Environmental Report /02 - World...

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Environmental Report /02

Environmental Impact Statement for

Bondo-Nebbi distribution line &

generator operation in Arua

(Revised v.2)

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ECON-Report no. /02, Project no. <Velg tilgjengelighet>ISSN: 0803-5113, ISBN 82-7645-xxx-xe/,, 9. January 2003

Environmental Impact Statementfor Bondo-Nebbi distribution line &generator operation in Arua

Commissioned by WestNile Concession Committee

Prepared by EMA & ECON

ECON Centre for Economic AnalysisP.O.Box 6823 St. Olavs plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway. Phone: + 47 22 98 98 50, Fax: + 47 22 11 00 80,

http://www.econ.no

- - EMA & ECON -Environmental Impact Statement for Bondo-Nebbi transmission line, Uganda - DRAFT -

Table of Contents:EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................... 2

INTRODUCTION ....................................................... 71.1 Background ...................................................... 71.2 Objectives of the study ...................................................... 71.3 EIA team ...................................................... 71.4 Methodology ...................................................... 8

2 POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ....................... 92.1 Policies ...................................................... 92.1.1 National environment management policy ...................................... 92.1.2 Energy policy ...................................................... 92.1.3 The National Policy for the Conservation and Management ofWetland Resources 1995 ..................................................... 92.1.4 Water Resources Policy 1995 .................................... 102.2 Legal and Regulatory Framework .................................... 102.2.1 The Uganda Constitution, 1995 .................................... 102.2.2 National Environment Statute and Regulations ............................. 102.2.3 Electricity Regulation .................................... 112.2.4 Water Act .................................... 112.2.5 Land Act 1998 .................................... 122.2.6 Local Governments Act 1997 .................................... 122.2.7 Town and Country Planning Act 1964 .................................... 122.2.8 Investment Code Statute .................................... 122.2.9 International Agreements .................................... 122.3 Institutions .................................... 132.3.1 National Environment Management Authority .............................. 132.3.2 Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) .................................... 142.3.3 Directorate of Water Development (DWD) ................................... 142.3.4 Town and Country Planning Board .................................... 142.3.5 District Level Institutional Structure .................................... 142.3.6 Donors and Financing Institutions .................................... 15

3 AREA PROFILE . .163.1 Topography .163.2 Geomorphology .163.3 Climate .173.4 Soils .173.5 Water Resources .173.6 Land Tenure And Administration .173.7 Settlements .183.8 Demography .183.8.1 Population and Population Trends .183.8.2 Population Growth .183.8.3 Population Density .193.8.4 Health .193.8.5 Infrastructure .203.8.6 The Economy .20

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3.8.7 Social Services .21

4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION . .234.1 Introduction and background .234.2 Project layout .244.3 Distribution Line .244.4 The existing generator units at Arua and Nebbi .254.4.1 Distribution .264.4.2 Additional Thermal Generation Capacity .27

5 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE . .295.1 Vegetation .295.2 Wildlife .295.3 Administrative Boundaries .305.4 Environmental Health and Sanitation .305.5 Education .315.6 Other Services .315.7 Cultural Heritage .315.8 Attitude to the project .31

6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE DISTRIBUTION LINE &GENERATOR SETS . .336.1 Ecological Impacts .336.2 Negative Impacts .346.2.1 Change of land use .346.2.2 Flora .346.2.3 Fauna .346.2.4 Noise .356.2.5 Electromagnetic Fields .356.3 Potential benefits .366.4 Socio-economic impacts .366.4.1 Access Tracks And Traffic .366.4.2 Impacts On Land Use And Settlement .376.4.3 Visual Impacts .386.4.4 Impacts on Property .386.4.5 Employment .386.4.6 Health And Safety .39

7 PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES . .407.1 Summary of mitigation measures ................................ 407.2 Erosion ................................ 427.3 Access to the forest reserves in Arua ................................ 427.4 Vegetation ................................. 427.5 Chronic effects of electromagnetic radiation ................................ 437.6 Noise ................................ 437.7 Access tracks and traffic impacts ................................ 437.8 Land use and settlements ................................ 437.9 Visual influence ................................. 437.10 Property rights ................................ 447.11 Health and safety issues ................................ 44

8 REFERENCES . .47ANNEX 1: LIST OF PERSONS CONSULTED ............................................. 48

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ANNEX 2: EIA REVISION DUE TO LINE ROUTE CHANGE ......................... 49ANNEX 3: LINE ROUTE MAP ........................................................ 57

ANNEX 4: COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR ROAD UPGRADE .................. 62ANNEX 5: ESTIMATED SHARE OF LINE WITHIN ROAD RESERVE ......... 67ANNEX 6: RECORD OF CONSULTATION MEETINGS & DISCLOSURE OF

INFORMATION ................................................... 69


HI

- EMA & ECON -Environmental Impact Statement for Bondo-Nebbi transmission line, Uganda - DRAFT -

Acknowledgements

The Environmental Impact Assessment study team for the Bondo - Nebbi DistributionLine project would like to express its sincere gratitude to all those who made it possible.Numerous people were consulted in Kampala, Nebbi and Arua towns and at the projectsite. Their contributions are hereby acknowledged. Particular mention must be made ofMr. Justin Ecat, EIA Coordinator, NEMA; Eng. Moses Murengezi, AssistantCommissioner Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development; Eng. Gerald Muganga,Manager Engineering (service) Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd.; Eng. SwaliRajab UEB Regional Manager West Nile; Eng. Butele, The in-charge UEB Nebbi; FredOnyai, Nebbi District Environment Officer; Mr. George Ambe Vice Chairman LC V -Arua; Eng. Lawrence Pario, District Executive Engineer - Arua, Mr. Stanley Adrabo,Deputy CAO - Arua. Special recognition is also made of the contribution and supportgiven for the project by the Engineers of SBI, the company that is upgrading the Arua -Nebbi Highway Finally, the EIA team would also like to thank all the local councilofficials of Arua and Nebbi for their unreserved cooperation.

However, while acknowledging the contributions and support received during the courseof the study, the EIA Team assumes full responsibility for any omissions and errorscontained in this Environmental Impact Statement Report (EIS).

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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMSAFFREI African Rural Renewable Energy InitiativeCAO Chief Administrative OfficerCEFORD Community Empowerment for Rural DevelopmentDEO District Environment OfficerDRC Democratic Republic of CongoEIA Environmental Impact AssessmentEIS Environmental Impact StatementEMA Environment Management AssociatesEMR Electro-magnetic RadiationERT Energy for Rural TransformationESMF Environmental and Social Management FrameworkGoU Government of UgandaIDA International Development AssociationIFC International Finance Corporationkm Kilometreskm2 Square Kilometreskm/s Kilometres per secondLC Local Councilm2 Square Kilometres

M3/s Cubic Metres per secondMW MegawattMWh Megawatt - hour

NGO Non-Governmental OrganisationNEMA National Environment Management AuthorityNES National Environment StatuteOPIC Overseas Private Investment CorporationRAFU Road Agency Formation Unit (RAFU)RDC Resident District CommissionerToR Terms of ReferenceUEB Uganda Electricity BoardURECL Uganda Rural Electrification Company LimitedUWA Uganda Wildlife AuthorityWB World Bank

WNES West Nile Electricity Supply

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Executive SummaryBackground and introduction

The growing demand for electricity in rural Uganda is currently not being met bythe present supply. The Government of Uganda (GoU) has recently introducednew measures to decentralise the sector to correct shortfalls and to encourageprivate participation in the energy sector. The World Bank (WB) is providingassistance through the Energy for Rural Transformation (ERT) project as part of alarger programme known as the African Rural Renewable Energy Initiative(AFRREI). The objective of the programme is to facilitate private sectorinvolvement in generating and supplying electricity as a catalyst for overall ruraldevelopment. The West Nile Electricity Supply Project falls under the AFFREIcategory of independent grid systems in isolated areas, and consists of three maincomponents: Nyagak and Olewa minihydros and the construction of a 33 kV lineconnecting the two isolated grids of Arua and Nebbi. Further, until the hydrogeneration facilities are operational, heavy fuel oil fired generator sets in Aruawill provide electricity to the two districts. A private developer will be responsiblefor building and operating the generation facilities, while the Government ofUganda has committed itself to building the distribution line.

The World Bank requires that projects, which are part of the AFFREI/ERTundergo environmental impact assessments. The Bondo - Nebbi 33 kVdistribution line and the interim generator sets form essential part of the West NileElectricity Supply project under the ERT, and an EIA is therefore required. AnEnvironmental and Social Management Framework was developed especially forthe ERT programme to provide guidelines for the application of World Banksafeguards to the Ugandan context. This EIA study generally follows theseguidelines.

Project description

EIS reports for the two-hydropower schemes in Paidha and Arua are providedseparately. This report is concerned with the distribution line project from Bondoto Nebbi and potential impacts of interim generator set operation in Arua. Theproject has the following components;

* the construction of a 33 kV line from Bondo - Nebbi Town in Arua/Nebbidistricts covering a total length of 45 km; and

* interim generation of power using heavy fuel oil engines at Arua town site.

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Regarding the first component, the 33kV single line will be built using woodenpoles of an average height of 10 meters and span between poles of +/- 100 meters.For 33kV lines a corridor of 10 metres i.e. 5 meters either side is allowable. Theuse of land for installation is in Uganda regulated through Part VIII of theElectricity Act.

This ElA study examines the line route recently surveyed by UETCL and makesrecommendations for minimising likely impacts due to the construction of theBondo - Nebbi distribution line. The route, which has been decided by theUgandan Government, follows the newly upgraded road from Bondo to Nebbi.This EIS report has been written for the route surveyed and is for an EIA ofCategory B projects according to the World Bank/IFC environmental guidelines.

The original version of this report assessed a different route for the line passingthrough ecologically sensitive areas (eg wetland and the Laura Forest reserve). Anadditional field trip was carried out in November 2002 to update the impactassessment based on the recently conducted survey report. This reassessment isattached with this report as Annex 2.

The second component, interim generation of electricity in Arua, involvesinstalling two new, efficient fuel oil powered generator (1,5 MW) sets in theexisting powerhouse compound currently used by the UEB in Arua. Thesegenerator sets will be used to produce electricity 18 hours a day for approximately14 months until the hydro station in Paidha is commissioned. The new generatorsets will replace the old diesel fired generator sets currently in use, and will bepowered mostly for peak demand once the hydro station is online.

Environmental baseline

The landscape through which the rehabilitated road and the 33kV line pass hasrolling plains from the Nile floor in the Rift Valley. It passes through the MadiPlateau, and the Rift Valley escarpments. The geomorphology of the area wherethe line will pass consists of a monotonous Made vast plain with occasional risingabruptly from it termed as zone of tours and inselburgs.

The vegetation through which the line passes can be categorised into 3 namely:savannah communities, post-cultivation communities and sites of impededdrainage including seasonal swamps. Combretum-Acacia - Hyparrhenia is themost dominant vegetation type consisting of mixed deciduous trees with bothannual and perennial grasses. There are however, no available records indicatingdetailed survey of wildlife in Nebbi district by the time this report is prepared.Available information indicates that wildlife population is low partly due tohabitat loss for these animals due to agricultural encroachment (according toNEMA). 21 small mammal species (6 shrews and 15 rodents) were recorded inArua District by the Forest Department in 1993 in Mount Kei. The most abundantmammals found in the proposed project area are the common small mammals(rats, shrews and bats) that are widespread. Nebbi District has a number ofsavannah and wetland species of birds, while for Arua District a total of 124 birdspecies are given.

The proposed distribution line passes through sparsely populated areas wheresettlements are restricted at the trading centres. The most settled area is the Okollo



sub-county where both the county and sub-county headquarters are found. Otherareas considered well settled are Katiyi and Ullepi Trading Centres.

The principal land use in the project area is small-scale farming mainly forsubsistence, which accounts for more than half the route length. Forest Reserveand woodlots are insignificant land uses. Built up areas accounts for about 0.5%of the corridor length. Small-scale farming dominates agricultural production withcassava, by for the most important crop. Cotton is quite dominant in Nebbi. Othercrops grown in the project are sugar cane, sweet potatoes, beans, and maize. Fruittrees commonly found in this belt is mangoes, which is a major source of incomeespecially in December. However, limited cash cropping occurs throughout thelength of the corridor.

Regarding the interim power generation, the current UEB powerhouse compoundis located in Arua town. The powerhouse may have to be extended and some fueloil storage tanks may have to be set up, but the size of the compound should bebig enough to accommodate the installation of two new generator sets. The areaaround the compound is not densely populated, but some houses belonging toUEB staff are located nearby.

Negative environmental and social impacts

The line route, which has been decided by the Ministry of Energy and mineralDevelopment will closely follow the recently rehabilitated road from Bondo toNebbi, a stretch of 45 km (see map in Annex 3). Approximately 8 km of the linewill be built within the road reserve of the upgraded road (see Annex 5).

The incremental environmental and social impacts of the line construction, giventhat the road is already there, are likely to be small and limited (see Annex 2 fordetails). The key negative impacts are summarised below:

* No farmland will be taken and no resettlement is required. However, some 5thatched huts and a permanent house may have to be relocated within theboundaries of the owners' existing land area or in one case to land in theimmediate vicinity. Further, some small woodlots, single trees and aeucalyptus plantation are likely to be affected. The land use and settlementpatterns will generally be left unaffected. The number of people affected aremuch lower than 200, and nobody will lose more than 10% of their land.

* The influx of workers is expected to be low and the resulting pressures onhealth, roads and other facilities, and the risks of disease and socialdisruption are low.

. The general incremental ecological impacts, given that the road is alreadythere, are likely to be limited since the line will be close to the new road forthe whole stretch and the area has relatively low ecological value.

l The line may however have some limited impacts on the bird population inthe area. As discussed in section 6.2.3, and in Annex 2, these impacts areexpected to be low negative. In the case of unexpected negative impacts,mitigation can be effected (see below).

. Some negative visual impacts, however limited since the line follows theroad, is low in height and carried by brown, wooden poles (rather than shinymetal constructions).



Some disturbance and noise during construction, but limited waste, limitedneed for access roads, quarries and building materials. Some 400 poles willmost likely be purchased locally from a pole plantation.

The new generator sets in Arua town will potentially have low environmental andsocial impacts, as summed up below:

* Some noise and disturbance during installation

* Some noise during operation can be expected, both from operation ofgenerator sets and from transport of fuel. The new generator sets are likelyto be less noisy than the old ones, though running for 18 hours (rather than4) (including some hours at night). These impacts will be limited to 14months, when the hydro station takes over. After that the generator sets willgenerally be used during peak demand (ie. daytime).

* It is important to note that the centralised power generation will replace thesupply from many privately owned, small and less efficient diesel generatorsets.

. Some emissions to air from heavy fuel oil combustion. The new generatorsets are more efficient than the old ones, but will run for longer and useheavy fuel oil rather than diesel. The total emissions in Arua from powergeneration may not go up for some years, since the new generator sets aremore efficient than all the small privately owned generator sets they willinitially replace.

* Some risk of fuel oil spills from the transfer of oil from the tank lorry to thepermanent storage to the generator sets.

* Some waste from the upgrade of the Arua powerhouse and some increasedtransport of fuel to Arua can be expected.

Positive impacts. The distribution line is a locally long awaited connection between Nebbi

and Paidha towns in the south and Arua town in the north. The electricitythe line will bring to trading centres, schools and villages is potentially ofhuge importance to these relatively poor communities. Limited potential forlocal employment during construction

* The generator sets will be up and running within 10 months of the contractsignature of the preferred bidder, URECL, for the electricity licence. Theinstallation of generator sets is a response to a strong local need forelectricity.

