E661October 2002

SIERRA LEONENATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL ACTION

Environmental Assessmentfor the

National Social Action Project (NSAP)

Prepared By:

Dr. Raymond Geoffrey Johnson (Lead Consultant)E.A. Specialist

Dr. Reynold Godfrey JohnsonSocial Impact/Natural Resource Management Specialist

Dr. Ernest Tom Ndomahina (Trainee Specialist)

October 2002

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TABLE OF CONTENTSAbbreviations and AcronymsExecutive Summary1.0 Introduction 62.0 Description of the Project 72.1 Background information on National Commission

for Social Action (NaCSA.) 82.1.1 Funding2.1.2 Country Project Focus

2.2 Review of NaCSA's Community Driven Initiatives 92.3 Achievements of the Commission 102.4 Lessons Learnt 102.5 Synergies Between Various Sub-projects 112.6 Purpose and Requirement of the Environmental Assessment 123.0 Description of the Area of Influence 133.1 The Biophysical Characteristics 13

3.1.1 Kono District3.1.2 Moyamba District3.1.3 Bombali District3.1.4 Koinadugu District3.1.5 Kailahun District3.1.6 Kambia District

3.2 The Social Structure of the Project Area 214.0 Description of the Legal, Regulatory and Administrative Frameworks 214.1 Organizational Structure of Environmental Management

of the National level 214.2 Organizational Structure of Environmental Management at the Local Level. 254.3 International Conventions 264.4 The World Bank Social Safeguards and Policies 26

4.4.1 Operational Policies and Directives 264.5 Synergy between World Bank Safeguards and Policies and the

Current E.A. Study 285.0 Methodology and Techniques used in Assessing and Analysing the Impacts 296.0 Consultations 316.1 Consultations with Affected People 32

6.1.1 Perceptions of the people about the environmental problems that areassociated with the project.

6.2 Consultations with NaCSA Officials7.0 Analysig'of Potential Xegative and Positive Environmental and

Social Impacts of the Project 337.1 Impacts of Shelter and Housing Rehabilitation Program in

"Newly Accessible Areas" 337.2 Potential Negative Environmental Impacts of Agricultural Inputs 377.3 Potential Negative Environmental Impacts of the Rehabilitation of

Community infrastructure 397.4 Potential Negative Environmental Impacts of small-scale

Irrigation Facilities 417.5 The Social Impacts of the Project 428.0 Managing the Negative Environmental and Social Impacts of the Project 448.1 Mitigating Measures for Shelter and Housing Rehabilitation 44

8.2 Mitigating Measures for Agricultural Inputs 478.3 Mitigating Measures for the Environmental Impacts of the Provision of

Markets, Court Barries, Schools and Security Posts 498.4 Mitigating Measures for Social Impacts 528.5 Analysis of Alternatives 539.0 Description of the Institutional Arrangements for the Management of the

Negative Environmental Impacts of Community Driven Initiatives 539.1 Institutional Arrangements 539.2 Specific Procedures 5410.0 Proposed Institutional Framework for Environmental Management 5510.1 Environmental Assessment Standing Committee 5511.0 Proposed Mitigating Measures and Cost Estimates 5611.1 Awareness Raising 5711.2 Training Programme 5712.0 Environmental and Social Monitoring Indicators 5813.0 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plans 5813.1 Environmental Monitoring Plan 5813.2 Social Monitoring Plan 5913.3 Persons and Institutions Contacted 59

General Recommendations 60References 61Annexes 62

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8.2 Mitigating Measures for Agricultural Inputs 478.3 Mitigating Measures for the Environmental Impacts of the Provision of

Markets, Court Barries, Schools and Security Posts 498.4 Mitigating Measures for Social Impacts 528.5 Analysis of Alternatives 539.0 Description of the Institutional Arrangements for the Management of the

Negative Environmental Impacts of Community Driven Initiatives 539.1 Institutional Arrangements 539.2 Specific Procedures - 5410.0 Proposed Institutional Framework for Environmental Management 5510.1 Environmental Assessment Standing Committee 5511.0 Proposed Mitigating Measures and Cost Estimates 5611.1 Awareness Raising 5711.2 Training Programme 5712.0 Environmental and Social Monitoring Indicators 5813.0 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plans 5813.1 Environmental Monitoring Plan 5813.2 Social Monitoring Plan 5913.3 Persons and Institutions Contacted 59

General Recommendations 60References 61Annexes 62

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Abbreviation and Acronyms

MOHS Ministry of Health and Sanitation

EPA Environmental Protection Act

NGO Non Govemmental Organisation

NaCSA National Commission for Social Action

OCHA Organisation for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance

WB World Bank

EA Environmental Assessment

EPD Environment Protection Department

MLHCPE Ministry of Lands, Housing, Country Planning and the

Environment

CBO Community Based Organisation

ADA Area Development Association

FCC Freetown City Council

WATSAN Water and Sanitation

IFC International Finance Co-operation

IDA International Development Agency

IDPs Internally Displaced Persons

SHARP Sierra Leone HIV/AIDS Response Project

WMP Waste Management Plan

RPF Resettlement Policy Framework

AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

BSAP Biodiversity Support Action Plan

NEAP National Environmental Action Plan

NEP National Environmental Policy

MNRRR Ministry.of National Resettlement Reintegration and

Reconstruction

NCRRR National Commission for Resettlement Reintegration

and Reconstruction

ECOMOG ECOWAS Military Organisation

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The EA identified a number of negative environmental impacts that may arise fromproject activities. However these impacts are all manageable. To achieve this,NaCSA will implement the proposed mitigating measures, which will be overseen bylocal authorities and area development communities.

The EA identified various impacts on land, water and air and proposed mitigatingmeasures. The main findings are that the project will not have significant negativeenvironmental impact at specific sites on the following:

* Human Health and human made environment* Land quality* Water quality* Air quality* Flora and Fauna* Protected wildlife and forest reserves* Monuments and sites of cultural and historic significance

Other findings include:

* The project is community driven and service oriented* The project was well conceived and environmental concerns have been taken on

board implicitly* The environmental impacts of the project are manageable

A number of social impacts were identified. These impacts are all manageable asNaCSA and its partners will assume a more definitive and strategic role in respondingto the needs of the local communities. The main findings include:

* There will be no involuntary displacement of people due to the project* There will be no loss of agricultural land since the project is community driven.* There will also not be a sudden upsurge of population in these areas* Other people have not taken up residence in areas original occupants will be

returning* No squatters were found on sites visited* Water supply and sanitation conditions in the project areas need to be improved.

The EA has not considered alternative project sites, as the facilities to be rehabilitatedare on sites they previously occupy.

The EA has described institutional arrangements for the management of the negativeenvironmental inputs of the Community Driven Initiatives.

It has identified national and local frameworks as the overall structure and has shownhow NaCSA can utilize this arrangement to ensure proper implementation ofmitigation programs. The role of NGOs and CBOs in this framework is alsomentioned.

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Specific Procedures were identified and discussed which might be required byNaCSA projects in the form of management plans. Prominent amongst these is theEnvironmental Management Plan (EMP), which discusses the potential negativeimpacts of the NSAP and proposes mitigation measures and cost estimates. The mainissues here relate to land rehabilitation, reforestation, clean-up programmers, properproject sitting and implementation of monitoring programs.

The Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan is being developed as part of theimplementation strategy of the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP).

The newly developed Waste Management Plan (WMP) of the Sierra LeoneHIV/AIDS Response Project (SHARP) has also been highlighted as being required byNaCSA during the implementation of NSAP.

The EA also makes reference to the Resettlement Policy Framework that has beenprepared and which presents a framework for the development of specific programs,in case the NaCSA projects result in involuntary displacement of people.

The EA proposed an Institutional Framework for Environmental Management ofNaCSA's projects, which considers the establishment of a Standing Committee,comprising representatives from NaCSA, and other stakeholders, which will focus inthe development of support mechanisms to implement environmental and socialmanagement programs. The formation of District Environmental Committees is alsoproposed.

Other important findings of the EA included:

* The need for awareness raising campaigns* Identification of training needs and development of training program* Identification of environmental and monitoring indicators

The EA also includes an EMP and suggests the concerns that should be addressed bya Social Monitoring Plan.

In the light of the above, the following are recommended:

* That the proponent and its development partners consider the mitigation measuressuggested for each impact during the implementation of the project.

* That efforts be made to carry out the mitigation and monitoring plans for expectedimpacts provided in the annexes.

* That NaCSA and partners work with existing local institutions for direct andtransparent communication with the local population to improve their socialwelfare.

* That the capacity of local communities be built in order to enhance theirparticipation in environmental management and protection.

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Report Organisation

The report presents the final results of the Environmental Assessment (EA) carriedout in accordance with the World Bank safeguard policies for reconstruction anddevelopment of community infrastructure under Sierra Leone's Proposed NationalSocial Action Program.

The E.A. was carried out in two phases. Phase one dealt with desktop research on theareas of project influence and phase two site visits.

The elements of this report are contained under thirteen (13) sections. Theintroduction (section 1) gives the coverage of the E.A. and its purpose andrequirement.A description of the proposed project (Proposed Sierra Leone National Social ActionProgram) is given in section 2.

The third section describes the Proposed Project's areas of influence. Here, thegeneral overview of selected districts is presented with particular reference to theirbiophysical characteristics.

The fourth section describes the legal, regulatory and administrative framework aspertains to environmental protection and management, as well as the World BankSafeguards and Policies relevant to the project.

Section five (5) presents the methodology adopted for the study whilst section six (6)summarises the sentiments expressed by the beneficiaries of the proposed projectduring consultations with them. Section six deals with consultations with affectedpeople.

Section seven provides a description of the possible negative and positiveenvironmental and social impacts of the proposed project on the sites and on thesocio-cultural environment at large.

Section eight examines the negative environmental impacts of the technicalprogrammes of the project

Section nine describes the institutional arrangement for the management of the projectand environmental awareoess-raising campaigns amongst stakeholders.

Section ten deals with mitigating measures. In this section mitigating measures areproposed for the impacts described in section six and other impacts that were deemedto be created by the proposed project.

Section eleven discusses a proposed institutional framework for environmentalmanagement of the project.

Section twelve deals with Environmental and Social Monitoring indicators.

Section thirteen discusses the proposed Environmental and Social Monitoring Plans.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Sierra Leone has an area of 72,315 km2 extending between latitudes 65°55' and10°00'N and between longitudes 10014' and 13°17'W. Its bio geographical affinitiesare Guinea-Congolian with Afromontane elements on higher ground and a Guinea-Congolian/Sudanian Transition Zone in extreme north. As for vegetation, lowlandforests, although much cleared, cover important regions in the south and east, whilethe rest of the country is a patchwork of secondary forests.

Mangrove swamps used to extend over all of the coast but much has been cleared forrice cultivation. Freshwater swamp forests back the mangroves in the lowlands and

there is an extensive lagoon system along the southern coast.

Its hydrographic profile includes a series of rivers which run from the Guinean Dorsal

Hills: the Kolente or Great Scarcies, the Little Scarcies, Rokel, Jong, Sewa, Moa andMano rivers. Other streams in the lowlands include the Ribi, Kukuli, Gbangbaia andWaanje rivers. Basic data on Sierra Leone is given in the annex.

Sierra Leone with a small open economy has suffered prolonged deterioration and

accompanying low standards of living despite vast resource endowment (minerals,marine, human and arable land). After recording a marginal positive growth rate ofaboutl.8% in 1984, the economy was near collapse by the end of the 1980s. Sincethen, the country has yet to register marked increased in the growth rates of output toimprove the standard of living of the majority of its 4.7 million population.

War related activities have caused extensive damage to an already inadequate-economic and social infrastructure leading to a further deterioration in the living

standards of a hard-pressed population. Gross Domestic Product per capita, estimatedat US$237 in 1990, declined by about 40% during the subsequent decade, to aboutUS$142 in 2000. The conflict compounded the adverse legacies from long periods ofeconomic decline and mismanagement including deteriorated capacity and weak

institutions. The dismal performance of the economy has had an adverse effect onhuman and social development.

Available global indicators show that the health situation in Sierra Leone is the worst

in the world. Life expectancy is 38 years compared to 45 years for Sub-saharanAfrica (IJNDP, 2000). The low life expectancy is due to infant and child mortalityrates, about the.highest in the world. The maternity mortality is also extremely high.

The dismal health situation is also attributable to inadequate health and sanitationfacilities. Over 415 health units, including 15 hospitals and 150 primary health

centers, have been destroyed and remain non-functional in many towns and villages.Health workers have abandoned workstations in most rural communities and relocatedto safe towns. The 2000 Baseline Service Delivery Survey (BSDS) reported that

about 65%, 60% and 80% of the population are without access to safe drinking water,health services and sanitation, respectively. The MICS2 reported sewage and refuse

disposal facilities be grossly inadequate, and contribute to the spread of water-bornediseases and malaria. Also, environmental management practices are very poor.

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As the country is now moving towards restoration of socio-economic communityinfrastructure, public order also needs to be fully restored therefore the rehabilitationof community infrastructure including security posts a,nd court barriers is crucial tothe restoration of law and order and the sustainability of democracy in Sierra Leone.

The Government of Sierra Leone has 'requested the World Bank's assistance to funda National Social Action Program. The development objective of the NSAP is toassist the Government of Sierra Leone through the National Committee for SocialAction (NaCSA) to support selected rural population groups in financing a fullspectrum of community-based initiatives that are identified, proposed, agreed upon,put in place and maintained by them as a means of ensuring sustainable communityreintegration and development, support transition from war to peace in tandem withimproved living conditions and/or increased incomes. The proposed program wouldsupport Sierra Leone's transition from post-conflict reconstruction to sustainablepoverty reduction. In addition, IDA funds would be used to address longer termdevelopment challenges in Sierra Leone

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

The program has four (4) main components:Shelter and Housing Rehabilitation Program in "Newly Accessible Areas":

This component would provide matching grants for imported building materials. Thetarget beneficiaries of this facility would be mainly internally displaced populationgroups, returning refugees, and female headed households;

Community-Based Demand Driven Initiatives:This component would provide funds to support productive investments such asagricultural inputs (excluding pesticides), rehabilitation of markets, small-scaleirrigation facilities, etc. as well as non-productive investments (e.g. rehabilitation ofschools, rural health clinics/posts,, vocational skill centres, provision of water andsanitation, community markets, and support to functional literacy programs);

Community-Based Capacity Building:This component would support capacity building of local level institutions such asdistrict authoiities, village development committees, chiefdom developmentcommittees and other community groups (such as parent teacher association). Targetintervention would include the acquisition of basic knowledge and skills in projectmanagement, procurement and accounting, participatory local planning, andmaintenance of community-based infrastructure; and

Project Management:This component would provide support to the National Commission for social actionto effectively and efficiently carry out its functions, mandates and responsibilities(e.g. coordination, planning, monitoring, and supervising humanitarian aid;reintegration, resettlement refugees and displaced people). The project would supportcapacity building of NaCSA staff with a focus on community participation, outreach

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techniques, financial management and skills development for M&E and beneficiaryimpact assessments.

2.1 Background Information on the National Commpission for Social Action

In 1996 then Ministry of National Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Resettlement(MNRRR) was created with the mandate of restoring the war torn country back on thepath of rehabilitation and development. After the coup of 25'h May 1997, thegovernment was forced to flee to neighbouring Republic of Guinea. It was during thestay in Guinea that the idea of a Commission to fast track national development wasborn. After the restoration of the then elected government back to power in March1998 by the West African Intervention Force (ECOMOG), the NCRRR wasestablished. The goal of NCRRR was to provide quick support to build Sierra Leone.In November 2001, an Act of Parliament transformed the then NCRRR to NaCSA.NaCSA is a social fund that supports development initiatives. The Commission ismeant to accelerate the rehabilitation of the war torn country by 'leap-frogging' thebureaucratic red-tapes of line ministries whose mechanism were dislocated andincapacitated during the war.

NaCSA is continuing the work of NCRRR with an expanded mandate acting mainlyas a service provider in a timely manner on behalf of government by working closelywith sectoral line ministries, international and national non-governmentalorganisations and donors to ensure that the institution is both effective and efficient inservice delivery to war-affected communities in Sierra Leone.

During the ten-year civil war, government authority was dislocated in most parts ofthe country. The District Councils are responsible for administering developmentinitiatives in the twelve- (12) districts of Sierra Leone, which were made impotent as aresult of the conflict. In this regard, NaCSA has provided an adhoc good substitutionfor them as it has provincial officers in all the provinces; at Makeni for the North, Bofor the South, Kenema for the East and Freetown for the West. There are also DistrictCommunity structures supported by Development Officers that work with thecommunities at chiefdom levels.

NaCSA is also responsible for coordinating the National Recovery Plan/Program andits committees under the Office of the Vice President of Sierra Leone.

2.1.1 Funding

The main sources of funding of NaCSA are: Grant Fund from UNDP, UNHCR andDFID and loan Fund from the World Bank (WB), African Development Bank(AFDB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB). Under the Grant Fund, theUNHCR provides support for capacity building for the resettlement of refugees anddisplaced persons while DFID provides technical assistance in the design ofprograms.

The loan fund was provided by the WB, in supports of the Emergency RecoverySupport Fund (ERSF) the AfDB supports the Social Action Poverty AlleviationProgram SAPA and the IDB community development initiatives.

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2.1.2 Country Proiect Focus

With the authority of the government being restored to newly acquired areas (areasfully brought under government's control) in the East and North of the Country,NaCSA will be focusing its rehabilitation activities on these parts of the country.The Commission will do less in the Southern Province and in the Western Area of thecountry, as these areas suffered relatively less in terms of infrastructural destruction.Moreover NGOs and some NaCSA activities were concentrated previously in theseareas by virtue of their long period of security during the war.

2.2 Review of NaCSA's Community Driven Initiatives in Sierra Leone

The National Commission for Reconstruction, Resettlement and Rehabilitation(NCRRR) has recently been transformed by government into a social fund named,'The National Commission for Social Action' (NaCSA).Starting as NCRRR, the Commission has operated along with four related donorfunded project implementation units, namely:

1. The Emergency Recovery Support Fund (ERSF), funded by the World Bank(WB), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of SierraLeone (GoSL).

2. The Social Action and Poverty Alleviation (SAPA) Project funded by the AfDBand GoSL.

3. The Integrated Rural Development Project (IRDP) funded by the IslamicDevelopment Bank (IDB) and GoSL

4. Support to Resettlement and Reintegration Project (SRRP) funded by UNDP andGoSL.

2.3 Achievements of the Commission

1. Relief and Humanitarian Assistance: The Commission, with resources fromGovernment and donors, provided relief to over 500,000 displaced persons andcommunities in camps and newly resettled communities, to returning refugees andnon-camp IDPs. Various gifts received from abroad have been distributed toIDPs, the w ar-wounded and amputees. The Commission remains indebted to theUN Agencie and NGOs for the delivery of relief and humanitarian assistanceprovided so far toward repatriation and resettlement of IDPs, returning refugees,former combatants and towards their reintegration.

2. The Support to Resettlement and Reintegration Project (SRRP); Theprogramme is the former UNDP's Preventive Development Project, which endedin March 2001. Previous and current assistance have been very successful,concentrating resources on shelter rehabilitation, vocational training and traumahealing.

