REPUBLIC OF YEMEN MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
RURAL ACCESS PROGRAM CENTRAL MANAGEMENT OFFICE
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal RURAL ROAD (11.89 Km)
Al-Sowadiah District, Al Baidah Governorate, YEMEN
Prepared by: Arabtech-Jardaneh - Engineers and Architects
Reviewed and updated by: RAPCMO Environmental and Social Unit Staff
December, 2014
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL
IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT (ESIA)
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Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
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Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
Revision History
Version Revision
Date
Description or Reason for
Change Discipline Review
Director Review
Approval
00 01-04-2014 Initial Release
01 01-07-2014 First revision Comments addressed
02 20-08-2014 Second revision Comments addressed
03 19-09-2014 Third revision Comments
addressed
04 15-11-2014 Forth revision Comments addressed
Quality Review by: Dariusz Kobus Reviewed and updated by: Eng. Helal Al-Raishi and Eng. Hassen Attyah Socio-Environmental Study Team Name Specialty 1 Ahmad Abu Hijleh Environment Specialist- Team Leader
2 Eng. Hayel Msharbash Senior Roads Engineer
3 Eng. Ashraf Al- Jafari Traffic Engineer 4 Ahmad Kuqash Environment Specialist
5 Eng. Ali Sa’ad Hydrology Specialist 6 Abdul Nasser Almwudda Socio-Economic Specialist
7 Mrs. Souhad Noamman
8 8 Mrs. Yassmin Al zubaidi
Women Consultation Specialist
Women Consultation specialist
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
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Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................................................................. 9
LIST OF NOMENCLATURE ............................................................................................................................................. 10
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................................. 11
1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................................ 22 1.1 Introduction to the Project ................................................................................................................ 22 1.2 Description of the Project .................................................................................................................. 23 1.3 Objectives of the ESIA ........................................................................................................................ 25 1.4 Environmental Screening ................................................................................................................... 25 15 Existing Alignment .............................................................................................................................. 25 1.6 Proposed Works ................................................................................................................................. 29 1.7 Land Acquisition and Compensation ................................................................................................. 30 1.8 Land Donation .................................................................................................................................... 31
2 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ....................................................................................... 32 2.1 National Legal Framework .................................................................................................................. 32 2.2 Environmental Institutions .................................................................................................................. 33 2.3 Environmental Applications to the Road Sector ................................................................................. 34 2.4 Involved Authorities ............................................................................................................................ 34 2.5 World Bank environmental and social safeguards and policies .......................................................... 35
3 BASELINE DATA ............................................................................................................................................... 37 3.1 Land Resources (Physical Region, Geology and Land use) ................................................................... 37 3.2 Climate and Rainfall ............................................................................................................................. 37 3.3 Absorption and Runoff Zones .............................................................................................................. 39 3.4 Catchment Characteristics ................................................................................................................... 39 3.5 Groundwater Resources ...................................................................................................................... 41 3.9 Population and Community Structure ................................................................................................. 43 3.9.3 Waste Disposal ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 44 3.9.4 Economic Activities and Poverty Status ............................................................................................................................................ 44 3.9.5 Agriculture ......................................................................................................................................... 46 3.9.6 Additional Income Sources ................................................................................................................ 46 3.9.7 Type and Volume of Exports and Dependency on Import ................................................................. 46 3.9.8 Services and Facilities ........................................................................................................................ 46
4 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS ...................................................................... 52 4.1 Scoping of Impacts ................................................................................................................................ 52 4.2 Potential Impacts .................................................................................................................................. 52 4.3 Environmental and Social Impacts during Construction Phase ............................................................ 60 A-1.5. Disposal of Cut Materials and Surplus Fill ......................................................................................................................................... 61 A-1.6 Borrow Pits and Quarry Area ................................................................................................................................................................. 61 4.3.2 Hydrology and Water Resources. ........................................................................................................................................................ 61 A-2.1 Source of Construction Water ............................................................................................................................................................... 61 A-2.2 Pollution from Wastewater, Diesel or Asphalt Spills from Site Compound and Machinery ......................................... 62 A-2.5 Cross drainage and Scour Effects on New Fills ................................................................................................................................ 62 4.3.3 Air quality and Noise Nuisance ............................................................................................................................................................. 62 A-3.1 Dust and Potential Pollution from Construction Machinery, Stored materials and Spoil Heaps ................................ 62 A-3.2 Smoke from Burning of Waste materials .......................................................................................................................................... 63 A-3.3 Noise Nuisance ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 63 4.3.4 Biological Resources .................................................................................................................................................................................. 63 4.3.5 Socio-Economic and Cultural Impacts ................................................................................................................................................. 64 A-5.4 Safety and Health Measures at Construction Site ......................................................................................................................... 64 A-5.9 Gender considerations ............................................................................................................................................................................. 64 A-5.11 Employment Opportunities .................................................................................................................................................................... 64 4.4 Environmental and Social Impacts during Maintenance and Operation Phase .................................. 65 4.4.1 Land Resources: The impacts in these cases will be very limited ............................................................................................ 65
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
4.4.2 Hydrology and Water Resources ........................................................................................................................................................... 65 B-2.1 Affecting Water Harvesting Structures .............................................................................................................................................. 65 B-2.2 Blockage of Cross Drainage / Culverts from Uncontrolled Discharged ................................................................................. 65 B-2.3 Erosion of Road Platform from Drainage Discharge ..................................................................................................................... 65 B-2.4 Pollution from Vehicle Leakage ............................................................................................................................................................. 65 B-3.2 Noise Nusinance .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 65 4.4.3 Socio-Economic Resources ...................................................................................................................................................................... 65
5 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ..................................................................................................................... 66 5.1 No Action Alternative............................................................................................................................ 66 5.2 Improving the Existing Road ................................................................................................................. 66 5.3 Assessment of Alternatives ................................................................................................................... 66
6 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) ........................................................ 68 6.3 Mitigation of Impacts during Construction Phase ................................................................................ 70 6.3.4 Socio-Economic and Cultural ................................................................................................................................................................... 74 (A-5.1) Public Health and Safety at construction site ................................................................................................................................. 74 (A-5.2) Chance Finds of cultural resources or other socio-economic resources.............................................................................. 74 (A-5.3) Gender Considerations ............................................................................................................................................................................ 74 (A-5.4) Employment ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 74 6.4 Mitigation of Impacts during Maintenance Phase ............................................................................................................................ 75 6.4.1 Land Resources ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 75 B-1.1 Maintenance of contractor site compounds, materials and equipment storage .............................................................. 75 6.4.2 Hydrology and Water Resources ........................................................................................................................................................... 75 6.4.3 Air Quality and Noise ................................................................................................................................................................................. 75 6.4.4 Socio-Economic Resources ...................................................................................................................................................................... 75 B-4.3 Chance finds of Cultural Resources or Other Socio-Economic Resources ........................................... 76 6.5 Monitoring Plan .................................................................................................................................. 76
7 SOCIAL CONSULTATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 82 7.1 Objectives of the Consultations ............................................................................................................ 82 7.2 Consultation Process ............................................................................................................................. 82 7.3 Findings of the Consultations................................................................................................................ 82 7.3.1 Men Consultations ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 82 7.3.2 Women Consultations ............................................................................................................................................................................... 83 Annex 1: Update of the Social Framework Agreement (SFA) in Arabic……………………………………………………..86 Annex 2: List of Beneficiary Committee ....................................................................................................... 87 Annex 3: List of Consulted People. Attendance Sheet………………………………………………………………………………..88 Annex 4: Findings of Social Consultations (Second Round)……………………………………………………………………….94
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
LIST OF TABLES PLEASE UPDATE LIST OF TABLES
Table No P.N
Table (1.1): Road Alignment Characteristics
7
Table (1.2): Bill of Quantities for Attahiriahl / Al Ka’Ka’ road
12
Table (2.1): List of Major Laws/Decrees/Orders relevant to roads Projects
15
Table (2.2): List of Conventions and International Agreements that were ratified by Yemen
16
Table (2.3): World Bank Safeguard Policies Triggered in Attahriah – Al Ka’ka’ Rural Road
19
Table (3.1): Climate in Al-Baydha Governorate
21
Table (3.2): Catchment Characteristics of Road area
24
Table (3.3): Cultivated Land by Type of Irrigation in Al-Baida Governorate
25
Table (3.4): Population Dynamics within the Project Area.
27
Table (3.5): Major Land Use Patterns Along and Close to the Project Route
28
Table (3.6): Governorate and District Poverty Level in the Project Area
29
Table (3.7): Educational Services within the Road Project area
32
Table (4.1): Checklist of Potential Impacts Associated with Road Project
38
Table (5.1): Alternatives Analysis for the Project Major Impacts
54
Table (5.2): Comparative Evaluation of the project's alternatives
54
Table (6.1): Clauses relevant to mitigation measures in the Standard Construction Contracts
58
Table (6.2): Summary Environmental Management Plan (ESMP) during construction phase
66
Table (6.3): Summary of Environmental Management Plan during Maintenance
70
Table (7.1): Location and number of consulted Men
73
Table (7.2): Location and number of consulted Women
74
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
LIST OF FIGURES
Names of Figures P.N
Figure (1.1): General location of AlBaidah Governorate in the R.Y
2
Figure (1.2): Photo shows typical view from Section one.
3
Figure (1.3): Attahriah, Alk’aka / Je’wal road project start point 8
Figure (1.4): Attahriah, Al Ka’Ka /Je’wal road project end point
Figure (1.5): Photo shows typical view from Section two.
9
Figure (1.6): Attahriah, Al Ka Ka / Je’wal road project Location Map
10
Figure (1.7): Topographic map of Road Alignment.
11
Figure (3.1): Climatic Zones in the project area
22
Figure (3.2): Average temperature graph for Al-Baidah
22
Figure (3.3): Average annual rainfall in the Project Area
23
Figure (3.4): Sub- Catchments of the Road Project
24
Figure (3.5): Shows natural vegetation cover in the road project area
27
Figure (3.6): Under/ Upper Poverty Map
29
Figure (3.7): Food Poverty Map
29
Figure (3.8): Photo shows electric pole location.
31
Figure (3.9): Distribution of Educational Institutions within the Project Area
32
Figure (3.10): Distribution of the Health Services within the Project Area
33
Figure (3.11): Photos of Flora taken along the road
34
Figure (3.12): Photos of Fauna taken during site visit
34
Figure (4.1): Photo shows alignment road passing through Je’wal village. 47
Figure (4.2): At km 8.8, photo shows the alignment road 47
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
BOQ Bill of Quantity
BP Bank procedures
CO Carbon Monoxide
CSO Central Statistical Organization
EHS Environment, Health and Safety
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
EPC Environment Protection Council
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
GALSUP General Authority for Land Survey and Urban Planning
GARWSP General Authority for Rural Water Supply
GOY Government of Yemen
GP Good Practices
HC Hydro Carbon
IFC International Finance Corporation
MoAI Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation
MoF Ministry of Finance
MoWE Ministry of Water and Environment
MPWH Ministry of Public Works and Highways
MSL Mean Sea Level
NEAP National Environmental Action Plan
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NO Nitrogen Oxides
NWRA National Water Resources Authority
OP Operational Procedure
RAP Rural Access Project
RAPCMO Rural Access Project Central Management Office
RMF Road Maintenance Fund
ROW Right Of Way
SEA Sectoral Environmental Assessment
SO2 Sulphur Oxide
TSP Total Suspended Particulates
WB World Bank
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
LIST OF NOMENCLATURE
% Percentage
C Degree Celsius
mm Millimeter
cm Centimeter
m Meter
Km Kilometer
US $ m2
United States Dollar
Square meter
m3 Cubic meter
KW Kilo Watt
No. Number
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
Executive Summary
Introduction
The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was prepared for the Project "
Attahriah – Al Ka’ka’ – Je’wal” Rural Road" for the Rural Access Program (RAP) as a variation
order under a contract signed between the Ministry of Public Works and Highways, Rural
Access Program Central Management Office (RAPCMO) and Arabtech-Jardanah - Engineers
and Architects.
This Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study was prepared in
conformance with category B requirements of the World Bank’s Environmental Assessment
Policy OP 4.01. In addition, this ESIA complies with the Environment Protection Law No 26
of 1995 (EPL), and according to the guidelines set forth in the Sectoral Environmental
Assessment (SEA) document prepared during phase 2 of the Rural Access Program (RAP 2)
which was approved by the WB in November 2009, depending on the nature of road
impacts.
The ESIA study was reviewed and updated by the Environmental and Social Unit Staff at
RAPCMO in December 2014 addressing all comments raised by the World Bank Safeguard
Team.
Description of the Project
This road is located in the North West part of Al Baidah Governorate within the As-
Sowadiah District; for a total length of 11.89 Km, which starts at about 17.5 km from the
As-Sowadiah town. The proposed road serves 10 villages directly and indirectly, among
them “Boukhor village at km 1.7, Al Ka’ka’ village at km 4.5, Je’wal village at Km 8.6, and
Dhahebah village at Km 9.65
The overall objective of this road project is to connect the populated communities and
areas located along “Attahriah – Al Ka’ka’ – Je’wal” road with the other parts of Al Baida
Governorate, and the national roads network. In general, the design will follow the existing
track and the work will comprise earthworks, mostly excavation, drainage works,
protection works, and the provision of road pavement layers, including base course and
bituminous surfacing. This road is classified as category (B) because the expected adverse
environmental and social impacts will be limited and temporary in most cases, while it is
reversible for the most part. Meetings were conducted with the local community’s
representatives and the women sector within the project area.
It is estimated that the road will serve about 46,404 persons directly and indirectly.
The main works that will be necessary for the construction of the road are: earthworks as a
result of the re-profiling of the horizontal and vertical profiles of the road, filling, grading,
and leveling of sub-grade, base course layer, asphalt layer, and the construction of several
culverts for stream water crossings.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
Legal and administrative framework
EIA in Yemen is enabled by the Environment Protection Law No 26 of 1995 (EPL), and
implemented through Executive Regulations (By-Law 148-2000), issued by a decree of the
Council of Ministers. Other major laws and By-Laws related to the road sector include:
Construction Law No. 19/2002;
Road safety Law No. 119/1976;
Weights and Dimension of Transport Vehicles Law No. 23/1994 with its Executive Regulations no. 282/2002;
The Road Maintenance Law (No.22/1995) with its two amendments n. 7 of 1997 and 27 of 2000.
Yemen ratified also a number of International Environmental Agreements and Conventions.
The central organization responsible for the coordination of decisions and actions related
to the road project is the Ministry of Public Works and Highways (MoPWH) that administers
among others, the Rural Access Program. Several organizations are also directly involved in
road related projects such as, the Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE), the Ministry
of Agriculture and Irrigation (MAI), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the General Authority for
Land Survey and Urban Planning (GALSUP), the Local Councils and many existing Non
Governmental Agencies (NGOs)
As the Project was classified under Category B (following the World Bank OP 4.01), affected
groups and local NGOs were consulted about the project's environmental aspects and their
views were taken into account.
In addition, temporary land use will be required for contractors camp’s and storage of
equipment. However, during field consultations, the beneficiary committee voluntary
donated a community land for this purpose free of charge. Accordingly, the World Bank OP
4.12 is not triggered in this situation.
Environmental Applications to the Road Sector
The current Government Policy in the road sector is mainly related to road maintenance
and development is reflected in the following projects and programs:
The Rural Access Program (RAP) with the aim to improve livelihood for the rural population and reduce rural isolation.
The creation of the Road Maintenance Fund (1995) with the aim to improve the maintenance of roads and to enhance cost recovery in the road sector.
The Transport Rehabilitation Project -1995- (financed by the World Bank) to undertake urgent rehabilitation needs in the roads and civil aviation sectors;
The Rural Access Program has established an Environmental & Social Management Unit within its Central Management Office (CMO). Through this Unit, the Program has put in place a standard environmental and social management process.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
Environmental and Social Baseline Conditions
Physical Environment
Topography, Geology and Land Use
The project is located within the central/southern highlands of Yemen, which is dominated
by intrusive and metamorphic rocks of the Precambrian basement complex. The main rock
types within the direct vicinity of the project route were gneissic granite, intruded by many
mafic dikes, and some marble outcrops were also observed near Al Ka’ka’ village. The
project area is dominated by agricultural and residential land use pattern.
