the neighborhood of refugee camp. As for the fire wood, what refugee get from MINEMA (in collaboration with UNHCR) is not enough. This pushes the refugees to invade the farms in the neighborhood to look for fire wood, what might cause some conflicts. - There is need for alternative source of energy for cooking - The drainage system needs to be improved. Channels are small and not built up to the valley. Ravines start where the protection of the ravines by concrete stops. 2. Consultations on Nyabiheke Refugee camps and Host communities – Gatsibo District The camp of Nyabiheke was established in 2005 and hosts 14,606 refugees. The figures change due to ongoing resettlement. The camps extend on about 5 ha. The stakeholders in Gatsibo, especially those at District Head Office, were informed about the project. A team from MINEMA and World Bank talked to them about the project . Different stakeholders are welcoming the project. The following are sub-projects suggested for infrastructures and socio-economic opportunities for refugees and host community. - Currently the refugee camp doesn’t have a cemetery. A cemetery was mentioned among the most important needs - Empowering referral hospital that support both host community and refugees - There is a market place at Mugera that need to be built to serve both refugees and host community - The project for extension of the Gituza and Nyabicwamba primary school is being developed by UNHCR. There will be need to equip the school. - The “Group scolaire� Nyabiheke need to be rehabilitated to have more rooms and accommodated the high number of students from both refugees and host communities. - Acquisition of additional land through expropriation for the expansion of the refugee camps - Rehabilitating the health centre used by host communities and bring more staff - Cropping project. Refugees are renting land, but do not have fertilizers to enhance productivity. The marshland in the neighboring of refugee camps can be used for project development for both refugees and host communities. - Joint project on livestock development 169 - A cooperative incorporating refugees and host community - Need for technical school (TVET) - Need to add scientific options. Only branch related to arts is being offered to students - Need for a youth center that can accommodate both refugees and host communities - Among the road surrounding the camps, one need to be rehabilitated (about 2.5 km) - An internet café project with youth from both sides - Electrification of the camps can enable different services Environmental related needs - Planting more trees. According to stakeholders, the local population intends to take the district to court following the cutting down of trees by refugees. - Waste management to transform organic waste in fertilizers. - Need for water retention mechanism as well as water treatment. - There are deep ravines evacuating water from the camps. They need to be built to avoid their damaging effect in adjoining farm land. - Fuel wood is scarce, planting trees can help - Need for alternative sources of energy for household use while cooking - Water is not enough considering the UNHCR standards. Boreholes have insufficient capacity. Assessment of the institutional capacity Gatsibo District has World Bank funded project. The staff in charge of environment is familiar with environment and social safeguards policies. He is familiar with national policies and regulations and has been trained in environment and social safeguards use. He however estimates that the training was not enough considering the complexities of the task to perform. The challenge is that the capacity is limited at the district level and should be strengthened. 3. Consultations on Gihembe Refugee camps and Host communities – Gicumbi District The district leadership knew very well the project and during the meeting at District level, the Mayor reiterated the ideas He gave to the MINEMA and World Bank team that paid a visit to the district. At lower level, the stakeholders didn’t know what the project was about. Through the exchange using the questions prepared for the consultations, the following are the ideas identified in relation to potential sub-projects for infrastructures enhancement and socio-economic opportunities for employment of refugees and host communities. 170 - Need for a youth health training center that should focus on health protection - TVET training can help the youth to get prepared for a specific profession. For those who are trained already, they need to be supported to acquire specific equipment to start a profession. - With the management of existing marshland, possibility to initiate farming project with both refugees and host community being part. - Supporting the refugees and Host communities to write development projects and then funding those projects. A training in project management can be beneficial for the projects to be successful. - Very limited number of students refugees graduating from secondary level gets funded for further studies. Yet there are many who, despite the very good performance, do not have a chance to go to a university. Some stakeholders expressed the need to see those brilliant graduates supported. - Need for a market place that can accommodate both refugees and host communities. Currently the market is taking place in one of the road surrounding the refugee camps - Need for a market (agakiriro) where graduates from TVET can be employed - Facilitation for handicapped students is needed to have easy access to school. - The