Mitigation measures

It is the clear recommendation of this report that an approval is given for thecommencement of this project. Negative environmental and social impacts arelow, while the potential benefits of electricity supply are high for the localcommunities.

However, some cost effective mitigation measures should be put in place to limitthe negative environmental and social impacts:


U~~~~~~~~


. Due to the low number of people affected, an abbreviated resettlementaction plan (RAP) should be drawn up in accordance with Environmentaland Social Management Framework for ERT projects. The abbreviated RAPshould be based on the Ministry of Energy's compensation process, whichincludes a report by the Government valuer, and be advised by an externalresettlement/compensation expert. The RAP should be submitted to andapproved by relevant Ugandan authorities and the World Bank. The RAPshould take into account the ongoing compensation process for therehabilitation of the road. This is to ensure that people who are affected bythe stretches of the line, which are in the road reserve are compensatedfairly for incremental impacts of the line over the impacts of the road.

. The construction of the line should to the extent possible avoid cuttingvaluable trees, though balancing the risks these trees represent for the line.The construction should generally be sensitive to people's properties andland.

. The poles should be put securely and far enough down in the ground so thatthey do not easily fall over and cause hazards and power disruption.

. Consideration should be given to fitting the distribution line with aninexpensive type of bird diverter, eg markings or flappers (such as thoseused by ESKOM of South Africa) or insulation material for the stretchesthat passes the two small wetland habitats of River Ora and at Namthinbridge. The operator of the line should be tasked with the monitoring of birdmigratory patterns to assess whether there is a risk of these being affected. Ifthey are clearly affected, the operator should have a commitment to installthe anti-collision devices.

. Consideration should be given regarding the need for fitting the newpowerhouse in Arua with noise insulation material. This issue should bediscussed with the developer once his choice of generator set design isfinalised.

. Proper storage facilities for the heavy fuel oil should be put in place as wellas procedures for handling the transfer of fuel.

. Waste of various kinds both from the installation of the generator sets andthe construction of the line should be removed and disposed of in a safemanner.

. Noise and emission levels should be monitored in order to put measures inplace to reduce these if necessary.

These mitigation measures have been assigned responsibilities in Chapter 7.1 ofthis report.



1 Introduction1.1 BackgroundThe distribution line from Bondo to Nebbi covering 45 km falls under the secondcomponent of the Energy for Rural Transformation (ERT) for Uganda, which isunder a larger World Bank (WB) initiative known as the African Rural RenewableEnergy Initiative (AFFREI). This study assesses the potential environmentalimpacts of the distribution line and also the interim short-term thermal powergeneration in Arua.

1.2 Objectives of the studyAccording to the Terms of Reference (TOR) for this study, the objectives includeamong others, to ensure that the construction of the 33 kV distribution line and thethermal generation of power comply with GoU and World Bank environmentaland social safeguard policies.

This particular study involves an assessment of the potential impacts on thebiophysical and socio-economic environment as a result of the construction of adistribution line from Bondo to Nebbi along the Arua - Nebbi highway and theinterim thermal power generation. The study is in line with the Government ofUganda standards, and environmental legislation, regulations and administrativeframework (NEMA, 1995) and the World Bank's environmental and socialsafeguard policies. These are set out for projects under the ERT programme as anEnvironmental and Social Management Framework. While three (3) studies werepreviously carried out on the Nyagak hydropower project and one (1) on theOlewa hydropower scheme on River Enyau, no such study has been done on theproposed distribution line and the thermal power generation.

1.3 EIA teamThe EIA study was carried out by a multidisciplinary team of consultants withvery rich background in environmental assessments in Uganda and in the regionand are quite familiar with both NEMA and World Bank expectations.

The team consisted of the following:-

. Dr. Yakobo Moyini - Team Leader.

* Dr. Christine Dranzoa - Ecologist (terrestrial)



* Dr. Natal Ayiga -,Sociologist

* Mr. Luka Agwe - Socio economist

* Mr Isaiah Owiunji - Ecologist (Aquatic)

* Dr. Darlington Akusa - Public Health

* Mr. Henrik Lindhjem - Economist

1.4 MethodologyThe study team in formulating this report used three main methods namely:

literature review of reports, documents and other relevant information aboutthe project;

* site visits. The team took a close look at the area through which thedistribution line passes in December 2001. The team was guided by thedrawings of UEB surveyors beginning from Nebbi Police Station to Bondo.The team also visited the sites of current thermal power generation to assesstheir suitability for additional capacity installation; and

. a reassessment field visit was carried out in November 2002 based on afinalised survey report of the distribution line. The route will follow therecently rehabilitated road from Bondo to Nebbi.

* consultation with the district officials of Nebbi and Arua districts, the UEBManager for Nebbi and Arua, Officials of the Ministry of Energy andMineral Development, the In-charge UEB - Nebbi, and other stakeholders.

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2 Policy, legal andinstitutional framework

2.1 PoliciesThis chapter discusses the policy, legal and administrative framework withinwhich the TOR for the EIA for the Bondo - Nebbi Distribution Line and theThermal Power Generation has been prepared. National or local and internationalenvironmental requirements and guidelines are discussed along with relevantinternational environmental agreements ad conventions.

2.1.1 National environment management policyThe National Environment Management Policy (NEMP) was adopted by Cabinetin 1994. Its overall goal is the promotion of sustainable economic and socialdevelopment that enhances environmental quality without compromising theability of future generations to meet their own needs. One of the strategiesidentified to achieve this goal is Environmental Impact Assessment. The policyclearly states that an Environmental Impact Assessment should be conducted forany policy or project that is likely to have adverse impacts on the environment.This statement is further embedded in the National Environment Statute No. 4 of1995 which makes EIA a legal requirement for eligible projects, policies andprogrammes.

2.1.2 Energy policyA draft Energy Policy has been formulated for Uganda and awaits Cabinetapproval. The policy, once approved, will emphasise sustainable andenvironmentally benign development. At the sectoral level, the policy furtherstrengthens the provisions of the National Environment Management Policy 1994for environmental impact assessments.

2.1.3 The National Policy for the Conservation andManagement of Wetland Resources 1995

The National Policy for the Conservation and Management of Wetland Resources1995 was put in place to curtail the rampant loss of wetlands and ensuring thatbenefits arising their utilisation are sustainable and equitable. Among others, andin line with the National Environment Management Policy 1995, the wetland

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policy calls for the application of environmental impact assessment procedures onall activities to ensure that wetland developments are well planned and managed.

2.1.4 Water Resources Policy 1995The overall water resources policy objective is to sustainably manage and developthe water resources in a coordinated and integrated manner so as to secure/providewater of an acceptable quality for all social and economic needs. To furtherelaborate, the National Water Policy states as follows:

* "the first priority in water resources allocation will be the provision of waterin adequate quantity and quality to meet domestic demands; and

. "allocation of water to meet irrigation, livestock, industrial and otherdemands will be done considering the economic, social and environmentalvalue of water".

The foregoing statements mean that meeting the demand for domestic water is thefirst priority. Then, when it comes to water for other uses, prioritisation isdependent on several factors and can be made the subject of tradeoffs betweenvarious social economic and environmental considerations.

Finally, the policy provides that conditions for, and impact of, water supplyproject should be assessed considering demographic, environmental and healthaspects in accordance with stipulations for carrying out environmental impactassesment as given in the National Environment Management Policy 1994 andprepared in accordance with the NEMA guideliens ad regulations.

2.2 Legal and Regulatory Framework

2.2.1 The Uganda Constitution, 1995The Uganda Constitution of 1995, Article 39 and 41 provides that everyone has aduty to maintain and enjoy a sound environment. Every person in Uganda has aright to a healthy environment and as such can bring action for any pollution ordisposal of wastes. Chapter three section 245 stipulates that Parliament shall bylaw provide measures intended to protect and perserve the environment fromabuse, pollution and degradation.

2.2.2 National Environment Statute and RegulationsThe National Environment Statute, 1995 provides tools for environmentalmanagement that hitherto had not been deployed, including EIAs. The Statuteimposes a mandatory duty on a project developer to have an environmental impactassessement conducted before embarking on a project.

The EIA Regulations, 1998 specifies the types of projects to be subjected to EIAs.An EIA should be conducted for planned activities that may, are likely to, or willhave significant impacts on the environment. The EIA required should beappropriate to the scale and possible effects of the project, and therefore theEnvironment Statute and the Regulations recognise three levels of EIA:



. an environment impact review shall be required for small scale activitiesthat may have significant impact;

. environmental impact evaluation for activities that are likely to havesignificant impacts; and

* environmental impact study for activities that will have significant impacts.

Determination of the level of the EIA required is done through the screeningstage, and the EIA Guidelines provide a checklist where environmental factorspotentially affected are listed. This is a useful tool in the first stage to see whichcategory the project falls under.

2.2.3 Electricity RegulationThe Electricity Act of 1964, which provides for the legal framework for operation,further empowered the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) to supply electricity to ortake electricity away from any person inside or outside Uganda was reviewed.The present Electricity Act 1999 removed the monoploy of UEB. Previously, the.Electricity Act, Cap 135 established UEB as a statutory power to exercisecorporate and monopoly functions relating to the generation, distribution,distribution and supply of electricity and gave UEB licensing and other regulatoryfunctions.

The Electricity Act 1999 has now created the Electricity Regulatory Authoirity(ERA). The Act also allows for the entry of private players in the electricty sectorthrough a detailed licensing mechanism overseen by ERA. The Authority has thepower to issue licences to any person intending to participate in the generation,distribution and distribution of electricity. The sale, import, and export ofelectricity are also licensable. Before the Electricity Regulatory Authority issues alicense for any of the activities supposed to be licensed under the Electricity Act,1999, it requires that the applicant first produces a certificate of approval fromNEMA.

However, the Electricity Act 1999 is not yet fully operational until diverstiture ofUganda Electricity Board (UEB), which is currently under the ParastatalMonitoring Unit of the Ministry of Finance , Planning and EconomicDevelopment is complete.

In the case of the WNES Project any Independent Power Producer (IPP) can belicensed to generate and sell power in accordance with its implementationAgreement and the Power Purchase Agreement the company will have with theGovernment of Uganda and the regulator. The Electricity Act 1999 requires thatthe IPP pays royalty to the District Local Government in which the generatingstation is located.

2.2.4 Water ActThe Water Act, 1995 (GoU, 1995b) provides for the use, protection andmanagement of water resources and supply. The objectives of the Act are topromote the rational management and use of the waters of Uganda through theintroduction and application of standards and techniques, the coordination of allpublic and private activities that may influence water quality and quantity and to

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allow for the orderly development and use of water resources for such activities asgeneration of hydro-electric or geothermal energy.

2.2.5 Land Act 1998The Land Act 1998 provides for the ownership and management of land. Itprovides for four different forms of land tenure (customary, leasehold, mailo andfreehold) and the procedure for applying for the granting of any of these tenures.The Act provides that non-citizens of Uganda may be granted leases notexceeding 99 years.

The Act inter alia provides that the construction of electric lines, construction ofdams and hydro-power plants are public works and any person authorised toexecute public works on any land may enter into mutual agreement with anoccupier or owner of the land in accordance with the Act.

2.2.6 Local Governments Act 1997The Local Governments Act 1997 provides for the decentralisation and devolutionof government functions, powers and services from the central to localgovernments and sets up the political and administrative functions of the latter.This provision is significant since the Electricity Act 1999 authorises the ERA todelegate some of its licensing functions to local governments.

2.2.7 Town and Country Planning Act 1964This act provides for the orderly and progressive development of land in townsand other rural areas of the country. It defines building operations to include themaking accessible of electrical installation and development in relation to anyland. Any placing of new poles for transmission and distribution of electricity andconstruction of substations have to comply with the provisions of this Act.

2.2.8 Investment Code StatuteThe Investment Code Statute, sets out the procedure for an investment license andthe kind of information to be included therein. It makes provision for the UgandaInvestment Authority as a corporate body and distingushes between foreign andnon-foreign investors. The Code provides that investment in the energyconservation industry is priority and requires an investor to perform anenvironmental impact assessment for approval by NEMA before the project isimplemented.

2.2.9 International AgreementsUganda is signatory to and has ratified several international agreements relating tothe environment. Both global and regional agreements of potential importance arebriefly discussed below:

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) wasratified by Uganda in 1993. The objective of the UNFCCC is to regulate levels ofgreenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere, so as to avoid the occurence of



climate change at levels that would harm economic development, or that wouldimpede food production activities. One of the ways of doing this is for countriesto work towards greater energy efficiency and, in the process , saving forests andvegetation (which serve as carbon sinks and reseviors) and turning increasingly tothe use of renewable sources of energy.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has been ratified by Uganda. Amajor objective of the convention is to ensure the conservation of biologicaldiversity and the sustainable use of its component parts, and equitable sharing ofany of any benefits accruing therefrom.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna andFlora (CITES) has been ratified by Uganda and seeks to ensure that theinternational trade in species of wild fauna and flora does not threaten the survivalin wilderness of the species concerned. Species on the CITES lists are consideredof conservation concerns.

Uganda has ratified the African Convention on the Conservation of Nature andNatural Resources (1968); signed the Protocal Agreement on the Conservation ofCommon Natural Resources (1982); and the Lusaka Agreement of Co-operativeEnforcement and Operations Directed at illegal Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora(1994).

2.3 Institutions

2.3.1 National Environment Management Authority

Under the National Environment Statute, 1995 (GoU, 1995) the NationalEnvironment Management Authority (NEMA) is the principal agency in Ugandafor the management of the environment and coordinates, monitors and supervisesall activities in the field of the environment (GoU, 1995). NEMA is under theMinistry of Water, Lands and Environment, and has a cross-sectoral mandateincluding the review and approval of EIS reports.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is the institutionresponsible for overseeing and conducting all aspects of the environment and inparticular the review of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) reports. NEMAhas issued guidelines on ElAs (NEMA 1997), while the Environmental ImpactAssessment Regulations (GoU, 1998) was approved by the Ugandan Parliament.The actual implementation of the EIA process remains a function of the relevantline ministries and departments, the private sector, NGOs and the general public.

NEMA reviews EIS reports in collaboration with relevant lead agencies. In thecase of the distribution line and thermal power generation, the major lead agencyis the Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications (MoWHC). Other leadagencies that would participate in the review are the Ministry of Lands, Water andEnvironment and in particular the Departments of Forestry, Land Administrationand the Wetlands Programme; and the Directorate of Water Development.

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2.3.2 Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA)The Electricity Regulatory Authority issues licences for the generation,distribution or supply of electricity. It is also provided with the authority toconsider the need to protect the environment and conserve natural resources whengranting such a licence. The application for a license is advertised in the gazetteto inform the public and invite them to make objections if any on personal,environmental and other grounds, before granting of the application. The licence,after approval of application, requires compensation to any person affected ordamage to the environment, wildlife, living conditions or property or forrelocation due or caused in the course of the operations of the licence.

2.3.3 Directorate of Water Development (DWD)The Water Statute, 1995 (GoU, 1995b) created the Directorate of WaterDevelopment which provides for the use, protection and management of waterresources and supply.

The objectives of the statute are to promote the rational management and use ofthe waters of Uganda through the introduction and application of standards andtechniques; to coordinate all public and private activities that may influence waterquality and quantity; and to allow for the orderly development and use of waterresources including such activities as generation of hydro-electric or geothermalenergy.

2.3.4 Town and Country Planning BoardThe 1995 Uganda Constitution Cap 30 provides for the formation of the Townand Country Planning Board. This Board provides for the orderly and progressivedevelopment of land in towns and other rural areas of the country. It definesbuilding operations to include the making accessible of electrical installation anddevelopment in relation to any land. Any placing of new poles for transmissionand distribution of electricity and construction of substations would have tocomply with the provisions of this Act.

