Soni WSSP Final Submission

MINISTRY OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE

PROPOSED SONI PIPED WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION
SYSTEM
Final Report
SUBMITTED BY:
Ministry of Water and Environment
PREPARED BY:
Alliance Consultants Limited
May 2023
ESIA-Project Brief for the Proposed Soni Mini Piped Water Supply and Sanitation
System Kirewa Sub-county, Tororo District
ESIA TEAM AND DECLARATION
Following is the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Team that
undertook the ESIA for the proposed Soni Water Supply and Sanitation System located in
Kirewa Sub-County, Tororo District. The assessment was done in accordance with the
provisions of the National Environmental Act No. 5 of 2019 of the Laws of Uganda, the
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Regulations (2020) and the National
Environment (Conduct and Certification of Environmental Practitioners) Regulations
(2003). It was carried on behalf of Alliance Consultants Limited that was contracted by
the Ministry of Water and Environment. We the undersigned declare that we have no
business, financial, other interest in the Ministry of Water and Environment’s proposed
Soni Water Supply and Sanitation System.
The above worked together with the following Experts:

Mr. Nicholas Kiiza (MSc) Waste Management, Pollution Control
Mr. Dennis Bataringaya (MA) Sociologist
Mr. Charles Jjuuko (MSc; PhD
GIS and Remote Sensing
Candidate)
Mr. Micheal Kibuule (MSc) and
Birds Specialists
Dinah Loy Atim (MSc)
Mr. Elino Omachar (MSc) Botanist
Miss. Claire Bibi (MSc) Environmental Geologist
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report for the Proposed Soni Water
Supply and Sanitation System was developed through a consultative process involving
different stakeholders. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Team
acknowledges the efforts put in by the different stakeholders without whose help, this
report would not have been successfully developed. The team acknowledges the
assistance accorded to them by the Tororo District Local Government (TDLG) during the
field visit. The team is grateful to the Senior Assistant Secretaries, LC III Chairpersons,
Parish Chiefs, LC1 Chairpersons and the local community members for the support and
guidance given while in the field.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ESIA TEAM AND DECLARATION ................................................................................................................ i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .............................................................................................................................. ii
LIST OF TABLES............................................................................................................................................ vii
LIST OF FIGURES .........................................................................................................................................viii
LIST OF PLATES ...........................................................................................................................................viii
LIST OF ACRONYMS ..................................................................................................................................... ix
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................. x
1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Project Background ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Project Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 2
1.3.2 Consistency of the Project with National Priorities / Plans ...................................... 2
1.2.1 Project Development Objectives.......................................................................................... 2
1.2.2 Objectives of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ........................... 2
1.3 Justification of the Proposed Project .......................................................................................... 3
1.3.1 Demand for Better Water Supply Services ...................................................................... 3
1.4 Details of the Developer and Investment Cost ....................................................................... 3
1.4.1 Details of the Developer .......................................................................................................... 3
1.4.2 Investment Cost ......................................................................................................................... 3
1.5 Study Methodology ........................................................................................................................... 4
1.5.1 Environmental Screening ....................................................................................................... 4
1.5.3 Field Visits and Inspections ............................................................................................. 4
1.5.3 Literature Review ...................................................................................................................... 4
1.5.4 Community and Stakeholder Consultations.................................................................... 5
1.5.5 Flora Assessment ....................................................................................................................... 6
1.5.6 Fauna Assessment ............................................................................................................... 6
1.5.7 Water Quality Measurements and Analysis .................................................................... 7
1.5.8 Noise Measurements ................................................................................................................ 7
1.6 Structure of the report ..................................................................................................................... 8
2 POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ................................................................. 9
2.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Policies Relevant to the Proposed Project................................................................................ 9
2.3 Legal Framework Relevant to the Proposed Project ......................................................... 10
2.4 Institutional Framework ............................................................................................................... 14
2.4.1 Ministry of Water and Environment ................................................................................ 14
2.4.2 National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) .......................................... 15
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2.4.3 Ministry of Gender Labour & Social Development ..................................................... 15

2.4.4 Local Administration Structures ....................................................................................... 15
3 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE CONDITIONS................................. 16
3.1 Project Location and its Environs .............................................................................................. 16
3.2 Biophysical Environment ............................................................................................................. 17
3.2.1 Geology and Soils ..................................................................................................................... 17
3.2.2 Climate ......................................................................................................................................... 18
3.2.3 Drainage ...................................................................................................................................... 18
3.2.4 Topography ................................................................................................................................ 18
3.2.5 Flora and fauna ......................................................................................................................... 18
3.3 Noise Level ......................................................................................................................................... 26
3.4 Existing Water Supply Situation ................................................................................................ 26
3.4.1 Water Quality ............................................................................................................................ 27
3.5 Existing Sanitation Situation .................................................................................................. 28
3.6 Socio-Economic Profile .................................................................................................................. 28
3.6.1 Administrative Arrangement .............................................................................................. 28
3.6.2 Population .................................................................................................................................. 28
3.6.3 Access to Infrastructure ........................................................................................................ 30
3.6.4 Education .................................................................................................................................... 31
3.6.5 Economic Activities and Income ........................................................................................ 31
4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................................................... 33
4.1 Proposed water supply system .................................................................................................. 33
4.1.1 Water Source and Intake ...................................................................................................... 33
4.1.2 Transmission System ............................................................................................................. 34
4.1.3 Storage Reservoirs .................................................................................................................. 35
4.1.4 Main Reservoir Site Works .................................................................................................. 35
4.1.5 Distribution System ................................................................................................................ 36
4.1.6 Service Connections................................................................................................................ 36
4.1.7 Valves and Fittings ............................................................................................................ 36
4.1.8 Summary of the water supply components ............................................................. 37
4.2 Proposed Sanitation System ........................................................................................................ 37
4.2.1 Design of public and institutional toilets........................................................................ 37
4.2.2 Design of Public and Institutional Toilets ...................................................................... 37
5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INVOLVEMENT ............................................................................ 39
5.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 39
5.2 Concerns /Views of the Stakeholder ........................................................................................ 39
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5.3 General recommendations to enhance sustainability of project ................................... 42

6 PROJECT NEEDS AND DISCUSSION OF ALTERNATIVES .......................................................... 43
6.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 43
6.2 The Project Need .............................................................................................................................. 43
6.3 The “No- Action” Alternative ....................................................................................................... 43
6.4 Water Source Alternatives ........................................................................................................... 43
6.5 Abstraction Location Alternatives............................................................................................. 43
6.6 Power Source Alternatives ........................................................................................................... 44
6.7 Design Considerations ................................................................................................................... 44
6.8 The Action Alternative ................................................................................................................... 44
7 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ....................... 45
7.1 Introduction and Approach to Impact Assessment ............................................................ 45
7.1.2 Impact Description Evaluation Methodology ............................................................... 45
7.1.3 Impact Evaluation ................................................................................................................... 45
7.1.4 Impact Significance or Severity .......................................................................................... 46
7.1.5 Development of Enhancement and Mitigation Measures .................................. 49
7.2 Potential Positive Impacts of the Project ................................................................................ 49
7.3 Negative Impacts during the Pre-construction, Construction, Operation and
Maintenance and Decommissioning Phases ................................................................................. 50
7.4 Proposed Enhancement and Mitigation Measures ............................................................. 53
7.4.1 Proposed Enhancement Measures ................................................................................... 53
7.4.2 Mitigation Measures ............................................................................................................... 54
7.5 Cumulative Impacts ........................................................................................................................ 57
8 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN (ESMMP) 58
8.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 58
8.2 Integration of Safeguards into Procurement Process (Contracts) ............................... 58
8.2.1 Bidding......................................................................................................................................... 58
8.2.2 Bill of Quantities (BoQs) ..................................................................................................... 58
8.2.3 Safeguards Clauses .................................................................................................................. 59
8.2.4 Procurement of the Contractor .......................................................................................... 59
8.2.5 Staffing ......................................................................................................................................... 59
8.2.6 ESMP Monitoring and Reporting ....................................................................................... 59
8.2.7 Project Reporting Commitments ....................................................................................... 59
8.3 Contractor Management Plans and Method Statements .................................................. 60
8.3.1 Labour Force Management Plan ........................................................................................ 60
8.3.2 Quality Management Plan .................................................................................................... 60
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8.3.3 Erosion Control Plan .............................................................................................................. 60

8.3.4 Waste Management Plan ...................................................................................................... 61
8.3.5 Occupational Health and Safety Plan ............................................................................... 61
8.3.6 Community Health and Safety Plan .................................................................................. 62
8.3.7 HIV/AIDS and Gender Management Plan ...................................................................... 62
8.3.8 Traffic and road safety Management plan................................................................ 62
8.3.9 Cultural Heritage Management Plan ................................................................................ 62
8.3.10 Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) ............................................................................ 63
8.4 Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) .................................................................................... 64
8.4.1 Grievance Procedure and Rationale ................................................................................. 64
8.4.2 Steps of the Grievance Process ........................................................................................... 64
8.4.3 Capacity Building for the Grievance Officer and Grievance Committee ................. 68
8.4.4 Other alternatives ..................................................................................................................... 68
8.5 Capacity Building and Trainings ........................................................................................... 68
8.6 Required Approvals, Permits and Licenses ........................................................................... 69
8.7 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan ........................................................................... 70
8.8 Roles and Responsibilities............................................................................................................ 70
8.8.1 Project Developer (MWE) .................................................................................................... 70
8.8.2 Project Development Partner (AfDB) .............................................................................. 71
8.8.3 NEMA and Lead Agencies ..................................................................................................... 71
8.8.4 Project Contractor ................................................................................................................... 71
8.8.5 Tororo District Local Government .................................................................................... 71
8.9 The Monitoring Team ..................................................................................................................... 72
8.10 Enforcement of Compliance ...................................................................................................... 72
8.11 Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan (ESMMP) Matrix . 73
9 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................................................................... 84
9.1 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................................ 84
9.2 Recommendations ........................................................................................................................... 84
BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................................................. 85
ANNEXES ......................................................................................................................................................... 86
Annex I: Summary of the project investment cost ..................................................................... 86
Annex II: List of affected villages in the project area ................................................................ 87
Annex III: List of Stakeholders Consulted ...................................................................................... 88
Annex IV: Water Quality Analysis Results ..................................................................................... 91
Annex V: Other items to be considered during preparation of the BoQs .......................... 92
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Maximum Permissible Noise Levels for Construction sites ......................................... 7

Table 2: Policies relevant to Soni Mini Solar Piped Water Supply System ............................. 9
Table 3: Ugandan laws and regulations relevant to the Proposed Soni Mini Solar Water
Supply System ............................................................................................................................................... 10
Table 4: AfDB Operational Safeguard (OS) Policies ........................................................................ 13
Table 5: Location of the proposed project components ............................................................... 17
Table 6: List of species of conservation concern and their level of relative abundance .. 22
Table 7: List of Migrant bird species recorded (PM-Palearctic migrant, AM-Afro-tropical
migrants) ......................................................................................................................................................... 23
Table 8: List of Water birds (water specialists –W and Non-specialists (w*) ...................... 24
Table 9: List of forest generalist species (F) and their relative abundance levels ............. 25
Table 10: Critical habitat matrix generated along the proposed transmission line .......... 26
Table 11: Noise levels in at selected project sites ........................................................................... 26
Table 12: Water quality of the project area ....................................................................................... 27
Table 13: Domestic Population projections in the project area ................................................ 28
Table 14: Non-domestic population in the project area ............................................................... 29
Table 15: Water supply system capacity for the proposed Soni Mini Solar piped water
supply scheme ............................................................................................................................................... 34
Table 16: Transmission and distribution details............................................................................. 34
Table 17: Summary of transmission system of Ngulimo borehole to Dago Zone reservoir
tank .................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Table 18: Summary of transmission system of Chawolo borehole to Dago Zone reservoir
tank .................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Table 19: Reservoir specifications ........................................................................................................ 35
Table 20: Tank and Pipes sizes ............................................................................................................... 35
Table 21: Summary of Distribution pipeline ..................................................................................... 36
Table 22: Population per category criteria ........................................................................................ 36
Table 23: Summary of the project service connections ................................................................ 36
Table 24: Summary of the water supply components ................................................................... 37
Table 25: Public Toilets in the Project Area ...................................................................................... 38
Table 26: Stakeholder concerns/comments on the proposed project .................................... 39
Table 27: Classification of impact evaluation ................................................................................... 46
Table 28: Criteria for rating impact intensity and likelihood ..................................................... 46
Table 29: Determination of Significance or Severity...................................................................... 47
Table 30: Impact significance assessment criteria and rating scale ........................................ 48
Table 31: Positive Impacts of the Proposed Project ....................................................................... 49
Table 32: Potential negative impacts ................................................................................................... 50
Table 33: Proposed impact enhancement measures ..................................................................... 53
Table 34: Mitigation measures ............................................................................................................... 54
Table 35: Potential cumulative impacts .............................................................................................. 57
Table 36: Stakeholder Engagement Plan template ......................................................................... 64
Table 37: Role of a Grievance Officer ................................................................................................... 65
Table 38: Approvals, permits and licenses that may be required by the project ............. 69
Table 39: Environmental and social management and monitoring plan ............................... 74
Table 40: Other cost items to be included in the BoQs during the bidding process .......... 83
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Proposed project area ............................................................................................................. 16
Figure 2: Google Earth Map of the proposed abstraction and reservoir sites...................... 17
Figure 3: Number of species recorded under various ecological categories ........................ 21
Figure 4:Number of species recorded in various sites along the water supply system ... 21
Figure 5: Total and served population in the project area over the design period ............ 30
LIST OF PLATES
Plate 1: Noise level meter used for noise assessment. Taken on 10th March 2023 by the
Environmentalist............................................................................................................................................ 8
Plate 2: Vegetation at Ngulimo abstraction point. A cassava garden (Left) and an
abandoned field dominated with shrubs (Right). Photos taken on 10th March 2023 by the
Botanist ............................................................................................................................................................ 19
Plate 3: Vegetation at Chawolo abstraction point. Banana crops (Left) and a mix of banana
crops and trees (Right). Photos taken on 10th March 2023 by the Botanist ......................... 20
Plate 4: Vegetation at the proposed reservoir site.......................................................................... 20
Plate 5: Striated Heron Butorides striatus, this species is listed regionally and nationally
as a threatened species. Photo taken on 11th March 2023 by the Ornithologist ................. 22
Plate 6: Grey-Headed Kingfisher, one of the Afro-tropical migrant species recorded along
Soni Water System. Photo taken on 11th March 2023 by the Ornithologist.......................... 23
Plate 7: African Jacana Actophilornis Africana was recorded in the project area. Photo
taken on 11th March 2023 by the Ornithologist ............................................................................... 24
Plate 8: Long Crested Eagle, one of the forest generalist recorded at Ngulimo abstraction
point. Photo taken on 11th March 2023 by the Ornithologist ..................................................... 25
Plate 9: Existing water supply points. An existing well (Left) and a borehole (Right).
Photos taken by the Water Resources Specialist on 10th March 2023 .................................... 27
Plate 10: Transport network in the project area. A gravel road (Left) and a section of the
Malaba-Kampala Railway (Right). Photos taken on 11th March 2023 by the Sociologist 30
Plate 11: A hydroelectricity transmission line in Kirewa Sub-county. Photo taken by the
Sociologist on 11th March 2023 .............................................................................................................. 31
Plate 12: Drilled Boreholes in the project area: Left is DWD 90935 – Ngulimo BH and Right
is DWD 90936 – Chawolo BH. Photos taken by the Water Resources Specialist on 11th
March 2023 .................................................................................................................................................... 33
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LIST OF ACRONYMS
AfDB African Development Bank
AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
APHA American Public Health Association
BMP Best Management Plan
BOQs Bills of Quantities
CDO Community Development Officer
CESMP Contractors Environmental and Social Management Plan
CGV Chief Government Valuer
DHI District Health Inspector
DN Norminal Diameter
DWD Directorate of Water Development
DWRM Directorate of Water Resources Management
EPB Environmental Project Brief
ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
ESMMP Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan
GO Grievance Officer
GoU Government of Uganda
GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism
HDPE High Density Polyethylene
HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus
ISO International Standard Organisation
ISS Integrated Safeguards System
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature
LC Local Council
MEMD Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development
MWE Ministry of Water and Environment
NDPIII Third National Development Plan
NEA National Environment Act
NEMA National Environment Management Authority
O$M Operation and Maintenance
OHS Occupational Health and Safety
OP Operational Policy
OS Operational Safeguard
PAP Project Affected Persons
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
RAP Resettlement Action Plan
RGC Rural Growth Center
SEP Stakeholder Engagement Plan
TDS Total Dissolved Solids
UNRA Uganda National Roads Authority
WASH Water Sanitation and Hygiene
WMP Waste Management Plan
TDLG Tororo District Local Government
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Project Overview and Objectives

According to the Water and Environment Sector Performance Report, 2019, 44.3% and 10.9% of
the population depend on boreholes and piped water respectively to access clean water in rural
areas. In small towns and rural growth centers, only 55.9% of the population had access to
improved water sources by 2019.
The Government of Uganda (GoU), through the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) has
embarked on improving safe water supply and sanitation coverage in rural areas, small towns
and rural growth centers. Tororo District is one of the areas that currently have limited access to
safe water and sanitation services. As a result, the MWE together with Tororo District Local
Government (TDLG) are proposing establishment of the Soni Water Supply and Sanitation
System, in line with the third National Development Plan (NDP III), and the Uganda’s Vision 2040.
The overall aim of the project is to establish a mini piped water supply and sanitation system in
Soni Rural Growth Center (RGC), Kirewa Sub County, Tororo District. The proposed project is will
abstract 330 m3/day in the ultimate year (2042), and will have the following major components:
• intake; 2 boreholes of yield of 11 m3/hr and 6m3/hr
• 2 pumping stations
• transmission pipe system of 1.78 km
• reservoir with a capacity of 100 m3
• distribution network
The total cost of the project is estimated at Three Billion Three Hundred Forty-Four Million Nine
Hundred Eighty-one Nine Hundred Eighty-eight Uganda Shillings only (UGX 3,344,981,988),
inclusive of taxes.
The objective this study was to undertake an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for
the proposed project. The specific objectives were to:
I. Survey of all the identified sites including preparing a map/sketch of each site showing
important existing features in the surrounding areas in relation to the sites,
II. Assessment baseline environmental conditions for monitoring future project
components,
III. Evaluation of the relevant policy and legal framework pertaining the proposed project.
IV. Consultation with the relevant stakeholders and incorporate their comments into impact
identification and mitigation,
V. Identification of all potential impacts and propose feasible mitigation impacts
VI. Preparation of an Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan (ESMP) for
the implementation of the proposed project. The ESMMP should outline: i) potential
environmental and social impacts resulting from project activities; ii) proposed
mitigation measures; iii) monitoring indicators; iv) responsibilities for implementation of
the mitigation measures; v) responsibilities for monitoring the implementation of the
mitigation measures
Description of the Project Area

Tororo District is located in Eastern Uganda. It borders with the Republic of Kenya to the East,
Bugiri District to the West, Butaleja District to the North, Busia District to the South and Mbale to
the North East. Administratively, the district is divided into (6) counties, one (1) municipality
which are further sub-divided into sub-counties, parishes and subsequent villages. The proposed
project will cover the villages in Kirewa Sub-county.
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The proposed locations of the main project components are summarized as follows:
BH No. / Village Parish Sub-county Coordinates
Reservoir/Transmission
Borehole DWD 90935 Ngulimo Mifumi Kirewa N0.745399 E033.935011
Borehole DWD 90936 Chawolo Mifumi Kirewa N0.751017 E033.940083
Proposed Reservoir Dago Zone Soni Kirewa N0.756301 E033.934097
Transmission Line 1 Chawolo Mifumi Kirewa N0.749753 E033.938055
Transmission Line 2 Dago Zone Soni Kirewa N0.755827 0.33.939293
The vegetation at and around the proposed locations of the project components is characteristic
of agricultural landscapes, dominated by grasses, shrubs, weeds, crops and a few trees. The
abstraction and reservoir sites are already converted into agricultural use, while the transmission
lines follow existing roads and will be restricted within the road reserves. Generally, all the
project affected sites are already modified and not representative of the natural conditions. There
are no sensitive ecosystems such as forests and wetlands which will be impacted by the project
activities.
The main source water in the project area is groundwater, obtained through hand pump
boreholes. Nevertheless, the boreholes are not enough, where communities reported spending
travelling long distances, or waiting for long times at boreholes to access water.
Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework
There is an established policy, legal and institutional framework for environmental management
in Uganda. The National Environmental Act (NEA Nr. 5) of 2019 provides for Environmental and
Social Impact Assessment for projects which have adverse impacts on the environment.
According to the NEA (2019), the proposed project is listed under Schedule 4 (Projects for which
Project Briefs are required) and under Category 4, “Utilisation of water resources and water
supply”, Part (b) “Abstraction or utilization of ground water of less than 1,000 m3 per day.”
Further, according the funder’s (African Development Bank; AfDB) Integrated Safeguards System
(ISS), the project is considered as category 2 (medium E&S risks) which requires the preparation
of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESIA. Some of the polices, laws and
institutions that will guide the project implementation:
a) Policy Framework
• The National Water Policy, 1999
• The National Gender Policy, 1997
• The National Land Policy (2013)
• The National Land-Use Policy (2007)
• The Environment and Social Safeguards Policy (2018)
African Development Bank (AfDB) Operational Safeguard (OS) policies such as OS 1:

Environmental and social assessment, OS 2: Involuntary resettlement, land acquisition,
population displacement and compensation, OS 3: Biodiversity and ecosystem services, OS 4:
Pollution prevention and control, hazardous materials and resource efficiency and OS 5: Labour
conditions, health and safety will be important.
b) Legal Framework
• The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda; 1995; amended as at 15th February 2006,
Government of Uganda.
• The National Environment no. 5 2019
• The Water Act, Cap 152 and The Water Resources Regulations, 1998
• The Land Act, Cap 227
• The National Environment (Environmental and Social Assessment) Regulations, 2020
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• National Environment (Conduct and Certificate of Environment Practitioners

Regulations (2003)
• The National Environment (Waste Management) Regulations (2020)
• The National Environment (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2003.
c) Institutional Framework
• Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE)
• National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)
• Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development (MGLSD)
• Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (MoLHUD)
• Tororo District Local Administration Structures
Potential Environmental and Social Impacts

The proposed project is associated with several positive impacts. These include:
• Employment opportunities and income
• Acquisition/improvement of skills
• Reduction of poverty and improved livelihoods of the local people
• Improvement in public health
• Achievement universal primary education
• Promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women and the girl child
However, the proposed project will also be associated with adverse impacts which must be
mitigated. The following adverse impacts have been identified:
IMPACT Overall Significance
Pre-construction and Construction Phase
Loss of land and property Moderate (6)
Traffic disruption Minor (4)
Loss of vegetation Moderate (6)
Introduction of plant invasive species Minor (4)
Disruption of social order Minor (4)
Noise from construction machinery Moderate (6)
Solid waste generation Moderate (9)
Occupational health and safety issues Minor (4)
Community health and safety issues Moderate (9)
Increased susceptibility to soil erosion Moderate (6)
Air pollution and climate change Moderate (9)
Theft of construction materials Major (12)
Operation and Maintenance Phase
Soil pollution Minor (4)
Occupational safety and health issues Minor (2)
Incapacity to operate and maintain the project components by local Moderate (9)
people
Unaffordability of water charges Moderate (6)
Air pollution Moderate (6)
Spread of sanitation and water borne diseases Moderate (9)
Vandalization / theft project equipment Moderate (9)
Decommissioning Phase
Disruption of water supply Moderate (9)
Traffic disruption Moderate (9)
Disruption of social order Minor (4)
Noise pollution Moderate (9)
Solid waste generation Moderate (9)
Occupational health and safety issues Moderate (6)
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IMPACT Overall Significance

Public health and safety issues Moderate (9)
Increased susceptibility to Soil erosion Moderate (6)
Air pollution and climate change Moderate (9)
Stakeholder Consultations
Consultation meetings were held with the Tororo District Local Government staff, Kirewa Sub-
County staff and the local communities where the proposed project is to be located Stakeholder
engagement constituted an important part of the ESIA process, in light of the Project’s
commitment to adhering to national requirements, as well as a best practice approach to public
consultation, that is, an approach that encourages open and transparent dialogue, with as broad
a range of stakeholder groups as possible.
A total of 44 stakeholders were consulted; 29 males and 15 females in a total of 5 meetings. A
summary of the key findings from the stakeholder consultations is presented as follows:
Stakeholders Concerns/views Response
District • Noted
• The leadership of Tororo District welcomes the
leaders • The project seeks to
project and anticipates that this water project will
increase access to safe
benefit the target area and reduce on the water stress
water, and minimize water
experienced in the area since the existing reservoirs
shortage in the area
cannot supply adequate water to meet community
demand. • The Developer will employ
qualified staff to operate
• There are many distribution networks in the district
and maintain the water
e.g., in Paya, Kirewa, Nowir among others which have
supply system to avoid the
been non- function which has caused the issue of low
challenge of non-
water supply.
functionality
• Most water sources dry up in the dry season.
• Project construction
• The district leadership anticipates that the
activities will start as soon
implementation of this project will be done
as all the necessary
expeditiously.
approvals and financial
• The project will reduce burden on women and
resources are granted.
children carrying water for longer distances hence
Otherwise, the MWE
creating more time for other constructive work such
recognizes the urgency of
agricultural production and attending school.
this project, in view of the
• Booster pumps should be installed along the water water supply situation in
distribution network to improve on water supply to the area
distant areas.
• The design of the project
• We shall work closely with the consultant to ensure includes reservoirs that
the success of the project. have been sited at
• The demand for water is high and the community is locations high enough to
willing to pay in order to access the utility. supply water by gravity in
• There is need for close collaboration between project the entire project area
partners and the district leaders during the course of • All the stakeholders,
the project implementation but most especially during including at the district
the design of the project. and lower levels will
• The technology used in the water supply system continuously be engaged
should be improved to increase water supply avoid during project
the present situation of water scarcity faced in Tororo implementation
District.
• We used to share water supply with Malaba but NWSC
gave them their water and they are now enjoying
• Currently, water is only supplied at night and not
during the day time? I hope this project will address
this concern
• There is water rationing which is not based human
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decision. They only give water to only those who

complain.
• The network is growing but the reservoir has not been
upgraded.
Community • We don’t have enough water sources • The aim of the project is to
Level-Patiaka • There is only one borehole serving six zones. increase supply of water of
zone, Soni S/C • Water is contaminated. adequate quality. The
• Too much pressure at the borehole causes fights and project will help reduce the
other forms of violence at the borehole. distances travelled to access
• There is a long distance to the borehole and therefore water, reduce water charges
it takes a lot of time to access water from the borehole. (in comparison to what is
• As a result of scarcity of water, it has led to poor charged by vendors) and
hygiene. Some people do not bathe neither do they safe the time spent at water
wash their clothes regularly. They are dirty. sources waiting for water
• Buying water bought from vendors is expensive. A
jerrycan costs 500/.
• There are forms of gender-based violence at the
borehole; some women have been raped as they wait
to get water.
• Too much time is spent at the borehole waiting to
fetch water.
• During peak times, one person is given one jerrycan at
a time and chances of getting another one are thin.
• Our animals lack water due to scarcity of water in the
area.
Community • Let us hope this project will be implemented. Other • The MWE is committed to
Level- Kisera partners promise water projects and they don’t come implement this project
zone A, Kisoni back.
zone, • The project seeks to increase
• There is one borehole serving six zones.
Pakitaka A, access to safe water, and
• Water from the boreholes is clean but not enough.
Pakitaka B minimize water shortage in
However, sometimes, the borehole is rusty and so
the area. This will help to
water is not clean.
reduce violence at boreholes
• There is violence including fights for water at the and reduce distances
borehole travelled to water sources
• There is poor hygiene as a result of scarcity of water; • The proposed project is
some people don’t bathe and wash their clothes. intended to supply water for
• The borehole is locked by the caretaker so that it domestic purposes not
regains more water for the following day when irrigation. However, small
demand for water is still high. Therefore, there is need scale irrigation may be
for more water sources in the area. undertaken at household
• We need water for irrigation to address the issue of level though charges have to
famine. As such our crops can grow well and as a be incurred. The MWE has
result get enough food for our families. another Department for
• Water scarcity has exacerbated domestic violence in Water for Production which
the homes. Men complain about their wives’ delay at provides water for irrigation
the borehole thinking they are having extramarital purposes. This issue will be
relationships. raised to the MWE
Community • We get water from a near-by spring but the water is of
• The project seeks to increase
Level- very poor quality and this has led to many water users
access to safe water in the
Chawolo falling ill especially children getting diarrhea.
project area, and minimize
Village • The spring has helped us to have easy access to water
water shortage in the area.
though in the dry season it dries up and then we have
This will help reduces issues
to move long distances looking for water.
of water borne diseases
• We share the same water source with our animals associated with drinking
since water sources are limited.
contaminated water
• We welcome the project and we can’t wait for it to
start running because we really need this water.
Page | xiv
• Our livelihoods will greatly improve in this respect.