school needs additional rooms together with their toilets. Environmental related needs - Putting in place an appropriate land fill for organic waste. Most of the time the organic waste including the food remains are scattered around and when it rains, the wastes are taken away to pollute neighboring farms. This can go together with the sensitization of people in refugee camp to put the waste in appropriate location. - Need for proper treatment of sewage. It is a serious problem in the refugee camps. the problem is shared with host community with 532 households (district level) without a toilet responding to national standards - Protecting water drainage system to avoid landslide that might destroy refugee houses and take human lives. Eventually, putting in place a water harvesting system to avoid the devastating run-off from the camp. - Need for more firewood. The quantity provided is not enough. The distribution is irregular. Refugees spend some month without receiving any wood. - Need to plant more trees. Some people in refugee camps have some livestock even if it is not allowed. The livestock in question destroys some planted trees. 171 - Project to use the water from refugee camps in irrigation. For this a valley dam can be built downstream. Assessment of the institutional capacity As for the capacity of the district staff to manage efficiently the environment and social component during the project/sub-project implementation, it was found that Gicumbi District is currently implementing World Bank funded project. This is mainly the VUP project, especially with road constructions and terracing. The environmental and social specialists were trained in environmental safeguards. However, the bulk of the responsibility seems to be in the hand of the Ministry of Infrastructures as during the discussion it appeared that the role of the district seemed to be limited to participating in some meeting and getting informed instead of having a specific role to pay. The district environment and social staff expressed the need to be trained and their responsibility specified before the project can kick off. 4. Consultations on Kiziba Refugee camps and Host communities – Karongi District The refugees camps of Kiziba is established from 22 years ago. During our visit to the camp, a survey was ongoing. This is why it wasn’t possible to know the exact number hosted there. The camp manager was estimating the updated number to 17,000. Almost all the refugees are from Eastern Congo, the exception being the presence of 2 Ethiopians and 4 Burundians. After different consultations conducted, the following ideas were retained for potential sub-projects. - The road linking the refugees camps with Karongi city need to be built. This road will not only serve the refugee camp as it can be extended to the office of the sector of Rwankuba. This is the project mentioned by all the stakeholders in the first place. With the road being in bad condition, the camp seems isolated. The transport with motorbike is expensive (4,000 RWF) and vehicles are avoiding using the road. - The electrification of the camp. There are many generators that might present an environmental threat. If the camp could have electricity, the living conditions of refugees could improve tremendously - A school is needed - Updating water provision system to serve the camps and host community. Currently, water is almost entirely served in refugee camps. Only few households from host community get access to water. Even in refugee camps, water is not enough especially during dry period - Need for a market in the proximity of the camps that can integrate both refugees and host community - A cooperative of refugee and host community for crop growing and livestock development can be successful. Already there are some associations of refugees (6) that exploit some land rented and cultivate Irish potatoes and mushrooms. - At the school accommodating refugees and host communities, additional rooms are needed. 172 - The school accommodating refugees and host communities is not easily accessible to children from refugees camp and neighboring host community during rainy season. The school is on the other side of a water course that is not practicable due to flooding when it rains. Simply children from the camp as well as those from host community around do no go to school in such event. A new school can solve the problem. - The existing school lacks scientific options. Currently only arts are available. - There is need for TVET School that can also include handcrafts with some short training in some activities like hairdressing, masonry, etc. - Need for water at the school. There can be a laboratory in the secondary school as the school lacks water. - The Refugees and host communities need some playing ground, a gymnasium and a room that can be used for different ceremonies Environmental related needs - Due to insufficiency of fuel wood received, refugees go to collect fire wood around, sometimes cutting down trees. There is need for tree plantation around the refugee camp. Also an improved cooking stoves and/or alternative source of energy for cooking should be helpful. - An awareness need to be raised in environmental protection among refugee for the protection of tree plantation, but also for hygiene in the camp and around - The houses in refugee camps have no water harvesting, causing soil erosion along drainage channels. - Toilets and bathrooms are not enough. The management of sewage is problematic. The vehicle that empties the toilets cannot access