3. The SAPA Programme: This unit is the oldest within the Commission and datesback to 1992. It has provided assistance spread over various sectors including

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agriculture, education, health, micro-credit, community development initiatives,skills training and employment creation. The SAPA Programme through itsvarious delivery strategies and supervisory functions has been able to ensure thatover 35,ooo poor people nation-wide have bepefited from micro-financeassistance. Over 80% of the beneficiaries are women.

4. The Integrated Rural Development Programme: The Integrated RuralDevelopment Programme targets interventions in Agriculture, education, healthand sanitation. This programme is another phase of the successful EmergencyAssistance Programme funded by Islamic Development Bank.

5. The Emergency Recovery Support Fund: This Fund is the largest of theprogramme implementation units within the Commission and has providedfunding for the implementation of over 250 projects covering the entire nation oncommunity driven basis valued at over USD12 million by April this year. Sectorsaddressed include agriculture, education, WATSAN, community infrastructure,capacity building and information and sensitization.

For optimal performance at financial and fiscal management, the Commission, at itsinception, contracted out its procurement and disbursement activities to anindependent international accounting firm for efficiency, transparency andaccountability.

As a social fund, NaCSA will from now on blend the above five (5) projectimplementation units into an integrated programme with three funding windowsnamely;

1. Community Demand Driven Programme: This is the largest of the threewindows. It will fund community-based demand-driven sub-projects for thereconstruction, resettlement and rehabilitation in the education, health, agriculture,water and sanitation, environment and other key sectors of the economy.

2. Public Works Programme: This Window is based on the "AGETIP" modelfunded by the World Bank in several countries through a supply -driven approach.Currently the programme is being piloted to create ready jobs for youths and

former combatants in urban and newly accessible areas of the country.

3. Micro-Fliiance Programme: The provision of micro-finance has been identifiedby the Government of Sierra Leone as a key strategy in its poverty alleviationefforts. The key institution for actualising this strategy, is SAPA.

With the creation of the above structure, NaCSA is able to effectively and efficientlymanage grants and implement assistance programmes on behalf of donors with orwithout their presence in Sierra Leone.

2.4 Lessons Learnt

The current NaCSA support has helped to identify a number of positive features suchas willingness of NaCSA to develop a transparent national program and to work withall sectors and partners. The project also demonstrates the increasing satisfactory

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performance of NaCSA in decentralising its functions; namely, planning, financialmanagement and procurement and its willingness to collaborate with NGOs.

Community driven initiatives constitute the bulk of,the development programssupported by NaCSA. They include sub-projects for reconstruction, rehabilitation andresettlement in the education, health, agriculture, water and sanitation, environment,housing, transport and other key sectors.

However experience in the past with these projects has shown that the localcommunities had not fully developed the capacity to handle monitoring and mitigationmeasures and as such, emphasis had to be on NGOs. Also, public appraisalmechanisms for the implementation of mitigation measures are not well developed.Experience has also shown that some of the environmental impacts of such projectsare manageable and diminish over time.Major related project to be financed by the bank is given in the Annex.

2.5 Synergies Between Various Sub-projects

The project proposed by the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) can beseen as an overall development initiative aimed at fast-tracking rehabilitation,reconstruction and resettlement activities in Sierra Leone. Thus, this projectencompasses sub-projects in the educational (rehabilitation of schools, vocational skillcentres, functional literacy), health (rural health clinics/posts, provision of water andsanitation), community infrastructure (markets, etc).

Thus, NaCSA projects tends to be more "national" in character and sector specific in"ingredient".

Pros of NaCSA

a) Operational wise; NaCSA has the capacity (financial and professional) to carryout these programs successfully.

b) There are less "bureaucratic red tapes" compared to those of the governmentministries to execute projects; hence, NaCSA's ability and capability to fast trackrehabilitation projects.

c) Efficiency in terms of financial transparency and probity is guaranteed.(as theirfunds are handled by an independent Finance and Procurement Unit (FMPU)).

d) The secto-rehabilitated structures can always be handed back to the respectivesectors. '

e) NaCSA is a fully decentralised body

Cons of NaCSA

a) NaCSA is a Commission that will gradually phase out when government'spermanent administrative structures are finally erected fully functional anddecentralised (i.e. Ministries, Parastatals, Districts and Provincial AdministrativeOrgans).

b) NaCSA is seen as a threat by government structures in termns of "usurpation oftheir powers and mandates".

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It is against the backdrop of these pros and cons that the following recommendationsare formulated on how best to effectively harmonise and create synergies betweenvarious sector specific sub-projects.-

* That at present, NaCSA's role as a national fund be extended to covergovernment's institutions on the road to rehabilitation (i.e. government ministriesbe made to apply to NaCSA for instance for sectoral rehabilitation sub-projects)

* That inter-sectoral panels involving NaCSA be set up to facilitate meaningfuldialogue, to dispel suspicion and mistrust amongst development partners.

* That regular consultative meetings be held between NaCSA, governmentministries, donors/borrowers.

* That the established National Environmental Protection Board acts as a standingenvironmental committee for NaCSA's projects.

2.6 Purpose And Requirement Of The Environmental Assessment (EA)

The purpose of the Environmental Assessment (EA) is to assess the potentialenvironmental and social impacts of the proposed NSAP, particularly with regard toagricultural activities including small scale irrigation (excluding pesticide use), therehabilitation of rural infrastructure (schools, rural health clinics/posts, vocationalskill centres, provision of water and sanitation, community markets) and support tofunctional literacy programs.

The EA includes a full environmental, socio-economic and socio-cultural assessmentof potential impacts of the above activities in the future and appropriate mitigationand monitoring plans. It is also intended to satisfy all requirements of the nationaland local authorities.

Appropriate consultation with stakeholders, potentially would-be affected groups,local communities, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has been undertakenduring the preparation of the EA.

Objectives:

The objectives of the environmental analysis are to:

* Predict and assess any potential environmental and social impacts and benefitsthat could,remanate, from the financing of productive and non-productiveinvestments, including capacity building activities under the proposed project;

* Analyse alternative interventions an process tat may pose less environmentalsocial damage than the one(s) proposed under the project;

* Recommend practical and less costly but effective actions and processes tomitigate any potential adverse environmental and social impacts that couldemanate during project implementation

* Identify capacity building needs and recommend actions to strengthen NaCSA andits partners' capacity for ensuring sustained environmental and social compliancemonitoring ; and

* Prepare an environmental and social management plan.

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3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA OF INFLUENCE

3.1 The Biophysical Characteristics

According to discussions with NaCSA, the project will focus mainly on areas of theEastern and Northern provinces with less emphasis on the Southern province and evenless focus on the Western Area. Generally, project activities will take placethroughout the country. The exact location will depend on the type of activityidentified by the various communities based on a participatory consultation process.The description of the biophysical characteristics therefore cover areas of projectinfluence in the Eastern, Southern and Northern provinces.The description covers the following areas: -

Eastern Province1. Kono District2. Kailahun District

Southern Province3. Moyamba District

Northern Province4. Bombali District5. Koinadugu District6. Kambia District

3.1.1 Kono District

Kono District is located in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone. The district isbordered on the north by Koinadugu district, on the east by the Republic of Guinea,the southeast by Kailahun and Kenema districts in the east and southeast and byTonkolili and Moyamba districts in the west.

Relief

This area has a topography characterized by hills to the east and lowland covered withsavannah grassland to the north. Inland valley swamps occupy a vast area of thedistrict and are relatively fertile.

Climate

The climate of the area is typical of the eastern region of Sierra Leone. This area hasa mean annual rainfall of over 250mm, 80% occurring between May and November.Mean monthly air temperature ranges between 20°C and 280C.

Drainage System

There are various streams that flow throughout the district. Most of these streamsexperience heavy sediment load particularly from mining activities.

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Vegetation and Soils

In terms of biological diversity, the district is now covered in most parts by lowgrassland and most of the forest cover that has been lost was due to intense miningactivities and the rebel war. Wildlife is poor, restricted to a limited species of birdsand other wild animals e.g. monkeys.

Administration

Kono District comprises fourteen (14) chiefdoms. The headquarter town is Koinduwhich is also the administrative headquarter town.

Socio-Economic Activities

The population of Kono district (1985, census) was estimated to be around 7,000 withdensity of 69 persons per square kilometres. Presently, the population of the districthas not been fully determined as it only now that government authority is graduallyreturning to the area.

Kono district is well known as the main economic activity there centres aroundmining of diamonds which is widely believed to be the dominant source of fundingfor the ten year old brutal civil war, the country experienced.

Agricultural activity is modest in the area, as the land for most part has been degradedby mining activities with little or no rehabilitation. Most of the soils are ferraliticshallow and of low fertility, except for the inland valley swamps which are relativelyfertile. Presently, government control is returning to almost the entire district andthere is little commercial or other related activities taking place in the district.

Educational and other Infrastructural Facilities

Being the scene of intense military activities throughout the ten years of civil conflictthere is hardly any educational facility in the district, all schools were destroyed aswell as hospitals and public services and infrastructure, water storage and deliveryfacilities have also been destroyed. Roads are, deplorable and sanitation is poor andinfrastructural damage in the district was almost total.

3.1.2 MoyanTba District

Moyamba District is situated roughly between 7045' and 8025' North Latitude, andbetween 11045' and 130 West Longitude. It covers an estimated area of 86,902 squarekilometres and has fourteen (14) chiefdoms.

Relief

The district has a varying topography with a general plateau surface, which has anelevation of 230ft to 300ft above sea level. Swamps are limited to a few hollows inthe plateau as yet unaffected by the back cutting of the rejuvenated streams.

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Hills are also found in the district, prominent amongst which is the Moyamba hill onwhich there is a forest reserve. It is also characterised by an extensive coastal plain.The up-standing hill masses diversify the coastal plain. One such mass is deeply cleftby through valleys into a series of sub-conical hills, the most elevated of whichYuvini reaches 1,439 feet.

ClimateThe mean annual rainfall of over 300mm, with about 85% in the months of May toNovember. Air temperatures-are in the range of 220C and 300C.

Drainage SystemThere are various streams and rivers that incise the district, amongst which is thesouthward - flowing. Yambafui stream, which is constrained into passing around theeastern flank of the hills, where its waters mixing with those of the Gbangabia, aseries of rapids are actively, cutting into skirts of the upland between Gondama andBonjema.

Vegetation and SoilsUnder uniformly warm conditions, with abundant, though seasonal precipitation, thevegetation is characterised by high rain - forest and mangrove swamps along thecoastal areas. There are also areas of derived grass on flatter areas. The soil iscompared of infertile duricrust as a result of intense laterisation.

Socio-economic activitiesThe main activities here are agriculture and mining. The traditional suites of crops aregrown in this area, but in addition, ginger has been a local cash crop speciality.

Amongst the minerals mined commercially are bauxite and rutile. As a result of rutilemining, the traditional agricultural, forestry, hunting and fishing activities are givingway to mining and other associated activities.

3.1.3 Bombali District

This district lies 80 42 & 90 58 north, & between 110 48 & 120 26 westand shares its eastern boundary with Koinadugu District. It comprises 14 chiefdomsamongst which the Biriwa and Bombali-Sheboro chiefdoms are the largest havingabout 30% of the district's total population.

Relief

The district is also part of the interior hills and plateaux region of Sierra Leone withscarp zones separating the interior plateau and hills from the inland plains. Scarperosion is eminent in this area as is evident in the granite residuals and inselbergconcentration in the areas especially north of the headquarter town of Makeni. Atypical example is the Gbenge hills consisting of a group of inselbergs. Thegeomorphology of the district also displays gently rolling plains, comprising, broadrounded interfluves with occasional isolated rocky hills, dissected by ill-defined,narrow valley swamps (FAO, 1979). There is the general presence of footslopes and alluvium terraces. The inhabitants to provide basic foodstuffs cultivate thefoot slopes and terraces.

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Drainage

A few streams are present and are associated with narrow flood plains and terraces.The drainage comprise a trunk stream - Makpenta - which is a third order streamformed by the second order stream descending to Sendugu and Kagbouka hills. Theflow is from a northeast to southwest direction revealing a denditic drainage pattern.In general the streams descending the watershed are swift, and punctuated by rapids invarious places, stricted floors and potholes with steep - sided V-shaped valleys andgorges. Gullies and hills, which drain farm plots, are common features in the studyarea.

Geology

Most of the land is under pain by strongly folded igneous and metamorphic rocksbelonging to various formations. Structurally known as the Kenema assemblage,which is part of the West African eraton. The igneous rocks of which biotile - graniteis predominant vary in colour from light grey to brownish grey and from pink to dullsalmon-red. The chief accessory minerals that make up these rocks include zireon,magnetite, epidote, apatite, rutile and pyrite.

Climate

Bombali district, like the rest of the country, experiences two seasons; dry and wetseasons. The dry season last from late November to early May and the wet seasonfrom late May to Mid-November. The Harmattan season (Mid-December to Mid -February) is sometimes severe in this region when compared with other regions in thecountry.

The wet season commences from April or May to Mid-November. The absence ofmeteorological data for this district is difficult to provide annual average airtemperature or rainfall with the highest rainfall in July and August.

Soils and Vegetation

The soils in this area are formed from solid basement rocks of granite and gneisisunder secondary bush and forest. Those on the hillslopes and footslopes are underlainby red gravel duricrust or mottled soils belonging to the group known as Oxosols.These soils are telatively infe4ile and support agriculture on a rotational bush fallowsystem.

The alluvial soils brought down the hills by fluvial and other weathering processesbelong to the group known as Inceptisols and can support intense agriculturalcultivation.

In terms of vegetation, there is little primary forest as most of the existing forest issecondary. Presently, deciduous woodland vegetation predominates. Savanna andherbaceous shrubs and grasses of the Andropogon spp. And Lacryma iobi areprevalent. The eroded hillslopes have to some extent been colonised by a mantle ofaborescent sedge called catgria pilose.

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The trees comprise mainly of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) Mango (Magniferaindica), Orange (citrus spp) and the Kola 'tree (cola nitida).

The swamps are dominated with herbaceous upright sedges such as scypusbrizziformis.

Demography

The Bombali district has an average population density of 78 persons per square mile(Thomas 1983). According to the 1974 Census the total population of the district was233,626

Socio- Economic Activity

The economic activities in the area include agriculture, animal husbandry, palm winetapping, hunting and crafts. The prevalent farming system here is the rotational bushfallow system. Commercial activities are low in the district and there are no miningactivities.

3.1.4 Koinadugu District

This district lies between latitude 9020' and 9042'N and longitude 11°16' and11044'W. It comprises the chiefdoms of Wara-Wara Yagala and Sengbe and the totalarea involved is approximately 587 sq. miles; 120 and 467 sq. miles for Wara-Waraand Sengbe respectively.

Relief

The district is part of the interior hills and plateaux regions of Sierra Leone, whichforms a broken plateau lying at an elevation ranging between 1000 - 2000' above sealevel. A characteristic feature of the district is its numerous steeply sloping hills andnarrow valleys covering the area. Prominent geomorphologic features the Wara-WaraMountains and hills rising to about 3000 ft. above sea level. This rugged terrain isthe precursor for the relative under development of the district especially withincreasing distance from headquarter town of Kabala.

Climate

Mean annual rainfall values range between 70" and 90" of which 85-90% of theprecipitation takes place between the months of May and November.

Mean monthly temperatures have a seasonal rhythm with minimum in July - Augustranging, 25.6-28.9°C and 31.1-34.4°C for March - April. Minimum meantemperature is lowest in January and December of being 15.6 C or less.

Soils

The soils are lateritic or reddish brown soils derived from the basement complex ofgranite and gneisses.

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Vegetation

The predominant vegetation in the area is open bush and grassland. Small patches offorest are also found scattered over the area together wit&. inland fresh water swamps.The latter are found mostly at the bottom of valleys along the courses of streamsrising from the mountains

Population

In general the population is made up of a number of ethnic groups but numerically theKorankos and Limbas are the most important. Also found in significant numbers arethe Madingoes and Fullahs. The latter are the main cattle rear and they derive theirmain source of income from the sale of cattle. The other groups are largelyagriculturists. The population is largely rural. Over 85% of the population areestimated to be directly dependent on the land for that livelihood. The density of thepopulation ranges from as low as 24.9 persons per square mile in Sengbe to as high as144.2 in Wara-Wara. Also found in significant numbers are the Madingoes andFullahs. The latter's income comes from the sale of cattle. The Madingoes arelargely agriculturists.

Socio- Economic activity

The socio-economic activities in the area is similar to that of the Bombali Districtinclude agriculture, animal husbandry, palm wine tapping, hunting and crafts. Theprevalent farming system here is the rotational bush fallow system. Commercialactivities are low in the district and there are no mining activities.

Land Tenure

The indigenous system of land tenure and that, which still obtains in the district, isone of ursfructuary rights. Land belongs to the local community as a whole and everyindividual is considered to have a right to a piece of land for his use. The paramountchief is the custodian of the land and he is responsible for the primary allocation ofland.

Farming Practices

The predominant farming practice here is one of subsistence shifting cultivation orprogressive extension of cultiyation into new land with regular periods of croppingand resting.

The main crop grown is upland rice, which continue to be the primary charges of allthe farm families of the district. However, the fertility status of the upland farmingalone has not been able to provide subsistence to the farm family. As a result,swamplands in the valleys of the area have now received the attention of the farmers.Before the war started in 1991, the rotation of fields was speeded up, particularly inthe Wara-Wara chiefdom because of the increase in population, but one year's ricefollowed by about 6-10 years bush fallow still fairly common: the more usual periodis estimated as being 7-8 years. However, the system of arable upland farmingdepends on the maintenance of soil fertility.

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3.1.5 Kailahun District

Kailahun district is located in the eastern province of Sierra Leone. The Republic ofGuinea borders the District on the north and on the southeast by the Republic ofLiberia along the Mano river, it has a land of 1,490 Sq. miles.

Relief

The topography of the area is undulating, ranging from low-lying inland plains tomore disserted upland areas with elevation between 600-700 meters altitude.

Climate

Most of the area has a mean annual rainfall of over 2,500 mm, with 80% of this meanfalling during the period of June to November, mean annual temperatures varybetween 25oC and 28oC with higher values occurring in March/April when solarradiation is most intense.

Vegetation and Soils

In terms of vegetation, the district is covered with dense farm bush dominated by fastgrowing, fire resistant species that thrive under the bush fallow system.

The district also has over 5,000 acres of forest reserves and protected forest areas(Gola rainforest). High trees traditionally surround many of the villages and are usedas shade for cocoa and coffee. However, most of these forest reserves had beentampered by the war.

Administration

The administrative headquarter is in Kailahun town and the provincial headquarteroffice is located in Kenema Town, Kailhun is about 270 miles from Freetown.Administrative, Kailahun is divided into fourteen (14) chiefdoms

Socio-economic activities

Kailahun district had a population of about 200,000 with about 60% of this numberliving in the headquarter town of Kailhun. The district was predominantly inhabitedby the mendes 'Although traditionally a Kissi dominated area. The minority tribesinclude the Krim, Vai and Gola inhabiting areas along the border with Liberia.