2.3.5 District Level Institutional StructureThe district -level institutional structure is described in this section as follows:

Nebbi and Arua District Administration

The Bondo - Nebbi Distribution Line project covers the districts of Arua andNebbi. However, much of it falls under the Arua Local Administration. The twodistricts are created under the Local Govrnment Act 1997. The thermal powergeneration is located in Arua and Nebbi towns.

The departments at the district level which are directly involved in the project as awhole include the District Environment Officer, the District Medical Officer, theDistrict Security Officer, the District Water Officer, Community DevelopmentOfficer, District Forest Officer, District Agriculture Officer, District EducationOfficer, and District Engineer, and the Town Clerks of the two towns.

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Although technical expertise for hydropower project may not exist among thedistrict officials, their proximity to, and knowledge of, the project area makestheir participation very necessary especially if they are requested by the Ministryof Energy and Mineral Development for technical input.

The Local Councils at the village level (LC I and LC II) and the villagers are wellorganised; so ae the town councils.

Private Sector and Civil Society Institutions

Interested private sector institutions and NGOs will be given an opportunity toparticipate in further studies. A number of NGOs exist in the districts of Arua andNebbi including CEFORD (Community Empowerment for Rural Development) alocal initiative in the districts that was identified in the project area. They areinvolved in social community development work. These and other NGOs haverelevant experience in the districts and could play an important role in carryingout some of the mitigation and monitoring activities, in particular those related tosocial, health and educational issues.

2.3.6 Donors and Financing InstitutionsThis EIA follows international EIA standards and procedures. It will therefore bepossible, upon approval from NEMA, for developers to seek financing and donorsupport from private and government organisations.

The World Bank, and its private sector arm IFC, apply the same social andenvironmental safeguard policies:

* OP 4.01 Enviromental Assessment

*OP 4.04 Natural Habitats

*OP 4.09 Pest Management

*OP 4.20 Indigenous People

*OP 4.11 Safeguarding Cultural Property

*OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement

* OP 4.36 Forestry

* OP 4.37 Safety of Dams

* OP 7.50 Projects on International Waterway

i OP 7.60 Projects in Disputed Areas.

The application of these social and environmental safeguard policies in theUgandan context for projects under the ERT programme is set out in the Ministryof Energy's Environmental and Social Mangement Framework (ESMF). Thisframework provides detailed guidelines for EIA work for various types ofpotential ERT projects.

In addition, bilateral donors have their specific guidelines for incorporation ofenvironmental and social concerns into project planning and implemention. ThisEIA has paid particular attention to the ESMF, which is based on the safeguardsof the World Bank.

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-EMA & ECON -

Environmental Impact Statement for Bondo-Nebbi transmission line, Uganda - DRAFT -

3 Area profileOf the 45 km stretch, between Bondo and Nebbi, only 10 km are in Nebbi Districtleaving the longest stretch of the line in Arua District. A map of Arua and NebbiDistricts are provided at the end of this chapter. A map of the line route is given inAnnex 3.

3.1 TopographyArua District in which 35 km of the 45 km line passes comprises of rolling plainsfrom the Nile floor in the Rift Valley 600 masl to the DRC where the plaindrastically changes to between 1200 - 1400 masl. The landscape in the projectarea can be generally grouped into three topographical zones.

s Madi Plateau: Occurs at an altitude of about 900 masl. It occupies theeasterm parts of the district including Madi-Okollo County through whichmuch of the distribution line passes.

G Western Highland This upper plateau occurs at an altitudinal range of 1200to 1800 masl, the parent rocks include basement complex metamorphosewhich is responsible for the formation of the hilly terrain. This zone doesnot however fall directly in the project area, which is the eastern zone.

D Rift Valley: The Rift Valley escarpments are highest in the south and fadeoff to the north. They consist of several fault camps arranged, roughlyparallel with the Albert Nile. These scarps separate the Rift Valley plainsfrom the Madi Plateau.

3.2 GeomorphologyThe geomorphology of the project area consists of a monotonous Madi vast plainwith occasional rising abruptly from it termed as zone of tours and inselburgs. Atthe Nile, Rift Valley faults are seen at about 300 meters in height. Rift Valleydeposits occur and are backed by a series of scarps arranged in an echelon, whichseparate the Rift Valley plain from the Madi Plain. Large scarps in the West of theproject area, above which is the West Nile Plateau in tur stop the plain. Thissuccession of plains is largely due to Rift Valley movement hence low erosionsurfaces have been established, the Madi Plain which is part of the African end oftertiary surface, and another principal erosion surface which is the olderGondwana surface is what characterises the geomorphology of the project area.

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3.3 ClimateThe project area has a bi-modal rainfall pattern with light rains between April andOctober. The wettest season normally August and September receives120mm/month. The average total rainfall is 1250 mm per year. The meanmonthly evaporation ranges from 130 mm - 180 mm. In the dry season(December - March) temperatures in this part of the country remain highthroughout.

3.4 SoilsThe soils covering most parts of the districts of Arua and Nebbi are mainlyferralitic and sand loams. These soils have fine texture with rather loose structure,which are easily erodible and leached. Most soils in the area are acidic. Soil typesin the area include:

. yellow - red sandy, clay loams littosols varying from dark grey to darkwhich are slightly acidic and mainly derived from granite, gneissic andsedimentary rocks. They occur on gently undulating - hilly topographymainly in Madi Okollo County.

. brown - yellow clay loams with laterite horizon with a variety of darkbrown to dark greyish brown, which are slightly acidic. These occur mainlyin Nebbi district especially in Padyere County and parts of Madi in AruaDistrict, occurring on flat ridge tops or as undulating topography.

. light grey white loamy soils with laterite horizon ground, structure - lessloamy sands occurring from Bondo and through parts of Okollo. They arealso acidic - allocative and mainly found on the lower and bottom slopes.

3.5 Water ResourcesThe entire project area lacks adequate surface and ground water resources.Although the Nile is a very reliable water source and has attracted significantsettlement along it, it is not strategically located and covers only 7.0% of parts ofNebbi and Acua districts. The river benefits mainly Jonam County in NebbiDistrict and Madi Okollo in Arua District, removed from where the distributionline passes and thermal energy is generated.

The Albert Nile is fed by streams and ground water during the heavy rains andloses its water during the dry season through evaporation and also to thesurrounding unconsolidated sands, silt and gravel which re-charge the watercontent of the surrounding countryside through natural systems.

3.6 Land Tenure And AdministrationLand in the West Nile region is commonly owned under the customary tenure,whereby an individual can possess one or more pieces of land and utilise it subjectto the jurisdiction of the family, community and elders of the clans. Theindividual landholder has the right to utilise the piece of land, lend it temporarilyor dispose of it according to customary laws of inheritance, but may not sell it.Those keeping cattle graze it on communal land. Ninety eight percent of the land

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in this region is under customary tenure ship without any documentation orregistration. Land inheritance is from father to son. This explains why the censusresults for 1991 show that 88.5% of the landholders are male. The land throughwhich the distribution line passes is mainly under customary tenure.

3.7 SettlementsThere is a marked difference between settlements in the urban areas compared tothose in rural areas. Up to about 7% of the population live in urban areas wheresettlements are governed by the Town and Country Planning Act 1964. Theyhave demarcated residential, civic and industrial areas. Urban settlements inNebbi and Arua are mostly of permanent or semi-permanent building structureswhile in rural areas; settlements are characterised by temporary structures (mostlyhuts). Along the Arua - Nebbi highway a few permanent settlements existespecially in the Trading Centres. From Bondo to Nebbi there are six (6) majortrading centres that is: Aryek, Wingupier, Amadudu, Okollo, Alibu and Uleppiotherwise villages are characterised by clustered lineage units on communal land.A lineage may range from 3 to 5 generations and a household from 2 to 25persons. The average occupancy rate in the rural areas is 7 persons per household

3.8 DemographyThe West Nile Region, which is separated from the rest of Uganda by the RiverNile only became incorporated into the present day Uganda in 1914, having beenpart of the Lado Enclave, administered from the Belgian Congo Free State (nowthe DRC) until 1910 and subsequently from Sudan for a few years. Until recently,it was composed of Nebbi, Arua and Moyo districts, but now it has been subdivided into smaller districts which are Nebbi, Arua, Yumbe, Moyo andAdjumani. The project covers the districts of Nebbi and Arua. The two districtsare inhabited by six main ethnic groups, namely: the Alur, Kakwa, Madi, Lendu,Lugbara and Okebo.

3.8.1 Population and Population TrendsAccording to the 1991 Population and Housing Census, the population in the twodistricts totalled 954,900 persons of who about 48.0% were males and 52.0%females. Nebbi had a total population of 316,900 persons (33.6%) while Arua had638,000 (66.81%).

The main demographic feature of the population is based on the two formerdistricts. The number of women exceeds that of men with a regional sex - ratio ofapproximately 93.0. This may be attributed to seasonal and permanent malelabour migrations to outside the region as well as to the effects of armed conflicts,where men have been more vulnerable than women especially those in Arua afterthe fall of Idi Amin who comes from the district.

3.8.2 Population Growth


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The regional growth rate is slightly above 3% p.a. and is thus considerably morethan the national average of 2.5% p.a. This may be attributed mainly to the peoplewho fled the region at the time when the last census was carried out (1980) butwho have since then returned. It is also partly explained by the fact that earlymarriages are highly encouraged for the main reason of obtaining household. Thepopulation growth rate of Nebbi and Arua is between 2.7% and 2.8% per year.The urban growth rates are between 6.3% (Nebbi) and 7.7% (Arua).

3.8.3 Population DensityThere is a wide variation in population density between districts and withindistricts. For example, the average population density for Nebbi is 114 persons /km2, while for Arua is 84 persons / km .

Table 3.1 Demographicfeatures in Nebbi and Arua Districts

Population Population Population Literacy RateGrowth (Age 10 plus)

(% p.a.)

Census Male | Female Total Density 1991 (%)

Year ('000) ('000) ('000) (inh./km2 TNebbi

1969 98.7 105.4 204.1 73.4 1.3 Male 66.6

1980 111.6 121.4 233.0 83.8 2.8 Female 29.0

1991 152.1 164.8 316.9 114.0 Average 46.8

Arua

1969 178.7 190.9 369.6 48.7 2.4 Male 65.4

1980 226.8 245.5 472.3 62.2 2.7 Female 28.0

1991 307.7 330.3 638.0 84.0 | Average 45.7

Source: 1991 Population and Housing Census Report

3.8.4 HealthAs is the case in most rural areas in Uganda, the leading three causes of illnessare: malaria, URTI and LRTI. This can be seen in the table below.

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- EMA & ECON -


Table 3.2 Prevalent diseases in the Nebbi/Arua Area.

Disease Prevalence (%)

Malaria 36.9

Upper Respiratory track Infection 19.2

Lower Respiratory track Infection 14.6

Diarrhoea Diseases 7.5

Intestinal Worms 7.4

Skin Diseases 2.9

Eye Diseases 2.8

Source: 1998 District Medical Reports (Nebbi/Arua)

The major facilities for health care services include: three hospitals in Nebbi andfour hospitals in Arua. Health units in the rural areas provide elementarytreatment and are usually staffed by a medical assistant supported by trained orsemi-trained nurses. The distribution line will serve two health units that are atBondo and another in Madi Okollo.

The majority of the people in the project area walk to health centres covering verylong distances since public transport is not commonly available. One fifth of thepopulation in the project area is within 5 km of the nearest health service.

3.8.5 InfrastructureThe Kampala Highway is presently being upgraded into a tarmac surface. Theroad construction project will improve all the bridges along this highway thusmaking communication between Arua and Nebbi much easier than it is now. Thepaving of this road will accelerate economic development in the two districtsparticularly for those settled along the highway. Postal services remain unchangedboth in Arua and Nebbi, although special delivery services such DAKSCOURIER and Speed Delivery services operate in the districts. UgandaTelecommunications (UTL) has installed automatic exchange services in Arua butnot yet in Nebbi. Mobile Telephone Networks of MTN and Celtel exist in bothArua and Nebbi with reliable network. There is private FM radio stations in bothArua and Nebbi operated by the Church of Uganda and an individual,respectively. They both have clear reception in the two districts. Electric powersupply is available for only four hours a day forcing people to look for otheralternatives such as generators and solar power.

3.8.6 The EconomyAgriculture is the dominant economic activity in the two districts employing wellover 85% of the population. However, the sector remains subsistence-orientedwith less than 40% of the produce sold. In Nebbi, cotton growing is beingencouraged after the collapse of the former cooperative societies and low price onthe international market while tobacco is the dominant cash crop for Arua.

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-EMA & ECON -


Robusta coffee growing is being encouraged both in Arua and Nebbi districtsincluding the areas where the distribution line passes.

3.8.7 Social ServicesIn the education sector major changes have occurred as in other parts of thecountry and mainly at primary level. The introduction of Universal PrimaryEducation (UPE), supported by a number of other programmes (COPE, EARSand TDMS) has increased enrolment in the districts of Arua and Nebbi. Newclassroom blocks are being constructed through the School Facilities Grant (SFG)Programme. The new structures in the project will benefit from availability ofelectricity.

In the health sector, the main progress has been in the domain of curative health.The promotion of preventive health, where communities can play a substantialrole remains weak in the two districts. Disease and mortality indicators show ahigh incidence of preventable and mainly poverty - and ignorance relateddiseases. New health centres along the Bondo-Nebbi section of the highway arepotential electricity customers.

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Map ofArua and Nebbi Districts

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7 -~~~~~~~~~~~EMA &ECON -Environmental Impact Statement for Bondo-Nebbi transmission line, Uganda - DRAFT -

4 Project description4.1 Introduction and backgroundThe Uganda Electricity Board (UEB), currently undergoing privatisation, suppliessome 840 customers in Arua, Nebbi and Paidha municipalities in the West NileRegion, split by sector comprising roughly 60% business/commercial, 15%institutional, and residential consumers. UEB has five diesel generators, four inArua and one in Nebbi, with a current operating capacity of 776 kW. UEBoperates a distribution grid in Arua supplying some 700 consumers, and verysmall distribution centres in Nebbi (some 80 consumers) and Paidha (some 30consumers), with the latter two centres connected by a 24 km 33 kV line.

Power from UEB is available only for four hours per day, between 7 - 11 pm.This supply is erratic, and UEB estimates that it sheds over 400 kW each eveningto grid-connected consumers. One component of the unmet demand is from theestimated 1,000 registered business establishments in Arua, Nebbi and Paidhamunicipalities. Arua, is by far the most important economic centre in northernUganda, although Paidha is the region's fastest growing economic centre.Surveys conducted by a local Ugandan and international team under the WorldBank's ERT program found that there are currently over 180 independent dieselgenerating sets (gensets), and a further 42 medium to large diesel mills (grain),with a total installed capacity of 2.86 MW, generating over 7.65 GWh per year.West Nile's urban consumers spend over US$ 6.5 million per year on petroleumfuels to cover costs of lighting and power.

West Nile demand for electricity is expected to grow very quickly. Initially, theERT planned a 3.2 MW investment at Nyagak, near Paidha, in Nebbi District.However, the demand and load profile studies carried out for the ERT duringAugust and September 2000 show that demand will exceed that capacity.Therefore, the Nyagak hydropower facility will have to be sized to approximately5 MW while the Olewa hydropower site near Arua will need to be developed,with distribution lines installed between Arua and Nebbi, part of this has beendone and the remaining stretch that is Bondo to Nebbi is yet to be completed, andis the reason for this study, expanded distribution systems in Paidha, Nebbi andArua, and stand-by diesel generator (1 by 1.5 MW in Arua and 1 by 1 MW inPaidha).