Mixed Group • The project is welcome since there is water scarcity in • The views are noted and
Discussions: this area. they will be raised to the
Water • We share the same water source with our animals MWE.
Vendors’ making it contaminated and dirty since water sources • The project will increase
Views in our communities are limited. water supply in the project
• We need more nearby water sources to serve our area to address water
customers because the spring well which is accessed shortage. It is anticipated
by most of the population in Chawolo Village dries up that the number of water
in the dry season and then we have to move long sources will increase
distances to look for water to supply our customers although there will be some
which somehow curtails our services money to be paid for water
• The borehole which serves the communities of Kisera to cater for O&M. So, the
zone A, Kisoni zone, Pakitaka A, Pakitaka B is locked vendors will be required to
by the caretaker in the evening so that it regains water pay for the water they will
for the following day and therefore we cannot get fetch at the project sources.
enough water for our customers.
• Water scarcity in Patiaka village affects services of
water vendors more so in the peak times when one
person is given one jerrycan at a time and there are
little chances of getting another one.
Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan (ESMMP)

The ESMMP has been provided to guide the implementation for this the project. The ESMMP
provides for:
▪ Integration of Safeguards into Procurement Process (Contracts)
▪ Contractor Management Plans and Method Statements
▪ Required Approvals, Permits and Licenses
▪ Monitoring and Reporting Arrangements
▪ Enforcement of Compliance
Further, a grievance redress mechanism (GRM) has been provided. The aim and purpose of this
system is to make the grievance handling procedures accessible, prompt and affordable to the
project affected persons (PAPs) given the generally low values of some of the properties to be
affected; and also provide an alternative to the costly and time-consuming formal courts
procedures for handling grievances and disputes. The GRM seeks to establish mechanisms for
raising complaints related to compensation for loss of land and other livelihood properties and
assets and having such complaints resolved as amicably as possible through acceptable and
binding corrective actions.
The total cost of implementing the ESMMP is estimated at Uganda Shillings Two Hundred Ninety-
Three Million Two Hundred Thousand only (UGX 293,200,000), as reflected in the ESMMP matrix
as follows:
Page | xv
ESIA-Project Brief for the Proposed Soni Mini Piped Water Supply and Sanitation System Kirewa Sub-county, Tororo District
IMPACT ENHANCEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURE INDICATOR ESTIMATED RESPONSIBLE MONITORING MONITORING

COST OF PARTY INSTITUTION FREQUENCY
MITIGATION
(UGX)
Positive Impacts
Employment ▪ Prepare a labour force management plan -Labour force 10 million Contractor CDO Monthly
opportunities and ▪ Preference for employment opportunities should be management plan in (for the MWE
income given to the local people where they have the required place labour farce
skills (for skilled labour activities). Otherwise, all -Details of the project management
activities which do not require skills such as casual staff, including origin, plan)
activities should be given to the locals age
▪ All laborers should be given contracts specifying their
roles and responsibilities and renumerations
▪ The use of appropriate labour-intensive methods for
some of the construction activities (for example
excavation for pipelines) should be undertaken to enable
as many local people (including women) as possible get
jobs
▪ Priority for sourcing materials for construction and other
services such as food and accommodation should be
given to local suppliers
▪ Ensure that children are not employed on the project
▪ Foreign companies (if contracted) should be required to -Details of the 0 Contractor CDO Once, before
have a joint venture with local companies to build their Contractor, including MWE DWO start of
capacity. country of construction
▪ Contracts terms for construction works for the project’s registration works
Acquisition/impr
construction and O&M phase should emphasize -Details of the
ovement of skills
knowledge transfer and the project developer should Contracts agreement
monitor and ensure that the objectives are met. -Presence of the O&M
▪ O&M manual and standard operating procedures must manual
be handed over to the operator
▪ Ensure consistent supply of water of adequate quality -Records of water Part of the MWE DWO Quarterly
Reduction of and quantity abstraction and contract CDO
poverty and ▪ Extend water to as many users as possible in the project supply
improved area -Records of water
livelihoods of the ▪ Provide as many public stand pipes as possible where quality assessment
local people poor people can obtain water -Number of
households
Page | xvi

MITIGATION
(UGX)
connected, and
number public stand
pipes
▪ Ensure consistent supply of water of adequate quality -Records of water 1 million (for MWE DWO Quarterly
and quantity abstraction and community CDO
▪ Extend water to as many users as possible in the project supply sensitization)
area -Records of water
▪ Provide as many public stand pipes as possible where quality assessment
poor people can obtain water -Number of
Improvement in
▪ Sensitize communities on the dangers of using unsafe households
public health
water sources connected, and
number public stand
pipes
-Minutes of
community
sensitization
and quantity abstraction and contract CDO
▪ Extend water to as many users as possible in the project supply
Achievement
universal primary
education
households
connected, and
number public stand
pipes
Promotion of and quantity abstraction and contract CDO
gender equality ▪ Extend water to as many users as possible in the project supply
and area -Records of water
empowerment of ▪ Provide as many public stand pipes as possible where quality assessment
women and the poor people can obtain water -Number of
girl child households
connected, and
Page | xvii

MITIGATION
(UGX)
number public stand
pipes
Negative Impacts
Loss of land and ▪ Prepare and implement a RAP -RAP in place -80 million Developer CDO Once, to be
property ▪ All privately owned land to host project components -Agreements of land for a RAP cleared before
should be duly compensated prior start of construction sale -Cost of land start of
activities -Compensation and other construction
▪ All property should be valued and duly compensated agreement property to
prior to start of construction works depend on
▪ For property like crops, where possible, owners should the actual
be informed early about the project work plan and value
allowed to harvest them prior to start of construction
▪ Prepare a stakeholder engagement plan and ensure that
stakeholder engagement is a continuous process
throughout the project implementation
Traffic disruption ▪ Prepare and implement traffic management plan -Traffic management 6 Million Contractor CDO Weekly
plan in place
▪ Liaise with the local traffic authority to manage traffic -Records of agreed 1 Million Contractor CDO Weekly
at busy crossings e.g., markets, schools, churches work plans with Traffic police
traffic police Department,
Tororo
Loss of vegetation ▪ Prepare a vegetation restoration plan -A vegetation 6.5 million Contractor DEO Once, before
and soil cover restoration plan in start of
place construction
activities
▪ Restrict clearance to only areas to be constructed. -Presence of bare Part of the Contractor DEO Weekly
soils Contract
▪ Landscaping and re-vegetation after construction -Presence of gullies 10 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
especially around the water source and reservoir due to soil erosion.
▪ Restrict alignment of the transmission route along road -Layout of the Part of the Contractor DWO /DEO Monthly
reserves transmission line Contract
Page | xviii

MITIGATION
(UGX)
Introduction of ▪ All Construction machinery should be cleaned prior to -Records of 1 Million Contractor DEO Once, before
invasive plant their transport to and assembly at the project sites machinery cleaning start of
species construction
activities
Disruption of ▪ Prioritize employment of local people where they have -Record of project Part of the Contractor CDO Weekly
social order the required skills staff and their area of Contract
origin
▪ Sensitize all workers to ensure awareness of and -Record of 2.5 Million Contractor CDO Monthly
sensitivity to the local cultures, traditions and lifestyles sensitization sessions
Noise from ▪ Schedule noise-intensive work for the least noise- -Work schedule 0 Contractor DEO Weekly
construction sensitive time of the day (work between 8 am and 5 pm) -Complaints about
machinery noise;
▪ Provision of PPE to project workers -PPE in use Part of the Contractor DEO Weekly
Contract
▪ Regular noise assessments -Noise assessment 1 Million Contractor DEO Monthly
reports
▪ Sprinkle water to dusty grounds during the dry seasons -Records of air water 10 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
sprinkling
▪ Cover earth materials with tarpaulin during -Presence of 1 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
transportation to minimise their falling off trucks; tarpaulins for
covering loose
material
Solid waste ▪ Prepare a waste management plan -A waste 5 million Contractor DEO Once, before
generation management plan in start of
place construction
activities
▪ Use the excavated material for backfilling. -Heaps of waste & Part of the Contractor DEO Monthly
excavated material Contract
on site
-Areas backfilled
▪ Provide waste bins for proper storage. -Waste bins within 0.2 Million Contractor DEO Monthly
the project area.
Page | xix

MITIGATION
(UGX)
▪ Contract a waste management company where waste -Contract agreement 2 Million Contractor DEO Monthly
volumes are large with a waste
management
company
▪ Provide temporary eco-san toilets on site during -Eco-san toilet on site Part of the Contractor DEO Monthly
site works construction
contract
Occupational ▪ Prepare an occupational Health and safety plan -An occupational 6.5 Million Contractor CDO Once, before
health and safety health and safety plan DEO start of
issues in place DHI construction
works
▪ Provide workers with PPE and sensitise them on basic -PPE in use Part of the Contractor DEO Weekly
safety precautions. Contract
▪ Provision of a first aid kit -First aid kit Part of the Contractor DEO Monthly
Contract
Community ▪ Prepare a community health and safety plan -A community health 5 Million Contractor CDO Once, before
health and safety and safety plan in DEO start of
issues place DHI construction
works
▪ Cordon off all dangerous areas along public roads -Marks of dangerous 1 Million Contractor CDO Weekly
places DEO
▪ Project vehicles transport material along community -Records of 1 Million Contractor DEO Monthly
roads should not exceed 40 km/h. sensitization of
project drivers on
speed limits
-Speed limit signs on
roads
▪ Schedule of construction works along community access -Proof of 0.5 Million Contractor DEO Bi-monthly
roads should be communicated to public at least a week communication of
prior to start of construction works work schedule with
communities
-Number accidents
recorded
Page | xx

MITIGATION
(UGX)
▪ Prepare and implement an HIV/AIDS management plan -An HIV/AIDS 10 Million Contractor DCDO Quarterly
management plan
Increased ▪ Prepare an erosion control plan -An erosion control Contractor DEO Once, prior to
5 Million
susceptibility to plan in place NEMA start of
soil erosion construction
activities
▪ Immediately dispose of any excavated soil to avoid loose -Presence of erosion 1 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
soil being washed away by storm water. gullies within the site NEMA
premises
▪ Providing an erosion barrier around stockpiles of -Presence of erosion 5 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
excavated soils barriers NEMA
▪ Plant bands of grass on erosion prone surfaces. -Presence of plant 4 Million Contractor DEO Quarterly
bands NEMA
Air pollution and ▪ Vehicles transporting construction material along -Speed limit signages 5- Million Contractor DEO Weekly
climate change community access roads should move as lower speeds, along access roads CDO
not exceeding 40 km/hr NEMA
▪ All lose material like sand, cement, murram, soil should -Trucks covered 1 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
be covered with a tarpaulin during transportation NEMA
▪ Excavated soil stored at the site should be covered with -Soils covered 0.5 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
a tarpaulin NEMA
▪ Water should be sprinkled on dusty ground where other -Records of water 2 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
measures cannot appropriately minimize dust emission sprinkling NEMA
▪ Repair and maintain construction equipment following -Records of vehicle 10 Million Contractor DEO Quarterly
the manufacturer’s specifications, including on fuelling repair and NEMA
maintenance
Page | xxi

MITIGATION
(UGX)
▪ Offset emitted carbon dioxide during construction -Records of trees 5 Million Contractor DEO Annually
activities by planting local trees at all devastated sites planted NEMA
Theft of -Verification of project employees should be done by the -Records of employee 1.5 Million CDO CDO Prior to the
construction local authorities. verification exercise start of
materials construction
activities
-Any time staff
are required
Security guards should be hired to provide security at the -Presence of security 5 Million CDO CDO -Weekly
construction sites. guards
Water Pollution ▪ Ensuring that storage containers are checked regularly -Records of chemical 0.3 Million Developer / DEO Quarterly
for leakage leakage/ spillage Operator
Occupational ▪ Prepare an occupational health and safety plan -Same as in the Same as in Same as in the Same as in the Same as in the
Health and Safety construction phase the construction construction construction
construction phase phase phase
phase
▪ Workers should be given appropriate PPE when -Workers using PPE Part of the Developer / DEO Quarterly
handling chemical Contract Operator CDO
▪ Regular trainings on the operations of the water system -Records of training 3 Million Developer / DWO Quarterly
on operation systems Operator
▪ Installation of firefighting equipment at the abstraction -Presence of 5 Million Developer / DEO Quarterly
point firefighting Operator DWO
equipment
▪ A well-equipped first aid kit should be availed to project -Presence of a first Part of the Developer / DEO Quarterly
workers. aid kit. Contract Operator CDO
-Records of injuries
Incapacity to ▪ Train local community members in the operation and -Number of trained 6 Million Developer/ DWO Quarterly
operate and maintenance of the water supply infrastructure community members Operator
maintain the in operation and
project maintenance of the
Page | xxii

MITIGATION
(UGX)
components by piped water supply
local people system
▪ Prepare a quality management plan ▪ A quality 15 Million Contractor DWO Quarterly
Management plan Operator CDO
in place DEO
Unaffordability of ▪ Levy charges in consideration of the income levels of the ▪ Records of water 0 Developer / DWO Quarterly
the water charges area. Charges for poor people should be just enough to charges Operator CDO
cover the operational costs ▪ Complaints from
the public
▪ Provide many public standard pipes where poor people ▪ Number of public Part of the Developer / DWO Twice a year
can obtain water cheaply stand pipes Contract Operator CDO
Air pollution ▪ Sensitize communities on the use of public toilets, and -Records of 1 Million Developer / DWO Once, after
the need for better sanitation community Operator CDO completion of
sensitization construction
▪ Provide sufficient ventilation on the public toilet -Building drawings Part of the Developer / DWO Once, prior to,
Contract Operator CDO and once after
construction
Spread of ▪ Ensure regular supply of sufficient water for flushing -Presence of a Part of the Developer / DWO
sanitation and and washing hands by providing a reservoir tank at reservoir tank at the Contract Operator CDO
water borne the toilet toilet DEO
diseases
Vandalization / ▪ Sensitize community members about the importance of -Records of 2 Million Developer / DWO Once, prior to,
theft project the project community Operator CDO and once after
equipment sensitization DEO construction
▪ Hire a security guard to provide 24-hour security at -Presence of security To depend Developer / DWO Quarterly
sensitive components such as the abstraction/pumping guards on the local Operator CDO
station security DEO
labour cost
▪ Fence off major project components such as abstraction -Fenced project site Part of the Developer / DWO Twice a year
and reservoir sites construction Operator CDO
Contract DEO
Page | xxiii

MITIGATION
(UGX)
Disruption of ▪ Inform the communities in the affected areas well in ▪ Records of 3 million for Operator DWO Quarterly,
water supply advance about the decommissioning activities sensitization sensitization Decommissioni CDO within the last
▪ Provide alternative source of water meeting about meetings ng Contractor DEO two years of
project decommissioni
decommissioning ng
▪ Presence
alternative water
sources
Traffic disruption ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the Same as for Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
construction phase the construction construction construction
phase
Disruption of ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the Same as for Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
social order construction phase the construction construction construction
phase
Noise pollution ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the Same as for Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
construction phase the construction construction construction
phase
Solid waste ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the Same as for Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
generation construction phase the construction construction construction
phase
Occupational ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the Same as for Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
health and safety construction phase the construction construction construction
issues construction phase phase phase
phase
Public health and ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the Same as for Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
safety issues construction phase the construction construction construction
phase
Page | xxiv

MITIGATION
(UGX)
Increased ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the Same as for Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
susceptibility to construction phase the construction construction construction
Soil erosion construction phase phase phase
phase
Air pollution and ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the Same as for Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
climate change construction phase the construction construction construction
phase
TOTAL 293,200,000
Further, the following other costs should be clear in the BoQs during the bidding process.
Item Indicative Costs
Grievance Redress Mechanism 22,000,000
Stakeholder Engagement 24,000,000
Environment and Social Audit 35,000,000
Capacity Building and Trainings 20,000,000
Sub-total 101,000,000
Grand Total, including ESMMP (UGX 293,200,000) 394,200,000
Page | xxv
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

a) Conclusions
This environmental and social impact assessment for the Soni water supply and sanitation system
has examined the project need, its compatibility with the surroundings, socio-economic benefits
and the adverse social and environmental impacts. Enhancement measures have been proposed
for the positive impacts, while mitigation measures to avoid, reduce and minimise the adverse
impacts were also suggested, either as part of the design, or as measures to be implemented. Good
practice measures were also identified in order to minimize the impact of the proposed
development further. The proponent has agreed to these mitigation measures and they are,
therefore, expressed as commitments.
Overall, the negative impacts of this project are rated by this study as largely insignificant;
however, adequate mitigation measures have been proposed to address them. When mitigation
actions and environmental and social monitoring plans are implemented, the project would have
minimal residual environmental effects. Hence the project can be implemented in a sustainable
way.
b) Recommendations
This study therefore makes the following recommendations:
▪ Many times, Project Contractors do not comply with the recommendations given in the
project environmental report. This could tantamount to violation of the law with possible
halting of the whole project by the relevant authorities, including NEMA. A copy of this
report would be availed to the Project Contractor, and advised to follow the identified
impacts, the ESMMP and develop the management plans identified there in.
▪ The project ought to be approved for implementation by the relevant authorities to enable
fulfilment of the project main objective of improving access to safe water in the area
Page | xxvi
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Background
According to the Water and Environment Sector Performance Report, 2019, 44.3% and
10.9% of the population depend on boreholes and piped water respectively to access
clean water in rural areas. In small towns and rural growth centers, only 55.9% of the
population had access to improved water sources by 2019.
The Government of Uganda (GoU) has embarked on improving safe water coverage and
supply across the entire country. The Water and Environment Sector Development Plan
of Uganda prioritizes the construction of piped water supply systems in Rural Growth
Centres to replace the currently overstretched hand-pumped borehole service
technology. Consequently, the GoU, through the Directorate of Water Development of
MWE and Tororo District Local Government, secured funding for development of water
and sanitation system in Soni RGC, Kirewa Sub County, Tororo District. The proposed
project shall ensure sustainable access to safe water and sanitation to a projected
population of 6,701 people by 2042 in Soni RGC; and reduce walking distances to access
water, thereby saving time for the education of the children in Soni RGC.
The proposed system will fully harmonize with Uganda's Joint Water and Environment
Sector Support Programme and all relevant national sector policies and development
plans. The specific outcome of the Water Supply Systems and Sanitation facilities will
ensure sustainable access to safe water and improve of Water Sanitation and Hygiene
(WASH) services, which are critical for health and socio-economic development in the
rural growth center of Soni and Tororo District in general. This will contribute to creating
a more stable socio-economic environment and hence boost commercial development of
the project area and surrounding areas; and greatly contribute to the overall objective of
the National Development plan and Vision 2040.
In recognition of the need for sustainable development, and in compliance with the
National Environment Act of 2019 and regulations there under, the MWE initiated an
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process for the proposed project to
identify and assess potentially negative and positive environmental and social impacts
associated with the project and devise mitigation measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate
the negative environmental and social impacts while enhancing the positive
environmental and social impacts or benefits of the project.
From the initial environmental project screening that was undertaken, the proposed
project was identified as one among those that require a Project Brief as per Section 112
of the National Environment Act. The proposed project is listed under Schedule 4
(Projects for which Project Briefs are required) of the National Environment Act, 2019
under Category 4, “Utilisation of water resources and water supply”, Part (b) “Abstraction
or utilisation of ground water of less than 1,000 m3 per day.”
Page | 1
This report presents the findings of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment that
was conducted for the proposed project.
1.2 Project Objectives

1.3.2 Consistency of the Project with National Priorities / Plans
The main factor motivating the implementation of the proposed project is the increasing
demand for safe water supplies in the local communities in Tororo District and Uganda
at large. Hence, the project addresses the national priority of increasing access to safe
water by making efficient use of the available sources. This, in addition to the country’s
firm commitment to eradicate poverty, ensures that the project is firmly embedded
within the country’s national priorities. The NDP III highlights pollution as the major
problem with water resources caused by bacterial and chemical contamination of both
ground and surface water resource. This has led to inadequate sanitation facilities, unsafe
disposal of municipal and industrial waste in urban and rural areas. To this effect, the
GoU, through the MWE has set a target of increasing safe water supply from 70% to 85%
in rural areas and 74% to 100% in urban areas (NDP III). This is also in line with the
Vision 2040 target of having 100% of the population having safe water supply. The
proposed project will contribute towards the extension of clean water to a domestic
population of 6,701 people by 2042 in Soni RGC, Tororo District, Eastern Uganda.
1.2.1 Project Development Objectives
The overall objective of the project is to establish a mini solar-powered piped water
supply and sanitation system in Kirewa Sub-county in Tororo District.
1.2.2 Objectives of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
This report covers all the contents of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
report by way of a Project Brief as required under Schedule 2 of the National Environment
(Environmental and Social Assessment) Regulations, 2020.
The main objectives of this report include the following:
a) Survey of all the identified sites including preparing a map/sketch of each site
showing important existing features in the surrounding areas in relation to the sites,
b) Assessment baseline environmental conditions for monitoring future project
components,
c) Evaluation of the relevant policy and legal framework pertaining the proposed
project.
d) Consultation with the relevant stakeholders and incorporate their comments into
impact identification and mitigation,
e) Identification of all potential impacts and propose feasible mitigation impacts
f) Preparation of an Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan
(ESMP) for the implementation of the proposed project. The ESMMP should outline:
i) potential environmental and social impacts resulting from project activities; ii)
proposed mitigation measures; iii) monitoring indicators; iv) responsibilities for
Page | 2
implementation of the mitigation measures; v) responsibilities for monitoring the

implementation of the mitigation measures
The purpose of this report is to provide NEMA and the Lead Agency with sufficient and
relevant information on the proposed project that can allow them establish whether or
not the project is likely to have significant impact on the environment, and thus determine
the basis for approval.
1.3 Justification of the Proposed Project

1.3.1 Demand for Better Water Supply Services
The project area has some of the existing water sources as either non-functional or
inadequate to meet the demand of rapidly growing population. The most common water
source in the project area is the hand pump, which is less efficient in the provision of
water to large populations spread over distant places.
The impact of inadequate safe water supply falls primarily on the poor. Every year,
thousands of Uganda’s poor citizens die from preventable diseases caused by inadequate
/ unsafe water supply services. Hundreds of thousands more suffer from regular bouts of
diarrhoea or parasitic worm infections as a result of unsafe water and/or poor sanitation
practices that ruin their lives; women and children are the main victims. Further, poor
sanitation (also associated with inadequate water supply) costs Uganda 389 billion
Ugandan Shillings each year, equivalent to US$177 million, according to a desk study
carried out by The Water and Sanitation Program (WSP). This sum is the equivalent of
US$ 5.50 per person in Uganda per year or 1.1% of the National GDP. The costs of poor
sanitation are inequitably distributed with the highest economic burden falling
disproportionately on the poorest. For the poorest therefore, poverty is a double-edged
sword; not only are poor people more likely to have poor sanitation, but also, they have
to pay proportionately more for the negative effects it has.
1.4 Details of the Developer and Investment Cost

1.4.1 Details of the Developer
Project Proposed Mini-Solar Powered Piped Water Supply and Sanitation System
Title: in Kirewa Sub-county, Tororo District
Developer: Ministry of Water and Environment / Tororo District Local Government
Address: Plot 21/28 Port Bell Road, Luzira, P.O. Box 20026 Kampala, Uganda
Contact Name: Eng. Olweny Lamu
Person: Designation: Assistant Commissioner Research and Development
Mobile: +256-772-453-395
Email: [email protected]
1.4.2 Investment Cost

The cost estimate was based on the design assumptions and the preliminary engineering
design. The total cost of the project is estimated at Three Billion Three Hundred Forty-
Four Million Nine Hundred Eighty-one Nine Hundred Eighty-eight Uganda Shillings only
Page | 3
(UGX 3,344,981,988), inclusive of taxes. The detailed cost for each of the proposed project
infrastructure are indicated in the table attached under Annex I.
1.5 Study Methodology