The major social-economic activities in the area are agriculture, mining and hunting,major cash crops like coffee , cacao used to fetch a sizeable proportion of SierraLeone's foreign exchange earnings.

Presently, as a result of the rebel war, mass migration of the people to neighbouringcountries of Guinea and Liberia had taken place as well as to other parts of thecountry (internally displaced). Currently, the district is gradually coming under thecontrol of the government of Sierra Leone.

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Population

Estimates of the population size at ptesents may between 10-20 thousand (not whollyreliable figures).

Community Infrastructural Facilities

Kailahun district and Kailahun town in particular used to have several primary andsecondary schools, hospitals; medical centers, churches, mosques etc.

However, all these facilities have been destroyed during the ten years of civil war asreports from various organisations (both Governmental and Non - Governmental)suggests.

3.1.6 Kambia District

Kambia district is located in the, northern province of Sierra Leone. It is bordered onthe north and northeast by the Republic of Guinea, Bombali and Port Loko districts,on the south and on the west by the Republic of Guinea and Atlantic Ocean. It coversa land area of about 1,100 sq. miles.

Relief

The topography of the district is mainly dominated by low-lying plains with heightsbetween 50 and 250 feet.

Drainage System

The drainage system of the great and little scarcies rivers lie within the district.

Climate

The Kambia district has a mean annual rainfall of over 3000mm. The bulk of the rainfalls during the rainy season as in most parts of the country. Mean annualtemperatures lie between 25oC and 2OoC.

Vegetation and Soils

The district is covered mainly by low shrubs and grassland. In the proximity of thescarcies, mangrove swamps dominate but have been severely degraded to make wayfor rice cultivation.

Administration

The administrative headquarter is Kambia town. The provincial headquarters officeof the Kambia district is located on Makeni, Kambia district is divided into seven (7)chiefdoms.

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Socio-economic Activities

Kambia district is dominated by such activities as agriculture, fishing and hunting.Petty trading (commerce) is also an important economicactivity as the district lies onthe border with the Republic of Guinea. The district is a major producer of swamprice. Upland rice production is also important in the area.

This district was first attacked by the RUF and AFRC forces in 1995 and wassubsequently occupied by-these forces in 1999. This resulted in widespreaddisplacement of the civilian population, some of which fled to neighbouring Republicof Guinea. The district was under the RUF until May 2001 when a formal agreementwas reached paving the way for RUF's withdrawal from the district.

Presently the district is gradually coming under government control with the return ofa sizeable number of internally as well as externally displaced person. Commerciallyactivity has resumed and the government is in the process of restoring essentialservices in the area.

Community Infrastructural FacilitiesWith regards to educational facilities, school structures appear to be intact in thechiefdoms. In Kambia town itself, all schools were burnt down. Those remainingtheir structures need to be renovated as they have either cracked walls or damagedroofs. Other infrastructural facilities e.g. health, water and sanitation also need to berestored and rehabilitated.

3.2 The Social Structure Of The Project Area

The Social structures of the districts are similar, except for the Western Area. In thedistricts, there are chiefdoms each of which are ruled locally by chiefs representingthe various tribes in the chiefdom. The Paramount Chief is the overall local head ofthe chiefdom. The chiefdom councils are made up of Tribal Authorities (ChiefdomCouncillors), which are set up to administer the chiefdoms, and to advice theparamount chief, who in turn, coordinates with the district councils. Headmen headthe village while the Village Area Committees administer the villages. The smallestunit in the village is the household.

This social structure is important to take into account for the development ofenvironmental.rnanagement strategies.

4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE LEGAL, REGULATORY ANDADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORKS

4.1 Organisational Structure for Environmental Management at the NationalLevel

There is an overall institutional and legal framework for the management andprotection of our environment in the national context. The responsibility for themanagement and protection of the environment presently lies with the Department ofthe Environment of the Ministry of Lands, Country Planning Forestry and the

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Environment (MLCPFE). The political head of the Department of the Environment atpresent is the Minister of Lands, Country Planning, Forestry and the Environment(MLCPFE).

The administrative head is the Permanent Secretary who is responsible for co-ordinating the functions of the departments within the Ministry viz. department ofLand and Country Planning (DLCP), Department of Surveys and Lands (DSL)

Department of Forestry (DOF) and the Department of the Environment, (DOE). He isalso the Principal Adviser to the Minister and the Vote Controller of the Ministry'sbudget.

The Department of the Environment (DOE) has developed with World Bank Support,the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP). It is presented into two volumes.Volume I analyses the environmental issues in Sierra Leone and the recommendedinterventions. Volume 2 contains the investment proposals. A NationalEnvironmental Policy (NEP) has been prepared. The goals, objectives and strategiesof the (NEP) are outlined below:

Policy Goals:

The goal of the National Environmental Policy is to achieve sustainable developmentin Sierra Leone through sound environmental management.

Objectives:

* To secure for all Sierra Leoneans a quality of environment adequate for their

health and well-being;* To conserve and use the environment and natural resources for benefit of present

and future generations;* To restore, maintain and enhance the ecosystems and ecological processes

essential for the functioning of the biosphere; to preserve biological diversity andthe principle of optimum sustainable yield in the use of living natural resourcesand ecosystems;

* To raise public awareness and promote understanding of the essential linkagesbetween environment development and to encourage individual and communityparticipation in environmental improvement efforts.

Strategies:

The strategies will be pursued in order to achieve the policy goals and objectives:

(a) To establish and/or strengthen environmental protection standards, monitorchanges in, and publish relevant data on, environmental quality and resourceuse;

(b) To make prior environmental impact assessment (EIA) of proposed activitieswhich may significantly affect the environment or use of a natural resourceand to provide relevant information, in a timely manner, to persons likely to be

significantly affected by a planned activity and to grant them equal access anddue process in administrative and judicial proceedings;

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(c) To promote environmental management through the creation of administrativeand infrastructural support with appropriate financial backing;

(d) To co-operate in good faith with other countries and agencies to achieveoptimal use of transboundry natural resource.rand effective prevention orabatement of transboundry environmental protection.

The legal basis for the implementation of the NEAP and for EnvironmentalManagement and Protection in Sierra Leone is the Environmental Protection Act,2000.

The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 2000 empowers the EnvironmentalProtection Department to perform the following tasks amongst others:

* Screen projects for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

* Issuance of Environmental Impact Assessment Licences

* Formulate or promote the formulation of, and monitor theimplementation of environmental policies, programmes, projects,standards and regulations.

The EPA 2000 also provides for the establishment of an Environmental ProtectionBoard with the following functions:

(a) Facilitating coordination, cooperation and collaboration among governmentministries, local authorities and other agencies in areas of environmentalprotection;

(b) review national and sectoral policies and make such recommendations or proposalit make think necessary to the Minister

(c) review environmental impact assessments prepared pursuant to this Act and makeappropriate recommendations to the Director

(d) investigate or cause to be investigated, any activity, occurrence or transactionwhich it considers is likely to have or result in harmful consequences to theenvironment and advise on measures necessary to prevent or minimise suchconsequences;

(e) advise the Minister on areas of environmental protection and control requiringspecial or additional measures indicating the priorities and specific goals to beachieved; .,, I

(f) undertake or cause to be. undertaken specific studies and research aimed atdeveloping strategies for the protection of the environment and make appropriaterecommendations to the Minister; and

(g) Consider any other matters which may be referred to it by the Minister and makeappropriate recommendations or proposal thereon.

A number of government ministries also involve in environmental and managementand protection activity by virtue of their responsibilities.

The activities of these ministries are regulated by their various acts and determinedgenerally by their policies.

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At present, the following Ministries are in one way or another associated withmanagement issues pertaining to the environment of Sierra Leone.

* Ministry of Lands, Country Planning, Forestry and the Environment* Ministry of Transport, Communications* Ministry of Mineral Resources* Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security* Ministry of Marine Resources* Ministry of Tourism and Culture* Ministry of Works and Technical Maintenance* Ministry of Energy and Power* Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

At times, jurisdictional rights of these Ministries overlap. Thus, attempts should bemade to harmonise laws to simplify enforcement.

Ministry of Lands, Country Planning, Forestry and the Environment

At present, the Ministry of Lands, Country Planning, Forestry and the Environment ischarged with the responsibility of conserving and managing Sierra Leone's naturalenvironment. It is also responsible for addressing land acquisition and transfer, landownership and use, national development in a planning capacity and to provideadvisory services to the public on land matters also responsible for physical planningand management of the forestry resources.

Ministry of Transport and Communication

This Ministry is mandated to deal with issues related to transport on land, air and seaas well as local and international communications.

Ministry of Mineral Resources (MMR)

This Ministry is charged with the responsibility to supervise mining operations in thecountry. It issues licences for all mining operations, enforces laws and provisionscontained in the Mining Act and its amendments. It is responsible for enforcingprovisions in the new mining act relating to the rehabilitation of mined out areas. Themain institutional conflicts are; (I) the extent to which the Ministry has jurisdictionover marine areAs with respeQ to marine based mineral resources, offshore dredgingand its impact on marine resources and (2) the overlap of water quality monitoringwith the interest of the Ministry of Marine Resources.

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

This Ministry is mandated to develop agriculture and provide food security.

Ministry of Marine Resources

This Ministry is responsible for the exploitation and management of our marineresources.

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Ministry of Tourism and Culture

The responsibility to promote and develop the country's tourist industry lies with thisMinistry. It is also charged with the duty of protecting the country's heritage:monuments, cultural and historical sites.

Ministry of Works and Technical Maintenance

The duty of road construction and maintenance as well as public buildings lies withthis Ministry. It enhances the improvement of road networks by securing bilateral andmulti-lateral agreements with donors for funding.

Ministry of Energy and Power

The development of the energy sector and water supply are functions of the Ministry.It is expected to develop the energy resources and enhance current production to meetthe needs of the community as well as provide adequate facilities and maintenance ofexisting ones.

Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

This Ministry is responsible for educational activities and the development of Scienceand Technology countrywide.

The activities of these ministries are regulated by their various acts and determinedgenerally by their policies.

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

There are only a few non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Sierra Leone withinterests in environmental and resource management. Some of these are interested inthe natural conservation and monitoring of the country's wildlife and natural habitats.

4.2 Organisational Structure for Environment Management at the Local Level

At the local level, the environmental functions are carried out by provincial officers ofthe DOE of the MLCPFE through its Assistant Environmental Officers in theNorthern, Southern, Eastern Provinces, and an officer for the Western Area. It isenvisaged that these officers will be part of the area town planning committees setwithin Town Councils.

At present the main tasks of the Assistant Environmental Officers operating atprovincial levels basically include monitoring of environmental programmes andprojects, evaluation of environmental degradation and compilation of reports. Atpresent Town Councils, including the Freetown City Council (FCC) with statutorypowers as a Local Authority (LA) does not participate in any arrangement affectingenvironmental management in accordance with the National Environmental

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Protection Act, 2000. However, as the Act is implemented these Councils will startplaying pivotal roles. The City and Town councils however have environmental units/committees which focus mainly onrhealth and sanitation issues.

4.3 International Conventions

Sierra Leone is a signatory to a number of international conventions, treaties andprotocols.These conventions have 'components that border on pollution assessment andmonitoring procedures and guidelines.

The Department of Environment itself is the focal point for the Global EnvironmentFacility (GEF).The international protocols, treaties or conventions that have been ratified are given inthe annex.

4.4 The World Bank Social Safeguards and Policies

Operational Policies and Directives

The World Bank safeguards policies (WBSPs) cover ten (10) areas: EnvironmentalAssessment, Natural Habitats, Forestry, Safety of Dams, Pest Management, DisputedAreas, International Waterways, Indigenous Peoples, Involuntary Resettlement andCultural Property.

OP 4.01 Environment Assessment

Operational Policy (OP) 4.01 requires an Environmental Assessment be prepared byapplicants applying for World Bank financing to ensure that projects areenvironmentally and socially sound and sustainable. World Bank categorisespotentially funded projects as A, B, C, or F. The NaCSA project is considered asCategory B. Category B projects are those classified as likely to have some adverseeffects on the environment, but that can be mitigated. An Environment Assessment isneeded for such projects to examine potential negative and positive environmental andsocial impacts and recommend any measures needed to prevent, minimise, mitigate orcompensate for adverse impacts and improve environmental and social performance.

Similar to the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 2000, World Bankenvironmental assessments require the following information to address public andregulatory concerns regarding the project:

* Executive Summary;* Policy, legal, and administrative framework;* Project description;* Baseline data;* Environmental impacts;* Analysis of alternatives; and* Environmental Action Plan

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The NaCSA EA Project, which includes the Executive Summary, EA and MP, hasbeen developed to meet the above requirements and those of the EnvironmentalProtection Act, 2000.

OP 4.04 Natural Habitats

OP 4.04 Natural Habitats establishes a guideline to promote and support projects thatinvolve significant conversion or degradation of critical natural habitats. However,they do have the discretion to allow impacts to natural habitats if "there are nofeasible alternatives for the project and its siting, and comprehensive analysisdemonstrates that overall benefits from the project sustainability outweigh theenvironment costs". This EA has been prepared with due consideration of the NaturalHabitats policy.

OP 4.10 Indigenous Peoples

Operational Directive (OD) 4.10 describes the policies and processing procedures forprojects that affect indigenous peoples. The objective of this policy is to ensure thatindigenous people benefit from development projects and avoid or mitigatepotentially adverse effects on indigenous people caused by World Bank activities. Inmany cases, proper protection of the rights of indigenous people will require theimplementation of special project components that may lie outside the primaryproject's objectives.

In this directive, the World Bank states, "When the bulk of the direct projectbeneficiaries are indigenous people, the Bank's concerns would be addressed by theproject itself and the provisions of this OD would thus apply to the project in itsentirety". There are no groups in the project area that are separated or disadvantageddue to ethnicity. The local residents in the project vicinity are addressed by theproject itself in this EA.

OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement

OP 4.12 seeks to avoid displacing persons where feasible or minimising displacementby exploring all viable alternative designs. The World Bank requires that whenresettlement is unavoidable, a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) be developed toensure that displaced persons are provided with sufficient resources. These resourcesinclude compensation for losses at full replacement cost prior to the actual move,support throughl the transitionperiod in the resettlement, and assistance in improvingtheir former living standards, income earning capacity and production levels.

The World Bank requires the encouragement of community participation whenplanning and implementing resettlement. In addition, displaced persons should beintegrated socially and economically into host communities so that adverse impacts onhost communities are minimised. A Resettlement Policy Framework as an initialattempt to address this policy.

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OP 4.36 Forestry

OP 4.36 policy aims to reduce deforestation, enhance the environmental contributionof forested areas, promote reforestation, reduce povei3y and encourage economicdevelopment. While there are limited forest resources beyond secondary re-growth inthe project area, this EA has been developed with due consideration of this policy.

OP 4.37 Safety of Dams

OP 4.37 policy establishes requirements for new and existing dams. The owner takesfull responsibility for the safety of the dams, dam safety measures, construction,operation and maintenance of the dam and associated works. For large dams over 15meters in height or dams between 10 to 15 meters that present special designcomplexities, a review of the dam design and construction is required by independentexperts along with the preparation of detailed plans, pre-qualification of biddersduring procurement, and periodic safety inspections. For small dams, which isnormally less than 15 meters generic dam safety measures designed by a qualifiedengineer are usually adequate.

OP 4.09 Pest Management

OP 4.09 policy is designed to ensure the effective management of pests that affecteither agriculture or public health through the promotion of strategies that makes useof biological and environmental control methods to reduce reliance on syntheticchemical pesticides. Where environmental methods alone are not effective, the Bankmay finance the use of pesticides for control of disease vectors and when their use isjustified under an IPM approach. With respect to the classification of pesticides andtheir specific formulations, the Bank refers to the World Health Organization'srecommended guidelines that ensures negligible adverse human health effects,minimal effect on non-target species and the natural environment, whilst beingeffective against the target species and prevent the development of resistance in pests.

The Bank requires that the capacity of the country's regulatory framework andinstitutions to promote and support safe, effective and environmentally sound pestmanagement is stalwart. In this directive, the policy states that "any pesticide theBank finances must be manufactured, packaged, labelled, handled, stored, disposedof, and applied according to standards acceptable to the Bank. The Bank will notfinance formulated products that fall in WHO classes IA and IB, or formulations ofproducts in Clad 11, if (a) thecountry lacks restrictions on their distribution and use;or (b) they are likely to be used by, or be accessible to, lay personnel, farmers, orothers without training, equipment, and facilities to handle, store, and apply theseproducts properly."

OPN 11.03 Cultural Property

OPN 11.03 policy was developed for the protection of artifacts left by humaninhabitants such as middens, shrines, battlegrounds, and unique environmentalfeatures. The World Bank generally assists in the preservation of these culturalproperties and normally declines projects that will significantly damage non-replicable properties. The management of cultural property is the responsibility of the

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government. The World Bank staff is required to determine what is known about thecultural property aspects of the project site. It there are any questions concerningcultural property in the area, a brief reconnaissance survey should be undertaken inthe field by a specialist. The government, appropriate agencies, NGOs or universitydepartment should be consulted if questions arise about cultural property.

4.5 Synergy Between World Bank Safeguards and Policies and the CurrentEA Study

With regards to the current study, the relevant area of the WBSPs is theEnvironmental Assessment (OP 4.01).Under Annex B of the above document, which lists the content of an EnvironmentalAssessment Report for a category A project, provision is also made for anEnvironmental Action Plan (EAP)Details of this EAP (annex C ) provides formitigation and monitoring. The Environment Protection Act (EPA) 2000 alsoprovides guidelines for carrying out Environmental Assessment (EA) which containelements similar to those of the contents of the present EA and is therefore inaccordance with the World Bank EA guidelines.

The National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) also covers activities related tomitigation measures, monitoring and Institutional strengthening. The mitigation andmonitoring plans for this current EA study is provided in the annexes.

The World Bank's safeguard Policies (WBSPs) particularly those on EnvironmentalAssessment (OP 4.0) and Involuntary Resettlement (OP 4.12) provide for anactivation of a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) where a project would necessitate thedisplacement and subsequent relocation of people. However, the social structure ofchiefdoms as described earlier, does not allow for the forceful removal of people, asland given for the proposed NaCSA project was done according to establishedprocedures of community consultation, particularly with the Paramount Chiefs andother beneficiaries. Therefore, the beneficiaries of this project would be included inall stages of the planning and implementation process in order to ensure "ownership"and sustainability in the long term in accordance with the World Bank Group Policy.

The proposed project apart from possible new construction mainly involvesrehabilitation of community infrastructure. Therefore remediation of existingenvironmental problems may be more important than mitigation and monitoring ofexpected impacts. Thus the management plan focuses on cost effective measures toremedy and mainage these problems in the case of rehabilitation and upgrading.

The present project does not foresee relocation as an issue and thus the question ofresettlement does not arise. However in any case, a resettlement policy framework hasbeen prepared as a precaution for projects that might require relocation.

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5.0 METHODOLOGY AND TECHNIQUES USED IN ASSESSING ANDANALYZING THE IMPACTS

Sampling

According to project documents, two stages were involved based on the followingclusters: -

Stage 1 - Districts

The first stage of stratification - several districts under the project influence waspurposefully and very specifically pre-selected by NaSCA and agreed upon with theWorld Bank.