To this end, the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Uganda (ERA) intends toissue a licence to supply electricity to the districts of Arua and Nebbi. A bidding



procedure is going on managed by ERA. Based on bidders' submissions, ERAwill select a winning bidder and award the licence to this company.

A condition of the licence will be that the licensee obtains the necessaryenvironmental authorisation from the National Environment ManagementAuthority (NEMA). Once the bidder has been selected and the licence awarded,ERA anticipates that NEMA will then be able to award the necessaryauthorisation to the licensee to develop the West Nile Electricity Supply Project.However, NEMA cannot do this until a satisfactory report on the impacts of theWNES project is properly assessed, analysed, reported, and reviewed by theenvironmental body.

4.2 Project layoutAs mentioned above the WNES project has three components namely thecompletion of the Arua - Nebbi Distribution Line by Govemment and theinstallation of new diesel generation sets in Arua and Nebbi by the successfulbidder (URECL) and the development of mini-hydropower schemes at Nyagakand Olewa falls. This description is of the Bondo - Nebbi Distribution Line andthe thermal generators.

. The purpose of the distribution line project is to enable power to betransmitted from the proposed power station at Nyagak to the existing gridin Arua. After construction the line will be leased to the company that winsthe West Nile Electricity Concession; and this company will be responsiblefor the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the facilities.Further, before the hydro station in Paidha is commissioned, the line willenable having generator sets in one place (Arua) and transmit the electricityto Nebbi and Paidha.

* A component of the project requires the immediate installation of additionalthermal power generation to serve the people of Arua and Nebbi districtswithin the project zone while the hydropower schemes are being developed.With this additional power in place, electricity will be available to theconsumers for at least 18 hours a day compared to the present four, a morethan fourfold increase in availability.

The project development will involve the construction of a 33 kV distribution linefrom Bondo to Nebbi Town to connect to the existing local grid there. The projectwill cover the districts of Arua and Nebbi although much of the proposed line willbe within Arua district. The proposed distribution line will be built by theGovemment and then provided to the winner of the West Nile Electricity SupplyConcession, who will be responsible for the generation and supply of electricity inthe region as well as maintenance of the line.

4.3 Distribution LineThe first component of the project consists entirely of the construction of a 33kvdistribution line from Bondo to Nebbi Town. The construction of this line beganfrom Arua, but because of financial constraints, stopped at Bondo Trading Centreon the Arua - Nebbi highway. The remaining stretch is app. 45 km, whichGovemment is planning to construct. the distribution line.


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The 33kV single line will be built using.wooden poles of an average height of 10meters and span between poles of +/- 100 meters. For 33kV lines a corridor of 10metres i.e 5 meters either side is allowable. The use of land for installation is inUganda regulated through Part VIII of the Electricity Act.

This EIA study examines the line route recently surveyed by UETCL and makesrecommendations for minimising likely impacts due to the construction of theBondo - Nebbi distribution line. The route, which has been decided by theUgandan Government, follows the newly upgraded road from Bondo to Nebbi.This EIS report has been written for the route surveyed and is for an ElA ofCategory B projects according to the World Bank/IFC environmental guidelines.

The original version of this report assessed a different route for the line passingthrough ecologically sensitive areas (eg wetland and the Laura Forest reserve). Anadditional field trip was carried out in November 2002 to update the impactassessment based on the recently conducted survey report. This reassessment isattached with this report as Annex 2.

The map of the route is enclosed as Annex 3.

4.4 The existing generator units at Arua andNebbi

The distribution system in Arua consist of three 11/0.4 kV generator transformers,about 35 km of 11 kV overhead lines and 25 distribution transformers. Most ofthe llkV lines were constructed in 1962, with only 3.5 km constructed later(1983). Most of the wooden poles have over the years been replaced by newones. All the 11kV lines are constructed with 0.104 sq. Inch steel conductors.Total distribution transfomer capacity is about 2.5 MVA.

The network in Nebbi/Paidha consists of a 315kVA 33/0.4 kV generatortransformer, about 22 km of 33 kV overhead lines and 8 distribution transformers.Total distribution transformer capacity is about 650 kVA. The 33 kV line fromNebbi to Paidha (21 km) was constructed in 1998 with wooden poles and Dogconductor.

The existing generating plant installed and operated by UEB in the Arua andNebbi Districts comprise the following units:


* - EMA & ECON -Environmental Impact Statement for Bondo-Nebbi transmission line, Uganda - DRAFT -

Table 4.1 Existing Diesel Generators in Arua and Nebbi

SPEE OUTPUTLOCATION TURBINE YEAR TYPE ALTERNATOR D KVA KW

RPMARUA

1 PERKINS 2000 2006- NEWAGE STAMFORD 1500 350 2402 PERKINS 2000 TWG ATLANTA 1500 350 2403 PERKINS 1998 2006- WILSON 1500 380 280

TWG4 PERKINS 1999 NEWAGE STAMFORT 1500 380 280

2006-TOTAL TWG 1460 1040

2006-TWG

NEBBI

1 PERKINS 1999 2006-TAG NEWAGE STAMFORD 1500 250 240

TOTAL 250 240

Table 4.2 Existing Generator Transformers in Arua and Nebbi

VOLTAGELOCATION MAKER YEAR WINDING RATING X LV kWARUA

1 FOSTER 1965 Ydl 300 4.67% 415 110002 FOSTER 1965 Ydl 300 4.67% 415 11000

3 CROMPTON 1967 Ydl 300 4.67% 415 11000TOTAL 1100

NEBBI

I N/A N/A N/A 325? N/A 415 33300

Note: Additional gensets have added at Arua since the Norconsult and World Bank assessments were taken.

The two power stations appear well-run and the generating sets are in goodcondition. However, the generator transformers are old, but show no outwardsigns of age-related problems.

4.4.1 DistributionThe distribution networks in the two districts appear to be in reasonable conditionand were constructed to UEB standards which have historically reflected UKpractice. In Arua the distribution voltage is 11 kV and the NorConsult reportindicates 35 km of 11 kV overhead powerlines and 25 distribution transformers.Most of the construction transformers. Most of the construction appears to datefrom the original installations by UEB 40 years ago, but maintenance and polereplacement appear to have been adequate.

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Nebbi, 33 kV is used as the distribution voltage and NorConsult indicate 22 kmof 33 kV overhead power lines and 8 distribution transformers. Of this, the 21 kmNebbi-Phaidha power line was built in 1998.

Two different routes for the distribution line from Nebbi/Paidha to Arua havebeen evaluated. These routes are:

* From Paidha along the Congo border road to Arua, ca 100 km.

* From Nebbi along the Kampala Highway to Arua, ca 80 km.

Paidha and Nebbi are already connected through a 21 km long 33 kV line.

An AFRREI team examined the two routes in January 2000. The team concludedthat, even if there is a heavy population concentration along the Congo borderroad, it did not provide sufficient demand potential on short term. In addition theCongo border route is about 20 km longer, and therefore the Kampala Highwayroute is recommended. The report concerns the latter route.

Since the NorConsult assessment was undertaken, a 33 kV line has beenconstructed from Arua to Bondo (approximately 30 km) and is currently energisedat 11 kV. In addition, 8 km of 11 kV line and distribution transformers have beenbuilt associated with this network development.

4.4.2 Additional Thermal Generation CapacityAccording to information from UEB the total load is about 1.2 MW in Arua and0.2 MW in Nebbi/Paidha. In addition, over 2.3 MVA of independent (non-UEB)small diesel generator capacity have been recorded during the load profile workby ERA. If this entire load shall be supplied in the years before the Nyagakhydropoer plant is commissioned, new diesel generators have to be installed.

Of the 2.3 MW independent diesel generator capacity, about 50% is located inArua while about 33% is located in Paidha. Additionally, in order to meet thedemand while the hydro power plant are being constructed, it is recommended toinstall two new heavy fuel oil generator sets to be placed in the existing UEBcompound in Arua. The new heavy fuel oil generators will act as back up whenthe hydro power plant comes into operation.

The licensee of the West Nile electricity supply will be required to install at least1.5 MW of generating capacity in Arua within 180 days of the licence cominginto effect. It is assumed that this plant will be required for base-load operationuntil the commissioning of hydroelectric generation, peaking duty immediatelythereafter, and subsequently for base-load generation as demand grows.

Given this expected duty it is further assumed that efficient, slow-speed ormedium-speed diesel generation will be indicated. The licensee may alsoconsider the advisability for operational reasons of installing multiple units inArua. However, due to taxation of diesel which renders its use as a fuel for base-load generation expensive and the developer may like to consider the use of heavyfuel oil (HFO) as an alternative.


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In order to have a constant voltage at Arua, a 33/11 KV substation with atransformer with automatic voltage control has to be constructed in Arua. WhileUEB had plans to install this transformer in the power station at Arua, this has notyet been done by the time of this study. Moreover, as time for repair of atransformer can be long (up to months) it is recommended to install two 3 MVA33/11 kV transformers. However, only one unit has to be on-line while the otheracts as a reserve. This is now the obligation of the licensee of the WNES.

Additionally, information from UEB indicated the total load is over 1.2 MW inArua and 0.2 MW in Nebbi/Paidha. This means that the distribution transformersin Arua have an average peak load of about 50% of its nominal value. The figurefor Nebbi/Paidha is about 33%, depending upon the load.


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5 Environmental baseline5.1 VegetationThe vegetation types of both Nebbi and Arua districts can be categorised intothree broad types: savannah communities, post-cultivation communities and sitesof impeded drainage including seasonal swamps. Combretum-Acacia-Hyparrhenia is the most dominant vegetation type consisting of mixed deciduoustrees with both annual and perennial grasses. It is dominated by Acacia hockii andTerminalia molliis. Vitellaria (previously Butyrospermum) Hyparrhenia dissoluteforms the drier savannah community interspersed with both perennial and annualgrasses. The grass savannah popularly known as grasslands is dominated byspecies of hyparrhenia. In the post-cultivated communities tree cover is sparse andconsists of remnants of previous climaxes.

Although the vegetation types of both districts have been highly modified byman's activities, Arua district has few forest reserves like Mount Kei ForestReserve, which is the only reserve where a systematic inventory was carried out in1993 by the Forest Department (Davenport et al. 1996). A report by Davenport etal. (996) gave a species list of 217 tree and shrub species for Mount Kei ForestReserve of which three species Aeschynomene schimperi, Combretum racemosumand Morinda titanopylla were not recorded elsewhere in Uganda. None of thesespecies were encountered during our surveys for the right of the way for thedistribution line. The proposed power distribution line passes through post-cultivation communities, dry Combretum Vitellaria (previously Butyrospermum) -Hyparrhenia savannah ecosystem especially in Nebbi District. However, in AruaDistrict, part of the distribution line will pass through two forest reserves. Therest of the area is heavily populated and dominated by small-scale peasantcultivation and scattered woodlots of eucalyptus and other plantations.

5.2 WildlifeMammals

There are no available records indicating detailed survey of wildlife in Nebbidistrict by the time this report was prepared. Available information showed thatgenerally wildlife population is low partly due to habitat loss for these animalsdue to agricultural encroachment (according to NEMA). In other parts of thedistrict, wildlife is confined to the lake and wetlands especially towards the NileRiver.


-EMA & ECON-Environmental Impact Statement for Bondo-Nebbi transmission line, Uganda - DRAFT -

In Arua District, there are three reports available concerning the systematic surveyof mammals. Two were the ones done by the Forest Department in 1993 in MountKei Forest Reserve where they recorded a total of 21 small mammal species (6shrew and 15 rodents) and one other by Kityo and Duli, 1992 (see Davenport etal. 1996). Whereas Davenport et al. (1996) listed two of the small mammals(Acomys percivali and Crocidura somalica) found in Mount Kei Forest Reserveas restricted range species the most abundant mammals found in the proposedproject area are the common small mammals (rats, shrews and bats) that arewidespread and common. Also in Arua District, wildlife inventory has beencarried out in Ajai Wildlife Reserve, previously a sanctuary for the northern whiterhino, which is now extinct. Some of the important wildlife species in Ajaiinclude; Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius , Sitatunga Tragelaphus spekei,African Buffalo Synecerus caffer, Aardvark Oryteropus afer and 27 others(Stubblefield, 1993). However, the reserve is some way from the project area.Within the visited project area, the local communities also reported the presenceof Baboons, Colubus monkeys, cane rat and civet. The larger mammals aremobile species with a large home range and are unlikely to be affected by lineconstruction.

Birds

Nebbi District has a number of savannah and wetland species of birds but againthere is no available record showing their presence. Although not heavily forested,the District also has some forest bird species; while for Arua district Davenport etal. (1996) gave a total of 124 bird species for Mount Kei Forest Reserve andStubblefield (1993) provided 116 species for Ajai Wildlife Reserve as the onlykey records available by the time this report was written. According to theseprevious reports, a high proportion of the species recorded were associated withopen savannah habitat, e.g. Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus, MartialEagle Polemaetus bellicosus, Helmented Guineafowl Numida meleagris etc.Other species associated with aquatic systems include the Crested CraneBalearica pavonina that is an IUCN red list, categorised as near threatenedspecies and only 9% of the species were dependent on the forest habitat. Weexpect that the same scenario would apply for the other forest reserves found inArua District.

None of the forest reserves mentioned above will be affected by the lineconstruction. None of the ecologically important wetland areas, which are habitatsfor the Crested Crane, near the River Nile are close enough to the line route to beaffected.

5.3 Administrative BoundariesThe proposed distribution line corridor passes through Arua and Nebbi districts.In Arua district the line will pass through the counties of Ayivu, Vura and MadiOkollo while in Nebbi it will affect the county of Padyere.

5.4 Environmental Health and SanitationThe latrine coverage in Nebbi district is estimated at 46.5% while in Arua it is33%. Areas covered by the distribution line in both districts have better latrine

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-EMA &ECON-Environmental Impact Statement for Bondo-Nebbi transmission line, Uganda - DRAFT -

coverage since the population is more exposed due to their nearness to thehighway. The water coverage is also estimated to be relatively low for bothdistricts. It is 37.7% for Arua district and 44.0% for Nebbi. There is no watersystem in the Trading Centres through which the line passes such that pit latrinesare the best way for human waste disposal.

5.5 EducationThe distribution line passes through a rural area where the rates of illiteracy arevery high. Presently, it is among the areas, which record 36% and 72.5% illiteracyfor men and women, respectively. Due to the past civil strife, which badlyaffected the districts in the project area, most of the educational infrastructure wasnegatively affected. This is now being reconstructed by Community ActionProgramme and the Northern Uganda Reconstruction Programme (NURP).

The student teacher ratio in primary schools is most adverse in Arua, where onaverage there are twice as many students per teacher as in the country in general.There is a National Teachers-College in Arua to which a line has been extended asthe distribution line continues to Bondo. There is at least one primary teacher'scollege in each of the districts in the project area.

Technical education in the region suffers from lack of infrastructure, qualifiedteachers, tools and equipment. In the region, there are nine TechnicalInstitutes/Schools of which five are government operated and four are managedby NGOs.

5.6 Other ServicesThe low level of development of infrastructure in the region is seen as one of themajor hindrances to development. Most of the roads are in a poor state, makingtravel during the wet seasons difficult. The Arua - Nebbi Highway along whichthe proposed line will be constructed, is presently being tarmacked which willimprove the state of road transport, telephone, fax and recently mobile telephonenetworks are found in both Nebbi and Arua towns. MTN, the giant South AfricanMobile Telephone Company has put up a booster in Laura Forest Reserve toimprove telephone network especially for MTN subscribers.

5.7 Cultural HeritageNo site of cultural interest is known to exist along the proposed Bondo - NebbiDistribution Line. Cultural sites noted in Nebbi District do not fall in the specificproject area under study. They exist in the sub-counties of Wadelai, Atyak,Paidha, Erussi, Pakwach and Nebbi town. However, the latter does not exist inthe area of the distribution line.