The study was undertaken by NEMA Certified Environmental Practitioners in accordance
with the National Environment (Environmental and Social Assessment) Regulations,
2020, and other relevant legislation of Uganda. The Consultants undertook the task of
preparing an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment by way of an Environmental
Project Brief (EPB) for the proposed project. It involved clearly defining the assignment
into a number of discrete activities, which facilitated development of a workable
framework for the speedy and timely execution of the assignment. They included but
were not limited to the following:
1.5.1 Environmental Screening
This is the stage at which the project was identified as among those that require a Project
Brief as per Section 112 of the Act. The proposed project falls under Schedule 4 of the
National Environment Act, 2019. The proposed project is listed in Category 4 -
Utilization of water resources and water supply (b) Abstraction or utilization of
groundwater of less than 1000 m3/day. The project requires an Environmental and
Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) by way of a Project Brief as it will have an output of 330
m3/day at the ultimate year of 2042 as per the design demand. Only projects for which
more than 1000 m3/day of water is to be abstracted from ground water (Category 4 (b)
under Schedule Five), are required to under a full ESIA. Further, according the funder’s
(African Development Bank; AfDB) Integrated Safeguards System (ISS), the project is
considered as category 2 (medium E&S risks) which requires the preparation of an ESIA.
1.5.3 Field Visits and Inspections
Field visits and inspections were carried out by the study/assessment team so as to get
acquainted with the project activities in the study area, and also map out sampling sites.
The areas that were visited included all the project affected villages in Kirewa Sub-county.
Other places visited include: The proposed water abstraction sites in Ngulimo and
Chawolo Villages both located in Mifumi Parish, Kirewa Sub-county and the proposed
reservoir site in Dago Zone, Soni Parish, Kirewa Sub-county and the proposed water
transmission routes from the abstraction sites to the reservoir site.
1.5.3 Literature Review
Key documents pertinent to the study were reviewed and these include;
i. The Engineering Design report for Soni Mini Solar Water Supply System;
ii. The Feasibility report for Soni Mini Solar Water Supply System;
iii. The relevant development and environmental legislation of Uganda;
iv. International, regional, provincial or communal environmental related guidelines;
v. International Finance Cooperation (IFC) Performance Standards;
vi. Third Uganda National Development Plan (NDPIII);
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vii. Uganda Vision 2040;

viii. Water and Environment Sector Development Plan 2015/16-2019/20.
1.5.4 Community and Stakeholder Consultations
The success of a project depends on its acceptability by the members of the public and
other stakeholders who it’s intended to benefit. As a result, stakeholder consultations
formed a very important part of this assessment.
The aim of this consultation was to enable affected parties and other stakeholders
present their views and concerns that would contribute to the formulation and
refinement of the project design.
The objectives of the consultation were to:

• provide information about the project and its potential impacts or benefits to
those interested in or affected by the project, and solicit their opinions in this
regard;
• provide opportunities to stakeholders to discuss their opinions and concerns;
• manage expectations and misconceptions regarding the project; and
• inform the process of assessing significance of impacts and developing
appropriate mitigation measures.
The assessment team consulted the relevant project stakeholders. Mobilization of all
social groups including men, women, youth, water user committee members, local
leaders, and other community opinion leaders in the project area. Necessary consultation
tools and aides, such as area maps indicating the project design, location of project
components and project information briefs were displayed and shared during
community consultations and other stakeholder consultative meetings.
A two-level stakeholder consultative procedure was adopted. At the first level were
community members who live within the project affected villages. These consultations
took place at the village level through participatory community dialogues. The second
level was sub-county and district stakeholder consultations. These consultations were
carried out at Chawolo, Pakita ‘A’, and Kisera ‘A’ villages, Kirewa Sub-county
headquarters and at Tororo District headquarters.
The identification of stakeholders was based on the different activities involved in the
project, the sectors the project lies in and the administrative locations of project
components. The main considerations in the stakeholder group selection process were:
• Those involved in project preparation;

• Those whose activities coincide or overlap with those proposed by the project
(such as relevant local government authorities, non-governmental organisations);
and
• Those who may be directly affected by the project (The local population in the
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project area).
The key stakeholders that were identified include project host community members and
area residents, the area local authorities like the village LC1 chairperson, the District
Water Officer, District Environment Officer and relevant government agencies among
other stakeholders.
To ensure in depth explorations and insights into the feelings and thoughts of the various
interest groups, a purely qualitative approach was employed during the consultation.
These were conducted through meetings with representatives from relevant local
authorities and the project host community members and area residents. In total, 44
stakeholders were consulted; 29 males and 15 females in a total of 5 meetings.
Stakeholder’s views and their concerns are given in Section Five (5) of this report. These
views and concerns were taken into consideration during impact identification and for
informing impact enhancement and mitigation measures.
1.5.5 Flora Assessment
It is important to understand the vegetation of the project area as this will play an
important role in re-vegetation of places that will be excavated/laid bare during the
project activities. It will be necessary that sites are restored to as much as practically
possible to conditions they were in before project activities. During the field visits,
observation and identification of flora species at the sites for water abstraction and
reservoir, and along the transmission lines were done. Flora species which could not be
identified in the field were picked, kept in properly labelled plant press and transported
to the Makerere University Herbarium for identification.
1.5.6 Fauna Assessment
Fauna assessment involved a survey of birds in the project area, using Timed Species
Counts (TSCs) (Freeman et al., 2003). This method generates estimates of relative
abundance by scoring 6 for species recorded in the first ten minutes, down to one for the
last ten minutes of a one-hour count. The argument is that the common species are
recorded in most counts, usually with a score of six, whilst rare species only score an
occasional one. In addition, for a series of counts, the commonest species are recorded
most times and usually with a high score.
Transect walks were made with the help of local guides, recording all species in order of
their being encountered, whether by site or sound. Birds were identified with the help of
a pair of binoculars and where there was doubt about identification, we referred to the
field guide (Stevenson and Fanshawe, 2002).
An analysis of birds of conservation concern was conducted based on various categories

as listed as follows:
Global, Regional and National Red-listed species
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The bird lists were classified globally based on the Red-listed (IUCN, 2019) and
nationally/ regionally based on Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS, 2016). These
categories are indicated as:
• CR Critical (Globally or Regionally or Nationally)
• EN Endangered (Globally or Regionally or Nationally)
• VU Vulnerable (Globally or Regionally or Nationally)
• NT Near-threatened (Globally or Regionally or Nationally)
• RR Regional Responsibility (Globally or Regionally or Nationally)
1.5.7 Water Quality Measurements and Analysis
The physico-chemical quality of water for the two abstraction boreholes was analysed
following procedures certified by the International Organization of Standardization – ISO
and standard methods according to APHA/AWWA/WEF (2020). The water quality
analysis was carried out at the National Water and Sewerage Corporation. The results of
water quality analysis are presented in section 3.4.1 and Annex IV.
1.5.8 Noise Measurements
Baseline noise measurements in the project area were carried at various locations using
a Benetech GM1356 digital sound level meter with a range of 30—130 dB (Plate 1). The
noise results were compared to permissible limits (Table 1), according to the National
Environment (Noise standards and Control) Regulations, 2003. The results of noise
measurement are presented in section 3.3.
Table 1: Maximum Permissible Noise Levels for Construction sites

Noise at Receptor Maximum noise level permitted in dB (A)
Day* Night*
Residential 60 40
Commercial 75 50
Industrial 85 65
*Day is 6.00 a.m -10.00 p.m. and Night 10.00 p.m. - 6.00 a.m.
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Plate 1: Noise level meter used for noise assessment. Taken on 10th March 2023 by the
Environmentalist
1.6 Structure of the report
The structure of this report is in conformity with NEMA guidelines and the different
sections are outlined below: -
An executive summary providing a brief overview of the proposed project and its
anticipated positive and negative impacts among others.
Chapter 1: Background information on the project, project objectives, methodology
and report structure.
Chapter 2: A review of policies, laws, regulations and standards in relation to the
development of the proposed project.
Chapter 3: Site baseline bio-physical and sociological information, area infrastructure
and activities.
Chapter 4: Description of the proposed project components, preparation,
construction and operations phase activities.
Chapter 5: Public consultations and disclosure, mentioning stakeholder concerns and
measures to address them.
Chapter 6: An analysis of alternatives, including the Project alternative, No Project
option and comparison of the two options.
Chapter 7: Evaluation of the identified environmental and social impacts and
recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures for all significant
negative environmental impacts predicted.
Chapter 8: An Environmental, Social Management and Monitoring Plan for addressing
negative impacts and assessing effectiveness of mitigation measures,
scheduling monitoring frequency and assigning responsibility.
Chapter 9: Grievance Redress Mechanism
Chapter 10: Conclusions and recommendations arising from the ESIA.
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2 POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 Introduction
The water and sanitation sector in Uganda has evolved over the past 10 - 15 years
through several reforms and national instruments all geared towards increasing
efficiency in implementation and effectiveness in delivery of services to the unserved.
This continuous change process has enabled appropriate adaptation of sector policies
and strategies to be incorporated into emerging national and international development
agenda including the country’s National Development Plan (NDP), Uganda Vision 2040
and also aligned towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). This section provides an overview of national and
international policies, laws and regulations/standards relevant to the proposed project
as well as the national institutions responsible for water and environmental protection
and conservation as well as health, safety and social safeguards.
2.2 Policies Relevant to the Proposed Project

The policies relevant to the proposed Soni Mini Solar Piped Water Supply and Sanitation
System are presented in Table 2.
Table 2: Policies relevant to Soni Mini Solar Piped Water Supply System
Policy Title Policy Goal Relevance to Soni Mini Solar Water
Supply and Sanitation System
The National The overall policy goal is to ensure Environment and Social Impact Assessment
Environment sustainable development which (ESIA) by way of a Project brief has been
Management Policy maintains and promotes conducted for the proposed Construction of
for Uganda (2014) environmental quality and resource Soni RGC Mini Solar Piped Water and
productivity for socio-economic Sanitation Supply System (this Report). If
transformation. The policy sets out the proposed impact mitigation measures
in one of its key objectives to are put in place, the project will promote
integrate, in a participatory manner, economic and social development in a
environmental concerns in all sustainable way. These have been developed
development policies, plans, in consultation with different stakeholders
activities and budgets at national, of the proposed project.
district and local levels.
The National Water To promote an integrated approach The proposed project seeks to increase on
Policy, 1999 to manage the water resources in the amount of safe water supply in Soni RGC
ways that are sustainable and most in Tororo District.
beneficial to the people of Uganda
The National Provides a framework and mandate The gender policy recommends that
Gender Policy, for all stakeholders to address the integration of gender issues in national
1997 gender imbalances within their policies and projects will improve national
respective sectors. welfare, contribute towards sustainable
development, and improve the work of
government ministries. The project will
consider gender aspects during the different
phases of its implementation.
The National Health To prevent transmission of diseases The proposed project will help to improve
Policy (1999) through Primary Health Care (PHC) the sanitation through improved provision
including Sanitation and Hygiene. and access to safe water to the communities.
The National Land The Policy was developed to ensure Some project infrastructure like
Policy (2013) efficient, equitable and optimal transmission lines, reservoirs and boreholes
utilisation and management of will be located on people’s land. Unless
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Policy Title Policy Goal Relevance to Soni Mini Solar Water

Supply and Sanitation System
Uganda’s land resources for poverty where the land is given freely by the
reduction, wealth creation and community, affected land should be
overall socio-economic development. compensated following provision of
Uganda’s Land laws
The National Land-The Policy has an overall goal of The project components are of a small scale
Use Policy (2007) achieving sustainable and equitable and will not compromise the existing land
socio-economic development use plan
through optimal land management
and utilization in Uganda
The National The overall goal is to promote The proposed Soni Mini Solar Water Supply
Employment Policy productive and decent employment and Sanitation System will employ many
for Uganda (2011) for all women and men in conditions people who will include casual and technical
of freedom, equity, security and personnel, including those from the affected
human dignity community.
The Environment The Policy was formulated to ensure The proposed project has developed an EBP
and Social that environmental and social (this report) in line with the principles
Safeguards Policy concerns are integrated in all stages outlined in the Policy.
(2018) of project development and all levels
including national, district and local
levels, with full participation of the
people as means of minimizing
environmental and social impacts
2.3 Legal Framework Relevant to the Proposed Project

The Ugandan laws and regulations, and the African Development Bank (AfDB)
Operational Safeguard (OS) Policies applicable to the proposed project are presented in
Tables 3 and 4, respectively.
Table 3: Ugandan laws and regulations relevant to the Proposed Soni Mini Solar Water
Supply System
Legal Framework Provision(s) Proposed
Actions/Comments
The Constitution of The State shall promote sustainable development The developer observes the
the Republic of and public awareness of the need to manage land, Constitutional provisions.
Uganda; 1995; air and water resources in a balanced and This is why the developer
amended as at 15th sustainable manner for the present and future commissioned the ESIA
February 2006, generations. process prior to
Government of Chapter 15, Article 237, Clauses (1) (2) (a) & (b) implementation of the
Uganda. gives the Government the powers as guided by the project. The waterworks, as
Parliament to acquire land anywhere within the well as distribution to
country and place it to the best use to benefit the neighbouring areas will be
citizens of the country, where deemed necessary. done while following
mitigation measures. All
land acquisitions will adhere
to provisions of the 1995
National Constitution.
The National Section 112 (1), requires a developer of a project An EPB has been
Environment no. 5 to submit an acceptable EIA/EPB Report in conducted for proposed
2019 accordance with the guidelines in the Fourth Project so that it promotes
Schedule of this Act. economic and social
development in a
sustainable way.
The Water Act, Cap Under section 18 (2), a person wishing to construct The developer will ensure
152 and The Water any works or take and use water may apply to the that waste generated during
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Actions/Comments
Resources Director of Water Development Directorate in a project implementation does
Regulations, 1998 prescribed form for a permit to do so. Under not negatively impact water
Section 31 (1) of the Act, a person commits an resources in the project
offence who, unless authorized under this Part of area.
the Act, causes or allows wastes to come in contact
with, or be discharged into water or allows water
to be polluted
The Land Act, Cap Section 42 states that Government or Local All the required land for the
227 Government may acquire land in accordance with proposed project will be
the provisions of Article 26 and clause 237 of the acquired in accordance
constitution. with this Act.
Section 74 (i) states that where it is necessary to
execute public works on any land (for example
construction of road), an authorized undertaker
shall enter into mutual agreement with occupier or
owner of the land in accordance with this act, and
where no agreement is reached, the Minister may;
compulsorily acquire land in accordance with
Section 43 of the Act.
The Occupational The Act aims at ensuring the existence of safety The project shall adhere to
Safety and Health and health at all work places and work occupational safety and
Act, 2006 environment. health rules according to
the mitigation measures
suggested in this report.
The Workers' This requires compensation to be paid to a The developer shall ensure
Compensation Act worker injured or acquired an occupational that all contractors and
(2000) disease or has been harmed in any way in the sub-contractors provide
course of his/her work. personal protective
equipment (PPE) to
employees to minimize
accidents and injuries.
Additionally, compensation
will be paid to those
affected.
The Town and The Town and Country Planning Act govern land The developer shall use
Country Planning use and land planning in urban and rural areas. established guidelines for
Act, 2014 planning schemes, to
acquire land as well as
safeguarding the natural
environment.
The Public Health Act Section 7 provides local authorities with The developer/ Contractor
Cap 281 administrative powers to take all lawful, shall provide for adequate
necessary and reasonably practicable measures sanitary facilities, proper
for preventing the occurrence of, or for dealing solid and liquid waste
with any outbreak or prevalence of, any management and provide
Infectious, communicable or preventable disease, and operate first Aid
to safeguard and promote the public health. services especially in public
places; and shall ensure
that such facilities are
available in all other
privately allocated and
developed areas requiring
such to possess them.
Anybody falling sick and
needing services beyond
the first Aid shall be
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Actions/Comments
referred to the nearest
health centre. The
developer /Contractor will
implement HIV/AIDS
prevention and control
plan as part of the
mitigation measures.
The Local Provides for the system of local governments The developer shall work
Governments Act based on the decentralization of district for the closely with Tororo District
Cap 243 enforcement of environmental law. The functions Local Government
of the Municipal Councils include: land surveying administration, including
and administration, physical planning, other lower local
environmental governments at sub county
protection (forests and wetlands, streams and so and village levels in
forth and ensuring proper sanitation carrying out activities
related to the project for
example monitoring the
implementation of the
Environment and Social
Management and
Monitoring Plan (ESMMP)
for the project.
The National Regulation 6(1) requires the developer of a The study has been
Environment project under section 112 of the Act and set out in conducted in line to the
(Environmental and Schedule 4 of the Act to undertake scoping and an provisions of the Regulations.
Social Assessment) environmental and social impact study in
Regulations, 2020 accordance with these Regulations. Various stakeholders in the
project area were consulted
Regulation 16(1) requires the developer to to find out their views on
carry out consultations with relevant the proposed project.
stakeholders, communities likely to be affected
by the project and the public while undertaking
the environmental and social impact study.
The National Regulation 12(1) prohibits any person from The proposed project
Environment carrying out an activity in a wetland without a activities shall not be carried
(Wetlands, River permit issued by the Executive Director of NEMA. out in or near any wetland.
Banks and Under regulation 34(1), a developer desiring to
Lake Shores conduct a project which may have significant
Management) impact on a wetland (for example dredging), river
Regulations, 2000 bank or lake shore, shall be required to carry out
an environmental impact assessment in
accordance with sections 20, 21, and 22 of the NES.
National Regulation 176 (1) states that no The Consultants who
Environment person shall conduct an EIA or carry out any carried out this assessment
(Conduct and activity relating to the conduct of an are certified practitioners
Certificate of environmental impact study, or environmental by NEMA.
Environment audit as provided under the Act, unless the person
Practitioners has been duly certified and registered in
Regulations (2003) accordance with the regulations
The National Regulations outline the requirements for the The Project Developer
Environment (Waste management of hazardous and non-hazardous should be aware of
Management) waste including transport, storage, treatment, regulation requirements
Regulations (2020) and disposal and licensing of waste contractors. and legal standards when
Regulations require waste disposal in a way that designing waste storage
would not contaminate water, soil, and air or facilitates, likely avoiding
impact public health. wetland and riverine areas.
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Actions/Comments
The Water (Waste The water (Waste Discharge) Regulations of 1998, In case of any waste
Discharge) are aimed at regulating the effluent or discharge of discharged, a waste
Regulations, 1998 wastes on to land or into water. discharge permit shall be
Under regulation 5(1), a waste discharge permit is acquired from the relevant
required for a person who owns a facility which authorities.
discharges or will discharge effluent or waste into
the aquatic environment or on land. The alum
sludge and backwash water from the water
treatment works will have to be discharged
responsibly.
The National Section 3 entitles every person to a healthy The Developer/ Contractor
Environment environment, free from second-hand smoke. It shall enforce a no-smoking
(Control of Smoking further obliges all persons to safeguard the health ban in all public work
in Public of non-smokers. Sections 4 & 5 prohibit smoking places during construction
Places) Regulations, in public places. and operation phases of the
2004. project and will ensure that
there are clear signs
indicating that smoking is
restricted and prohibited in
such areas.
The National Regulations 6 & 7 (II) sets permissible noise Contractor and developer
Environment (Noise levels, Part III (Regulations 8, 9, 10 & 11) calls for must enforce noise
Standards and the control and mitigation of noise; Regulation 9 standards and working
Control) Regulations, specifically prohibits the generation of noise by hours at the site allocated
2003. place and time. Part IV instructs for a license for for development, both
noise in excess of permissible levels. during the construction
stage, as well as during
operation and
maintenance.
National Air Quality The Standards provides for permissible limits air The Developer and
Standards, 2006 quality parameters such as carbon dioxide, Contractor must implement
(Draft) Nitrogen oxides, Sulphur oxides, Volatile Organic and enforce mitigation
Compounds and particulates measures for air pollution
during the entire lifecycle
of the project
Table 4: AfDB Operational Safeguard (OS) Policies

Operational Key issue Relevance/Applicability
Safeguard/Performance
Standard
OS 1: Environmental and Mainstream environmental and social An environmental and Social
social assessment considerations, including those related Impact Assessment (ESIA) has
to climate change vulnerability and been conducted for this project
thereby contribute to sustainable (this Report) where potential
development in the region. impacts have been identified and
It governs the process of determining a mitigation measures proposed.
project’s environmental and social This will ensure that the project
category and the resulting is implemented in a sustainable
environmental and social assessment way.
requirements.
OS 2: Involuntary Mainstream resettlement All people whose land is to be
resettlement, land considerations in AfDB operations. It affected for example at the
acquisition, population consolidates the policy commitments proposed water abstraction/
and requirements set out in the Bank’s treatment site, reservoir sites
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Operational Key issue Relevance/Applicability

Safeguard/Performance
Standard
displacement and policy on involuntary resettlement, and and some areas along the
compensation incorporates a number of refinements proposed pipeline route will be
designed to improve the operational compensated prior to start of
effectiveness of those requirements. construction works.
OS 3: Biodiversity and Identify and Mitigation measures have been
ecosystem services implement opportunities to conserve proposed in this report to
and sustainably use biodiversity and minimize probable impacts of
natural habitats as well as observe, this project on biodiversity,
implement, and respond to including water resources so
requirements for the conservation and that their ability to provide
sustainable management of priority ecosystem services to people are
ecosystem services. not compromised.
OS 4: Pollution Manage and reduce pollution in AfDB The project will set up a waste
prevention and control, funded projects. It covers a range of key management plan to handle
hazardous materials and impacts including pollution, waste, and liquid and solid wastes, including
resource efficiency hazardous materials for which there are those of hazardous nature.
agreed international conventions, as
well as comprehensive industry-specific
and regional standards, to be followed
to safeguard the environment and
humans from being polluted as a result
of the development activities.
OS 5: Labour conditions, Protection of workers’ rights and The project will abide by the
health and safety provision of their basic needs. It labour laws to protect the
establishes the Bank’s requirements for interests of workers. This will
its borrowers or clients concerning include for example: providing
workers’ conditions, rights and contracts to all hired workers,
protection from abuse or exploitation of providing workers with personal
the labourers. protective equipment, setting up
a grievance handling mechanism
to enable workers express their
complaints, among others.
2.4 Institutional Framework

2.4.1 Ministry of Water and Environment
Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) is responsible for ensuring sound

environmental management that in turn ensures that there is sufficient water for
domestic, agricultural and industrial uses. MWE has the responsibility for setting national
policies and standards, managing and regulating water resources and determining
priorities for water development and management.
2.4.1.1 The Directorate of Water Resources Management (DWRM)

The directorate is part of the Ministry of Water and Environment and is responsible for
developing and maintaining national water laws, policies and regulations; managing,
monitoring and regulation of water resources through issuing water use, abstraction and
wastewater discharge permits; Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
activities; coordinating Uganda's participation in joint management of transboundary
waters resources and peaceful cooperation with Nile Basin riparian countries.
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2.4.1.2 The Directorate of Water Development (DWD)

The Directorate of Water Development (DWD) under MWE is the lead agency responsible
for coordinating and regulating all water supply and sanitation activities. It provides
technical support services and capacity development to local governments and other
service providers. DWD comprises three Departments; Rural Water Supply and
Sanitation; Urban Water Supply and Sanitation and Water for Production.
2.4.2 National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is a semi-autonomous

institution, established under the National Environment Act, Cap. 153, in 1995, as the
principal agency in Uganda, charged with the responsibility of coordinating, monitoring,
regulating and supervising environmental management in the country. NEMA
spearheads the development of environmental policies, laws, regulations, standards and
guidelines; and guides Government on sound environmental management in Uganda. Air
quality, effluent and noise standards issued by NEMA are key to project implementation.
2.4.3 Ministry of Gender Labour & Social Development
This ministry promotes issues of social protection, gender equality, equity, human rights,
culture, decent work conditions and empowerment for different groups such as women,
children, the unemployed youth, internally displaced persons, the older persons and
persons with disabilities. The Ministry works with institutional structures at district
levels including probation offices, community development offices, and labour offices.
The Department of Occupational safety and health of this ministry administers and
enforces the Occupational Safety and Health Act, No.9, 2006, the Laws of Uganda and its
subsidiary Legislation. Mandated to Evaluate and Control the Physical, Chemical,
Physiological, Social and Technical factors that affect persons at Work and the Working
Environment. As such it is a requirement for the project to obtain a Workplace
registration certificate and certificates of examination of lifting equipment from this
department during the contractor mobilisation phase. Additionally, it is mandatory to
report fatal accidents and any lost time injuries of three days or more to this department.
2.4.4 Local Administration Structures
The proposed project falls within jurisdiction of Tororo District. Technical District
personnel directly involved on the project include the Chief Administrative Officer,
District Water Officer, and the Environment Officer.
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3 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE CONDITIONS
3.1 Project Location and its Environs

Tororo District is located in Eastern Uganda. It borders with the Republic of Kenya to the
East, Bugiri District to the West, Butaleja District to the North, Busia District to the South
and Mbale to the North East. Administratively, the district is divided into (6) counties,
one (1) municipality which are further sub-divided into sub-counties, parishes and
subsequent villages. The proposed project will cover villages in Kirewa Sub-county as
depicted in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Proposed project area
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The proposed project boreholes and reservoir tanks that will be constructed to supply
water in the project area are located at GPS coordinates as presented in Table 5 and
Figure 2.
Table 5: Location of the proposed project components
BH No. / Village Parish Sub-county Coordinates
Reservoir/Transmission
DWD 90935 Ngulimo Mifumi Kirewa N0.745399 E033.935011
DWD 90936 Chawolo Mifumi Kirewa N0.751017 E033.940083
Proposed Reservoir Dago Zone Soni Kirewa N0.756301 E033.934097
Transmission Line 1 Chawolo Mifumi Kirewa N0.749753 E033.938055
Transmission Line 2 Dago Zone Soni Kirewa N0.755827 0.33.939293
Figure 2: Google Earth Map of the proposed abstraction and reservoir sites
3.2 Biophysical Environment