Climate and Rainfall
The general climatic pattern of the project area is sub-tropical and dry where the rainfalls
are rather low to medium over the region, but at the mountains, by the aerographical
effects, the rainfall amounts are getting little bit higher, especially in the western and
northern parts of the catchments.
The mean annual precipitation depends on the orientation of the topography towards the
wind direction. The rainfall of the region varies from 150 mm in the lower catchment areas
to about 250 mm in the higher hills. Monsoon rains come in rainy seasons, between Mar –
May and from July to Aug.
Air Quality
Unfortunately, no data exists on air quality in the project area. The lack of point pollution
sources renders the air quality high. However, from the site visit one can note the high level
of dust covering all the vegetation along the road (caused by traffic).
Noise
Typical existing noise levels near the project site are generally limited because the project
site is located in a relatively underdeveloped area. Cars encountered were relatively old
and slowly driven at low gear due to the rough terrain. Noise comes from the engines,
transmission, exhaust and suspension of the vehicles and from frictional contact between
the tires and the hard road. There are 2 schools at about 100m and 10m distance from the
road and therefore are considered as potentially sensitive spots.
Waste Disposal
The common waste management practice is to discard the solid waste in pits near the
houses and to burn it when it accumulates. Wind causes littering and smoke dispersion in
the surrounding environment.
Biological Resources
Within the project area, major part has only very sparse natural vegetation. Scattered crops
exist mostly near the wadi courses or at terraces. Fauna wise, the dominant types within
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
the project area are the reptiles and the domestic mammals. Furthermore, the project area
doesn’t include any biologically sensitive or protected areas or species.
Socio-Economic and Cultural Aspects
Population and Economic Activity
The population served by the road belongs to As-Sowadiah district and is estimated at
some 46,404 persons with a density of 62 person/km2. Part of the population of the region
work in farming and grazing of their domestic animals. However, the limited rainfall in the
region led to the migration of many members of the population, specifically the adult males
in order to work in other regions of the Yemen or even outside the Country. In general, the
population along the road has very low level of income.
Health and Education Facilities
According to the socio-economic survey, there are no health facilities in the Project area.
Most of the residents have to go to As-Sowadiah Hospital or to the town of Al-Baidah or
even Sana`a for medical consultation. In the health district As-Sowadiah, there is 1 hospital,
1 health centre and 6 health units. There are 6 schools in the villages along the road. There
is no telephone network (land line) in the area of the project; residents rely on mobile
phones as 3 telecommunication companies cover the area.
Employment
Agriculture is the main source of income for the population served by the road, with the
main agricultural crop being corn. Soils are fertile but agriculture is mainly rain fed and
consequently, yields are very limited and almost nil in a dry year. The main water sources in
the project area are wells and small springs. Runoff water is also collected mainly for
irrigation. Residents rely sometimes on cisterns transporting water at a price ranging from 5
to 7 $ per m3 of water.
Archaeology and cultural heritage
There are no sites of archaeological or cultural significance identified within the Project.
Potential Environmental and Social Impacts
Scoping matrix (adopted from the SEA-RAP2) was used to identify impacts that should be
given attention. Input from the public consultation was considered and incorporated in the
list of potential impacts. The key predicted impacts of the project during the construction
phase include:
Potential contamination of soil, ground and surface water by solid and liquid waste
disposal, and handling of fuel and oil.
Social impacts and littering caused by the constrution camp.
Noise and erosion caused by borrow pits and local quarries.
Dust emissions by earthworks and movement of vehicles.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
Noise emissions by project machines and vehicles.
Potential water shortage caused by constuction of water by the project.
Damage to water harvesting and irrigation system.
Disruption to amphibia and other small animals by blockage of culverts.
None of the impacts identified were evaluated as major irreversible. Most impacts are
considered minor or negligible. The impacts can be mitigated. Impacts of more significance
are short-term and reversible. Impacts are listed below in order of importance starting
from permanent reversible to temporary reversible.
The baseline conditions do not indicate any possibility of significant cumulative impacts. Similarly, no other infrastructure projects, that could give rise to cumulative impacts, are expected during the road project implementation.
Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)
An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) was prepared for the project. It
aims at addressing the environmental and social impacts required during the project
implementation. The ESMP is essentially a guidance document to be continually referred to
during the construction and operation of the project.
Mitigation Plan
The majority of the proposed mitigation measures is part of the works contract and listed in
the BOQ. In addition, the General Specifications and Regulations (attached as annex of the
contract documents) contain specific environmental, health and safety requirements for
proper management of construction waste, waste fuel, oil and lubricants, noise and dust,
temporary storage of construction materials, and maintenance of equipment. The list of
mitigation measures are presented in Table 1. The cost of mitigation measures (other then
those already included in the BoQ) is expected to reach 20,793 USD.
Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan
The monitoring program will comprise site inspections and photographic documentation on
weekly basis designed to determine contractor compliance or otherwise with the ESMP and
other applicable regulations. It is also anticipated that additional inspections would be
required in response to complaints by local communities.
The costs of the monitoring program during the construction works include the costs of 1
part time environmental specialist and 1 part time social specialist with vehicle and camera.
They are expected to reach 12,000 USD. The ESMP for the Project is summarized in the
following tables 1 and 2 below.
Social Consultations
The aim of this consultation was to solicit the views and concerns of men and women on
the construction of the road and incorporate them into this ESIA and the contract
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
documents of the project. The consultation with men was conducted by the Environmental
and Social Unit Staff at RAPCMO on 22-23 Feb, 2014 during review and update of this ESIA
where 130 men were consulted in four villages.
Findings of the Consultations with men
During the consultation process the following information and opinions were gathered:
1. The road works do not require any land acquisition or destruction of any house.
2. All residents are convinced of the positive economic, social and health impacts of the road paving on their lives.
3. Transport is expensive especially for the sick.
4. Some resident showed lack of confidence in the implementation of the project as they were promised implementation several times long time ago.
5. Most residents showed their willingness to help during the implementation process.
Most of the population did not express displeasure with the problems that accompany
the implementation process such as the noise and dust.
Findings of the Consultations with women
Gender expert undertook the consultations on 27-29 March, 2014 in four villages along the
road and 117 interviewed women from different levels and discussed with them the
expected impact and the appropriate mitigation measures with regard to daily activities.
Women expressed their concern about the safety of the road especially in the area of
Bakhor village, Alerk village, Jewal village, Dhahebah village and Attahriah villages Hammaz
village & Alka'kavillag where they use the road to bring water and in the area of Attahriah
villages where they use the road to get the firewood and they proposed to install bumps
and signs in these 2 areas. In the village of Dhahebah and Attahriah villages, women
expressed their concerns about the vicinity of the school, and their safety as they usually
cross the road with their cattle and sheep when they take them grazing and they proposed
to install bumps and signs to alert drivers to lower their speed.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
Summary Environmental Management Plan (ESMP) during construction phase
Potential Impact
Mitigation Responsibility
Additional Cost US $
Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring
A.1 Land Resources
A-1.1 Temporary Land Use
-Voluntary land donation through beneficiary committee -Location of site offices and plants away from residential areas -Re-instatement of the used lot to its initial condition -Collection, temporary storage and disposal of all solid and liquid wastes
Contractor and Consultant
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Indirect Cost included in the BoQ
Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist, car and camera USD 10,000 A-1.2Management
of Construction site Compound
-Location of camp away from residential area -Proper management of the construction site compound to keep the site clean
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Part of contractor’s responsibility
Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-1.3 Borrow Pits and Quarry Areas
-Get the base course from existing quarries and from nearby borrow area to prevent disruption of visual amenities - In case new borrow pits or local quarry needs to be opened, the contractor has to obtain permits from the governorate authorities, address land ownership issue and comply with environmental regulations of the Law 26/1995. -
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
7,619 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-2 Hydrology and Water Resources
A-2.1 Sources of construction water
-Contractor to negotiate access to water with the local Communities
Contractor, Consultant and Beneficiary Committee
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Indirect Cost included in the BoQ
Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
Potential Impact
Mitigation Responsibility
Additional Cost US $
Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring
A-2.2 Pollution from wastewater, diesel or asphalt spills from site compounds and machinery
- Store fuel and oils in sealed containers
- Refueling and small repairs to be conducted in sealed sites with sump
-Do not use contaminated water for dust suppression
-Do not keep the soil exposed in the rainy season
- Locate stockpiles away from storm water
-Limit the height & slope of stockpiles
-Divert the overflow around work areas
-Inspect regularly the erosion/sedimentation incidents
-Develop contingency plans in the event of a spill
Contractor
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Indirect Cost included in the BoQ
Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-2.3 Flood protection in Wadi
-Install culverts as per the design Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
3,000 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-2.4 Alteration of water harvesting patterns
-Install irrigation steel pipes for encasing water pipes
- Prevent damage by earth works to water harvesting and irrigation system
-Avoid irreversible destruction of water patterns
Contractor, Beneficiary Committee
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
7,000 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-2.5 Cross drainage and scour effects
-Install culverts at designated locations and sizes as per the hydrological study
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Added under A.2-3 Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-2.6 Discharge to Adjacent Lands: - Plain Terraces
-Install irrigation steel pipes to accommodate channel flow Contractor, and Beneficiary Committee
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Added under A.2-4 Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
Potential Impact
Mitigation Responsibility
Additional Cost US $
Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring
A-3 Air Quality and Noise Nuisance
A-3.1 Dust & Potential air pollutants from construction, Machinery, stored material and spoil heaps
-Minimize the land disturbance by staging the work
-Cover dusty vehicles
-Restrict works to day time hours in and near residential areas
-Regular spraying of water
-Cover material stockpiles
-Minimize excavation and transfer during windy days
-Control drop height of excavated materials
-Minimize the height & slope of stockpiles
-Visually inspect dust generation
-Efficient use of machinery
-Regular maintenance and inspection of vehicles
-Minimize the number of fuel & chemical storage places
-Ensure sealed storage of volatile fuels
Contractor and Consultant
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Indirect Cost included in the BoQ
Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-3.2 Smoke from burning of waste materials
-Do not burn waste material
-Locate storage areas away from sensitive recipients
-Regularly transfer project waste to designated dumpsites
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
No additional costs Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-3.3 Noise Nuisance from Construction Works
-Regular maintenance of construction equipment
-Work in day time near settlements
-Work outside of school hours near schools
-Make sure all personnel have and use hearing protection
-Prepare contingency plans to deal with noise complaints
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
No additional costs Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
Potential Impact
Mitigation Responsibility
Additional Cost US $
Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring
A-4 Biological Resources
A-4.1 Conversion of Degradation of a critical or non-critical Natural habitat.
-The Contractor is not allowed to cut trees other than those necessary to conduct the works
-Plant new bushes and provide necessary irrigation if bushes are destroyed during works
- Unblocking of culverts to allow passage of small animals
Contractor and Consultant
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
No additional costs Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-5 Expected Impacts on Socio-Economic Resources
A-5.1Public health and safety at construction site Health and Safety for construction workers -Interaction between the workers and the Public
-Removable Barriers erected in high risk areas
-Installation of warning signs
- Locate workers’ camps away from settlements
Contractor in coordination with the Beneficiary Committee
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
3,174 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-5.2 Gender considerations
Installation of traffic signs and bumps for road safety near schools
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
No additional costs Cost included in salary of 1 part time social specialist
A-5.3 Employment -Employ local residents when feasible
-Contract local companies when feasible
Contractor and Beneficiary Committee
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Indirect cost included in the BOQ
Cost included in the salary of the part time social specialist
TOTAL 20,793 USD 12,000 USD
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
Summary of Environmental Management Plan during maintenance phase
Potential Impact Mitigation Responsibility
Additional Cost US $
Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring
B-1 Land Resources
B-1.1 Maintenance of contractor site compounds, materials and equipment storage
Follow Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations in particular:
- Fire protection and prevention
- Protection of the Environment
- Air and water pollution
- Solid Waste
-Noise control
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RMF
No additional cost No additional cost
B.2 Hydrology and Water Resources
B-2.1 Water Harvesting -Regular maintenance of water harvesting structures
Contractor and the Beneficiary Committee
Environment and Social Specialist of RMF
Cost will be included in
the maintenance BoQ
No additional cost
B-2.2 Blockage of cross drains/culverts
-Regular maintenance of the drainage structures
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RMF
Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ
No additional cost
B-2.3 Erosion of road platform from drainage discharge
-Regular maintenance of retaining walls, gabions and rip rap
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RMF
Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ
No additional cost
B-2.4 Pollution from Vehicle leakage or accidents
-Timely clean up following spills or accidents Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RMF
Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ
No additional cost
B-3 Socio-Economic Resources
B-3.1 Increased Road Accidents
-Maintain speed reduction signs and bumps Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO
Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ
No additional cost
B-3.2 Public Health and Safety during Maintenance
- Safety rules maintained
-Appointment of a safety officer
-Health and safety regulations displayed in English and Arabic in the maintenance plant
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RMF
Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ
No additional cost
B-3.3 Chance finds Cultural Resources or Other Socio-Economic Resources
- If found during maintenance, the local Authority should be contacted GOAM
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RMF
Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ
No additional cost
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
1 Project Description
1.1 Introduction to the Project
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study has been prepared for the
Project " Attahriah – Al Ka’ka’ – Je’wal” Rural Road" for the Rural Access Program (RAP) as a
variation order under a contract signed between the Ministry of Public Works and
Highways, Rural Access Program Central Management Office (RAPCMO) and Arabtech-
Jardanah - Engineers and Architects. This Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
(ESIA) study was prepared in conformance with category B requirements of the World
Bank’s Environmental Assessment Policy OP 4.01. In addition, this ESIA complies with the
Environment Protection Law No 26 of 1995 (EPL), and according to the guidelines set forth
in the Sectoral Environmental Assessment (SEA) document prepared during phase 2 of the
Rural Access Program (RAP 2) which was approved by the WB in November 2009,
depending on the nature of road impacts.
The ESIA study reviewed and updated by the Environmental and Social Unit Staff at
RAPCMO in November 2014 addressing all comments raised by the World Bank Safeguard
Team.
Figure 1.1 General location of Al-Baida Governorate in the R.Y
Source: Screening Report: For ATTAHRIAH – AL kA’kA – JE’WAL - (RAPCMO) office, 2005
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
1.1 Description of the Project
Arabtech-Jardanah - Engineers and Architects is commissioned to undertake the study of
upgrading Attahriah – Al Ka’ka’ – Je’wal” Road. This road section is located in the North
West part of Al Baidah Governorate within the As-Sowadiah District; with a total length
of 11.89 Km, which starts at about 17.5 km from the As-Sowadiah town. The proposed
road serves 10 villages directly and indirectly, among them “Boukhor village at km 1.7, Al
Ka’ka’ village at km 4.5, Je’wal village at Km 8.6, and Dhahebah village at Km 9.65.
The overall objective of this project is to connect the populated communities and areas
located along “Attahriah – Al Ka’ka’ – Je’wal” road with the other parts of Al Baidah
Governorate, and the national roads network. In general, the design will follow the
existing track and the work will comprise earthworks, drainage works, protection works,
relocation of existing utility services if necessary and the provision of road pavement
layers, including base course and bituminous surfacing. This road is classified as category
(B) because the expected adverse environmental and social impacts will be limited and
temporary in most cases, while it is reversible for the most part. Meetings were
conducted with the local community’s representatives including the women within the
project area.
The design alignment is based on the existing alignment. Since the existing road has
been excavated, the road works will not involve any widening as it has a current width
varying from 6 to 8m consequently; no land acquisition or donation is needed.
Figure 1.2: Typical view of the first part of Section 1
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
Figure 1.3: Attahriah – Al Ka’ka’ – Je’wal” Road Rural Road Project starting point
Figure 1.4 Attahriah – Al Ka’ka’ – Je’wal” Rural Road Project ending point
The main works that will be necessary for the construction of the road are: earthworks
as a result of the re-profiling of the horizontal and vertical profiles of the road, filling,
grading, and leveling of sub-grade, base course layer, asphalt layer, and the construction
of several culverts for stream water crossings.
