ESWATINI WATER SERVICES CORPORATION DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY FOR THE NHLANGANO - SIPHAMBANWENI WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION PROJECT Proponent Prepared by Eswatini Water Services Corporation MTK Sustainable Technologies Emtfonjeni Building, Cultural Village Road P lot 753, Southern Distributor Road MR103 Road, Ezulwini, Swaziland Extension 7 Manzini P.O. Box 20 P.O Box 4019 Mbabane, H100 Manzini, M200 Tel: 2416 9000 Tel: 2505 8875 Fax: 2416 3616 July 2019 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Table of Contents Project Proponent xi Details of the Environmental Consultant xii Structure of the Report xii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY XIII 1 INTRODUCTION 31 1.1 Context and Background 31 1.2 Rationale for the Project 31 1.3 Purpose of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) 32 1.4 Scope of the ESIA 33 1.5 Objective and Need for the Proposed Project 33 1.6 Project Development Objectives 34 1.7 Project Activities 34 1.7.1 Preconstruction Phase 34 1.7.2 Construction Phase Activities 34 1.7.3 Operational Phase (Distribution laterals and Kiosks) 35 1.8 Materials and Construction Equipment 35 1.9 Description of Proposed Reservoirs 36 1.10 Description of Proposed Pump house and Solar Power Supply 36 1.11 Description of Proposed Kiosks 36 1.12 Key Off-site Investments 38 1.13 Burrow pits and Spoil sites 38 2 STUDY METHODOLOGY 39 2.1 ESIA Process in Eswatini 39 2.2 Geographical Project Location 40 2.3 Initial Visit 42 2.4 Desktop study 42 2.5 Consultations 42 2.6 Field surveys 43 2.7 Specialist studies 43 2.7.1 Socio-Economic Impact Study 43 2.7.2 Ecological Assessment 45 2.7.3 Aesthetic/ Visual Assessment 45 2.7.4 Noise and Air quality 45 2.7.5 Water Quality Assessment 45 2.8 Institutional and Capacity Assessment 45 2.9 Evaluation of Impacts 46 2.9.1 Methodology of Assessment 46 Page | i DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 3 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS 48 3.1 Eswatini Legal Framework 48 3.1.1 Environmental Management Act, No. 5 of 2002 48 3.1.2 Waste Regulations, 2000 48 3.1.3 Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations, 2000 48 3.1.4 Eswatini Environmental Screening Process 49 3.1.5 The ESIA report is a preliminary version prepared based on a desktop conceptual design of the project and will be finalized pending completion of feasibility studies and detailed design (s). Water Pollution Control Regulations, 2010 50 3.1.6 Air Pollution Control Regulations, 2010 50 3.1.7 Flora Protection Act, No. 10 of 2001 50 3.1.8 Factories, Machinery and Construction Works Act, 1972 50 3.1.9 The Water Act, No. 7 of 2003 50 3.1.10 The Eswatini Administration Order No. 6/1998 51 3.1.11 The Kingdom of Eswatini Constitution Act No.1/2005 51 3.1.12 The Eswatini National Trust Commission Act No.9 / 1972. 51 3.1.13 Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2001 51 3.1.14 Public Health Act, 1969 51 3.1.15 The Water Services Act, 1992 51 3.1.16 Construction Industry Council Act, 2013 52 3.1.17 Standard Building Act and Regulations of 1969 52 3.1.18 Human Settlements Authority Act of 1988 52 3.1.19 The Forests Preservation Act no 28 of 1910 52 3.1.20 Acquisition of Property Act, 1961 52 3.2 Land Administration in Eswatini 54 3.3 Relevant National Policies 54 3.3.1 Gender equity 54 3.3.2 Poverty Reduction Strategy and action Plan, 2006 54 3.3.3 Draft National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, 2014 55 3.3.4 National Water Policy (draft) 2011 55 3.3.5 Fresh Water Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy in Eswatini, 2011 55 3.3.6 National Development Strategy, 1997 55 3.4 International Laws 55 3.4.1 UN (Rio) Convention on Biological Diversity 56 3.4.2 Convention on International Trade Against Endangered Species (CITES) 56 3.4.3 The Ramsar Convention for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands 56 3.4.4 Kyoto Protocol 56 3.4.5 The 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 56 3.4.6 Convention on the Rights of the Child 57 3.4.7 International Labour Organization 57 3.4.8 Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women 58 3.5 World Bank Environmental and Social Framework 58 3.6 Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines 59 Page | ii DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 3.6.1 The General EHS Guidelines 59 3.7 Description of World Bank Environmental and Social Standards 61 3.8 Alignment of WB and Eswatini Legislation Relevant to ESIA 89 4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 90 4.1 Location of the Project Area 90 4.2 Proposed Project Outline 91 4.2.1 Introduction 91 4.2.2 Existing Water Treatment Plant 91 4.2.3 Main pipeline 96 4.2.4 Proposed Main Laterals 97 4.2.5 Existing and Proposed Reservoirs 99 4.2.6 Nhlangano Network Extensions 102 4.2.7 Solar Power Supply 104 4.2.8 Electricity costs for Pumping station 105 4.2.9 Kiosks 107 4.3 Capacity Requirements and Design Guidelines 108 4.3.1 Total Daily Water Consumption in Litres 108 4.3.2 Pipeline Design Parameters 109 4.3.3 Other Relevant design considerations 109 4.4 Equipment and Materials 110 4.5 Project Activities 110 4.5.1 Pre-construction Phase 110 4.5.2 Construction phase 111 4.5.3 Operational phase 112 4.5.4 Decommissioning 112 4.6 Land Take and Land Acquisition 112 4.6.1 Transmission Line and laterals 117 4.6.2 Reservoirs and access roads 117 4.6.3 Pump House and Solar Power Supply 117 4.7 Project Timelines 119 4.8 Spoil and Quarry sites 120 4.9 Burrow sites 120 4.10 Site Access 120 4.11 Schedule for Implementation and Workforce 120 4.12 Workforce 120 5 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES 122 5.1 Site selection alternatives 122 5.1.1 Development of Nhlangano- Siphambanweni Integrated water supply 122 5.1.2 Development of the project in a different area 122 5.2 Technology alternatives 123 5.2.1 Extend Coverage and Allow the System to be able to Transmit Water in both Directions Between the Existing Treatment Plants 123 Page | iii DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 5.2.2 Use of gravity from Nhlangano to Siphambanweni 123 5.3 Sources of water supply for the project 123 5.3.1 Ground water 123 5.3.2 Rainwater harvesting 123 5.3.3 Use of Mkhondvo River 123 5.4 Power supply alternatives 124 5.4.1 Connecting to the EEC grid 124 5.4.2 Establishment of a solar plant 124 5.5 No Project Alternative 124 5.6 Preferred alternative for water supply system 124 5.7 Alternative Transmissions 124 5.8 Alternatives for Pipeline Route 125 5.9 Alternatives for Materials 125 6 DESCRIPTION OF THE BASELINE ENVIRONMENT 127 6.1 Land Use 127 6.1.1 Surrounding Land use 128 6.2 Geology and Soils 129 6.3 Climate and Climate Change Patterns 130 6.3.1 Climate of Eswatini 130 6.3.2 Climate of Nhlangano 130 6.3.3 Average Monthly Rainfall of Nhlangano 130 6.4 Topography 133 6.5 Biodiversity 134 6.5.1 Flora 134 6.5.2 Fauna 135 6.6 Water Resources 136 6.6.1 Hydrology 136 6.6.2 Water Quality 139 6.7 Noise 140 6.8 Roads 140 6.9 Existing Water Supply Schemes 142 6.9.1 Functionality and Distribution status of Existing RWSS 142 6.9.2 Socio Economic Baseline 143 6.9.3 Background 143 6.9.4 National level 144 6.9.5 Regional Level 145 6.9.6 Targeted Tinkhundla Level 146 6.9.7 Baseline survey on Project Area 147 6.9.8 Vulnerabilities 156 6.10 Heritage 157 6.10.1 Archaeological interest 157 Page | iv DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 6.10.2 Graves 157 6.10.3 Monuments 157 6.11 Crime 157 6.12 Facilities 160 6.12.1 Health 160 6.12.2 Utilities 163 6.12.3 Emergency services 163 7 OVERVIEW OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS 164 7.1 Scoping phase stakeholder engagements 165 7.1.1 Initial Stakeholder Consultations 165 7.2.1 Site Notices 168 7.2.2 Advertising 169 7.4 Issues Raised during Consultations 170 7.5 Focus Group Discussions 177 7.5.1 Women 177 7.5.2 Rural Health Motivators 180 7.5.3 Traditional Authorities 182 7.6 Disclosure 184 8 DESCRIPTION OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS 185 8.1 Positive/Beneficial Impacts 185 8.1.1 Construction Phase 185 8.1.2 Operation Phase 186 8.2 Adverse Impacts 188 8.2.1 Construction Phase 188 8.2.2 Operational Phase 191 8.2.3 Construction Phase Impact Evaluation 194 8.2.4 Operational Phase Impact Evaluation 199 9 IMPACT MANAGEMENT 203 9.1 Construction Phase Mitigations 203 9.1.1 Site Establishment Mitigations 203 9.1.2 Land acquisition impacts mitigations 203 9.1.3 Land use change 203 9.1.4 Increased invasion by alien weeds 203 9.1.5 Depletion of water resources 204 9.1.6 Water Pollution 204 9.1.7 Loss of Flora and vegetation cover 204 9.1.8 Soil Erosion and Contamination 205 9.1.9 Community Health and Safety 205 9.1.10 Access Impacts 205 9.1.11 Changes in Population Dynamics 205 9.1.12 Gender Based Violence 205 9.1.13 Child labour 206 Page | v DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 9.1.14 Security Impacts 206 9.1.15 Blasting Impacts 206 9.1.16 Pump house Impacts 206 9.1.17 Occupational Health and Safety 206 9.1.18 Atmosphere and Aesthetics 206 9.1.19 Emissions 207 9.1.20 Noise 207 9.1.21 Loss of archaeological and heritage Impacts 207 9.1.22 Aesthetics Impacts 207 9.1.23 Waste Impacts 207 9.1.24 Disruption of Services 207 9.2 Operational Phase Mitigations 207 9.3 Summary of Mitigation Measures 212 10 ESMP 224 10.1 ESMP Monitoring Plan 237 11 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 245 11.1 Evaluation of the Proposed Project 245 11.2 Recommendations 246 12 REFERENCES 247 LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1: SPECIFICATION OF PIPELINE 35 TABLE 2: MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT 35 TABLE 3: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR THE EVALUATION OF IMPACTS 46 TABLE 4: IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE 47 TABLE 5: DEFINITION OF PROBABILITY RATINGS 47 TABLE 6: WB ESSS 61 TABLE 7: APPLICABLE E&S STANDARDS 66 TABLE 8:COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS 67 TABLE 9: FILTER SPECIFICATIONS 93 TABLE 10: PROPERTIES OF FILTER MEDIA 94 TABLE 11: PIPELINE MAJOR NODES 96 TABLE 12: ELECTRICITY DEMANDS FOR PUMPING STATION 105 TABLE 13: ANNUAL ELECTRICITY COSTS FOR PUMPING STATION 106 TABLE 14: CURRENT EXPECTED CONSUMPTION FIGURES BASED ON IRC 1980 108 TABLE 15: PIPELINE PARAMETERS 109 TABLE 16: OTHER RELEVANT PARAMETERS 109 TABLE 17: INVENTORY OF EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS 110 TABLE 18: INFORMATION ON LAND REQUIRED FOR THE PROJECT 114 TABLE 19:PROJECT TIMELINES 119 TABLE 20:LIST OF FLORA IN THE PROJECT AREA 135 TABLE 21: FAUNA SPECIES IN THE PROJECT AREA 136 TABLE 22:MONTHLY FLOW RATES FOR THE MKHONDVO RIVER 138 TABLE 23: W ATER QUALITY OF STREAMS IN THE PROJECT AREA 139 TABLE 24: RAW AND TREATED W ATER QUALITY FOR MKHONDVO AT ABSTRACTION 139 TABLE 25: SCHOOLS IN THE PROJECT AREA 140 TABLE 26: ESTABLISHMENTS IN SURROUNDING AREAS 141 TABLE 27: DISTRIBUTION OF W ATER SCHEMES BY INKHUNDLA 142 TABLE 28: FUNCTIONALITY OF W ATER SCHEMES 143 Page | vi DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT TABLE 29: IMPROVED SOURCES OF DRINKING W ATER BY REGION 145 TABLE 30: POPULATION DISTRIBUTION BY REGION AND BY SEX 145 TABLE 31: POPULATION AGE GROUP AND SEX IN THE SHISELWENI REGION 145 TABLE 32: AGE AND SEX DISTRIBUTION IN TARGETED TINKHUNDLA 146 TABLE 33: HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS 147 TABLE 34: MAIN EXPENDITURE ITEMS FOR HOUSEHOLDS 149 TABLE 35: EDUCATION LEVEL ATTAINED BY HOUSEHOLDS IN EACH INKHUNDLA 150 TABLE 36: SOURCES OF W ATER SUPPLY BY THE HOUSEHOLDS IN THE CONSTITUENCIES 150 TABLE 37: MEANS OF TRANSPORTING W ATER FROM THE SOURCE BY TINKHUNDLA 152 TABLE 38: INTERRUPTIONS/BREAKDOWNS IN THE DRINKING W ATER SUPPLY FROM THE MAIN SOURCE IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS 153 TABLE 39: TYPE OF TOILET FACILITY USED IN THE HOUSEHOLD BY CONSTITUENCY/INKHUNDLA 155 TABLE 40: CRIME RATE RANKING FOR SHISELWENI POLICE STATIONS 158 TABLE 41:CRIME STATISTICS IN THE PROJECT AREA (IN PERCENTAGES) 158 TABLE 42: ANNUAL HLUTHI CLINIC DATA 161 TABLE 43: MATSANJENI HEALTH CENTRE DATA 162 TABLE 44: ANNUAL NHLANGANO HEALTH CENTRE DATA 163 TABLE 45: DATES OF COMMUNITY MEETINGS 166 TABLE 46: SUMMARY OF ISSUES RAISED DURING CONSULTATIONS 171 TABLE 47: ISSUES RAISED BY W OMEN 178 TABLE 48: ISSUES RAISED BY RHMS 180 TABLE 49: SUMMARY ISSUES FROM TRADITIONAL AUTHORITIES 183 TABLE 50: OPERATIONAL PHASE IMPACT EVALUATION 199 TABLE 51:ESMP MONITORING PLAN 237 LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1:PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION OF KIOSKS 37 FIGURE 3 40 FIGURE 3: MAP OF ESWATINI SHOWING LOCATION OF PROJECT AREA AND AFFECTED TINKHUNDLA 41 FIGURE 4: LOCALITY MAP OF THE PROJECT AREA 42 FIGURE 5: REGIONS OF ESWATINI 90 FIGURE 6: PIPELINE PROFILE 96 FIGURE 7: NHLANGANO CONNECTION POINT 97 FIGURE 8: MHLOSHENI PUMPHOUSE AND RESERVOIR SITE 101 FIGURE 9: FLORENCE CHRISTIAN AND HLUTHI RESERVOIR SITES 102 FIGURE 10: QINISWENI NETWORK WITH PIPELINE TO PUMP HOUSE 103 FIGURE 11: MHLOSHENI TO HLUTHI CONNECTIONS 103 FIGURE 12: PROPOSED SOLAR POWER SUPPLY SITE 104 FIGURE 13: SOLAR PLANT ELECTRICITY YIELD PER MONTH 107 FIGURE 14: AVERAGE MONTHLY RAINFALL MEASURED BETWEEN 2015 ANDAND 2018 (SOURCED FROM THEFROM THE ESWATINI METEOROLOGY DEPARTMENT 2018) 131 FIGURE 15: ANNUAL RAINFALL MEASURED 2015-2018 (SOURCED FROM THE ESWATINI METEOROLOGY DEPARTMENT 2018) 131 FIGURE 16: AVERAGE MONTHLY MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES BETWEEN 2015 AND 2018 (SOURCED FROM ESWATINI METEOROLOGY DEPARTMENT 2018) 132 FIGURE 17: AVERAGE ANNUAL MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES (SOURCED FROM ESWATINI METEOROLOGY DEPARTMENT 2018) 132 FIGURE 18: TOPOGRAPHY OF ESWATINI 133 FIGURE 19:RIVER BASINS IN ESWATINI 137 FIGURE 20:SEX OF RESPONDENTS BY CONSTITUENCY (INKHUNDLA) 148 FIGURE 21: AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME PER HOUSEHOLD 148 FIGURE 22: MAIN SOURCES OF INCOME BY CONSTITUENCY 149 FIGURE 23: TIMES FOR FETCHING W ATER FROM THE SOURCE 151 FIGURE 24: THE TIME IT TAKES TO FETCH W ATER FROM THE W ATER SOURCE 152 FIGURE 26: RESPONSIBILITY FOR COLLECTING W ATER FROM THE W ATER SOURCES 153 FIGURE 26: TYPE OF TOILET FACILITY USED BY HOUSEHOLDS 154 FIGURE 28: LOCATION OF TOILET FACILITY FROM THE HOMESTEAD 155 FIGURE 29: METHODS OF DISPOSING INFANTS STOOLS (0 TO 3 YEARS) 156 Page | vii DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Photoplates PHOTOPLATE 1: NOISE METER USED 45 PHOTOPLATE 2: EXISTING MASIBINI W ATER TREATMENT PLANT 92 PHOTOPLATE 3: TYPICAL PIPELINE INSTALLATION 99 PHOTOPLATE 4: EXISTING MASIBINI RESERVOIR 100 PHOTOPLATE 5: W ATER KIOSK IN OPERATION 108 PHOTOPLATE 6: MARKET STALLS PHOTOPLATE 7:BANANA PLANTATIONS AT MHLOSHENI 128 PHOTOPLATE 8: ENTRANCE TO CASINO ROYALE 128 PHOTOPLATE 9: ADVERT DISPLAYED AT THE ENTRANCE OF A LOCAL SHOP 168 PHOTOPLATE 10:AN ADVERT AT SIPHAMBANWENI KIOSK 169 PHOTOPLATE 11: ADVERT ON EWSC FACEBOOK PAGE 170 PHOTOPLATE 12: ADVERT IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER 170 PHOTOPLATE 13: A SECTION OF THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM MEETING ATTENDEES 175 PHOTOPLATE 14: THE PROJECT MANAGER PRESENTING THE PROJECT OUTLINE 175 15: INTERACTIONS WITH THE SHISELWENI REGIONAL TEAM 175 PHOTOPLATE 16: ZOMBODZE EMUVA CONSULTATIONS 176 PHOTOPLATE 17: INTERACTIONS WITH ZOMBODZE EMUVA ATTENDEES 176 19: SUBMISSION OF THE ENVIRONMENTALIST AT HOSEA INKHUNDLA 176 PHOTOPLATE 20: A SECTION OF ATTENDEES FOR HOSEA INKHUNDLA 176 PHOTOPLATE 21: SOME OF THE ATTENDEES OF THE CONSULTATIVE MEETING FOR SHISELWENI 1 177 PHOTOPLATE 22: A PRESENTATION BY MS MATIWANE DURING THE MEETING 177 PHOTOPLATE 23: INTERACTIONS WITH THE ATTENDEES WHO REQUIRED CLARIFICATION 177 24: THE FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION 178 PHOTOPLATE 25: MS MATIWANE CHAIRING THE DISCUSSION AT SHISELWENI 1 INKHUNDLA 178 PHOTO PLATE 26: WOMEN'S GROUP LUSHINI 179 PHOTO PLATE 27: LONG AWAITING PLUMBING 180 PHOTO PLATE 28: RURAL HEALTH MOTIVATORS AT BAMBITJE 182 PHOTO PLATE 29: RURAL HEALTH MOTIVATORS AT ONDIYANENI 182 APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: EEA PROJECT CATEGORIZATION LETTER APPENDIX 2: SCOPING REPORT APPENDIX 3: WATER ABSTRATION PERMIT APPENDIX 4: RESETTLEMENT POLICY FRAMEWORK APPENDIX 5: STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIVE MEETINGS MINUTES APPENDIX 6: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX 7: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN APPENDIX 8A: EWSC WATER QUALITY STANDARDS APPENDIX 8B: Laboratory TEST RESULTS APPENDIX 9: SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE ASSESSMENT APPENDIX 10: CHANCE FIND PROCEDURE APPENDIX 11A: SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMEN SYSTEM - POLICY MANUAL APPENDIX 11B: SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT - POLICY STATEMENT APPENDIX 12: SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE APPENDIX 13: ESIA STUDY PROFESSIONAL TEAM Page | viii DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT ACRONYMS ABBREVIATION FULL TERM AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome BID Background Information Document BOD Biological Oxygen Demand C-EMP Contractor Environmental Management Plan CERC Contingency Emergency Response Component CMAC Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Commission CMP Comprehensive Mitigation Plan COD Chemical Oxygen Demand CSO Central Statistics Office CTA Central Transport Administration DWA Department of Water Affairs EC Electrical Conductivity EAARR Environmental Audit Assessment and Review Regulations ECC Environmental Compliance Certificate ECO Environmental Compliance Officer EEA Eswatini Environment Authority EEC Eswatini Electricity Company EHS Environment, Health and Safety EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMA Environmental Management Act (No. 5 of 1992) ENPF Eswatini National Provident Fund ESF Environmental and Social Framework ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan ESSs Environmental and Social Standards EWR Environmental Water Requirement Page | ix DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT EWSC Eswatini Water Services Corporation EU European Union FCCC Framework Convention on Climate Change GBV Gender Based Violence GIIP Good International Industry Practice GRM Grievance Response Mechanism HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus IAP Interested and Affected Party IEE Initial Environmental Evaluation IFC International Finance Corporation IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPF Investment Project Financing L&FS Life & Fire Safety LTAS Long-Term Adaptation Scenarios MOA Ministry of Agriculture MW Megawatt NGO Non-Governmental Organization NOX Nitrogen Oxides OP Operational Policies PCR Project Compliance Report PES Present Ecological State PPE Personal Protective Equipment PRSAP Poverty Reduction Strategy and Action Plan PSPF Public Service Pension Fund RAP Resettlement Action plan RFP Request for Proposals RPF Resettlement Policy Framework SADC Southern African Development Community Page | x DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT SDG Sustainable Development Goals SEP Stakeholder Engagement Plan SISOMA Siphofaneni-Somntongo-Matsanjeni SNL Swazi Nation Land SOX Sulphur oxides ToR Terms of Reference TDS Total Dissolved Solids TB Tuberculosis UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change WB World Bank WHO World Health Organisation WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Proponent Proponent Eswatini Water Services Corporation Representative Mr. Sicelo Mashwama Physical Address Emtfonjeni Building, Corner MR103 & Cultural Village Drive Ezulwini Kingdom of Eswatini Postal Address P O Box 20 , Mbabane H100 Telephone Number +268 2416 9000 Fax Number +268 24163616 Email Sicelo.Mashwama@swsc.co.sz Page | xi DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Details of the Environmental Consultant Environmental Consultant MTK Sustainable Technologies Representative Thobile Khumalo Physical Address Plot 735, Southern Distributor Road, Manzini Postal Address P. O. Box 4019, Manzini, Eswatini, Telephone Number +268 505 8875 Fax Number +268 505 9749 Email sustainable@mtkinvest.com Structure of the Report CHAPTER CONTENT Chapter 1 Introduction and Background Chapter 2 Study Methodology Chapter 3 Legal Requirements Chapter 4 Project Description Chapter 5 Project Alternatives Chapter 6 Description of the Baseline Environment Chapter 7 Overview of the Public Consultation Process Chapter 8 Description of Potential Impacts Chapter 9 Impact Management Chapter 10 ESMP Chapter 11 Conclusion and Recommendations of the Environmental Impact Assessment study Page | xii DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) has been prepared by Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) for Nhlangano - Siphambanweni Water Supply and Sanitation Project (NSWSP) Project Components.The proposed project is a USD $45 million Investment Project Financing that will target improved access to water supply and sanitation and increase the resilience of water supply in the Shiselweni region. It will also strengthen sector institutions and policies for drought and disaster risk management, water resources management and water supply. The project will include 4 components, as follows: (1) Water Supply Extension, (2) Improved Sanitation Access, (3) Project Management and Institutional Strengthening, and (4) Contingency Emergency Response. The project will include 4 components, as follows: (1) Resilient Water Access and Management, (2) Improved Sanitation Access, (3) Project Management, and (4) Contingency Emergency Response. • Component 1: Resilient Water Access and Management. This component will provide financing to increase potable water supply coverage in the Shiselweni region, improve long-term management of water resources, investment planning and sustainability of water supply service provision, and build resilience to climate and disaster risks, with a focus on droughts. o Sub-component 1.1: Improved Water Access. This sub-component will provide financing to ESWC for the expansion of the water supply transmission and distribution systems that will increase potable water access to an additional 18,478 people in rural areas and small towns from Nhlangano to Siphambanweni and interconnect the Nhlangano and Lavumisa water supply systems, including a transmission pipeline, reservoirs, pumping station and distribution network, as well as the detailed engineering designs and construction supervision activities. This sub-component will also support the EWSC on efficiency improvements, including areas such as energy efficiency, strategic asset management and non-revenue water reduction. o Sub-component 1.2: Resilient Water Management. This sub-component will focus on improved long- term management of water resources, investment planning and sustainability of water supply service provision, particularly in rural areas, which will contribute towards increasing these areas’ resi lience to droughts. DWA will lead the implementation of this component. o Sub-component 1.3: Improving Eswatini’s Drought Preparedness and Resilience. This sub - component will concentrate on building resilience to climate and disaster risks, with a focus on droughts frequency and intensity. Activities financed under this component include the development and implementation of a drought monitoring and early warning system, as well as the development of a framework that will allow for a comprehensive country-wide assessment of potential climate and disaster risks. NDMA will lead the implementation of this component. • Component 2: Improve Sanitation Access. This component will build on the ongoing work that has been done by the Environmental and Health Department on appropriate technology/sanitation service delivery for rural domestic sanitation to arrive at an open defecation-free corridor in the three tinkhundla (Zombodze, Hosea and Shiselweni I) that will benefit from improved access to water services. This component will finance a range of sanitation interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of water- related diseases and improving the quality of life of the beneficiaries in the project area, including: (i) expand access to domestic sanitation services in the project area; (ii) assess and pilot the use of appropriate Page | xiii DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT technologies for on-site sanitation in informal settlements, health centers and schools; (iii) pilot Baby-WASH (Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene) interventions in households with children under 1000 days old; (iv) undertake complementary sanitation communication and behavior campaigns (including menstrual hygiene management), supply chain enhancement and consistent behavior change programs to create sustained behavior change and buy-in to the project outputs; (v) support the establishment of a rural water supply and sanitation information system that will assess the functionality of water supply and sanitation services over time in order to better inform policy formulation, planning and resource allocation for the provision of better quality and more sustainable water supply and sanitation services. This component will also provide support to strengthen institutions, policies, data collection and planning, and long-term sustainability of sanitation services. In addition, the implementation of this component will also contribute to the reduction in the volume of untreated fecal sludge ending up in water bodies, helping reduce water stress by avoiding the pollution of water resources, therefore augmenting the availability of water supply that can be used in situations of water stress. This component will also enhance directly human capital through improved sanitation and hygiene infrastructure and related-behaviors, targeting women and children, the most vulnerable people in society. • Component 3: Project Management. This component will provide project management support including operating costs, the preparation of progress reports, independent audits, as well as support on project financial, procurement, environmental and social management, as needed. • Component 4: Contingency Emergency Response (Zero Budget). This component will support potential disaster recovery needs by providing immediate response to an eligible crisis or emergency, as needed. This may consist of immediate support in assessing the emergency’s im pact and developing a recovery strategy or the restructuring of existing, or provision of new, Investment Project Financing, and may also include operating costs, supply of critical parts and equipment, minor civil works rehabilitation, supply of fuel, rent of generators, as well as rapid transportation of chemicals and critical parts by express mechanisms. Project Development Objectives (PDO) The Project Development Objective is to increase access to improved water supply and sanitation services in targeted areas of Eswatini. PDO Level Indicators The PDO level results indicators are as follows: a. People provided with access to improved water sources (number); i. People provided with access to improved water sources - Female b. People provided with access to improved sanitation services (number); i. People provided with access to improved sanitation services - Female c. People reached through hygiene behaviour awareness campaign. Purpose of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) The improvement of access to potable water will likely be associated with adverse environmental and social risks and impacts. In line with the Eswatini’s Environmental Im pact Assessment (EIA) laws and regulations, and the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), an Environmental and Social Impact (ESIA) assessment is Page | xiv DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT required to anticipate and identify the adverse environmental and social risks likely to occur and develop cost effective and feasible mitigation measures by applying the mitigation hierarchy. Project Description The objective of the proposed project is to improve access to improved water supply and sanitation services in targeted areas in Eswatini and strengthen the regulatory framework for national rural water supply and sanitation service provision. It entails installation of 61 km of gravity mains and 3 km of pumping mains at various stages; connected to 244 km of laterals supplying homesteads, offices, clinics, schools. The pipeline will be connected to an existing water supply pipeline which services the population from Siphofaneni, Somntongo and Matsanjeni Tinkhundla (SISOMA) project and as such will start at Nhlangano to Siphambanweni. A pump station with a small solar power plant will be constructed to provide the power required for pumping. The project also includes the construction of 24 kiosks. This is a structure where water is sold to people who may not be connected to the water supply. It helps increase the reach of the water supply so that even those segments of society with no house connections can still have affordable potable water distribution point (public standpipe). The main water treatment plant in the area is at Masibini with a production capacity which may be upgraded to 30Ml per day (such production possible based on the above abstraction permit information). To date, the water treatment plant produces only 3.5ML a day to cater for Nhlangano and Mahamba areas. This caters for a population of 16’500 residents with the current number of connections being 3’300. This still leaves the plant with spare capacity of above 6.5ML per day which can then be channeled towards the study area for this project, thus making the station work closer to its available production capacity. The connection will be made from the pipeline that originates from the existing 10 Mega litre Reservoir at 1180m MSL at Maseyisini. There will be three proposed reservoirs, at Mhlosheni, Florence Christian Academy and Hluthi, each with a 3.2 ML capacity. World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) The Project will apply relevant World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) to protect against adverse impacts on the bio-physical and social environments. The following ESSs are relevant to the project: ESS Description ESS 1. Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts ESS 2. Labor and Working Conditions ESS 3. Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management ESS 4. Community Health and Safety ESS 5. Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement ESS 6. Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources ESS 8. Cultural Heritage ESS 10. Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure. Project Activities Page | xv DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The design, construction and operation activities associated with the project are described below to the possible extent known and based on the preliminary survey report. Additional activities will be included during the preparation of the detailed design report. Preconstruction Phases Activities a) Detailed Study Design: EWSC procured a consulting firm to prepare a detailed design of the proposed project which may vary albeit not significantly from the feasibility study design currently under preparation and will equally update this draft ESIA report to detailed design ESIA. b) Acquisition of Right of Way: Prior to commencement of construction activities, the contractor will have to possess the Right of Way (ROW), through a site hand over which will be facilitated by EWSC where the pipeline, laterals reservoirs and pumphouses will be constructed. c) Obtaining Necessary Permitting Requirements: A number of environmental and social permitting requirements will be required to be obtained by contractor for this project as per the statutes of the Government of Eswatini before the construction commences. Construction Phase Activities Key activities during the construction stage including equipment and construction material is presented to the extent known and is subject to change depending on final methodology that will be adopted by the contractor. Activities during the construction will include among others: - ▪ Clearing and grubbing ▪ Excavations ▪ Installation of main pipeline and associated laterals ▪ Civil works ▪ Construction of power station and associated solar power plant ▪ Construction of kiosks ▪ Mechanical works Operational Phase (Distribution laterals and Kiosks) Once constructed, distribution will be operated year-round, 24 hours daily; supplying potable water to the Nhlangano – Siphambanweni population. EWSC will ensure continuous maintenance timely in conformance with pipeline maintenance processes. All maintenance will include: ▪ Routine maintenance ▪ Structure maintenance ▪ Environmental maintenance ▪ Emergency works ▪ Property management Page | xvi DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT ▪ Pipeline and assets management Materials and Construction Equipment The following equipment and materials will be required for use during the construction phase of the transmission and distribution pipeline. The actual quantities and type of machinery and materials will be determined during the preparation of detailed design and will be reflected in the comprehensive ESIA. It is expected that construction materials like cement, concrete, gravel, water, aggregate etc. will be sourced from local suppliers and will not require the need for opening material sites (quarries, borrow pits etc.) to source the same. The following table shows the materials and construction equipment that will be utilised in the proposed project. Table Material and Equipment Equipment Source Trucks Local and international suppliers Excavators Local and international suppliers Cranes Local and international suppliers Cable drum Local and international suppliers Reel and tensioner Local and international suppliers Materials Source Cement Local suppliers Sand Local suppliers Concrete Local suppliers Aggregate Local suppliers Positive Impacts Increased Water Supply The project entails the bulk supply of water in the project area. Presently, a high percentage of the population in the project area drink untreated water from dams, rivers and unprotected wells; some of which are hand dug. Water from these sources is commonly shared with livestock. In addition, borehole water supply is unreliable and at times muddy. The proposed project will ensure reliable supply good quality water. Employment/Job Creation Project needs include labour force; therefore, semi and unskilled labour will be sourced locally to provide significant employment opportunities. It is anticipated that the project will provide direct employment during the construction phase and another operational stage (through the operation of the kiosks). Business Growth Improved reliability and quality of water supply will stimulate business and entrepreneurial activities leading to increased commercial and residential water demand in the Shiselweni region. Moreover, the construction of the pipeline and distribution laterals and power station including operation of the kiosks will require materials and Page | xvii DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT equipment which will be sourced locally and internationally and will in-effect boost the local business enterprises through supply of locally available materials and equipment. Water is a significant trigger of economic growth and establishment of small and micro-enterprises by the local communities. Businesses are likely