3.2.1 Geology and Soils
Tororo District is underlined by the eastern volcanic rocks of Cretaceous to Miocene age
(135 — 5.30 Ma) which comprise generally soda-rich agglomerates, lavas and tuffs
extruded by central volcanoes that are represented by Mountain Elgon, that is the
Mesozoic and Cainozoic rocks (DGSM, 2008). The area hosts carbonite resources related
to the Carbonatite ring complexes along the Kenya — Uganda border. This is underlain
by sediments of the Bugisu Series associated with Mt. Elgon. The tertiary pre-Elgon
Page | 17
volcanic rocks, which include Tororo rock and Osukuru hills, are known to be very rich in
minerals, which have potential for the growth of industries (cement, fertilizers and
fungicide industries).
The soils of Tororo District are sandy clay- and loam-type, with low contents of carbon,
nitrogen and phosphorus.
3.2.2 Climate
Tororo District is characterized by sub-humid and orographic climate which is mainly

brought about by its location close to the Elgon Mountain ranges. It has bi-modal rainfall
with wettest season extending from March to May followed by a light dry ‘season which
runs from June to August. The second and light rain season is November and December.
Rainfall peaks during the months of May and October and the driest season is from
December — February. The annual rainfall ranges from 1,100 mm to 1,700 mm while the
temperature varies between 16 —28 °C. The relative humidity ranges between 52% -
89%.
This climate is favorable for agriculture. However, prolonged droughts and abnormally
heavy rains attributed to climate variability and change have in the past been reported in
the district. For example, in 2007, heavy rains that resulted into flooding and later,
followed by prolonged drought devastated agricultural activities in the district.
3.2.3 Drainage
There is presence of soil erosion due to steep hills and high-speed water especially in the
project area which is highly attributed to poor farming practices. There is presence of
large gullies formed as a result of surface run off water. In all the project area, there are
presence of rocks and swampy sections that make accessibility difficult coupled with
difficulty in reaching out some local communities with piped water. This presents a
potential threat to high cost of investment in piped water supply system since there is
need to construct bridges for pipes in some instances for easy access of water.
3.2.4 Topography
The land in the project area is generally hilly, with an elevation of 1,459.5 metres above
sea level. The topography of Tororo is not prone to soil erosion.
Tororo District is located at an elevation of over 1,200 metres above sea level. Its relief
consists of low hills and rolling plains, which are drained by seasonal streams. Most of the
land is generally gentle and suitable for agriculture without risking severe run off of the
top soils.
3.2.5 Flora and fauna
3.2.5.1 Flora
Around the proposed project area, vegetation is characteristic of agricultural landscapes,
dominated by grasses, shrubs, weeds, crops and a few trees. The abstraction and
reservoir sites are already converted into agricultural use, while the transmission lines
Page | 18
follow existing roads and will be restricted within the road reserves. Generally, all the
project affected sites are already modified and not representative of the natural
conditions. None of the vegetation species is of conservation concern as per the IUCN’S
Red List of endangered species. Nevertheless, measures have been suggested to minimize
disturbance on vegetation. The specific vegetation characteristics at and around the
various sites are as follows:
Ngulimo BH - DWD 90935
The abstraction site is within a modified area surrounded by gardens of cassava and an
access road (Plate 2). The site is characterized by regenerating species. Some of the
species identified at the project site include: Manhot esculenta, Artocarpus heteropphyllus,
Carica papaya, Gomphrena celosioides, Schkuhria pinnata, Commelina benghalensis,
Acalypha sp, Phyllanthus amarus, Mimosa pedica, Pancium maximum, Tridax procumbens,
Conyza sp, Achyranthes aspera, Cynodon dactylon, Cucumis sativas, Fluegea virosa,
Vernonia amygadlina. Albizia coriaria, and Solanum incanum.
Plate 2: Vegetation at Ngulimo abstraction point. A cassava garden (Left) and an

abandoned field dominated with shrubs (Right). Photos taken on 10th March 2023 by
the Botanist
Chawolo BH - DWD 90936
The vegetation cover comprised of gardens of Musa sp, Manhot esculenta, Zea may with
Artocarpus heteropphyllus, Guajava psium, Coffea canephora and Carica papaya fruits.
Regenerating species included: Gomphrena celosioides, Schkuhria pinnata, Aristolochia sp,
Cissus verticillata, Commelina benghalensis, Acalypha sp, Phyllanthus amarus, Triumphetta
sp, Mimosa pedica Pancium maximum, Tridax procumbens, Conyza sp, Achyranthes aspera,
Cynodon dactylon, Cucumis sativas, Fluegea virosa, Vernonia amygadlina. Trees included:
Eucalyptus gunnii, Albizia coriaria, Albizia zygia, Kigelia africana (Medicinal tree)
Pseudocedrella odorata, Sperthoda nilotica (Medicinal tree), and Persea americana. Plate
3 shows the vegetation cover at and around this site.
Page | 19
Plate 3: Vegetation at Chawolo abstraction point. Banana crops (Left) and a mix of
banana crops and trees (Right). Photos taken on 10th March 2023 by the Botanist
Transmission Lines
Species identified along the transmission lines include: Coffea canephora, Pancium
maximum, Amaranthus sp, Megathyrsus maximus, Bidens pilosa, Commelina benghalensis,
Pennisetum purpureum, Phyllanthus amarus, Zea mays, Musa sp, and Pennisetum glaucum.
Reservoir Site
The vegetation at the proposed reservoir site was composed of regenerating Oxygonum
sinuatum, Gomphrena celosioides, Neotoni whitei, Phyllanthus amarus, Leonotis molisima,
Schkuhria pinnata, Aristolochia sp, Cissus verticillata, Commelina benghalensis, Acalypha
sp, Phyllanthus amarus, Triumphetta sp, Mimosa pedica Pancium maximum, Tridax
procumbens, Conyza sp, Achyranthes aspera, Cynodon dactylon, Cucumis sativas, Fluegea
virosa, Vernonia amygadlina. Trees of Albizia coriaria, Albizia zygia, pinus ficus sp, Kigelia
Africana, Pseudocedrella odorata, and Sperthoda nilotica. Invasive species such as Lantana
camara and Senna sp. were observed at the proposed reservoir site. Plate 4 shows the
vegetation cover at and around this site.
Plate 4: Vegetation at the proposed reservoir site
Page | 20
3.2.5.2 Fauna
From the field surveys conducted, a total 88 bird species were recorded in the project
area. The most common species were Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus, Bronze
Mannikin Spermestes cucullata, these species were recorded within the first minutes in
each of the five sites. The bird community sampled supports species of various categories,
with forest edge species as the majority, followed by Grassland species (G). Forest
generalists (F) and Water specialists were also well represented (Figure 3).
18
16
Number of species
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
FF F f W w G Ae
Ecological category
Figure 3: Number of species recorded under various ecological categories

(FF - Forest specialist, F - Forest Generalist, f - Tree Species, W - Water specialist, w - Water non-specialist,
G - Grassland specialist, Ae - Aerial feeder)
Site accounts
There were differences in number of species recorded amongst sites assessed (Figure 2).
Species richness was highest near the Dago reservoir area (36 species), followed by
Chawolo abstraction site (29 species) whereas the lowest number of species was
recorded along the transmission lines at Chawolo and Dago (Figure 4). Variations in
number of species could be due to differences in anthropogenic factors, with mores
species being recorded in areas with minimum human disturbance. Secondly, the
proposed abstraction area was wet, therefore supporting a variety of species including
water birds and land birds.
40 36
35
Number of species
29
30 27 26 26
25
20
15
10
5
0
Dago Zone Chawolo Ngulimo Chawolo Dago
Reservoir Abstraction Abstraction Transmission Transmission
point point
Survey sites
Figure 4: Number of species recorded in various sites along the water supply system
Page | 21
Birds of conservation concern

Table 6 lists the species of conservation concern recorded along the proposed water
system. These included one globally listed species (European Roller Coracias garrulous),
two nationally listed species (Leaf-love and Striated Heron; Plate 5) and four species of
regional conservation importance.
Table 6: List of species of conservation concern and their level of relative abundance
2016
No COMMON NAME Scientific Name Ecology Red-list Abundance
601 RED-CHESTED SUNBIRD Cinnyris erythrocercus W R-RR 1.0
913 LEAF-LOVE Phyllastrephus scandens F U-NT 1.0
431 SPOT-FLANKED BARBET Tricholaema lachrymosa R-RR 0.6
617 CARDINAL QUELEA Quelea cardinalis A R-RR 0.4
178 STRIATED HERON Butorides striatus W R-NT, U-NT 0.2
456 EUROPEAN ROLLER Coracias garrulus P G-NT 0.2
Plate 5: Striated Heron Butorides striatus, this species is listed regionally and nationally as a
threatened species. Photo taken on 11th March 2023 by the Ornithologist
Migrants
Table 7 lists all the migratory species recorded. These included five (5) Palearctic
migrants and nine (9) Afro-tropical migrants. Palaerctic migrants breed in the Palaerctic
region and found in Uganda during the northern winter, typically between October and
March) whereas Afro-tropical migrants complete their journeys within Africa. The most
abundant migratory species was Black Kite Milvus migrans, followed by Abdim’s Stork
Ciconia abdimii and Grey-Headed Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis (Plate 6). The highest
number of migratory species was recorded around Dago reservoir site (eight species).
There were very few migrants along Chawolo transmission route.
Page | 22
Table 7: List of Migrant bird species recorded (PM-Palearctic migrant, AM-Afro-tropical

migrants)
2016 No COMMON NAME Scientific Name Ecology Red-list Abundance
337 BLACK KITE Milvus migrans PM/AM LC 2.8
165 ABDIM'S STORK Ciconia abdimii AM LC 2
467 GREY-HEADED KINGFISHER Halcyon leucocephala AM LC 2
470 WOODLAND KINGFISHER Halcyon senegalensis AM LC 1.6
619 RED-BILLED QUELEA Quelea quelea AM LC 1.6
312 STEPPE EAGLE Aquila nipalensis PM LC 1.2
455 ABYSSINIAN ROLLER Coracias abyssinicus AM LC 1.2
560 GREY-BACKED FISCAL Lanius excubitoroides AM LC 1.2
618 RED-HEADED QUELEA Quelea erythrops AM LC 1.2
732 YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava PM LC 1.2
441 WHITE-THROATED BEE-EATER Merops albicollis AM LC 0.8
617 CARDINAL QUELEA Quelea cardinalis AM R-RR 0.8
456 EUROPEAN ROLLER Coracias garrulus PM G-NT 0.4
880 BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica PM LC 0.4
Phylloscopus
916 WILLOW WARBLER trochilus PM LC 0.4
Plate 6: Grey-Headed Kingfisher, one of the Afro-tropical migrant species recorded along Soni
Water System. Photo taken on 11th March 2023 by the Ornithologist
Water birds
The eleven water birds recorded are listed in Table 8. These included eight water
specialists (W) and three non-water specialists (w*). The only important site for water
birds was Chawolo abstraction area (all species were recorded here). The four other sites
had only land birds. Little Egret was the most abundant water specialist as Black-headed
heron for the non-specialists. Most of the water birds are not listed as threatened species
apart from one species (Striated Heron Butorides striatus) which is listed nationally and
regionally. Water bird are important for our wellbeing and to the environment in many
ways for example, Water birds can maintain the diversity of other organisms, control
Page | 23
pests, be effective bio-indicators of ecological conditions, and act as sentinels of potential

disease outbreaks. African Jacana Actophilornis Africana (Plate 7) was one of the common
resident water bird specialists recorded.
Table 8: List of Water birds (water specialists –W and Non-specialists (w*)
Ardea
184 BLACK-HEADED HERON melanocephala W* LC 1.2
184 LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta W LC 1.0
Threskiornis
191 SACRED IBIS aethiopicus W LC 0.8
AFRICAN WATTLED
227 LAPWING Vanellus senegallus W LC 0.8
196 HADADA IBIS Bostrychia hagedash W* LC 0.6
222 SPUR-WINGED LAPWING Vanellus spinosus W LC 0.6
171 HAMERKOP Scopus umbretta W* LC 0.4
162 YELLOW-BILLED STORK Mycteria ibis W LC 0.2
178 STRIATED HERON Butorides striatus W R-NT, U-NT 0.2
221 LONG-TOED LAPWING Vanellus crassirostris W LC 0.2
Actophilornis
230 JACANA africana W LC 0.2
Plate 7: African Jacana Actophilornis Africana was recorded in the project area. Photo taken on
11th March 2023 by the Ornithologist
Forest species
During the assessment, we did not record any forest interior species (FF). FF species
occurs only in natural primary forests. All the seven forest generalists (F) recorded along
the proposed transmission line (Table 9; Plate 8). F species are less specialised, these also
occur in small forest patches as well as encroached forests. Among the forest generalist,
Fork-tailed Drongo and Long-crested Eagle were the most abundant. The highest number
of these species were recorded near Dago water reservoir area. On the other hand,
seventeen forest edge species (f) were recorded. These species do not depend on forests
but do need trees for insects, seeds, shade, etc.
Page | 24
Table 9: List of forest generalist species (F) and their relative abundance levels
550 FORK-TAILED DRONGO Dicrurus adsimilis F LC 2.2
308 LONG-CRESTED EAGLE Lophaetus occipitalis F LC 1.2
Kaupifalco
319 LIZARD BUZZARD monogrammicus F LC 1
Phyllastrephus
913 LEAF-LOVE scandens F U-NT 1
69 BLUE-SPOTTED WOOD DOVE Turtur afer F LC 0.6
132 ROSS'S TURACO Musophaga rossae F LC 0.4
594 OLIVE-BELLIED SUNBIRD Cinnyris chloropygius F LC 0.4
Plate 8: Long Crested Eagle, one of the forest generalist recorded at Ngulimo abstraction point.
Photo taken on 11th March 2023 by the Ornithologist
Critical sites
The most critical sites are the ones near wetlands (Chawolo and Ngulimo abstraction
areas points) (Table 10). Wetlands are important to birds in several ways for example,
the migratory species use the wetland as stopovers and resting areas. Secondly, wetlands
are a source of food for birds in form of plants, vertebrates and invertebrates. Regarding
breeding, many bird species (both water birds and land birds) use swamps as breeding
grounds. On the other hand, the three other surveyed sites (Dago transmission line,
Chawolo transmission line and Dago reservoir) are already modified as a result of human
settlement, cultivation and communication infrastructures.
Page | 25
Table 10: Critical habitat matrix generated along the proposed transmission line
IFC Critical habitat Criteria Ngulimo Chawolo Dago Zone Chawolo Dago
Abstraction Abstraction reservoir Transmission Transmission
point point Line Line
Criterion 1: Critically 2 3 2 1 1
Endangered (CR) and/or
Endangered (EN) species
Criterion 2: Endemic or 1 1 1 1 1
restricted-range species
Criterion 3: Migratory or 2 3 4 2 2
congregatory species
Criterion 4: Highly 2 4 1 1 1
threatened and/or unique
ecosystems
Criterion 5: Key 2 2 1 1 1
evolutionary processes
Total Ranks 9 13 9 6 6
3.3 Noise Level

The noise levels recorded at the different sites in the project area are presented in Table
11. The results showed that baseline noise levels are within the permissible standards for
residential and commercial areas.
Table 11: Noise levels in at selected project sites
Site Noise Reading Background noise
sources/Remarks
Maximum Minimum Avg. Noise level
dB(A) dB(A) dB(A)
DWD 90935 -Ngulimo 53.3 45.1 49.2 People talking
DWD 90936 -Chawolo 56.1 46.2 51.2 People talking, Wind
Proposed Reservoir 52.5 45.7 49.1 People talking
Transmission Line 1 51.8 44.3 48.0 People talking

Transmission Line 2 53.7 45.5 49.6 People talking
3.4 Existing Water Supply Situation

Domestic water supply is from springs, wells and boreholes (Plate 9). Institutions use
water from boreholes that have been drilled within their compounds and some amount
from rainwater harvesting. These sources also serve communities in the neighbouring
area. There are no solar piped water supply systems located within the project area.
Majority of the residents in the Sub-county currently rely mostly on boreholes.
Page | 26
Plate 9: Existing water supply points. An existing well (Left) and a borehole (Right).
Photos taken by the Water Resources Specialist on 10th March 2023
There are also two piped water systems within the Project Area; one is operated by NWSC
which supplies area towards the terminal end of the Tororo GFS pipeline in outlying area
of Tororo Municipality, the other supplies Lwakhakha town and its environs.
3.4.1 Water Quality
The water samples obtained from the boreholes sampled portray satisfactory physio-
chemical characteristics. With this water quality, minimal treatment would be necessary.
There are no water treatment works that require conventional treatment of water for
consumption. The results of water quality analysis are presented in Table 12 and the
details in Annex IV. The values of water quality are within the national standards for un-
treated portable water for the measured parameters.
Table 12: Water quality of the project area
Parameter Unit National
Standard for un- treated DWD 2742 DWD 2731
portable water
pH - 5.5-9.5 6.79 6.8
Electrical Conductivity (EC) µm 2500 364 479
Total dissolved Solids (TDS) mg/L 1200 260 255
Total suspended Solids (TSS) mg/L 0 0 0
Color: Apparent PtCo 50 23 27
Turbidity NTU 25 7 4
Alkalinity: Total as CaCO3 mg/L 500 165 130
Bio Carbonate: as CaCO3 mg/L 500 78 160
Hardness: Total mg/L 600 54 68
Magnesium as Mg2+ mg/L 100 28 34
Fluoride-F mg/L 1.5 0.18 0.05
Chloride: Cl- mg/L 250 25 20
Calcium: Ca2+ mg/L 150 40 54

Iron: Total mg/L 0.3 0.45 0.65
Page | 27
Nitrate: N mg/L 45 0 0
3.5 Existing Sanitation Situation

The Socio-Economic Household Survey investigated the sanitation situation in Soni RGC.
Key areas of interest were: human excreta disposal facilities and practices; solid waste
management practices; and hygienic practices such as hand washing, boiling of drinking
water.
The Project area currently has no central piped sewerage facilities. The population is
mainly served by pit latrines. In the Sub- County, 76.4% of the households reported to
defecate in private latrines, while 23.6% share a latrine with the neighbour.
3.6 Socio-Economic Profile

3.6.1 Administrative Arrangement
Tororo District is divided into (6) counties and one (1) municipality which are further
sub-divided into sub-counties, parishes and subsequent villages. The overall
administration of the district is handled by the local council 5 (LC 5) chairperson, while
the sub-county level administration is controlled by the local council 3 (LC 3) chairperson.
The village levels are headed by local council 1 (LC 1) chairperson.
3.6.2 Population
The district currently has an estimated total population of 517,082 (2014 Population and
Housing Census) with 102,627 households. The sex ratio is 93% implying that for every
100 females there are 93 males. The average household size is 5 members and the
average dependency ratio is 113.7 implying that majority of the population are
dependents. The population density of the district is 433 persons per square kilometres.
Determination of the baseline data for the domestic population was carried out using
available data from UBOS (2014) national housing and population census, and additional
data collected during the feasibility study. The collected data revealed that the growth
rate of Tororo District is 2.73%. Using the UBOS data, the domestic population of the
Project Area for the base year is 5,834. The domestic population projection for the project
area is summarized in Table 13.
Table 13: Domestic Population projections in the project area

S/County Parish Village Base Population Total Population
Year Growth Rate
2022 2022 2027 2032 2037 2042
Kirewa Mifumi Mingujwe 460 2.73% 460 526 602 689 788
Kirewa Mifumi Nyabanja 357 2.73% 357 408 467 534 611
Kirewa Mifumi Winyaka 438 2.73% 438 502 574 657 752
Kirewa Mifumi Iyopok 243 2.73% 243 278 318 364 418
Kirewa Mifumi Nyakasana 348 2.73% 348 399 457 523 598
Kirewa Mifumi Kwoyo 264 2.73% 264 172 346 396 453
Kirewa Mifumi Ngulimo 236 2.73% 236 270 179 354 405
Kirewa Mifumi Chawolo 406 2.73% 406 464 531 608 696
Kirewa Mifumi Kisuni 219 2.73% 219 171 287 328 375
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Kirewa Mifumi Pakitaka 280 2.73% 280 321 367 420 481
Kirewa Mifumi Kisera 285 2.73% 285 326 373 427 489
Kirewa Mifumi Nyamiyemba 176 2.73% 176 293 335 383 438
Kirewa Mifumi Mifumi- North 335 2.73% 335 383 438 501 573
Kirewa Mifumi Mifumi- South 176 2.73% 176 350 400 458 524
Kirewa Soni Oruwa 343 2.73% 343 392 449 514 588
Kirewa Soni Ataro 241 2.73% 241 276 318 362 414
Kirewa Soni Pore 273 2.73% 273 313 358 412 469
Kirewa Soni Sonikayinja 182 2.73% 182 208 238 272 311
Kirewa Soni Jiep 186 2.73% 186 213 244 2330 319
Kirewa Soni Bulalo 176 2.73% 176 201 217 263 171
Total 5,834 2.73% 5,834 6,676 7,639 8,742 6,701
The non-domestic population consists of commercial, industrial and institutional

establishments. The current and project non-domestic population is presented is
summarized in Table 14.
Table 14: Non-domestic population in the project area
Description No. 2022 2027 2032 2037 2042
Eating Places 3 3 3 4 5 5
Lodges 2 2 2 3 3 4
Bars 4 4 5 5 6 7
Shops 15 15 17 20 23 26
Fuel Stations
Abbatoirs 1 1 1 1 2 2
Butcheries 1 1 1 1 2 2
Dry Processing Mills 1 1 1 1 2 2
Markets 1 1 1 1 2 2
Offices 1 1 1 1 2 2
Police Posts 1 1 1 1 2 2
Churches 460 460 529 609 701 807
Mosques 165 165 190 219 252 289
Military
Prison 1
The Water Supply Service Area is expected to cover most of the Project Area, with the
majority (98%) of the population expected to be served by the water supply system
as summarized in Figure 5.
Page | 29
Figure 5: Total and served population in the project area over the design period
3.6.3 Access to Infrastructure
Transport network: The access roads in the project area are mainly gravel roads and are
generally well-maintained except, for certain stretches which become difficult to pass
during rainy season. In addition, the railway line from Malaba – Kampala also traverses
the project areas (Plate 10).
Plate 10: Transport network in the project area. A gravel road (Left) and a section of the
Malaba-Kampala Railway (Right). Photos taken on 11th March 2023 by the Sociologist
Communication: The project area enjoys a good network coverage of telecommunication

network. The major mobile telephone operators (MTN and Airtel) have services within
the project area. The use of voice, data and mobile money has been incorporated into the
daily life of the people in the area. There are several radio stations within Tororo town
Page | 30
and neighboring Mbale City which are accessible in the project area. TV networks of
several local and international channels are also accessible.
Access to electricity: Most parts of the project area connected to the national electricity
grid (Plate 11). However, many households and institutions utilize solar to power their
energy needs.
Plate 11: A hydroelectricity transmission line in Kirewa Sub-county. Photo taken by the
Sociologist on 11th March 2023
3.6.4 Education
Majority of the population in the Project area have attained formal primary level of
education (86.7%), followed by secondary (10.3%), no formal education (1.8%), while
only 1.2% attained University Education. It was therefore logical to expect that written
project promotional materials can widely be used as a means of communication in the
Project area since the majority of the people can read and write.
Education was also an important factor in enhancing the project activities

appreciation/adoption. The project is dealing with people that have a basic level of
educational background.
3.6.5 Economic Activities and Income
Like many other Ugandan districts, the economy of Tororo is dependent on agriculture,
which employs over 79.1% of the total population. Fertile soils and suitable climate
combine to support the cultivation of a number of crops in most parts of the district.
Agriculture is mainly subsistence (75%) and takes place on smallholdings of
approximately two acres using mainly simple farming tools (hoes, pangas etc). Only
0.35% of the population is engaged in commercial agriculture. Family members
constitute the single most important source of labour.
Page | 31
The main commercial activities within the trading centres in the project area is retail
trade in general merchandise and agricultural produce, service industry (restaurants and
lodges), petty trade and service provision.
Page | 32
4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
4.1 Proposed water supply system

In the design, Soni Water Supply System was sized based on the maximum day water
demand of 330 m3/day. A sump will be installed closer to the borehole that bear the
reservoir. This design will be adopted due to the fact that the sump will be positioned
closer to the Borehole near the reservoir and the system has reduced energy costs.
The proposed water supply project has a design period of 20 years, from 2022-2042, and
will be composed of: water abstraction system, transmission mains, reservoir,
distribution mains and intensification lines, water supply points (house connections,
yard taps and public standpipes/kiosks).
4.1.1 Water Source and Intake
Currently, two boreholes are expected to supply the water intended to meet the demand
of the project area. The water resources assessment study indicated that the proposed
project shall rely on 2 production wells that is DWD 90935 located at N0.745399
E033.935011 in Ngulimo Village, Mifumi Parish, Kirewa Sub-county and DWD 90936
located at N0.751017 E033.940083 in Chawolo village, Mifumi Parish, Kirewa Sub-
county (Plate 12). These production wells have a yield capacity of 11 m3/hr and 6m3/hr,
respectively. The boreholes will be pumped for a duration of 18 hours whereby, the 6
hours of pumping shall be done using solar and the 12 hours shall use HEP/UMEME
power supply.
Plate 12: Drilled Boreholes in the project area: Left is DWD 90935 – Ngulimo BH and Right is
DWD 90936 – Chawolo BH. Photos taken by the Water Resources Specialist on 11th March 2023
The intake will have the pump house and shall be fenced. The water from the boreholes
shall be pumped to the reservoir located on a hill and elevated to a height of 12.5 m above
ground level.
The intake and the raw water mains system will be sized on the basis of the maximum
day water demand of 330 m3/day at the ultimate design period. The system will be
designed to a capacity of the Soni Solar Mini-Piped Water Supply System and in future,
Page | 33
the system is recommended to be connected to the national electric grid. The intake was
designed to cater for the project area water demands as described in Table 15.
Table 15: Water supply system capacity for the proposed Soni Mini Solar piped water supply
scheme
Description Quantity (m3/d) Comment
Maximum Day Maximum Day Demand revised to
330
Demand 330m3/day due to low population
Transmission Main 330 Maximum Day Demand
Source: Project Estimates, 2022
4.1.2 Transmission System
The components of the system include intake, transmission, reservoir, distribution lines
and public stand pipes, as summarized in Table 16.
Table 16: Transmission and distribution details
No. Pipe Description Pipe Material Length (m)
1 Transmission line 1 OD 75 HDPE PN16 920
2 Transmission line 2 OD 63 HDPE PN16 840
The detailed design specifications of the transmission systems from the Ngulimo and
Chawolo boreholes are provided in Tables 17 and 18, respectively.
Table 17: Summary of transmission system of Ngulimo borehole to Dago Zone reservoir tank
Parameter Transmission main
Depth of pump (m) in BH 90935 92.55
Flow (m3/hr) 11.0
Flow (m3/s) 0.0031
Ground Level at intake (m.a.s.l) 1,088.00
Ground Level at reservoir (m.a.s.l) 1,143.24
Ground Elevation intake tank and reservoir (m) 1,155.50
Reservoir Inlet Above Bottom Reservoir Level (m) 3.66
Height of Reservoir Above Ground (m) 12.5
Static head (m) 1164
Friction Coefficient, Cwh 140
Pipe Diameter (m) 0.0610
Velocity (m/s) 1.05
Length of Pipe (m) 840
Friction Loss (m) 17.30
Fittings losses - 10% (m) 1.73
Total dynamic head (m) 19
Residual Head (m) 1145
Pipeline Specifications
Table 18: Summary of transmission system of Chawolo borehole to Dago Zone reservoir tank
Depth of pump (m) in BH 90936 88.6
Flow (m3/hr) 6.0
Flow (m3/s) 0.0017
Ground Level at intake (m.a.s.l) 1,095.00
Ground Level at reservoir (m.a.s.l) 1,088.00
Ground Elevation intake tank and reservoir (m) 1,143.00
Page | 34