5.8 Attitude to the projectThe CEFORD Consultation report clearly outlines the demand and eageress ofthe people of the West Nile for a reliable electricity supply. Although people wereexcited when the construction of the Arua - Nebbi line was started, their hopes

EIA Bondo-Nebbi line (revised ver2).doc\PL\09.0l.03\l0:063l

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were ditched when the construction work stopped at Bondo. It is hoped that thelife of the people of West Nile will be rekindled when the Bondo - Nebbi line iscompleted.

Those the ElA Team talked to welcomed the West Nile Electricity Supply Projectand wish that the project would take off. A description and record of theconsultation process for the West Nile Electricity Project is provided in Annex 6to this report.



6 Environmental impacts of thedistribution line & generatorsets

NOTE: A reassessment of the environmental and social impacts of the lineconstruction and generator sets was carried out in November 2002. The lineroute has been surveyed and will follow the recently rehabilitated road fromArua to Nebbi. This new route will greatly reduce the impacts described inthis chapter, eg. The Laura forest reserve will not be affected. Further, a lownumber of people and a small amount of land will be affected (a preliminarysurvey reported in Annex 2). Nobody will need to resettle and nobody willlose more than 25% of their land.

The impacts of the generator sets in Arua, which was left out of the originalEIA report, are likely to be low to negligible. The reassessment reportconcering both the line and the generator sets is enclosed as Annex 2 to thisreport.

This chapter analyses the impacts of the project from the viewpoints of:

. Ecology

* Access tracks and traffic

* Land use and settlement

. Agriculture

* Visual impact

. Employment

* Health and safety

6.1 Ecological ImpactsBuilding distribution lines is one of the important activities amongst many othersof hydroelectric projects. Electric power distribution systems include thedistribution line, its right-of-way (ROW), switchyards, substations and access ormaintenance roads. The principal structures of the distribution line include the lineitself, conductors, towers and supports (e.g., guy wires). The voltage and capacityof the distribution line affects the sizes required for these principal structures. TheROW in which the distribution line is constructed can range in width from 6


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meters to 500 metres. The principal source of impacts of hydroelectric distributionlines is on the vegetation that results from the clearance of sites (World Bank1991). Other direct impacts such as fires, electrocutions would be attributable togeneral hazards accruing from the power line. A few indirect impacts could resultfrom human induced factors such as habitat disturbance and hunting due tocreation of access.

6.2 Negative Impacts

6.2.1 Change of land useDuring construction work part of the land will be used for construction of the line,access roads, tower pads, and substations. There will be 6 metres of ROW of thepole line that will continuously be cleared of major vegetation. Part of the workmay include realignments away from road reserves hence leading to change inland use. Although the ROW in this case is not wide and very long, it can interferewith or fragment remaining vegetation lining riverbanks and changes in scenicview. However, this impact will be low given that this is largely a farmland area.

6.2.2 FloraThe power distribution line passes through post-cultivation communities, dryCombretum- Vitellaria-Hyparrhenia savannah ecosystem. The dominant treespecies include Combretum binderanum, Vitellaria paradoxica ssp nilotica,Terminalia mollis and dominant grasses include Hyparrheniafilipendulla, Themeda triandra and others.

However, the whole area is heavily populated and small-scale peasant cultivationand scattered woodlots of eucalyptus and other plantation (Appendix 1) dominatemuch of the right-of-way of the distribution line. Therefore, no areas of highecological value will be affected during construction of the distribution line. Therewill be some changes in species composition within the cleared areas. Somevegetation may be permanently lost; while the surrounding vegetation willexperience changes in species composition towards more secondary-shrubspecies. Some of the nearby eucalyptus production forest may be cleared to createopen areas for aligning lines. This will result in loss of ecological values of treesand other plant species affected. Further yegetation clearance will lead to soilerosion and hence soil degradation, especially along the riverbanks. However, it isanticipated that the impacts will be low. There is also the possibility that thedistribution line could open up the woodland forests to human activities likehunting, agriculture, settlement and recreation. Generally the impact on the florais assessed to be low especially if the line is aligned within the road reserve.

6.2.3 FaunaMammals

The proposed distribution line will mainly pass through cultivated areas,settlements and some eucalyptus woodlots. The only natural vegetation of concernis the forest reserves through which the line would pass. The natural forestreserves are known to have Baboons, Colubus monkeys, cane rat, Rock Hyrax,



Duikers, Bushpigs, Bushbuck, foxes and civet (see Appendix 2). Most of thesemammal species are unlikely to be affected by the distribution line itself exceptthat there could be possibility of hunting when the area is opened up. This couldhave low-medium impact on the mammals. There could also be a threat ofelectrocution to bats but this is also assessed to be low, as it does not occur oftenwhere distribution lines exist.

Birds

See Annex 2 for an updated assessment of bird impacts.

During the surveys we recorded a few bird species. With the exception of theBlack-crowned Crane Balearica regulorum which is confined to this region and israre and therefore listed regionally as near threatened, the majority of the speciesrecorded in the project area are common and widely distributed and occur inscrubland, woodland and open cultivation. The Black-crowned Crane is a wetlandspecies but it is unlikely that the distribution line will affect it.

The possibility of avian hazards from distribution lines and towers is low sincemigratory birds tend to fly at high altitude, as such the distribution line wouldpose very little risk to such species. Furthermore, the ecological team did not findany evidence of bird strikes by the existing lines through consultation with thelocal communities.

Fish

Although Uganda has a large number of fresh water fish in its various lakes andrivers, the rivers and streams in the project area are reported to contain sometilapia. Children capture mudfish mainly during the dry season. Fishing is not anactivity undertaken by villagers. No reports of fish migration or other specieswere reported in interviews.

Generally during the construction period there will be some habitat destructionand disturbance causing the displacement of some species. However, since thearea for the proposed project is already highly cultivated and large mammals arevery rare, impacts due to change of land use will be low but long-term. In general,animals which are less mobile (often small animals) or species requiring habitattypes with limited distribution will be more affected than larger and often moremobile species.

6.2.4 NoiseIn the construction activity of the power line there will be little or no concentratednoise events, nor continuous activity at one location. However, there will beincreased noise levels for residents along the proposed route but this should be ofrelatively short duration and therefore low impact.

6.2.5 Electromagnetic FieldsPlacement of low-slung or lines near human activity (e.g. settlements) increasesthe risk for electrocutions. However, technical guidelines for design ordinarilyminimise this hazard. Furthermore electric power distribution lines createelectromagnetic fields that are alleged to cause cancer, leukaemia and lymphoma.



The impact of electromagnetic fields has not been determined yet, but since theproposed project consists of a low voltage line, the impact should be minimal.

6.3 Potential benefitsElectric poles often provide patches of passerine birds and as well as breedingsites for both hole and open nesters. These impacts are considered small andpositive for these species.

6.4 Socio-economic impacts

6.4.1 Access Tracks And TrafficThe construction of distribution lines is generally carried out utilising motorvehicles where access is reasonable and where access to each tower site can beachieved by track road. In the case of the Bondo - Nebbi 33 kV line, not much ofthe above will apply. First of all, the line should follow the road alignment of theArua - Nebbi Highway that is presently being widened and tarmacked. Secondly,the line, according to survey report and drawing will have to fall strictly withinthe road reserve which is 15 metres from the centre of the road to either side. Thiswill greatly minimise the construction of access roads thus reducing land take andany impacts on sensitive ecological sites. Lay downs can be done within the roadreserve as well without any vehicles having to deliver them.

Traffic Impacts

The traffic issue deals with direct physical effects, for which there are a range ofmeasures that can be taken in order to minimise the potential for adverse impacts.An assumption has been made that all the construction of the Bondo - Nebbi linewill be affected using motor vehicles. On the basis that the alignment of thedistribution line is made to follow the Arua - Nebbi Highway, vehicles used forconstruction can stop along the Highway ad construction equipments andmaterials are delivered by hand. This will greatly minimise potential impacts onsensitive sites including farmland.

Obviously there are yet no details regarding the number of vehicles or typesrequired for the construction of the 33 kV distribution line. But it is also assumedthat UEB will use one big lorry and a few small vehicles to carry the poles, wiresand other materials which can comfortably be parked either by the road side orwithin the 15 metre road radius of the road reserve. It is, therefore, difficult toimagine the use of heavy - duty vehicles, such as mobile cranes at both the laydown areas and the small tower connection sites. Traffic congestion is thereforenot anticipated, given that Arua - Nebbi Highway does not after all have heavytraffic.

Otherwise with construction of distribution lines the main concern has been thepresence of large, relatively fast moving vehicles, passing through rural areas thatare not used to such equipment. In which case the main factors that needed to beconsidered are: road capacity, safety of residents, structural integrity of roads andsources of construction material. However, in the case of the Bondo - Nebbidistribution, apart from the concern for safety of all road users and perhaps safety



of local residents, the other issues do not concern this project. Either ways theimpacts are insignificant.

6.4.2 Impacts On Land Use And SettlementThe study team understood from the company that is upgrading the Arua - NebbiHighway to a tarmac status, that compensation has been made to those who areaffected by the road project. That all those who have cultivated along theHighway and would be affected by the road construction have been adequatelycompensated. It is, therefore, the considered opinion of this study that UEBconstructs the line within the road reserve so that no more settlements andcultivated land are affected. In any case cultivation of low growing crops ispermitted after installation of the line, so long as a 5 m access track under the lineis kept clear. Otherwise between pole 25 and 36 the line passes through ThathaTrading Centre where at least 5 permanent settlements are found and will bepositively affected in terms of electricity supply. There is a restaurant/lodge,which will benefit from the project. Between pole 36 - 55, there is the NamuthiniPrimary School, which will also benefit from the line. Between pole 62 - 88, theOwinyoper Trading Centre, a primary school and about 30 customers are potentialbeneficiaries of the distribution line.

Anyiribu Trading Centre with about 4 permanent buildings and a primary schoolis located between poles 88 - 109. At the Junction to Kango, developmentpotentials are visible once the line is constructed.

Between pole 109 and Bondo, which is the unsurveyed stretch, there exist acooperative society store, 3 up coming trading centres each with over 5 permanentsettlements. Amadudu Trading Centre, also has a primary school, and has seven(7) potential customers for power supply.

The same stretch passes through Madi - Okollo County Headquarters, which hasabout 30 permanent settlements. Here one homestead, which is anyway outsidethe road reserve could be affected. The project can avoid this by re-aligning theroute to and restrict it within the road reserve.

At Ullepi that is specifically Esoli Eucharistic Centre, there is a Catholic Churchand some homesteads, which will benefit from the line.

At Zabu, there is the Zabu Primary School with permanent structures, which willalso benefit from the project. At Alibu Trading Centre, these are 4 permanentsettlements and a store, which belongs to Alibu Cooperative Society. These toowill benefit as well.

At lriri, there are 15 potential customers to benefit from the distribution lineincluding a church and the Uganda Change Agent Organisation.

There is a Community Training Centre at Katiyi Trading Centre, a PrimarySchool, and offices of World Vision. All these are expected to benefit from thedistribution project.

Ullepi Parish has over 40 potential customers to benefit from the project. There isthe Ullepi Secondary and Primary Schools, the Catholic Mission, all within the


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- EMA & ECON -


same vicinity. The routing to the Mission compound is likely to pass through afootball field, unless it is re-routed to avoid negative impact.

6.4.3 Visual ImpactsThe landscape through which the Bondo - Nebbi line passes is rather a flat plain.

The landscape between poles 0 - 25 is urban and flat. There may be insignificantimpacts on this landscape character.

Between poles 25 and 36, the landscape character is again a flat plain with asavannah type of grassland. No significant impacts are anticipated on this portionof landscape.

As described earlier, the topography of this part of the world is mainly rollingplains rising from the Nile floor in the Rift Valley (600 masl). The line runsthrough the Madi Plateau, which is rather flat and gentle. It is usually cheaper todesign road align in such landscape character. Sine the distribution line will runwithin the road reserve and follows the alignment of the existing road, visualimpairment effects will be minimal.

The study did not notice any steep terrain across which the line will pass. Againthe route generally follows the lower ground, so the influence on the landscapecharacter would be local and quite limited.

6.4.4 Impacts on PropertyIf the distribution line is constructed along the Arua - Nebbi Highway, it will passthrough the existing trading centres. But as discussed earlier, the line is expectedto be restricted within the road reserve unless, for economic reasons, UEB isforced to construct it off the road alignment. Therefore, no property will beaffected. However, between poles 36 and 55, 3 eucalyptus woodlots belonging tosome residents in the area could be affected. Impacts can be minimised by re-aligning the line to fall within the road reserve. Similar conditions will beexperienced between poles 55 and 62, 62 and 88 at Owinyoper, at Kanini betweenpoles 88 and 109, and where there are mango trees; At Katiyi Trading Centre,there are a few eucalyptus trees close to the road as well and finally at UllepiCatholic Mission, trees including eucalyptus exist and could be affected by theconstruction work. Some coffee plants belonging to the Mission are likely to beaffected. However, these impacts are very limited. Laura Forest Reserve, aproperty of Arua District may also be affected unless the line is restricted to theroad reserve, within which, trees have been cut by the road construction company.

6.4.5 EmploymentThe study team learnt that the local community did not benefit from theconstruction of the Arua - Bondo line because the contractor came with workersfrom Kampala. The considered view of this study is that local people should begiven first priority when the Bondo - Nebbi line construction starts. Most ofthose talked too are looking for employment opportunities especially the youth.


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The potential employment, even if small though number of local persons on theconstruction of the 45 km stretch represents a significant, albeit short-term projectbenefit.

The principal activities and number of operations associated with the constructionof the distribution line include: digging of holes, pulling of poles for unskilledpersons and wiring gangs. This may require at least 5 skilled persons.

The total number of persons particularly employed on the distribution line is 50 -100 on site at any one time.

6.4.6 Health And SafetyThe potential for acute effects of exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR)frequencies is generally well established for distribution lines. There are howeverregulations and international guidelines aimed at avoiding or limiting exposure,which may affect both workers and members of the public. However, this oftenapplies with 50/60 H2 frequency of high voltage distribution lines. The Bondo -Nebbi line is a 33 kV, low voltage line with minimum health effects.



7 Proposed mitigation measuresNOTE: Due to the anticipated low impacts of this project, an EMP has notbeen drawn up. Since the line route will follow the main road from Arua toNebbi, the environmental and social impacts of the line construction will begreatly reduced compared to the original EIA report. A summary ofmitigation measures based on the reassessment report in Annex 2 and therest of this chapter, of which a Resettlement Action Plan clearly is the mostimportant, is provided as section 7.1 to this chapter.

7.1 Summary of mitigation measuresSome cost effective mitigation measures should be put in place to limit thenegative environmental and social impacts of the line construction and theinterim generator sets:

. Due to the low number of people affected, an abbreviated resettlementaction plan (RAP) should be drawn up in accordance withEnvironmental and Social Management Framework for ERT projects.The abbreviated RAP should be based on the Ministry of Energy'scompensation process, which includes a report by the Governmentvaluer, and be advised by an external resettlement/compensationexpert. The RAP should be submitted to and approved by relevantUgandan authorities and the World Bank. The RAP should take intoaccount the ongoing compensation process for the rehabilitation of theroad. This is to ensure that people who are affected by the stretches ofthe line, which are in the road reserve are compensated fairly forincremental impacts of the line over the impacts of the road. Thisshould be the responsibility of Ministry of Energy and MineralDevelopment (MEMD).

. The construction of the line should to the extent possible avoid cuttingvaluable trees, though balancing the risks these trees represent for theline. The construction should generally be sensitive to people'sproperties and land. This should be the responsibility of the linebuilder, as specified in the tendering documents from MEMD. Thismitigation measure will be fulfilled through good engineering practice.