to increase due to the presence of improved water hence spur economic growth. Security Presence of clean water will be of beneficial impact to the local communities in terms of general security as a result of water. This is because the responsibility for fetching water, combined with recurring droughts and floods, results in women facing an increased risk of gender-based violence, as they must walk farther distances to water sources. Through improved access of water (i.e., located closer to home, adequate volume of supply, better quality of water and regularity of supply) the project will directly improve the situation of women, elderly and youth in the targeted areas of Eswatini. Gender Based Violence (GBV) Access to potable water would go a long way towards alleviating the daily household burdens of women, giving them more time, improving their health and enhancing their livelihoods. The burden to collect water for cooking, and other domestic needs falls primarily on women and children (more than 59% in the project area). water will contribute significantly to their safety and productivity as they will have more time to perform other tasks. The social studies undertaken during the preparation of this report revealed 51% of the beneficiary population take less than 45 minutes to collect water, and 49% spend more than an hour. This shows that the water sources are significantly far away from homesteads. This activity can, and often does, take women away from other, more economically profitable, opportunities such as employment or even farming. Children often must miss school or arrive late to collect water. In some cases, children and women must walk long distances to water sources. Besides opportunity costs, many find themselves in danger along the route to and from water sources. The availability of easily accessible potable Education and Health Facilities The educational and health facilities in the project area will be connected to the main pipeline and this will improve the quality of services. Inadequate access to potable water can cause an increase in mortality rates as water as a result of waterborne diseases. Water from the rural water service is less reliable and less trusted, while surface and groundwater are subject to weather-related shortages that, when long-lasting (as in the most recent drought) can result in significant increases in water-borne diseases, in particular, diarrhea, but also cholera. Generally, poor water supply affects health by causing chronic and by limiting productivity and maintenance of personal hygiene. The availability of potable water will cause a significant decline in mortality rates and generally improve the health of the beneficiary population. Improved Service Delivery EWSC customers along the Nhlangano Matsanjeni corridor will experience an improvement in quality of water supply service (e.g., distance to water, pressure and daily hours of service). The total population of the three target Tinkundla (Zombodze (14,231), Hosea (14,733) and Shiselweni I (9,269)- total 38,233) will benefit from improved sanitation Page | xviii DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT services (through either: new infrastructure, supply chain enhancement, behaviour change campaign, sanitation marketing campaign, hygiene campaign, private sector enhancement). Baby WASH interventions will target all households with children under 3 year’s old living in the house hold (assuming approximately 8 percent of households). Additionally, there will be improved service delivery to enterprises and the population across the water sector in general remains one of the positive benefits that will arise from the project. Institutions such as schools, shops and clinics stand to benefit and that will enhance their ability to better deliver their various service to the public. Increased Food Security Water scarcity has a huge impact on food production as it is key to food security. Without water, people do not have a means of watering their crops. This is because agriculture requires substantial amounts of water is required for irrigation processes. Currently, most people in the project area (82.3%) drink water from untreated/unsafe water from dams, rivers and unprotected wells; some of which are hand-dug. This water is also shared with livestock including cattle and goats, which presents a health risk as various communicable and zoonotic diseases can be transmitted first from the animals and then spread within the population. Through the provision of potable water to the people located in the project area, water more will be available for crop production and livestock growth. The beneficiary population will be able to water their gardens and provide water to various livestock which are both sources of food. Improved economic growth Better access to clean water, sanitation services and water management creates tremendous strategy for economic growth as its availability has a potential for various investments and gains across domestic, industry and irrigation. This project will be a catalyst for local development and economic activity and help reduce extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. Furthermore, the value of time savings is the largest component of economic benefits as a result of the project as the beneficiaries will no longer have to access water from relatively distance sources. Adverse Impacts The potential negative impacts during construction are generally short-term, temporary and reversible which can be reduced or eliminated by known mitigation measures. Many of the impacts will only occur at active construction sites during the construction stage. The key social risks and impacts associated with the project are associated with the construction labour management, loss of assets, private land and restriction to land use, potential impacts on GBV, community health and safety risks during pre-construction and construction phases of the project. The following table presents the summary of negative impacts and proposed mitigation measures. Page | xix DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Adverse Impact Mitigation Measure Site Establishment • In identification of site offices, areas which are already disturbed will be considered as first priority to minimise disturbance of virgin land. • The contractor shall restrict all activities to the designated areas on the construction layout plan. • Establishment will be done in a manner that avoids environmentally sensitive areas like wetlands and streams. • Progressive rehabilitation will be done so that cleared areas are rehabilitated as work progresses. • All waste generated in the project, including builder’s rubble will be disposed in an approved waste disposal facility, in accordance with the Waste Regulations, 2000. • Cleared surfaces will be regularly sprayed with water to minimize dust. Locals will be given first preference in hiring of skills that are available in the community. Land Acquisition Impacts • The ESWC/NSWSP shall be responsible for compensating and paying resettlement assistances to all property owners/PAPs at full replacement cost prior to commencement of civil works. • There shall be no gender bias. The Corporation will draw up and implement a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) to mitigate component 1 related economic and physical displacement impacts. Existing Resettlement Framework Policy (RFP) shall guide the preparation and implementation of the subsequent RAP. • Land affected by component 1 activities will be compensated after consultations and negotiations conducted in good faith by both parties (affected and ESWC) before construction commences according to the current market land values given by the Valuator. • In case of disagreements the issues must be referred to the project GRM. • Consultations will be undertaken especially with all affected PAPs (landowners, and household members on the, business owners, tenants, landlords, vulnerable people and squatters), the consultation will inform PAPs about their rights and choices as well as the valuation processes, negotiations, awards, and dispute resolution processes. • The ESWC/NSWSP and PAPs will agree on compensation and resettlement assistance terms by signing letters of offer and acceptance. • Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) will be designated by the Traditional authorities to facilitate communication with the communities during implementation (See Eswatini’s Administration Framework). • The PAPs will be notified of the works which will extend into Swazi Nation Land (SNL) prior to implementation and will further be alerted when construction works extend close to their dwellings, The CLOs are instrumental during construction when project activities begin to affect SNL that has been used up for the construction of homesteads. Land Use Change • Construction of the pipeline will be managed such that sections falling on farming areas are completed in the shortest possible time. • PAPs using agricultural land will be engaged, and compensation and resettlement assistances will be paid at full replacement cost for time when production cannot take place. The cooperation will draw up and implement a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) to mitigate component 1 related displacement impacts. Increase Invasion by alien weeds • Progressive rehabilitation will be done to avoid the establishment of alien invasive species into adjoining areas in cleared areas. • Removal of invasive plant species, whenever possible, cultivating native plant species. Once the establishment of an alien invasive species has been detected, the contractor will take steps such as eradication, containment and control, to mitigate the adverse effects. Depletion of Water Resources • There will be logical choice of water supply for construction and dust suppression will be from surface water bodies close to the project area. • Indiscriminate harvesting of water resources without a permit will not be done. • The lowest minimum flow rate of Mkhondvo River (which is the worst-case scenario in 5 years) can accommodate the allocated quota of 1,866,240m 3 per year. It therefore leaves enough water for downstream use and aquatic life. The corporation shall ensure that abstracted volume is within the allocated quota. Water Pollution • The design of the pipeline will be such that at places where it crosses water bodies it will be suspended (attached to bridges) to avoid pollution. Page | xx DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • Digging will only done when pipes are ready to be laid, open trenches will be covered within 24hrs to minimise erosion of soil material. • Progressive rehabilitation will be done so that cleared areas are rehabilitated as work progresses. • Stockpiled material will be kept away from water bodies to prevent sedimentation of water bodies. • The contractor will draw up and implement a chemicals management plans, display signs, control access to chemicals and handle chemicals in accordance with their MSDSs. • Only trained personnel will handle hazardous material, procedures for handling spillages will also be in place. • All topsoil removed during construction will be stockpiled close to the site for rehabilitation purposes. The Contractor will ensure that stockpiles are not will be placed in areas where run-off will be a problem even during the dry season as this will cause water erosion and that they are arranged such that they are not exposed to the wind. Loss of flora and vegetation cover • The contractor will zone out working areas to reduce ecological destruction. • Disturbed natural sites will be restored through environmental rehabilitation; restoring topsoils and (re-)introduce genetic species similar to those destroyed in order to re- establish the natural local ecology. • Progressive rehabilitation will be done so that cleared areas are rehabilitated as work progresses. EWSC will ensure that there will be no indiscriminate site clearances, and that workers will be educated on the Plant Protection Act so as to be able to identify all legally protected ones. Soil Erosion and Contamination • Clearing will only be done when equipment and personnel are ready to start work on that area. • Topsoil and subsoil will be stripped and stockpiled for rehabilitation after completion. • Progressive rehabilitation will be done so that cleared areas are rehabilitated as work progresses. • Vehicles and machinery will be regularly serviced. There will be no servicing done on site. This will ensure that the vehicles do not leak fuel into the soil. However, if there are any spills, the contaminated soil will be scooped and stored in hazardous waste marked bins which will then be treated using bioremediation on site. During construction, care will be taken that substances used in construction that may pollute nearby water bodies are properly stored and residues do not find their way into the river but are properly disposed of. Waste Management • The contractor will prepare a waste management plan and provide labelled waste receptacles during the construction period. • Employees will also be taught on the importance of proper waste management during toolbox talks to ensure that they are adequately sensitized about waste management. • The contractor will additionally ensure segregation of all wastes from source. Special waste like tonners, cartridges and florescent tubes will be placed in separate, marked bins and will be stored in containers for environmentally sound disposal in accordance with the Waste Regulations, 2000. Disposing of rubble and other waste will be done appropriately and on a regular basis during the construction phase of the proposed project. Loss of cultural and The Environmental In cases where a discovery is made, the ENTC will be notified immediately. archaeological artefacts and Social Assessment will confirm the existence of tangible or intangible cultural heritage at project sites and will include guidance regarding how to manage any negative impacts. Blasting Impacts It is not anticipated that there will be blasting in the project, in the event that it is needed, the contactor will draw up and implement a blasting management plan Pump House Impacts The contactor will draw up and implement a waste management plan in line with the Waste Regulations of 2000. Increase in Road Accidents The contractor will ensure that flaggers and all traffic control signage is put up to control traffic. A traffic study will also be done by the contractor. No work will be done during the peak hours when traffic flows are high. Traffic warning signs will be erected indicating possible construction vehicles driving in and out of site. Drivers and operators of heavy machinery will be properly trained. Access Impacts • The contractor will ensure that access roads leading to business/residential are kept open at all times for easier accessibility and that these provide safe and convenient passage. • Where this cannot be avoided, the contractor will ensure that periods of closure are keep minimum. Page | xxi DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • Access roads will be maintained during the construction period. PAPs whose accesses to their properties and means of livelihoods denied or restricted by component 1 activities shall be compensated by EWSC. Changes in Population Dynamics • Local people will be prioritized for employment. • Additional staff which is not available in the project area will be outsourced by the contractor. • There will be no camp site established for housing the project team. • The contactor will draw up a recruitment policy that ensures screening of potential employees. This contractor recruitment policy will be required to also ensure that there is equal access to all jobs and also equal payment without the discrimination to gender, religion, ethnicity, and disability, social and political affiliations. • Local Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as Family life association of Swaziland (FLAS), Population Services International (PSI), and Implementing AIDS Prevention and Care (Project) (IMPACT) will be engaged to assist in awareness raising on anti-social behaviors. Gender Based Violence • The contractor will enforce legislation and take action against employees found to have committed acts of gender-based violence. • The contactor will draw up recruitment policy that ensures evaluation of potential employees. • Relevant NGOs aforementioned will be engaged to assist in awareness raising on anti- social behaviors. • GBV Action plan shall be prepared Child Labour • The contractor will draw up and implement a recruitment policy that is in-line with national and international laws and against child labour. • Zero tolerance policy on human trafficking and child labor shall be implemented Security Impacts • Security will be maintained 24hrs a day on site. There will be signs restricting a day on site. • There will be access control and maintenance of entrance register into the site • Security staffs shall be training and sanitized on GBV/SEA Site Water and Sanitation • Adequate drinking water and proper sanitation facilities will be provided (for each sex where conditions warrant). • Temporary chemical toilets will be put on site to ensure proper sanitation and avoid pollution of groundwater and surface water resources. Dust • Cleared surfaces will be watered to suppress dust, including spraying with water. • The vehicles working on this project will be required to observe a speed limit of 40 km/h to minimise the emission of dust. • The Contractor will ensure that stockpiles are not be placed in areas where run-off will be a problem even during the dry season as this will cause water erosion and that they are arranged such that they are not exposed to the