Reservoir Inlet Above Bottom Reservoir Level (m) 3.66
Height of Reservoir Above Ground (m) 12.5
Static head (m) 1152
Friction Coefficient, Cwh 140
Pipe Diameter (m) 0.0450
Velocity (m/s) 1.05
Length of Pipe (m) 20
Friction Loss (m) 0.59
Fittings losses - 10% (m) 0.06
Total dynamic head (m) 1
Residual Head (m) 1151
Pipeline Specifications
4.1.3 Storage Reservoirs
The required storage capacities are show in Table 19. The established reservoir capacity
is 100 m3 that is capable of satisfying the water demand during the ultimate design period
at 2042.
Table 19: Reservoir specifications
No Tank Demand Calculated Existing Proposed Tank
(m3/d) Tank Size Tank (m3) Tank (m3) Height (m)
(30%MDD)
1 Cold pressed steel 330 99 - 100 12.5
tank
The reservoir will be made of square cold pressed steel panels of length 1.22 m. It shall
be provided with inlet, overflow, outlet, and drain pipe work. The following fittings shall
also be provided for the reservoir:
I. Internal ladder of galvanised steel,
II. Wall mounted level indicator,
III. Vents on the tank roof,
IV. Roof level access cover of galvanised steel.
The size of the tank is indicated in Table 20. The access covers shall be at least 1200
mm above the finished level of the roof and shall be lockable. The roof vents shall be
similarly set out and shall be fitted with vermin proofing and mosquito proofing fabric.
Table 20: Tank and Pipes sizes
Proposed Tank Dimensions (m) Pipe Sizes (DN, mm)
No
Tank (m3) Height (m) Length Width Depth Inlet Outlet Overflow Drain
1 100 12.5 4.88 5.59 3.66 100 100 100 100

Source: Project Estimates based on 6 hours of solar pumping and 12 hours of UMEME
4.1.4 Main Reservoir Site Works
The site works at the reservoir consists of the following:

I. The general earthworks, The site pipe work,
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II. The site drainage,

III. Miscellaneous works.
The outlet from the main reservoir shall be fitted with new bulk flow meters.
4.1.5 Distribution System
The downstream of the distribution systems reservoirs has been modelled using EPANET
as indicated in Table 21.
Table 21: Summary of Distribution pipeline
No. Pipe Description Pipe Material Length (m)
2 Distribution OD 63 HDPE PN 6 8,340.0
4 Service pipe OD 32 HDPE PN12 2,448.0
4.1.6 Service Connections
The service connections will include house connections, yard taps and standpipes. The
location of the service pipes will not be known until applications for connections are
received. At this stage, only an estimate of the sizes, quantities and costs can be given. On
the basis of the population to be served at the tariff of USh 53 per 20 litres, the total
number of connections required has been estimated. The criteria used to determine the
number of service connections for each served population category is shown in Table 22.
Table 22: Population per category criteria
Category Population Served Source of Criteria
House Connection 5 persons per household Socio-Economic Study Data
Yard Taps 5x2 Households per yard tap Project Estimates
Standpipes 170 persons Per Standpipe Maximum Number- DWD Water Manual
2013
150 persons Per Standpipe Considered for this Project.
Urban Poor 170 persons per Standpipe Standpipe coverage
The required number of service connections is given below Table 23 for the ultimate year
2042.
Table 23: Summary of the project service connections
Served Population Number of Service Connections
House Yard Stand House Yard Stand
Total Total
Year Conn Tap Pipe Conn Tap Pipe
2022 58 58 3,792 3,908 3 6 25 34
2032 76 76 4965 5117 15 8 33 56
2042 100 100 6,501 6,501 20 10 43 73
4.1.7 Valves and Fittings
In general, valves and fittings facilitate the operation of the water supply system. A
careful design of the routing of the pipeline was done to minimize their number and
related costs. The following valves and fittings shall be installed within the piped water
supply network;
i. Section Valves - Section valves will not be provided to facilitate maintenance of the
pipes by isolating one section from the others since the pipe network is limited in
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length.
ii. Air Valves – 1 Air valve shall be installed to release air from the pipeline, during
normal operation (degasing due to changes in pressure) and during the pipe filling
process. The air valves shall be installed at peaks/crests within the pipe network.
iii. Wash outs – no washouts will be installed on pipelines to drain the pipe section
especially during cleaning out of sediments in the pipe. They are usually provided at
pronounced low points or valleys in the pipeline.
4.1.8 Summary of the water supply components
The components of the proposed project are summarized in Table 24.

Table 24: Summary of the water supply components
Borehole at Ngulimo Borehole at Chawolo
Component MDD 330 m3/day MDD330 m3/day
Intake Capacity, m3/day 330 330

Solar Panel GF 270 38 No. 38 No.
Head, H(m) 98 89
Flow, Q (m3/hr) 11 6
Transmission Mains (m) 1,760 20
Storage tanks (m3)
Reservoir (m3) 100 100
Distribution Mains (m) 9,143 1,345
Source: Project Estimates May, 2022
4.2 Proposed Sanitation System

4.2.1 Design of public and institutional toilets
The criteria set out for public and institutional toilets are as follows:
For public toilets, the criteria for the number of toilet stances required is set at 1 stance
per every 40 users, while for institutions, the pupil to stance ratio shall be 1 per every 40
pupils. All public toilets shall have a urinal stance in the male’s section. Additionally, large
toilet blocks shall have 1 washroom each in male and female sections respectively. This
is as per Ministry of Education and sports standards.
4.2.2 Design of Public and Institutional Toilets
A total of 1 unit of 2 stance VIP latrine will be constructed in future within the project
area as seen in Table 25. The public toilet shall be constructed at a location to be proposed
by the local authorities.
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Table 25: Public Toilets in the Project Area

Sub-county Parish Village/ No. of people No. of No. of No. of blocks
location in area per users/stance stances each of 2
day required stances
Tororo Soni Soni 60 40 2 1
TOTAL
Source: Project estimates, May 2022.
The designed toilet block which will measure 13 m X 7.0 m will have the following details:
• Septic Tank of effective capacity 15.4 m3 in brickwork and reinforced concrete,

rendered smooth inside complete with inlet and outlet manholes benching, heavy
duty concrete manhole covers, OD 110 PVC ventilation pipe work clipped to toilet
wall;
• Concrete grade C20 floors with terrazzo finish;
• Rendered and painted walls internally and externally;
• Glazed ceramic tiles for showers and urinals in toilet;
• Pre-painted galvanised corrugated iron sheets of gauge 28 sheeting on hard wood
trusses;
• 1no. 2000 litre and 1no 1000 litre Polyethylene water tanks elevated at 4 m and 2
m heights respectively on a steel structure;
• Hard wood faced flush doors for internal doors, mild steel frame external doors with
burglar proofing grills;
• Foul water drainage to soak pits;
• Wheel chair access ramp at entrance
The sanitation interventions in the project area will therefore include the design and
construction of toilets, at the locations to be selected by the respective local authorities.
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5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INVOLVEMENT
5.1 Introduction
This section presents details of the stakeholder consultations that were undertaken for
the project. It contains the consultation approach that was used, stakeholders that were
consulted and the key issues and concerns that were identified during the consultation.
5.2 Concerns /Views of the Stakeholder

The Concerns/ views of the consulted stakeholders are presented in Table 26, and their
details are presented in Annex III. Generally, the stakeholders consulted welcome the
project because of the foreseen benefits that the communities and institutions would
accrue from the project which majorly include addressing water supply shortages, long
distances to the existing water sources as well as inadequate water sources compared to
the increasing populations and the number of communities sharing the few available
sources with domestic animals leading to water being contaminated and unsafe for
domestic use.
Table 26: Stakeholder concerns/comments on the proposed project

Stakeholders Concerns/views Response
District Leaders: • Noted
• The leadership of Tororo District
 Assistant CAO: • The project seeks to increase
welcomes the project and anticipates
Mr. Okoth access to safe water, and
that this water project will benefit the
Kitong minimize water shortage in
target area and reduce on the water
 DEO’s rep: Ms. the area
stress experienced in the area since the
Logoose • The Developer will employ
existing reservoirs cannot supply
Khanifa qualified staff to operate and
adequate water to meet community
 WTA: Mr. maintain the water supply
demand.
Nicholas Asodio system to avoid the
• There are many distribution networks in
challenge of non-
the district e.g., in Paya, Kirewa, Nowir
functionality
among others which have been non-
function which has caused the issue of • Project construction
low water supply. activities will start as soon
as all the necessary
• Most water sources dry up in the dry
approvals and financial
season.
resources are granted.
• The district leadership anticipates that
Otherwise, the MWE
the implementation of this project will
recognizes the urgency of
be done expeditiously.
this project, in view of the
• The project will reduce burden on
water supply situation in the
women and children carrying water for
area
longer distances hence creating more
• The design of the project
time for other constructive work such
includes reservoirs that have
agricultural production and attending
been sited at locations high
school.
enough to supply water by
• Booster pumps should be installed along
gravity in the entire project
the water distribution network to
area
improve on water supply to distant
• All the stakeholders,
areas.
including at the district and
• We shall work closely with the
lower levels will
consultant to ensure the success of the
continuously be engaged
project.
during project
• The demand for water is high and the implementation
Page | 39
community is willing to pay in order to

access the utility.
• There is need for close collaboration
between project partners and the
district leaders during the course of the
project implementation but most
especially during the design of the
project.
• The technology used in the water supply
system should be improved to increase
water supply avoid the present situation
of water scarcity faced in Tororo District.
• We used to share water supply with
Malaba but NWSC gave them their water
and they are now enjoying
• Currently, water is only supplied at night
and not during the day time? I hope this
project will address this concern
• There is water rationing which is not
based human decision. They only give
water to only those who complain.
• The network is growing but the
reservoir has not been upgraded.
Group Discussion: • We don’t have enough water sources • The aim of the project is to
Patiaka zone, Soni • There is only one borehole serving six increase supply of water of
S/C zones. adequate quality. The
• Water is contaminated. project will help reduce the
• Too much pressure at the borehole distances travelled to access
causes fights and other forms of water, reduce water charges
violence at the borehole. (in comparison to what is
• There is a long distance to the charged by vendors) and
borehole and therefore it takes a lot of safe the time spent at water
time to access water from the sources waiting for water
borehole.
• As a result of scarcity of water, it has
led to poor hygiene. Some people do
not bathe neither do they wash their
clothes regularly. They are dirty.
• Buying water bought from vendors is
expensive. A jerrycan costs 500/.
• There are forms of gender-based
violence at the borehole; some
women have been raped as they wait
to get water.
• Too much time is spent at the
borehole waiting to fetch water.
• During peak times, one person is
given one jerrycan at a time and
chances of getting another one are
thin.
• Our animals lack water due to scarcity
of water in the area.
Community meeting: • Let us hope this project will be • The MWE is committed to
Kisera zone A, Kisoni implemented. Other partners promise implement this project
zone, Pakitaka A, water projects and they don’t come
Pakitaka B • The project seeks to
back.
• There is one borehole serving six
water, and minimize
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zones. water shortage in the

• Water from the boreholes is clean but area. This will help to
not enough. However, sometimes, the reduce violence at
borehole is rusty and so water is not boreholes and reduce
clean. distances travelled to
• There is violence including fights for water sources
water at the borehole • The proposed project is
• There is poor hygiene as a result of intended to supply water
scarcity of water; some people don’t for domestic purposes not
bathe and wash their clothes. irrigation. However, small
• The borehole is locked by the scale irrigation may be
caretaker so that it regains more undertaken at household
water for the following day when level though charges have to
demand for water is still high. be incurred. The MWE has
Therefore, there is need for more another Department for
water sources in the area. Water for Production which
• We need water for irrigation to provides water for
address the issue of famine. As such irrigation purposes. This
our crops can grow well and as a issue will be raised to the
result get enough food for our MWE
families.
• Water scarcity has exacerbated
domestic violence in the homes. Men
complain about their wives’ delay at
the borehole thinking they are having
extramarital relationships.
Chawolo Village, • We get water from a near-by spring
• The project seeks to
Kirewa sub-county but the water is of very poor quality
Chairman LCI (Mr. and this has led to many water users
water in the project
Richard Odoi) and falling ill especially children getting
area, and minimize
community members diarrhea.
water shortage in the
• The spring has helped us to have easy
area. This will help
access to water though in the dry
reduces issues of water
season it dries up and then we have to
borne diseases
move long distances looking for
associated with drinking
water.
contaminated water
• We share the same water source with
our animals since water sources are
limited.
• We welcome the project and we can’t
wait for it to start running because we
really need this water.
• Our livelihoods will greatly improve
in this respect.
Mixed Group • The project is welcome since there is
• The views are noted and they
Discussions: Water water scarcity in this area.
will be raised to the MWE.
Vendors’ Views • We share the same water source with
• The project will increase water
our animals making it contaminated
supply in the project area to
and dirty since water sources in our
address water shortage. It is
communities are limited.
anticipated that the number of
• We need more nearby water sources
water sources will increase
to serve our customers because the
although there will be some
spring well which is accessed by most
money to be paid for water to
of the population in Chawolo Village
cater for O&M. So, the vendors
dries up in the dry season and then we
will be required to pay for the
have to move long distances to look for
water they will fetch at the
water to supply our customers which
project sources.
somehow curtails our services
Page | 41
• The borehole which serves the

communities of Kisera zone A, Kisoni
zone, Pakitaka A, Pakitaka B is locked
by the caretaker in the evening so that
it regains water for the following day
and therefore we cannot get enough
water for our customers.
• Water scarcity in Patiaka village affects
services of water vendors more so in
the peak times when one person is
given one jerrycan at a time and there
are little chances of getting another
one.
5.3 General recommendations to enhance sustainability of project

1. The district leaders welcomed the project and pledged total support when the
project commences.
2. The district leaders recommend that they should be involved in design and
implementation of the project. Experience shows that the projects that have been
implemented without involvement of district leaders and technocrats have failed.
Therefore, there is need for close collaboration between project partners and the
district leaders.
3. Violence at the water sources has been reported at every level of consultations and
therefore, for better water service delivery, there is need to intensify gender
sensitization and violence reduction trainings at the community level.
4. There is need for inter-sectoral collaboration especially with Tororo District Local
Governments and Uganda National Roads Authority to offer guidance on the
classification and extent of road widths and reserves since some of the main project
activities (laying water transmission pipes for water) will take place along road
reserves.
5. The Contractor to operate the plant should have the technical knowhow and be able
to employ skilled personnel for efficient operation and maintenance of the project
infrastructure.
6. Public stand pipes need to be prioritised in the project to enable the poor and
vulnerable persons who cannot afford individual connections to their homesteads
7. It is recommended that adequate and prompt compensation for PAPs’ be
implemented before project activity implementation.
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6 PROJECT NEEDS AND DISCUSSION OF ALTERNATIVES
6.1 Introduction
Analysis of project alternatives as part of this environmental and social impact
assessment considers other practicable strategies that can be taken to minimize or
eliminate the negative impacts while enhancing the positive ones. This ensures that the
project is implemented with minimal damage to environmental and socio-economic
components.
6.2 The Project Need

Extension of a Piped Water Supply and Sanitation System to the proposed project area
will generally come along with several benefits. These will include; meeting the increased
demand for clean and affordable water and provision of job opportunities during the
construction and operation phases and reduction on the water borne diseases (e.g.,
cholera, dysentery) related to using unsafe water among others. The availability of clean,
safe and affordable water will also change the economic and wellbeing of people in the
project area and Tororo District in general.
6.3 The “No- Action” Alternative

Analysis of the “No project option” as an alternative, provides an environmental and
socio-economic baseline against which impacts of the proposed action can be compared.
This alternative means that the status quo remains and the proposed piped water supply
and sanitation system is not established in the area. The alternative ignores all positive
impacts such as creation of employment to both skilled and unskilled labour, and
provision of convenient, safe and affordable water that are likely to be realized in the
area. The No-Action alternative is clearly not recommended.
6.4 Water Source Alternatives

Two water resource options were evaluated; ground water and surface water resources.
The water resources assessment established that there are no reliable surface water
sources around the project area, thus the surface water alternative was not explored.
Therefore, the only available water source for consideration, and which was selected, was
the ground water source.
6.5 Abstraction Location Alternatives

The two abstraction locations were considered because they had an already drilled
borehole. Further, the location also had the following qualities:
• A hydrological assessment showed that the water is of adequate yield and quality
• Sufficient land which the owner was willing to offer for the project
• Closeness to the supply area
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6.6 Power Source Alternatives

The power sources considered in the analysis included solar, diesel and hydroelectricity
from the national grid. The evaluation of the power source alternative considered the
associated cost for power source to pump the required water volumes and the investment
costs. Solar power source was evaluated as the least costly source to install, operate and
maintain. However, it was established that solar power is not independently adequate to
pump water to meet the project area’s water demand. As a result, solar power will be
complemented by hydropower from the national grid. Given that solar power is
dependent on the sunshine, the project area is sufficient to support the proposed solar
system.
6.7 Design Considerations

Putting in place a piped water supply and sanitation system according to approved
designs will be a priority as it helps in enhancing the future planning project area.
Therefore, it will be paramount that the proponent ensures that the facilities especially
at the water source have the following in place.
▪ Well-designed drainage system
▪ Sufficient walkways within established infrastructure especially at the pumping
station
▪ Consideration of solid waste management and other waste refuse
▪ Proper landscaping
▪ Sufficient sanitary facilities for workers
▪ Well-built and firm reservoir
▪ Well maintained power supply system for example regular maintenance of the
Solar Panels.
▪ Well maintained water transmission line
6.8 The Action Alternative

This option implies that Tororo District Local Government implements the proposed
project as per the proposed project designs and recommendations by different
stakeholders. A comprehensive environmental and social impact assessment has been
undertaken. Details of the study are the subject of this project brief report. The study has
found no significant issues (environmental and socio-economic) to stop the
implementation of the project. Mitigation measures for the identified negative impacts of
this alternative have been thoroughly discussed throughout this EPB. If they are
implemented as proposed, the project will not cause damage to the environment.
Therefore, we recommend that this alternative is the most appropriate.
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7 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
7.1 Introduction and Approach to Impact Assessment

This chapter identifies, describes and evaluates significant environmental and social
consequences (both positive and negative) of the preconstruction, construction,
operation and decommissioning phases of the proposed Soni Water Supply and
Sanitation System. While positive impacts should be enhanced, the proposed mitigation
measures should be implemented as suggested to minimize or eliminate the predicted
negative environmental and social impacts.
7.1.2 Impact Description Evaluation Methodology
Describing a potential impact involved an appraisal of its characteristics, together with
the attributes of the receiving environment. Relevant impact characteristics included
whether the impact is:
• Adverse or beneficial;
• Direct or indirect;
• Short, medium, or long-term in duration; and permanent or temporary;
• Affecting a local, regional or global scale; including trans-boundary; and
• Cumulative (such an impact results from the aggregated effect of more than one
project occurring at the same time, or the aggregated effect of sequential
projects. A cumulative impact is “the impact on the environment which results
from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present and
reasonably foreseeable future actions”).
Each of these characteristics is addressed for each impact. Consideration of the above
gives a sense of the relative intensity of the impact. The sensitivity of the receiving
environment was determined by specialists based on the baseline data collected during
the study.
7.1.3 Impact Evaluation
Each impact is evaluated using the criteria listed in Table 27. To provide a relative
illustration of impact severity, a numerical or relative descriptor is assigned to the impact
intensity and receptor sensitivity for each potential impact. Each is assigned a numerical
descriptor of 1, 2, 3, or 4, equivalent to very low, low, medium or high. The severity of
impact was then indicated by the product of the two numerical descriptors, with severity
being described as negligible, minor, moderate or major, as illustrated in Table 28. This
is a qualitative method designed to provide a broad ranking of the different impacts of a
project. Illustrations of the types of impact that were assigned the different grades of
severity are given in Table 29.
Page | 45
Table 27: Classification of impact evaluation

No. Classification Description
Evaluation of the area of occurrence/influence by the impact on
the subject environment; whether the impact will occur on site,
1 Extent: in a limited area (within 200 m from site); locally (up to 10 km
from site); regionally (district wide, nationally or
internationally i.e., >10km from site).
Evaluation of the duration of impact on the subject
environment, whether the impact was temporary (<1 year);
2 Persistence/Duration:
short term (1 – 5 years); medium term (5 – 10 years); long term
(10 – 50 years); and permanent (>50 years).
Assessment of the impacts for sensitive receptors in terms of
ecological, social sensitivity and such things as rare and
endangered species, unusual and vulnerable environments,
architecture, social or cultural setting, major potential for
stakeholder conflicts. The sensitivity classification is shown
Social Context / Sensitivity or below:
3 Potential for Stakeholder High sensitivity: Entire community displacement, destruction
Conflict: of world heritage and important cultural sites, large scale
stakeholder conflict, etc.
Medium sensitivity: Displacement of some households,
moderate level of stakeholder concern
Low sensitivity: No displacements, no potential for stakeholder
conflict.
Evaluation of the impact against Local and International
legislative requirements.
High: Prohibition terms for specific activities/emissions. Major
breach of regulatory requirements resulting in potential
Regulatory and Legal
4 prosecution or significant project approval delays.
Compliance:
Medium: Potential breach of specific regulatory consent limits
resulting in non-compliance.
Low: No breach of specific regulatory consent limits
anticipated.
Using a combination of the above criteria, the overall severity of
the impact was assigned a rating Severe, Substantial, Moderate,
Overall Impact rating
5 Minor and Negligible.
(Severity):
Note: These are just guidelines that will constitute professional
judgement required in each individual case.
7.1.4 Impact Significance or Severity

The textural description of the descriptors ranging from “Very low” to “High” is presented
in Error! Reference source not found.28. Impact significance is determined from an i
mpact significance matrix (Table 29) which compares severity of the impact with
probability of its occurrence. Impact significance criteria are as follows:
Table 28: Criteria for rating impact intensity and likelihood
Criteria Rating scales Score
Intensity (the Very Low- where the impact affects the environment in such a way that 1
expected natural, and /or cultural and social functions and processes are negligibly
magnitude or size affected and valued, important, sensitive or vulnerable systems or
of the impact) communities are negligibly affected. Therefore, the environmental
changes are within the existing limits of natural variations.
Page | 46
Criteria Rating scales Score

Low- where the impact affects the environment in such a way that natural, 2
and/or cultural and social functions and processes are minimally affected
and valued, important, sensitive or vulnerable systems or communities are
minimally affected. No obvious changes prevail on the natural, and / or
cultural/ social functions/ process as a result of project implementation.
Medium - where the affected environment is altered but natural, and/or 3

cultural and social functions and processes continue albeit in a modified
way, and valued, important, sensitive or vulnerable systems or
communities are moderately affected.
High - where natural and/or cultural or social functions and processes are 4
altered to the extent that they will temporarily or permanently cease, and
valued, important, sensitive or vulnerable systems or communities are
substantially affected. The changes to the natural and/or cultural / social-
economic processes and functions are drastic and commonly irreversible.
None – where the impact will not materialize 0
Probability (The Low – where the possibility of the Impact materializing is very low (<20%)
likelihood of the
impact occurring) Medium – where there is a good possibility (30%-60% chance) that the impact
will occur.
High– where it is most likely (60% -100% chance) that the impact will occur.
Table 29: Determination of Significance or Severity

Sensitivity
Impact Significance 1 2 3 4
Very low Low Medium High
1 1 2 3 4
Intensity of Impact
Very low Negligible Minor Minor Minor

2 2 4 6 8
Low Minor Minor Moderate Moderate
3 3 6 9 12
Medium Minor Moderate Moderate Major
4 4 8 12 16
High Minor Moderate Major Major
• Major: The impact exceeds the accepted limit or standard, or has a large
magnitude and occurs to highly valued/sensitive resource/receptors. These
denote that the impact is unacceptable and further adequate mitigation measures
must be implemented to reduce the significance. More details are provided in
Error! Reference source not found.30.
• Moderate: The impacts in this region are within accepted limits and standards
and are considered tolerable but efforts must be made to reduce the impact to
levels that are as low as reasonably practical. Adequate mitigation measures make
the impact minor or avoidable.
Page | 47
• Minor: Impacts in this region are considered acceptable as their magnitude is

sufficiently small and within accepted standards, and/or the receptor is of low
sensitivity/value. Adequate mitigation measures make the impact negligible/non-
existent.
• Negligible: Impacts in this region are almost not felt.
Table 30: Impact significance assessment criteria and rating scale
Impact Rating Impact Description
Major • Highly noticeable, irreparable effect upon the environment
• Significant, widespread and permanent loss of resource
• Major contribution to a known global environmental problem with
demonstrable effects
• Causing mortality to individuals of a species classified as globally or regionally
endangered
• Major expedience of water/air quality and noise guidelines representing threat
to human health in long and short term
• Causing widespread nuisance both on and off site
Moderate • Noticeable effects on the environment, reversible over the long-term Localised
degradation of resources restricting potential for further usage
• Sub-lethal effects upon a globally or regionally endangered species with no
effect on reproductive fitness and/or resulting in disruption/disturbance to
normal behaviour returning to normal in the medium term
• Elevated contribution to global air pollution problem partly due to preventable
releases
• Frequent breaches of water/air quality and noise guidelines
• Causing localised nuisance both on and off site
Minor • Noticeable effects on the environment, but returning naturally to original state
in the medium term
• Slight local degradation of resources but not jeopardising further usage
• Disruption/disturbance to normal behaviour of a globally or regionally
endangered species returning to normal in the short term
• Small contribution to global air problem through unavoidable releases
• Elevation in ambient water/air pollutant levels greater than 50% of guidelines
• Infrequent localised nuisance
Negligible • No noticeable or limited local effect upon the environment, rapidly returning to
original state by natural action
• Unlikely to affect resources to noticeable degree
• No noticeable effects on globally or regionally endangered species
• No significant contribution to global air pollution problem
• Minor elevation in ambient water/air pollutant levels well below guidelines
• No reported nuisance effects
Cumulative impacts were also assessed, in view of the valued ecosystem components as
follows:
Step 1: The Assessment Team identified the incremental effects of the project on the
identified Valued Environmental Components (VECs) within the environs of the sites. The
VECs were selected based on information related to current or anticipated future
Page | 48
degraded or stressed conditions, anticipated presence of other human activities that will
adversely affect the same VEC.
Step 2: Identified other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions within
the space and time boundaries that have been, are, or could contribute to cumulative
effects (stresses) on the VECs or their indicators as identified.
Step 3: For the selected VECs, the experts compiled appropriate information on their
indicators, described and assessed their historical to current conditions where possible.
Depending upon the availability of information, the identified trends in the conditions of
the VECs and their indicators shall be determined and analysed.
Step 4: The Team further linked the project to other actions like the upcoming projects
in the study area to the selected VECs and their indicators.
Step 5: Assessment of the significance of the cumulative effects on each VEC over the time
and the incremental effects (the direct and indirect effects) on specific VECs were also
included.
Step 6: For VECs or their identified indicators were subjected to negative incremental
impacts from the project and for which, the cumulative effects were significant,
developed appropriate action-specific “mitigation measures” for such impacts. The
mitigation measures were mainly be based on those identified in the study.
7.1.5 Development of Enhancement and Mitigation Measures
Enhancement measures for each identified positive impact have been proposed.
Similarly, the mitigation measures for each of the negative impacts have been proposed.
The Contractor / Developer should ensure that the proposed impact enhancement and
mitigation measures are implemented
7.2 Potential Positive Impacts of the Project