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
1.1 Objectives of the ESIA
The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is intended to identify and
suggest mitigation measures for the potential environmental and social impacts
associated with the project " Attahriah – Al Ka’ka’ Rural Road". It is also expected to
assist the RAPCMO in addressing the potential environmental and social issues related
to the road project and approve it to proceed.
The measures to mitigate the potential impacts on the environment are identified in the
Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). ESMP provides guidance to
contractors how to implement project in compliance with the ESMP.
1.4 Environmental Screening
Arabtech-Jardanah - Engineers and Architects appointed in 2007 by RAPCMO to prepare an
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Project followed the ESIA
accordance with the World Bank Guidelines for Conducting Environmental and Social
Impact Assessment as per WB OP 4.01. The proposed Project is classified under Category
B. RAPCMO Environmental and Social Unit Staff reviewed this ESIA and updated it based
on the recent field visit to the site to ensure that no land acquisition would occur as a
result of project activities and in compliance with OP 4.12.
1.5 Existing Alignment
The proposed road “Attahriah – Al Ka’ka’ – Je’wal” is located in the North West part of Al
Baidah Governorate within the As-Sowadiah District, with a total length of 11.89 Km,
and its starting point is about 17.5 km from As-Sowadiah town. The proposed road
serves 10 villages directly and indirectly, among them “Boukhor village at km 1.7, Al
Ka’ka’ village at km 4.5, Je’wal village at Km 8.6, and Dhahebah village at Km 9.65.
Geomorphology wise, the track can be divided into two sections:
Section (1): 0+00-4+400:
This section (Plate-1 & Plate-2) can be considered as a flat to simple rolling terrain
with 6-9 m as it was prepared up to top sub-grade layer by a previous local
contractor. The end point of this section is at the entrance of Al Ka’ka’ village.
Section (2): 4+400-11+900:
This section (Plate-3 & Plate-4) can be considered as a smooth rolling terrain, with
6-8 variable track widths.
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
The following table gives a description of the different sections of the road and the following
figure shows its general road profile.
Section Length
(km)
Width
(m) Main Features
1 4,400 6-9
The existing alignment is an earth road and excavated
before to variable widths. The alignment is considered
as flat to rolling (in most of its part. Land use is vacant
agricultural and houses.
2 7.500 6-8
The existing alignment is an earth alignment not
excavated well. The alignment considered as flat with
low and mild gradients. Land use in vacant, agricultural
land and villages.
11.9 Total
Table 1.1 Characteristics of the road alignment.
Figure 1.5 Photo shows typical view from Section 1&2
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
Figure 1.6 Location Map
Figure 1.7 Topographic map of Road Alignment
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
H
Figure 1.8 Road crossing flat to rolling terrain.
Plate -1: The Project Road’s Entrance
Plate-2: St.1+325: Flat terrain
Plate-3: St. 7+700, Smooth Rolling Terrain
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
1.1 Proposed Works
In general, the design will follow the existing track and the work will comprise earthworks,
mostly embankment construction, filling, grading, leveling of sub-grade, base course layer,
asphalt layer, drainage works, installation of culverts, protection works, and the
construction of base course and road pavement layers, including prime coat and wearing
coarse surfacing.
Table below is the summary Bill of Quantities (BOQ) developed for Attariah - Al ka’ka’ rural
road. It gives a brief overview of works that will be done during the execution stage.
DESCRIPTION OF ITEMS
UNIT QUANTITY
ENGINEER'S FACILITIES
Provide a rented site office, housing and accommodation for the
Engineer staff as describe in Specific Specification
Monthly
Rate
12
Provide a rented three (2) vehicle for the Engineer staff including
Operation cost such as, fuel, oil, lubricants, Driver, insurance, and
maintenance. …Etc. as describe in Specific Specification
Monthly
Rate /
Vehicle
20
Provide a rented laboratory equipment for the Engineer staff including
Operation cost as describe in Specific Specification
Monthly
Rate
12
Provide a rented Survey Equipment for the Engineer staff including
Operation cost describe in Specific Specification
Monthly
Rate
12
EARTH WORKS - EXCAVATION
Roadway Common excavation m3 9,160
Roadway Rock excavation m3 970
Fill of suitable material from common excavation and/or rock
excavation within all haulage distance.
m3 8610
Fill of borrow material including excavation of the borrow pits and
hauling the material to fill locations within all haulage distance
m3 16,820
EARTH WORKS - OTHERS
Disposal of surplus and/or unsuitable excavated material outside the
right- of- way to the locations approved by the engineer
m3 0
Reconstruct the existing layer to regain the compacted thickness (20
cm), the work shall include scarifying existing layer, mixing with new
(borrow) suitable granular materials (new materials may reach 50 % of
which the compacted layer suppose to composed of), watering and
rolling and doing all what it needs to finish the work as per design and
specifications.
m2 64800
PAVEMENT WORKS
BASE COURSE AND SURFACING
Granular Base Course layer 150mm thick compacted to specified
AASHTO modified density as per Specification
m3 9,700
Provide and Spray Bitumen Prime Coat as per Specification m2 89,500
Provide and Lay Asphalt Concrete Wearing Course 40mm thick m3 5,920
Stone pavement (250mm thick) m2 4.400
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
STRUCTURAL WORKS
Structural Excavation (Culverts, Retaining Walls, Irish Crossings ) m3 1500
Concrete Class 110/25 (Blinding for Culverts, Retaining Walls & Irish
Crossings etc...)
m3 32
Concrete Class 210/20 (Culvert Top Slab, Irish Crossings Cut off Wall &
Slab etc...)
m3 260
Cyclopean Concrete Class 210/20 (Culvert / Retaining Walls Beds,
barriers, Paving, etc.. )
ton 930
High Tensile steel bar reinforcement (Grade - 40) for Irish Crossings and
pavement
ton 0
High Tensile steel bar reinforcement grade – 60 (Culvert Top Slab, Road
Pavement)
m2 22
Grouted Riprap at Irish crossing, roadside ditches, slope Protection, and
Culverts Inlet & Outlet. ( 25cm thick)
m3 9300
Gabions for Irish crossings, Slope Protection & Mudarrajat complete as
per Specification and shown on Drawings.
m3 0
Stone masonry Dressed Coursed as per Specification and shown on
Drawings (Retaining Walls, Culverts & Safety Barriers).
m3 700
Boulder Masonry for Retaining Walls, Culverts & Safety Barriers m3 220
INCIDENTAL CONSTRUCTION
Project Name Board (Comprised of 7 reflected 3 mm thick Aluminum
sheets with their support, fittings and concrete foundation). No. 2
Small Signs (not exceeding 1sqm area) No. 12
Single post sign support No. 12
Reflectorized Pavement Marking (Thermoplastic) m 28,000
Relocation of Existing walls m 0
Relocation of Existing fences m 0
Relocation of Existing Electric Pole No. 0
Relocation of Existing Telephone Pole No. 0
Removal of existing water pipe No. 0
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS
Provide and lay Irrigation Pipes MS 300mm dia. Including Excavation
and Backfilling
m 1300
Provide and lay Reinforced Concrete Pipe Culvert 120cm dia. including
plain concrete for cradle & sand for fill as per typical drawings
m 1200
Random Dry Stone Masonry for agriculture Land as Retaining Walls
With Thickness not less than 25cm for each Stone including excavation
and filling
m2 1200
Table 1.2 Bill of Quantities for the Attariah – Al Ka Ka road project
1.1 Land Acquisition and Compensation
In roads development project, the issue of land acquisition, especially in rural areas, is
considered sensitive. Land acquisition is an easy issue when implemented in vacant and
/ or grazing lands. While it became a very sensitive issue when dealing with private lands
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate
owned by people living below poverty level, whom using this land as a source for their
income.
With regard to this project, it is not expected that land acquisition would occur based on
the following facts:
The project depends on upgrading the current road alignment and status.
The project designers will work on reducing the rate of encroachment upon
private lands.
No widening of the road design is required; accordingly no land acquisition is
expected as a result of road implementation.
The design alignment is based on the existing alignment. The road works will not involve
any widening as it has a current width varying from 6 to 9m. As the proposed road will be
constructed on the current gravel road, no disputes are anticipated due to the construction
process. The local community have assured that there are no tribal conflicts in the area
currently, especially around the road alignment. They appreciate the benefit of the
proposed road. Also, the officials in the region assured that the locals have agreed to
provide a temporary land for the contractor’s camp and storage of equipment free of
charge and all the required help and assistant towards successful execution of the road.
1.1 Land Donation
No land acquisition or donation will be needed, as the road will not be widened.
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Potential Impacts
32
2 Legal and administrative framework
2.1 National Legal Framework
The most relevant national laws related to road projects and environmental management are presented in the tables below.
Year Law No. Description
1990 Decree of the Prime Minister 94
Establishment of the Environment Protection Council (EPC).
1995
Adoption of the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP)
1995 Law No.26 Protection of the Environment
2002 Law No.33 Water Law (9 chapters and 82 articles)
1991 Yemeni Constitution (articles 7, 18, 19 and 20) Land Acquisition and Private Property
2002 Civil Law (articles 118, 119 and 120) Land Acquisition and public ownership
1995 Law No. 21 State Land and Real Estate
1995 Law No.1 (Articles 12 – 16 on temporary acquisition, Articles 21, 27 provisions for land acquisition Land acquisition for the public interest
1992 Waqf Law no 23 year 1992 and The Republican Decree 99, 1996) Waqf/Endowment Land
1991 Civil Law, Articles 761, 765, 770, 1159) Agriculture Land
Table 2.1 List of Major Laws/Decrees/Orders relevant to roads Projects
Also, following are the major laws and By-Laws related to the road sector policy:
Construction Law No. 19/2002;
Road safety Law No. 119/1976;
Weights and Dimension of Transport Vehicles Law No. 23/1994 with its Executive Regulations no. 282/2002;
The Road Maintenance Law (No.22/1995) with its two amendments n. 7 of 1997 and 27 of 2000.
Yemen ratified a large number of International Environmental Agreements and Conventions; these are listed in table 3 below.
Ratification Date
Name
1980 Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage
1992 Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal
1995 Convention on Biological Diversity
1995 Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer
1995 Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
1995 Convention on the Control of the Trans boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal
1995 Framework Convention on Climate Change
1995 Convention on Biological Diversity
1996 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification UNCCD
1997 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
2002 The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
2004 Kyoto protocol (Framework Convention on Climate Change)
Table 2.2: List of Conventions and International Agreements that were ratified by Yemen
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment
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33
The Environment Protection Law consists of five chapters and 95 articles. The law's
objectives are to protect the environment, to combat pollution, and to protect natural
resources, society, human health, and living beings from activities that damage the
environment. In addition, the law is designed to protect the national environment from
activities practiced beyond the national boundaries and to implement international
commitments ratified by the Republic of Yemen in relation to environmental protection,
control of pollution, conservation of natural resources, and the protection of such globally
important environmental elements as the ozone layer and climatic changes.
Also, the law specify the incorporation of environmental considerations in economic
development plans at all levels and stages of planning for all sectors. It also, requires the
preparation of environmental assessment for all projects proposed by government, public,
private, and cooperative agencies, and foreign companies. No licenses are to be issued for
projects that degrade the environment. However, there is as yet no regulatory framework to
support the implementation of the Environment Protection Law and the provision of
undertaking environmental assessment for projects is not enforced.
The competent bodies for EIA defined in the EPL are those government bodies with powers
under other legislation to approve development activities. The Environment Protection
Council (EPC) was given the responsibility of coordinating the activities of the competent
bodies, and providing advice to them. In 2001 the Government transformed the EPC into the
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
Environmental standards and specifications have been prepared by the former EPC as
annexes to the Executive Regulations, covering potable water quality, wastewater quality
for agriculture, and ambient air quality, emissions, noise, biodiversity and protected areas.
2.2 Environmental Institutions
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), established by Decree 329/2001, (derives from
the Environment Protection Council (EPC), established in 1990) is the official and specialized
governmental agency for environmental protection and natural resources conservation
according to the EPL and other legislation in force, with statutory planning, licensing,
monitoring and auditing functions. The headquarters of the Authority is in Sana’a and it has
the authority to establish branches in the governorates if prescribed by a Decree from the
Minister based on a proposal approved by the Minister of Civil Services and Insurance. The
EPA is lead by a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman managing 3 Directorates (Natural
Resource; Control and Monitoring; Planning and Environmental Data) and 4 units (Climate
Change; Ozone Unit; Women and Environment; Local Environment Issues). The Authority
has also 2 departments: one for Legal Affairs and one for Awareness Raising, NGOs and
Information. The new EPA has a clear mandate to implement the environmental legislation
and to execute projects with the following objectives:
Protect the environment and conserve its balance and maintaining the ecosystems;
Combat the different kinds of pollution and avoiding any damage or negative impacts of various development projects,
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment
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Protect and develop the natural resources and conserve the life qualities in national environment from the damages coming from outside the national environment;
Protect the society, human health and other organisms from the different non-environmentally activities;
Eliminate air pollution and the impacts of climate changes.
2.3 Environmental Applications to the Road Sector
The current Government Policy in the road sector is mainly related to road maintenance
and development occurs in the following projects and programs:
The Rural Access Program (RAP) with the aim to improve livelihood for the rural
population and reduce rural isolation.
The creation of the Road Maintenance Fund (1995) with the aim to improve the
maintenance of roads and to enhance cost recovery in the road sector.
The Transport Rehabilitation Project -1995- (financed by the World Bank) to
undertake urgent rehabilitation needs in the roads and civil aviation sectors;
2.4 Involved Authorities
The central organization responsible for the coordination of decisions and actions related
to the road projects is the Ministry of Public Works and Highways (MoPWH) that
administers among others, the Rural Access Program.
Several organizations are directly involved in road related projects:
The Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE) is responsible for water supply and
sanitation.
o The National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) manages water resources
on a sustainable basis, ensures satisfaction of basic water needs and
establishes a system of water allocation
o The National Water and Sewerage Authority (NWSA) manages urban water
supply,
o The General Authority for Rural Water Supply (GARWSP) manages rural
water supply, and
o The Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MAI): is responsible for the sustainable
water management in the irrigation sector and the setting up of operation and
maintenance of irrigation structures. Moreover, MAI should provide protection from
floods, and erosion of soil, maintain agricultural terraces and prevent the
uncontrolled expansion of industrial or other infrastructure.
The Ministry of Finance (MoF), and within it the Department of Public Domain,
maintains urban land records such as registers of transactions, sales, and purchase
leases.
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Potential Impacts
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The General Authority for Land Survey and Urban Planning (GALSUP) is responsible
for all land related tasks such as planning, preparation, concession/ownership
contracts, notarization and the execution of expropriation processes.
Local Councils, represent executive authority on the level of governorates (local
Administration Law number 4/2002). They play a role in the control and the solving
of land donation issues.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play roles in increasing public awareness
on environmental or health matters; others support people in need.
2.5 World Bank environmental and social safeguards and policies
The World Bank has ten operational safeguard policies, which apply to various
development projects that the Bank is either implementing or funding. The purpose of
these policies is to ensure that social and environmental risks are prevented or at least
minimized while increasing socio-economic benefits of approved projects in addition to
preserving the environment. These policies have been a means to increase the
effectiveness and positive impacts of development projects supported by the Bank. The
World Bank Safeguard Policy triggered for the Attariah – AL Kaka road project is the
Environmental Assessment OP 4.01. As the proposed road was excavated to sufficient
width during the previous contract, no land is needed for the road project. In addition, the
temporary land use for the contractor’ camp and storage of equipment is voluntary
provided by the local community at no cost for the successful execution of the road project.
Accordingly, the WB Safeguard Policy on Involuntary Resettlement OP 4.12 is not triggered.