These are:* Moyamba district* Kono District* Kailahun District* Bombali District* Koinadugu District* Kambia District

The districts of the Eastern Province (Kono, Kailahun) according to various reports,were the most affected in terms of damage to infrastructure and the environment.Kambia, in the North, also suffered significantly, as well as Moyamba in the South.Bombali and Koinadugu in the North were also damaged but to a lesser extent..

Stage 2 - Chiefdoms

This stage involved the villages/settlements (three in each of the above districts) inareas of project influence.

Both primary and secondary data were collected.

The secondary data was collected from various Governmental and Non-Governmentalagencies and other organisations.The primary data collection was undertaken primarily to provide field data to enablethe consultantsito fulfil ihe objective of the project. Secondly, it was used to crosscheck some of the information gathered from secondary sources.

The information collected was used to assess the potential environmental and socialimpacts of the components of rehabilitation activities.

Environmental Analysis

The environmental analysis covered the issues as provided in the Draft-Termsof Reference (DTOF).

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Data collection

Both primary and secondary'data were collected.

Primary data

Site visits

Visits to a sample of sites were conducted. Structured questionnaires wereadministered. The information was related to the following issues:-Another purpose of the visits was to assess the suitability of the land in termsof topography for infrastructure (building) construction, proximity to forestreserves, protected wildlife as well as to monuments and sites of cultural andhistoric significance. The visits were also made to ascertain whether or not thesites were occupied by squatters or whether the previous landuse patterns havechanged.

* Assessment of potential environmental and social impacts of rehabilitationactivities in the rural areas, including the potential impacts due to theestablishment of community infrastructure.

* Assessment of the environmental and social impacts of increasedprovisions of water supply and sanitation facilities.

* Assessment of the need for liquid and solid waste collection, disposal andmanagement.

* Assessment of potential environmental and social impacts of agriculturalinputs

* Assessment of the existing capacity to implement and manage plans underthe proposed project.

Interviews:

Interviews at various levels were conducted with the help of the structuredquestionnaires. The information sought were related to the following issues:

* Assessment of potential and actual environmental impacts of shelter and HousingRehabilitation Program in "Newly Accessible Areas".

* Assessment of the pptential and actual social impacts of Community DemandDriven Initiatives (agriculture, rehabilitation of markets, small-scale irrigationfacilities, rehabilitation orfschools, rural health clinics/posts; vocational skillcentres, provision of water and sanitation) and support to functional literacyprograms.

* Assessment of the existing capacity of NaCSA to implement a resettlement planunder the proposed project.

* Identification of alternatives that may pose less environmental and social damagethat the one(s) proposed under the project

* Identification of capacity building needs in order to recommend actions tostrengthen NaCSA and its partners for sustained environmental and socialcompliance monitoring.

* Preparation of appropriate environmental and social management plans.

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Secondary Data

Desktop research and visits

Information on previous related assessments was collected from varioussources/institutions to complement the present assessment.

The information sought were related to the following:-

* Biophysical characteristics of the environment in the rural area covered by theproject

* Review of the social legislation with regard to resettlement* Review the national environmental policies, legislation, regulatory and

administrative frameworks in conjunction with the WB's safeguard policies.* Review of community driven initiatives in Sierra Leone(donor and

government funded)* Review of the authority and capability of institutions at local or provincial /

regional and national levels to implement, manage and monitor plans in theenvironmental and social assessments.

6.0 CONSULTATIONS

The steps undertaken for an environmental assessment of the proposed project are inaccordance with those proposed in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for EnvironmentalAssessment in Schedule 2 of the Environment Protection Act 2000 as well as in theTerms of Reference (TOR) for the present Environmental Assessment (EA). Inpreparing the Environmental Management Plan consultations with stakeholders wasan important activity.The team visited the following districts: Moyamba, Bombali and Kenema. Theprincipal aim of the visit was to assess the possible potential negative impacts of the

Project in these districts. The team held meetings with the Paramount Chiefs and crosssections of the various communities. The team also visited the proposed sites for theproject.

The purpose of the meetings were:

1. To acquaint the people with details of the project2. To educate them about environmental concerns of the project3. To seek information on potential negative environmental and social impacts of

the projects on the communities4. To assess the environmental challenges facing the various communities.5. To assess the possible occurrence and resurgence of pests and diseases in the

agricultural activities under the project.6. To assess the capacity at the local and regional levels to implement

environmental mitigation and management plans.7. To seek information on the possibility of involuntary displacement of people

due to the project, with a view to preparing a Resettlement Policy Framework(RPF).

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6.1 Consultations With Affected People

The following groups were consulted: community- leaders and governmentauthorities, population centres (villages, towns), special interest groups (NGOs,CBOs, ADAs), etc.The mechanisms of consultation included: public meetings, personal discussions, andadministration of questionnaires.

The NaCSA regional officers facilitated consultations with communities in theirvarious regions. Minutes of the consultative workshops/meetings are annexed.

6.1.1 Perceptions Of The People About The Environmental Problems That AreAssociated With The Proiect.

Community Infrastructure which include health facilities, schools, water supplysystems, roads, market places, security posts, court barries and other administrativestructures have been in Moyamba, Kono, Koinadugu Kambia and Bombali Districtssince the period after independence. The sites where these facilities were locatedwere initially acquired by various Ministries of government. However destruction ofthese facilities were widespread during the ten-year civil war. During the meetingswith various communities in the districts visited the people expressed the desire to seean early start to the project. They stressed the importance of communityinfrastructure and agricultural development as major ingredients for the improvementof their livelihoods.Analysis of responses shows that the people were enthusiastic about the project andwere anxious for it to start.The people met, expressed their determination to see their environment improve interms of the restoration of water and sanitation facilities.

On the issue of possible occurrence or resurgence of pests and diseases due to inputsinto agriculture, the people were of the view that any such occurrence or resurgencecan be handled as they have some experience in dealing with such issues. In any case,the desire for food production appears to be the overriding issue according to many ofthose interviewed.

Analysis of responses to the administered questionnaires showed that an appreciablenumber of those intervietved in the various districts expressed the desire to see thestrengthening of their local capacities to handle environment mitigation plans andactivities.

The perception on environmental impacts of the project amongst those interviewedvaried slightly. The majority view seems to be that the project poses little or no threatto the environment. There were those who agreed that some degree of environmentaldegradation is associated with the project. However, they were of the view that theseimpacts are manageable as no new land will be acquired.

On the issue of environmental management it is the view of the people, that suchmitigation activities as tree planting be community based.

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They expressed the desire to see socio-economic development go hand in hand with environmental

management.

6.2.1 Consultations With NaCSA Officials

The consultants also held discussions with key NaCSA officials both at the National

and Regional levels in order to obtain information pertaining to project sites,management structure, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and training needs.

The discussions revealed that the projects were to be community driven and thereforeproject sites have been chosen in such a way, as to avoid any involuntarydisplacement of people, social resource and land use conflicts and to ensurecompliance with traditional and cultural criteria and regulations.NaCSA being a commission has a well-established management structure, which

oversees the implementation of these projects with adequate mechanisms formonitoring and evaluation.

7.0 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL NEGATIVE AND POSITIVEENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF THEPROJECT

A number of districts and sample sites selected for the rehabilitation of communityinfrastructures were visited. to assess the potential negative environmental impacts of

the project on human health, land resources, water and air quality, protected wildlifeand forest reserves, monuments and sites of cultural and historic significance.

Below is a discussion on the potential negative environmental impacts of the project.

7.1 Impacts Of Shelter And Housing Rehabilitation Program In "NewlvAccessible Areas".

This component would provide marching grants for imported building materials to beused for individual shelter construction and rehabilitation by mainly internallydisplaced groups, returning, refugees and female headed households.This project will mainly cover areas in which NaCSA has not intervened includingareas in the north of Sierra Leone, which have been brought under control of the

GOSL followirqg the May 14, 2002 General Elections and parts of the east and south

of the country and "pockets" tn the Western Area.

The shelter and housing rehabilitation activities will be confined to villages and townsthat were destroyed during the ten- (10) years of civil war. It is envisaged that road

networks will also be rehabilitated for the resumption of transportation to those areas

and communities that will be rehabilitated.

Landuse requirements for this project will include land that was formerly available to

the original sites where the communities/villages where located and probably "new

areas" for vulnerable groups (amputees, disabled, etc) as envisaged by the project.

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The EA has identified a number of negative and positive environmental impacts ofthis component of the project on human health and the biophysical environment in thedifferent districts.

7.1.1 Impacts on Human Health and Human Made Environment

Rehabilitation of shelter poses some threats to human health and safety as a result ofit's potential negative environmental impacts on land, air and water resources. Thesethreats are associated with disposal of construction waste, litter and pools of water inburrow pits. If not properly and quickly disposed of, construction wastes and litter canattract flies, cockroaches etc. which may carry and eventually transmit diseases.Burrow pits can serve as receptacle for water and litter and provide breeding groundsfor mosquitoes and other disease vectors and can cause injuries to people.The impact on public health (e.g. respiratory, ailments, water contamination, noisepollution) is expected to be minimal, temporary and localised..

The social impacts on the development of nearby communities are mainly related tocultural and socio-economic activities. The returnees and internally displaced areexpected to restore family units, restore cultural ties and fabrics, and will not generateconflicts (e.g. compulsory acquisition of property and or displacement of nearbycommunities). The site visits revealed that the communities to be rehabilitated arebeing rehabilitated with their social administrative structures.

7.1.2 Impact On Land

Shelter rehabilitation like rehabilitation of other community structures can generatewastes and create burrow pits that can impair the aesthetic quality of the land if notquickly cleared or burrow pits are not covered.Shelter rehabilitation/construction is also likely to be accompanied by land clearing(where rehabilitation/construction takes place on vegetated land), loss of biodiversity,pollution, loss of agricultural land and topographic modification.

Community infrastructure rehabilitation will be done on sites previously occupied inboth the previously and newly accessible areas. The type of land to be affected by theproject has been carefully selected in conformity with the national and districtdevelopment plans and does not belong to the category of land considered unsuitablefor community, infrastructure development. The project is expected to have minimalimpact on deforestation, loss of biodiversity and agricultural land topography as wellas on pollution of the land.

Deforestation:

This is one of the most common environmental problems associated with building andconstruction. Deforestation is associated with loss of biodiversity and soil fertility. Itenhances erosion and affects evapo-transpiration processes and watershedhydrological regimes. Deforestation can also affect or alter the microclimate regime.

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Loss of biodiversity:

The possible impact of the project 6n biodiversity is mainly related to deforestationand physical landscaping and may be restricted- to only the areas ofrehabilitation/construction.

Pollution:

The project is likely to cause-pollution of the environment in terms of noise associatedwith rehabilitation/construction works. Pollution can also be caused as a result of theabandoning and poor disposal of paint materials. Dust associated with earthpreparation for foundation of building can impair the quality of air aroundconstruction sites.

Loss of agricultural land:

Agriculture is the dominant economic activity in the rural areas covered by the E.A.The agricultural activities are mostly food and cash crop production. Livestockrearing was at a very low ebb at the time of the assessment. The main food cropgrown in the EA areas are rice (upland and swamp), groundnuts, sweet potatoes,cassava and other assorted vegetables.The project will however not cause loss of agricultural land, as new land will not betaken.

Creation of open pits:

Open pits are often associated with rehabilitation/construction sites. These pits arecreated during landscaping for laying of building foundation, construction of toiletsand water delivery and storage facilities. If not well protected, these pits can posethreats to lives, can cause injuries, serve as rubbish dumps as well as mosquitobreeding sites if left to collect water.

Impact on topography (Land stripping):

The rehabilitation of community infrastructure would require the clearing of landcover and land stripping. The establishment of foundation for the buildings wouldrequire earth removal and soil modification. The topography of the selected areas isrelatively flat a,nd landstaping activities will not significantly interfere with theaesthetic quality of the land. The environmental issues relating to land stripping arerelated to land cover change, dust pollution and noise amongst others.

7.1.3 Impact On Water Resources

Rehabilitation activities would require water for mortar mixing, bathing, laundering,drinking etc. The clearing and preparation of the land will increase river and streamsediment loading through soil erosion and transported sediments (dusts). Noise willalso become an issue at the construction sites. The release of sediments into streamsand rivers will have an impact on ecosystems such as mangroves. In any case, thisproject component is not expected to have any significant effect on surrounding waterresources as the wastes to be generated will not include toxic materials. Construction

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wastes are mainly solid in nature (pieces of wood, bricks, nails, corrugated iron sheetsetc.) which are normally disposed off at designated disposal sites.

7.1.4 Impact On Air

The above-mentioned impacts of rehabilitation/building and construction on land haveimplications for air quality.

When the land cover is removed i.e. forests or vegetation is cleared for buildingpurposes, the soil is exposed to the direct effects of wind. Thus, dust particles can beeasily raised and carried about in the air causing short-term respiratory problems forboth plants and animals. Land stripping produces a similar effect on air quality of thesurrounding by causing dusty conditions particularly during the dry season.

Land preparation is a major activity in all aspects of rehabilitation/constructionprojects. It is often accompanied by emissions of dust particles and fumes (mainlyfrom rock breaking activities) into the atmosphere. The impacts of these pollutants onair quality are usually low and gradually reduce as construction activity progresses.

7.1.5 Impact On Flora And Fauna

According to the site surveys, the selected sites are covered by low shrubs and grasswith little or no medicinal value. There are no critical habitats at the identified/-selected sites as well as forest reserves. The fauna include small insects and rodentsand the project is not likely to have any appreciable impact on them, Significantdeforestation and therefore wide spread disruption of ecosystem is not envisaged.

7.1.6 Impact On Protected Wildlife Areas And Forest Reserves

The selected sites for housing and shelter construction do not lie on or close toprotected wildlife areas and forest reserves and therefore the project is not expected tohave any negative impact on these assets.

7.1.7 Impact On Monuments And Sites Of Cultural AndHistoric Significance

The project sites have been selected in consultation with the local (chiefdom, village)authorities arid.), accord'ance with the national and district development plans. Thesites plans reveal that the project will not infringe on monuments and sites of culturaland historic significance.

7.2 Potential Negative Environmental Impacts Of Agricultural Inputs

Agricultural Inputs:

It is expected that the project will support productive investments in terms ofagricultural inputs for these target beneficiaries in the form of crop seedlings tofarmers, tree nurseries, fruit trees, and peripherals such as water hoses, watering cans,garden lines, hoes, cutlasses and so on. The project is clear on the fact that pesticideswill not be provided as agricultural input.

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Most of the target beneficiaries are internally displaced people, refugees fromneighbouring countries, (mostly w6men and children). Most of these people aretraditionally farmers who practised the shifting cultivation and rotational bush fallowsystem. The common practice in both systems is a period of cropping, during whichthe nutrient reserves of the soils are exploited, followed by a period of fallow duringwhich the nutrient reserves are again mobilised .

The crops grown by these people include, sorguhn, corn, cassava, yam, andgroundnuts. Fruit trees include banana, plantains, citrus fruits (orages, grapes, andlime), Palm trees, coconuts trees, piassava, ginger etc.The instruments used are crude forms of tools such as cutlasses, hoes, and rakes, toclear the land, turn the soil and remove the grass.

Preparations of the land for agriculture involves land clearing therefore theenvironmental impacts are quite varied. These can include the following a) Impact onpublic health and safety b) Impact on flora and fauna c) Impact on land d) Impacton water resources e) Impact on Air Quality f) other direct and secondary Impacts.

7.2.1 Impact On Health And Safety

Agricultural activities can negatively affect human health and safety as a result ofingestion of poison due to improper treatment and handling of chemicals. Stagnantwater pools often associated with small-scale gardening can create breeding groundsfor disease vectors. The use of pesticides for crop protection can also pose a threat tohuman health if accumulated in soil and drinking water.

The development of agriculture as a result of inputs by the project may likely cause anoccurrence and resurgence of pests and diseases in areas of project coverage.

The Malaria Control Programme of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation providesbasic sanitation tools to various communities and malathion (insecticide) is used tospray breeding sites of mosquitoes.There is also an ongoing Onchocerciasis programme aimed at eradicating this diseasecountrywide.

However, if there are any signs or indications of an occurrence or resurgence of pestsand diseases relating to irttensification of agricultural activities, a brief reconnaissancesurvey should be undertaken in.the field by a specialist. Also, the Pest Control Unitof the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security should be consulted to tackle anyissue on pest control. With regards to diseases control, the Ministry of Health andSanitation should be brought on board.

7.2.3 Impact On Land

Agricultural activities affect basically the area and type of land. If the terrain is hillyas in the case of upland rice cultivation, then the environmental concerns relate to soilerosion and downslope siltation and increase in the sediment load of streams if presentin such areas.

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The potential negative impact on the upland can be different from that of the impacton a coastal strip of land. For instance, swamp rice farming can create the threat ofdevelopment of acid-sulphate soils as well as increasing the risk of salt water intrusioninland.

7.2.4 Impact On Water Resource

Agricultural practices often require water for irrigation. The potential negativeimpacts on water resourcerelate to reduction of stream/river runoff associated withthe construction of irrigation facilities. Use of pesticides in crop protection can leadto their accumulation in water bodies thus reducing the quality of water nearbystreams and rivers.

7.2.5 Impact on Air Quality

Soil preparation is an important aspect in agriculture. The usual practice of slash andbum can inject dust and other particulates into the atmosphere. Aerial spraying ofchemical although not envisaged can impair air quality with ultimate humanconsequences for human health.

7.2.2 Impact on Flora and Fauna

Agricultural activities often involve land clearing and therefore encroachment intoareas supporting critical habitats or significant biodiversity. They may even causedamage to terrestrial wildlife habitats biological resources or ecosystems as well asinterfering with migratory routes. Other potential negative impacts may involve thefragmentation or isolation of habitats and plant and animal species.

7.2.3 Impact on Protected Wildlife Areas and Forest Reserves

The selected sites for agricultural activities do not lie on or close to protected wildlifeareas and forest reserves and therefore the project is not expected to have any negativeimpact on these assets.

7.2.4 Impact on Monuments and Sites of Cultural and Historic Significance

The project sites have been selected in accordance with the national and districtdevelopment 'pl4ns. Con'sultations reveal that agricultural aspects of the project willnot infringe on monuments and sites of cultural and historic significance.

7.3 The Potential Negative Environmental Impacts of the Rehabilitation ofCommunity Infrastructure (Provision of Markets, Court Barries, Schools,Rural Clinics and Security Posts).

The potential negative environmental impacts of the rehabilitation of communityinfrastructure (markets, court barries, schools, rural clinics and security posts etc.) arevaried and site specific. Below is a discussion of these impacts on human health,land , water and air quality as well as on flora and fauna, potential wildlife areas andforest reserves and on monuments and sites of cultural and historic significance.

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7.3.1 Impacts on Human Health and Human Made Environment

The impact on public health (e.g. respiratory, ailments, water contamination, noisepollution) are associated with land preparation and include landuse required fordisposing of wastes.

It is expected that the NSAP of NaCSA will support the rehabilitation of health postsand clinics. Hospital/clinical wastes are also expected to be generated from theserural clinics. A waste management plan has been developed by MOHS and NaCSAwill relate to MOHS with regards to the management of such wastes.