wind. • Areas for storage of stockpiles will be graded to a uniform surface. It shall be free of all vegetation and other debris, and free from stones. • Moreover, the stockpiles will be sprinkled with water regularly, thus abating dust emission. • Topsoil that will be stripped and stored with as little compaction as possible, and only on non-wet days. • All stockpiles will be stored without exceeding 1m height and those which are three months older will be re-seeded. • Furthermore, the contractor will rehabilitate natural slopes to reduce environmental impact and erosion, using the stockpile of overburden material. Emissions • All vehicles will be serviced regularly and monitored for emissions Noise • Construction activities will be confined to daytime and noise and the noise levels will only affect the nearby areas for a relatively short time. • A buying policy that includes consideration of noise for all new items of plant will be adopted. • It will be ensured that plant and vehicles are properly maintained. • Enclosures will be used for noisy plant such as pumps or generators. • Rubber linings will be used in chutes and dumpers to reduce impact noise. Increase in HIV/AIDS Prevalence • An HIV/AIDS awareness campaign will be done for the workers. • The contractor will also ensure the provision of condoms for both male and female employees in the ablution facilities. • Storm water Management • A storm water management plan will be drawn up to ensure that rainwater is channelled to existing drainage lines with minimal contamination. Water Resource Impacts • The proponent will ensure that abstraction volume do not exceed the allowable limit in the permit granted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy. Atmosphere and Aesthetics • Cleared surfaces will be watered to supress dust. • The vehicles working on this project will be required to observe a speed limit of 40 km/h to minimise the emission of dust. Page | xxii DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • There will be regularly spraying of untarred road surfaces • Machinery to be used during project implementation will be properly serviced to ensure that unnecessary noise is not emitted while the machines are at work. • Baffle mounds or noise fences will be used to provide screening since the area is a noise sensitive environment. Community Health and Safety • A maintenance plan will be developed and implemented to ensure regular maintenance of water supply infrastructure. This will include proactive testing of pipes and other infrastructure. • The materials chosen for the water supply system will durable with easily obtainable spare parts. • Community will be sensitized if there are anticipated disruption to service and fixing water supply issues. • All leaks will be addressed in the shortest time possible. Occupational Health and Safety • There will be regular OHS training of personnel involved in maintenance and operation of the water supply infrastructure • EWSC has an OHS policy and plan, which new employees will be inducted on. • Relevant personnel Protective Equipment will be provided for all employees and employees will be encouraged to use it. • Access to high risk areas will be limited to highly trained personnel. • There will be proper warning signs for areas that are of high risk. • First aid representatives will be part of every maintenance crew and every area/section of work to ensure availability and accessibility. • Firefighting equipment will be put in place and properly serviced. Fire drills will be dome for workers and fire assembly points demarcated. Increase in Power Usage • Power conservation measures will be put in place. • Pumping will only be done when it is necessary, and equipment not in use will be switched off. Works will be sensitised of energy conservation Wastage of Water • Communities will be trained on water billing, water conservation and management. Mismanagement of Kiosks • ESWS will train kiosks operators and monitor their operations to ensure that they do not experience challenges that may lead to closure. Treatment Plan • The quantity of solids generated by the water treatment process is minimised through optimizing coagulation processes; • Use of ferric and alum sludge will be balanced to bind phosphorous (e.g., from manure application at livestock operations) without causing aluminum phytotoxicity. • Land application after testing for levels of heavy metals will be done before this is used for land application. • Sludge may require special disposal if the source water contains elevated levels of toxic metals, such as arsenic, radionuclides, etc.; • Regenerate activated carbon will be returned to the supplier. • Residual waste that cannot be recycled will be stored in designated containers and disposed of in Compliance with the Waste Regulations, 2000. Wastewater Impacts • Land application of wastes with high dissolved solids concentrations is generally preferred over discharge to surface water subject to an evaluation of potential impact on soil, groundwater, and surface water resulting from such application; • Filter backwash is recycled into the process. • Reject streams, including brine, is treated tested for quality before being returned to the river, in compliance with the Environmental Management Act, 2002 and the Water Act, 2003. Chemicals management • Alarm and safety systems, including automatic shutoff valves that are automatically activated when a chlorine release is detected are installed in the Water Treatment plant. • Containment and scrubber systems are in place to capture and neutralize chlorine should a leak occur. • Corrosion-resistant piping, valves, metering equipment, and any other equipment coming in contact with gaseous or liquid chlorine are used, and kept free from contaminants, including oil and grease. • Chlorine is stored away from all sources of organic chemicals, and protect from sunlight, moisture, and high temperatures. • Sodium hypochlorite is stored in cool, dry, and dark conditions for no more than one month, and used with equipment constructed of corrosion-resistant materials; • Calcium hypochlorite will be stored away from any organic materials and protect from moisture; fully empty or re-seal shipping containers to exclude moisture. • Calcium hypochlorite will be stored for up to one year; • The amount of chlorination chemicals stored on site is minimised while maintaining a sufficient inventory to cover intermittent disruptions in supply; • A prevention program that includes identification of potential hazards, written operating procedures, training, maintenance, and accident investigation procedures has been developed and will be implemented. • A plan for responding to accidental releases has been developed and implemented. Page | xxiii DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • A material safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is in place to ensure a sound chemicals management approach. Air Emissions • Air monitoring will be conducted periodically to assess the air emissions level at the treatment plant. • The employees at the water treatment plant will be provided with appropriate PPE to prevent the inhalation of volatile chemicals. Water System Leaks and Loss of • It will be ensured that construction meets applicable standards and industry practices such Pressure as conducting regular inspection and maintenance; implementing a leak detection and repair program (including records of past leaks and unaccounted-for water to identify potential problem areas) and replacing mains with a history of leaks of with a greater potential for leaks because of their location, pressure stresses, and other risk factors. Solid Waste Impacts • Waste will be recycled as far as practically possible by identifying and giving waste to licenced recyclers. • All employees will be sensitized on proper waste management. • Special waste like E-waste, old pumps, waste oils will be given to licenced recyclers. • Oil swabs, spent ad expired chemicals and other hazardous waste will be placed in separate, marked bins and will be stored in containers for environmentally sound disposal in accordance with the Waste Regulations, 2000. • Disposing of waste will be done appropriately and on a regular basis in an approved Waste disposal site. Water Discharges • The flush water will be discharged into a separate storm sewer system with storm water management measures such as a detention pond, where solids can settle, and residual chlorine consumed before the water is discharged; • Erosion during flushing will be minimised by avoiding discharge areas that are susceptible to erosion and spreading the flow to reduce flow velocities. Aging infrastructure • The proponent will counterbalance the impact of aging infrastructure and construction materials by properly managing the integrity of the pipeline and all associate infrastructure. • This will include; the use of durable construction materials and regular maintenance of the pipeline and all its associated infrastructure. • Easily degrading materials will not be sourced for this project. Excavation damage • Security personnel will be placed at locations such as the reservoirs and pump house to ensure that none of the infrastructure is damaged. • Communities will also be sensitized on the importance of protecting the pipeline and its laterals for the guaranteed provision of potable water. • All offenders will be punished by the local Police Department. A separate document, which is the Environmental and Social management Plan (ESMP) has been prepared and acts as an integration document to cover the design, construction, commissioning and operation and maintenance of the each of the project components. It has identified key environmental issues during the impact assessment study across the project and further provides plans for their effective management. It will ensure that all undue or reasonably avoidable adverse impacts of the project are prevented and that the positive benefits are enhanced. ESMP Implementation For an effective integration of environmental and social standards into the project implementation, the Contractor will need to adopt the ESMP presented in this ESIA and prepare a comprehensive Construction Environment and Social Management Plan (C-ESMP) that will provide the key reference point for compliance. RPF and site-specific RAP implementation A Resettlement Policy Framework has been prepared by the EWSC to guide the preparation of site-specific RAP/ARAP. Surveyors will be provided training to prioritize avoidance and minimization of impact. The social officer in EWSC will have the overall responsible for preparation and implementation of RAP with support of consultants and in close consultation with Chief’s Royal council members and Project Affected Persons (PAPs). Activities that will cause physical displacement and/or economic displacement shall not commence prior to completion of Page | xxiv DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT resettlement and compensation payment. Disbursement of compensation and resettlement assistance completion report shall be condition of site handing over to the contractor. Stakeholder Engagement Plan implementation EWSC has prepared a Stakeholder Engagement Plan proportional to the nature and scale of the project impacts and risks and will be updating the same from time to time. The community Liaison Officers shall be engaged by the project to liaison with the local stakeholders and project affected community. Main stakeholders have been identified in the SEP and need for their engagement throughout the project cycle has been outlined. The ESIA and RPF further details out the enhanced requirement to engage with the project affected during preparation and implementation of ESIA/ESMP and RAP. The project specific Grievance Mechanism has also been detailed out based on existing EEC procedures and within the legal and cultural framework with no cost to the project affected. The GRM will be further enhanced based on the findings of the comprehensive ESIA and detailed designs. EWSC Project Implementation Unit A Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will be established within EWSC with full time qualified environmental and social standards specialists who will provide environmental and social standards support on the implementation of the Project ESMP, RAP and other mitigation plans and to ensure compliance and support corrective action. The Client (EWSC) already has a competent environmental specialist, and Occupational and Health and Safety officers, and one will be assigned to ensure compliance of the project. The social Specialist along with the Community Liaisons Officers (CLOs) to be engaged by EWSC will ensure that project affected participate in the project and their concerns are addressed and impacts are mitigated as per E&S standards. The GoKE shall be responsible for providing funding for covering compensation and resettlement assistance costs. The amount required for financing RAP shall be deposited to a separate escrow account that will be opened and maintained by ESWC. Project Supervision Engineer The Project Supervision Engineer will be charged with the responsibilities of supervision, review of site reports, preparation of monthly progress reports, prepare and issue appropriate instructions to the Contractor and monitor ESMP implementation. Contractor The Contractor will internalize the ESMP/C-ESMP, prepare monthly progress reports and implement instructions issued by the Supervision Consultant. The Contractor will also undertake ESIA Studies for sites outside the project zone and seek appropriate EEA Licenses. The Contractor, therefore, will engage qualified Environmentalist and Social Experts on full time basis to interpret the C-ESMP and advice on the implementation of the same, as well to the Counterpart Personnel for the Supervision Expert. The full Contractor’s Team will comprise of the key staff cadres as specified in the Bidding Document. Contractor shall also have Labor Management Plan (LMP), Code of Conduct (CoC), GBV Action Plan, Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) and GRM as per Labour Management procedures of EWSC. Eswatini Environment Authority Page | xxv DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The Eswatini Environment Authority (EAA) is responsible for ensuring environmental compliance in the country and will undertake surveillance on the project implementation and review compliance performance based on the supervision monitoring reports. Public Consultations The consultation process was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) and the Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) of the World Bank (ESS10 – Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure in conjunction with ESS1 – Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts). Public consultation, disclosure and stakeholder engagement are key requirements of the World Bank because when done effectively, they can improve the environmental and social sustainability of projects and as well as allow these stakeholders to make significant contribution to successful project design and implementation. It assists also in the management of environmental and social impacts. The requirements for stakeholder engagement in projects require that stakeholder consultation and engagement should start as early as possible in the project cycle; continue throughout the life of the project; be free of external manipulation, interference, coercion, or intimidation; where applicable enable meaningful community participation; and be conducted on the basis of timely, relevant, understandable, and accessible information in a culturally appropriate format. Wide ranges of stakeholders have been engaged and will continue to be engaged in this project; ranging from the Government Line Ministries, the community and other stakeholders. Noteworthy is that these consultations were carried out at both Regional and Constituency Level. At the Regional level, the following groups of people were engaged; constituency leadership (Bucopho, Tindvuna), development partners (World Vision, Red Cross), security forces (Police, Correctional, USDF), the youth (ENYC) and Government (CTA, Education, Commerce, Rural Water, Health). For the Constituency Level, these groups of people were consulted; the youth, water committees, WASH community representatives, social workers (Bagcugcuteli), traditional authorities and community police. The public consultation process began in March 14, 2019 has been so far inclusive and productive. A total of 225 stakeholders have been engaged of which 139 (62%) are male and 86 (38.2%) are female. During the consultation exercises, the following issues were raised and discussed; • Project Timelines • Resettlement & Compensation • Employment • Movement of Laterals • Water Abstraction • ESIA Process • Socio-economic Issues • Water Kiosks • Pipeline Coverage • Appointment of Contractor • Existing Water Committees and Schemes Disclosure of ESIA Page | xxvi DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The World Bank disclosure policies require that an ESIA report for the projects is made available to project affected groups, local NGOs, and the public at large. Public disclosure of ESIA document is also a requirement of the Eswatini environmental procedures. EWSC in collaboration with the EEA will make available copies of the ESIA in strategic locations and offices of the ministries. Public notice in the media should be used to serve as information source to the public. However, the ESIA will have to be advertised in the local newspaper. After approval by the Bank, the ESIA will be disclosed on its website and also on EWSC’s website. The approved version will also be available at the local EEA offices and