some areas. For this the sewage in full toilets are emptied on the hillside using the drainage channels. This has serious consequences on the host communities. Some products are used to avoid the bad smell. But this is not enough. The sewage pollutes the neighboring environment, make natural water sources unusable. This makes the scarcity of water among host community a serious problem. - The camp is in an area with strong wind. Need for more tree plantation to avoid the soil erosion by the wind. - There is a lot of thunderstorm in the locality. Need protection against that hazard - Landslide resulting from extraction of soil for building houses. The majority of refugees do the digging to get the needed soil after removing the vegetation cover, what makes ravines in the topography, enhancing erosion. Assessment of the institutional capacity 173 The district has different program to protect the environment and there a staff in charge. In relation to the environment and social safeguards, requirement for World Bank funded projects, the District of Karongi is implementing a project under the supervision of LODA. The activities of Vision Umurenge Program (VUP) consist in soil protection using terraces as well as feeder road. The environmental specialist has participated in some training. He estimates that training is highly needed to understand the role the District is expected to play in project implementation, specifically to be familiar with the environment and social safeguards implementation. The staff at the district office is given some templates for reporting on safeguards. He recommends the project to have a coordinator at District level to make the follow up of project implementation. 5. Consultations on Kigeme Refugee camps and Host communities – Nyamagabe District Kigeme refugee camps host 20,543 persons from 2012. Among the stakeholders, those based at the District are aware of the project. But those at the cell and camps level didn’t know what the project was about. The following are the ideas from the consultations leading to potential sub-projects. - TVET training is needed for both refugees and host community - A modern market in the proximity of the refugees camps. The market can also accommodate host community. - Construction of 12 additional rooms to avoid the concentration of students in classrooms. The construction of different levels should enable the saving of space. The parcels for construction are available. The school also lacks laboratory and facilities for handicapped students - Need to diversify the options to initiate those missing. - Playing grounds are missing. One that is available is not enough. The new ones should be located outside the refugees camps. Moreover, refugees searching for building material create some ravines when extracting some soil for beautification of the buildings. - The existing youth center in Gasaka sector hosting the refugee camps need to be upgraded and equipped to accommodate also the refugees. - Existing health centre (outside the refugee camp) doesn’t have all needed services. It needs to be expanded and the missing services added. - No public toilets in the neighborhood of the refugee camps. - Public light is needed at the entrance of the refugee camp for security reason. - The rearing of chicken and pig do not need a lot of space and can be beneficial for both refugees and host community. 174 - A project on cropping was proposed to take place in the wetland of Mushishito, covering 100 hectares. The wetland is already being exploited by a cooperative. There should integration of the refugees as well as strengthen the formed cooperative. - A training in entrepreneurship among the youth is needed. it should cover financial literacy, promotion of saving; how to get a loan from a bank, etc. - There is need for proper waste management. - Need to increase the quantity of water. When water is being distributed in the camp and host community does not have water and vice versa. The host community in general gets water over night. - No cemetery. The one that was being used is already full. - Sewage from the refugee camps pollutes the neighboring environment when sent through the drainage channel. Among other negative impacts, the sewage destroys the sources of water used by host community. The waste management system has to address this. The drainage channels are not covered and the children in the camp risk to fall in the channel. - Stakeholders propose the generation of energy from sewage treatment. - Supporting some businesses like the creation of boutiques - Need for a library for pupils to use when they are not at school where they go either in the morning or in the afternoon. - Old and handicapped people in the refugee camp need to be taken care of Environmental related needs - The refugee camp has been eroded and deep ravines appear along water drainage channel. In some places, houses at risk as they are very close to ravines. Landslide hazard need proper management measures. There is a need for water harvesting mechanisms. The run- off on steep slope has catastrophic effect downstream undermining farming activities conducted by host community. - Deforestation is taking when refugees are looking for firewood - Need to plant more trees and promote agro-forestry including the planting of fruits - More effort should be put the use of energy saving stove, biogas. - The greening of trees was suggested with the focus on planting grasses that can also retain the water. - Planning in the camps and outside vegetable, fruit to