. The poles should be put securely and far enough down in the ground sothat they do not easily fall over and cause hazards and powerdisruption. This should be the responsibility of the line builder, asspecified in the tendering documents from MEMD. The developer will



be required to build the line to certain minimum standards. Thismitigation measure will be fulfilled through good engineering practice.

. Consideration should be given to fitting the distribution line with aninexpensive type of bird diverter, eg markings or flappers (such asthose used by ESKOM of South Africa) or insulation material for thestretches that passes the two small wetland habitats of River Ora and atNamthin bridge. The operator of the line should be tasked with themonitoring of bird migratory patterns to assess whether there is a riskof these being affected. If they are clearly affected, the operator shouldhave a commitment to install the anti-collision devices. Some of theseanti-collision devices have proven up to a 100% effective in SouthernAfrica, e.g. in the comparable case of protecting the Grey CrownedCrane against collisions with 22kV lines

. Consideration should be given regarding the need for fitting the newpowerhouse in Arua with noise insulation material. This issue should bediscussed by MEMD/ERA with NEMA and URECL once his choice ofgenerator set design is finalised.

. Proper storage facilities for the heavy fuel oil should be put in place aswell as procedures for handling the transfer of fuel. This is theresponsibility of URECL, the preferred bidder for the West NileElectricity Project.

. Waste of various kinds both from the installation of the generator setsand the construction of the line should be removed and disposed of in asafe manner. This should be the responsibility of URECL and the linebuilder, respectively.

* Noise and emission levels should be monitored in order to put measuresin place to reduce these if necessary. This should be the responsibility ofthe District Environmental Officer of Arua in cooperation with NEMA.

. Monitoring of the progress with the line and the adherence to thesemitigation measures should be the responsibility of the DistrictEnvironmental Officers of Arua and Nebbi on the operational level,with supervision from NEMA.

The costs of the mitigation measures, with the exception of the RAP, areexpected to be low and largely part of good engineering practice. NEMA willhave the overall responsibility for monitoring the overall progress, reg.environmental and social issues, of the project. The main mitigationmeasures and the their associated costs are summed up in the table below.

Table 7.1 Responsibilities and Costs Estimates for Implementation ofMitigation Measures.

Issue Mitigation Measure Suggested Estimated EstimatedResponsibility One-off costs recurrentfor (US$) costsimplementation (US$)/year)

Distribution lineResettlement and Implement RAP Ministry of See RAP (to be See RAP (toCompensation Energy prepared) be prepared)


-EMA & ECON -


Low impact line Be sensitive to trees, people's Line builder Normal good Normal goodconstruction properties & land engineering engineering

practice practice

Securely fasten Make sure poles are put deep Line builder Normal good Normal goodpoles enough into the ground so not engineering engineering

to represent hazard practice practiceMitigate bird Install anti-collision devices Line builder 30,000* 1,000impactsWaste handling Make sure waste is disposed of Line builder 2,500 1,000

in a safe mannerMonitor progress Inspect and observe adherence District Negligible Negligible

with mitigation measures. EnvironmentOfficer

Generator setsNoise control Install insulation or noise fence Uganda Rural 12,500 1,000

to reduce noise from generator Electrificationset operations Company Ltd

Oil handling to Install proper oil storage Uganda Rural 7,500 2,500reduce spills facilities and put in place Electrification

procedures for fuel handling Company LtdWaste handling Make sure waste is disposed of Uganda Rural Negligible Negligible

in a safe manner ElectrificationCompany Ltd

Monitor progress Site inspections to monitor District Negligible Negligible& record emission and noise levels and Environmentcomplaints adherence to mitigation Officer

measures. Keep record of publiccomplaints and instigate

I necessary changes.TOTAL I 52,500 5,500* Based on an estimate by Endangered Wildlife Trust of South Africa

7.2 ErosionIt is unlikely that during construction of the line a lot of areas will be exposed toagents of erosion through removal. However it is important that the area and timeof exposure of bare soil is minimised. The construction process is likely to movequickly along the route, and it is recommended that where site restoration isnecessary the process includes re-planting the cleared area with grass in order toprevent erosion in the short-term.

7.3 Access to the forest reserves in AruaA potential impact arising from the construction of a distribution line is theincreased incidence of activities such as tree felling, charcoal burning and huntingespecially in the two forest reserves in Arua. This could however be mitigated byaligning the distribution line in the present road reserve to avoid creating anotheraccess route through the forest.

7.4 VegetationThere is some concern that popular fruit trees may be cleared such as mangos andpawpaws. Another concern is related to the protected species of Vitellariaparadoxa ssp nilotica and Balanites aegyptiaeca that have various economic andecological values. Efforts should be directed in reducing the number of treesremoved in the process of building the line.


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7.5 Chronic effects of electromagneticradiation

At present there are no known guidelines or recommended levels of exposure byany of the international or national regulatory authorities. It is therefore difficultto make any firm suggestions that could be implemented to avoid any form ofpotential effect. However it is suggested people should be prevented fromundertaking major activities directly beneath the distribution lines, even if the lineis a low voltage one.

7.6 NoiseThe construction activity on the Bondo-Nebbi line is anticipated to be unlocalisedtherefore it is not necessary to provide additional noise measures, other than toensure that all silencing equipment of vehicles and machinery, such ascompressors, are maintained in good working condition.

7.7 Access tracks and traffic impactsAs much s possible UEB should use the Arua - Nebbi Highway duringconstruction of the line. In the process of lay downs, the project developer shouldminimise impacts to vegetation and crops cultivated close to the road reserve.Workers should be properly instructed to minimise the amount of disturbance tovegetation and cultivated land.

Presence of fast moving vehicles during construction of the line especially wellsettled areas such as trading centres should be avoided.

Particular attention should be paid when it comes to trading centres like those inUllepi, Okollo, Owinyoper, Kango junction, Amadudu, Alibu and Iriri which havethe presence of school children, disabled persons and the aged. In consultationwith the respective district engineers humps should be provided at some sports toavoid road safety risks. Roper signage for work in progress is also recommended.

7.8 Land use and settlementsTo avoid further complications, UEB should restrict construction work within theacceptable road reserve. This is because, settlements affected along the Arua -Nebbi Highway because of the road construction have been paid compensation.Only where UEB cannot avoid due to technical reasons, lines may pass throughsome settlements and property, in which, local authorities and the communitiesconcerned should be properly consulted and reasonable agreements favouring allsides are reached.

7.9 Visual influenceUEB should ensure that construction of towers and/or poles in relation to adjacentland use especially in residential areas such as trading centres do not cause seriousvisual impacts. This can be avoided by re-routing of lines.

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7.10 Property rightsAs said earlier, UEB should take advantage of compensation made by the currentroad project and should ensure that destruction of property especially at tradingcentres are avoided. Where it is inevitable like in the case of eucalyptus woodlots,proper negotiation with the owners of such woodlots should be conducted andrealistic decisions made by the parties concerned.

7.11 Health and safety issuesUEB should work with the local authorities and communities to ensure that peopleare prevented from undertaking major activities directly beneath the distributionline.

As much as possible, UEB should ensure that no unauthorised activities, such asconstruction or use of equipment, over the permitted heights specified in theappropriate regulations and standards are used within the way leave areas.

As long as the way leave is respected, especially where situations may force thedeveloper to construct the line outside the road reserve, and resettlement isprevented, then there should be no risks of acute effects arising from thedistribution line.


-EMA & ECON -


Table 7.1 Effect Mitigqtion/Enhancement Matrix for Construction ofDistribution line (Bondo - Nebbi).

Sector Activity Potential Effects Mitigation ResponsibilityImpacts: MeasuresNegativeImpacts

Electricity 1. Land use Vegetation Restrict UEB/Contractorsupply: destruction alignment within

Construction of the road reserveElectricitydistribution lines;

Wayleaves, Deforestation Alignment of UEB/Contractorlaydowns, line to bedigging holes for restricted withinpoles the road

reserve/re-routing

2. Road safety Accidents Humps to be Road Constructionconstructed at Projecttrading centres,school andchurches

3. Flora Loss of If alignment UEB/DEOs ofindigenous cannot avoided Arua/Nebbispecies and destruction

caused,indigenousspecies to berestored

Construction of 4. Health and Vulnerability of Supervise District Localthe line, access safety of public children and the construction Governments ofroads for public in settled work to ensure Arua andlaydowns areas. poles are firmly Nebbi/UEB/

placed and wires Contractorare firm.

DEOs ofClosure Arua/Nebbimonitoringduring operation



5. Visual Loss of vision Avoid use of UEBIntrusion shiny penstock

Construction 6. Displacement Poverty/desperation Re-routing or UEB/Arua/Nebbiof line off the of people (i.e district District LocalRoad Reserve houses+property) authorities of Governmentsdue to Nebbi andeconomic and Aruatechnical compensatesreasons or relocates

affected____ ____ ____ ____ persons

B) PositiveImpacts

Completion of 7. Creation of Improved income of Provide non- UEB/ContractorArua-Nebbi unskilled jobs local people skilled jobs forDistribution localline communities

8. Connection of Improved standard Connect as UEB/Rural people on of education welfare many people Concessionairethe gnd especially and incomes as possibleschools, churchesand businesspremises

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-EMA & ECON -


8 ReferencesArua District Local Government (2000) District Development Plan, 2000/01 -

2002/03. Volume I: Policy Framework.

Arua District Local Government: District Environment Action Plan Secretariat.The District Environment Action Plan for Arua District, 2001 - 2005.

Ministry of Water, Lands and Environment 2000. The Uganda Forestry Policy,Kampala, Uganda.

National Environment Action Plan Secretariat. The National Environment ActionPlan for Uganda. 1995.

Nebbi District Local Government (2001). 3 Year Development Plan (2001/2002 -2003/2004) Volume Two: Project Profiles.

NEMA (1997) District Environment Profile

NEMA (2001) State of Environment Report for Uganda, 2000/2001.

Stubblefield, L. (ed) 1993. Ajai Game reserve, Uganda. Preliminary results of theFrontier Uganda, Bilogical Assessment.

WS Atkins International Ltd., 1999. Bujagali Hydroelectric Power Project.Connection to the 132 kV Distribution Network: Environmental ImpactStatement.


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-EMA & ECON -


Annex 1: List of personsconsulted1. Eng. Moses Murengezi, Assistant Commissioner (Electrical Power) Ministry

of Energy and Mineral Development.

2. Eng. Gerald Muganga, Manager Engineering (Services), Uganda Electricity

Transmission Company Ltd.

3. Mr. George Ambe, Vice Chairman LC V Arua District

4. Eng. Lawrence Pario - District Engineer Arua District.

5. Mr, Stanly Acrabo - Deputy CAO Arua District.

6. Mrs. Aciferu Christine, Deputy Speaker Arua District.

7. Eng. Swali Rajabo, UEB Manager Arua/Nebbi

8. Mr. Betele John in-charge UEB, Nebbi.

9. Mr. Fred Onyai District Environment Officer, Nebbi.

10. Mr. Nathan Ahimbisibwe, Assistant CAO, Nebbi District.

11. Mr. Sam Ogenyi Rwoth, CAO, Nebbi

12. Eng. Munduga Gideon - SBI - Road Construction - Arua - Nebbi Highway.


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-EMA & ECON -


Annex 2: EIA revision due toline route change

WEST NILE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY PROJECT

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT RE-ASSESSMENT REPORT

Part III: Report on the impacts of Bondo-Nebbi distribution line following the

decided route

By ema consult limited

November, 2002


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Introduction

By the time the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Bondo - NebbiDistribution Line was conducted; a survey of the route was not yet completedtherefore a lot of assumptions were made over environmental concems of the line.However, due to the urgency involved in the implementation of the West NileElectricity Project (WNESP), Uganda Electricity Transmission Company hasfinally completed the survey work and the bidding process for the construction ofthe line is in progress. It was therefore important that re-assessment is done tocritically address issues that could not be otherwise addressed due to theincomplete survey work. Three major issues were looked at during this re-assessment study, which included resettlement, sensitive ecological sites andarchaeological concems.

This section discusses impacts on land use and settlement between Bondo andNebbi.

Impacts on Land Use and Settlement from the lineThe distribution line will follow the Arua - Nebbi road alignment, as marked onthe map in Annex 3. However, for technical reasons, the line goes off the roadalignment at some points (see Annex 5 for an estimate of how much of the linewill be within the road reserve). Nonetheless, no serious environmental concemshave been identified in the direct impact areas.

Compensation of people affected by the upgrading of Arua-Nebbi Highway is ongoing (see Annex 4 for excerpts from the compensation process report).Consultation with the Road Agency Formation Unit (RAFU), Land Officers inNebbi and Arua, and Solen Bonne Intemational (SBI), the Company that isconstructing the Highway, indicates that affected people are being compensatedfor loss of properties. RAFU, has channeled money for compensation to SBI andthe exercise is being supervised by the Land Officers of the respective districts.

The conclusion of this study is that there will be no adverse impact of the projecton land use and settlements in the project area. No farmland will be taken by theproject. However, a few settlements are likely to be affected as well as aeucalyptus plantation and other valuable trees. This is presented below:

The assessment report is discussed village by village. The village is the lowestadministrative unit in the Movement Govemment System; the political system ofUganda. Some of these villages are marked on the map in Annex 3.

Tata Village

Tata village is the first village assessed. There is also a trading centre within thisvillage. While no serious environmental impacts are anticipated at this point, 5homesteads were identified. The distribution line will pass high above the grass-thatched houses with no negative impacts on them.

Atiak Village

At Atiak village, there is a eucalyptus woodlot through which the line will pass.This plantation will be affected since it falls within the Right of Way. Clearly, part

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-EMA & ECON -Environmental Impact Statement for Borido-Nebbi transmission line, Uganda - DRAFT -

of the woodlot will have to be cleared to give way for the electricity line, causinga negative impact to an area planted by trees to provide firewood, poles andincome while enhancing environmental conditions.

Namthin Primary School

The line will pass near Namtin Primary School, which is located 300 metres offthe Arua-Nebbi Highway. The construction and operation of the line will result incutting down of more than five mango trees, which is a source of food and incomefor this community. This is a negative impact of the project on this environment.

Namtin Bridge

Near Namtin Bridge, which is presently being constructed by the Arua- Nebbiroad project, a eucalyptus woodlot belonging to one Rev. Elea Onika will beaffected. Parts of the woodlot fall within the ROW and must be cleared to giveway to the line. The impact is negative in the sense that it will affect fuel woodand income supply to the household.

Aryek Growers Cooperative Society Store

At this point 5 mangoes and 10 eucalyptus trees exist. More than six of these treeswill be cleared to allow the distribution line to pass. The line will also passthrough a homestead, affecting 2 thatched huts, which should be relocated furtherin-wards. The project will affect food pattems, as well as settlement and theecosystem of the area. However, the household has adequate land at the backyardwhere the two affected huts will be relocated.

Patek Village

In this village, the pole will be constructed on the plot where a hut existed untilrecently when the owner voluntarily relocated it to his backyard where there wasavailable land.

Omyer Primary School

The line will pass behind the primary school without causing any majorenvironmental problems. However, before reaching the school compound, itpasses through a sensitive ecological zone where there is a small natural forest ofShea trees. More than 3 of these trees will be cut down. This has impacts both onthe eco-systems and food situation. Shear Tree is a source of food and oil in thearea.

Kangu Village

While the line will not affect settlements, it will affect trees of indigenous natureincluding Shea. Same impacts as above are anticipated. At least five trees arelikely to be affected.

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- EMA & ECON -


Okollo County Trading Centre

At this point only positive impacts of the project is observed. The line willprovide the badly needed electrical power in the area to provide lighting and otherenergy needs.