may be used for reference for future studies. ESMP Monitoring Plan The following table summarizes the ESMP monitoring plan for the proposed project. Project Parameter Indicator Institutional Project Monitoring Activity/Aspect Responsibility Phase Cost Implementation Monitoring Frequency Estimates Route/Plan Responsibility USD Impact of Flora Visual Inspection Bare soil ESMP Contractor Monthly Construction To be Soil Erosion and finalized operation once Project detailed Manager/Supervising designs are Engineer completed Air emissions Dust fallout Bad Odour ESMP Contractor Monthly Construction To be and quality of Use of PPE and finalized dust Health and Safety operation once Plan in use Supervising Engineer detailed Record of induction designs are for workers completed Active dust suppression Safeguarding Visual Inspection Induction training SEP Contractor Daily Prior to and To be community Incident and records Project performance Supervising Engineer during finalized health and accident records Grievance Construction once safety Safety working Mechanism and detailed procedure operation designs are completed Maintenance of complaints log and resolution process; and Evidence of effective Grievance Mechanism Photographs of appropriate fencing; and signage around site perimeter and where identified through risk assessment process. Safeguarding Health and safety OHS Management Contractor Daily Construction To be Worker records audits of PPE use, system and finalized Occupation maintenance of Supervising Engineer operation once Health and Visual inspection disciplinary records, detailed Safety etc. designs are Active and Records of inductions, completed passive trainings & toolbox monitoring talks Good “housekeeping� on site Worker Grievance Records & resolution Labor Influx Verification of Number of community ESMP/LMP/CoC Contractor Daily Construction To be records complaints Supervising Engineer and finalized Consultations operation once detailed Page | xxvii DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Project Parameter Indicator Institutional Project Monitoring Activity/Aspect Responsibility Phase Cost Implementation Monitoring Frequency Estimates Route/Plan Responsibility USD Frequency of designs are consultations completed conducted Number of awareness campaigns conducted Storage of Spillages MSDS for all store Waste Management Contractor Monthly Construction To be hazardous Visual inspection Chemicals Plan Audit finalized materials and Functioning storage Supervising Engineer Review once chemicals containers detailed Chemical usage designs are records completed Traffic concerns Visual inspection Traffic Management Contractor Daily Construction To be Records of accidents Plan and finalized involving project operation once vehicles Supervising Engineer detailed designs are Banks men shall be completed used to direct vehicle traffic around construction sites and hazards during working hours (Health and Safety Plan). Plan approved by project manager barriers and signage Public Community Grievance Stakeholder Contractor Monthly Construction To be Awareness and Consultations management records Engagement Plan and finalized Community & resolution process Grievance operation once perceptions Mechanism Supervising Engineer detailed Evidence of designs are Occurrence-Event completed report Noise dB(A) Measure included in ESMP Contractor Monthly Construction To be design and and finalized procurement plans Supervising Engineer operation once detailed Hearing protection designs are and PPE in use completed Record of equipment maintenance Soil Erosion Visual inspection Bare soil ESMP Contractor Weekly Construction To be Soil pillars and finalized Supervising Engineer operation once detailed designs are completed Solid waste Domestic refuse, Documented Comprehensive Contractor Daily Construction To be management metallic scraps, Approvals for waste management and finalized placement of wastes, plan Supervising Engineer operation once detailed designs are completed Land Consultations Records of RPF EWSC Daily Prior to and To be Acquisition, Site Visits compensation RAP/LRP during finalized displacement completion & Construction once and restrictions completion rate detailed on land use Progress on RAP/LRP designs are implementation completed Compliance with RPF/RAP and national legislation Cultural Visual inspection Records of Chance ESMP (Chance Finds Contractor Daily Prior to and To be Heritage Find Procedures Procedures) Supervising Engineer during finalized activated Construction once detailed designs are completed Supply Chain Reporting Bidding documents ESMP Contractor Weekly Construction To be and Contracts Bidding documents Supervising Engineer and finalized Operation once Supply chain detailed performance on ESS2 designs are compliance completed Page | xxviii DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Project Parameter Indicator Institutional Project Monitoring Activity/Aspect Responsibility Phase Cost Implementation Monitoring Frequency Estimates Route/Plan Responsibility USD GBV/SEA GBV Action Plan GRM GBV/SEA Monitoring Contractor Dialy Throught the Plan Supervising project Engineer, EWSC Child Labor and Human Trafficking Proposed Implementation budget The estimated costs prior to getting detailed designs stand as outlined in the following table. Stage Estimated Cost Pump House 1 (Fitted)* 3,000 000.00 Reservoir Automation and Telemetry (x3) 1,500 000.00 Intermediate Storage Reservoirs (3 x 3.2Ml, 1x 1 Ml 33,000 000.00 Pumping and Gravity Mains and accessories 61km** 61,000 000.00 Land Purchases and Servitudes 5,500 000.00 Lateral networks 244km 61,000 000.00 Subtotal 165,000 000.00 Design and Supervision 10% 16,500 000.00 Contingencies 5% 8,250 000.00 Total 189,750 000.00 Total Estimated Cost 189,750 000.00 *Pumphouse costs include a building, pumps and accessories, MCC, Automation, SEC connection **Pumping and Gravity pipeline costs include pipes, bends and valves • Civil Works include excavation, manholes, anchor blocks, road crossings • The construction phase project is expected to be completed between 24-36 months. Solar Power generation Costs The pumps designed for the pump house require 180kva with an 8 hour pumping operation per day resulting to 6’480kwh/day. Assuming the plant will be able to produce up to 10’000kwh per day, thus results in at plant estimated cost of E8’000’000.00 for capital outlay plus E2’000’000.00 for operational and maintenance costs, the initial capital Page | xxix DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT and running costs are E10’000’000.00. This is compared to the facility charge of E120’000.00 per month, will be recouped in 7 years or less (not considering rate increases each year). Other Issues to Consider • Extra funding for laterals through community schemes • Community involvement in the identification of areas for kiosks to cover those with no finance for personal connections. • Any land relocations and compensations to be done according to legislation with the Ministry of Agriculture that covers for such incidents (National Resettlement Policy). • Unskilled labour will be hired locally as much as possible to prevent population influx and to provide a source of livelihood during project implementation. • Utilising the new Environmental and Social Framework from World Bank in the design and implementation of the project. Recommendations The adverse environmental impacts that will result from the execution of the Nhlangano - Siphambanweni Integrated Water Supply Project have been identified and it is recommended that the following aspects be considered by the EWSC prior to implementation: ▪ The mitigation measures recommended for the proposed project are outlined in the preceding chapters of this report particularly Chapter 9 and are also contained within the Environmental and Social Mitigation Plan (ESMP) compiled for the project. The ESMP is a detailed plan of action prepared to ensure that recommendations for enhancing positive impacts and preventing negative environmental impacts are implemented during the lifecycle of a project. The ESMP should also form part of the contract for the Contractor who will be responsible for the construction of the proposed project. Page | xxx DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Context and Background Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) is proposing to establish an integrated water supply and sanitation project from Nhlangano to Siphambanwei in the Shiselweni region of Eswatini. The project entails installation of 61 km of gravity mains and 3 km of pumping mains at various stages; connected to 244 km of laterals supplying homesteads, offices, clinics, schools. The project also will consider sanitation options for communities in the project area. A small solar power plant will be constructed to provide the power required for pumping. The project also includes the construction of 24 kiosks. It will also strengthen sector institutions and policies for drought and disaster risk management, water resources management and water supply. The project will include 4 components, as follows: (1) Water Supply Extension, (2) Improved Sanitation Access, (3) Project Management and Institutional Strengthening, and (4) Contingency Emergency Response. EWSC was established in by the Water Services Act, 1992. The objectives of the Corporation is to abstract, store, transport, purify and collect water, convey, treat and dispose sewage in areas specified in the schedule of the Water Services Act. The Corporation is mandated to: • Prepare schemes for the development of water resources and for the supply of water and construct, maintain and operate such schemes. • Keep under constant review the quality, reliability and availability of water supplies. • Control and regulate the production, treatment, storage, transmission, distribution and use of water for public purposes. • Design, construct, acquire, operate and maintain water works for the purpose of supplying water for public purposes and • Inspect and advise on the management, collection, production, transmission, treatment, storage, supply and distribution of water. 1.2 Rationale for the Project The water supply and sanitation infrastructure in Eswatini is fully developed in the urban areas especially in cities in the Manzini and Hhohho regions. This has left a gap in water supply and sanitation for peri-urban and rural areas. In some cases, there are growth nodes or business areas that have not been declared towns, but have a lot of economic activity. The Shiselweni region is one of the regions where potable water supply has been lagging behind. In 2015, the EWSC embarked on a project, in partnership with the European Union, to supply potable water for the Shiselweni region covering three Tinkhundla centres: Siphofaneni, Somntongo and Matsanjeni (SISOMA project). The water supply was from the Jozini dam, which is shared with the Republic of South Africa. This included a pipeline that runs along the MR 11 from Lavumisa to Siphambanweni. In a bid to increase the capacity to supply water to Nhlangano town, the EWSC constructed a water treatment plant at Masibini, Nhlangano (on the way to Mahamba) in 2015. The production capacity of this treatment plant may be upgraded to 30Ml per day. To date, the water treatment plant produces only 3.5ML a day to cater for Nhlangano and Mahamba areas. This caters for a population of 16’500 residents with the current number of connections being 3’300. The EWSC is now planning to integrate the SISOMA project network (which ends at Siphambanweni) to the Nhlangano Water supply (which is running under capacity). Page 31 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The interconnection of the Nhlangano and Lavumisa Water Supply systems will provide increased water security to the Shiselweni region, while the institutional strengthening component will contribute to increased overall water security and resilience, as it will provide a framework for early measures that can be taken on the onset of drought in order to mitigate its impact. In Shiselweni the burden of water collection falls predominantly on women, who are three times more likely than men to be responsible for fetching water. It is a woman’s responsibility to source water in 66 percent of households without water on site, whereas men are responsible for the task in 21 percent of households. A child under age 15 fetches water in remaining households – young girls are slightly more likely to do so. In addition, in the drought and flood prone region of Shiselweni, fetching water takes longer than in other regions – 30.8 percent of all households spend 30 minutes or more each day on water collection, while the national average is 20 percent. The project will directly benefit 18,478 people (based on 2017 population data) in domestic households located in the Shiselweni region of the country through improved water access. In addition, improved water services will be provided to 4 health clinics and 32 schools in the three target tinkhundla which is estimated to reach 2,000 people and 5,600 people, respectively. The total beneficiaries for improved water access as a result of the project will be 26, 078. The number of household beneficiaries is estimated to increase to 22,938 by 2047. The population is assumed to be 65 percent rural and 35 percent urban. 1.3 Purpose of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) The overall objective of the assignment is to undertake an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study, develop an associated Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), and prepare a generic Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the sanitation component for submission to the Eswatini Environment Authority and the World Bank. The mitigation and management measures proposed should be appropriate to the significance of the identified impacts. The specific objectives are: (a) To produce a project inception report outlining how the assignment will be carried out (b) To conduct a public Scoping Meeting and produce a Scoping Report thereof (c) To undertake an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) focusing on the Water Supply Extension (Component 1); (d) To prepare a Generic Environmental and Social Management Plan focusing on the Improved Sanitation Access (Component 2); (e) To prepare an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and any other related mitigation or management plans as highlighted in the scope of services or as required by the Environment and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) As part of preparation for the Project, and according to the Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations (2000), Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) has submitted a project brief underlining an outline of the proposed project institutions to the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA). In conformance with the Page 32 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Regulations, EWSC submitted a project brief to Eswatini Environmental Authority (EEA) and the proposed Project was assigned as a Category 3 project by EEA (See Appendix 1) The purpose of preparing this draft Environmental and Social Assessment for (activities associated with construction and operation of the pipeline, associated laterals, pump house and solar power plant) is to meet the requirements of the ESF directive of the Bank which indicates the need to prepare draft environmental and social assessments before appraisal of the Project. The preliminary assessment is meant to give an understanding of the level of environmental and social risks and impacts and how they will be mitigated. Concurrent to carrying out this preliminary ESIA, EWSC has prepared and will disclose a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), and a Labour Management Plan (LMP). EWSC has completed procuring the services of a suitably qualified Environmental and Social consulting firm to undertake a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in accordance with the Eswatini Environment Act No. 5 of 2002, the World Bank ESF the World Bank Group General Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines, and the World Bank Group EHS guidelines for Water and Sanitation. The ESIA will be prepared concurrently with the detail design preparation for the Project in order to inform the detailed design. 1.4 Scope of the ESIA The scope and level of work involved in the preparation of the ESIA shall be proportional to the project's potential environmental and social risks and impacts which is rated moderate under the World Bank ESF and Category 3 under the Eswatini Environmental Management Act, No. 5 of 2002. As the project is being financed by the World Bank (WB), the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and the generic Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMP) for the sanitation component should meet the requirements of both the World Bank and the Eswatini Environment Authority. 