Table 2.3. World Bank Safeguard Policies Triggered in Attahriah – Al Ka’ka’ Rural Road
Policy Reference Applicability
1 Environmental Assessment OP 4.01 Yes
2 Involuntary Resettlement OP 4.12 No
3 Natural Habitats OP 4.04 No
4 Physical Cultural Resources OP 4.11 No
5 Pest Management OP 4.09 No
6 Indigenous Peoples OP 4.10 No
7 Forests OP 4.36 No
8 Safety of Dams OP 4.37 No
9 Projects in Disputed Areas OP 7.60 No
10 Projects on International Waterways OP 7.50 No
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment
Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road Potential Impacts
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The scope of works and the expected minor environmental and social impacts of the
project allow classifying the project as category B under the Bank Safeguards Policy on
Environmental Assessment OP 4.01.
The Environmental Assessment takes into account the natural environment (air, water, and
land); human health and safety; and social aspects (involuntary resettlement, physical
cultural resources, etc.) in addition to trans-boundary and global environmental aspects.
Useful guidelines and manuals that need to be considered during the ESMP phase of the
project include:
The World Bank Participation Sourcebook
Safeguard Policy Basics – Redbook
Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) General Guidelines issued by the World Bank
Roads and the Environment. A Handbook. World Bank Technical Paper 376.
Doing Better Business through Effective Public Consultation and Disclosure – A good
Practice Manual, issued by IFC.
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3 Baseline Data
This section will discuss the existing conditions of the Attahriah – Al Ka’ka’ Rural Road area.
It comprises a description of the physical, biological and socio-economic environment.
3.1 Land Resources (Physical Region, Geology and Land use)
The project is located within the central/southern highlands of Yemen, which is dominated
by intrusive and metamorphic rocks of the Precambrian basement complex. The main rock
types within the direct vicinity of the project route were gneissic granite, intruded by many
mafic dikes, and some marble outcrops were also observed near Al Ka’ka’ village. These
outcrops are overlaid by soil deposits (up to 2 m thickness).The outcropping geological
formation reflects a complicated structural setting that includes faults, joints and bedding
plan systems. The overall area of the valley where the planned track is located is
tectonically controlled by two sets of faults oriented N-S and SW-NE.
The elevation of the Attahriah – Al Ka’ka’ rural road varies between 751m and 849m above
MSL. The topography is almost flat with average low slopes of around 5%.
The project area is dominated by agricultural and residential land use pattern. Most of the
plots along the road are non arable or built up. Some plots are cultivated mainly with corn
but only between springtime and summer time as they rely for irrigation on the rainfall.
3.2 Climate and Rainfall
The climate within the project area resembles the rest of Al-Baidah Governorate Climate (Table 3.1), which is relatively cold in winter and moderate in summer, monsoon rains come in rainy seasons, between Mar – May and from July to Aug.
Table 3.1 Climate in Al Baidah Governorate
1800-2200 M asl Elevation
31-34 º C Max. temperature (Jun-Aug)
25-27 º C Max. temperature (Nov-Feb)
4-7 º C Min. temperature Jul-Aug)
13-17 º C Mini temperature degrees in cold months (Nov-Feb)
232 mm Annual yearly rainfall average
255 mm Annual yearly rainfall average in (R.O.Y)
The general climatic pattern of the catchment areas concerned is sub-tropical and dry
where the rainfalls are rather low to medium over the region, but at the mountains, to the
orographical effects, the rainfall is higher, especially in the western and northern parts of
the catchments.
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The area is characterized by two rainy seasons. The average yearly rainfall varies between
300 and 400mm as shown in the isohyetal map below (figure 3.1). The first rainy season
starts in March and stops by the end of May and the second starts in July and stops by the
end of September; the wettest month being July.
The mean monthly temperature ranges between 21 to 31 degrees centigrade. The hottest
months are June and July and the coldest months from December to February (figure 4.3).
Figure 3.1 shows the different climatic zones in Yemen. Al- Baidah governorate has an arid
climate.
Figure 3.1 Climatic Zones in the project area
Figure 3.2 Average temperature graph for Al-Baidah
Project
area
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Figure 3.3: Average annual rainfall in the Project Area
3.3 Absorption and Runoff Zones
The project area is of low to medium rainfall intensity and of limited relief. Thus it is
considered to be a relatively low energy environment that tends to be rainfall absorbing
area allowing for rainfall percolation through wadi beds and finally recharging the local
groundwater aquifer systems. In general the expected runoff zones within the project area
are the following:
From St. 6+300 to St. 6+375 with a length of 75.0 m
From St. 7+725 to St. 7+850 with a length of 125.0 m
From St. 9+310 to St. 9+365 with a length of 55.0 m
3.4 Catchment Characteristics
The topography of the catchments are characterized by a mountainous terrain with a
considerably high general slopes in most parts of the catchments and more gentle slopes in
lower parts near to the road location. Slopes near the wadi sides in the upstream are much
higher and can reach more than 100%.
The catchments of the wadis draining in the study area consist of as large as 7.1 Km2 such as
in the point where the road crosses wadi (6) to smaller areas less than 0.1 Km2 as in some
un-named wadis as included in numbered catchments.
Project
area
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Table 3.2 Catchment Characteristics of the Road area
Wadi
Name /
Number
Approx.
Station
[km]
Area
[km2]
L [km] H1 [m] H2 [m] Slope [%]
1 1+307 0.350 1.045 2070 2015 5.26
2 1+432 0.250 0.300 2050 2015 11.67
3 2+100 0.675 1.800 2050 2000 2.78
4 2+625 1.080 1.550 2050 1995 3.55
5 2+891 0.125 0.550 2032 1997 6.36
6 3+592 7.100 3.600 2070 1990 2.22
7 4+506 0.425 1.000 2030 1995 3.50
8 5+000 2.125 2.400 2045 1990 2.29
9 8+110 2.950 2.650 2045 1995 1.89
10 9+775 2.100 1.700 2045 1975 4.12
11 10+500 0.300 0.650 2010 1970 6.15
12 10+893 0.150 0.550 1990 1975 2.73
13 11+250 1.000 1.900 2020 1978 2.21
Source: Hydrological study for The Project Route -2010
Figure 3.4 Sub- Catchments of the Road Project
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3.5 Groundwater Resources
Within the project area, the main source for water is the shallow local aquifer systems.
These aquifers may be formed by direct precipitation recharge and/or by seepage from
other regional groundwater aquifer systems. Such aquifers are generally unstable and
characterized of having fluctuated groundwater level, as it is recharged during the rainy
seasons, and discharged by the locals during the dry seasons.
Water demands for the scattered villages along the road alignment are provided from
several shallow groundwater wells drilled in the area. The depth of these wells varies
between 15-20 m. Abstracted water from these wells is used for domestic and agricultural
demands. Water is transported to the houses through an irregular water distribution pipe
system. As for surface water, its only source in the project area is the runoff during the rainy
periods through the local wadis system.
3.6 Water Harvesting
The shortage of rainfall forces the local communities within the project area to use different
water harvesting techniques.
Within the project area water harvesting technique is practiced, based on collecting and
retaining overland flow in zones where soils permit agriculture. The receiving zone is always
smaller than the zone where overland flow is produced, thus a multiplier effect is produced
which permits agricultural production in low precipitation zones.
Such techniques are a major source for irrigating the farmed crops in the area. Thus, water
harvesting structures are important for the local economy in the project area. Rainwater
harvesting is a major source of water for irrigating the cultivated land (table 4.3). More than
50% of the total cultivated lands in Al-Baidah governorate are irrigated through rainwater
harvesting.
Cultivated Land by Type of Irrigation (ha) Area (Ha)
Rain Water Harvesting 13,622
Flood Water Harvesting (Spate) 3,205
Groundwater irrigation (Spring Irrigation) 801
Groundwater irrigation (Well Irrigation ) 9,082
Total Cultivated areas (ha) 26,710
Table 3.3 Cultivated Land by Type of Irrigation in Al-Baidah Governorate (Source: Draft
Sectorial Environmental Assessment, Volume-1 , Oct.2011).
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3.7 Air Quality and Noise Nuisance
Data on air quality in Yemen is scarce, and is unlikely to be used in any RAP project analysis,
and not enough studies are available to present the effects of rural roads on air quality.
Recent studies indicate that as the number of vehicles continues to grow, motor vehicle
emissions are becoming increasingly important contributors to air pollution. Within the
project area such issue is expected to be of minimal impact due to the limited number of
vehicles that will use this road compared to the number of vehicles in the major cities.
Overall, the air quality in the project area is high as there are no significant sources of air
pollution.
Noise nuisance is seen as a minor concern in Yemen. The concept of noise pollution is not
readily recognized, and the potential adverse impacts on health are not generally
understood. Within the project area, baseline noise level is low due very limited number
noise sources (including vehicles typical existing noise levels near the project site are
generally limited because the project site is located in a relatively underdeveloped area.
Cars encountered were relatively old and slowly driven at low gear due to the rough terrain.
Noise comes from the engines, transmission, exhaust and suspension of the vehicles and
from frictional contact between the tires and the hard road. There are 2 schools, at 10m and
100m distance to the road and they are considered as noise sensitive facilities.
3.8 Biological Resources
Yemen has a rich and diverse flora and fauna is primarily due to the wide range of habitats
in the country that vary from the highest mountains, to the plains, dry sand-deserts,
marshes, coastal habitats and volcanic ocean islands Yemen is positioned at the juncture of
three major biogeography regions, the Palaearctic, Afrotropical and Oriental regions.
According to the Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE), about 2,810 plant species
were recorded in Yemen. The major threats to flora are agriculture, over-grazing,
urbanization, tree cutting and wind erosion. The fauna comprises 71 recorded mammal
species, 5 species of gazelle and more than 363 species of birds. The major threats to fauna
are hunting and destruction of habitats due to deforestation and urbanization and killing of
animals perceived as dangerous.
In the considered Project area, some scattered trees can be observed but none will be
affected by the road works. Cattle and goats are found in the area. During the site visit, the
observed fauna and flora are not those of particular interest to the environment and no
protected or endangered species were identified. The road does not cross or run near any
sensitive, specially designated or protected areas.
With regard to the project area, major part has only very sparse natural vegetation;
scattered crops exist mostly near the wadi courses or at terraces where some rock barriers
or bare soil. Regarding the fauna, the dominant types of species within the project area are
the reptiles and the domestic mammals. Furthermore, the project area doesn’t include any
endangered or protected species.
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Figure 3.5 Natural vegetation in the Project area.
As an overall conclusion, the project route is of no ecological importance, thus, the project
activities will not cause any major negative impacts on the biodiversity setting.
3.9 Population and Community Structure
3.9.1 Administrative Structure and Population
The road passes through Dhahebah and Attahriah villages of As- Sowadiah district within Al
Baidah Governorate (Area: 9,280 km2). As Sowadiah district includes 104 village with a total
population of 46,404 persons and a population density of 62 person/Km2. It is estimated
that the road would serve (directly & indirectly) about 16,ooo persons. Population dynamics
for As-Sowadiah district and Al Baidah Governorate are presented in (table below).
Table 3.4. Population dynamics within the Project Area.
Source: Population Projection of the R.Y2005-2025(population growth is 4.4%)
25,956 ROY population, 2014
2,216,000 Population (Al Baida
Governorate)
46,404 Population (As-Sowadiah)
9,280 km2 Area (Al Baida Governorate)
444 km2 ِ Area (As-Sowadiah)
62. ِ Density (As-Sowadiah)
104 No. of villages (As-Sowadiah)
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3.9.2 Social Structure
The road’s area inhabitants are part of the Qayfah tribe, and there are no tribal conflicts
that may affect the road construction. As the road’s alignment will not be changed from its
current one, thus no conflicts because of the road are expected to arise especially that the
inhabitants feel a real need for the road and will not do anything that would delay or harm
the project. The inhabitants in the area are settled and there are no nomads among them
even among those whose main activity is herding. Furthermore, the following issues were
recognized during conducting the field survey in the area:
The arms carrying phenomenon is widely spread among the inhabitants and indicates a
strong tribal structure in the area as carrying arms is a main symptom of tribal society
indicating the fighting attitude which is typical in tribal societies.
The tribal norms are strong and effective in the inhabitants' social life. This is apparent
during the quarrels, which are often settled in accordance with the tribal norms and the
absence of any government judiciary components or system such as police stations and
general prosecution offices.
The tribal chieftains (sheikhs) play a great role in leading the society in this area. Their role
in administrating the local affairs is still significant and apparent more than the role of the
central government representatives.
3.9.3 Waste Disposal
From the site visit and discussions with the residents in the area of the Project, it was
noticed that the common practice is to discard the solid waste in pits near the houses and to
burn it when it accumulates. Strong wind causes littering of the surrounded area and smoke
spreading.
Meanwhile a blowing wind may spread waste in the surrounding environment. The nearest
common waste disposal site is a waste dump in Al-Baidah, at some 35 km distance from the
site.
3.9.4 Economic Activities and Poverty Status
Farming and residential are the two major land use patterns a presented within the project
area and along the road route (table 3.5), where the major economical activities within the
project area is farming and herding.
Left Side Right Side
Farming 1+950—2+100 Farming 2+00—2+650
Farming 2+200—2+650 Farming 3+600—3+700
Farming 7+750—7+850
Residential 8+700—8+900
Farming 9+470—9+610 Farming 9+300—9+350
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Table 3.5 Major Land Use Patterns Along and Close to the Project Route
In general the poverty level is high and has enforced many of the locals to look for jobs in other
parts of Yemen and even to migrate outside Yemen for better job opportunities. Those emigrants
are considered the main source for currency that supports their families and relatives. (table 3.6)
illustrates the governorate and district poverty level in the project area.
% of Population Under
Basic Needs Poverty
% of Population Under
Food Poverty Al Baidah
Governorate
42.1 35.1
As-Sowadiah District 42.2 38.4
Table 3.6 Governorate and District Poverty Level in the Project Area
Figure 3.6 Under/ Upper Poverty Map
Figure 3.7 Food Poverty Map
Residential 9+650—9+950 Farming 9+400—9+700
Residential 10+100—10+350
Graveyard 10+050-10+100
Residential Spot 11+550 Farming 10+050—11+00
Graveyard 11+558
Farming 11+300-11+890
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3.9.5 Agriculture
Farming and herding respectively are the major main economic activities within the project
area. Agriculture activities within the road project area are entirely dependent on rain, which
is not stable every year both in quantity and duration. As such, the crops in the area are also
entirely dependents on rain conditions.
The area is an agricultural one although the cultivated land area is medium when compared to
population. The land ownership is 3.99 hectares/P. Area wise, about 96% of the total land in
the directorate is cultivable, where 41% of it is actually cultivated. Moreover, the cultivated
land at As-Sowadiah district represents 0.44% of the total cultivated land in ROY.
Grains are grown on 84% of the cultivated land, where Maize represents 70%, and Wheat
represents on 12% of the cultivated land in the area. Maize is the main crop in the area and
the main nutrition source of the inhabitants, the production of the land is not sufficient for
the local consumption; so, the people imports wheat which is an important source for
nutrition.
Qat and coffee are the main crops, where the farmed area by these two crops is about 23% of
the cultivated lands. And they are the main source of income.
About 60% of the Cultivable land is not used which mean the cultivated land would be
expanded in the future.
3.9.6 Additional Income Sources
In addition to the above activities, the inhabitants depend on cash remittances from family
members employed outside the area. Most of them work in Yemen and some work outside
Yemen, especially in the Gulf state. This income source is a crucial source of cash income for
the inhabitants and balances their import/export deficit
3.9.7 Type and Volume of Exports and Dependency on Import
Although the area is an agricultural one, its output is not sufficient for local consumption. So,
the area imports a big portion of its need from outside the area especially wheat, rice, sugar,
vegetable oil, diesel, kerosene, and fuel. There are no important souks (market) in the area.
So, there is not any significant commercial activity in the area. On the other hand, Qat and
coffee are the two main exported crops from this area, representing one of the income
sources for the local population.