Small irrigation facilities could result in unforeseen health impacts from agriculturalrunoff into canals and streams, growth of aquatic weeds, expansion of snailpopulations and outbreaks of schistosomiasis (snails being a vector of this disease)

The impacts on the development of nearby communities may include increase incommercial and cultural activities. The returnees and internally displaced areexpected to restore family units, restore cultural ties and fabrics. These activities willnot generate conflicts (e.g. compulsory acquisition of property and or displacement ofnearby communities). The site visits revealed that the communities to be rehabilitatedare being rehabilitated with their social administrative structures.

7.3.2 Impact on Land

Community infrastructure rehabilitation as well as the provision of water andsanitation will be done on sites previously occupied such structures in both thepreviously and newly accessible areas. The type of land to be affected by the projecthas been carefully selected in conformity with the national and district developmentplans and does not belong to the category of land considered unsuitable forcommunity infrastructure development.The project is expected to have minimalimpact on deforestation,loss of biodiversity and agricultural land topography as wellas on pollution of the land.

Deforestation

This is one of the most common environmental problems associated with building andconstruction. Deforestation is associated with loss of biodiversity and soil fertility. Itenhances er6sQn and' affects evapo-transpiration processes and watershedhydrological regimes. Deforestation can also affect or alter the microclimate regime.Bush sticks may be required for scaffolding and support during rehabilitation ofshelter and other community infrastructure.Loss of biodiversity

The possible impact of the project on biodiversity is mainly related to deforestationand physical landscaping and may be restricted to only the areas of construction

Pollution

The project is not likely to cause pollution of the environment in terms of noiseassociated with construction works. Pollution may also be caused as a result of the

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abandoning and poor disposal of litter. Dust associated with earth preparation forfoundation of building can impair the quality of air around construction sites.

Loss of agricultural land

Agriculture is the dominant economic activity in the rural areas covered by the E.A.The agricultural activities are mostly food and cash crop production. Livestockrearing was at very low ebb at the time of the assessment. The main food crop grownin the EA areas are rice (upland swamp), groundnuts, sweet potatoes, cassava andother assorted vegetables.Even though disarmament in the region has just been concluded. The project willhowever not cause loss of agricultural land, as new land will not be taken.

Creation of open pits

Open pits are often associated with rehabilitation/construction sites. These pits arecreated during landscaping for laying of building foundation, construction of toiletsand water delivering and storage facilities.

If not well protected, these pits can pose threats to lives, can cause injuries and canalso inadvertently serve as rubbish dumps as well as mosquito breeding sites if left tocollect water.

Impact on topography (Lands tripping)

The rehabilitation of community infrastructure would require the clearing of landcover and land stripping. The establishment of foundation for the buildings wouldrequire earth removal and soil modification. The topography of the selected areas isrelatively flat and land scapping activities will not significantly interfere with theaesthetic quality of the land. The environmental issues relating to land stripping arerelated to land cover change, dust pollution and noise amongst others.

7.3.3 Impact on Water Resources

Rehabilitation activities would require water for mortar mixing, bathing, laundering,drinking etc. The clearing and preparation of the land will increase river and streamsediment loadings through soil erosion and transported sediments (dusts). Noise willalso become an.issue at the construction sites. The release of sediments into streamsand rivers will have an impast on ecosystems such as mangroves.In any case, thisproject component is not expected to have any significant effect on surrounding waterresources as the wastes to be generated will not include toxic materials. Constructionwastes are mainly solid in nature (pieces of wood, bricks, nails, corrugated iron sheetsetc.) which are normally disposed off in accordance with national waste managementprocedures.

7.3.4 Impact on Air

The above-mentioned impacts of rehabilitation/building and construction on land haveimplications for air quality.

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When the land cover is removed i.e. forests or vegetation is cleared for buildingpurposes, the soil is exposed to the direct effects of wind. Thus, dust particles can beeasily raised and carried about in tlie air causing short-term respiratory problems forboth plants and animals. Land stripping produces a similar effect on air quality of thesurrounding by causing dusty conditions.

Land preparation is a major activity in all aspects of rehabilitation/constructionprojects. It is often accompanied by emissions of dust particles and fumes (mainlyfrom rock breaking activities ) into the atmosphere. The impacts of these pollutants onair quality are usually low and gradually reduce as construction activities progresses.

7.3.5 Impact on Flora and Fauna

According to the site surveys, the selected sites are covered by low shrubs and grasswith little or no medicinal value.There are no critical habitats at the identified/selected sites as well as forest reserves.The fauna include small insects and rodentsand the project is not likely to have any appreciable impact on them, Significantdeforestation and therefore wide spread disruption of ecosystem is not envisaged.

7.3.6 Impact on Protected Wildlife Areas and Forest Reserves

The selected sites for housing and shelter construction do not lie on or close toprotected wildlife areas and forest reserves and therefore the project is not expected tohave any negative impact on these assets.

7.3.7 Impact on Monuments and Sites of Cultural and Historic Significance

The project sites have been selected in accordance with the national and districtdevelopment plans. The sites plans reveal that the project will not infringe onmonuments and sites of cultural and historic significance.

7.4 Potential Negative Environmental Impacts of Small-Scale IrrigationFacilities

At present there are no major irrigation schemes in the country due to high costs ofdevelopment and lack of government policy to encourage the system. There werehowever few minor scheme that does not store any appreciable amount of water. Thewar however'd,troyed these schemes. Recently in the Koinadugu district as well asin the Western Area, simple gtavity-fed systems have been developed.

It is expected that the project will not fund major irrigation schemes, which areassociated with large-scale river diversion, flooding etc. The environmental impactsof small simple schemes are manageable. Such impacts are discussed below.

The Project Appraisal Document (PAD) makes provision for small-scale irrigationfacilities to rural communities. The negative potential environmental impacts ofirrigation facilities depend on the size of the facility, its technical details and the scaleof irrigation activities involved.

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For small irrigation facilities, the potential negative environmental impact isassociated with the creation of a small pool of water in the reservoir from where thewater is pumped. This pool of water can act as a breeding ground for mosquitoes ifnot properly managed. Another impact relates to- stream damming. Partialtransmission pipes or hoses to the reservoir, which is often small. Such dams havevery little effect on stream flow during the rainy season. However, during the dryseason when the volume of stream flow is low, sediments can accumulate in the damsand therefore may interfere with the stream sediment transport dynamics

7.5 The Social Impacts Of The Project (Community Driven Initiatives)

Project components I and 2 would involve support for social infrastructures such asshelter and housing, rural clinics, schools and vocational training centres, markets,inputs into agriculture and small-scale irrigation facilities. A discussion of the socialimpacts of this support is given below.

The rehabilitation of community infrastructure including shelter facilities as well asinputs into agriculture will generally improve the livelihood of the targetbeneficiaries, quality of their lives, health, education, security, increase socio-economic activity, and reduce trauma, Poverty, the spread of HIV/AIDS and teenagepregnancy amongst others.

Inputs into agriculture would likely be to raise agricultural production andproductivity; increase and ensure food security, and provide means of income andlivelihood, particularly for IDPs, returnees and refugees.

It may also cause agricultural land expansion (increased land take) and intensification(increased yields/ha, use of high yielding varieties, increased pesticide andagrochemical u se, misuse and abuse.

7.5.1 Impact on Involuntary Resettlement

A selected number of site visits, which discussions with stakeholders were importantactivities in the assessment of the social impacts of the project. The main issuesraised related to involuntary settlement associated with returnees, possible acquisitionof new land for shelter construction and squatters. Other issues related to theimprovement of the quality of life associated with the provision of social facilitiesviz.: schools, health cliniCs, markets, agricultural inputs etc.

Discussion and interviews with the NaCSA project committee and other stakeholdersrevealed, that resettlement of the people will be voluntary as they will be returning totheir original villages, in accordance with government's national resettlement strategy.

Sites visits to a number of the villages to where the people will be returning revealed,that other people have not taken up residence in these villages after the originaloccupants had left. In places were such illegal occupation has occurred, (for instance,in the Kailahun district), resettlement issues are handled under the provision of theWorld Bank's resettlement policy as described in OP 4.12.

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Where acquisition of new land is inevitable, e.g. for disadvantaged, vulnerable groups(amputees, disabled etc.) a resettlement Policy Framework has been annexed as partof this EA. It was found out, that with the return of law and order, government andlocal authority, the returning population is returning to their original homes. Also nosquatters were found on the sites visited and this situation appears to be common to allthe other villages according to reports from various other agencies.

From discussions with the relevant authorities, the returning population may need torehabilitate their destroyed homes, which obviously will entail rehabilitation.However, the rehabilitation of homes will not entail the acquisition of new land. Incase where new land will be required for the construction of new homes, this will notinvolve any involuntary resettlement of people and that no serious environmentalimpact resulting from construction activities is envisaged.

However, some activities of the project may result in some form of physicaldisplacements and involuntary taking of land. In such cases the procedure for landtake from communities at chiefdom and village levels where communal landownership is the dominant form of tenure, will be followed. Under suchcircumstances, compensation, payment and provisions of the Resettlement PolicyFramework (RPF) for involuntary resettlement will apply.

7.5.2 Impact on Potential Agricultural Land

Traditional agricultural practices are associated with shifting cultivation and bushfallow systems.The rehabilitation of community infrastructure is likely to affect potential agriculturalland as much of the farming is at the subsistence level and any decrease in cropProduction per capita (i.e. due to decreased fallow periods and smaller farm plots)will have a direct impact on the local economy.

7.5.3 Impact on local economy

The majority of the people we spoke to were eager to see the implementation of theproject as they are of the view that the project was well conceived and will immenselycontribute to the improvement of the quality of their lives and alleviate poverty intheir area.

In the short term, the influx of job seekers may bring some problems to the local sites,as there will be ttompetition fQr limited jobs. The areas to which these workers willmove are those villages or location close to the construction sites, which suffereddestruction during the rebel war. This will put pressure on the already limited foodsupply and social services. NaCSA will work with local authorities to address theseproblems and identify possible solutions. To support the overall development of theproject areas NaCSA will establish working relationships with relevant ministries anddevelopment partners to attract development support.

7.5.4 Impact on Health and Sanitation

Very poor sanitary conditions exists in the chiefdoms covered by the EA in thevarious districts These result from unhealthy living conditions as well as inadequate

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refuse and sewage disposal facilities and methods. The chiefdoms visited lack safesources of drinking water as well as such basic sanitation facilities as pit latrines asover 50% of these latrines were conpletely destroyed during the civil conflict.Inhabitants occasionally use village streams and the near.by bush as toilet and forsewage disposal. .

An important social impact of the project will be increased provision of water supplyand sanitation facilities which would help in the reduction of diseases like malaria,diarrhoea, dysentery, bilharzias, lassa fever, measles, polio, etc

8.0 MANAGING THE NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIALIMPACTS OF COMMUNITY-BASED DEMAND DRIVENINITIATIVES.

8.1 Mitigating Measures For Shelter And Housing Rehabilitation

The various activities associated with community based demand driven initiativessuch as rehabilitation of community infrastructure, are likely to degrade theenvironment and to produce wastes that should be managed in such a manner so asnot to impair the quality of the environment. Issues of environmental concern relate tothe disposal of wastes and protection and management of the environment. It isexpected that the wastes generated by these activities should be disposed of in such amanner, that they would pose little or no threat to the environment. The potentialnegative environmental impacts of these activities include pollution of the land, waterresources and the air.

8.1.1 Mitigating Measures for the Impacts on Human Health and Human MadeEnvironment

The potential negative impacts on human health and human made environment havebeen discussed earlier. They include amongst others, the possible increase inrespiratory disorders, ailments, and water-bome diseases. However, these impacts canbe mitigated by properly disposing of wastes for example, by implementing theSHARP and its Waste Management Plan (WMP), land degradation control programs,water pollution control programs, air pollution control programs (see annex),andthrough public education.

8.1.2 Mitigating Measures for the Impacts on Land

The mitigating measures identified to reduce the negative environmental impacts ofthe project on land are discussed below although the project is expected to haveminimal impact on deforestation, loss of biodiversity and agricultural landtopography. As well as on pollution of the land.

Mitigating Measures for Deforestation

This is one of the most common environmental problems associated with building andconstruction. Deforestation is associated with loss of biodiversity and soil fertility. It

46

enhances erosion and affects evapo-transpiration processes and watershedhydrological regimes. Deforestation can also affect or alter the microclimate regime.

Reforestation drives through community tree-planting aotivities will help restore andmitigate the negative environmental impacts of the project on land.

Mitigating Measures for the Loss of biodiversity

The possible impact of the project on biodiversity is mainly related to deforestationand physical landscaping and may be restricted to only the areas of construction. On-site biodiversity loss can be minimised or mitigated by proper siting of infrastructure.

Mitigating Measures for Pollution

In Sierra Leone, solid unseparated wastes are either disposed of indiscriminately or atdesignated open-dumpsites. Pollution may be caused as a result of the abandoning andpoor disposal of litter. In order to mitigate environmental pollution, disposal practiceswill be employed so as to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases, as well as thethreat of injury to people and animals from various materials.

The project not is also likely to cause pollution of the environment in terms of noiseassociated with construction works. Dust associated with earth preparation forfoundation of building can be mitigated by keeping fill areas damp, covering truckscarrying dust and monitoring of air quality

Mitigating Measures for the Loss of agricultural land

Agriculture is the dominant economic activity in the rural areas covered by the E.A.The agricultural activities are mostly food and cash crop production. Livestockrearing was at very low ebb at the time of the assessment.However, compensation payment to those likely to loose land will be done in case ofany unexpected land take and loss of assets,Community infrastructure rehabilitation will however not cause loss of agriculturalland, as new land will not be taken.

Mitigating Measures for the Creation of open pits

Open pits are bqdn associated with rehabilitation/construction sites. These pits arecreated during landscaping forH4aying of building foundation, construction of toiletsand water delivering and storage facilities.

If not well protected, these pits can pose threats to lives, can cause injuries and canalso inadvertently serve as rubbish dumps as well as mosquito breeding sites if left tocollect water. These locations of such pits should be marked and pits covered as soonas no longer in use. Rehabilitation of such areas at the end of the project can mitigatethe above impact.

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Mitigating Measures for the Impact on topography (Lands tripping)

Community infrastructure rehabilitation will be done on sites previously occupiedsuch structures in both the previously and newly accessible areas. The type of land tobe affected by the project has been carefully selected in`conforrnity with the nationaland district development plans and does not belong to the category of land consideredunsuitable for community infrastructure development The topography of the selectedareas is relatively flat and landscaping activities will not significantly interfere withthe aesthetic quality of the land.

8.1.3 Mitigating Measures for the Impact on Water Resources

Mitigating the negative impacts such as land clearing (CDIS) on water resourceswould require proper control of land use, reforestation and /or soil conservationactivities in watersheds.

Also strict adherence to waste management control procedures will also reduce therisk of pollution of either surface or ground water. Mitigation measures, such aswater quality monitoring as well as community sensitization programmes will have tobe put in place. Implementation of the (SHARP) program can help mitigate theimpact of the project on water resources.

8.1.4 Mitigating Measures for the Impact on Air

The above-mentioned impacts of rehabilitation/building and construction on land haveimplications for air quality.

Land preparation is a major activity in all aspects of rehabilitation/constructionprojects. It is often accompanied by emissions of dust particles and fumes (mainlyfrom rock breaking activities ) into the atmosphere. The impacts of these pollutants onair quality are usually low and gradually reduce as construction activitiesprogrammes.

However, air pollution should be considered in planning and layout of projects, whichare likely to pollute the air as a mitigation measure. Also a programme for airsampling and measurement should be considered as a mitigation measure. Dustyareas should be kept damp and trucks carrying fill materials covered.

8.1.5 Mitigatmg Measures for the Impact on Flora and Fauna

Project sites will be selected in accordance with community laws and practices so asto avoid or minimise projects' impacts on flora, fauna, critical habitats and forestreserves. According to the site surveys, low shrubs and grass with little or nomedicinal value cover the selected sites.

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8.1.6 Mitigating Measures for the Impact on Protected Wildlife Areas and ForestReserves

The selected sites for housing and shelter construction will be chosen so that, they donot lie on or close to protected wildlife areas and forest reserves and therefore theproject is not expected to have any negative impact on these assets.

8.1.7 Mitigating Measures for the Impact on Monuments and sites of cultural andhistoric significance-

The project sites will be selected in accordance with the national and districtdevelopment plans so that the project will not infringe on monuments and sites ofcultural and historic significance.

8.1.8 Mitigating Measures for Miscellaneous Impacts

There are a few issues such as noise, dust, visual impact which may requireremediation rather than mitigation, none are considered significant, but will becovered within the framework of the National Environmental Action Plan which willensure appropriate controls and monitoring where necessary.

The EA has also identified a number of impacts due to the planned activities of theproject. All the impacts are manageable. Other impacts are culturally related in thatthe rehabilitation/ construction process of community infrastructure would be a sourceof temporary employment for the people particularly the youths, as well as providingthem with an informal building training experience.

8.2 Mitigating Measures For Agricultural Inputs

8.2.1 Mitigating Measures for Potential/Actual Negative Impacts on Public Health

To avoid ingestion of poison by individuals or the public at large due to impropertreatment and handling of chemicals, it is necessary to educate target groups on safetyregulations and measures to be taken to prevent accidents and poisoning.

Farmers and gardeners will be educated on the need to reduce the creation of pools ofstagnant water by improving the construction of channels and canals.

Mitigating the p'ossible effect, of pesticide accumulation in soil and drinking watercan be done through the implementation of national and international regulations onpesticide use. The use of organic fertilizers and herbicides will be promoted throughtraining workshops and demonstrations.

8.2.2 Mitigation Measures for Potential/Actual Negative Impacts on Flora andFauna

In identifying land for agricultural activities, efforts should be made to avoidencroachment into areas supporting critical habitats or significant biodiversity, rearand/or protected species and destruction of wildlife habitats and ecosystems. This canbe achieved by applying and local planning regulations as well as through public

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(community based) sensitization programmes. At the local level, specific restrictionson deforestation in certain areas (critical habitats, shrines, nature reserves etc.)exist.These regulations will be used to tnitigate the above potential negative impacts ofagriculture on flora and fauna.

Sierra Leone is a party to the convention on Biological Diversity and therefore hasobligations to protect the country's biodiversity. Also the planting drives will also beundertaken to restore the aethetic values of deforested areas.

8.2.3 Mitigation Measures for Potential/Actual Negative Impacts of AgriculturalInputs on Land

National and local planning regulations will be applied to prevent or minimise theimpact of the project on soil salinity, erosion and desertification. Extension servicesto equip farmers with new technologies and improved farming methods compatiblewith soil conservation and sound environmental management expected to be providedby government will also serve as mitigating measures.

National and local planning and environmental regulations will be enforced to reducethe potential negative impacts on land topography and on water bodies caused byerosion and siltation as well as on the aethetic quality of surrounding areas. Treeplanting exercises will be regularly carried out as an operational mitigating measure.