However, immediately after this point, there exists the Kau forest. The Surveyorsof the line have already cut down trees of indigenous species to create the Right ofWay. The impacts are mainly ecological in nature and though negative are notsevere.

Kathi Onduka Village

In Kathi Onduka Village, one mango tree will be cut down. This will result in lossof food and income for the owners of the tree.

Iriiri Village

At this point the line will affect two huts. The huts will have to be relocated toample land in the vicinity.

Uleppi Trading Centre

Here the power line will affect a permanent house and a mango tree. Both thehouse and the tree belong to one Mr. Safi Nasur. The house is a business premisewhile the mango tree is for both food and income. The house will be relocatedwhile the tree will be lost causing loss of food and income as well as involuntaryrelocation of property.

Within the same area is a eucalyptus plantation through which the line will pass.The Right of Way will pass through the woodlot, which is planted for fuel woodand poles. The negative impact is on energy, income and the ecology.

Clearly, no farmland will be taken by the construction of the Bondo - NebbiDistribution Line. Impacts of the project will be limited to settlements andproperties such as valuable trees. However, vegetation will be cleared but this willbe within the Right of Way (ROW).

Ecological and bird impacts of the line

The line passes along, and for most of the stretch very close to, a major road. Theincremental ecological impacts from the line, given that the road is already there,are likely to be small. The ecological and biodiversity values of the proposed linecorridor, and the adjacent area, are relatively low.

As described above, the line passes through some woodlots, bush land andindividual fruit trees. These impacts are mainly economic in that some fruit, andwood for building and cooking are lost. Many of the ecological impacts describedin Chapter 6 of this report are now reduced due to the new line route.

Regarding bird impacts, Dr Christine Dranzoa, of Makerere University inKampala, Chris van Royen of Endangered Wildlife Trust of South Africa, PeterNelson of Corporate Environmental Affairs of ESKOM, South Africa, have beenconsulted. The latter two have broad experience of impacts on (and mitigation) of

EIA Bondo-Nebbi line (revised ver2).doc\PL\09.01,03\1 0:0652

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transmission and distribution lines on bird populations. This section supplementsand updates section 6.2.3 of this report.

The three main impacts of transmission/distribution lines on birds, and therelevance for this project, are:

. Habitat destruction and human disturbance: Due to the rerouting of the linealong the main road, no destruction of important habitats for birds willoccur. However, some woodlots and individual trees will be removed, asdescribed above. Since most of the bird species recorded in the project areaare common and widely distributed, the clearing of vegetation along thecorridor is unlikely to cause major impacts on these species' habitats.Further, the only near-threatened species recorded in the wider region, theBlack Crowned Crane, has its home range in wetlands, a type of habitatwhich is not very common in the project area. The distribution line passestwo small wetland areas. These are at Namthin bridge where there is aneucalyptus woodlot and just outside Ulepi trading centre before it crossesRiver Nyagak, which is known in the area as River Ora. Black CrownedCranes are not a common sight in this particular habitat, which wasconfirmed by the local communities the EIA team talked to. It is thereforeunlikely that this particular family of birds will traverse the planneddistribution line at this point (or indeed then at any other point along theline). Regarding human disturbance, it is to some extent already present inthe area along the road, so the line should not in the short term increase theimpacts of human disturbance on bird populations.

. Collisions: Birds may often collide with transmission/distribution linesresulting in injuries or death. Some species are more susceptible tocollisions than others, but such information has not been available for theproject area. The most important factor in determining the collision impacts,are the location of the line in respect to the roosting and breeding sites ofbirds. Since the most threatened species, the Black Crowned Crane, does nothave its most typical habitat in the project area, the location of the line maytherefore not increase the number of collisions significantly for thisparticular species. The type of line may also be important for the extent ofimpacts. The line in question is single, at a height of 10 meters aboveground using wooden poles. This 33kV line is likely to have lower impactson birds than more extensive, multiple transmission lines using large metaltower constructions at a height, which may more severely interrupt birds'migratory patterns. Further, other bird species tend to fly below the heightof 10 meters when moving around the savannah and bush land habitats.Those birds that fly high, normally take off from trees, which are oftenhigher than the distribution line. In the long term, however, the presence ofa distribution line may change the flight and roosting patterns of the birds inthe area. Consultation with local people has not resulted in any reported birdcollisions or injuries from the first section of the line form Arua to Nebbi.Further, some stretches of the line will pass through villages and tradingcentres, where the incremental impacts on birds from another human builtstructure is low. If the distribution line does turn out to give unexpected risein bird deaths/injuries due to collisions, (up to a 100%) effective mitigationmeasures are known and available (see below).



E Electrocutions: Large birds of prey are most commonly electrocuted onpower lines. Relevant bird species in the project area for this type of impactare for example the Lappet-faced Vulture and the Martial Eagle, none ofwhich are directly threatened. Further, the near-threatened Black CrestedCrane lives in wetland habitats and is unlikely to be at risk of electrocutions.Due to the type of line under consideration (low height, single line, fewoptions for electrocutions) and the area it passes through it is likely that thisimpact will be relatively low.

There is a risk that some common species of birds may be affected by the powerline, mostly through collisions with the power line. This impact is likely to be lownegative, and may, if impacts are unexpectedly large, be mitigated (see below).

Impacts of installation and operation of generator sets in Arua

The new generator sets in Arua town will potentially have low negativeenvironmental and social impacts, and high positive impacts through thegeneration of 1 8hours a day electricity as compared with 4hours at present.Impacts are summarised below:

. Some noise and disturbance during installation, both from the constructionof a bigger power house, the installation of the generator sets, the transportof parts etc.

. Some noise during operation can be expected, both from operation ofgenerator sets and from transport of fuel. The new generator sets are likelyto be less noisy than the old ones, though running for 18 hours (rather than4) (including some hours at night). These impacts will be limited to 14months, when the hydro station takes over. After that the generator sets willgenerally be used during peak demand (ie. daytime).

. It is important to note that the centralised power generation will replace thesupply from many privately owned, small and less efficient diesel generatorsets, which result in both emissions to air and noise.

. Some emissions to air from heavy fuel oil combustion. The new generatorsets are more efficient than the old ones, but will run for longer and useheavy fuel oil rather than diesel. The total emissions in Arua from powergeneration may not go up for some years, since the new generator sets aremore efficient than all the small privately owned generator sets they willinitially replace.

. Some risk of fuel oil spills from the transfer of oil from the tank lorry to thepermanent storage to the generator sets.

. Some waste from construction and upgrading of powerhouse, someincreased transport of fuel to Arua.

. The generator sets will be up and running within 10 months of the contractsignature of the preferred bidder, URECL, for the electricity licence. Theinstallation of generator sets is a response to a strong local need forelectricity as soon as possible. Therefore, the installation of generator setswill give a high positive impact.


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Mitigation measures for both elements

However, some cost effective mitigation measures should be put in place to limitthe negative environmental and social impacts:

. Due to the low number of people affected, an abbreviated resettlementaction plan (RAP) should be drawn up in accordance with Environmentaland Social Management Framework for ERT projects. The abbreviated RAPshould be based on the Ministry of Energy's compensation process, whichincludes a report by the Government valuer, and be advised by an externalresettlement/compensation expert. The RAP should be submitted to andapproved by relevant Ugandan authorities and the World Bank. The RAPshould take into account the ongoing compensation process for therehabilitation of the road. This is to ensure that people who are affected bythe stretches of the line, which are in the road reserve are compensatedfairly for incremental impacts of the line over the impacts of the road. Apreliminary survey of number of people and amount of land affected isgiven in the table below.

| The construction of the line should to the extent possible avoid cuttingvaluable trees, though balancing the risks these trees represent for the line.The construction should generally be sensitive to people's properties andland.

. The poles should be put securely and far enough down in the ground so thatthey do not easily fall over and cause hazards and power disruption.

. Consideration should be given to fitting the distribution line with aninexpensive type of bird diverter, eg markings or flappers (such as thoseused by ESKOM of South Africa) or insulation material for the stretchesthat passes the two small wetland habitats of River Ora and at Namthinbridge. The operator of the line should be tasked with the monitoring of birdmigratory patterns to assess whether there is a risk of these being affected. Ifthey are clearly affected, the operator should have a commitment to installthe anti-collision devices. Some of these anti-collision devices have provenup to a 100% effective in Southern Africa, eg in the comparable case ofprotecting the Grey Crowned Cranes against collisions with 22kV lines.

. Consideration should be given regarding the need for fitting the newpowerhouse in Arua with noise insulation material. This issue should bediscussed with the developer once his choice of generator set design isfinalised.

. Proper storage facilities for the heavy fuel oil should be put in place as wellas procedures for handling the transfer of fuel.

. Waste of various kinds both from the installation of the generator sets andthe construction of the line should be removed and disposed of in a safemanner.

. Noise and emission levels should be monitored in order to put measures inplace to reduce these if necessary.

These mitigation measures have been assigned responsibilities in Chapter 7.1 ofthis report.


-EMA & ECON -


Table 1: Properties for Compensation due to Bondo-Nebbi Distribution LineConstruction

Place Items Quality Ownership

Atiak Village 1. Eucalyptus 10 trees Private

Namthin Primary 1. Mango 5 tree SchoolSchool 2. Eucalyptus > 10 Rev. Elea Onika

Aryek Growers 1. Mango 2 PrivateCooperative Society 2. Eucalyptus 40 PrivateStores

3. Huts 2 Private

Patek village 1. Hut I Private

Omyer Primary 1. Shea trees 3 District/ PublicSchool

Kangu Village 1. Shea Trees > 5 Public

2. Other trees > 3 Public

Okollo Trading 1. Forest Reserve > 20 District /PublicCentre

Kathi Onduka 1. Mango I PrivateVillage

Iriiri Village 1. Huts 2 Private

Ulepi Trading 1. Permanent House I PrivateCentre 2. Mango I Private

3. Eucalyptus > 10 Private


-EMA & ECON -Environmental Impact Statement for Bondo-Nebbi transmiSsiOn line, Uganda - DRAFT -

Annex 3: Line route map

P.O. Box 7625 Phone: +256 41 233433/4Kampala, Uganda Fax: >2256 41 341 789Plot 29/33, Kampala Rd Ernall: transcoiuetcl.com

l n Amber House

GM/AIH/MOE/5 /08

29 August 2002

The Permanent SecretaryMinistry of Energy and Mineral DevelopmentP.O.BOX 7270KAM PALA

CONS ULTANCY SERVICES ON THE ARUA - NEBBI 33 kV LINE -SURVEY REPORT

We are pleased to submit to you the Survey Report as part of the requircmcnts for thecontract for Consullancy Services for the Arua - Nebbi 33kV line.

The Survcv and pcgging of the line was carried out by the Planning section from 1 9 hJuly to 12'^ August 02.

The report has been presented in text formn, route maps and graphs in separatevolumes.

We hope that this report will go a long way in laying ground for the completion of theproject.

E~PManaging Director.

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Annex 4: Compensation processfor road upgradeShort stretches of the distribution line between Bondo and Nebbi are planned tobe within the road reserve of the newly upgraded road from Nebbi to Arua.Excerpts from the report on the ongoing compensation process for the peopleaffected by the Arua-Nebbi road rehabilitation project, are provided below. Thereport has been obtained from the Road Agency Fornation Unit (RAFU). Thereport was written by East African Consulting Surveyors and Valuers CharteredSurveyors.

Part 1: Inspection and Valuation Report

Valuation Estimates for Compensation of Land and developments along theproposed 85 Km Road, Nebbi- Arua. For the Ministry of Works, Housing andCommunication. RAFU Road Development Programme Phase I Project (RDPPI)By Norconsult as in association with East African Consulting Surveyors andValuers.

Scope of Work

* Inspect and value all interests in land along a corridor of approximately 85Km long from Nebbi to Arua in a bid to establish the level ofcompensation to the claimants.

The relevant legislation that affects this valuation includes:

* The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995,

* The Land Act 1998

* The Land Regulations 2000/01

The route goes through the districts of Nebbi and Arua

The total compensation along this route is broken down as follows:

CROPS LAND IMPROVEMENTS BUILDINGS94,676,210 466,173,835 3,327,060 76,846,480

TOTAL 641,023,585



Observations of developments along the corridors:

a) There are cases where the road reserve is only a metre or so fromoutside the building /house

b) Cases where the reserve line just "kisses" the external verandah of thebuilding /house

c) Cases where the reserve line takes the whole verandah

d) Cases where the reserve line takes in the whole building /house

e) Cases where the reserve line only affects the commercial building infront of a residence or a residential room at the rear.

f) Cases where the development is in the road reserve but will notnecessarily be affected when the road is built

g) Cases where the development is outside the reserve but will suffer"injurious affection"

h) Cases, which fall under the Town and country planning legislation

The survey also clearly shows public utility properties, which are affected andthese have to be relocated elsewhere within the community or appropriate place tocontinue serving the community. These include electricity poles and sub-stations;wells and stand pipes for portable water; clinics and churches.

A survey has already been done to record all crops including perennial crops,which were damaged in the process of corridor line and co-ordinance survey.

A thorough survey has been made and a record of all-perennial crops and treeswithin the 30 metre road corridor belonging to all the affected people. (please notethat parts of the corridor are 20 metres).

Valuation Methodology

The valuation methodology is based on the domestic local law whichmethodology has been slightly adjusted to meet the World Bank standards.

Houses and Other Structures

The present market cost of the materials to build a replacement structure within anarea and quality similar to the affected, plus the cost of transportation of buildingmaterials to the construction site, plus the cost of labour and construction fees.

Urban Areas

The valuation of buildings, houses and other structures not included in the Districtcompensation roles was based on the open market values on comparison basiswith similar properties recently sold in urban areas.


-EMA & ECON -Environmental Impact Statement for Bondo-Nebbi transmiSSion line, Uganda - DRAFT -

Crops

The valuation of perennial crops, improved pastures, fruit trees, medicinal herbs,forest trees and temporary and semi permanent buildings/houses and shelters,hedges is provided under the approved Current District Compensation rates as setout and computed by the District Land Board.

Witnesses

The identification of the owners, measurements of the plots, and buildingsrecords, of crops and other affected properties is demarcated by the surveyorswitnessed by the LC members and confirmed by the Land registry records wherethe land is registered.

Resettlement

The nature and character of the affected persons on the road development projectsruns across many communities of various economic standings and across manycultures. The affected land area is usually small and in narrow strips. Mostaffected people would have come nearer the road to set up business premisesespecially in trading centres and towns. Some of these business premises havebarely basic lining rooms, mainly for security of their business property. In mostcases the affected persons have permanent houses elsewhere. The roadprogramme would only affect business premises and therefore there would be noneed to relocate them to another site.

Part 2: Excerpts from Report 2

Below are excerpts from report 2: the Compensation Plan and Schedule for peopleaffected by the upgrading of Arua - Nebbi Road. Obtained from Road AgencyFormation Unit (RAFU).

Land Expropriation and Compensation of Affected Properties on proposed RDPPIProjects. Consultancy services.

RDPP HW/C002: Nebbi to Arua Road

Resettlement Action Plan: Draft Report August 2002

Norconsult for Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

Road Agency Formation Units (RAFU)

Addendum No. 1

Resettlement Action Plan for Nebbi to Arua Road

Implementation of Resettlement /Compensation

Implementation Arrangements

RAFU will do the overall supervision and monitoring of the resettlement process.Arrangements have been put in place whereby the constructor will be responsiblefor disbursement of funds to the PAPs at established centres at district level. TheDistrict Verification and Compensation Committee will assist the constructor.



The arrangement is hoped will give the PAPs enough time to relocate since theconstructor will be abreast of payment schedules hence will accordingly directcivil works along the road.