1.5 Objective and Need for the Proposed Project This project is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) which is a goal aimed at ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. It is also indicated, within the same report, that in the year 2017–2018, 157 countries reported average implementation of integrated water resources management of 48 per cent. According to the latest Eswatini household income and expenditure survey (Central Statistics Office, 2016), 41.75% of the population has access to clean water, while 53.68% of the population have access to proper sanitation. The Shiselweni region has the lowest access to improved sources to drinking water and lowest access to proper sanitation. The Nhlangano Siphambanweni project will contribute positively on this indicator. The Environmental Health Growth and Development pillars of the poverty reduction strategy and action plan PRSAP (2006-2022) have realized that there is a need to improve the quality of life access to potable water and sanitation services in some areas of Eswatini. Page 33 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 1.6 Project Development Objectives The project development objective is to increase access to improved water supply and sanitation services in targeted areas in Eswatini and strengthen the the capcity for rural water supply and sanitation service dilivery at the national level ▪ 1.7 Project Activities The design, construction and operation activities associated with the project are described below to the possible extent known and based on the preliminary survey report. These activities will be implemented to meet the aforementioned development objectives of the proposed project. Additional activities will be included during the preparation of the detailed design report. 1.7.1 Preconstruction Phase ▪ Detailed Study Design: EWSC procured a consulting firm to prepare a detailed design of the proposed project which may vary albeit not significantly from the feasibility study design currently under preparation and will equally update this draft ESIA report to detailed design ESIA. ▪ Comprehensive ESIA Report: This draft ESIA report will be updated to include the specifics as outlined in the detailed design. The ESIA will be submitted to the Eswatini Environment Authority (EAA) for approval as per the regulations of the country and at the same time submitted to the Bank for clearance. This draft ESIA recognizes that there are certain gaps that can only be addressed during the preparation of detailed design report. ▪ Obtaining Necessary Permitting Requirements: A number of environmental and social permitting requirements will be required to be obtained by contractor for this project as per the statutes of the Government of Eswatini before the construction commences. These include among others the Environmental Impact Assessment License issued by the EEA. 1.7.2 Construction Phase Activities Key activities during the construction stage including equipment and construction material is presented to the extent known and is subject to change depending on final methodology that will be adopted by the contractor. Activities during the construction will include among others: ▪ Clearing and excavations: Once the project receives its final permits, construction crews will begin clearing or trimming the transmission route where necessary. This includes clearing trees and brush to provide construction crews and their equipment safe access to the work site. When construction is complete, disturbed areas will be restored. Native shrubs and ground cover are allowed to regrow ▪ Installation of main water pipes: the next step is the installation of the water pipes. The workers will set aside the topsoil carefully (which will be reused). After installation of the pipes, the excavations will be covered. There are no trenches which will be left uncovered for more than 48 hours. ▪ Construction of planned laterals and water kiosks: after the main pipe has been constructed, the associated laterals and kiosks will be constructed to facilitate the distribution of water to institutions and homesteads. Page 34 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT ▪ Construction of solar power plant: the solar power plant will also be constructed concurrently with the installation of the pipes. This will include site clearing, excavations and the construction of the power plant. An access road will also be constructed for use during operation to enable vehicles to pass through to the solar plant. ▪ Construction of reservoirs: the reservoir constructions will also run parallel with the construction of the pipeline. Its construction will also involve site clearing, levelling and erection of the reservoir. An access Table 1: Specification of Pipeline Pipeline Parameter Gravity 250mm Pumping 200mm Gravity 200mm Liquid density @ 20deg (kg m-3) 998.2 998.2 998.2 Liquid viscosity @ 20deg (Pa s) 0.001005 0.001005 0.001005 Gravity (m s-2) 9.81 9.81 9.81 Pipe diameter (m) 0.25 0.20 0.20 Pipe length (m) 20’100 2’700 40’100 Pipe roughness (m) 0.0000015 0.000061 0.0000015 Pipe cross-sectional area (m2) 0.049087385 0.031415927 0.031415927 1.7.3 Operational Phase (Distribution laterals and Kiosks) Once constructed, distribution will be operated year-round, 24 hours daily; supplying potable water to the Nhlangano – Siphambanweni population. EWSC will ensure continuous maintenance timely in conformance with pipeline maintenance processes. All maintenance will include: - ▪ Routine maintenance ▪ Structure maintenance ▪ Environmental maintenance ▪ Emergency works ▪ Property management ▪ Pipeline and assets management 1.8 Materials and Construction Equipment Materials and Construction Equipment The following equipment and materials will be required for use during the construction phase of the transmission and distribution pipeline. The actual quantities and type of machinery and materials will be determined during the preparation of detailed design and will be reflected in the comprehensive ESIA. It is expected that construction materials like cement, concrete, gravel, water, aggregate etc. will be sourced from local suppliers and will not require the need for opening material sites (quarries, borrow pits etc.) to source the same. The following table shows the materials and construction equipment that will be utilised in the proposed project. Table 2: Material and Equipment Equipment Source Trucks Local and international suppliers Excavators Local and international suppliers Page 35 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Compactors Local and international suppliers TLB Local and international suppliers Reel and tensioner Local and international suppliers Lorries Local and international suppliers Materials Source Cement Local suppliers Sand Local suppliers Concrete Local suppliers Aggregate Local suppliers Water pipes Local and international supplies Reinforcement bars Local supplies Solar Panels Local and international suppliers Pipes of different sizes and materials (steel pipes, Local and international suppliers SDPE, uPVC and Concrete) Pumps Local and international suppliers Water Local suppliers Sand (Plaster and River) Local suppliers Cement Local suppliers Reinforcements Local suppliers Valves Local and international suppliers Water meters Local and international Blocks Local suppliers Crush stone Local suppliers Timber (roofing) Local suppliers Roof Sheets Local suppliers 1.9 Description of Proposed Reservoirs A connection will be made from the pipeline that originates from the existing 10 Mega litre Reservoir at 1180m MSL at Maseyisini. The following are the proposed reservoir positions: Reservoir B at Mhlosheni at CH 22+800, 1161m MSL with a 3.2ML capacity. A sump just before Mhlosheni, at CH 22+500 with a 1 ML capacity Reservoir C at Florence Christian Academy at CH 45+100, 853m MSL with a 3.2ML capacity. Reservoir D at Hluthi at CH 52+800, 849m MSL with a 3.2 ML capacity. 1.10 Description of Proposed Pump house and Solar Power Supply There will be 1 pumphouse that will be located next to the 1Ml sump at CH 22+500. The proposed pumps for the pump house require 180kva with an 8-hour pumping operation per day resulting to 6’480kwh/day. The aim is to move towards greener technology hence the solar component will be built in the components of the pump houses to be constructed (Solar panels on roof tops and reservoir tops). The energy capacity will be approximately 300KW since this energy will mostly be used for supplementary needs. Ultimately, the viability of it will be confirmed by the design consultant as it is meant to be an alternative power supply to the booster pump station. 1.11 Description of Proposed Kiosks Page 36 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT There are 24 kiosks that have been proposed for this project. The proposed locations for the kiosks are spread throughout the three areas that form part of the project scope. The purpose of the kiosks is to provide potable water at low rates to individuals who may not be able to afford home installations. The operator of the kiosks is selected by the community through local water committees in the constituencies. The following figure shows proposed locations of the kiosks. Figure 1:Proposed Distribution of Kiosks Page 37 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 1.12 Key Off-site Investments Raw water for the project will be sourced from the Mkhondvo River via an existing water abstraction into a Water Treatment Plant (WTP).The main water treatment plant in the area is at Masibini (about 10km from Nhlangano town) with a production capacity which may be upgraded to 30Ml per day (such production possible based on the above abstraction permit information, refer to Appendix 3). To date, the water treatment plant produces only 3.5ML a day to cater for Nhlangano and Mahamba areas. This caters for a population of 16’500 residents with the current number of connections being 3’300. This still leaves the plant with spare capacity of above 6.5ML per day which can then be channelled towards the study area for this project, thus making the station work closer to its available production capacity. The project is an extension of an existing water treatment and supply system at Masibini, Nhlangano. A connection will be made from the pipeline that originates from the existing 10 Mega litre Reservoir at 1180m MSL at Masibini 1.13 Burrow pits and Spoil sites There are no burrow pits and spoil sites planned for the project. However, if there is a need as the designs are developed further, the contractor will prepare a Contractor Environmental Management Plan (C-EMP). Page 38 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 2 STUDY METHODOLOGY The report outlines the various methods which were used to engage with stakeholders. 2.1 ESIA Process in Eswatini According to the Environmental Audit Assessment and Review Regulations (EAARR) of 2000 promulgated under the Environmental Management Act (EMA) of 2002, the construction of the integrated water supply and sanitation project may have a significant detrimental impact on the environment. Thus, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) must be conducted prior to the issuing of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) by Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) for project implementation. Section 32 of the Environmental Management Act, 2002 emphasises that no person shall undertake any project that may have a detrimental effect on the environment without the written approval of the EEA. MTK Sustainable Technologies was appointed by the EWSC in March 2019 to undertake the ESIA process for the proposed project and obtain the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) required prior to the implementation of the project. The ESIA process includes the development of an Environment and Social Management Plan (ESMP) which provides mitigation and management measures for the pre-Construction, construction and operation phases of the proposed project based on the findings of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment study. Requirements of the Eswatini Regulatory Framework and World Bank Standards have been adopted for the proposed project. The World Bank sustainability framework articulates the importance of environmental and social sustainability as well as access to information. The ESIA has been prepared in accordance with both the World Bank (WB) Environmental and Social Standard1 (ESS1) and applicable environmental procedures in Eswatini. Accordingly, the ESIA will address the potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed sanitation program to be implemented as part of the project. Figure 3 illustrates the EIA process in Eswatini. Page 39 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Figure 2 Various surveys are conducted, such as socio-economic surveys. This and social issues have been addressed. According to the flow of the environmental process in Eswatini, the EEA has approved the scoping report submitted. The following step is the submission of the ESIA to the EEA for review. 2.2 Geographical Project Location The project is located in the Southern part of Eswatini, in the Shiselweni region. The larger project area is found in the area between Nhangano and Siphambaweni, along the MR11, Nhlangano-Lavumisa Road. Figure 2 shows the location of the project area within the country. Figure 3 shows the locality map of the project. Page 40 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Figure 3: Map of Eswatini showing location of project area and affected Tinkhundla Page 41 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Figure 4: Locality map of the project area The ESIA was informed by a conceptual report. The final ESIA will be subject to the availability of the final detailed designs. Therefore, this ESIA is a preliminary version which will be updated at a later stage. 2.3 Initial Visit An initial orientation visit involved a tour of the study area was conducted by the consultants, with Eswatini Water Services Corporation Team to understand the geographic scope and context of the project. This also provided a basic scan of the environment to identify areas potentially or directly affected by the proposed project as well as tentative impact areas requiring further investigation. 2.4 Desktop study A desktop study was done for the legislative review, as well as other literature on the site and its surroundings. This review also included reports from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The desk study also included collection of secondary data (weather information, traffic flow data, crime statistics from the Hluthi police station, water quality data from the Department of Water Affairs). Reports and information already collected and compiled by Eswatini Water Services Corporation and the World Bank was also reviewed and used to form part of the report. 2.5 Consultations During the process of the ESIA, consultations were made with Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs), a majority of these being the residents of the affected communities. When the ESIA process was started, EWSC had already started conducting public meetings. These meetings were held at Zombodze Emuva Inkhundla, Hosea Inkhundla and Shiselweni 1 Inkhundla. The minutes of these meetings were reviewed, and they informed the understanding of the community’s view of the project. Issues raised in the meetings were used as part of the scoping phase of the ESIA. Page 42 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Further consultations will be done with traditional authorities in and around the project area and other stakeholders like government departments and relevant parastatals and NGOs that are active in the project area. Consultations will not be limited to this initial stage of the ESIA process but will be continued with throughout the life cycle of the project. 2.6 Field surveys The consultant conducted a physical survey of the site and made observations that informed the assessment. Detailed surveys are still to be done as the ESIA process advances. 2.7 Specialist studies 2.7.1 Socio-Economic Impact Study 2.7.1.1 Desktop Study This involves the review of secondary data from past reports from accredited sources such as the CSO. These reports include the latest household income and expenditure survey and population and housing census. 2.7.1.2 Primary data collection 2.7.1.2.1 Qualitative data The main approach will be that of ‘appreciative enquiry’ which helps people recall their situation before implementation of the initiative; their current situation as well as anticipating their future given certain changes which will enhance the positive impacts and mitigate against negative impacts. These groups will include: • Women • Youth • Girls • Local leaders • Church leaders • Vulnerable people The discussions will focus on: • Community health and safety in particular reference to access to water and sanitation • Identifying disadvantaged and vulnerable groups or individuals in the community • Current land use and possible restrictions resulting from project activities • Cultural heritage • Recommendations for labour and working conditions for project • Sustainable management strategies for water; sanitation and natural resources Page 43 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • Inclusion 2.7.1.2.2 Key Informant interviews Additional information will be collected through a series of key informant interviews which will run concurrently with quantitative data collection on social facilities available including catchment areas and numbers accessing facilities where possible. This information will be summarized in a tabulated form covering: • Traditional Leaders (at Umphakatsi) • Local government representatives (at Inkhundla) • Health workers (at Clinic) • Educationalists (at schools) • Emergency services (at Police station) • NGOs active in the area (if any) 2.7.1.3 Quantitative data 2.7.1.3.1 Survey Methodology and Coverage The affected communities (at chiefdom level) were identified and a list was compiled. A questionnaire has been designed for conducting socio-economic survey of the project area. This questionnaire will be administered by use of face to face interviews of household members, especially the head of the household by field enumerators. The following topics will be covered in the standard questionnaire: • Demographics (household listing covering, health, employment, parental status and education for children less than 17 years of age and households deaths). • Household characteristics (housing structure and type, household assets and amenities owned and used by households) • Water and sanitation (drinking water source, distance to and from the water source, toilets used) • Food Consumption and Nutrition, which will look into issues of food consumed by households using a seven-day recall, their main source, meals consumed per day by households. • Inputs to households livelihoods • Households expenditure 2.7.1.3.2 Data Processing and Analysis The data from the field will be entered into a computer using a data entry application developed using CSPro software. SPSS will be used for data cleaning, tabulation and analysis. Most tables will use the basic variables namely as, community, sex, and age categories. Page 44 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT This data will culminate in a ‘snap-shot’ of the affected communities to predict impacts of the project and generate recommended mitigation measures to be put in place. 