8.2.4 Mitigating Measures for Potential/Actual Negative Impacts of AgriculturalInputs on Water Resource

Where water extraction is from small inland streams partially dammed to provide anirrigation facility (reservoir) for small scale gardening, the environmental impactssuch as reduced flow and increased sedimentation can be regulated by local guidanceand education. Limits on how much water can be drawn at any given time can beestablished so as to minimise the negative environmental impacts.The project is not expected to finance large-scale irrigation schemes. Therefore theapplication of national and local planning and environmental guidelines andregulations will help mitigate the above-mentioned negative environmental impacts.It will however be necessary to strengthen monitoring programmes which will help inthe management of any negatiye environmental threats.

8.2.5 Mitigating Measures for Potential/Actual Negative Impacts on Air Quality

Since the popular method of farming in Sierra Leone involves slash and burning,farmers should be encouraged to avoid large scale burning at any one time. This willreduce the amount of non-dust particles emitted into the atmosphere in a given area.Dust pollution of air in the project areas is expected to below as the soil preparationtechnology employs mainly hand-held hoes.

Air pollution due to pesticide use outside project funding may need to be monitoredand regulated through already existing programmes international, national and localregulatory mechanisms.

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8.3 Mitigating Measures For The Environmental Impacts OfThe Provision Of Markets, Court Barries, Schools And Security Posts.

The provision of markets, court barries, schools and security posts involve that mayimpair the quality of the environment. Such activities of concern relate to the disposalof waste and degradation of the environment. The potential negative environmentalimpacts of these activities include pollution of land, water resources and the air. It isexpected that the wastes generated by these activities would be disposed of in such amanner and that environmental degradation will be minimised so that little or nothreat will be posed to the environment.

8.3.1 Impacts on Human Health and Human made environment

The impact on public health (e.g. respiratory, ailments, water contamination, noisepollution) is expected to be minimal and temporary. These impacts are associatedwith land preparation and include landuse required for disposing of wastes.

The impacts on the development of nearby communities are multiple. The returneesand internally displaced are expected to restore family units, restore cultural ties andfabrics, and will not generate conflicts (e.g. compulsory acquisition of property and ordisplacement of nearby communities). The site visits revealed that the communitiesto be rehabilitated are being rehabilitated with their social administrative structures.

8.3.2 Mitigating Measures for the Impacts on Land

The mitigating measures identified to reduce the negative environmental impacts ofthe project on land are discussed below although the project is expected to haveminimal impact on deforestation, loss of biodiversity and agricultural land topographyas well as on pollution of the land.

Mitigating Measures for Deforestation

This is one of the most common environmental problems associated with building andconstruction. Deforestation is associated with loss of biodiversity and soil fertility. Itenhances erosion and affects evapo-transpiration processes and watershedhydrological regimes. Deforestation can also affect or alter the microclimate regime.

Reforestation .4tives throqgh community tree-planting activities will help restore andmitigate the negative environmental impacts of the project on land.

Mitigating Measures for the Loss of biodiversity

The possible impact of the project on biodiversity is mainly related to deforestationand physical landscaping and may be restricted to only the areas of construction. On-site biodiversity loss can be minimised or mitigated by proper siting of infrastructure.

Mitigating Measures for Pollution

In Sierra Leone, solid unseperated wastes are either disposed of indiscriminately or atdesignated open-dumpsites. Pollution may be caused as a result of the abandoning and

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poor disposal of litter. In order to mitigate environmental pollution, disposal practiceswill be employed so as to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases, as well as thethreat of injury to people and animats from various materials.

The project not is also likely to cause pollution of the environment in terms of noiseassociated with construction works. Dust associated with earth preparation forfoundation of building can be mitigated by keeping fill areas damp, covering truckscarrying dust and monitoring of air quality

Mitigating Measures for the Loss of agricultural land

Agriculture is the dominant economic activity in the rural areas covered by the E.A.The agricultural activities are mostly food and cash crop production. Livestockrearing was at very low ebb at the time of the assessment.Community infrastructure rehabilitation will however not cause loss of agriculturalland, as new land will not be taken.

Mitigating Measures for the Creation of open pits

Open pits are often associated with rehabilitation/construction sites. These pits arecreated during landscaping for laying of building foundation, construction of toiletsand water delivering and storage facilities.

If not well protected, these pits can pose threats to lives, can cause injuries and canalso inadvertently serve as rubbish dumps as well as mosquito breeding sites if left tocollect water. These locations of such pits should be marked and pits covered as soonas no longer in use. Rehabilitation of such areas at the end of the project can mitigatethe above impact.

Mitigating Measures for the Impact on topography (Lands tripping)

Community infrastructure rehabilitation will be done on sites previously occupiedsuch structures in both the previously and newly accessible areas. The type of land tobe affected by the project has been carefully selected in conformnity with the nationaland district development plans and does not belong to the category of land consideredunsuitable for community infrastructure development The topography of the selectedareas is relatively flat and landscaping activities will not significantly interfere withthe aesthetic quality of the land.

8.3.3 Mitigating Measures for the Impact on Water Resources

Mitigating the negative impacts such as land clearing (CDIS) on water resourceswould require proper control of land use, reforestation and /or soil conservationactivities in watersheds.

Also strict adherence to waste management control procedures will also reduce therisk of pollution of either surface or ground water. Mitigation measures, such aswater quality monitoring as well as community sensitization programmes will have tobe put in place. Implementation of the (SHARP) program can help mitigate the impactof the project on water resources.

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8.3.4 Mitigating Measures for the Impact on Air

The above-mentioned impacts of rehabilitation/building and construction on land haveimplications for air quality.

Land preparation is a major activity in all aspects of rehabilitation/constructionprojects. It is often accompanied by emissions of dust particles and fumes (mainlyfrom rock breaking activities ) into the atmosphere. The impacts of these pollutants onair quality are usually low and gradually reduce as construction activitiesprogrammes.

However, air pollution should be considered in planning and layout of projects, whichare likely to pollute the air as a mitigation measure. Also a programme for airsampling and measurement should be considered as a mitigation measure. Dustyareas should be kept damp and trucks carrying fill materials covered.

8.3.5 Mitigating Measures for the Impact on Flora and Fauna

Community projects sites such as wells, will be selected in accordance withcommunity laws and practices so as to avoid or minimise projects' impacts on flora,fauna, critical habitats and forest reserves. According to the site surveys, low shrubsand grass with little or no medicinal value cover the selected sites.

8.3.6 Mitigating Measures for the Impact on Protected Wildlife Areas and ForestReserves

The rehabilitation of housing will not be close to protected wildlife areas and forestreserves and therefore the project is not expected to have any negative impact on theseassets.

8.3.7 Mitigating Measures for the Impact on Monuments and sites of Cultural andHistoric Significance

The project sites will be selected in accordance with the national and districtdevelopment plans so that the project will not infringe on monuments and sites ofcultural and historic significance.

8.4 Mitigating Measures For The Social Impacts

Specific mitigating measures are associated with various constructional activities thatimpact on the local populations. These include the following:

8.4.1 Relocation and Resettlement

In the construction process the aspect of relocation and settlement was not an issue,thus there was no social impact associated with this issue. Since the construction ofcommunity infrastructure is a demand driven exercise the land was leased to NaSCAgratis. To address any other issues, NaSCA will consult with a representative groupof stakeholder, chiefdom authorities and other authorities as appropriate on the

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rehabilitation of any disturbed land and on any outstanding issues in order to addressthem effectively. A Resettlement Policy Framework has also been prepared to takeinto account any relocation or resettlement.

8.4.2 Loss of Potential Agricultural Lands

Where loss of agricultural land is inevitable NaSCA will work with the localchiefdom authorities in finding land or alternatives for those affected. This willrequire surveys on pre-construction land use plans. However, the land acquisitionprocedures by NaSCA has not given any indication that the population will loose landand that relocation would be necessary.

8.4.3 Local Economy

Where influx of job seekers may put pressure on already limited food supply andsocial services, NaCSA is expected to work with the local authorities to address theseproblems and identify possible solutions. NaCSA will also support overalldevelopment of project areas and establish working relationships with relevantministries and development partners to attract development support.

8.4.4 Health and Sanitation

The returning population is likely to create pressure on the modes of health andsanitation facilities in the project areas of coverage.Therefore NaCSA will work with other government and Non-governmental agenciesand organisations to improve on the health and sanitation facilities as well asimplement monitoring programmes.

8.4.5 Mitigating Miscellaneous Impacts

There are a few issues such as noise, dust, visual impact which may requireremediation rather than mitigation, none are considered significant, but will becovered within the framework of the National Environmental Action Plan which willensure appropriate controls and monitoring where necessary.

The EA has also identified a number of impacts due to the planned activities of theproject. All the impacts are manageable. Other impacts are culturally related in thatthe rehabilitatio4/ construetion process of community infrastructure would be a sourceof temporary ernmployment for the people particularly the youths, as well as providingthem with an informal building training experience.

8.5 Analysis Of Alternatives

Alternative sites were not considered as the designated sites are the same as thoseoccupied by the infrastructures that are going to be rehabilitated under the project inshort the project is skewed towards rehabilitation rather that new construction. The"newly accessible areas" were areas that had been negotiated with the communitylandowners thus, the question of accepting or rejecting the "given sites" does no arise.

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9.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTITUTIONALARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THENEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OFCOMMUNITY DRIVEN INITIATIVES.

9.1 Institutional Arrangements

The effective management of the Environmental and Social Assessment Plans (ESAP)depends on NaCSA's commitment on the one hand to ensure, that the programs areadequately implemented and financed and on the other hand on the capability of theother stakeholders to carry out the mitigation programs. This sub-section discussesthe institution and instruments available to and those developed so far by NaCSA andthe institutional arrangements to be made to ensure that these programs areimplemented in a timely and effective manner.

The national and local institutional framework for environmental management andprotection is the overall structure, which is designed to protect, conserve and restoreour environment.

The social structure in each district described earlier is important for the developmentof environmental management strategy at the local level therefore; any proposedframework should take cognisance of this structure.

Environmental and social management at the local level is for now carried out byCommunity Based Organisations (CBOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations(NGOs), which operate through local groups, mainly youths. EnvironmentalManagement activities are often associated with reforestation programmes,sensitisation and regulation enforcement. These CBOs and NGOs are co-ordinated bythe Department of Environment that has posted environmental officers to Northern,Southern and Easter regions of the country.

At the chiefdom levels the community groups are often empowered to arrest peoplewho degrade the environment and pose threat to the health and wealth of thecommunity.

The National Environment Board of the helm of the environmental management inthe country facilitates co-ordination, co-operation and collaboration amongstgovernment ministries, local authorities, international and local NGOs and otheragencies. The National FocatlPoint (NFP) which is the Department of Environment(DOE) acts as secretariat to the board. The Department of Environment is expected toestablish Provincial, District and Chiefdom Environmental Committees to implementpolicies at the local level.

The proposed framework therefore envisages a bottom - up approach wherein thelocal communities will be assisted to develop and execute projects related tomitigation measures identified in the EA.

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9.2 Specific Procedures

The NaCSA projects activities might require preparation or the application of existingplans where appropriate, individual plans will be used if they exist or be prepared byappropriate agencies.

These plans will define the specific procedures, actions and monitoring needed tocarry out certain tasks required by the project. These plans and framework willrequire the participation of NaCSA and Sectoral Govemment Ministries andcommissions, and the implementation of the activities contained within these plans,and the fleshing out of a plan from the RPF

9.2.1 Environmental Management Plan

An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been developed to complement thisEA study and is part of this report. This plan discusses the potential negativeenvironmental impact of the NSAP and proposes mitigation measures and costestimates. (See Annex III). There is also a National Environmental Action Plan(NEAP) which envisages the development of various environmental managementplans e.g. Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan, Coastal Zone Management Plan andLand Use Plan amongst others.

9.2.2 Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan

Currently a Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) is the in the process ofbeing developed as part of an implementation strategy of the National EnvironmentAction Plan (NEAP), within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

9.2.3 Waste Management Plan

The newly developed Waste Management Plan (WMP) developed by the Ministry ofHealth which addresses the management of wastes including hazardous and medicalwould be used by NaCSA in instances were a proposed project may require suchissues. The Waste Management Plan of the SHARP project (AMP SHARP) detailsthe handling and disposing of wastes that are generated countrywide by varioussectoral projects ad more specifically for medical health wastes. The WMP SHARPalso addresses the management of waste designated for special handling includinghazardous, medical, emergency response wastes and sewage as well as wasteminimisation th4ough composting and recycling programs. The WMP SHARP mayrequire updating as the NSAP progresses to reflect specific site conditions or may beadapted to those conditions. The Ministry of Health (MOH) in partnership with theProject Management and Evaluation (PME) unit of NaCSA and other line ministrieswill be responsible for updating and carrying out the actions specified in the WMPSHARP

9.2.4 Resettlement Policy Framework

Apart from the above plans the preparation of a Resettlement Policy Framework(RPF) has also been suggested as part of this EA study as a precautionary measure incase the WB OD 430 on Involuntary Resettlement is triggered by the NSAP

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The resettlement policy framework has been prepared in compliance with the WorldBan requirements as stated in the WB's policy on involuntary resettlement (OP 4,12).The RPF is also designed to meet the legal requirements.of the government. The RPFpresents a framework for the development of specific programs for relocatingindividuals who may be displaced by NSAP development. The RPF outlines thevarious components around which issues associated with the local governing structurein Sierra Leone, possible payment/compensation procedures, grievance reporting, andmonitoring can be carried out. NaCSA and partners will be responsible forimplementing, monitoring the RPF and its specific RAP where applicable.

10.0 PROPOSED INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FORENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

10.1 Environmental Assessment Standing Committee

Environmental and Social Management of NaCSA's project will be administeredthrough an Environmental Assessment Standing Committee which will be establishedby and will work in close collaboration with the National Environmental ProtectionBoard (NEPB) and may include representatives of NaCSA's management staff,implementing partners, local community and representatives of the NationalEnvironmental Protection Board.

This Standing Committee will focus on developing the capabilities and supportmechanisms necessary to administer environmental and social management programsof NaCSA's project.

At local level, environmental committees should be established within the respectiveArea Development Committees.The committees should work with the respective programmerepresentatives/consultants on the implementation of management and monitoringprograms.

These District Environmental Committees should report to the regional/districtenvironmental officers via, their respective district councils. The regionalenvironmental .officers will then report to the Department of the Environment and theNational Envirqpment B6ard.

NaCSA will register Community Based Organisations in the various districts.

A monitoring and evaluation team should be set up in collaboration with NaCSA andArea Development Committees to ascertain the success of implementation ofprograms during routine field checks.

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11.0 PROPOSED MITIGATING MEASURES AND COSTSESTIMATES

The proposed mitigating measures for the potential negative environmental impacts ofthe NaCSA project and cost estimates are given in the annex.

This table contains the potential environmental impacts of activities of the proposedNaCSA project discussed earlier and for which the present EA is being done, and costestimates. Some of the mitigating measures are ongoing whilst others will last for theduration of the project.

Basically, the project activities such as shelter and community infrastructuredevelopment will impact on or contribute to land degradation, water pollution and airpollution.

With regards to land degradation, the following mitigation measures are beingproposed:Where open or burrow pits have been created, these areas should be rehabilitated atthe end of the specific project activity. Nearby materials, (earth) can be used for thispurpose.

In the case of deforestation; tree planting activities and awareness raising campaignsshould be embarked upon.In order to minimise the accumulation of litter/garbage, local and national regulationson health should be enforced as well as the provision of adequate number of littercontainer.

Water pollution may occur as a result of the project's activities. This may result fromineffective methods of waste disposal, small-scale irrigation schemes as well as fromagricultural run-off. Implementation of the solid /liquid waste managementprogramme under the SHARP project and a water quality monitoring programme aremeasures proposed to mitigate possible water pollution.

Dust and other emissions can result in air pollution. This is more relevant at theconstruction stage of the project and is expected to be minimized once the communityinfrastructure is fully rehabilitated. Post construction/building materials should becleared and properly disposed of inorder to prevent water pollution. During the activephase of the project, efforts should be made to minimise the volume of dust and otheremissions reaching the atmosphere by keeping all areas of fill damp, cover truckcarrying fill materials with canvas and implement an air quality monitoringprogramme Dust pollution can be reduced after post construction era, through pavingof alleys and covering of feeder roads with tar, and planting of carpet grass on openfields.

Cost estimates of mitigating measures are provided in the annex.

Restoration of the construction sites should be carried through tree planting as anerosion control measure and water control measure. A tree nursery site should bemaintained and replanting schemes put in place in deforested areas. Local NGOs willbe involved together with the local communities in tree planting exercises. The

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planted trees will assist in water management by reducing land surface evaporationrates and by regulating infiltration rate during the rainy season by reducing surfacerunoff through interception.

A clean up programme will have to be put in place. This should involve the clearingof dangerous materials like nails, pieces of timber, broken blocks, scattered sand andgravel, pieces of iron, mortar mixing waste water, saw dust etc. where recycling orreuse is possible, this should be done e.g. sawdust can be used as manure in theexperimental health-facility gardens.

Efforts shall be made to preserve natural habitats, monuments and sites of historicvalue in the vicinity of the proposed project sites.

Identification of applicable and effective measures to prevent accidents involvinghazardous substance should be carried out as well as sensitization activities on safetytechniques.

At the construction phase of the project(s) protective head and body gear will be wornto protect workers from contact with hazardous materials or substances in accordanceto building safety regulations. Information and training of workers will alsocomplement this issue.

11.1 Awareness Raising

A number of programmes will be developed to create and/or improve onenvironmental knowledge, attitudes and practices within the community.Sensitisation of community leaders including the Area Development Committees(ADC) should be undertaken. The awareness raising campaigns should take the formof workshops, radio talks, meetings, posters, skits, songs, etc.

11.2 Training Programme

During the consultative meetings, training needs of NaCSA and the local communitieswere identified. These include training on the following:

* Identification of negative environmental impacts* Identification of Mitigating Measures for negative environmental impacts* Management of the negative environmental impacts of NaCSA's projects* Natiohal.jegislativ'e and Institutional framework for environmental protection* Monitoring plan develbpment and implementation* Basic knowledge and skills in project management* Procurement and accounting* Participatory local planning* Maintenance of community-based infrastructure* Community participation in project management* Outreach techniques* Financial management and skills development* Beneficiary impact assessments

The Proposed Training Programme is given in the Annex.

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12.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORINGINDICATORS

There are a number of environmental and social monitoring indicators.The environmental indicators include but not restricted to:

* Water quality* Land quality* Air quality* Rate of deforestation* Rate of biodiversity loss

On the social front the indicators can include:* Number of labourers employed* Employment rates* Level of remuneration for employees* Amount and type of sanitation facilities provided* Number of local people trained in various skills of construction during the project* Types of water contaminated disease* Number of persons with access to basic services* Number of persons exposed to economic governance

An analysis of the above indicators show that, water quality, land quality and airquality will not be significantly impaired; rates of deforestation will be moderate andbiodiversity loss will not be significant due to the project activity at the specific sites.The social impact of the project will be mostly favourable according to the analysisof the above indicators as well as from public consultations.

13.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING PLANS

13.1 Environmental Monitoring Plan

Sierra Leone is in the process of rehabilitation after the war. Various ministries ofgovernment are involved in various sector projects relating to rehabilitation. Asrequired by thejNEAP, Z000, an EA of these projects are being carried out. Most ofthese projects (education and health) related are WB funded and are also subjected toEAs in compliance with WB funding policies. The present EA, has also developed amonitoring plan (See Annex) to assist NaCSA in the management of theenvironmental negative impacts, that are likely to result from the implementation ofits projects.