3.9.1 Services and Facilities
Infrastructure
According to the socio-economic survey, the main water sources in the Project area are
wells and small springs. Runoff water is also collected mainly for irrigation. There isn`t water
supply networks in the villages. Residents rely on cisterns transporting water at a price
ranging from 5 to 7 $ per m3 of water in case of network breakage.
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Water Resources and Sanitation Services
Water demands for the scattered villages along the road route are provided from several
shallow groundwater wells drilled in the area. The depth of these wells varies between 15-20
m. Abstracted water from these wells is used for domestic and agricultural demands. Water is
transported to the houses through an irregular water distribution pipes system. There is no
sanitation drainage network in the area. Also, there is no authority for collection and disposal
of domestic waste.
Electricity and Telephone
There is central or local electricity grid in the area. However, Some families own small
generators that they share the output with their neighbors. But, most of the inhabitants non-
electrical use lamps. There is a central telephone network in the area, where most of the
villages are covered by it. Also, the area is covered by cellular phone but only one of the
mobile companies has a good coverage. The extension of the electrical grid system within the
governorate is presented. There isn`t electric poles exist along and/or adjacent to road
project to be relocated during construction stage. See figure (3.8).
Education
Six schools providing Basic and Secondary level education are established within the project,
area statistical information about these schools is presented in (table 3.7). The extension of
the educational establishments within the governorate is presented in Figure (3.9). The
extension of these schools will not be affected by road construction.
Area No Level No of Students Male Female
Dhahebah 2 Basic 1-9 620 190 430
Dhahebah 1 Basic / Secondary 400 350 50
Attahriah 3 Basic 1-9 1,073 715 358
Total 6 1 Basic Secondary 2,093 1,255 865
Table 3.7 Statistical Presentation for the Educational Services Within the Road Project Area
Figure 3.8: Photo shows electric pole location
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The other key information collected about the educational system include:
Number of students in the area is acceptable compared to other Yemeni rural area.
Female students represent 41% of total student numbers, which indicates that the female enrollment ratio is becoming acceptable.
There is only one secondary school in the area, and the number of female students is only 50 students, which indicate the female enrollment ratio in this level is bad.
The number of schools is not enough to cater for the needs.
Health Care
There are no governmental health care establishments in the project area. So, locals need to
transfer their patients to As-Sowadiah or Rada’a city, which cost them a lot of money (about
2000 YR/ trip) and effort. Women and children are the most impacted by this situation as they
do not get the basic vaccines when needed in the area (except for Paralysis vaccine which is
provided during government national campaigns). However, the easy access to the proposed
paved road helps the inhabitants to reach the health Facilities in Rada’a city. The extension of
the health establishments within the governorate is presented in Figure (3.10).
Figure 3.9 Distribution of Education Institutions within the project area
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Biological Environment
According to the Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE), about 2810 plant species
were recorded in Yemen. The major threats to flora are agriculture, over-grazing,
urbanization, tree cutting and wind erosion. The fauna comprises 71 recorded mammal
species, 5 species of gazelle and more than 363 species of birds. The major threats to fauna
are hunting and destruction of habitats due to deforestation and urbanization and killing of
animals perceived as dangerous.
In the considered Project, some scattered trees can be observed in the project area but
none will be affected by the road works. Cattle and goats are found in the area. During the
site visit, the observed fauna and flora are not those of one particular interest to the
environment and no protected or endangered species were identified. The road does not
cross or run near any sensitive, specially designated area or protected areas. The following
photos present such species observed during site visits.
Figure 3.10 Distribution of the Health Services within the Project Area
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Figure 3.11 Photographs of Flora taken along the road.
Figure 3.12 Photographs of Fauna taken during site visit.
Employment
Agriculture is the main source of income for the population served by the road, with the
main agricultural crop being corn. Soils are fertile but agriculture is mainly rain fed and
consequently, yields are very limited and almost nil in a dry year. The project area is known
for the high number of imigrants that left the area looking for job opportunities. The main
income of the population in the area comes from money transfers.
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Figure 3.11 Photo of agriculture land adjacent to road
Access to services
According to the socio-economic survey, the main water sources in the Project area are
wells and small springs. Runoff water is also collected mainly for irrigation. There isn`t water
supply networks in the villages. Residents rely on cisterns transporting water at a price
ranging from 5 to 7 $ per m3 of water in case of network breakage.
There is no telephone network (land line) in the area of the Project; residents rely on mobile
phones as 3 telecommunication companies cover the area.
Archaeology and cultural heritage
There are no known sites of archaeological or cultural significance identified within the
Project site.
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4 Potential Environmental and Social Impacts
4.1 Scoping of Impacts
The scoping matrix (adopted from the SEA-RAP2) presented in table 4.1 was used to identify impacts that should be given attention. Input from the public consultation was considered and incorporated in the list of potential impacts.
These impacts are classified in terms of: Type (negligible, uncertain, positive, negative), Effect (direct, indirect), Duration (temporary, permanent), Extent (localized, extensive) and Degree (minor, major reversible or major irreversible).
None of the impacts identified were evaluated as major irreversible. Most impacts are considered negligible. Impacts of more significance are short-term and reversible.
4.2 Potential Impacts
This section of the report presents and discusses the expected Environmental and Social impacts of this project (both positive & negative) during the Design/Construction phase and the operation phase. The Environmental and Social checklist presented in Table (4.1) is used as a guiding tool for evaluating the expected impacts of this project. The discussed potential impacts within this section cover:
Land Resources
Hydrology and Water Resources
Air Quality and Noise
Biologic Resources
Socio-Economic and Cultural
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Table 4.1 Checklist of Potential Impacts Associated with Road Project
AS
PE
CT
PH
AS
E
Ite
m N
o.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
POTENTIAL IMPACT CHARACTERISTICS
Comments
Type Effect Chang
e Extent Degree
Ne
gli
gib
le
Po
sit
ive
Ne
ga
tive
Dir
ect
Ind
ire
ct
Te
mp
ora
ry
Pe
rman
en
t
Lo
ca
lize
d
Ex
ten
siv
e
Min
or
&
reve
rsib
le
Ma
jor
&
reve
rsib
le
Ma
jor&
Irre
ve
rsib
le
A-1.1 Permanent Land Acquisition
A-1.1.1 Local Re-Alignment
/ New Alignment
O
The current width of the road track is sufficient for construction of the planed
project
A-1.1.2 Dumping Sites O O O O O Not to dump in Ag lands & near residential spots.
A-1.2 Temporary Land Acquisition
A-1.2.1 Site Compound O
Local communities promise to provide temporary community land free of charge
and to provide full support to the project
implementation
A-1.2.2 Diversion and Haul
Road O
LA
ND
RE
SO
UR
CE
S
A1
- D
esig
n /
C
on
str
ucti
on
A-1.3 Slope Stabilization O
A-1.4 Management of Construction
Site Compound
A-1.4.1 Solid and Liquid
Waste Disposal o o o o O
Collect, separate recyclable and compost
organic waste
A-1.4.2 Handling of Petroleum Products
and Paving Material
o o o o O Properly collect and dispose products
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
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AS
PE
CT
PH
AS
E
Ite
m N
o.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
POTENTIAL IMPACT CHARACTERISTICS
Comments
Type Effect Chang
e Extent Degree
Ne
gli
gib
le
Po
sit
ive
Ne
ga
tive
Dir
ect
Ind
ire
ct
Te
mp
ora
ry
Pe
rman
en
t
Lo
ca
lize
d
Ex
ten
siv
e
Min
or
&
reve
rsib
le
Ma
jor
&
reve
rsib
le
Ma
jor&
Irre
ve
rsib
le
A-1.4.3
Safety And
Emergency Response
Procedures
O
A-1.4.4 Living and Sanitation Facilities
o o o o O Prepare treatment and disposal of wastewater
A-1.4.5 Rehabilitation of Site
o o o o O
The public safety and mainly kids, because: (i) harmful materials can be found
and used in an inappropriate way, (ii) The
risk of falling in any excavated holes within the construction site.
A-1.5 Disposal of Cut Material and Surplus Fill
o o o o O Avoid dumping in Ag lands & nearby residential spots.
A-1.6 Borrow Pits and Quarry Areas o o o o O To be selected away from the Ag lands & Residential spots with the approval of the
RE and the local communities
LA
ND
RE
SO
UR
CE
S
B1
- O
pe
rati
on
B- 1.1 Slope Stabilization O Most of the road passes by flat and semi flat areas
B- 1.2 Agricultural Land or Terrace
Damage During Maintenance O
Care should be given not to impact any of
the agricultural lands and terrace by the maintenance operation
B- 1.3 Maintenance Contractor Site
Compound, Material and Equipment Storage
O Implement a public safety plan within the
compound
B- 1.4 Management of Induced
Development O
This project will help in upgrading the life
indexes within the project area and will not cause induced development.
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
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AS
PE
CT
PH
AS
E
Ite
m N
o.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
POTENTIAL IMPACT CHARACTERISTICS
Comments
Type Effect Chang
e Extent Degree
Ne
gli
gib
le
Po
sit
ive
Ne
ga
tive
Dir
ect
Ind
ire
ct
Te
mp
ora
ry
Pe
rman
en
t
Lo
ca
lize
d
Ex
ten
siv
e
Min
or
&
reve
rsib
le
Ma
jor
&
reve
rsib
le
Ma
jor&
Irre
ve
rsib
le
HY
DR
OLO
GY
AN
D W
AT
ER
RE
SO
UR
CE
S
A2
- D
esig
n /
Co
nstr
ucti
on
A-2.1 Sources of Construction water o o o o o The contractor should arrangements with
the local communities
A-2.2 Pollution from Wastewater, Diesel
or Asphalt Spills from Site Compound and Machinery
o o o o o Shallow groundwater level
A-2.3 Flood Protection in Wadi O Culverts and Irish crossing will be established along the project route
A-2.4 Alteration of Water Harvesting Patterns
0 Minimal impacts , concentrated in the agricultural zones along the project route
A-2.5 Cross Drainage and Scour Effects o o o o O Hydraulic structures will be constructed to
help in overcoming this issue.
A-2.6 Discharge to Adjacent Lands:
A-2.6.1 Discharge to Unstable
Slopes O
Major part of the road route is passing by
flat to semi- flat area.
HY
DR
OLO
GY
AN
D
WA
TE
R R
ES
OU
RC
ES
A2
- D
esig
n /
C
on
str
ucti
on
A-2.6.2 Discharge to Rock Surface
O
Major part of the road route is passing by
flat to semi- flat area. With the absence of
any major unstable rock surfaces
A-2.6.3 Discharge to Channel
in a Stack O
No Channel in a Stack were identified along
the project route
A-2.6.4 Discharge to Graveyards
O
A-2.6.5 Discharge to Terraces O
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
56
AS
PE
CT
PH
AS
E
Ite
m N
o.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
POTENTIAL IMPACT CHARACTERISTICS
Comments
Type Effect Chang
e Extent Degree
Ne
gli
gib
le
Po
sit
ive
Ne
ga
tive
Dir
ect
Ind
ire
ct
Te
mp
ora
ry
Pe
rman
en
t
Lo
ca
lize
d
Ex
ten
siv
e
Min
or
&
reve
rsib
le
Ma
jor
&
reve
rsib
le
Ma
jor&
Irre
ve
rsib
le
A-2.6.6 Discharge to Other
Sensitive Areas or Structures
O No sensitive areas were identified along the
project route.
B2
- O
pe
rati
on
B-2.1 Work in Water Harvesting system 0 0 0 0 Hydraulic structures will be used as a water harvesting system
B-2.2 Blockage of Cross Drainage / Culverts from Uncontrolled
Discharges
o o o O Measure should be taken into account(Such
as periodic cleaning)
B-2.3 Erosion of Road Platform from Drainage Discharge
o o o O Measure should be taken into account(if it is happened)
B-2.4 Pollution from Vehicles Diesel and Oil Spills or Accidents with
Hazardous Cargo
o o o o O Measure should be taken into account(if it is happened)
AIR
QU
ALIT
Y A
ND
NO
ISE
NU
ISA
NC
E
A3
- D
esig
n /
C
on
str
ucti
on
A-3.1 Dust & Potential Pollution from
Construction Machinery, Stored Materials and Spoil Heaps
o o o o O Temporary & Low
A-3.2 Smoke from Burning of Waste
Materials o o o o O Temporary & Low
A-3.3 Noise Nuisance o o o o O Temporary & Low
B3
-
Op
er
ati
on
B-3.1 Air Pollution from Increased Traffic
0 Very minimal
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
57
AS
PE
CT
PH
AS
E
Ite
m N
o.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
POTENTIAL IMPACT CHARACTERISTICS
Comments
Type Effect Chang
e Extent Degree
Ne
gli
gib
le
Po
sit
ive
Ne
ga
tive
Dir
ect
Ind
ire
ct
Te
mp
ora
ry
Pe
rman
en
t
Lo
ca
lize
d
Ex
ten
siv
e
Min
or
&
reve
rsib
le
Ma
jor
&
reve
rsib
le
Ma
jor&
Irre
ve
rsib
le
B-3.2 Noise Nuisance 0 Very minimal
BIO
LO
GIC
RE
SO
UR
SE
S
A4
- D
esig
n /
C
on
str
ucti
on
A-4.1 Conversion or Degradation of a
Critical or non-Critical Natural Habitats
0 Negligible
A-4.2 Damage to Biological Resources by Construction Equipment
o Low Temporary Impact
A-4.3 Damage to Biological Resources by Construction Workers
o Low Temporary Impact
B4
- O
pe
rati
on
B-4.1 Increased Pressure on Biological Resources from Induced
Development
B-4.1.1 Animal Road Kill 0 very minimal impact
B-4.1.2 Destruction of Vegetation
0 very minimal impact
SO
CIO
-EC
ON
OM
IC
AN
D
CU
LT
UR
AL
A5
- D
esig
n /
C
on
str
ucti
on
A-5.1 Tribal Tensions 0 Local communities offer full support to the project.
A-5.2 Land Acquisition and Resettlement 0 No needed.
A-5.3 Destruction or Re-Location of
Utility Services (Electricity and Phone Pole Lines, Water Pipes)
0 No utility services found near road alignment
A-5.4 Public Health and Safety at
Construction Site
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
58
AS
PE
CT
PH
AS
E
Ite
m N
o.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
POTENTIAL IMPACT CHARACTERISTICS
Comments
Type Effect Chang
e Extent Degree
Ne
gli
gib
le
Po
sit
ive
Ne
ga
tive
Dir
ect
Ind
ire
ct
Te
mp
ora
ry
Pe
rman
en
t
Lo
ca
lize
d
Ex
ten
siv
e
Min
or
&
reve
rsib
le
Ma
jor
&
reve
rsib
le
Ma
jor&
Irre
ve
rsib
le
A-5.4.1 Safety and Health for
the Construction Workers
0 0 0 0 0
Health and measures instated at work
compound. Also, measures taken to
minimize workers-locals interaction A-5.4.2
Public Safety at the
Site and Interaction between the Workers
and the Public
0
A-5.5 Road Closure and Detours 0 To be announced to population when
needed. Current traffic not heavy.
A-5.6 Graveyards and Burials 0 None
A-5.7 Known Archaeological and Historic Sites
0 No Archaeological and Historic Sites where identified along the project route.
A-5.8 Chance Finds of Cultural Resources or Other Socio-
Economic Resources
0 None
A-5.9 Gender Considerations 0 The project will upgrade the life indices along the project route area
A-5.10 Locating the Project Compound 0
The locals offer all help to the project. the
site should be away from the agricultural lands or the residential spots
A-5.11 Employment 0 Temporary job opportunities will be available for the local communities within
the project area.