2.7.2 Ecological Assessment The main objective of the ecological assessment was to determine the plant, bird and mammal species richness within the project area for the proposed development. It also ensures the identification of any threatened and endemic species with the project area and further identifies potential threats to the vegetation. Overall, the study assesses the extent of ecological impacts and prescribes appropriate mitigation measures to eliminate or limit the negative impacts that have been identified and where possible enhance beneficial impacts. 2.7.3 Aesthetic/ Visual Assessment The overall aim of Aesthetic/Visual Impact Assessment was to determine the aesthetic impact and current landscape quality (scenic views, visual sensitivity) of the proposed development. Visual observations of the project area was used to determine the physical state of the area. Pictures were also taken so that a record of the area before the start of the project is determined. 2.7.4 Noise and Air quality Noise levels have been measured using a noise meter shown in photoplate 1. Photoplate 1: Noise meter used The points used in measuring the noise was mainly where sensitive receptors like schools, clinics and churches are in close proximity. Secondary data on particulate matter and gases like NOx and SOx is not available for the area. There is also no equipment for measuring these parameters in country. 2.7.5 Water Quality Assessment The area has a few seasonal streams. Water samples will be collected (where there is water) and sent to the laboratory for analysis. It should be noted, however, that some are inaccessible. The parameters that will be measured will include Total Suspended Solids, nitrates, phosphates, COD, BOD, turbidity, pH, TDS and coliforms. This data will be analysed, and the results compared with Schedule 1 (Water Quality Standards) outlined in the Water Pollution Control Regulations, 2010. 2.8 Institutional and Capacity Assessment Page 45 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The key success of the development will be the design of an appropriate institutional structure for all stakeholders. This is to boost confidence to all concerned that the methods of communication, delivery of all related activities and identifiable key players’ roles and responsibilities will ensure successful implementation of the project. Key issues that will need to be assessed in the ESIA will include: ▪ Review of existing organizational structures for the development and make recommendations. ▪ Identification and recommendation of roles and duties of relevant stakeholders including community participation. ▪ Identification of recommendations needed for implementation and enforcement of improved standards and better practices. 2.9 Evaluation of Impacts 2.9.1 Methodology of Assessment This section is the methodology used to assess the significance of the potential environmental and social impacts. For each impact, the EXTENT (spatial scale), MAGNITUDE (size or degree scale) and DURATION (time scale) are described. These criteria are used to ascertain the SIGNIFICANCE of the impact, firstly in the case of no mitigation and then with the most effective mitigation measure(s) in place. The following tables show the scales used to assess these variables and defines each of the rating categories. Table 3: Assessment criteria for the evaluation of impacts Criteria Category Description Extent or Spatial Influence of Regional Beyond a 20 km radius of the site Impact Local Within a 20 km radius of the site Site specific On site or within 100 m of the site High Natural and/ or social functions and/ or processes are severely altered Magnitude of Impact Natural and/ or social functions and/ Medium or processes are notably altered Low Natural and/ or social functions and/ or processes are slightly altered Zero Page 46 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Natural and/ or social functions and/ or processes remain unaltered Construction period Up to 7 years Duration of impact Medium Up to 10 years after construction Long Term More than 10 years after construction The SIGNIFICANCE of an impact is derived by taking into account the temporal and spatial scales and magnitude. The means of arriving at the different significance ratings is explained in Table 4. Table 4: Impact Significance Rating Level of Criteria Required High High magnitude with either a regional extent and medium term duration or a local extent and long term duration Medium magnitude with any combination of extent and duration except site specific and construction Medium period or regional and long term Low Low magnitude with a site specific extent and construction period duration Once the significance of an impact has been determined, the PROBABILITY of this impact occurring would be determined using the rating systems outlined in Table 5. It is important to note that the significance of an impact should always be considered in concert with the probability of that impact occurring. Table 5: Definition of Probability Ratings Probability Ratings Criteria Description Definite Estimated greater than 95 % chance of the impact occurring. Probable Estimated 5 to 95 % chance of the impact occurring. Unlikely Estimated less than 5 % chance of the impact occurring. Page 47 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 3 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS This chapter identifies the applicable lender requirements and national standards. Where national legal standards are not as stringent as international requirements, the project will be required to defer to the most stringent requirement except in cases where that would contravene national law or where this is found to be unusually onerous. The ESIA for the Nhlangano-Siphambanweni Integrated water supply has been prepared according to the following legislation: The Constitution, Environmental Laws, International Standards, Normative Acts, and Regulations as well as applicable guidelines and procedures. Along with the national regulations, Eswatini is signatory to a number of international conventions, including those related to environmental protection. For the majority of disciplines, where there is a difference between national Eswatini’s standards and World Bank ESS, the Bank ESS will prevail. 3.1 Eswatini Legal Framework The Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA), a parastatal under the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, is an institution that has the mandate to ensure that environmental legislation is adhered to. The EWSC is governed by the three enabling legislations namely: Water Services Corporation Act No.12 of 1992, The Water Act No. 7 of 2003, as well as the Public Enterprises Unit (Control and Monitoring) Act, 1989 (which establishes Eswatini Water Services Corporation as a category a parastatal). There are various other laws that deal with specific sectors of the environment such as water, flora, and land management, enforced by different government departments. 3.1.1 Environmental Management Act, No. 5 of 2002 This is the framework law for environmental management in the country. It outlines the principles that govern environmental Management and Institutional framework for national environmental management. It outlines the tools and processes to be used for environmental management, pollution and waste management mechanisms and public participation. It also outlines provisions for compliance and enforcement of the Act. All projects established in the country need to adhere to the provisions of the Act, as it is a framework environmental law. 3.1.2 Waste Regulations, 2000 They regulate the management of all types of waste in Eswatini. It outlines the functions of the Eswatini Environment Authority and local authorities. It outlines provisions for the storage, collection and disposal of waste in urban areas as well as in waste control areas (in non-urban areas). It outlines requirements for carriage, and general management of waste as well as obligation for different types of wastes. The project will generate solid waste, especially during the construction phase, which should be managed in accordance with these regulations. 3.1.3 Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations, 2000 It states the processes and criteria for project screening, categorization and public participation for new projects. It spells out the requirement for environmental audits for operations that are cause for concern for the EEA. The process and formats for compilation of environmental audits, Environmental Impact Assessments, Initial Page 48 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Environmental Evaluation and Comprehensive Mitigation Plan. The process for the preparation of this report, including the structure of the ESIA is guided by these regulations. 3.1.4 Eswatini Environmental Screening Process The project was classified as Category 3 by Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) which meant that a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process needs to be undertaken and approved by EEA prior to implementation. MTK Sustainable Technologies, was appointed by the EWSC to undertake the EISA process for the proposed project and to obtain the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) required prior to the implementation of the project. The EISA not only considered the project as proposed, but also considered different alternatives, including the “no project� alternative. The assessment concluded that the implementation of the project as proposed and outlined herein is the preferred option. A key part of ESIA process was stakeholder engagement. These include public meetings, focus group discussions and one-on-one meetings. Findings from the consultations were incorporated into the ESIA report. : Eswatini Environmental Assessment Process A project brief was prepared and submitted to the EEA and the project was given Category 3 (see Appendix 1), which required EWSC to undertake a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), before commencement of the project. The main purpose of the ESIA is to determine whether it is environmentally, socially, technically and economically feasible to implement the project. This is done with the objective of identifying potential positive and negative impacts of the project and proposing measures to minimize negative impacts and enhance positive ones. On the basis of this category, the ESIA is to be undertaken in various stages as follows: Stage 1: Scoping This is a stage where an environmental scan of potential issues is evaluated though a consultative exercise. This is where the public is informed about the project. The exercise helps to get the public’s comments/concerns and also assist to identify people likely to be affected by the development. The public consultation informs the ESIA process of environmental, social issues and other environmental concerns which may arise over and above those that environmental assessment professionals may predict. It is of paramount importance to obtain contributions from the public or interested parties which will ensure that all impacts that may arise from the project, be they negative or positive, are adequately addressed. A scoping meeting for this project was held on 4 April 2019 and the scoping report is attached (see Appendix 2). Stage 2: ESIA/ESMP The second stage of the process includes conducting surveys and compiling an ESIA report. is a continuation of consultations with the community through questionnaires, interviews etc. It also involves specialist studies like ecological, water quality and social assessments. All the information collected is then used to compile an ESIA report. The ESIA report identifies positive and adverse impacts that the project is likely to have on the environment. An ESMP is then developed to propose measures to enhance positive impacts and minimize or prevent adverse impacts. The ESIA and ESMP reports are submitted to the Eswatini Environment Authority Page 49 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT (EEA) for review. Once the EEA is satisfied that the reports adequately addresses all impacts of the project, the reports are taken for public review. Stage 3: Public Review This involves review of the prepared ESIA/ESMP document to ensure that all public comments and environmental After review by the EEA, documents are circulated in strategic places for review by interested and affected (IAPs). This helps to ensure that concerns which were raised during stage 1 are adequately addressed in the ESIA. When the EEA is satisfied that all public concerns about the project have been adequately addressed in the ESIA, an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) is issued. 3.1.5 The ESIA report is a preliminary version prepared based on a desktop conceptual design of the project and will be finalized pending completion of feasibility studies and detailed design (s). Water Pollution Control Regulations, 2010 These regulations control discharges made into water bodies. They outline responsibilities for operators, water authorities and the Eswatini Environment Authority in water pollution control. They provide water quality objectives as well as effluent standards. During the construction and operational phases of the project, wastewater will be generated, whose management should be in accordance with these regulations. In addition, due to the fact that the project is located in close proximity to the Mkhondvo River, these regulations would need to be complied with. 3.1.6 Air Pollution Control Regulations, 2010 These regulations are aimed at controlling emissions into the atmosphere. They outline responsibilities for operators, the meteorology department and the Eswatini Environment Authority in air pollution control. They provide air quality standards for the most common air pollutants. During the construction phase, air pollutants like airborne dust will be generated. The control of adverse impacts from air pollution is by means of these regulations. 3.1.7 Flora Protection Act, No. 10 of 2001 The Flora Protection Act No.10/2001 is an Act that aims to protect indigenous flora and to provide for matters incidental thereto. It prohibits any person from plucking, gathering, cutting, uprooting, injuring, breaking or destroying a plant of any species that is listed in the Schedule to the Act. This Act repealed the Flora Protection Act of 1952. Any flora species found on site should be managed in compliance with this act. 3.1.8 Factories, Machinery and Construction Works Act, 1972 Safety and health of workers. Especially noise limit of 65dBA and dust limit of 150µg/m3. During the construction phase workers will be exposed to a number of safety and health risks. In the process of ensuring workers safety, this act needs to be adhered to. 3.1.9 The Water Act, No. 7 of 2003 This Act seeks to harmonize the management of water resources in the country. Its provisions include the establishment of a National Water Authority and of a Water Resources Master Plan. This plan will contain an inventory of the total water resources of Eswatini, and a comprehensive programme of action in which the maximum value can be obtained from this resource for the benefit of the people of Eswatini. The project, by its Page 50 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT nature is a water dependent project. As such, issues of water availability and water allocation will be very important, especially during the operational phase of phase of the project. 3.1.10 The Eswatini Administration Order No. 6/1998 This is an Order-in Council to provide for the administration of Eswatini Affairs. Section 25 of the Order provides for the iNgwenyama to issue, inter alia orders regulating the following - as long as they do not conflict with any other law in force in Eswatini-: preventing the pollution of any water resources, and the obstruction of any water course; prohibiting, restricting or regulating the cutting of trees; controlling the sale, supply, use, possession or cultivation of noxious plants; regulate the burning of grass or bush; preventing soil erosion and for the protection and construction of anti-soil erosion works; and providing for the protection and preservation of game and the destruction of vermin. During the construction and operational phase of the project, there is a potential for soil erosion and pollution of water resources, which makes this administrative order relevant to the project. 3.1.11 The Kingdom of Eswatini Constitution Act No.1/2005 This is the supreme law in Eswatini. Section 210 (2) provides that the state shall protect and make rational use of its land, mineral, water resources as well as its fauna and flora, and shall take appropriate measures to conserve and improve the environment for the present and future generations. The constitution is binding on all Eswatini citizens including implementation of projects in the country as it is the supreme law of the country. 