Table 31 summarizes the positive social impacts that are likely to result from the
proposed project.
Table 31: Positive Impacts of the Proposed Project

No. IMPACT REMARKS
▪ Employment opportunities will be available for numerous
disciplines/professions during construction (short-term) and
operation and maintenance (long-term) phases. Not only will the
skilled be employed but equally unskilled personnel. The possible
direct jobs include community workers (casual labour) and semi-
skilled such as trenchers, plumbers, masons, painters, carpenters,
Employment mechanics, electricians, mixer operators, steel benders, drivers,
1
opportunities and income community educators, porters, cooks, security guards, etc.).
▪ During operation and maintenance, employment opportunities
will include cleaners, security guard, system operator among
other.
▪ Employment opportunities will also be created during the
decommissioning phase, including both casual and skilled laborers
like excavators, welders, carpenters, etc
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No. IMPACT REMARKS

▪ People who have ever worked on similar projects before will
improve on their skills.
▪ People who have never worked on such projects will acquire such
Acquisition/improvement skills which they would use to seek employment in future.
2 ▪ The Project will provide grassroots management opportunities for
of skills
the local people to both manage their piped water supply and
protect their local environment.
▪ Water is a catalyst for socio-economic development e.g., through

Reduction of poverty and agro-processing and business. The project will therefore enhance
3 improved livelihoods of the growth of small-scale industries that depend on safe and
the local people adequate water supplies, which will improve the livelihoods of
people in the area
▪ It was noted during the consultations that some of the current
water were perceived to be of poor water quality. People will have
access to safe water, which will help reduce the prevalence of
Improvement in public
4 water-borne diseases.
health
▪ Improved water supply will promote good health and reduce
healthcare costs thus making overall national savings for
investment in other developmental activities.
Achievement universal ▪ Access to good water would save time and keep children healthy
5
primary education so that they would be able to attend school regularly.
▪ The proposed project would free women and girls of the burden of
having to spend a lot of their time collecting and carrying water
Promotion of gender
almost on a daily basis often from sources distant from their
equality and
6 houses. This reduction in burden would allow women and girls
empowerment of women
time for other activities including involvement in economic
and the girl child
ventures that could contribute to reducing poverty and furthering
their education (thus increasing school enrolment).
7.3 Negative Impacts during the Pre-construction, Construction, Operation and

Maintenance and Decommissioning Phases
The potential negative impacts of the proposed Soni RGC Water Supply and Sanitation
Project are summarized in Table 32.
Table 32: Potential negative impacts

IMPACT REMARKS Intensity Sensitivity Overall
Significance
Pre-construction phase and Construction Phase
Loss of land ▪ Land will be required to accommodate 2 3 6
and property project component e.g., at the proposed Low Medium Moderate
abstraction and reservoir sites
▪ Other properties such as crops, houses may
be destroyed, especially those that may be
found at sites for water abstraction,
reservoir, along the alignment of the
transmission system, along access corridors
Traffic ▪ Project construction machinery, including 2 2 4
disruption trucks transporting material to the sites may Low Low Minor
disrupt traffic along public roads
Loss of ▪ Vegetation clearance to pave way for 2 3 6
vegetation construction activities Low Medium Moderate
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Significance
Introduction of ▪ Invasive plant species could be introduced 2 2 4
plant invasive by the project machinery from other areas Low Low Minor
species
Disruption of ▪ Influx of foreign labour (outside of the 2 2 4
social order project area e.g., from other districts) during Low Low Minor
construction works may results into
disruption of the cultural norms and
customs.
Noise from ▪ Noise pollution may arise from construction 2 3 6
construction equipment. This may cause a nuisance to the Low Medium Moderate
machinery public and construction staff
Solid waste ▪ Solid waste will come especially from 3 3
generation excavated material, unused construction Medium Medium
material, packaging material, etc
▪ Faecal matter originating from
construction staff
Occupational ▪ Health and safety of workforce due 2 2 4
health and exposure to unsafe site conditions, lack of Low Medium Minor
safety issues protective gear etc.
▪ Potential of accidents e.g., falling in deep
excavations
Community ▪ Health and safety impact such injury due 3 3 9
health and to falling debris from works along public Medium Medium Moderate
safety issues routes, falling in excavated areas along
public routes or near public places,
accidents from project vehicles
transporting material along community
access roads, etc
▪ Spread of sexually transmitted diseases
such as HIV/AIDS especially from labour
force coming from outside the project area
▪ Accidents from construction trucks along
public access roads
Increased ▪ Vegetation clearance may expose top soil to 3 2 6
susceptibility erosion during rain and heavy winds events Medium Low Moderate
to soil erosion ▪ Excavated soils may also be eroded if not
well protected
Air pollution ▪ Dust emission from murram access road, 3 3 9
and climate uncovered loose construction material or Medium Medium Moderate
change construction waste
▪ Fumes from construction machinery,
including greenhouse gases like carbon
dioxide
Theft of ▪ Construction staff and community members 3 4 12
construction may steal construction material, which can Medium High Major
materials compromise project progress and quality of
work
Soil pollution ▪ Soil pollution may result from 2 2 4
spillage/leakage of water treatment Low Low Minor
chemicals such as chlorine
Occupational ▪ Health and safety of workforce due exposure 1 2 2
safety and to unsafe site conditions, lack of protective Very Low Minor
health issues gear, e.g., drowning in reservoir tanks Low
Incapacity to ▪ Local communities may not have adequate 3 3 9
operate and capacity to operate and maintain the project Medium Medium
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Significance
maintain the components, which may fail the project. It Moderate
project was noted during stakeholder consultations
components by that existing water supply network in some
local people parts of the district is non-functional due to
poor operation and maintenance practices
Unaffordability ▪ People in the project area current access 3 2 6

of water water free of charge from the existing water Medium Low Moderate
charges sources. Some stakeholders were scared that
they might fail to afford the water charges,
which may be hiked by managers of the
water scheme
Air pollution ▪ Obnoxious smell may result poor use of the 3 3 Medium 6
public toilet e.g., due to failure to properly Medium Moderate
flush
Solid waste ▪ Solid waste emanating from operation and 3 3 9
maintenance activities both office and Medium Medium Moderate
domestic
▪ Used solar batteries
Spread of ▪ Poor operation and maintenance of the 3 3 Medium 9
sanitation and public toilet e.g., lack of water for flushing Medium Moderate
water borne and washing hands and failure to empty the
diseases septic tank may expose the public to water-
borne and sanitation diseases like cholera,
diarrhoea, dysentery etc
Vandalization / ▪ The project equipment may be vandalized or 3 3 9
theft project stolen by community members, including Medium Medium Moderate
equipment solar panels, valves, pipes
Disruption of ▪ The decommissioning of the project may 3 3 9
water supply affect water supply to the consumers. This Medium Medium Moderate
might affect public health (through using
unsafe water sources) and person hygiene
Traffic ▪ Project demolition machinery may disrupt 3 3 9
disruption traffic along public roads Medium Medium Moderate
Disruption of ▪ Influx of foreign labour (outside of the 2 2 4
social order project area e.g., from other districts) during Low Low Minor
demolition works may results into
disruption of the cultural norms and
customs. These may include drug misuse,
inappropriate sexual behaviour, vulgar
language among others
Noise pollution ▪ Intermittent noise from demolition 3 3 9
equipment and heavy vehicles Low Medium Moderate
Solid waste ▪ Solid waste will be generated especially 3 3 9
generation from demolition debris, used batteries and Medium Medium Moderate
solar panels
▪ Faecal matter originating from demolition
staff
Occupational ▪ Health and safety of workforce due 2 3 6
health and exposure to unsafe site conditions, lack of Low Medium Moderate
safety issues protective gear etc.
▪ Potential of accidents e.g., falling in deep
excavations
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Significance
Public health ▪ Health and safety impact such injury due 3 3 9
and safety to falling debris from works along public Medium Medium Moderate
issues routes, falling in excavated areas along
public routes, accidents from project
vehicles transporting material along
community access roads, etc
▪ Spread of sexually transmitted diseases
such as HIV/AIDS especially from labour
force coming from outside the project area
▪ Accidents from demolition trucks along
public access roads
Increased ▪ Inappropriate demolition practices using 3 2 6
susceptibility heavy equipment and that expose the soil Medium Low Moderate
to Soil erosion may induce/accelerate soil erosion and
siltation of water courses. Contamination
may occur as a result of accidental or
structural spillage of fuels and lubricant
chemicals, as well as from leakage from
inadequately protected solid waste storage
facilities and sites.
Air pollution ▪ Emissions from demolition equipment and 3 3 9
and climate vehicles, and dust emissions from the Medium Medium Moderate
change grounds.
▪ Fumes from construction machinery,
including greenhouse gases like carbon
dioxide
7.4 Proposed Enhancement and Mitigation Measures

7.4.1 Proposed Enhancement Measures
The enhancement measures for the identified positive impacts related to this project have
been proposed, as presented in Table 33.
Table 33: Proposed impact enhancement measures

No. IMPACT REMARKS
▪ Prepare a labour force management plan
▪ Preference for employment opportunities should be given
to the local people where they have the required skills (for
skilled labour activities). Otherwise, all activities which do
not require skills such as casual activities should be given
to the locals
▪ The use of appropriate labour-intensive methods for some
Employment of the construction activities (for example excavation for
1
opportunities and income pipelines) should be undertaken to enable as many local
people (including women) as possible get jobs
▪ All laborers should be given contracts specifying their roles
and responsibilities and renumerations
services such as food and accommodation should be given
to local suppliers
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No. IMPACT REMARKS

▪ Foreign companies (if contracted) should be required to
have a joint venture with local companies to build their
capacity.
▪ Contracts terms for construction works for the project’s
Acquisition/improvement
2 construction and O&M phase should emphasize knowledge
of skills
transfer and the project developer should monitor and
ensure that the objectives are met.
▪ O&M manual and standard operating procedures must be
handed over to the operator
▪ Ensure consistent supply of water of adequate quality and
quantity
Reduction of poverty and
▪ Extend water to as many users as possible in the project
3 improved livelihoods of
area
the local people
▪ Provide as many public stand pipes as possible where poor
people can obtain water
quantity
▪ Extend water to as many users as possible in the project
Improvement in public area
4
health ▪ Provide as many public stand pipes as possible where poor
people can obtain it easily
▪ Sensitize communities of the dangers on using unsafe
water sources
quantity
Achievement universal ▪ Extend water to as many users as possible in the project
5
primary education area
▪ Provide as many public stand pipes as possible where poor
people can obtain it
Promotion of gender quantity
equality and ▪ Extend water to as many users as possible in the project
6
empowerment of women area
and the girl child ▪ Provide as many public stand pipes as possible where poor
people can obtain water
7.4.2 Mitigation Measures
The mitigation measures to avoid, reduce or minimize the identified negative impacts
have been proposed, as presented in Table 34.
Table 34: Mitigation measures

IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURE
Pre-construction and Construction phase
Loss of land and ▪ Prepare and implement a RAP
property ▪ All privately owned land to host project components should be duly
compensated prior start of construction activities
▪ All property should be valued and duly compensated prior to start of
construction works
▪ For property like crops, where possible, owners should be informed early
about the project work plan and allowed to harvest them prior to start of
construction
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▪ Prepare a stakeholder engagement plan and ensure that stakeholder
engagement is a continuous process throughout the project implementation
Traffic disruption ▪ Prepare a traffic management plan
▪ Liaise with the local traffic authority to manage traffic at busy crossings e.g.,
markets, schools, churches
Loss of vegetation and ▪ Prepare a vegetation restoration plan. The plan should ensure that:
soil cover ➢ Vegetation clearance is restricted to only areas to be constructed.
➢ Landscaping and re-vegetation are undertaken after construction
especially around the water abstraction source and at the reservoir site.
Introduction of ▪ All Construction machinery should be cleaned prior to their transport and
invasive plant species assembly at the project sites
Disruption of social ▪ Prioritize employment of local people where they have the required skills
order ▪ Sensitize all workers to ensure awareness of and sensitivity to the local
cultures, traditions and lifestyles
Noise from ▪ Schedule noise-intensive work for the least noise-sensitive time of the day
construction (work between 8 am and 5 pm);
machinery ▪ Provision of PPE to project workers
▪ Regular noise assessments
Solid waste generation ▪ Prepare a waste management plan. The plan should ensure provide for:
➢ use the excavated material for backfilling.
➢ waste bins for proper waste storage.
➢ a waste collection company to manage waste generated.
➢ temporary eco-san toilet on site during site works
Occupational health ▪ Prepare an occupational Health and safety plan. The plan should ensure:
and safety issues ➢ provision of workers with PPE and sensitise them on basic safety
precautions.
➢ provision of a first aid kit;
➢ provision of adequate sanitary facilities;
Community health and ▪ Prepare a community health and safety plan, which should ensure that:
safety issues ➢ all dangerous areas along public roads are cordoned off
➢ speed limit of project vehicles along community roads do not exceed 40
km/h.
➢ construction works along community access roads are communicated to
public at least a week prior to start of the works
▪ Prepare an HIV/AIDS management plan
▪ Prepare a traffic management plan, which should include provision for:
➢ speed reduction humps at crossings of many people, e.g., at a school,
market;
➢ reflective signature to direct traffic to designated areas;
➢ informing of local communities and road users in advance, in case
access roads have to be closed.
Increased susceptibility ▪ Prepare an erosion control plan. The plan should provide for:
to soil erosion ➢ immediate disposal (where possible) of any excavated soil to avoid loose
soil being washed away by storm water.
➢ provision of an erosion barrier around stockpiles of excavated soils
➢ planting of bands of grass on erosion prone surfaces.
Air pollution and ▪ Vehicles transporting construction material along community access roads
climate change should move as lower speeds, not exceeding 40 km/hr
▪ All lose material like sand, cement, murram, soil should be covered with a
tarpaulin during transportation
▪ Excavated soil stored at the site should be covered with a tarpaulin
▪ Water should be sprinkled on dusty ground where other measures cannot
appropriately minimize dust emission
▪ Repair and maintain construction equipment following the manufacturer’s
specifications, including on fuelling
▪ Offset emitted carbon dioxide during construction activities by planting local
trees at all devastated sites
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Theft of construction ▪ Verification of project employees should be done by the local authorities.
materials ▪ Security guards should be hired to provide security at the construction sites.
Soil pollution ▪ Ensuring that storage containers for chemicals are checked regularly for
leakage
Occupational safety ▪ Prepare an occupational Health and safety plan. The plan should ensure
and health issues that:
➢ employees checking the water reservoir tanks have a harnessing
equipment before any activities are carried out;
➢ workers are provided gloves and masks especially those handling
chemicals;
➢ trainings on the operations of the water system are regularly conducted;
➢ safety signages are put at the reservoir tank points and abstraction point;
➢ firefighting equipment are installed at the abstraction point;
➢ a well-equipped first aid kit is availed to project workers.
Incapacity to operate ▪ Prepare a quality management plan
and maintain the ▪ Train local community members in the operation and maintenance of the
project components by water supply infrastructure
local people
Unaffordability of the ▪ Levy charges in consideration of the income levels of the area. Charges for
water charges poor people should be just enough to cover the operational costs
▪ Provide many public standard pipes where poor people can obtain water
cheaply
Air pollution ▪ Sensitize communities on the use of public toilets, and the need for better
sanitation
▪ Provide sufficient ventilation on the public toilet
Environmental ▪ Used or malfunction batteries should property stored awaiting being taken to
Pollution from Solar the manufactures
Batteries ▪ Gel batteries could be used instead of liquid ones
Spread of sanitation ▪ Ensure regular supply of sufficient water for flushing and washing hands by
and water borne providing a reservoir tank at the toilet
diseases
Vandalization / theft ▪ Sensitize community members about the importance of the project
project equipment ▪ Hire a security guard to provide 24-hour security at sensitive components
such as the abstraction/pumping station
▪ Fence off major project components such as abstraction and reservoir sites
Decommission Phase
Disruption of water ▪ Inform the communities in the affected areas well in advance about the
supply decommissioning activities
▪ Provide alternative source of water
Traffic disruption ▪ As for the construction phase
Disruption of social ▪ As for the construction phase
order
Noise pollution ▪ As for the construction phase
Solid waste generation ▪ As for the construction phase
Occupational health ▪ As for the construction phase
and safety issues
Public health and ▪ As for the construction phase
safety issues
Increased susceptibility ▪ As for the construction phase
to Soil erosion
Air pollution and ▪ As for the construction phase
climate change
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7.5 Cumulative Impacts

The proposed project will be implemented in a semi-urban setting where there are other
competing land uses. This has a potential of triggering cumulative environmental impacts
i.e., impacts both from the project and other activities that are likely to affect the same
environmental resources or receptors. The most important valued ecosystem
components (VECs) within the project areas likely to be affected are:
(a) Groundwater resources,
(b) Surface water resources,
(c) Flora and fauna
Table 35 gives a summary of the potential cumulative impacts and recommended

mitigation measures:
Table 35: Potential cumulative impacts

Ecosystem Other “stressors” Potential impact Description of mitigation
Component (potential sources of measures
cumulative impact)
Groundwate -Opening up land due to -Increased runoff- -Carry out community awareness
r resources urban development for affecting recharge of and sensitization regarding
construction of e.g., local aquifers in the environmental conservation in the
residences, industries, catchment catchment
access roads -Reduction of -All projects intending to abstract
-Abstraction of ground ground water yield groundwater should undertake a
water by other projects groundwater resources assessment
-All projects intending to abstract
groundwater should seek guidance
from Tororo District Local
Government
Surface -Land use changes which -Reduction in water -Carry out community awareness
water may affect water flow volumes/quantity in and sensitization regarding
(quality and and retention in streams surface water bodies environmental conservation in the
quantity) and wetlands like wetlands, which catchment
-Human wastes from un- will compromise -Restore converted/rehabilitated
sewered settlements, groundwater degraded wetlands and forests in
animal waste from recharge the catchment
livestock, runoff from -Compromised of -Regularly monitor effluent
agricultural fields water quality of standards of existing industries and
surface and all other effluent discharging
groundwater entities in the catchment
Flora and Opening up land due to -Disturbance or loss -The MWE should participate in
fauna urban development for of terrestrial species environmental conservation
construction of e.g., and their habitat projects in the catchment or where
residences, industries, due to increased they are non-existent, the MWE
access roads development should initiate them, including
activities restoring degraded ecosystems
-Increased erosion
and ensuing
sedimentation/siltat
ion of streams
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8 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING

PLAN (ESMMP)
8.1 Introduction
The goal of the Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan (ESMMP) is
to ensure that environmental and socio-economic issues continue to be fully integrated
into the decisions by the project proponent while promoting resource allocation
efficiency throughout the lifetime of the project. This section provides a framework for
managing and monitoring impacts for the life of the project. It is designed to ensure that
the commitments, enhancement and mitigation measures identified, and in any
subsequent assessment reports, together with any license approval or similar conditions,
are implemented. In executing the project, the project proponents shall take all
practicable measures to ensure that the requirements and recommendations of this
report are complied with.
It also specifies monitoring actions and specific responsibilities assigned in order to

check progress and the resulting effects on the environment during all project phases.
Monitoring will begin immediately and will continue through both the construction and
operation phases. One important aspect of monitoring will be to assess the effectiveness
of the mitigation measures suggested, where they are found lacking, appropriate new
actions to mitigate any adverse effects will be undertaken.
Therefore, this is a core tool that the Contractor will use to monitor project
implementation and develop a standalone Environmental and Social Implementation
Plan (ESIP) or Contractors Environmental and Social Management Plan (CESMP) to guide
project implementation. This ESMMP is intended to guide the contractor in the
preparation, implementation, monitoring and reporting on the CESMP. The CESMP will
need to be regularly reviewed and updated as the project progresses to reflect any
changes in project implementation and organization as well as regulatory requirements.
8.2 Integration of Safeguards into Procurement Process (Contracts)

8.2.1 Bidding
During the bidding process, the Contractor will be expected to include a brief
methodology of the implementation of the relevant environmental and social safeguards
and attach a cost of implementation of these plans in his proposal bid. In addition, the
Contractor should provide relevant staff for the implementation of the safeguards
including a Social Specialist supported by Community Liaison Officers and an
Environment Specialist supported by HSE Officers. Lastly, the contractor must prove
prior experience in adequately managing safeguards issues in the road sector.
8.2.2 Bill of Quantities (BoQs)
The BoQs must capture all relevant safeguards aspects. The indicative costs of
implementing safeguards extracted from the ESMP budget should be clearly provided as
a provisional sums or billable items in the Bills of Quantities. These should include
safeguards staffing, documentation (CESMP, etc.), waste management, HIV/AIDS,
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grievance redress, gender awareness, site clean-up and landscaping, monthly ESMP
reporting among others. Laxity in the provision and use of personal protective equipment
is a risk to the safety of workers. The BoQs should provide a sum for PPE and supervision
be done to ensure that all workers undertake works while in full PPE.
8.2.3 Safeguards Clauses
As a best practice, the contracts for the civil works should include clauses on management
of environment and social aspects. Sometimes, the clauses are weak and cannot be used
to hold the contractors accountable. There is need to strengthen the clauses and to tailor
them to the specific project safeguards aspects and management needs.
8.2.4 Procurement of the Contractor
Implementation of mitigation measures during construction is key to managing short-
and long-term impacts and risks. As a best practice, the contracts for the civil works
should include clauses on management of environment and social aspects. Sometimes,
the clauses are weak and cannot be used to hold the contractors accountable. There is
need to strengthen the clauses and to tailor them to the specific project safeguards
aspects and management needs. The contractual agreement will also include clauses to
enforce the implementation of the relevant mitigations. The clauses should be included
in technical specifications in all contract documents related to the civil works. Safeguards
clauses should be prescriptive and specify: what needs to be done, where it needs to be
done, when and how the actions will take place, who is responsible, the monitoring and
reporting requirements, and what sanctions or legal recourse are available for work that
does not meet the required specifications.
8.2.5 Staffing
It is common for contractors to recruit unqualified safeguards staff or to assign
safeguards duties to site foremen or clerks with no prior safeguards experience. Staffing
requirements should be spelt out in the contracts. In addition, it may be useful to include
the minimum requirements in the contracts for the civil works. Therefore, the MWE,
through the supervising consultants must approve the contractor’s Environment Officer,
Health and Safety Officer and the Sociologist.
8.2.6 ESMP Monitoring and Reporting
Laxity in implementation and reporting on safeguards issues is common amongst
contractors largely because they do not take safeguards issues seriously. This can be
addressed by requiring contractors to prepare monthly environment and social
monitoring reports. These should either be pay items and clearly included in the BoQs or
a condition for certification and payment approvals. Contractor safeguards reports are
usually characterized by failure to include useful monitoring indicators such as safety
statistics (fatalities, minor injuries, near misses, etc.), number of trees cut, and number
replanted amongst others. The contractors will require training on safeguards
monitoring and reporting. The contractors need to undertake proper recordkeeping of
all safeguard activities. The contractors should liaise with District technical offices such
as the DEO and DCDO to ensure proper monitoring and timely implementation of project
activities.
8.2.7 Project Reporting Commitments
The Contractor will be required to prepare regular reports (monthly, quarterly, and
annual) on environmental, social, health and safety performance.
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On an annual basis, the Contractor will, under the guidance of the MWE and Tororo
District Local Government, engage services of an independent Environmental and Social
Compliance Auditor to conduct an Environmental and Social Audit to determine the level
of the Project’s environmental and social performance. The report will provide the
information and data required to determine compliance with national legal requirements
as well as OPs of the AfDB. The aspects to be reported on will include; grievance
management, labour management, traffic management, community health and safety and
security, air quality, erosion and water pollution, waste management, emergency
response, HIV/AIDS and gender management, Environmental and social restoration,
among others.
8.3 Contractor Management Plans and Method Statements
The Contractor will be required to prepare some standalone safeguards management
plans in addition to the Contractor’s Environment and Social Management Plan (CESMP).
Reference should always be made to the CESMP as the overarching document that
contains general Control Statements for various impacts such as air quality, solid waste,
and hazardous materials, water quality and ecosystem, noise and vibration control,
erosion control, waste excavation and disposal and safety and occupational health. In
addition to the Management Plans, the Contractor should prepare Method Statements for
specific activities such as excavation works and submit for the Supervision Engineer’s
review and comments before commencement of works. If the Engineer notifies the
Contractor that a specific method statement has failed to provide adequate mitigations,
such a statement should be revised and resubmitted until when approved.
8.3.1 Labour Force Management Plan
The Contractor is expected to have a clear plan for recruitment of workers to promote
project ownership by the communities. The Contractor should give preference to local
people by recruitment of unskilled and semi-skilled labour from project villages and this
should be done through local areas councils from where those seeking employment
should get letters of recommendations.
8.3.2 Quality Management Plan
A quality management plan defines the quality policies and procedures relevant to the
project for both project deliverables and project processes and who is charged with what
responsibility to ensure compliance to set stands. Given the nature of this project, the
contractor should have a quality management plan to guide the quality control and
assurance processes to achieve the intended outcomes in terms of social, design,
structural and investment outcomes in line with environmental and social safeguards
policies.
8.3.3 Erosion Control Plan
Soil erosion risks are expected to be mainly associated with vegetation clearance,
construction of access roads and storage of excavated materials. In some cases, the
project area may receive high amounts of rainfall that will be associated with soil erosion.
An erosion control plan should be overlaid on the project grading plan(s) or site plan if
there is not a grading plan. The erosion control plan needs to show what Best
Management Plans (BMPs) will be used and where, as well as the total disturbance area.
The plan must include measures to prevent erosion, contain sediment and control
drainage. The erosion control plan must also include installation details of the BMPs as
Page | 60
well as notes. Construction sites often have areas where soil disturbing activities such as
clearing, grading, or cut/fill work has stopped for a period of time. Bare areas that are not
actively under construction need some type of temporary cover to prevent or minimize
erosion in the event of rainfall. Applicable areas include topsoil stockpiles, rough graded
areas, sediment basin dikes, ditches, temporary earthen structures, and graded areas
undergoing settlement. The following controls may be considered:
• Stabilization which includes a wide range of erosion prevention practices that
cover exposed soil such as the use of straw, mulch, erosion control blankets,
plastic sheeting or tarpaulins.
• Temporary seeding which is a soil stabilization practice involving the
establishment of temporary vegetative cover to reduce erosion on construction
sites that have disturbed areas that are temporarily idle.
8.3.4 Waste Management Plan
The Waste Management Plan (WMP) shall be prepared to address waste management
aspects associated with the construction of the markets in line with legal and regulatory
requirements. The Contractor, all subcontractors, and vendors involved in the project
shall have to adhere to this Plan. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that waste is
managed in accordance with this Plan by providing the necessary resources and by
issuing instructions and guidance during project execution. The Contractor will
implement waste management measures and practices throughout the construction
period to mitigate the associated risks. The WMP will contain the following information:
• Relevant legislation and guidelines for waste management of the Project;