S O CI
O-
EC O N O M IC
A N D
C U LT U R AL
B5
-
Op
era
tio
n
B-5.1 Increased Road Accidents
0 0 0 0 0 Signage and proper speed limiting bumps include n the design
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Attahriah / Al-Ka’’ka’ / Je’wal Road
59
AS
PE
CT
PH
AS
E
Ite
m N
o.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
POTENTIAL IMPACT CHARACTERISTICS
Comments
Type Effect Chang
e Extent Degree
Ne
gli
gib
le
Po
sit
ive
Ne
ga
tive
Dir
ect
Ind
ire
ct
Te
mp
ora
ry
Pe
rman
en
t
Lo
ca
lize
d
Ex
ten
siv
e
Min
or
&
reve
rsib
le
Ma
jor
&
reve
rsib
le
Ma
jor&
Irre
ve
rsib
le
B-5.2 Public Health and Safety During
Maintenance
B-5.2.1 Maintenance Works
Site Risks to Workers
and the Public
0
The contractor should provide all health and
safety measures to the workers and the
road users
B-5.2.2
Health Risks from
Compound Sanitation and Communicable
Diseases
0 0 0 0 0 The contractor should provide clean water and food to the workers in addition to
implement an appropriate sanitation system
B-5.3 Socio-Economic Benefits
B-5.3.1 Reduce time needed to reach educational
establishments.
0 This project will upgrade the life indices and the socio-economic conditions within the
project areas
B-5.3.2 Reduce time needed to reach health
establishments
0 This project will upgrade the life indices
and the socio
B-5.3.3 Reduce travel time to
the nearby districts 0
This project will upgrade the life indices
and the socio
B-5.3.3
Establishment of new
businesses (small commercial
establishment &
Farming)
0 This project will upgrade the life indices
and the socio
B-5.4 Chance Finds of Cultural
Resources or Other Socio-
Economic Resources
0 Minimal chance to find Cultural Resources or Other Socio-Economic Resources
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
60
4.3 Environmental and Social Impacts during Construction Phase
4.3.1 Land Resources
A-1.1 Permanent Land Acquisition
Further to the development of the detailed design, it was clear that land acquisition is not
needed, as the width of the existing road is sufficient to accommodate two passing vehicles.
A-1.1.4 Dumping Sites: such issue is of low magnitude. Waste dumping along the road will be temporary and conducted away from the agricultural and residential spots along the project route.
A-1.2 Temporary land Use
Temporary Land use is of negligible impact and expected to be implemented during
construction phase for:
- Establishing the project offices, storage of equipment and materials.
The local community representatives ensured that, they will provide a temporary
community land free of charge and full support and help needed from them for
implementing this project.
Temporary land use will be needed for the establishment of site offices and plants. It will
have an impact on land use, however, limited in space (around 5,000 m2) and time (around
10 months). To minimize the impacts of the temporary land acquisition, the site used by a
contractor who made previous works could be re-used. The site compound, if not located
and managed properly could have negative impacts on the environment such as disturbance
of the natural flora and fauna, contamination of ground water and soils and disturbance of
the local communities. Temporary land acquisition will not be needed for diversion and haul
roads as the actual road width is 6 to 8m and the excavation works were completed.
A-1.4 Management of Construction Site Compound A-1.4.1 Solid and Liquid Wastes Disposal
This type of wastes will be generated by the work manpower, and wastes from the routine
maintenance and repair of vehicles and construction machinery. Such issue is of low
magnitude, where the contractor should not dump any type of domestic wastes close to
residential area and/or the agricultural lands.
From the site visit and discussions with the residents in the area of the Project, it was noticed
that the common practice is to discard the solid waste in pits near the houses and to burn it
when it accumulates. Meanwhile a blowing wind may spread waste in the surrounding
environment. The nearest common waste disposal facility is a waste dump in Al-Baidah, at
some 35 km distance from the site.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
61
A-1.4.2 Absence of Safety Measures for Petroleum Products & Paving Materials
During this phase, storing the used Petroleum materials, products and Paving materials, in
the construction operation without implementing appropriate management and safety
plans can be of high impact on the safety of the workers in the project and any nearby
residential areas. Such issue is of low magnitude.
A-1.4.4 Living Standards and sanitation Facilities
The absence of adequate living standards (clean water, sanitation system and wastes
collection system) in the consecution camp can cause serious health problems to the
workers and to the nearby local communities.
A-1.4.5 Rehabilitation of the Construction Site
Leaving the construction compound without rehabilitation after the end of the construction phase can impact the public safety of the locals living close to or passing by it, especially the children, because: (i) harmful materials can be found and used in an inappropriate way, (ii) The risk of falling in any excavated holes within the construction site.
A-1.5. Disposal of Cut Materials and Surplus Fill
According to the project design the estimated quantity of cut materials that will result from
the different construction activities is about 45,000 m3, while the needed quantity of fill
materials is about 22,000 m3. The project design focused on using the cut materials to cover
the required quantity of fill materials. Nevertheless, such materials might be a major source
of solid waste during the construction phase. Unmanaged dumping process for these
materials will have several negative impacts, represented by:
(i) Permanent destruction of the soil layers;
(ii) Reducing of productivity of the agricultural lands along the project route;
(iii) Slope stability Problems.
The magnitude of this impact is medium along the agricultural sections of the project route.
The dumping site for such materials should be away from the agricultural sectors and also
away from the residential areas.
A-1.6 Borrow Pits and Quarry Area
Defining the Borrow pits and the quarry areas for the project usage is an important issue of
concern for the contractor as he preferred these areas to be close to the work area to
reduce the transportation cost. Thus, within the project area the magnitude of this issue is
low to medium especially within the agricultural zones along the project route. Under any
condition, the contractor should not be allowed to use any of the agricultural lands as a
borrow pits or quarry areas.
4.3.2 Hydrology and Water Resources.
A-2.1 Source of Construction Water
It is expected that the contractor will depend on meeting his water demands (Domestic and
for the different construction activities) from the limited available local groundwater
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
62
resources. Such condition will affect the availability of the existing limited water quantities
for the local communities in the area. Without appropriate arrangements with these
communities, such actions can cause the contractor social problems and conflicts with the
local communities. This issue is of high concern.
A-2.2 Pollution from Wastewater, Diesel or Asphalt Spills from Site Compound and
Machinery
Domestic liquid waste will be generated from the following three different sources:
- The working manpower
- The routine maintenance, and repair of vehicles and construction machines
- From the asphalting process (asphalt, bitumen and other related petroleum-based
products).
Inappropriate management system for disposing of these liquids, might leads to soil and
water resources contamination, and negatively affects the public health within the project
area.
Thus, polluting groundwater resources could occur from diesel and other spills during
construction. The magnitude can be considered moderate and needs to be taken into
consideration, as the depth to groundwater is shallow, and doesn’t exceed 20m from the
land surface.
A-2.5 Cross drainage and Scour Effects on New Fills
During the construction operations, if new fills weren’t well compacted, a lot of scour points
will be created on both the road’s edge and on the fill slope edge. Omitting this issue will
eventually erode the roadbed. Remedial treatment will therefore be required.
Such case may occur where newly cut roads will create new catchment (which is not the
case of the subject project). The absence of a professional supervision for the construction
activities can cause (among many others) that new fill is not adequately compacted and lead
to roadbed erosion. Such issue is of limited very low magnitude as major part of the road
route is passing by flat to semi- flat area. Nevertheless, sufficient hydraulic structures will be
constructed along the sensitive zones within the project route to help in overcoming this
issue.
4.3.3 Air quality and Noise Nuisance
A-3.1 Dust and Potential Pollution from Construction Machinery, Stored materials and
Spoil Heaps
The effect of such impact is expected to be temporary and limited. Appropriate mitigation
measures implemented by the contractor can highly control such impact.
The primary source of potential air quality impacts during the construction phase is fugitive
dust emissions generated from earthworks activities. Dust (or particulate matter) may be
generated from the following activities:
- Blasting and crushing of rocks;
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
63
- Excavation of soils;
- Movement of construction vehicles on unsealed pathways;
Wind blowing over stockpiled and exposed soils;
- Loading and unloading of materials on site; and
- Emissions from uncovered truckloads.
The generation of high levels of dust has the potential to negatively impact the health and
safety of earthwork laborers and residents of the villages, reduce visibility, and retard plant
growth in the surrounding areas.
Increases in exhaust emissions are expected at the Project site, as a result of construction
vehicles and machinery. Exhaust emissions are likely to include nitrogen oxides (NOx),
carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur oxides (SO2), hydrocarbons (HC), and total suspended
particulates (TSP). These emissions have the potential to negatively impact the health of
workers at the Project site.
Volatile emissions may also be expected during the earthworks phase, from solvents and
fuels stored or used on the Project site. Volatile emissions have the potential to negatively
impact the health of workers at the Project site.
A-3.2 Smoke from Burning of Waste materials
The effect of such impact is expected to be temporary and limited. Burning of waste
material during the construction period may lead to air pollution from smoke emissions.
A-3.3 Noise Nuisance
The scattered residential spots penetrated by the road will experience negative impacts of
dust, particulates, and gaseous emissions from the construction operations and from
Burning of Waste Materials. Also such areas will be impacted by and noise during this phase.
Such impacts are considered limited and of temporary effects.
Earthwork activities and heavy machines are expected to elevate ambient noise levels in
areas within the Project site for certain periods. Construction works are likely to occur for 8
to 9 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week. Potential sources of noise during bulk earthworks
include truck and vehicle movements to, from and across the Project site.
The existing sensitive receivers to noise in the Project site are mainly the villages and in
particular the schools that are directly along the road. They will probably remain in
operation throughout the Project, and as such, will be impacted by the construction noise
and additional traffic, which will need to be mitigated against. Noise may also disturb
wildlife in the vicinity of the work area.
4.3.4 Biological Resources
As parts of the Project site are developed, and the alignment is known not to traverse any
biodiversity sensitive areas such as natural reserves or wetlands, the potential impacts that
may occur during construction include:
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
64
Soil disturbance through the use of heavy trucks;
Dust and exhaust emissions from vehicles and machinery;
Destruction of small bushes.
Considering that the road exists, the construction phase will not pose a serious impact to
the neighboring habitats. A minor disturbance to cattle and sheep crossings might occur
during short periods of works.
4.3.5 Socio-Economic and Cultural Impacts
A-5.4 Safety and Health Measures at Construction Site
Different sources of risks are expected to affect the public safety of the local communities
and workers, due to: (i) The usage and movement of the construction vehicles and
machinery, (ii) the risk of blasting the rock or excavated material. The magnitude of this
issue is low. Nevertheless, the contractor should provide appropriate protection measures.
A-5.9 Gender considerations
Three meetings consultation have been conducted with women and during the meeting most
of women attended have welcomed the establishment of the new road and hoped that it will
participate highly in improving the life indices in their villages. Expected advantages from
establishing the road as reported by the consulted women are the following:
Provide easy accessibility to get the medical care during the pregnancy and delivery,
through easy access to the health care centers in the nearby towns.
Reduce the cost of living through reducing the prices of goods such as cooking gas,
and other types of food.
Participate in increasing the social interaction with the nearby local communities,
especially as the road will make their visit to their family easier.
Increase the number of students who can continue their secondary school education
(especially girls).
Help in establishing infrastructure (water and electricity) projects.
Provide temporary job opportunities during the construction phase.
A-5.10 Employment Opportunities
During the construction phase, the construction activities can be considered as a temporary
positive impact, as work opportunities can be provided to the local labor living close to the
project route.
Employing a certain number of construction workers at the anticipated peak of the
construction phase;
Providing employment opportunities for a number of people within the region such
as security guards and driver;
Providing indirect income from construction work and purchase of material and
supplies.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
65
4.4 Environmental and Social Impacts during Maintenance and Operation Phase
The operation of the road will be associated with some negative and several positive
impacts discussed in the coming subsections.
4.4.1 Land Resources: No impacts are expected.
4.4.2 Hydrology and Water Resources
B-2.1 Affecting Water Harvesting Structures
Water harvesting structures will be not impacted by direct damage or by the road user’s
misuse. Along the project route this issue is positive impact.
B-2.2 Blockage of Cross Drainage / Culverts from Uncontrolled Discharged
The absence of a regular maintenance program for “Cross Drainage / Culverts” from
Uncontrolled Discharges, may lead to destroying these structures and negatively impacting
the nearby agricultural and residential spots along the project route. Such issue is of low
magnitude.
B-2.3 Erosion of Road Platform from Drainage Discharge
The absence of a regular maintenance program for the road platform, in addition to the
inappropriate design for the hydraulic structures along the project route might cause
erosion for the road platform.
B-2.4 Pollution from Vehicle Leakage
Surface or groundwater pollution may occur from routine spillage or leakage from vehicles
using the road. Considering that the projected traffic is expected to be limited, thus,
discharges impact from road users on the groundwater quality is going to be minimal.
Furthermore, the quantity of routine leakage is not expected to have a major impact.
B-3.2 Noise Nuisance
Although considered minimal, noise nuisance might have negative impacts on sensitive receptors, such as schools located 10m from the road alignment.
4.4.1 Socio-Economic Resources
B-5.3 Anticipated Socio Economic Benefits
Based on the conducted site visits to the project area, and the conducted meetings with the
local communities, the expected socio-economic benefits are the following:
Improvement of the standard of living for local residets in the region by the generation of additional commercial opportunities and access to new employment centers
Induced development: roadside commercial, industrial, residential, etc.
Reduction in the transport costs
Increased access to markets for local products
Better access to health care and other social services
Increase in local land values
Easier access to schools
Reduction in the travel time
Reduction in the operation costs of vehicles.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
66
5 Analysis of Alternatives
Alternatives to the project have negative environmental impacts. Consequently, the "No
Action Scenario" would be compared to the Project implementation scenario.
The present low standard of living in the villages within the road alignment will continue to
worsen.
Further to the development of the detailed design, it was clear that land acquisition is not
needed, as the width of the existing road is sufficient to accommodate two passing vehicles.
5.1 No Action Alternative
The No-Action Alternative assumes that the present state of the road proposed would
pertain. This would imply that the road would be left in its current state of poor riding
surface and unacceptable geometric alignment.
Under this alternative, the present low standard of living in the villages within the road
alignment will continue to worsen. All development opportunities such as easy movement
of agricultural products and passengers, and reduced vehicles operating cost would not be
realized. Furthermore, uneven road surface and sharp curves causing the movement of
vehicles to be difficult and dangerous will continue.
5.2 Improving the Existing Road
This alternative will improve the road alignment to an acceptable level of safety, speed and
environmental standards. This alternative seems to be more realistic, since there would be
minor environmental impacts, as compared to the benefits that would be accrued from its
implementation.
5.3 Assessment of Alternatives
Although there are environmental implications associated with improving the existing road,
appropriate mitigation measures would be implemented to minimize them especially that
major part of these impacts characterized by one or more of the following characteristics:
Temporary and of low magnitude especially during the construction phase.
Low magnitude and of localized impacts.
In addition to that, the full support for the project for the local communities in the project
area will provide a strong base for solving any social impacts that will result for establishing
this road. Furthermore, in spite of its medium initial cost, the benefits to be accrued far
outweigh that of the other alternative. Analysis of Alternatives for the project major impacts
are presented in table 5.1.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
67
Table 5.1 Alternatives Analysis for the Project Major Impacts
The previous section showed clearly that the project would be associated with several positive impacts and some minor negative impacts during the construction phase. The latter, if properly mitigated, will have their magnitude certainly decrease and will enhance the benefits of the project. The main benefit will be the contribution to the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the area and the reduction in dust pollution. The following table shows a comparison of the two scenarios based on different parameters. Evidently, the benefits that will arise from the project will outweigh its negative impacts.
Parameter Project Implementation “No Action Scenario”
Land Resources No significant impact (0)
No significant impact (0)
Hydrology and Water Resources Low negative impact (-)
High negative impact (---)
Air Quality and Noise Nuisance Low negative impact (-)
High negative impact (---)
Biological resources No significant impact (0)
No significant impact (0)
Socio-economic and Cultural High positive impact (+++) High negative impact (---)
Table 5.2: Comparative Evaluation of the project's alternatives
Action Do-Action No- Action Best
Alternative
Rehabilitate and upgrade the current road
-Upgrade living standards.
- Easy access to health and educational establishments.
- Reduce the cost of living.
-Attract economical investment from outside the project area.
All development opportunities such as easy movement of agricultural products, passengers, and reduced vehicles operating cost would not be realized.