enhance nutritional value of the diet 175 - The areas of Kigeme camp and the surrounding are prone by thunder storms. Some of the people affected have been killed while other were hospitalized. - Environmental awareness needed among refugee camps. Some people from host community cut down trees from private or public farms to make charcoals sold in refugee camp. Assessment of the institutional capacity The district of Nyamagabe is about to implement a project funded by the World Bank. The training has already taken place and focused on environmental and social protection of the beneficiaries. The staff in charge of the environment estimated that the training wasn’t enough and more is needed for better understanding of safeguards and their implementation process. The turnover of the staff at District level makes the training highly needed. For instance, the current staff in charge of the environment participated to one training while the previous training was attended by another staff that left the District. 6. Consultations on Mugombwa Refugee camps and Host communities – Gisagara District Stakeholders in District leadership were informed about the project. Those at sector and cell levels didn’t have the information on the project. All stakeholders are welcoming the project and eager to see the project starting. They are also ready to support the whole process of selection and implementation. Different sub-projects were suggested to address the challenges expressed by both refugees and host communities. - About 30 new rooms need to be built in the school shared by refugees and host community. The public space is available. The school should also be equipped as the chairs are not sufficient - Only children in refugee camp have Early Childhood Development (ECD) program. Host community wish this program extended to their children maybe in the proximity of the refugee camps. - A recommendation was made concerning the harmonization of how students in the same school are treated. Those from refugee get some equipment (books, notebooks) while students from host community look on. This might undermine the integration and should be addressed - TVET training is needed. The one so far being used by the District is far away in Save sector. - The health centre close to the camp needs to be expanded. Host community makes a long travel to the health center. It should be assessed how a health center close to the camps can be strengthened to serve also host community - The refugee and host community need a youth centre where they can learn ICT; reproductive health, etc. 176 - Supporting refugees to get access to micro finance such as SACCO services - Access to farm by refugees for cultivation - A market is needed for integration of both refugees and host community. - The existing market place need to be built as the one being used by both refugees and host community is not covered - The neighborhood of Mugombwa refugee camps is prone to thunderstorms. There is need for protection of different infrastructures. - Toilets and washrooms available are not enough Environmental related needs - No proper management of sewage. They get rid of it on the hillside polluting farms but also damaging the sources of water that host community use. The host community affirms that before the establishment of the refugee camp, they used to fetch good quality of water from different sources. But nowadays, the sources in question are no longer usable. - The marshland was polluted by the waste from the refugees need rehabilitation. The host community is no longer farming in the aforementioned marshland - No separation of waste (degradable and non-degradable). There is need for waste management of plastics. - There has been deforestation where the refugee camp is now established. Need to plant more trees as well with particular attention to agro-forestry. - There are forms of land degradation due to landslide originating from soil erosion. Need to address that - Firewood distributed not enough. This pushed the refugees into cutting down of trees around the refugee camps causing conflict with host community - The extraction of soil for house construction. This causes soil erosion and deepen the ravines as some refugees extract the soil from the ravines - Vehicles transporting waste are not enough. Need to have more to also serve host community. - There is a problem of accessibility to some areas of the camps. a vehicle empting the toilets cannot reach different corner. This pushes to the use of unfriendly means already mentioned, polluting the neighborhood. There is a need for a practicable road surrounding the camp. - Need for alternative source of energy for cooking 177 - A system of water harvesting is highly needed. - Need to plant more trees Assessment of the institutional capacity The staff in charge of environment and social issues revealed that the district is involved in the management of World Bank funded project (feeder road). A group of district staff was trained in the safeguards including environment and social specialists. It was mentioned that the training organized was not enough and there is a need to have more trainings for the staff to be more acquainted to the project requirement in terms of environment and social safeguards. This is furthermore necessitated by the changes of the environment and social safeguards policies. The district collaborates with RTDA that is implementing the feeder road project 178 Annex 13.16. Consultation Attendance Lists 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217