Time schedule and summary of activities

Time scale for the resettlement process is estimated to take eight (8) weeks. Thistakes into account important variables such as resolution of conflicts andgrievances and cash flow from GoU/RAFU to the contractors. Time schedule andsummary of activities is presented in the table below.

Activities Schedule inweeks fromcommencement5

Depositof I x 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

lists of PAPs

in the district

and verification

Resolution of conflictsand grievances XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX2andgrievances ~ xx x x xx x x xx x x x xx x xx x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x|X

x

GoU/RAFUdisbursement of fundsto the constructor

Issue notice of evictionto PAPs accompanied kxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxby payment

Relocation by PAPs

kx x xxxx x xxxxxxxx xx x xx xx

Progress weekly fieldreportstoRAFU Ixxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx|

Monitoring and EvaluationThis is important to provide RAFU with a feedback of the resettlement process.RAFU will carry out an in-house monitoring or contract to a consultant asindependent monitor to ensure complete and objectives information. Theproposed program is given in the log frame below and is based or the proposeimplementation schedule.


-EMA & ECON -


Activity Responsibility Indicators Means Targeted/Services of AchievementsVerification in weeks from

commencement

8

Finalization of RAFU Number and Records/mapsPAPs lists categories

Final lists of RAFUdisplaced persons

Number and Recordscategories

Compensation RAFU Effectiveness Reports andpayments of records

compensation indicatingpayments and specificprocedures payments

Site Selection RAP/RAFU * Number of Field visitssite and report

Site development PAP/RAFU * Number and Field sitestate observation

and report

Relocation/Shifting PAP/RAFU * Access to Records andvacate sites reports

Revenue PAP/RAFU Agri output Home visitrestoration plan and income and report xxx

of affectedpeople

Resettlement Budget

Component Compensation Costs

The component costs of compensation for cases of imperious affection (propertiesnot in the road reserves but could be affected by the road works) will be computedand will include the following:

* Compensation for land

* Compensation for crops

* Compensation for assets

* 15% or 30% disturbance allowance depending on notice given


-EMA & ECON -


Annex 5: Estimated share of linewithin road reserveThe below correspondence with the Director of UETCL provides their estimate ofthe share of the line which will be within the road reserve of the newlyrehabilitated road from Arua to Nebbi.

Subject: Line from Bondo to Nebbi in road reserve?Please refer to the survey report submitted to the Ministry of Energy and MineralDevelopment about the above line and your e-mail of Tuesday September 10'2002 about the above subject.

Part of the report was a set of maps showing the remaining part of the 33kVBondo-Nebbi at a scale of 1:5000.

On the above maps, a road reserve of 15 metres would be very close to the road.However on the maps, the line route is clearly far from the road in most placesand therefore outside the road reserve.

The extent of the line in the road reserve is hereby summarized as follows:-



SECTION FROM TO POLE LENGTH INPOLE NO. NO. ROAD

RESERVE(METRES)

BONDO-NDUBU 27 29 100

37 39 120

79 240

83 1700

NDUBU-ANYARIBU 207 210 300

236 247 1150

260 265 470

284 286 200

317 324 710

339 344 520

360 364 380

ANYARIBU-NEBBI 458 460 180

465 472 550

475 489 1200

Total length of line falling within the road reserve is approximately 8km.

For the part of the line to be upgraded from 1 kV to 33kV, most parts are withinthe road reserve. This part might not need an EIA since the construction of thispart will follow the existing line route.

The rest of the route is outside the road reserve.

Regards,

Eriasi Kiyemba



Annex 6: Record of consultationmeetings & disclosure ofinformationBelow is a description and record of the consultation process for the West NileElectrification Project. The annex was also part of the EIA report for Nyagak. Theconsultation process in both districts have concemed all three components of theproject:

* Nyagak and Olewa mini hydros

* Interim Generator sets in Arua

* Distribution line from Arua to Nebbi

Description of the consultation processThe West Nile hydropower project has a long history, at least back to 1995, butpossibly before that. The previous three environmental and social assessmentstudies that have been carried out have involved public consultations, both locallyand with central authorities. NORPLAN (2001), for instance, conducted its ownextensive consultations. A list of people consulted is provided in the appendix Cto that report. Further, NORPLAN (2001) identified and reviewed two importantconsultation studies conducted earlier.

The first, conducted by a local NGO, CEFORD (Community Empowerment forRural Development), involved discussions with local and district officials,communities and consultants involved in the project. The CEFORD consultationreport clearly outlines the demand and eagerness of the people of the West Nilefor a reliable electricity supply (NORPLAN 2001: p3-11). Further, NORPLAN(2001 :p3-1 1) sums up the results of the report: "There are high expectations fromthe district government level to stakeholders on the ground although there arecertain steps in coordination and planning that need to be carried through for asuccessful project outcome. Interviews with affected persons at the site revealedthat those interviewed welcomed the project as a development opportunity. Thosein the way of the proposed access roads did not mind relocating in other fields inthe vicinity so long as they received adequate compensation. It appears that thepeople prefer to remain in the project area since they expect employment,electricity and a general economic development from the project."


- EMA & ECONEnvironmental Impact Statement for Bondo-Nebbi transmission line, Uganda - DRAFT -

The second consultation study, included specific questionnaires about the projectincluded in the surveys undertaken by the District Planning Unit, as part of theDistrict Development Report (June 2000).

Further, several World Bank and PCF teams have visited the districts of Nebbiand Arua over the last few years as part of the project appraisal processes. Thesevisits have, as far as ECON understands, involved both site visits and consultationmeetings with local authorities and representatives.

ECON first got involved in the West Nile project in November 2001, and hasmaintained a close and frequent liaison with local people in Nebbi (and Arua)since then. As part of ECON's team Mike Bess, a rural energy expert who hadbeen involved in consultation processes in connection with PCF, has representedthe continuity in our relationship with local stakeholders. Our Kampala-basedproject coordinator, Henrik Lindhjem, has frequently visited the area forconsultation and information purposes with representatives from the Ministry ofEnergy, Electricity Regulatory Autority, members of the transaction advisor teamand on one occasion with potential investors. Further, EMA, the Ugandanconsultants that have been in charge of carrying out a proper EIA process, haveactively consulted with local and central (NEMA and other) stakeholdersthroughout the EIA process.

The Local Councils at the village level (LC I and LC II) and the villagers are wellorganised. During the site visits, the LC officials mobilised villagers forconsultations and they have established good co-operative arrangements. Thevisits to the area have involved both meetings with local government andadministrative representatives in Nebbi and Paidha, site visits accompanied bylocal stakeholders, but also included open meetings with representatives fromtraditional community structures (e.g. village chiefs), women groups, NGOs, localreligious leaders (e.g. bishop), business community etc.

Most people speak English well in the area, which has facilitated communicationand consultations enormously. In the cases where people have not spoken Englishwell, translations were conducted by local officials or communication was doneby local Ugandan members of the transaction advisor team (EMA) withknowledge of the language of the area.

Further, ECON subcontracted EMA to carry out the necessary EIA work for theproject. This work, which included two fieldtrips to the area, has involvedextensive consultations with affected local people in the immediate project area(reg. compensation and mitigation issues) as well as local government andtraditional village representatives. EMA has also thoroughly consulted andrequested advice from central authorities relevant to the project, particularlyNEMA and DWD.

In addition, Electricity Regulatory Authority and the Ministry of Energy andMineral Development have organised public meetings in the area, independentlyof ECON's involvement.

Lastly, communication has been frequent with the local UEB representative whois in charge of running the present electrical system in Arua and Nebbi Districts.


-EMA & ECON -

Environmental Impact Statement for Bondo-Nebbi transmiSSion line, Uganda - DRAFT -

He has been an important source of information for local people and hasfacilitated consultation and information sharing all through the project. Since theproject has a high profile and is generally considered important to the twodistricts, the local governments in the two districts have chosen their toprepresentatives/officals to be in charge of project liason (eg. The Assistant ChiefAdministrative Officer (CAO) in Nebbi and the Deputy Chairman in Arua).

Assessment of the need for further consultations

It is ECON and EMA's clear view that the consultation before ECON started itsinvolvement had already been extensive and thorough. ECON continued the closeand frequent liason from the start of our involvement in November 2001. There isan enormous interest in the project locally and the clear message conveyedthrough the consultation process is a strong eagerness to see the project go ahead.The consultation saturation point for local people may, in our opinion, beexceeded.

The development of the resettlement plan, and the strengthening of the EMP,should, in our view, conclude the pre-project-development consultation process.

Record of local meetings

The first section of this annex provided a general description of the consultationprocess regarding the West Nile Electricity Project, as far back as is known byECON. To our knowledge there are no offical records of the meetings that havetaken place before ECON's involvement commenced in November 2001, exceptfor what is documented in the various EIA studies. Further, official minutes ofmeetings and detailed lists of participants since Nov. 2001 have not been writtendown by ECON. These records may, however, be kept locally.

Below is provided the record of local meetings since Nov. 2001; the date, place,duration, types (and if avaialable, names) of participants and purpose of visits toWest Nile. In addition to the physical meetings, which are presented below, localgovernment and administrative officals were frequently consulted over the phone(the mobile phone operator MTN has transformed communication to the area) orthrough written communication. Only meetings of relevance to the Nyagakproject are listed, and the range of meetings/consultations with centralstakeholders (NEMA, Directorate of Water, MEMD and others) are notmentioned here.


HI

- EMA & ECON -


Table Record of local consultation meetings since Nov. 2001

Date Place Purpose Duration ParticipantsNov Nebbi Town, Site 2 days Local Council Chairmen,

Local govt. familiarisation and Chief and Administrativemain meeting local consultation Officers, other administrativeroom officers (incl.

environmental), localcommunity representatives,local UEB representative,local media, MEMD andERA officials.

Transaction advisor teamNov Paidha Town, Site 2 days Town mayor, administrative

Mayor's familiarisation and officers, local communityoffice local consultation representatives, local media,

local UEB representative,MEMD and ERA officals

Transaction advisor teamNov Arua Town, Offical Public I day Minister of Public Works

Catholic hall hearing for both Parliament representativesDistricts

ERA CEO

MEMD officals

Local officals and civilsociety

Transaction advisors

Nov/Des Nebbi Town, EIA field trip incl. 5 dayLocal govt preliminarymain meeting compensationroom consultation EMA team

Nov/Des Paidha Town, EIA field trip incl. Idaymayor's preliminaryoffice compensation

consultation EMA team

Nov/Des Village of EIA field trip incl. I dayNyapea preliminary

compensationNgai consultation EMA team

Nov/Des Village EIA field trip incl. 2 daysofNgia preliminary

compensationconsultation EMA team

Jan'02 Nebbi Town, Bidders' 2 days Range of stakeholders (seeLocal govt programme, incl. meeting Nov/Des)main meeting site visits and 8 representatives from 5room meetings between potential private company

prospective investorsinvestors and localcommunity Transaction advisors

Jan'02 Paidha Town, Bidders' 2 days Range of stakeholders (seemayor's programme, incl. meeting Nov/Des)



office site visits and 8 representatives from 5meetings between potential private companyprospective investorsinvestors and local Transaction advisorscommunity

March'02 Nebbi Town, Progress status I day Range of stakeholders (seeLocal govt and consultation previous meetings).main meeting reg. Compensation Transaction advisorsroom

March'02 Paidha Town, Progress status I day Range of stakeholders (seemayor's and consultation previous meetings).office reg. Compensation Transaction advisors

July'02 Nebbi Town Site investigations Local representatives

URECL, the preferred bidder

July'02 Paidha Town Site investigations Local representatives

URECL, the preferred bidder

Consultation meetings during reassessment field trip

A field trip was carried out during 6-12 November to reassess impacts of changesin hydro-design. During this trip several meetings and focus groups were held (seesection 5.2 of Annex 8), see table below.

Table Record of consultation meetings during reassessment field trip

Time Date Place Purpose No. ofAttendants

2.00 pm 6/11/0 Planning I. Brief District Environment Officers/ about The West Nile 3 people2 Unit Arua trip

8.00 pm 1/11/0 Paidha g of Paidha Town Council Officials over purposes of visit. 10 people. I_______ 2I_______ 2. Request local authorities to mobilize communities in project area

3. Consult elders over cultural heritage in the project area9.00 am 8/11/0 Paidha I. Held key informant in-depth interviews with professionals in 5 people

2 Paidha Town Council3.00 pm 8/11/0 Nyapea 1. Brief Sub-County Chief and LC III Counsillors about our visit 7 people

2 Sub-County 2. To request local authorities to mobilize for a community meetingHeadquarters

11.00 9/11/0 Nyapea . Held Focus Group Discussion with Communities in the Direct 31 peoplepm 2 Sub-County Impact Zone

Headquarters 2. Held Key Informant in-depth interviews with Nyapea Sub-County 7 people

Officials5.00 pm 10/I1/ Paidha I. Held discussions with Sub-County Chiefs of Paidha, Nyapea, 10 people

02 Town Mayor Paidha,Council Town Council Engineer and Sub-County Accountants to discuss

Pertinent issues as the issue of repair of the Nyagak Bridge,access road, compensation etc

10.00 12/11/ Nebbi I. Meet Nebbi District Local Govemment Officials to brief them about 10 peoplepm 02 our

field findings, issues of compensation and possible resettlement andthe

need to repair the Nyagak bridge since it might be submerged.

2. Consult over- the issue of compensation regarding the Arua-NebbiRoad

EIA Bondo-Nebbi line (revised ver2).doc\PL\09.0I.03\I0:0673

- EMA & ECON -


________ |__________ and its linkage with the Bondo-Nebbi Distribution line.2.00 pm 11/11/ Along the 1. Consultation of Communities over compensation of the Bondo- 10 people

02 Arua - Nebbi DistributionNebbi Line

I_____ _ _ Highway4.000 11/11/ Camp of I . Consult them on the progress of Compensation of people affected 5 people

pm 02 SBI near by theBondo Road project and its implication to the Distribution Line.

9.000 12/11/ Arua 1. Brief Local Govemment Officials about the trip to West Nile and02 District our findings.

LocalCouncil 2. Consult the Land Officer - Arua over the issue of Compensatiqn

regarding the Arua-Nebbi Road Construction and its linkage with the________________ __________ Distribution Line

Disclosure of informationInformation about all aspects of the project, such as progress reports regardingproject status, the contents of the Electricity Act, bid evaluation process etc, hasbeen made available through official ERA/MEMD channels to local governmentin due course before consultation meetings. In the rare case that this has not beenpossible, e.g. due to time or practical constraints, members of the MEMD/ERAand/transaction advisors have made clear presentations of the issues to bediscussed and what implications they may have for local people.

The record of disclosure of previous environmental work before ECON'sinvolvement in the project, is unclear. However, it is likely that NORPLAN(2001), which is carried out according to World Bank standards, has followed thestandard disclosure procedures.

ECON and EMA have followed the procedures of NEMA for disclosure ofenvironmental information. A project brief (scoping study) was first submitted toNEMA for its review. NEMA's review process is unkonwn to ECON, but it islikely that the project brief was disclosed to relevant stakeholders (eg. Districtenvironmental officer and DWD), before NEMA decided that an EIA wasrequired. The EMA team conducted the necessary EIA work and submitted a draftEIA report to NEMA for review. NEMA made this draft available in 7 copies tolocal government, represented by the district environmental officer, as well asDWD in Kampala and other relevant stakeholders. It is our understanding thatlocal government has procedures for further disclosing information to interestedlocal people. The local government was then given a reasonable amount of time (some weeks) to comment on the report. The comments were received and takeninto account in the final version of the EIA report.

EIA Bondo-Nebbi line (revised ver2).doc\PL\09.0I.03\I0:0674

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