Do- Action
Establishing culverts and Irish crossings
-Assist the water harvesting mechanism
-Implementing appropriate discharge method
- Keeping the road in good condition for a long time.
- Contribute in groundwater recharge of the local aquifers.
- loss of water. - impacting agricultural lands. - Impacting the public safety of the nearby residential spots Do- Action
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
68
6 Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)
The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) aims at addressing the
environmental and social safeguards required during the Project implementation. The
presence of a proper environmental and social management plan is extremely useful so
that recommendations in terms of mitigation and monitoring are effectively implemented.
The ESMP is essentially a guidance document to be continually referred to during the
construction phase (see table 6.2) and maintenance phase (see table 6.3) of the Project.
6.1 Responsibilities for implementation and monitoring
The Implementing Contractor has the responsibility to ensure that all persons working on
the Project (including subcontractors and their employees) comply with the environmental
requirements outlined in this ESMP. The Contractor must prepare a Construction Plan that
meets these requirements. He shall fully coordinate with the World Bank, RAPCMO and the
Consultant during site inspections.
The Supervising Consultant has the responsibility to monitor the project works, report
compliance (or otherwise) with ESMP, and request mitigation measures in cases of non-
compliance.
The MoPWH shall contract, through the Supervising Engineer, a social and an environmental
specialist for the total duration of the construction work (estimated at 10 months) on part
time basis. Their fees are estimated at 12,000 US$ for the total project duration. The social
and environmental specialists shall be responsible for the supervision of the implementation
of all the mitigation measures identified in the ESMP and the solution of environmental and
social issues that may be encountered during the execution of works. The task comprises:
Weekly Site inspection
Documentation of the feedback from stakeholders and other affected people
Photographic documentation
Reporting on-site inspections clearly identifying areas of Contractor's compliance and non-compliance with the ESMP and recommendation on actions to be taken
Production of monthly progress monitoring reports.
The World Bank will monitor the implementation of road specific ESIAs/ESMPs and other
Safeguard related documents (SFAs). In particular, the Bank will ensure that proper
monitoring takes place and that the reports are filed regularly.
The MoPWH and in particular the Environmental and Social Unit (E&SU) of RAPCMO is
responsible for the supervision of the monitoring of the implementation of the proposed
environmental and social measures for Attahriah – Al Ka’ka’ Project. Being the executing
agency, it is understood that it has access to any component of the project. However, it is
advisable to have a clear clause in the TORs that states that authorized officers from
RAPCMO may at any time enter any premises to examine, inspect, control, monitor, take
samples, examine books, records or documents and take photos. Access to all sites of the
project shall be assured. The RAPCMO will also review the reports submitted by the
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
69
Consultant.
The Beneficiary Committee is responsible for the coordination with RAPCMO authorized
officers, the Consultant, in particular the Social and Environmental Specialist (ESS) and the
Contractor to solve arising issues resulting from road construction and maintenance.
The Road Maintenance Fund (RMF) and those institutions responsible for road safety will be
coordinated with during post construction road maintenance activities.
6.2 Mitigation Plan
The Mitigation Measures lists the actions needed to mitigate the previously identified
negative impacts and enhance the positive impacts. The mitigation plan shall make sure that
all reasonable measures are taken to ensure that the construction and maintenance of the
road are compatible with the protection of the existing environment and maintain the
welfare of the people affected by the Project.
The mitigation measures, including those in the BOQ, will be included in the works contract.
The total cost of mitigation measures during the construction phase (excluding monitoring)
is estimated to reach 20,793 USD.
The majority of the proposed ESMP mitigation activities is part of the works contract and
listed in the BOQ under Environmental Works.
The General Specifications and Regulations (attached as annex to volume II of the contract
documents) contain specific environmental, health and safety requirements for:
Proper management of construction waste;
Control measures for waste fuel;
Oil and lubricants;
Reduction of noise and dust levels;
Rehabilitation of areas used for construction detours;
Sites used for temporary storage of construction materials; and
Use and proper maintenance of equipment with appropriate noise and smoke abatement controls.
Clause Subject
4.1 to 4.10 General Requirements
5.1 to 5.16 Safety Requirements
6.1 to 6.5 Environmental and Health Requirements
7.1 to 7.5 Additional Requirements for Work in Public Areas
8 Contractor's Site Check List
Table 6.1 Clauses relevant to mitigation measures in the Standard Construction Contracts
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6.3 Mitigation of Impacts during Construction Phase
6.3.1 Land Resources
(A-1.2) Temporary Land Use
The local community representatives ensured that, they will provide a temporary
community land free of charge and full support and help needed from them for
implementing this project. Temporary land use will be needed for the establishment of site
offices and plants. The location of the site plant shall be agreed upon with the Beneficiary
Committee and the Project Manager before the start of the works. It should be located at
distance far enough from the nearest residential area in order to minimize the disturbance
to the local communities. The site plant shall be managed properly to prevent disturbance
of the natural flora and fauna, contamination of ground water and soils, and disturbance to
the local communities. After completion of the works, the Contractor shall re-instate the
location of the camp to its initial conditions.
The mitigation measures for solid and liquid waste disposal, spillage of fuel and lubricants
and the inappropriate discharge of sewage are to comply with clauses 6.4 and 17.2.2 of the
Environmental and Safety Regulations regarding solid waste and general housekeeping. The
contractor must comply with the safety, health and environmental requirements in terms of
the management of all solid and liquid wastes, material and equipment storage and
possibility of fuel leakage. In general, the site compound must be kept clean and tidy at all
times during the implementation stage for possible site inspection and monitoring.
(A-1.3) Management of Construction Site Compound
The construction site should be located to avoid damage to the land and should be managed
properly. Solid and liquid waste should be disposed off adequately to prevent nuisance to
the workers themselves, to the local communities and the local environment. The mitigation
measures for solid and liquid waste disposal, spillage of fuel and lubricants and discharge of
sewage, are to comply with clauses 6.4 of the General Safety, Health & Environmental
Regulations regarding solid waste and general housekeeping. The contractor must comply
with safety, health and environmental requirements in terms of the management of all solid
and liquid wastes, material and equipment storage and the possibility of fuel leakage. In
general, the site compound must be kept clean and tidy at all times during the
implementation stage for possible site inspection and monitoring. The site must be located
at a far enough distance from the nearest residential areas so as to minimize disturbance to
the local communities.
(A-1.4) Borrow Pits and Quarry areas
It is recommended to get the base course material for the road from local already eroded
material or from existing quarries, rather than establish new quarries next to the site to
prevent disruption of visual amenities.
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In case new borrow pits or local quarry needs to be opened, the contractor has to obtain
permits from the governorate authorities for site selection and operation, address land
ownership issue and comply with environmental regulations of the Law 26/1995.
6.3.2 Hydrology and Water Resources
(A-2.1) Sources of Construction Water
The contractor will have to negotiate access to water with the locals to avoid conflicts with
the local communities.
(A2.2) Pollution by Wastewater, Diesel or Asphalt Spills from the Site compound and
Machinery
The groundwater quality may be protected from potential contamination sources by
applying the following measures:
- Manage the equipment stationing areas and the site compound in general according to the
Health, Safety and Environmental Regulations Clauses. Spill control measures should be
implemented to prevent spills from infiltrating into the groundwater. Measures should
include proper materials handling and storage procedures, development of contingency
plans in the event of a spill.
Fuel and oil must be stored in safely sealed containers. Refueling and small repairs of
equipment must be undertaken in sealed areas with a sump.
Do not use contaminated water for dust suppression and wash down of vehicles and
machinery on site;
Do not keep the soil exposed in the rainy season;
Maintain and contain waste storage areas to eliminate the potential for leached or
run-off to contaminate soils and water;
Locate stockpiles on flat areas, away from storm water. Ensure that sediment or
erosion cannot reach a waterway;
Limit the height and slope of stockpiles to minimize erosion of unconsolidated
materials during rainfall events;
Divert overland flow around work areas / construction sites;
Regularly inspect of all erosion and sedimentation controls during the construction
period to ensure their continued effectiveness;
Develop a contingency plans to be followed in the event of a spill.
Special care should be taken during execution of works near watercourses to prevent
pollution.
(A-2.4) Alteration of Water Harvesting Patterns
Several mitigation measures have been incorporated into the design and the project works
such as the installation of steel irrigation pipes at locations determined by farmers. The
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contractor must avoid the irreversible destruction of water patterns during implementation,
which may lead to social conflicts regarding the established water rights among the farmers.
(A-2.5) Cross Drainage and Scour effects
Culverts have been assigned in the design at required locations in accordance with a
hydrological study. If properly installed, the scour effects are mitigated.
6.3.3 Air Quality and Noise Nuisance
(A-3.1)Dust & Potential Pollution from Construction Machinery, Stored materials and Soil
Heaps
The following measures should be implemented during the construction phase of the
Project to minimize the potential for dust generation:
Minimize the area of land to be disturbed at any one time by staging of construction
activities and the progressive implementation of the works;
Cover and do not overload dusty vehicle loads transported to, from and within the
Project site with sheets;
Restrict the movement of vehicles to defined routing emissions;
Regularly use water trucks to suppress dust while ensuring no run off from operation;
Enclosures and cover, by impervious sheeting, any aggregate or other dusty material
stockpiles;
Minimize excavation and transfer operations of surface materials on windy days,
Limit the drop height of excavated materials to a minimum to limit fugitive dust
generation from unloading as far as practicable;
Minimize the height and slope of stockpiles to ensure erosion of unconsolidated
materials during rainfall events does not occur;
Construction Project Manager to visually inspect dust generation and to recommend
other mitigation measures.
A number of mitigation and management measures can be initiated to reduce air quality
impacts from construction machinery, vessels and vehicle exhausts. These include:
Use of modern machinery, with adequate pollution control devices;
Proper and efficient use and operation of construction machinery and vehicles by
qualified and workers;
Implementation of a regular maintenance and inspection program for all
construction plant and vehicles (Inspection to be done by the Construction Project
Manager);
Minimization of unnecessary operations of construction machinery, including
efficiency of trip times and reduction of double handling through appropriate
placement of stockpiles, haul roads, works depots and work areas. This will also aid
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in fuel efficiency and will assist in reducing the overall costs associated with
unnecessary fuel consumption;
Daily visual checking by inspectors or site supervisors to ensure the above
recommendations is followed, particularly with regards to smoky emissions from
vehicles and plants. Smoky equipment should be given defect notices and taken out
of service until repaired and approved for re-deployment.
The above mitigation measures will also assist in minimizing the emissions of greenhouse
gases.
The following mitigation measures will control volatile emissions during the construction
phase. Many of these measures will also be required from a safety viewpoint with regards to
the use and storage of dangerous goods:
Ensure all machinery is in working order and not leaking fuel or volatile emissions
from fuel tanks or fuel lines;
Minimize and properly manage the number of fuel and chemical storage areas;
Ensure proper on site storage of volatile fuels and chemicals in appropriately sealed
containers, in cool, covered areas with adequate venting;
Equip and maintain construction vehicles and machinery during the works to
minimize exhaust emissions.
(A-3.2) Smoke from Burning of Waste Materials
The waste material shall not be burned but be disposed of properly;
Temporary waste storage areas should be located in a cleared area outside of
identified drainage lines, and should be afforded protection from wind to prevent
wind driven litter on site;
Wastes should be regularly transported from the Project site to a designated disposal
site.
(A-3.3) Noise nuisance from construction works
The following management measures should be adopted to minimize noise impacts during
earthworks:
Make sure all machinery and vehicles are regularly maintained and broken parts are
replaced immediately;
Make sure all machinery and vehicles are operated efficiently and according to the
manufacturers specifications, by trained and qualified operators;
Make sure that activities likely to cause noise emission are restricted to day time
hours (in consultation with the Beneficiary Committee), especially within or near
residential areas and sensitive facilities such as schools and hospitals);
All personnel are provided with hearing protection and trained for proper use;
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Make sure contingency plans are in place to deal with noise control if complaints are
received during the earthworks phase.
To address the potential impacts on schools, during construction, the following
mitigation measures are recommended:
Construction works within 100m of schools should be restricted to outside school
hours (such as before and after school, during school holidays or weekends, or left as
the final stage of works);
Wire fence meshing, dust screens or wooden hoardings should be installed along the
boundaries of the construction areas to delineate it and therefore decrease impacts
and the potential for interaction between them, the school and the construction
works;
The access points for construction vehicles should be at a minimum distance of 100m
from the school access point.
6.3.4 Socio-Economic and Cultural
(A-5.1) Public Health and Safety at construction site
The contractor shall abide by the Health, Safety and Environmental Regulations.
Barriers erected in high risk areas to protect project laborers and visitors;
Installation of warning signs;
The contractor should apply measures to avoid accidents around the school areas:
Speed limits and traffic regulations
Cautionary sign posts around school areas.
(A-5.2) Chance Finds of cultural resources or other socio-economic resources
If cultural resources are found during construction works, then the excavation works should
cease and local authorities and experts should be contacted directly for site inspection.
(A-5.3) Gender Considerations
Installation of traffic signs and bumps, as requested by the consulted women, for road
safety especially near schools and where animals are crossing the road are already included
in the design.
(A-5.4) Employment
As the impact of the road on employment is positive, there is no need for mitigation
measures addressing negative impacts. To strengthen the positive impacts, local residents
should be employed during the construction phases when feasible; and local companies
should be contracted to supply construction goods and services whenever feasible.
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6.4 Mitigation of Impacts during Maintenance Phase
6.4.1 Land Resources
B-1.1 Maintenance of contractor site compounds, materials and equipment storage
The contractor should follow General Regulations on Safety, Health and Environmental
Regulations Clauses 6.1, 6.4; and 2) other Regulations and Requirements Clauses 17.3, 17.4,
17.5 are followed.
6.4.2 Hydrology and Water Resources
B-2.1 Water harvesting
Regular maintenance of the water harvesting structures.
B-2.2 Blockage of cross drains/culverts - Uncontrolled discharge
Regular maintenance of the drainage structures.
B-2.3 Erosion of road platform from drainage discharge
Regular maintenance of retaining walls, gabions and rip rap
B-2.4 Pollution from vehicle leakage or accidents with hazardous cargo
The Contractor shall immediately and appropriately clean up following spills or accidents
with hazardous cargo.
6.4.3 Air Quality and Noise
B-3.1 Dust and Potential Pollution from Construction Machinery
Negligible emissions are expected accordingly no special mitigation measure is needed.
B-3.2 Noise Nuisance from Maintenance Works and Operation
Noise generation is expected to be minimal and for a short period. Maintenance works in or
near residential areas and sensitive locations (schools, medical sites) should be restricted to
day time hours. During operation, noise nuisance is also expected to be minimal,
nevertheless, signs should be installed near schools and other sensitive receptors to instruct
vehicle drivers not to use horn near sensitive receptors.
6.4.4 Socio-Economic Resources
B-4.1 Road Accidents
The speed reduction measures such as the signs and bumps must be maintained. The
contractor should also apply measures to avoid accidents around the school areas during
maintenance works:
Speed limits and traffic regulations;
Cautionary sign posts around school areas.
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B-4.2 Public health and safety during maintenance
The safety rules for work operations, such as equipment operation procedures, safety
barriers, warning signs, protective hard hats, shoes and clothing for workers shall be
enforced. First aid and medical kits shall be provided. A safety Officer shall be appointed.
Health and safety regulations shall be clearly displayed in English and Arabic in the
maintenance plant.
B-4.3 Chance finds of Cultural Resources or Other Socio-Economic Resources
If found during maintenance, the local Authority MPWH should be contacted
6.5 Monitoring Plan
The Monitoring program is a vital aspect of the Environmental and Social Management Plan
to ensure that mitigation measures are being performed as described in the previous
section and to make sure they are effective. The main purpose of the conduction of a
monitoring plan is the warning of responsible authorities of unforeseen negative impacts or
when an impact indicator approaches a critical level and the provision of information such
as about the responsible agencies, frequency, location and indicators for each measure.
Responsibilities for monitoring are detailed under Responsibilities for implementation and
monitoring (section 6.1) above.