• The procedures and initiatives proposed to address the management of waste
materials;
• Safeguards, mitigation measures and monitoring to manage waste impacts during
construction;
• Roles and responsibilities of those involved in the implementation of waste
management controls;
• An effective monitoring, auditing and reporting framework to assess the
effectiveness of the controls implemented
• Checklists and forms for day-to-day waste management activities.
The Contractor shall undertake measures to respond to all generated categories of

wastes. The Contractor should be aware that large quantities of cut to spoil may be
generated which will require disposal. Therefore, the contractor is expected to identify
potential sites for waste disposal before excavation works commence in order to secure
the requisite approvals in a timely manner.
8.3.5 Occupational Health and Safety Plan
The Contractor will have to prepare a document that presents the framework for
occupational health and safety management and monitoring measures to undertake. The
OHS plan should typically cover safety programs that will be applied for promoting health
and safety, preventing harm, fatality and hazards to the employees, sub-contractors,
properties and the general public. The contractor should be aware of the presence of
hippos in the area which usually move out in the night to graze and crocodiles being a
river bank with riverine and floating vegetation. These can be dangerous if approached
Page | 61
and disturbed.
8.3.6 Community Health and Safety Plan
This Plan applies to project construction activities and the associated risks and potential
impacts that these activities may have on community health and safety. The risks and
potential project impacts to community health and safety can emerge from both within
and outside the so-called project area of influence. Therefore, the scope of this plan
focuses on the management of aspects associated with the interaction of construction
activities, the workforce, and the community as well as mitigation of contagious diseases.
The Plan should include control measures designed to avoid, minimize or mitigate the
adverse effects of project activities on the health and safety of the community, while at
the same time, enhancing the beneficial effects and capitalize on opportunities that may
contribute to improving overall community well-being.
8.3.7 HIV/AIDS and Gender Management Plan
The Contractor in pursuit of his commitment to health and safety will organize trainings,
conduct awareness and education on the use of infection control measure in the
workplace. The Contractor is expected to provide appropriate PPE to protect workers
from the risk of exposure to HIV/AIDS and incorporate HIV/AIDS information in
occupational health and safety inductions, provide guideline in preventing the spread of
HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), publicize knowledge related
to HIV/AIDS and STIs to the work crews and the surrounding communities, provide
information on good HIV prevention interventions, including promotion of the correct
use of condoms and ensure sufficient resources are available for HIV programs.
All the relevant stakeholders should be kept informed and up to date on issues pertaining
to the project activities especially those, which affect them or where they have influence.
The Contractor should also provide a plan documenting how gender issues such as
gender-based violence, employment segregation based on gender, among others will be
addressed sexual violence
8.3.8 Traffic and road safety Management plan
The major purpose of this plan is to help protect road users and workers and keep traffic
delays to a minimum through proper and clear signage and controls. The Traffic
Management Plan will provide actions to ensure safety of road users and construction
staff during construction the bridge and access roads. It will outline traffic control and
traffic management procedures to prevent potential hazards associated with road use
during construction. Any road work resulting in obstruction of roads needs to be
managed so that safety is not compromised and disruptions and delays to road users are
kept to a minimum. The Plan shall include a road safety awareness program.
8.3.9 Cultural Heritage Management Plan
This plan will include measures to manage risks and impacts on cultural heritage during
construction. There could be other unknown physical cultural resources (PCRs) within
the construction areas. If any chance finds are made, measures must be taken to ensure
‘conservation’ in accordance with legislation and to contact the Department of
Monuments.
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8.3.10 Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP)

All stakeholders need to be kept informed during project implementation so as to accord
the necessary support and advice. This consultation and public participation will be on-
going process that will continue throughout the implementation of the ESIA. In pursuit of
timely, meaningful and appropriate stakeholder engagement, the contactor is expected
to have a clear strategy for stakeholder engagement to assist in managing and facilitating
future engagement through the various stages of the Project’s life cycle from mobilization
up to handover. The SEP shall detail the key stakeholders to be engaged and the schedule
of engagements throughout the various stages of construction, decommissioning and the
defects liability period.
8.3.9.1 Purpose of SEP
The SEP is an instrument for mapping and prioritizing stakeholders across levels and
regions; and for guiding planned consultations and disclosure of relevant project
information to/with identified stakeholders.
8.3.9.2 Stakeholder Categorization
Three (3) categories of stakeholder to be mapped out (across three levels at the national,
regional and community) as follows.
a) Primary level stakeholders considered to have high influence and power in
respect to the project, project area and potential impacts and project
implementation. These require regular engagements and consultations
throughout the project life.
b) Secondary level stakeholder considered to have either high influence but low
power or high power but low influence. These will require to be initially
consulted and regularly kept informed. These will require to be initially
consulted and regularly kept informed.
c) Tertiary stakeholders considered to have low power and low influence.
8.3.9.3 Information Needs
The following information should be made available to all stakeholders, who are likely to
be affected by positive and adverse environmental or social impacts from the project:
a) Purpose, nature, objectives and scale of the project.
b) Schedule and duration of proposed project activities.
c) Potential project risks and impacts extracted from the ESIA.
d) Proposed mitigation plans.
e) Available grievance mechanisms.
f) Envisaged consultation process, if any, and opportunities and ways in which the
public can participate (via the SEP) and
g) Time and venue of any planned public meetings.
8.3.9.4 Disclosure Mechanisms
A number of strategies can used to enhance public information disclosure and
stakeholder consultations including:
I. Scheduled public hearings at community level (village and parish) for initial
disclosure, disclosure of draft reports and final reports including their
implementation
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II. Dedicated and select meetings with institutional stakeholders at the central
regional, district and sub-county levels at different project phases
III. Dedicated meetings with select social groups like livelihoods groupings and
vulnerable social groups including women, youth, PWDs and local leaders.
IV. Project Background Information Document (PBID) summaries will be prepared,
translated and shared alongside other strategies described herein
V. Non-Technical Summaries (NTS) of the ESIA will also be developed for public
disclosure through print media and info-shops for the regulators, funder and
project proponent.
A template of a stakeholder engagement plan is depicted in Table 36.

Table 36: Stakeholder Engagement Plan template
Project Activity Objectives Level and Methods/Tasks Schedule/Frequency
phase type/group of and Materials
stakeholders
8.4 Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM)

8.4.1 Grievance Procedure and Rationale
This section describes the procedure and mechanism through which community
members and PAPs will be able to report, make, place/lodge or express a grievance
against the project, its staff or contractors as part of the mitigation measures. It also
describes the roles and responsibilities for different structures in resolving grievances. A
grievance is any dissatisfaction or sense of injustice, or unfairness felt by a person-in this
respect a community member, PAP or his/her representative in connection with his/her
compensation entitlements, RAP implementation process, the project Developer,
Contractor and other scenarios related to project implementation. The grievance is
usually brought to the attention of the person(s) in charge, referred to here as the
Grievance Officer (GO). This grievance procedure is intended to put in place and facilitate
accessible, prompt and cost-effective handling of grievances at the nearest points of
service to community members and the PAPs.
The aim and purpose of this system is to make the grievance handling procedures
accessible, prompt and affordable to the PAPs given the generally low values of some of
the properties to be affected; and also provide an alternative to the costly and time-
consuming formal courts procedures for handling grievances and disputes. The objective
of the grievance handling systems and procedure is to establish for the community
members and PAPs mechanisms for raising complaints related to compensation for loss
of land and other livelihood properties and assets and having such complaints resolved
as amicably as possible through acceptable and binding corrective actions.
8.4.2 Steps of the Grievance Process
The grievance mechanism is adopted from the MWE-RPF, 2012 already disclosed. The
grievance mechanism operating at each location will receive inputs from four main
sources:
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I. Directly from the PAPs or other members of affected community.

II. From the RAP implementation team.
III. From the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer who will forward issues/concerns
identified in the field.
IV. From the Local Government Offices at the Sub-county/District Levels since
these are as close to the community as possible. Steps of the grievance process
are described below.
Receipt of Complaint/Grievance
A verbal or written complaint from a PAP or community member will be received by the
Grievance Officer (GO) (refer to Table 37 for the roles of the GO) or an assigned contact
officer in a given administrative jurisdiction/authority near to community level and
recorded in a grievance log which will be held in the Sub-county. The contact officer at
the sub-county will be the Sub-county Chief.
Table 37: Role of a Grievance Officer
Role of a Grievance Officer
A Grievance Officer (GO), who will be a member of the Project Implementation Team,
will lead the grievance mechanism. Principal responsibilities of the GO will include:
1. Recording the grievances, both written and oral, of the affected people,
categorizing and prioritizing them and providing solutions within a specified
time period.
2. Discussing grievances on a regular basis with the Working Group and coming up
with decision/actions for issues that can be resolved at that level.
3. Informing the Steering Committee of serious cases within an appropriate time
frame.
4. Reporting to the aggrieved parties about developments regarding their
grievances and decisions of the Steering Committee.
5. Providing inputs into the monitoring and evaluation process
Source: MWE-RPF (Ministry of Water and Environment-Resettlement Policy

Framework), 2012
The grievance team will hold meetings at sub-county headquarters where grievances are
received by a contact person who would then hand over received complaints to the GO,
for entering into the grievance log using the grievance form.
The grievance log will indicate grievances, date opened/lodged, actions taken to address
or reasons the grievance was not acted upon (e.g., the grievance was not related to the
resettlement process); information provided to complainant and date the grievance was
closed.
Grievances can be lodged at any time, either directly to the GO or the Sub-county
headquarters. The process for lodging a complaint is outlined below:
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I. The GO will receive a complaint from the complainant or from the

appointed contact person at the sub-county headquarters.
II. The GO will ask the claimant questions in their local language, write the
answers in English and enter them in English onto the Grievance Form.
III. A representative of an independent local civil society organization
witnesses translation of the grievance into English.
IV. The GO reads the complaint in English and translates it into the
complainant`s local language on the Grievance Form.
V. The local leader (representative of an independent local civil society
organization) and the complainant both sign the Grievance Form after
they have both confirmed the accuracy of the grievance.
VI. The GO lodges the complaint in the Grievance Log.
Determination of Corrective Action
If in their judgment, the grievance can be solved at this stage, the GO and a representative
of a local independent civil society/organization will determine a corrective action in
consultation with the aggrieved person. A description of the action; the time frame in
which the action is to take place; and the party responsible for implementing the action
will be recorded in the grievance data base.
Grievances will be resolved and status reported back to complainants within 30 days. If
more time is required, this will be communicated clearly and in advance to the aggrieved
person. For cases that are not resolved within the stipulated time, detailed investigations
will be undertaken and results discussed in the monthly meetings with affected persons.
In some instances, it may be appropriate to appoint independent third parties to
undertake the investigations.
Meeting with the Complainant
The proposed corrective action and the timeframe in which the grievance is to be
implemented will be discussed with the complainant within 30 days of receipt of the
grievance. Written agreement to proceed with the corrective action will be sought from
the complainant (e.g., by use of an appropriate consent form). If no agreement is reached,
Step 2 will be re-visited.
Implementation of Corrective Action
Agreed corrective actions will be undertaken by the project developer or its contractors
within the agreed timeframe. The date of the completed action will be recorded in the
grievance database.
Verification of Corrective Action
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To verify satisfaction, the aggrieved person will be approached by the GO to verify that
the corrective action has been implemented. A signature of the complainant will be
obtained and recorded in the log and/or on the consent form (see Step 3). If the
complainant is not satisfied with the outcome of the corrective action additional steps
may be undertaken to reach agreement between the parties. If additional corrective
action is not possible alternative avenues maybe pursued.
Action by the Local Leaders and Project Contractors
If the GO and independent observer cannot solve the grievance, it will be referred to
relevant parties such as local leaders, District Officers, Construction Contractor, Valuer
and MWE, for consultation and relevant feedback provided.
Action by the Grievance Committee
If the complainant remains dissatisfied and a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached,

the complaint will be handled by the Grievance Committee. A dedicated Grievance
Committee will be established to assess grievances that arise from disputes in each
district (Agago, Kitgum, Pader). This will include the following members:
I. District Land Office Surveyor;

II. Representative of the valuer;
III. Grievance Officer
IV. SC LC III Council Representative where it applies.
This committee must have a quorum of at least three persons. Decisions will be reached
by simple majority. The Grievance Committee should be constituted for as long as
grievances are being lodged.
Once the Grievance Committee has determined its approach to the lodged grievance, this
will be communicated to the GO, who will communicate this to the complainant. If
satisfied, the complainant signs to acknowledge that the issue has been resolved
satisfactorily. If the complainant is not satisfied however, the complainant notes the
outstanding issues, which may be re-lodged with the Grievance Committee or the
complainant may proceed with judicial proceedings.
Action by Developer (MWE)
If no satisfactory solution is reached by the Grievance Committee, the complainant can be

advised to lodge the complaint with the management of the developer at their regional
head/offices to make the process easily accessible to the complainants. If no satisfactory
solution is reached by developer’s management, the complainant has the option to seek
redress via judicial processes.
Alternative Action by Chief Government Valuer (CGV)
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Some grievances may be beyond the capacity of the GO or the Grievance Committee to
handle expeditiously without the technical support of other professionals like the CGV.
Some of the grievances may be specifically related to the valuation process, valuation
rates and awards. Therefore, the GO will determine whether a complaint can be resolved
by the Grievance Committee or, if not, should be referred to the CGV for technical and
administrative advice.
The CGV will make necessary consultations with offices he/she deems fit to consult in
his/her capacity as CGV. If satisfactory solution is not achieved or provided by the CGV,
the aggrieved person can resort to the judicial process.
8.4.3 Capacity Building for the Grievance Officer and Grievance Committee
It will be important for the appointed GO to be appointed based on his/her experience
and training in conflict resolution through mediation and reconciliation. It will also be
important for the GO to have sufficient skills in data management including data entry,
data analysis and storage. This notwithstanding, it will be important that steps are taken
to orient and build the capacity of the GO as part of the project implementation team in
conflict resolution procedures such as mediation and reconciliation and other
management areas such as record keeping and report writing and ICT equipment
management.
The Grievance Committee members will also need to be oriented about the grievance
management system. The capacities of the grievance committee members will also need
to be built around issues of conflict identification, conflict information analysis and
resolution based on issues in the land legislation through reconciliation and mediation.
8.4.4 Other alternatives

The other alternative recourse suggested as a last resort is for the complainant to seek
redress from formal courts of law. The Land Act, Cap 227 establishes Land Tribunals at
regional/district level. It empowers the Land Tribunals to determine disputes relating to
amount of compensation to be paid for land acquired compulsorily for public interest.
The affected person may appeal to a higher ordinary court. The Land Acquisition Act
allows for any person to appeal to the High Court within 60 days of the award being made.
The Land Act, Cap 227 also states that traditional authority mediators can play a role in
settling land disputes.
8.5 Capacity Building and Trainings

The Capacity building and trainings will be conducted using the AfDB’s and the National
social and environmental (E&S) safeguards, as required by the AfDB for its projects to
ensure early identification of possible risks and propose management measures so that
the project is able to address the risks while maximizing positive outcomes.
Training will be conducted with the following primary objectives:
• Train the project beneficiaries and other government staff interested in the
general safeguard requirements built into the E&S safeguards.
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• Introduce the participants to the safeguard requirements of the AfDB and of the
country.
• Examine the specific safeguard requirements of the AfDB f u n d e d projects.
The following outcomes are expected as the result of training.
• Improved knowledge and understanding on the E&S concepts and standards.

• Improved knowledge and understanding on the ESIA concepts and methodology.
• Improved knowledge and understanding on the ESMMP preparation.
• Improved knowledge and understanding on the ESMMP monitoring and reporting.
8.6 Required Approvals, Permits and Licenses

Several approvals and licenses will be required before commencement of certain
construction activities. Securing of approvals requires preparation of the relevant
documentation and payment of fees. This needs to be done during mobilization to ensure
that all approvals are secured in a timely manner to avoid construction delays. It is
important to ensure that all materials (sand and aggregates) are sourced from quarries,
borrow pits and sand mines approved by NEMA and compliant with environmental laws.
For all new materials sites to be opened up, NEMA approval must be secured while all
existing sites should undertake/provide proof of having undertaken environmental
compliance audits. For the success of the Soni WSSS, the following permits and licenses
may be required by the project as presented in Table 38.
Table 38: Approvals, permits and licenses that may be required by the project
Approvals, Permits and Issuing Party responsible for Legal Framework
Licenses Required Authority acquiring
permit/license
Water Abstraction Permit DWRM MWE Water Act, cap 152
Contractor
Wastewater Discharge permit DWRM MWE Water Act, cap 152
Contractor
Waste Disposal Permit NEMA MWE National Environment Act Cap 153;
Contractor National Environment (Waste
Management) Regulation
Waste Transportation NEMA Contractor National Environment Act Cap 153;
License National Environment (Waste
Storage of Hazardous/ Non- NEMA Contractor National Environment Act Cap 153;
Hazardous Waste National Environment (Waste
License to emit noise in NEMA Contractor National Environment Act Cap 153
excess of permissible noise
levels
Blasting, importation, storage Ministry of Contractor Explosive Act, Cap 298
and transportation of Internal
explosives Affairs
Mining Permit, Extraction of MEMD/ Contractor Mining Act, Cap 148
minerals, opening up of NEMA
quarries and sand pits approval
Permit for Storage of MEMD Contractor Petroleum Act, Cap 2003
Petroleum Products and
dispensing license
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Work Permits Ministry of Contractor Immigrations Act, Cap 66

Internal MWE
Affair
Permit if the water UNRA MWE The Uganda National Roads
transmission line is to cross Authority (General) Regulations
the UNRA road (Road 2017
Permits)
Traffic Diversions consent Uganda Contractor Traffic and Road Safety Act 1998
Police
RAP approval conditions for Chief MWE The Land Act Cap 227
this project Government Contractor
Valuer
8.7 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan

A monitoring process will need to be established to check/assess the implementation
progress and effectiveness of the mitigation measures suggested and the resulting effects
of the proposed project on the environment. The process will begin during the
construction stage and continue throughout the operation phase. It should also include
regular reviews of the impacts that cannot be adequately assessed before the beginning
of the project, or which arise unexpectedly. In such cases, appropriate new actions to
mitigate any adverse effects will be undertaken.
A monitoring plan has been prepared considering the chronology of potential project
activities. The recommendations in this report would provide a basis for tracking
progress of the proposed project activities with regard to sound environmental practice
and mitigation measures.
8.8 Roles and Responsibilities

In order to enhance the potential for integrating sustainability concerns in this proposed
Piped Water Supply System, it is important to assign clear roles and responsibilities to
dominant professionals, contractors and/or sub-contractors so as to ensure that
environmental plans are implemented effectively.
8.8.1 Project Developer (MWE)
The MWE will be responsible for the implementation of the Project through contractors.
The MWE will be responsible for contract management and will ensure that the
contactors adhere to their contractual obligations and that they are compliant with the
environmental and social standards as spelt out in their contracts.
The Project Developer will:
i) Have overall responsibility for environmental and social compliance;
ii) Ensure that appropriate resources are allocated to facilitate environmental and
social management of the project, including financial and human resources;
iii) Review for quality and approve the CESMP for project implementation;
iv) Ensure that adequate supervision for implementation of the ESMMP is provided at
all times;
v) Check that penalties for non-compliances with contractual environmental
commitments are actioned; and e.g., Supervising Engineer is required to have an
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Environmental & Social Management Specialist by contractual obligation. The

Contractor’s Environmental Specialist, Social Development Specialist and Health &
Safety Specialist will ensure that the provisions in this ESMP are implemented
within the sites under their supervision and to collect and transmit relevant
information to the Supervising Engineer.
vi) Undertake regular compliance audits, including the mandatory Annual
Environmental Compliance Audit in accordance with the National Environment
Act.
8.8.2 Project Development Partner (AfDB)
The AfDB will be financing the project. Like other financing entities, the AfDB is expected
to offer implementation support supervision to the project’s environmental and social
performance through reviews, approvals, meetings, training field inspections and
missions. The AfDB is expected to have a safeguards team that can participate in
safeguards missions.
Therefore; the AfDB will;
i) Provide appropriate guidance towards compliance with the Operational
Safeguards;
ii) Allow for quick feedback on the any safeguards documentation of the project;
iii) Provide no-objection on environmental and social matters whenever required;
and
iv) Play an oversight role in implementing the Safeguards Requirements.
8.8.3 NEMA and Lead Agencies
NEMA will, in consultation with Tororo District Local Government (represented by
District Environment Officer), monitor all environmental phenomena with a view of
assessing any possible changes in the environment and their possible impacts; the
operation of the water supply facility with a view of determining its immediate and long-
term effects on the environment.
8.8.4 Project Contractor
During sites preparation and construction, the contractor will be responsible for ensuring
compliance with all relevant legislation as well as adherence to all environmental and
socio-economic mitigation measures specified in the Environment and Social
Management Plan. The contractor is also responsible for managing the potential
environmental, socio-economic, safety and health impacts of all contract activities
whether these are undertaken by themselves or by their subcontractors. Other
responsibilities of the contractor include: preparation of a Contractors Environmental
and Social Management Plan (CESMP), workers’ Code-of-Conduct, that all workers will
have to read and abide with through signing.
8.8.5 Tororo District Local Government
Although the contractor will have the primary role in delivering on the measures set out
in the ESMMP, Tororo District Local Government will have the ultimate responsibility for
ensuring that the measures are delivered. In this respect, Tororo District Local
Government will review and approve contractor plans for delivery of the actions
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contained in the ESMP and subsequently during project operation, review contractor
performance through monitoring, audits and inspection to ensure that all proposed
mitigation measures are implemented as well as ensuring regulatory compliance.
8.9 The Monitoring Team

It is recommended that a core team of individuals preferably headed by the Tororo
District Environment Officer (DEO) and the Water Officer (DWO). Other important
players to take part in monitoring include the Community Development Officer (CDO) at
the district or sub-county levels and the local leaders at sub-county, parish and village
levels.
The monitoring team will start its work during the site preparation and construction
process and continue throughout the operation phase and should ensure that the
proposed mitigation measures are implemented as suggested in this report. The
monitoring team will most particularly check for the following issues among others:
▪ Collaboration of the Project Proponents with NEMA and other relevant authorities
to ensure that operations of the water scheme meet regulatory requirements.
▪ Efficient and functional water and sanitation system at the premises.
▪ Proper storage, handling and final disposal of any solid waste produced at the
premises.
▪ General cleanliness and good housekeeping in and around the facilities.
▪ Emergency preparedness especially in cases of fire outbreak.
▪ Constant acquisition of appropriate permits and/or licenses from respective
institutions and compliance with the regulatory framework.
▪ Supervise implementation of all the proposed mitigation measures.
▪ Compile a monitoring report indicating all non-conformances to mitigation
measures.
8.10 Enforcement of Compliance

Laxity in implementation and reporting on safeguards issues is common amongst
contractors during project implementation largely because they do not take safeguards
issues seriously. This can be addressed by requiring the contractor to prepare monthly
environmental and social monitoring reports. These should either be pay items and
clearly included in the BoQs or a condition for certification and payment approvals. The
contractor must be required to undertake proper recordkeeping of all safeguards’
activities. Slackness in the provision and use of PPE is a risk to the safety of workers. The
BoQs should provide a sum for PPE and supervision be done to ensure that all workers
undertake works while in full PPE.
The Supervising Engineer must strictly supervise implementation of the ESMP and where
there are breaches, the supervising engineer should issue written instructions, cautions
and warnings as applicable. Where the contractor fails to comply, contractual clauses
should be invoked, and penalties or fines effected. If necessary, the civil works can be
suspended if the contractor repeatedly fails to adhere to instructions. The MWE should
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penalize the supervising consultant if he fails to supervise and enforce ESMP

implementation by the contractor.
8.11 Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan (ESMMP) Matrix
The ESMMP matrix (Table 39) provides a detailed guidance for managing impacts,
monitoring indicators, indicative costs for impact mitigation, responsibility for
implementing the mitigation measures, the monitoring institution and the monitoring
frequency. The Contractor and Developer/Operator must ensure that the ESMMP is
implemented, and should allow the monitoring institution to carry out the monitoring
duties without any obstruction.
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Table 39: Environmental and social management and monitoring plan