Environmental monitoring will take place on a quarterly basis. Environmentalindicators will be integrated into NaCSA's monitoring and evaluation system at thecentral, regional, and district levels.

The plan identifies a number of environmental concerns, which include; water quality,air quality, land quality and deforestation.

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The issues to be addressed in relation to the afore-mentioned concerns are;pollution/contamination of water and air, soil erosion, nutrient loss and biodiversityloss.

The parameters to be measured include; PH, BOD, COD and water nutrients, odour,visibility, rates of erosion, soil nutrients, amounts of generated solid waste andtypes/families and genera of plant species.The following methods will be used in the monitoring process; laboratory analysis,visual observation, surveys and numerical methods.

Sampling sites will be selected in accordance with standard scientific criteria andfrequency of measurements and observations will depend on the intensity of theprojects activity with a minimum frequency of at least once weekly.

NaCSA will utilise these plans in ensuring that its supported projects are properlymonitored using the indicators mentioned herein and developing more wherenecessary and will develop appropriate reporting procedures and monitoringmechanisms.

13.2 Social Monitoring Plan

The Social Monitoring Plan identifies the following concerns:

* Involuntary displacement of people.* Possible loss of agricultural land.* Sudden upsurge of population in project areas.* Deterioration of water and sanitation conditions.

It is expected that NaCSA will collaborate with line Ministries and its developmentpartners in addressing the above concerns using existing monitoring sectoralprograms.

Persons and Institution Contacted

The consultative meetings saw participants from various regions of the country,institutions and organisations. The various institutions represented included, variousgovernment riigiJstries, local government authorities and ministries private agencies.Also contacted were variouswNon-Governmental Organisations, Community Basedorganisations, Area Development Associations and Local Traditional authorities(Chiefs).

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GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

I. The E.A. showed that the environmental impacts are manageable, therefore itis recommended that the project as proposed be cXried out with the mitigationmeasures as proposed by this summary report.

2. That this report be made available to all stake holders involved in the project.

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REFERENCES:

Government of Sierra Leone: 1994; Sierra Leone National Environmental Action Plan

Government of Sierra Leone: 1994; The National Environmental Policy; RevisedEdition

Government of Sierra Leone: 1992; The Fisheries Management and Development(Amendment) Act.

Government of Sierra Leone: 1988; The New Forestry Act

Government of Sierra Leone: 1989; The Wildlife Conservation Act

Government of Sierra Leone: 1992; The Mines and Mineral Act

Government of Sierra Leone 2000; National Environmental Protection Act, 2000

Government of Sierra Leone 1997; Guidelines for the implementation of schoolconstruction projects,

Republic of Sierra Leone, 2001; Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, Freetown

World Bank, 1991; Environmental Assessment Sourcebook, Vol. lI; SectoralGuidelines; Environment Department; ISBN 0-8213 - 1844 - 6 (V. 2)

World Bank Safeguard Policies; 1998 Environmental Assessment (OP 4.01 October1998).

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ANNEXES

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Annex 1 Basic Data on Sierra Leone

Land Area: 72,325Km2Population Estimate (mid-1991) 4.3 millionPopulation Density (No/km2 59Natural Population Increase (annual % 3.7Per Capita Gross National Product (1989) US$ 220Total Debt (1989: US$ 1,057 millionReal GDP Growth (86-90) (annual % 0.44change):Food Production per Capita 86-89) (1979-81 90= 100):Access of Safe Water (%) (85-88): 42Major Sources of Foreign Exchange: Agriculture, wood production, fisheries, minerals.

Source: Various

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Annex 2: Major related Projects to be financed by the Bank and/or otherdevelopment agencies (completed, ongoing and planned).

Funding Agency Project Sector Issue Supervision Ratings(Implementation ProgressIP)

Bank Financed 1. Rehabilitation and Food AgricultureSecurity

2. LivestockRehabilitation

Bank Financed 1. Rehabilitation/Reconstr Healthuction of health posts &clinics

2. Water and SanitationBank Financed 1. Rehabilitation/ of public Labour Intensive

infrastructuresBank financed Rehabilitation/Reconstructi Education

on of SchoolsBank financed Community Market Community

Structures infrastructureBank Financed socio-economic Capacity Building

Empowerment of severelywar affected communities

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Annex 3. Register of international treaties and other agreements in the field ofthe environment

No Sierra Leone Signature RatificationAccession (AC)Succession (S)Adherence(AD)

I Convention on Fishing and Conservation of the Living 13-3-1962(S)Resources of the High Seas.

2 Convention on the High Seas - 13-3-1962

3 Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Test in the Atmosphere, in 4-9-1963 21-2-1964outer space and under water

4 Convention on the continental shelf - 25-11-1966(AC)

5 Treaty on Principles Covering the Activities 27-1-1967 -

Of state in the Exploration and the use of outer spaceincluding the moon and other celestial bodies

6 Treaty on the Prohibition of the Emplacement of Nuclear 11-2-1972 -

Weapons and other Weapons of Mass destruction on the SeaBed and Ocean Floor and in the Sub-Soil thereof.

7 Convention on the Prohibition of the development Production 24-11-1972 29-6-1972and stock piling of Bacteriological (Biological) and toxicWeapons and on their destruction

8 Convention on the Prohibition of Military or and other hostile 12-4-1978 -

use of Environmental Modification Techniques.

9 International Plant Protection Convention - 23-6-1981(AD)

10 United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea 10-12-1982 12-12-1994 (R)

II Agreement Relating to the Implementation of part XI of the - 12-12-1994 (P)

United Nations Convention on the law of the Sea of 10 Dec.1982

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Annex 4 Mitigating Measures and Cost Estimates

Activity IMPACT MITIGATION RESPONSIBLE COSTMEASURES ORGANISATION ESTIMATE

(USD)Rehabilitation of Shelter Land Degradationand other Community a) Open Pits * Rehabilitation of such NaCSA and 10,000Infrastructure areas at the end of Development

project Partners

b) Deforestation * Reforestation/tree 20,000planting activities -do-

* Awareness campaign

* Implement a wastec) Pollution management plan 20,000

-do-.* Enforce regulations on

health and sanitation* Provide litter

containers

d) Modification of * Implement localtopography building regulations

and planningprocedures

* Proper selection ofsites

Water Pollutiona) Ineffective methods of * Implementation of NaCSA and 20,000

waste disposal solid/liquid waste Developmentmanagement Partnersprogramme under

the SHARP project

* Implement a waterb) Agricultural run-off quality monitoring

programme 20,000-do-

Air Pollution

a) Dust and other * Ensure minimum -do- 20,000emissions volume of dust in the

air* Keeping all areas of

fill damp* Cover with canvas

material truckscarrying fill material

* Implement an airquality monitoringprogramme

Impact on flora and fauna -do- 20,000a) Habitat destruction * Selection of project

sites in accordancewith community lawsand regulations

68

Impact on wildlife areasand forest reserves

a) Habitat destruction -do-

Possible accumulati6h of . Education and trainingpesticide in soil and water on the use of organic

fertilizers andherbicides

* Implementation ofnational andinternationalregulations onpesticides use

* Train farmers in newand improved farmingtechniques

Agricultural inputs relatedto land

-do- 20,000Small Scale irrigation * Implement waterschemes and related quality monitoringpollution impacts programme

* Improve technicaldetails of schemes

Damage to natural habitats * Limit scale of -do- 20,000irrigation

* Considercom pensatorymeasures

69

Annex 5 - Monitoring Plan

Environ- Issue to be Parameters Methods'to be Sampling Freg. Of Detection Definitionmental addressed to be used Locations Measurements/ Limits ofConcern Measured .Observations Thresholds

Water Pollution/ PH,BOD, Laboratory Along Monthlyquality Contamination COD & Water analysis Water

Nutrients course

Air -do- Odour Visual Construction MonthlyQuality ,Visibility observation Sites

Land Soil erosion, Erosion rate, Erosion Project MonthlyQuality nutrient loss, nutrients, Assessment affected areas

pollution amount of Surveys,solid wastes Laboratorygenerated. analysis

for soilquality,Pollutionassessments

Deforestatio Forest cover Rates of Surveys Project Monthlyn loss deforest-ation affected areasBiodiversity Biodiversity Number and Surveys Project Monthly

loss types of affected areasspecies lost

70

Annex 6 Proposed Training Programme

Training Programme Time frame Responsible Funding Expectedperson/organisation source outcome

1 Identification of negative July, 2003 NaCSA NaCSA & NaCSA staffenvironmental impacts Partner trained

2 Identification of mitigatingmeasures for negative August,environmental impacts 2003 -do- -do- -do-

3 Management of the negativeenvironmental impacts ofNaCSA Projects Sept., 2003 -do- -do- -do-

4 National Legislative and NaCSA staff

Institutional framework for trainedenvironmental protection Oct., 2003 -do- -do- Community

staff trained5 Monitoring plan

development and NaCSA staffimplementation Nov., 2003 -do- -do- trained

6 Basic knowledge and skills Communityin project management Dec. 03/Jan. -do- -do- capacity built

047 Procurement and accounting Jan. 2004 -do- -do- -do-

8 Participatory local planning Feb. 2004 -do- -do- -do-

9 Maintenance of community March 2004based infrastructure -do- -do- -do-

10 Community participation in April 2004 NaCSA staff

project management -do- -do- trainedMay 2004

11 Outreach techniques -do- -do- -do-

12 Financial management and June 2004skills development -do- -do- -do-

13 Beneficiary impact July 2004assessmentsassessments J -do- -do- -do-

Total Estimated Cost of theTraining Programme: $200,000*

* This figure will be further refined during project implementation.

71

ANNEX 7: FIRST SCHEDULE OF EPA PROJECTSREQUIRING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT LICENCES

A licence is required for the projects whose activities involve or include thefollowing:-

a) Substantial changes in renewable resource use (e.g. conversionof land to agricultural production, forestry or to pasture land,rural development, timber production);

b) Substantial changes in farming and fisheries practices (e.g.introduction of new crops, large scale mechanization or use ofchemicals in agriculture);

c) Exploitation of hydraulic resources (e.g. dams, drainage andirrigation projects, water basin development, water supply);

d) Infrastructure (e.g. roads, bridges, airports, harbours,transmission lines, pipelines, railway);

e) Industrial activities (e.g. metallurgical plants, wood processingplants, chemical plants, power plants, cement plants, refineryand petrochemical plants, agro-industries);

f) Extractive industries (e.g. mining, quarrying, extraction of sand,gravel, salt, peat, oil and gas);

g) Waste management and disposal (e.g. sewerage systems andtreatment plants, landfills, treatment plants for household andhaizrdous waste);

h) Housing construction and development schemes;

i) Establishment of places of entertainment, motor repair garagesand welding shops;

j) Importation of second hand vehicles.

ANNEX 8 SECOND SCHEDULE OF EPA

Factors for determining whether a project requires an environmentalimpact assessment:-

a) The environmental impact on the community;

b) The location of the project;

c) Whether the project transforms the locality;

d) Whether the project has or is likely to have substantial impacton the ecosystem of the locality;

e) Whether the project results in the diminution pf the aesthetic,recreational, scientific, historic, culture or other environmentalquality of the locality;

f) Whether the project will endanger any species of flora or faunaor the habitat of the flora fauna;

g) The scale of the project;

h) The extent of the degradation of the quality of the environment;

i) Whether the project will result in an increase in demand fornatural resources in the locality;

j) The cumulative impact of the project together with otheractiVities or projects, on the environment;

ANNEX 9 THIRD SCHEDULE

CONTENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ASSESSMENT (EIA)

An EIA shall contain a true statement and description of:-

a) The location of the project and its surroundings;

b) The principle, concept and purpose of the project;

c) The direct or indirect effects that the project is likely tohave on the environment;

d) The social, economic and cultural effects that the projectis likely to have on people and society;

e) The communities, interested parties and GovernmentMinistries consulted;

f) Any actions or measures which may avoid, prevent,change, mitigate or remedy the likely effect on peopleand society;

g) Any alternatives to the proposed project;

h) Such other information as may by necessary for a properreview of the potential environmental impact of theproject.

ANNEX 10 CHECKLIST OF POTENTIAL ISSUES FOR ANENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT

1. Will land settlement be reviewed as a result of the project?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information ------------------

2. Will forests and woodlands be affected by the project?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information ------------------

3. Will adequate measures be taken to ensure the protection of threatened areas?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information ------------------

4. Will the project consider planning and management issues of mineral resources?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information ------------------

5. Are any wetlands (e.g. estuaries, lakes, mangroves, marshes and swamps) likelyto be affected by the project?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information ------------------

6. With the project consider planning and management issues of coastal marineresources?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information ------------------

7. Will the project likely stimulate the secondary growth of settlements andinfrastructure?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information ------------------

8. Will watcrsheds within the refugee and IDP reintegration areas effectivelyprotected and managed?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information------------------

9. Will wildlands (natural habitants) be affected by the project?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information------------------

10. Will adequate measures be taken to ensure the protection of wildiands?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information ---

11. Will the project involve the use of pesticides?

Yes ----------- No --------------- Insufficient infornation ------------------

12. Will the project potentially expose people to water - related or water-bornediseases?

Yes --------------- No - ------------ Insufficient information ------------------

13. Will the project involve rural works?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information ------------------

14. Will monuments and sites of cultural and historic significance be affected by theproject?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information ------------------

15. Are there people who have taken up residence in these villages after the originaloccupants had fled?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information ------------------

16. Is the returning population returning to their original homes?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information ------------------

17. Are these homes vacant?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information ------------------

18. Are there squatters on the land?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information -----

19. Will the retirning population need to construct new homes?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information ------------------

20: Will the project involve acquisition of new land?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information ------------------

21. Will the project involve any involuntary resettlement of people?

Yes --------------- No --------------- Insufficient information------------------

ANNEX 11: MINUTES OF CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP HELD INKENEMA TOWN AT THE HOLY ROSERY SECONDARY SCHOOL

FOR GIRLS, CHAPEL23RD - 24TH OCTOBER, 2002.

Dignitaries Present:

Mr. Joseph Sam-Sesay - Asst. Director Planning Monitoring &

Evaluation Unit NaCSA

Mr. John Paul Gegbe - Regional NaCSA Officer -East

Mrs. Theresa Sesay - Principal - Holy Rosery Secondary School for

Girls

Mr. Willie Momoh - Regional Director, Ministry of Lands, Country

Planning, Forestry and the Environment (MLCPFE)

Mr. Edwin Baimba-Environment Officer, (East) Department of the

Environment, MLCPFE

Mr. P. Daboh - Administrative Officer, NaCSA

Consultants:

Dr. Raymond G. Johnson

Dr. Reynold G. Johnson

Dr. Ernest T. Ndomahina

The opening ceremony for the consultative workshop started at 9:50 a.m. withMuslim and Christian Prayers.

The language adopted was Krio (Lingua Franca).

Opening Remarks

Dr. Ndomahina gave a brief-overview of the purpose of the consultative meeting.Highlights of his over view include:

- The need for EIA studies as part of the World Bank procedure for the NSAP

- To consider the implications of the NSAP for involuntary resettlement

- Introduction of the consultants and dignitaries invited to the Consultativeworkshop.

The Chairman of the occasion was Mr. John Paul Ngebeh, Regional Co-ordinator ofNaCSA Eastern Province. In his remarks the following were highlighted:

Expressed gratitude to the participants from Kono, Kailahun, and the host

district Kenema for coming.

He described the focus of the workshop which he said was consultative on one

hand and experience sharing on the other for the successful implementation of

the NSAP which now requires more emphasis on environmental

considerations

He stressed the importance of planning with environmental concerns

He informed that NCRRR has been transformed into NaCSA

NaCSA is now moving from relief (humanitarian) to recovery and

development.

NaCSA has been funding over three hundred projects twenty five percent of

which is in the Eastern Region.

NaCSA acknowledges the fact that minimum attention had been paid to

environmental issues in the past due to ignorance

The EIA is good and useful to NaCSA as they move from ERSF to NSAP

Environmental issues will now be put into the design right unto

implementation stage

He admonished implementing partners to be very conscious about the new

demands for environmental concerns to be taken firmly onboard in

implementing the NSAP according to the recommendations for mitigation that

will be provided in the EA study.

Statement by Principal Holy Rosery Secondary School, Kenema

The purpose of the consultative meeting is important

Environmental issues are also important to women who are crucial users of the

environment.

- She stressed community participation as important.

- She expressed the view that mitigation measures to be proposed in the EIA

study must be implemented by implementers of the NSAP and that the local

community should be as 'watchdogs' for a good environment.

- She wished to consultative meeting well.

Statement by the Regional Director of Ministry of Lands Country PlanningForestry and the EnvironmentHighlights of his speech include:

- Consultative workshop is timely and expressed his gratitude to the World

Bank and NaCSA

- Catalogued the process of formal Environmental Management in Sierra Leone.

- Description of Institutional Framework for environmental management and

government's position on environmental matters

- Intemational conventions, protocols and treaties that the government has

signed and acceding to, such as UNCLOS, UNFCC, BSAP, Montreal,

protocol Stockholm (POP's),Desertification convention etc.

- He wished to consultative meeting well.

Statement by Lead Consultant on the EA study Dr. Raymond Johnson

Highlights of the lead consultant's presentation:

Overview and update of the environmental impact assessment study and

Resettlement Policy Framework being developed for NaCSA

The impact of the expected National Social Action Project ( NSAP) on the

physical, biological and social environment were analysed

After the predicted cumulative site specific impact of the NSAP successor

program of the ERSF has been established mitigation measures will be

identified that are designed to limit the impact on the physical biological, and

social environment

Detailed National and sector plans are existing to support the proposed

mitigation measures. These national plans include amongst others the

National Environment Action Plan (NEAP) ,National Biodiversity Action Plan

(BSAP), National Forestry Plan, Sierra Leone HIV/AIDS project (SHARP),

various sector plans and programs aimed at reducing environmental impact.

Most of these plans, programs and projects are aimed at building capacities of

institutional Frameworks, management of programs for managing the

environment and monitoring programs.

Several major issues emerged out of the study conducted by Dr. Raymond

Johnson and his team. Their report will highlight the following

The speedy rehabilitation of community infrastructures will be very important

to reducing the social problems faced by communities in post-war Sierra

Leone.

Involuntary resettlement has to be catered for even though land given or

acquired for rehabilitation of community infrastructure was done in

accordance with existing procedures. It is important for communities to take

environmental management into their own hands to ensure sustainability of the

NSAP. In the evaluation process, community development issues are crucial

for project management and sustenance

The EA document and the RPF will be completed soon and will be available

for public review after being cleared by the World Bank. Copies will then be

displayed to the public, at the at NaCSA regional offices, the Head quarter

office in Freetown, MLCPFE, the University and SLANGO.

Statement by the Environment Officer ,Eastern Region of MLCPFE

Mr Edwin Baimba stated that govemment attaches great importance to environmentalissues. This is why the National Environmental Policy, the National EnvironmentalAction Plan, the National Environmental Protection Act 2000 and the NationalEnvironmental Protection Board have all been established.