The monitoring program will comprise site inspections and photographic documentation on
weekly basis designed to determine contractor compliance or otherwise with the ESMP and
other applicable regulations. It also anticipated that additional inspections would be
required in response to complaints by local communities. An additional two visits per
quarter may be required.
The costs of the monitoring program during the construction works include the costs of 1
part time environmental specialist and 1 part time social specialist with vehicle and camera.
They are expected to reach 12,000 USD.
The following tables 6.2 and 6.3 summarize the environmental and social management plan
for the Project during construction and maintenance phases.
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Table 6.2: Summary Environmental Management Plan (ESMP) during construction phase
Potential Impact
Mitigation Responsibility
Additional Cost US $
Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring
A.1 Land Resources
A-1.1 Temporary Land Use
-Voluntary land donation through beneficiary committee -Location of site offices and plants away from residential areas -Re-instatement of the used lot to its initial condition -Collection, temporary storage and disposal of all solid and liquid wastes
Contractor and Consultant
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Indirect Cost included in the BoQ
Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist, car and camera USD 10,000 A-1.2Management
of Construction site Compound
-Location of camp away from residential area -Proper management of the construction site compound to keep the site clean
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Part of contractor’s responsibility
Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-1.3 Borrow Pits and Quarry Areas
-Get the base course from existing quarries and from nearby borrow area to prevent disruption of visual amenities - In case new borrow pits or local quarry needs to be opened, the contractor has to obtain permits from the governorate authorities, address land ownership issue and comply with environmental regulations of the Law 26/1995. -
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
7,619 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-2 Hydrology and Water Resources
A-2.1 Sources of construction water
-Contractor to negotiate access to water with the local Communities
Contractor, Consultant and Beneficiary Committee
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Indirect Cost included in the BoQ
Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
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Potential Impact
Mitigation Responsibility
Additional Cost US $
Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring
A-2.2 Pollution from wastewater, diesel or asphalt spills from site compounds and machinery
- Store fuel and oils in sealed containers
- Refueling and small repairs to be conducted in sealed sites with sump
-Do not use contaminated water for dust suppression
-Do not keep the soil exposed in the rainy season
- Locate stockpiles away from storm water
-Limit the height & slope of stockpiles
-Divert the overflow around work areas
-Inspect regularly the erosion/sedimentation incidents
-Develop contingency plans in the event of a spill
Contractor
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Indirect Cost included in the BoQ
Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-2.3 Flood protection in Wadi
-Install culverts as per the design Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
3,000 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-2.4 Alteration of water harvesting patterns
-Install irrigation steel pipes for encasing water pipes
- Prevent damage by earth works to water harvesting and irrigation system
-Avoid irreversible destruction of water patterns
Contractor, Beneficiary Committee
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
7,000 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-2.5 Cross drainage and scour effects
-Install culverts at designated locations and sizes as per the hydrological study
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Added under A.2-3 Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-2.6 Discharge to Adjacent Lands: - Plain Terraces
-Install irrigation steel pipes to accommodate channel flow Contractor, and Beneficiary Committee
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Added under A.2-4 Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
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Potential Impact
Mitigation Responsibility
Additional Cost US $
Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring
A-3 Air Quality and Noise Nuisance
A-3.1 Dust & Potential air pollutants from construction, Machinery, stored material and spoil heaps
-Minimize the land disturbance by staging the work
-Cover dusty vehicles
-Restrict works to day time hours in and near residential areas
-Regular spraying of water
-Cover material stockpiles
-Minimize excavation and transfer during windy days
-Control drop height of excavated materials
-Minimize the height & slope of stockpiles
-Visually inspect dust generation
-Efficient use of machinery
-Regular maintenance and inspection of vehicles
-Minimize the number of fuel & chemical storage places
-Ensure sealed storage of volatile fuels
Contractor and Consultant
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Indirect Cost included in the BoQ
Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-3.2 Smoke from burning of waste materials
-Do not burn waste material
-Locate storage areas away from sensitive recipients
-Regularly transfer project waste to designated dumpsites
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
No additional costs Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-3.3 Noise Nuisance from Construction Works
-Regular maintenance of construction equipment
-Work in day time near settlements
-Work outside of school hours near schools
-Make sure all personnel have and use hearing protection
-Prepare contingency plans to deal with noise complaints
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
No additional costs Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
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Potential Impact
Mitigation Responsibility
Additional Cost US $
Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring
A-4 Biological Resources
A-4.1 Conversion of Degradation of a critical or non-critical Natural habitat.
-The Contractor is not allowed to cut trees other than those necessary to conduct the works
-Plant new bushes and provide necessary irrigation if bushes are destroyed during works
- Unblocking of culverts to allow passage of small animals
Contractor and Consultant
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
No additional costs Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-5 Expected Impacts on Socio-Economic Resources
A-5.1Public health and safety at construction site Health and Safety for construction workers -Interaction between the workers and the Public
-Removable Barriers erected in high risk areas
-Installation of warning signs
- Locate workers’ camps away from settlements
Contractor in coordination with the Beneficiary Committee
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
3,174 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist
A-5.2 Gender considerations
Installation of traffic signs and bumps for road safety near schools
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
No additional costs Cost included in salary of 1 part time social specialist
A-5.3 Employment -Employ local residents when feasible
-Contract local companies when feasible
Contractor and Beneficiary Committee
Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer
Indirect cost included in the BOQ
Cost included in the salary of the part time social specialist
TOTAL 20,793 USD 12,000 USD
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Table 6.3: Summary of Environmental Management Plan during Maintenance
Potential Impact Mitigation Responsibility
Additional Cost US $
Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring
B-1 Land Resources
B-1.1 Maintenance of contractor site compounds, materials and equipment storage
Follow Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations in particular: - Fire protection and prevention - Protection of the Environment - Air and water pollution - Solid Waste
-Noise control
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO
No additional cost No additional cost
B.2 Hydrology and Water Resources
B-2.1 Water Harvesting -Regular maintenance of water harvesting structures
Contractor and the Beneficiary Committee
Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO
Cost will be included in
the maintenance BoQ
No additional cost
B-2.2 Blockage of cross drains/culverts
-Regular maintenance of the drainage structures
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO
Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ
No additional cost
B-2.3 Erosion of road platform from drainage discharge
-Regular maintenance of retaining walls, gabions and rip rap
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO
Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ
No additional cost
B-2.4 Pollution from Vehicle leakage or accidents
-Timely clean up following spills or accidents Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO
Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ
No additional cost
B-3 Socio-Economic Resources
B-3.1 Increased Road Accidents
-Maintain speed reduction signs and bumps Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO
Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ
No additional cost
B-3.2 Public Health and Safety during Maintenance
- Safety rules maintained -Appointment of a safety officer -Health and safety regulations displayed in English and Arabic in the maintenance plant
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO
Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ
No additional cost
B-3.3 Chance finds Cultural Resources or Other Socio-Economic Resources
- If found during maintenance, the local Authority should be contacted GOAM
Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO
Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ
No additional cost
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7 Social Consultations
7.1 Objectives of the Consultations
The objectives of the social consultations can be summarized as follows:
1. To provide a forum for the initial definition of critical environmental and social issues; in
particular the people who are likely to be affected by the Project
2. To understand, the concerns of regional stakeholders and potentially affected people
around key development issues and their linkages to the environment and social
development.
3. To identify whether the project will create social problems or tribal disputes, or destroy
sensitive areas of the population such as graveyards, and cultural attractions
4. To confirm the suitability of the initial list of beneficiary communities selected for
consultations and
5. To obtain assistance by contacting leading members of target communities whenever
necessary.
7.2 Consultation Process
The following process was implemented during consultation:
Members of the beneficiaries have been contacted and informed about the field visit
and were asked to inform the largest number of people in the region about meeting
them and consulting with them.
Survey forms were prepared to question locals about their point of view vis a vis the
asphalting of the road, along with their expectations, concerns and contributions to
the project implementation
7.3 Findings of the Consultations
7.3.1 Men Consultations
The men consultation was conducted by Environmental and Social Unit staff -RAP CMO
during the preparation of this ESIA as shown in table 7.1 below.
Villages Surveyed Survey Date No of men
Attahriah 22 Feb.. 2014.
65
Dhahebah & Hamaz Village 23 Feb. 2014.
53
Je’wal Village 23Feb. 2014.
12
Total
130
Table 7.1 Location and number of consulted men.
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During the consultation process the following information and opinions were gathered:
The road works do not require any land acquisition or destruction of any house.
All residents are convinced of the positive economic, social and health impacts of the
road paving on their lives.
Transport is expensive especially for the sick.
Some resident showed lack of confidence in the implementation of the project as
they were promised implementation several times long time ago.
Most residents showed their willingness to help during the implementation process.
Most of the population did not express concerns with the problems that accompany
the implementation process such as the noise and dust.
7.3.2 Women Consultations
The women consultation was conducted by the consultant during the preparation of this
ESIA as shown in the table 7.2 below.
The aim of this consultation was to solicit the views and concerns of women on the
construction of the road and incorporate them into this ESIA and the contract documents of
the Project. A gender expert undertook the consultations in four villages along the road,
interviewed women from different levels and discussed with them the expected impact and
the appropriate mitigation measures with regard to daily activities. Table 20 below shows
the number of women consulted in different villages.
Villages Surveyed Survey Date No of women
Attahriah Al Ka’ka’ 27 - March -2014 37
Dhahebah & Hamaz Village 28 March. 2014 45
Je’wal Village 29 March. 2014 35
Total 117
Table 7.2 Location and number of consulted women.
The results of the consultations in the villages of Attahriah Al Ka’ka’ women expressed their
concern about the safety of the road especially in the area of Dhahebah and Hamaz Village
where they use the road to bring water and in the area of Je’wal Village where they use the
road to get the firewood and they proposed to install bumps and signs in these 2 areas.
In the village of Dhahebah Hamaz women expressed their concerns about the vicinity of
the school, and their safety as they usually cross the road with their cattle and sheep when
they take them grazing and they proposed to install bumps and signs to alert drivers to
lower their speed.
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References
1. Ministry of Public Works and Highways- Rural Access Project Central Management Office (RAP CMO). Rural Access Program , Sectoral Environmental Assessment(SEA), Volume-1 , 2008
2. Screening Report: For Attahriah, Alka’ka /Jewal (RAPCMO) office, 2005
3. The Integration of Biodiversity into National Environmental Assessment Procedures. National Case Studies-Yemen, September 2011.Produced for the Biodiversity Planning Support Program. UNDP/UNEP/GEF.
4. Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: Water Resources management Report-2010
5. Republic of Yemen: Social Fund for Development. Annual Reports for the Years 2002 -2005
6. Republic of Yemen : Poetry Reeducation Strategy- Progress Report for Years 2003 & 2004- June-2005
7. Republic of Yemen: National Poverty Survey, 2010.
8. Republic of Yemen: Human Development Report, 2010
9. Republic of Yemen: General Statistics Annual Book 2012
10. Republic of Yemen: Houses and Population Census, 2010
11. Republic of Yemen: Yemen Human Development Report, 2010
12. Republic of Yemen: Poverty Reduction Strategy, 2010/2012
13. Gateway to Land and Water Information Yemen national report.: compiled by Abdul Maged A. Al Hemiary-Technical Director of Renewable Natural Resources Research Centre Agricultural Research and Extension Authority – DhamarL.6 June 2002
14. (Ref.National Information Center -http://www.yemen-nic.info/english_site/yemen/gover/albaidah/brife/
15. (Ref.: http://www.worldweatheronline.com/albyda-weather-averages).
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Annex 1: Update of the Social Framework Agreement (SFA) in Arabic
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Annex 2: List of Beneficiary Committee
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Annex 3: List of Consulted People. Attendance Sheet
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Annex 4: Findings of Social Consultations (Second Round) Consultations with men
District:As-Swadiah. Governorate :Al-Baydha
*Location of Consultation (1) at Attahriah Village. Date of Consultation: 22 Feb 2014. Number of Attendees: 65 Persons.
Attendees: Local Council representatives, Beneficiary Committee representatives, Affected People and other beneficiaries. Duration of Consultation: from 02:30 to 04:45 PM. Sample Questions: Are you concerned about: Potential loss of private property? No Increased traffic and/or speed? No Increased noise and/or air pollution? No Effect on pedestrian safety? Put speed Bump Inconveniences during execution? No Effect on agricultural areas? (if any)No, we will give up part of lands for the road Effect on natural reserves? (if any)No natural reserve in the area Effect on water resources? (if any)No effect on water resources Effect on cultural heritage sites? (if any)Far away from the area Other concerns or objections No objection at all. Our major concern is to speed up the process of implementing the works. As part of this public consultation, how do you expect to participate in the project? We are all willing to cooperate with the contactor to facilitate the work and work with him if
necessary. Interviewer by: Eng. Helal Al-raishi Eng. Hassesn Attiah, Reviewed and endorsed by Eng: Mohamed Al-Mohaya, RAPCMO General Director.
Views of the consultation in location one
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Findings of Social Consultations (Second Round). District: As- Swadiah.
Governorate :Al-Baydha *Location of Consultation (2) at Dhahebah & Hamaz Village. Date of Consultation: 23 Feb. 2014. Number of Attendees: 53 Persons. Attendees: Local Council representatives, Beneficiary Committee representatives, Affected People and other beneficiaries Duration of Consultation: from 02:45 to 5:30 PM. Sample Questions: Are you concerned about:
Potential loss of private property? No Lost Increased traffic and/or speed? No Increased noise and/or air pollution? No mind at all Effect on pedestrian safety? Put speed bumps and warning signs. Inconveniences during execution? No Effect on agricultural areas? (if any)Not at all, whatever the road width is Effect on natural reserves? (if any)No natural reserve in the area Effect on water resources? (if any)No effect on water resources Effect on cultural heritage sites? (if any)Far away from the area Other concerns or objections
No objection at all. Our major concern is to speed up the process of implementing the works. As part of this public consultation, how do you expect to participate in the project?
We are willing to solve social problems. We will cooperate with the contractor to facilitate the work during construction period. We consider the road is for all public and we all benefit. The execution will reduce travel cost The implementation will make it easy for access. Also, will ease transporting ill people. Interviewer by: Eng: Helal Al-raishi, Eng: Hassan Attiah
Reviewed and endorsed by Eng :Mohamed Al-Mohaya, RAPCMO General Director
Views of the consultation in location two
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District: As- Swadiah. Governorate :Al-Baydha
*Location of Consultation (3) at Je’wal Village. Date of Consultation: 23 Feb. 2014. Number of Attendees: 12 Persons. Attendees: Local Council representatives, Beneficiary Committee representatives, Affected
People and Shaikhs. Duration of Consultation: from 05:00 to 6:15 AM. Sample Questions: Are you concerned about:
Potential loss of private property? No Lost
Increased traffic and/or speed? No
Increased noise and/or air pollution? No mind at all
Effect on pedestrian safety? Yes, but we will take precaution during execution
Inconveniences during execution? No
Effect on agricultural areas? (if any)
Not at all, we will give up part of lands for the road
Effect on natural reserves? (if any)No natural reserve in the area
Effect on water resources? (if any)No effect on water resources
Effect on cultural heritage sites? (if any)Far away from the area
Other concerns or objections We would like the design to follow the existing track so everybody benefits. As part of this public consultation, how do you expect to participate in the project? We are all willing to cooperate with the contactor to facilitate any social problem during
execution. We will cooperate with the beneficiary committee to facilitate the work. Will the road follow the existing track? Yes. We want to widen the road at necessary places when ever needed. Interviewer: Eng. Helal Al-raishi. Eng. Hassan Attiah. Reviewed and endorsed by Eng: Mohamed Al-mohayah , RAPCMO General Director
View of men consultation at location three
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Consultations (Second Round) with Women
In March 2014 Gender expert undertook the consultations in five villages along the road and
interviewed women from different levels and discussed with them the expected impact and the
appropriate mitigation measures with regard to daily activities. Women expressed their concern
about the safety of the road near schools, where they use the road to bring water and firewood.
They proposed to install bumps and signs to alert drivers to lower their speed.
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General photos of women consultation