MITIGATION
(UGX)
Positive Impacts
Employment ▪ Prepare a labour force management plan -Labour force 10 million Contractor CDO Monthly
opportunities and ▪ Preference for employment opportunities should be management plan in (for the MWE
income given to the local people where they have the required place labour farce
skills (for skilled labour activities). Otherwise, all -Details of the project management
activities which do not require skills such as casual staff, including origin, plan)
activities should be given to the locals age
▪ All laborers should be given contracts specifying their
roles and responsibilities and renumerations
▪ The use of appropriate labour-intensive methods for
some of the construction activities (for example
excavation for pipelines) should be undertaken to enable
as many local people (including women) as possible get
jobs
services such as food and accommodation should be
given to local suppliers
▪ Foreign companies (if contracted) should be required to -Details of the 0 Contractor CDO Once, before
have a joint venture with local companies to build their Contractor, including MWE DWO start of
capacity. country of construction
▪ Contracts terms for construction works for the project’s registration works
Acquisition/impr
construction and O&M phase should emphasize -Details of the
ovement of skills
knowledge transfer and the project developer should Contracts agreement
monitor and ensure that the objectives are met. -Presence of the O&M
▪ O&M manual and standard operating procedures must manual
be handed over to the operator
Reduction of
poverty and
improved
livelihoods of the
local people
poor people can obtain water
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MITIGATION
(UGX)
-Number of
households
connected, and
number public stand
pipes
▪ Ensure consistent supply of water of adequate quality -Records of water 1 million (for MWE DWO Quarterly
and quantity abstraction and community CDO
▪ Extend water to as many users as possible in the project supply sensitization)
Improvement in
▪ Sensitize communities on the dangers of using unsafe households
public health
water sources connected, and
number public stand
pipes
-Minutes of
community
sensitization
Achievement
universal primary
education
households
connected, and
number public stand
pipes
Promotion of ▪ Ensure consistent supply of water of adequate quality -Records of water Part of the MWE DWO Quarterly
gender equality and quantity abstraction and contract CDO
and ▪ Extend water to as many users as possible in the project supply
empowerment of area -Records of water
women and the ▪ Provide as many public stand pipes as possible where quality assessment
girl child poor people can obtain water
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MITIGATION
(UGX)
-Number of
households
connected, and
number public stand
pipes
Negative Impacts
Loss of land and ▪ Prepare and implement a RAP -RAP in place -80 million Developer CDO Once, to be
property ▪ All privately owned land to host project components -Agreements of land for a RAP cleared before
should be duly compensated prior start of construction sale -Cost of land start of
activities -Compensation and other construction
▪ All property should be valued and duly compensated agreement property to
prior to start of construction works depend on
▪ For property like crops, where possible, owners should the actual
be informed early about the project work plan and value
allowed to harvest them prior to start of construction
▪ Prepare a stakeholder engagement plan and ensure that
stakeholder engagement is a continuous process
throughout the project implementation
Traffic disruption ▪ Prepare and implement traffic management plan -Traffic management 6 Million Contractor CDO Weekly
plan in place
▪ Liaise with the local traffic authority to manage traffic -Records of agreed 1 Million Contractor CDO Weekly
at busy crossings e.g., markets, schools, churches work plans with Traffic police
traffic police Department,
Tororo
Loss of vegetation ▪ Prepare a vegetation restoration plan -A vegetation 6.5 million Contractor DEO Once, before
and soil cover restoration plan in start of
place construction
activities
▪ Restrict clearance to only areas to be constructed. -Presence of bare Part of the Contractor DEO Weekly
soils Contract
▪ Landscaping and re-vegetation after construction -Presence of gullies 10 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
especially around the water source and reservoir due to soil erosion.
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MITIGATION
(UGX)
▪ Restrict alignment of the transmission route along road -Layout of the Part of the Contractor DWO /DEO Monthly
reserves transmission line Contract
Introduction of ▪ All Construction machinery should be cleaned prior to -Records of 1 Million Contractor DEO Once, before
invasive plant their transport to and assembly at the project sites machinery cleaning start of
species construction
activities
Disruption of ▪ Prioritize employment of local people where they have -Record of project Part of the Contractor CDO Weekly
social order the required skills staff and their area of Contract
origin
▪ Sensitize all workers to ensure awareness of and -Record of 2.5 Million Contractor CDO Monthly
sensitivity to the local cultures, traditions and lifestyles sensitization sessions
Noise from ▪ Schedule noise-intensive work for the least noise- -Work schedule 0 Contractor DEO Weekly
construction sensitive time of the day (work between 8 am and 5 pm) -Complaints about
machinery noise;
▪ Provision of PPE to project workers -PPE in use Part of the Contractor DEO Weekly
Contract
▪ Regular noise assessments -Noise assessment 1 Million Contractor DEO Monthly
reports
▪ Sprinkle water to dusty grounds during the dry seasons -Records of air water 10 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
sprinkling
▪ Cover earth materials with tarpaulin during -Presence of 1 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
transportation to minimise their falling off trucks; tarpaulins for
covering loose
material
Solid waste ▪ Prepare a waste management plan -A waste 5 million Contractor DEO Once, before
generation management plan in start of
place construction
activities
▪ Use the excavated material for backfilling. -Heaps of waste & Part of the Contractor DEO Monthly
excavated material Contract
on site
-Areas backfilled
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MITIGATION
(UGX)
▪ Provide waste bins for proper storage. -Waste bins within 0.2 Million Contractor DEO Monthly
the project area.
▪ Contract a waste management company where waste -Contract agreement 2 Million Contractor DEO Monthly
volumes are large with a waste
management
company
▪ Provide temporary eco-san toilets on site during -Eco-san toilet on site Part of the Contractor DEO Monthly
site works construction
contract
Occupational ▪ Prepare an occupational Health and safety plan -An occupational 6.5 Million Contractor CDO Once, before
health and safety health and safety plan DEO start of
issues in place DHI construction
works
▪ Provide workers with PPE and sensitise them on basic -PPE in use Part of the Contractor DEO Weekly
safety precautions. Contract
▪ Provision of a first aid kit -First aid kit Part of the Contractor DEO Monthly
Contract
Community ▪ Prepare a community health and safety plan -A community health 5 Million Contractor CDO Once, before
health and safety and safety plan in DEO start of
issues place DHI construction
works
▪ Cordon off all dangerous areas along public roads -Marks of dangerous 1 Million Contractor CDO Weekly
places DEO
▪ Project vehicles transport material along community -Records of 1 Million Contractor DEO Monthly
roads should not exceed 40 km/h. sensitization of
project drivers on
speed limits
-Speed limit signs on
roads
▪ Schedule of construction works along community access -Proof of 0.5 Million Contractor DEO Bi-monthly
roads should be communicated to public at least a week communication of
prior to start of construction works work schedule with
communities
Page | 78

MITIGATION
(UGX)
-Number accidents
recorded
▪ Prepare and implement an HIV/AIDS management plan -An HIV/AIDS 10 Million Contractor DCDO Quarterly
management plan
Increased ▪ Prepare an erosion control plan -An erosion control Contractor DEO Once, prior to
5 Million
susceptibility to plan in place NEMA start of
soil erosion construction
activities
▪ Immediately dispose of any excavated soil to avoid loose -Presence of erosion 2 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
soil being washed away by storm water. gullies within the site NEMA
premises
▪ Providing an erosion barrier around stockpiles of -Presence of erosion 5 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
excavated soils barriers NEMA
▪ Plant bands of grass on erosion prone surfaces. -Presence of plant 4 Million Contractor DEO Quarterly
bands NEMA
Air pollution and ▪ Vehicles transporting construction material along -Speed limit signages 5- Million Contractor DEO Weekly
climate change community access roads should move as lower speeds, along access roads CDO
not exceeding 40 km/hr NEMA
▪ All lose material like sand, cement, murram, soil should -Trucks covered 1 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
be covered with a tarpaulin during transportation NEMA
▪ Excavated soil stored at the site should be covered with -Soils covered 0.5 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
a tarpaulin NEMA
▪ Water should be sprinkled on dusty ground where other -Records of water 2 Million Contractor DEO Weekly
measures cannot appropriately minimize dust emission sprinkling NEMA
▪ Repair and maintain construction equipment following -Records of vehicle 10 Million Contractor DEO Quarterly
the manufacturer’s specifications, including on fuelling repair and NEMA
maintenance
Page | 79

MITIGATION
(UGX)
▪ Offset emitted carbon dioxide during construction -Records of trees 5 Million Contractor DEO Annually
activities by planting local trees at all devastated sites planted NEMA
Theft of -Verification of project employees should be done by the -Records of employee 1.5 Million CDO CDO Prior to the
construction local authorities. verification exercise start of
materials construction
activities
-Any time staff
are required
Security guards should be hired to provide security at the -Presence of security 5 Million CDO CDO -Weekly
construction sites. guards
Water Pollution ▪ Ensuring that storage containers are checked regularly -Records of chemical 0.3 Million Developer / DEO Quarterly
for leakage leakage/ spillage Operator
Occupational ▪ Prepare an occupational health and safety plan -Same as in the Same as in Same as in the Same as in the Same as in the
Health and Safety construction phase the construction construction construction
phase
▪ Workers should be given appropriate PPE when -Workers using PPE Part of the Developer / DEO Quarterly
handling chemical Contract Operator CDO
▪ Regular trainings on the operations of the water system -Records of training 3 Million Developer / DWO Quarterly
on operation systems Operator
▪ Installation of firefighting equipment at the abstraction -Presence of 5 Million Developer / DEO Quarterly
point firefighting Operator DWO
equipment
▪ A well-equipped first aid kit should be availed to project -Presence of a first Part of the Developer / DEO Quarterly
workers. aid kit. Contract Operator CDO
-Records of injuries
Incapacity to ▪ Train local community members in the operation and -Number of trained 6 Million Developer/ DWO Quarterly
operate and maintenance of the water supply infrastructure community members Operator
maintain the in operation and
project maintenance of the
Page | 80

MITIGATION
(UGX)
components by piped water supply
local people system
▪ Prepare a quality management plan ▪ A quality 15 Million Contractor DWO Quarterly
Management plan Operator CDO
in place DEO
Unaffordability of ▪ Levy charges in consideration of the income levels of the ▪ Records of water 0 Developer / DWO Quarterly
the water charges area. Charges for poor people should be just enough to charges Operator CDO
cover the operational costs ▪ Complaints from
the public
▪ Provide many public standard pipes where poor people ▪ Number of public Part of the Developer / DWO Twice a year
can obtain water cheaply stand pipes Contract Operator CDO
Air pollution ▪ Sensitize communities on the use of public toilets, and -Records of 1 Million Developer / DWO Once, after
the need for better sanitation community Operator CDO completion of
sensitization construction
▪ Provide sufficient ventilation on the public toilet -Building drawings Part of the Developer / DWO Once, prior to,
Contract Operator CDO and once after
construction
Spread of ▪ Ensure regular supply of sufficient water for flushing -Presence of a Part of the Developer / DWO
sanitation and and washing hands by providing a reservoir tank at reservoir tank at the Contract Operator CDO
water borne the toilet toilet DEO
diseases
Vandalization / ▪ Sensitize community members about the importance of -Records of 2 Million Developer / DWO Once, prior to,
theft project the project community Operator CDO and once after
equipment sensitization DEO construction
▪ Hire a security guard to provide 24-hour security at -Presence of security To depend Developer / DWO Quarterly
sensitive components such as the abstraction/pumping guards on the local Operator CDO
station security DEO
labour cost
▪ Fence off major project components such as abstraction -Fenced project site Part of the Developer / DWO Twice a year
and reservoir sites construction Operator CDO
Contract DEO
Page | 81

MITIGATION
(UGX)
Disruption of ▪ Inform the communities in the affected areas well in ▪ Records of 3 million for Operator DWO Quarterly,
water supply advance about the decommissioning activities sensitization sensitization Decommissioni CDO within the last
▪ Provide alternative source of water meeting about meetings ng Contractor DEO two years of
project decommissioni
decommissioning ng
▪ Presence
alternative water
sources
Traffic disruption ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the 1000000 Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
construction phase construction construction construction
phase phase phase
Disruption of ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the 2500000 Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
social order construction phase construction construction construction
phase phase phase
Noise pollution ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the 5000000 Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
construction phase construction construction construction
phase phase phase
Solid waste ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the 4200000 Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
generation construction phase construction construction construction
phase phase phase
Occupational ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the - Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
health and safety construction phase construction construction construction
issues phase phase phase
Public health and ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the 6000000 Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
safety issues construction phase construction construction construction
phase phase phase
Increased ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the 10000000 Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
susceptibility to construction phase construction construction construction
Soil erosion phase phase phase
Page | 82

MITIGATION
(UGX)
Air pollution and ▪ Same as for the construction phase ▪ Same as for the 23000000 Same as for the Same as for the Same as for the
climate change construction phase construction construction construction
phase phase phase
TOTAL 293,200,000
Further, the following other costs (Table 40) should be clear in the BoQs during the bidding process. Additional details on the main
activities are presented in Annex V.
Table 40: Other cost items to be included in the BoQs during the bidding process
Item Indicative Costs
Grievance Redress Mechanism 22,000,000
Stakeholder Engagement 24,000,000
Environment and Social Audit 35,000,000
Capacity Building and Trainings 20,000,000
Sub-total 101,000,000
Grand Total, including ESMMP (UGX 293,200,000) 394,200,000
Page | 83
9 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
9.1 Conclusions
This environmental and social impact assessment for the Soni water supply and
sanitation system has examined the project need, its compatibility with the surroundings,
socio-economic benefits and the adverse social and environmental impacts.
Enhancement measures have been proposed for the positive impacts, while mitigation
measures to avoid, reduce and minimise the adverse impacts were also suggested, either
as part of the design, or as measures to be implemented. Good practice measures were
also identified in order to minimize the impact of the proposed development further. The
proponent has agreed to these mitigation measures and they are, therefore, expressed as
commitments.
Overall, the negative impacts of this project are rated by this study as largely insignificant;
however, adequate mitigation measures have been proposed to address them. When
mitigation actions and environmental and social monitoring plans are implemented, the
project would have minimal residual environmental effects. Hence the project can be
implemented in a sustainable way.
9.2 Recommendations
This study therefore makes the following recommendations:
▪ Many times, Project Contractors do not comply with the recommendations given
in the project environmental report. This could tantamount to violation of the law
with possible halting of the whole project by the relevant authorities, including
NEMA. A copy of this report would be availed to the Project Contractor, and
advised to read this report with focus on impacts and their mitigation measures.
Further the Contractor should get acquainted with the ESNNP and thereafter
develop management outlined therein.
▪ The project ought to be approved for implementation by the relevant authorities
to enable fulfilment of the project main objective of improving access to safe water
in the area
Page | 84
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. AfDB Operational Safeguard (OS) Policies

2. APHA/AWWA/WEF. (2020). Standard methods for the examination of water and
wastewater 20th edition. Washington DC: American Public Health Association,
America Water Works Association and Water Control Federation
3. Feasibility report for Soni Water Supply and Sanitation System
4. The design report for Soni Water Supply and Sanitation System
5. National Environment (Noise standards and control) Regulations 2003
6. Occupational safety and Health Act (2000)
7. The National Development Plan III (NDP III 2020/21-2024/25)
8. The National Environment (Environmental and Social Assessment) Regulations
2020
9. The National Environment Act. No. 5 of 2019
10. The Water Act, Cap 152.
11. UBOS (2014). National Population and Housing Census 2014. Uganda Bureau of
Statistics, Kampala, Uganda.
12. Uganda Vision 2040
13. Freeman, NS, Pomeroy, D and Tushabe, H. 2003. on the use of Timed Species counts to
estimate abundance in species-rich communities African Journal of Ecology 41, 337-348.
14. IUCN. (2023). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Available at:
www.iucnredlist.org. (Accessed: 27th January 2023).
15. Stevenson T, Fanshawe J. (2002). Birds of East Africa. T & A D Poyser Ltd.
16. WCS. (2016). Red lists of major taxa for Uganda. Wildlife Conservation Society, Kampala.
Page | 85
ANNEXES
Annex I: Summary of the project investment cost

Bill No Description Investment Costs (Ush)
GENERAL
TOR G-1 General Items 14,335,100
TOR G-2 Method Related Charges 20,234,000
TOR G-3 Day Works 6,944,200
WATER SUPPLY AND EQUIPMENT

TOR W-1 Borehole Pump Station and Sump 411,225,933
TOR W-2 Borehole Pumping Mains 113,330,494
TOR W-3 Reservoir Tank and Site Works 433,182,111
TOR W-5 Distribution Network 483,130,983
TOR W-6 Mechanical 285,649,900
TOR W-7 Borehole electrical works 710,548,950
TOR W-8 Guard House 18,918,875
TOR W-9 Consumer Connections 18,983,800
TOR W-10 Tools and Equipment 9,310,000
Sub-Total 1 2,516,484,345
Allow for 10% contingency 251,648,434.5

Sub-Total 2 2,768,132,779
Allow for 18% VAT 498,263,900.3

Grand Total 3,266,396,680
Sanitation Cost Estimate

Amount
D Unit Quantity Rate (USh)
e (USh)
Construction of 1 units
s of 2 Stance VIP
Public Sanitation cFacility complete,
1No. Urinal, 2No.r disabled people No. 1 48,546,789 48,546,789
equipped stances; complete
i with hand
washing
TOTAL facility. p 48,546,789
ti
o
n
Page | 86
Annex II: List of affected villages in the project area

S/County Parish Village
Kirewa Mifumi Mingujwe

Kirewa Mifumi Nyabanja
Kirewa Mifumi Winyaka
Kirewa Mifumi Iyopok
Kirewa Mifumi Nyakasana
Kirewa Mifumi Kwoyo
Kirewa Mifumi Ngulimo
Kirewa Mifumi Chawolo
Kirewa Mifumi Kisuni
Kirewa Mifumi Pakitaka
Kirewa Mifumi Kisera
Kirewa Mifumi Nyamiyemba
Kirewa Mifumi Mifumi- North
Kirewa Mifumi Mifumi- South
Kirewa Soni Oruwa
Kirewa Soni Ataro
Kirewa Soni Pore
Kirewa Soni Sonikayinja
Kirewa Soni Jiep
Kirewa Soni Bulalo
Page | 87
Annex III: List of Stakeholders Consulted
Page | 88
Page | 89
Page | 90
Annex IV: Water Quality Analysis Results

STANDARDS TEST RESULTS
NATIONAL WHO RIVER LWAKHAKHA TGFS INTAKE POINT
PARAMETER UNITS DRINKING WATER DRINKING WATER SAMPLE NUMBER
GV MAC No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6
Colour Hazen Units - - 15 TCU 18 87 - 11 12 8.7
pH (pH units) 5,5 - 8,5 5,0 - 9,5 - 7.7 7.02 7.2 7.4 7.5 7.5
Electrical Conductivity um - 43 - 47 42 55
Total Dissolved Solids mg/litre 1000 1500 1000 30 - 33 29 34 41
Suspended Solids at 105°C mg/litre - - - 3.0 10 12 14 2.7 14
Turbidity NTU 10 30 5 11 13 10.1 4.1 7.7 2.2
Total Alkalinity as CaCO3 mg/litre - 25 40 30 22 28 33
Total Hardness as CaCO3 mg/litre 600 800 500 19 28 22 20 23 28
Calcium mg/litre - - - 4.8 23 5 4 5.6 6
Magnesium mg/litre - - - 1.7 - 2.2 2.4 2.2 3.2
Sodium mg/litre - - 200 2 - 3 2 3 2.4
Potassium mg/litre - - - 1.8 - 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.2
Total Iron mg/litre 1 2 0.3 1.0 0.1 1.2 0.7 0.61 0.97
Fluoride mg/litre 2 4 1.5 0.09 1.46 0.1 0.05 0.05 0.12
Chloride mg/litre 250 500 250 3 5.5 5 3 <3 <3
Sulphates mg/litre 250 500 250 7.0 7.0 8.0 5.0 6 9.0
Nitrates as N mg/litre 5 11 11 0.12 0.7 <0.002 <0.002 0.1 0.07
Nitrites as N mg/litre 0 1 1 <0.002 0.07 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002
Page | 91
Annex V: Other items to be considered during preparation of the BoQs

a) Grievance Redress Mechanism Main Activities
S/N ACTIVITY Indicative
COST (UGX)
1. Preparations for and attending monthly meetings for project workers and the 1000000
contractor’s representatives.
2. Gender sensitisations for project contractor about employment considerations for both 3000000
men and women
3. Gender mainstreaming on the project including gender inspections and monitoring 2000000
4. Establishment of grievance mechanism structures and committees in the project 2000000
5. Establishment of grievance office and orientation of office personnel 1000000
6. Rent for GRM office 1000000
7. Renumeration and facilitation for the grievance officer 4000000
8. Stakeholder sensitization on the grievance procedure 1000000
9. Stipends and refreshments for GRM committee members 1000000
10. Community sensitisations and engagements about grievance mechanism redress 2000000
11. Office facilities, stationery and other secretarial services for GRM offices and 3000000
committees
12. Monitoring and Evaluation by the project staff and the district team 1000000
13. GRAND TOTAL 22,000,000
Page | 92
b) Stakeholder Engagement Plan Main Activities

ITEM ACTION TARGETED PERSONS ENGAGEMENT APPROACHES ISSUES FOR DISCUSSION Indicative
PLANNED Cost (UGX)
1 Engagement and - HIV Focal Person, -Face to face meetings • Mitigation of likely impacts of the 3,000,000
consultative - Health Centers III or IV -Informal working sessions/KIIs project.
meetings Heads, -Data/information sharing • Baseline environmental, economic &
With district Population offices in the -Distribution of IEC materials social information.
leaders Districts, LC5s, RDC, CDO, -Media coverages through radio and TV • Project views/concerns.
LABOUR OFFICE DPC, spots • Grievance management
DISTRICT ENGINEERS • Mitigation/monitoring
2 Engagement with Project affected persons -Face to face meetings • Project impacts 4,000,000
LCI, LCII, LCIII, -panel discussions • Affected PAPs
LCIV Chairpersons -Information leaflets and fliers, • Grievances
-Observations • Police records
-photographs
-Information dissemination and sharing
3 Engagement with Project affected persons Focus group discussions • Regulatory requirements/ permits and 3,000,000
Employer’s licenses;
workforce • mitigation and monitoring
• Grievance management
4 Local Community Project affected persons -Community gatherings • impacts and expectations 2,000,000
Engagements at -Focus group discussions • Local solutions
village levels • Links and ties with the local community
• Compensation of PAPs
5 Radio talk shows Project affected persons Discussions 2,000,000
6 Formation of Project affected persons Community meetings • impacts and expectations 3,000,000
GMCs • Local solutions
• Links and ties with the local community
7 Project safety Project affected persons Community meetings and schools • Project safety incidences, mitigation 4,000,000
campaigns measures
Page | 93
ITEM ACTION TARGETED PERSONS ENGAGEMENT APPROACHES ISSUES FOR DISCUSSION Indicative
PLANNED Cost (UGX)
8 NGOs in Groups; women, children Key informant interviews • Project impacts and expectations from 3,000,000
HIV/AIDS, GBV elderly Case studies, photographs the proposed project
and Child
protection &
awareness sector
Total 24,000,000
Page | 94
c) Environmental and Social Audit

The Environmental and Social Audit should be conducted during and at the end of the
construction phase to understand the compliance of the Contractor in relation to the
implementation of the ESMMP.
The Environmental and Social Audit should include the following activities:
S/N Activity Indicative cost (UGX)
1. Review of the ESMMP 2000000
2. Interviewing the Contractor about the implementation of the ESMMP 2000000
3. Interviewing the workers about the implementation of the ESMMP 4000000
4. Interviewing community members about the implementation of the 15000000
ESMMP
6. Carrying out measurements and observations on the biophysical 4000000
6. Assessing the compliance of the Contractor to ESMMP 4000000
7. Identifying issues that require correction 2000000
Total 35,000,000
d) Capacity Building and Trainings

S/N Description of training Target participants Timeframe Cost (UGX)
1 Labour conditions, GRM District Local During construction 10,000,000
health and safety Government and operation
2 Water rights issue, Community Project Beneficiaries/ During Operation 10,000,000
disagreements, GRM Farmers
Total 20,000,000
Page | 95

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MINISTRY OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE

ESIA TEAM AND DECLARATION

The above worked together with the following Experts:

ESIA TEAM AND DECLARATION ................................................................................................................ i

2.4.3 Ministry of Gender Labour & Social Development ..................................................... 15

5.3 General recommendations to enhance sustainability of project ................................... 42

8.3.3 Erosion Control Plan .............................................................................................................. 60

Table 1: Maximum Permissible Noise Levels for Construction sites ......................................... 7

Project Overview and Objectives

Description of the Project Area

African Development Bank (AfDB) Operational Safeguard (OS) policies such as OS 1:

• National Environment (Conduct and Certificate of Environment Practitioners

Potential Environmental and Social Impacts

IMPACT Overall Significance

decision. They only give water to only those who

• Our livelihoods will greatly improve in this respect.

Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan (ESMMP)

IMPACT ENHANCEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURE INDICATOR ESTIMATED RESPONSIBLE MONITORING MONITORING

IMPACT ENHANCEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURE INDICATOR ESTIMATED RESPONSIBLE MONITORING MONITORING

IMPACT ENHANCEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURE INDICATOR ESTIMATED RESPONSIBLE MONITORING MONITORING

IMPACT ENHANCEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURE INDICATOR ESTIMATED RESPONSIBLE MONITORING MONITORING

IMPACT ENHANCEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURE INDICATOR ESTIMATED RESPONSIBLE MONITORING MONITORING

IMPACT ENHANCEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURE INDICATOR ESTIMATED RESPONSIBLE MONITORING MONITORING

IMPACT ENHANCEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURE INDICATOR ESTIMATED RESPONSIBLE MONITORING MONITORING

IMPACT ENHANCEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURE INDICATOR ESTIMATED RESPONSIBLE MONITORING MONITORING

IMPACT ENHANCEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURE INDICATOR ESTIMATED RESPONSIBLE MONITORING MONITORING

IMPACT ENHANCEMENT/MITIGATION MEASURE INDICATOR ESTIMATED RESPONSIBLE MONITORING MONITORING

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

1.1 Project Background

1.2 Project Objectives

The main objectives of this report include the following:

implementation of the mitigation measures; v) responsibilities for monitoring the

1.3 Justification of the Proposed Project

1.4 Details of the Developer and Investment Cost

1.4.2 Investment Cost

1.5 Study Methodology

vii. Uganda Vision 2040;

The objectives of the consultation were to:

• Those involved in project preparation;

An analysis of birds of conservation concern was conducted based on various categories

Global, Regional and National Red-listed species

Table 1: Maximum Permissible Noise Levels for Construction sites

2 POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

2.2 Policies Relevant to the Proposed Project

Policy Title Policy Goal Relevance to Soni Mini Solar Water

2.3 Legal Framework Relevant to the Proposed Project

Legal Framework Provision(s) Proposed

Legal Framework Provision(s) Proposed

Legal Framework Provision(s) Proposed

Table 4: AfDB Operational Safeguard (OS) Policies

Operational Key issue Relevance/Applicability

2.4 Institutional Framework

Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) is responsible for ensuring sound

2.4.1.1 The Directorate of Water Resources Management (DWRM)

2.4.1.2 The Directorate of Water Development (DWD)

2.4.2 National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is a semi-autonomous

3 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE CONDITIONS