Statement by NaCSA (Head Office, Freetown)

Dr. J. Sam-Sesay, NaCSA's Programme Manager for Planning, Monitoring andEvaluation, stated that NaCSA wants the NSAP which is a community driven projectto commence. The thrust of this project will lie in its harmony with the physical,biological and social environments so as to bring benefits to communities.

Representative of NGO Community Highlights:

- The period of relief is over and now it is development

- It is expected that this meeting will provide the NGOs with a road map for

environmental management

- The impacts of their activities on the environment are beginning to show and

that they hope to take into account the knowledge the workshop will generate.

Expression of Community Concerns.

Highlights

Disappointment of the delay of NSAP. Pleaded with NaCSA to expedite the

project commencement

Desire to see socio-economic development go hand in hand with

environmental management .

That NSAP is concerned mainly with pQst war rehabilitation and

reconstruction it will therefore pose little or no environmental problems to

communities.

The restoration of. agricultural activities will provide livelihood for

traumatised populations and negative environmental impacts will be managed

through existing government safeguards (i.e legislations and sector mandates)

Land take from people will be avoided as far as possible and where necessary

the issue of involuntary resettlement will be dealt with in accordance with

existing land acquisition procedures

NGO activities should encourage local community participation and

development of community based organisations

Expressed desire for proper environmental management, particularly in

mining areas to ensure their rehabilitation.

Education of communities and NGOs on the National Environmental

Protection Act - 2000 governing environmental matters countrywide.

Consulted people were happy to learn that Sierra Leone has also adoptedguidelines and procedures for Environmental Impact Assessments similar tothose of the World Bank.

Closing Courtesies

NaCSA staff and the consultants thanked their audience for the indulgence during theconsultative workshop, for their co-operation and inputs.

ANNEX 12 MINUTES OF CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP HELD INMAKENI TOWN AT THE PASTORAL CENTRE, MAKENI, 9TH _10TH OCTOBER, 2002.

Dignitaries Present:

Mr. Joseph Sam-Sesay, Programme Manager, Planning, Monitoringand EvaluationMr. Peter Buridu - Regional NaCSA Officer - NorthMr. George Banya - Provincial Secretary - North

Consultants:

Dr. Raymond G. JohnsonDr. Reynold G. JohnsonDr. Ernest T. Ndomahina

The opening ceremony for the consultative workshop started at 9:50 a.m. withMuslim and Christian Prayers.

The language adopted was Krio (Lingua Franca).

Opening Remarks

The chairman was Mr. Peter Bundu, Regional NaCSA Co-ordinator NorthernProvince highlighted the following:

The objectives of the consultative workshop were to acquaint stakeholders anddevelopment partners of NaCSA, traditional leaders and community developmentorganisations on the purpose and objectives of the EA study that is preceding theNSAP of NaCSA.

- Generate input into the environmental and social aspects of the EA study.

- Inform about environmental concerns of the NSAP which are to be

incorporated into the EA report.

- Identify'training Rkeeds on environmental issues for NaCSA staff.

- Purpose of the workshop

- Background to the ERSF and NSAP programs of NaCSA

- The importance of the sustainability of the NSAP by taking on board

environmental concerns.

- Expressed gratitude to the participants from Koinadugu, Kambia,Port Loko,

Tonkolili and the host district Bombali for coming.

He described the focus of the workshop which he said was consultative on one

hand and experience sharing on the other for the successful implementation of

the NSAP which now requires more emphasis orLenvironmental consideration

He stressed the importance of planning with environmental concerns.

He explained how NCRRR has been transformed into NaCSA

NaCSA is now moving from relief (humanitarian) to recovery and

development

NaCSA has been funding over three hundred projects. The Northern Region is

expected to benefit greatly from the NSAP.

NaCSA acknowledges the fact that minimum attention had been paid to

environmental issues in the past due to ignorance

The EIA is good and useful to NaCSA as they move from ERSF to NSAP

Environmental issues will now be put into the design right unto

implementation stage

He admonished implementing partners to be very conscious about the new

demands for environmental to be taken firmly onboard in implementing the

NSAP according to the recommendations for mitigation that will be provided

in the EA study.

Statement by the Provincial Secretary -Northern Province

He welcomed all on behalf of the Resident Minister, Northern Province and expressedhis delight for the meeting and to deliver a statement from the Minister who wasunavoidably absent. The Minister's statement highlighted the following:

- The EA was particularly important considering the devastation of physical and

biological resources after the war, dislocation of community organisations and

social structure as a result of the war..

- He expressed his gratitude to the country's President for bringing peace to the

country at large and provision for sustainable development in the country

- He admonished the meeting to be attentive and participate in this consultation

and to eventually take steps the minimise environmental degradation

- He wished the meeting well.

Statement by Lead Consultant on the EA Study Dr. Raymond Johnson

Highlights of the lead consultant's presentation.

Overview and update of the Environmental Assessment and Resettlement

Policy Framework studies

The impact of the expected National Social Action Project ( NSAP) on the

physical, biological and social environment were analysed.

After the predicted cumulative sight specific impact of the NSAP successor

program of the ERSF has been established mitigation measures will be

identified that are designed to limit the impact on the physical biological, and

social environment

Detailed National and Sectoral plans are existing to support the proposedmitigation measures. These national plans include amongst others theNational Environment Action Plan (NEAP) ,National Biodiversity Action Plan(BSAP), National Forestry Plan, Sierra Leone HIV project (SHARP), varioussectoral plans and programs aimed at reducing environmental impact. Most ofthese plans, programs and projects are aimed at building capacities ofinstitutional Frameworks, management of programs for managing theenvironment and monitoring programs.

Several major issues emerged out of the study conducted by Dr. RaymondJohnson and his team. Their report will highlight the following.

The speedy rehabilitation of community infrastructures will be very importantto reducing the social problems faced by communities in post-war SierraLeone.

Involuntary resettlement is not a serious problem as land given or acquired forrehabilitation for rehabilitation of community infrastructure was done inaccordance with existing procedures. It is important for communities to takeenvironmental management into their own hands to ensure sustainability of theNSAP. In the evaluation process, community development issues are crucialfor project management and sustenance.

The EA document will be complemented soon and will be available for publicrevieW a,fter being cleared by the World Bank. Copies will then be displayedto the public, at the at NaCSA regional offices, the Head quarter office inFreetown, NLCPFE, the University and SLANGO.

NGO Representative

He thanked God for the workshop and acknowledge that the World Bank is changingits focus to involve grass-root people in the development phase of the project. Heinstructed that before environmental concerns were not taken onboard, but now thishas come to the forefront. He pledged NGOs' commitment not only to carry themessage of the consultative meeting to a wider community, but to implement anymeasure designed to minimise environmental degradation.

Expression of Community ConcernsHighlights

The sentiments expressed by the participants from the NQrthern Province were similarto those expressed by their colleagues for the Eastern Province.

- They expressed the desire to see NSAP commence quickly

- They were of the view that NSAP was a good initiative to which they felt a

sense of ownership

- It was the general opinion, that environmental problems associated with NSAP

are manageable.

- They were pleased with the fact that agricultural inputs will be made but were

disappointed, that 'pesticides' will not be funded by the bank.

- On the issue of 'land take' the team was assured that existing land acquisition

procedures would be used so as to deal with any issue on involuntary

resettlement.

- The need for greater collaboration between NGOs and CBOs in an area of

implementing mitigation plans for environmental and social impacts of NASP

was highlighted.

- The people expressed their appreciation for the knowledge gained and for theopportunity to contribute to the development of the E.A.

Closing Courtesies

NaCSA staff and the consultants thanked their audience for the indulgence during theconsultative workshop, for their co-operation and inputs.

ANNEX 13 MINUTES OF CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP HELD INMOYAMBA TOWN AT THE HARFORD SECONDARY SCHOOLFOR GIRLS, CHAPEL, MOYAMBA 16 TH - 1 8 TH SEPTEMBER, 2002.

Dignitaries Present:

Mr. Syl Fannah - Director, Programming and CoordinationMr. Moses Gbouma - Regional Coordinator, SouthMrs. Lulu Sheriff - Principal - Harford Secondary School for Girls,MoyambaDeputy for Paramount Chief Momodu Sillah - Kaiyamba Chiefdom

Consultants:

Dr. Raymond G. JohnsonDr. Reynold G. JohnsonDr. Ernest T. Ndomahina

The opening ceremony for the consultative workshop started at 9:50 a.m. withMuslim and Christian Prayers.

The language adopted was Krio (Lingua Franca).

Opening Remarks

Dr. Ernest Ndomahina (Consultant) welcomed the dignitaries and participants presentat the opening ceremony. He stated that the purpose of the consultative workshop wasto acquaint participants with the National Social Action Programme of NaCSA andthe role of the communities and implementing partners of NaCSA in mitigating theenvironmental effects as identified in the EA study. He noted that the consultationwas designed to crystallize training programmes for NaCSA staff, local communities,implementing partners and other stake holders for environmental management of theupcoming NSAP.

He then called on Mr. S. M. Jonjo (Chairman of the Farmers Association, Moyambadistrict) to introduce the Chairperson for the opening ceremony.

Chairman's O. ening Remarks

The Chairperson of the occasion Mrs. Lulu Sheriff (Principal Harford School,Moyamba) in her opening remarks, dwelt on the widespread degradation of theenvironment country and in Moyamba Town in particular. She landed the efforts ofthe World Bank (WB) and it's in country partner (NaCSA) for putting environmentalissues on the top of their projects agenda.

She then called on the following people to make their statements.Statements by the Deputy Chief of Kaiyamba Chiefdom

He expressed his sentiments for the consultative workshop being in his chiefdom. Hedilated on the environmental concerns of the chiefdom, which amongst others

included, safe drinking water, protection of forests and wildlife and good socialinfrastructure.

Statement by Mr. Moses Gbouma, Regional Coordinator 8 Southern Province

In his statement he lauded the consultants for conducting this consultative trainingworkshop to address the concerns of the World Bank in environmental issues.

- Expressed gratitude to the participants from Pujehun, Bo, Bonthe, Mattru-Jong

and the host district Moyamba for coming.

- He described the focus of the workshop which he said was consultative on one

hand and experience sharing on the other for the successful implementation of

the NSAP which now requires more emphasis on environmental consideration.

- He stressed the importance of planning with environmental concerns.

- He explained how NCRRR has been transformed into NaCSA.

- NaCSA is now moving from relief (humanitarian) to recovery and

development.

- NaCSA has been funding over three hundred projects. The Northern Region is

expected to benefit greatly from the NSAP.

- NaCSA acknowledges the fact that minimum attention had been paid to

environmental issues in the past due to ignorance.

- The EIA is good and useful to NaCSA as they move from ERSF to NSAP.

Statement by the Director, Programming and Coordination, NaCSA

Mr. Syl Fannah recognised the presence of all dignitaries and observed all protocols.He welcomed all present at the meeting on NaCSA's behalf. He expressed kindsentiments for the consultative meeting and for the opportunity to update stakeholderson the purpose of the meeting and progress in the implementation of NaCSA'smandate.

The following 'te highlights from Mr. Fannah's address:

The NSAP is a successor program to the ERSF which was an

emergency fund. The NSAP is a program designed to take Sierra

Leone from emergency and relief to sustainable development after the

war.

The World Bank which is the main funding partner is concerned about

environmental deteriQration that might accompany the NSAP. It is for

this reason that this consultative mLeeting is held to explain

environmental; issues and seek clarification for mitigating the negative

effects of this successor program.

To update the public on the EA study and the RPF for NaCSA.

The World Bank is very much interested in the NSAP being

implemented on a firm footing and therefore community structures

which are the driving force and administrative framework for the

success of the program is crucial.

Overview of Community Setting and Resettlement Issues.

Dr. Ernest Ndomahina gave an overview of this study and findings. He said the studywas based on sample of communities from the Northern, Southern and EasternProvinces. He said as this study was more or less a "Pilot Study" the overview wasconcerned with perceptions regarding the NSAP in post war Sierra Leone.

Statement by the Lead Consultant Dr. Raymond G. Johnson

He set the stage for the workshop by explaining the workshop objectives which herepeated was to (a) identify training needs for both NaCSA staff and the localcommunities (b) to relate NaCSA's project to the World Bank's requirement for anEIA study to ensure sustainability of the project, and to acquaint them with elementsof environmental management. An update on the EA and RPF were also given.

Highlights of the Lead Consultant's Presentation

Overview and update of the environmental impact assessment study and RPF

The impact of the expected National Social Action Project ( NSAP) on the

physical, biological and social environment were analysed

After the predicted cumulative sight specific impact of the NSAP successor

program of the ERSF has been established mitigation measures will be

identified that are designed to limit the impact on the physical biological, and

social environment

Detailed National and Sectoral plans are existing to support the proposed

mitigation measures. These national plans include amongst others the

National Environment Action Plan (NEAP) ,National Biodiversity Action Plan

(BSAP), National Forestry Plan, Sierra Leone HIV project (SHARP), various

sectoral plans and programs aimed at reducing environmental impact. Most of

these plans, programs and. projects are aimed at building capacities of

institutional Frameworks, management of ptograms for managing the

environment and monitoring programs.

Several major issues emerged out of the study conducted by Dr. Raymond

Johnson and his team. Their report will highlight the following

The speedy rehabilitation of community infrastructures will be very important

to reducing the social problems faced by communities in post-war Sierra

Leone

Involuntary resettlement is not a serious problem as land given or acquired for

rehabilitation for rehabilitation of community infrastructure was done in

accordance with existing procedures. It is important for communities to take

environmental management into their own hands to ensure sustainability of the

NSAP. In the evaluation process, community development issues are crucial

for project management and sustenance

The EA document will be complemented soon and will be available for public

review after being cleared by the World Bank. Copies will then be displayed

to the public, at the at NaCSA regional offices, the Head quarter office in

Freetown, NLCPFE, the University and SLANGO.

General Overview of Environmental Concerns

Dr. Reynold G. Johnson dwelt on the principles and sustainability of communitydevelopment initiatives. He showed the synergy between community driven initiativesand sustainability and environmental soundness of such projects. He then explainedthe environmental considerations of NACSA rehabilitation programs.

NGO Representative

The NGO representative expressed his appreciation that the NGOs have been giventhe opportunity to participate in this meeting. He explained the important role theyplay in community development and welcomed the idea of grass-root participation inproject identification and development. He expressed the desire that NGOs will workwith the communities in the implementation of plans to reduce the potential negativeenvironmental and social impacts of NSAP.

Expression of Community Concerns

Highlights

- The majority of the participants from the Southern Region (Province) who

gathered in Moyamba expressed the desire to see rehabilitation commence.

- They expressed the need for such an environmental assessment and were

happy that the Government of Sierra Leone has also made efforts to protect

the environment.

- They highlighted the need to strengthen local institutions and build their

capacity to implement environmental and social mitigation plans.

- They acknowledge the 'newness' of environmental management and hoped

that the NGOs , CBOs and the local communities will work in concert to

ensure sustainability of NSAP.

- It was the general view, that involuntary resettlement be avoided as far as

possible and drew the team's attention to their local procedures for land

acquisition

- They were eager to see NSAP commence

Closing Courtesies

NaCSA staff and the consultants thanked their audience for the indulgence during theconsultative workshop, for their co-operation and inputs.

ANNEX 14 LIST OF INDIVIDUALS CONTACTED DURING THE REGIONALCONSULTATIVE MEETINGS

SOUTHERN AND EASTERN PROVINCE

NAME DISTRICT1. G.T Johnson Bonthe2. M.K. Jaish Bonthe3. Joseph Koroma Fillie Bonthe4. Richard Salanicole Mattru5. Harolla Tagbo Bonthe6. Braima Baimba Mattru7. Janet Massaguoi Mattru8. Mustapha Cindeh Bompe Bonthe9. M.A Jengo Mattru10. M.L Morovia Mattru11. Rosaline .M .Alie Moyamba12. Ansu .O.Kallon Moyamba13. Teddy Kpanabom Moyamba14. D.M.Nicol Moyamba15. Christiana .A.Vandy Moyamba16. Katis Bangura Moyamba17. Mustapha Kormoh Moyamba18. Michael Bockarie Moyamba19. Philip.M.Conteh Moyamba20. Emmanuel.S.George Moyamba21. Momodu Kemokai Pujehun22. Chief Sidi Braima sowa Pujehun23. Anthony O.S.Amara Pujehun24. Lucy. M .F. Katter Pujehun25. Mattia Koroma Pujehun26. Eric .M .A Moosa Bo27. Mohamed . S .Kamanda Bo28. Samuel Torkpoh Bo29. F . Mugbe Bassie Bo30. Edward Sesay Bo31 Willie Momoh Kenema32 Edwin Baimba Kenema33. Sylvester B.Aruna Kenema34 Madam. Mariama Jalloh Kenema35 Christian Musa Kenema36 Patrick .S A,bu Kenema37 James .N. Kendebo Kenema38 Edmond .N. saidu Kenema39 Holima.A.Sawai Kenema40. Rev. Patrick.A.M.Kamara Kenema41 Sahr.S. Mani Kono42 Tamba.E.Boyah Kono43 Tamba. E . M'bayo Kono44 Yusuf Kamara Kono45 Sahr Fillie Kono46 Bobson .N.Banya Kailahun47. Dauda.D.Lansana Kailahun48. Joseph Nyuma Kailahun49. Faiya Kormoh Kailahun50. Alfred Lansana Kailahun

NORTHERN PROVINCE.

NAME DISTRICT

1. James.A.Kamara Tonkolili

2. Komba.S. Kamara Port Loko

3. Unisa .M .Conteh Port Loko

4. Brima.0. Kanu Port Loko

5. Sulaima.M. Kalokoh Port Loko

6. Umarr Sankoh Tonkolili

7. Sorie Tholley Tonkolili

8. Ibrahim.S.Turay Kambia

9. Mr. A. R. Sesay Kambia

10. Paul .K.Kanu Kambia

11. Momorie .F. Koroma Kabala

12. M .O. Barrie Kabala

13. M. J. Gassama Kabala

14. L. S . H . Marah Kabala

15. Sulaima.M. Samura Kabala

16. Aminata.N. Sheriff Kambia

17. Mohamed .S. Conteh Tonkolili

18. Martina.F. Sankoh Kambia

19. Alims Kabia Bombali

20. Ibrahim Daramy Bombali

21. Abu .B. Koroma Bombali

22. Aloysious Kamara Bombali

23. Isatu .M. Koroma Bombali

24. Fatu.S.Kamara Bombali

25. Hamid Bureh Bombali

26: Dennis .A . Conteh Bombali

27. Victor .A. Turay Bombali

28. Mohamed . I. Bangura Bombali

29. J. Bunting Williams Bombali

30. M .N .S .Kargbo Bombali

31. Moses. J. Mansaray Bombali

32. David Charles Bombali

33. Rev. Lawrence E. M . Kalloh Bombali

34. Rev. Mark M'Barma Bombali

35. Michael Keister Bombali

36. Bob Conteh Bombali

37. Rugiatu Kanu Bombali

38. Ar Wurie Bombali

39. Sam Massaquoi Bombali

40. I . B .Charlie Bombali

41. Samuel Bangura Bombali