3.1.12 The Eswatini National Trust Commission Act No.9 / 1972. It established the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) is a body corporate established by the ENTC Act of 1972. The ENTC’s key objectives are both to preserve the cultural heritage and to conserve the natural heritage of the Kingdom of Eswatini. It emphasizes the irreplaceable value of the national heritage. The Commission is charged with the general supervision and control of the Eswatini Centre and other declared institutions, national parks, nature reserves, monuments, relics and antiques. If during project implementation, items of cultural significance are discovered, the Eswatini National Trust Commission needs to be involved. 3.1.13 Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2001 Outlines the responsibilities of employer, employee and the government in occupational health and safety issues. It establishes a tripartite advisory committee to advise the ministry of Labour on these issues. Occupational health and safety is not the sole responsibility of the employer. The employees through the health and safety committee should also contribute toward application of the occupational health and safety standards. Having site workers during the construction phase means that all precautions outlined in the act for the protection of their health and safety needs to be adhered to. 3.1.14 Public Health Act, 1969 This Act makes provisions for public health and for incidental or connected matters. It lists communicable diseases and outlines procedures for their management. During the implementation of this project, there may be incidences of communicable diseases, including some waterborne diseases. The procedures outlined in this act may then be used. 3.1.15 The Water Services Act, 1992 Page 51 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT This Act established the Eswatini Water Services Corporation as the sole provider of water services in the urban areas (water supply, and sewage treatment and disposal) and to control the abstraction of raw water from boreholes in those areas for which it is responsible. The project is being developed and implemented by the Eswatini Water Services Corporation, whose mandate is outlined in this Act. 3.1.16 Construction Industry Council Act, 2013 Regulates the construction industry in Eswatini. It requires all companies in this industry that are operating in the country to register with the Construction Industry Council. EWSC will be required to use contractors and other service providers that are registered with the council. 3.1.17 Standard Building Act and Regulations of 1969 This legislation provides for the promotion of uniformity in the law, and building standards relating to the erection of buildings, water supply and connection, drainage and sewer etc. in the areas of jurisdiction of local authorities. The local authority shall issue the necessary permits and authorisations for any excavation or building work to be conducted in any area under its control. Relevant regulations are those pertaining to building lines – to allow for services, zoning of areas, siting of areas, access etc. The project involves the development of water supply infrastructure, and therefore its activities will have to comply with this act and its regulations. 3.1.18 Human Settlements Authority Act of 1988 The act established the Human Settlements Authority and its objects and functions. It provides policy support to Government and the orderly development of human settlements by allowing for and outlining procedures for the establishment of Human Settlements. It also makes provision for the development of human settlement development plans, the revocation or modification of development plans and finance mechanisms for the supply and maintenance of improved shelter and infrastructure. 3.1.19 The Forests Preservation Act no 28 of 1910 This Act protects indigenous timber land. The Minister of Agriculture has to grant permission for clearing and cultivating any government or Swazi National Land within 30 yards of an area in which indigenous vegetation is growing. Thus any person who recklessly sets fire to any indigenous or brushwood is deemed to be guilty of an offence. The Act is relevant in view of the fact that the project activities may involve clearing of vegetation during construction and also during operation through maintenance of the wayleaves. 3.1.20 Acquisition of Property Act, 1961 This Act provides the authorization and procedures for compulsory real property acquisition for public purposes and provides for settlement of compensation through the establishment of a Board of Assessment. The Act states that structures affected by acquisition identified by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MHUD). After identification of the properties, an independent valuation is sought then based upon the outcome, residents in affected areas are invited to negotiate with the GoKE on an individual basis. Once agreement is reached the residents are compensated prior to relocation. In cases where the resident cannot reach agreement with the offered compensation, the Minister of Housing requests convening of the Board of Assessment which is Page 52 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT constituted by the Chief Justice who appoints a judge to be the chair of the Board. Once established, the Minister gazettes the announcement on the Board of Assessment by legal notice. The decision on compensation by the Board of Assessment will be legally binding for the Ministry and the resident. Page 53 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 3.2 Land Administration in Eswatini There are different land tenure systems in Eswatini. The project cuts across two land tenure systems. These are Title Deed Land (TDL) and Swazi Nation Land (SNL). These land tenure systems affect the engagement approach used to have access to the required land. Swazi Nation Land (SNL) is held in trust by the King for the Swazi Nation and is governed, managed and allocated by Chiefs on behalf of the King. The most important political unit in the project area is the Chiefdom which constitutes the traditional authority structure. In rural Eswatini the chiefdom is the highest authority on Swazi Nation Land (SNL). Ultimately the chiefs are answerable only to the king with regards to chiefdom they govern. The chief has an Indvuna or headman and a Bandlancane or inner council to work with. These structures make up the Traditional Authority. The traditional authority allocates land and settles disputes. The chief works bandlancane to allocates land to Swazi nationals through Kukhonta (asking for land in a traditional way). When permission is given for the use of land, a cow is paid to the chief. In cases where the chief and/or his council are active, they also direct development activities within the community. For this reason, the traditional authority is very important in establishing the legitimacy of a project, its acceptance in the community and its sustainability. For TDL, an individual owns the land. Engagements for access to TDL therefore involves compensation payments mutually agreed upon with the respective landowners regarding loss of land. In SNL, compensation engagements are only limited to loss of productivity benefits accrued from the use of the land. 3.3 Relevant National Policies 3.3.1 Gender equity Since 2000, a series of significant legislation relating to gender equity in Eswatini has come into being including the new constitution. The situation may be summarized as follows: ▪ Under the UDP a 99-Year Lease was introduced which provided equal access to land regardless of gender; ▪ The Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini (2005), as well as protecting fundamental rights of all citizens (Section 14), specifically enshrines the rights of women (Section 28) to equal treatment, political, economic and social opportunities and commits the Government to enhancing their welfare, and provides for equal access to land irrespective of gender (Section 211). Furthermore, according to Section 28 (3) women may not be compelled to undergo or uphold any custom “to which she is in conscience opposed. ▪ The Gender Unit in the Ministry of Home Affairs has identified Constitutionalism and Law Reform as a priority and they have drafted a Program of Action with the assistance of UNDP. Currently the Constitution has two provisions explicitly stating the protection from gender discrimination and inequality before the law based on gender. Sections 14 and 28 enshrine gender equality reforms and redress previous legislation such as the Marriage Act of 1964, the Deeds Registry Act of 1938 and the Intestate Succession Act of 1953 and other inheritance laws. 3.3.2 Poverty Reduction Strategy and action Plan, 2006 To the incidence of absolute poverty from 69% in 2001 to 30% in 2015 and to totally eradicate it by 2022. ▪ Creation of an environment that will empower the poor to participate actively in development initiatives. ▪ Empowering the poor to generate income and reduce inequalities. Page 54 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT ▪ Fair distribution of benefits through the fiscal policy. ▪ Human capital development. ▪ Improving governance and strengthening of institutions The availability of more potable water will impact positively on the livelihood of the Eswatini population. 3.3.3 Draft National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, 2014 To enhance the adaptive capacity of Eswatini to climate change in order to achieve sustainable development and contribute to the better quality of life for the Eswatini nation. Since this is a water supply related project, it will be affected by weather patterns. 3.3.4 National Water Policy (draft) 2011 To achieve sustainable development and management of water resources in the country through integrated planning. The integrated water supply project will involve the abstraction of water activities of which are addressed by the policy. 3.3.5 Fresh Water Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy in Eswatini, 2011 To ensure sustainable and regulated access to fish resources in order to achieve an equitable balance between socio economic needs and ecosystems health. The project may affect fish species in the Mkhondvo River and some tributaries. 3.3.6 National Development Strategy, 1997 By the year 2022, the Kingdom of Eswatini will be in the top 10% of the medium human development group of countries founded on sustainable economic development, social justice and political stability. ▪ Economic development for the country. ▪ Reduce poverty levels in the country by empowering the poor to generate income and reduce inequalities. ▪ Harmonization of programmes undertaken in the country in order to achieve first world status. This project contributes to the economic development of the country because it addresses water supply Eswatini. 3.4 International Laws Eswatini is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity and is thereby obligated to develop a national strategy for the conservation of biodiversity. Several other international conventions (UN Convention, Helsinki Rules of the International Law Association and revised SADC Protocols) specify criteria for equitable and reasonable utilisation of Trans boundary Rivers, such as: • Natural factors as (hydrology, climate etc.) • Social and economic needs • Population dependent on watercourse • Effects on uses in other watercourse states • Existing and potential uses Page 55 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • Conservation, protection, development and economy of use and the costs of measures • Availability of alternatives of comparable value. The key International/regional legislation relevant to the project is the SADC Shared Watercourse Systems Protocol (an Intergovernmental Water Agreement). The main thrust of the protocol, which is a legally binding document, is to ensure efficient conservation of the scarce resources and equitable sharing of water. The Mkhondvo River, which passes through the project area is a shared river basin between South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique, therefore the project requires compliance with the Interim Inco Maputo Agreement (2002). 3.4.1 UN (Rio) Convention on Biological Diversity Eswatini is a signatory to this convention since 5 June 1992 and ratified the convention on 26 July 1994. The Convention has three main objectives which are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of the components of biological diversity and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. Since the project will involve vegetation removal for construction purposes, compliance to this Convention is important. 3.4.2 Convention on International Trade Against Endangered Species (CITES) The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. 3.4.3 The Ramsar Convention for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands The Ramsar Convention (formally known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat) is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands, recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value. This was an Intergovernmental negotiation for an international agreement to phase out ozone depleting substances concluded in March 1985 which saw the adoption of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer. This Convention encourages intergovernmental cooperation on research, systematic observation of the ozone layer, monitoring of CFC production, and the exchange of information. 3.4.4 Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto protocol was signed by Eswatini in 2005. The convention pertains to the United Nations framework on Climate Change. The 3rd Conference of the Parties (CoP3) to the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) in Kyoto in December 1997 introduced the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) as a new concept for voluntary greenhouse-gas emission reduction agreements between industrialized and developing countries on the project level. The project will involve the use of power for pumping. The source of this power has an impact on the emission of greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change. 3.4.5 The 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) The primary purpose of the convention is to establish methods to minimize global warming and in particular the emission of the greenhouse gases. The UNFCCC was adopted on 9th May 1992 and came into force on 21st March 1994. The Convention has been ratified by 189 states. Eswatini ratified the Convention on 30th Page 56 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT August1994. EEA is the focal point for the Convention. The project will involve the use of power for pumping. The source of this power has an impact on the emission of greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change. 3.4.6 Convention on the Rights of the Child The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), 1989 is the most comprehensive compilation of international legal standards for the protection of the human rights of children. The CRC is also the most widely ratified international human rights treaty, ratified by all countries in the world, with the exception of one (the United States). The Convention acknowledges children as individuals with rights and responsibilities according to their age and development (rather than the property of their parents or as victims), as well as members of a family and community. Underlying the Convention are four main principles: non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, the right to life, survival and development and the right to participation. The recruitment of labour in this project should comply with this Convention by prohibiting the employment of children. 3.4.7 International Labour Organization The International Labour Organization (ILO) is built on the constitutional principle that universal and lasting peace can be established only if it is based upon social justice. The ILO has generated such hallmarks of industrial society as the eight-hour working day, maternity protection, child-labour laws, and a range of policies which promote workplace safety and peaceful industrial relations. The key ILO Conventions applicable to the proposed project include: ▪ To promote and realize standards, and fundamental principles and rights at work. ▪ To create greater opportunities for women and men to secure decent employment. ▪ To enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all. ▪ To strengthen tripartism and social dialogue. The key ILO Conventions applicable to the proposed water project include: ▪ Equal Remuneration Convention (1951) (No. 100) - Calls for equal pay and benefits for men and women for work of equal value. ▪ Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (1958) (No. 111) - Calls for a national policy to eliminate discrimination in access to employment, training, and working conditions, on grounds of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin, and to promote equality of opportunity and treatment. ▪ Minimum Age Convention (1973) (No. 138) - Aims at the abolition of child labour, stipulating that the minimum age for admission to employment shall not be less than the age of completion of compulsory schooling. Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (1999) (No. 182) - Calls for immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour which include slavery and similar practices, forced recruitment for use in armed conflict, use in prostitution and pornography, any illicit activity, as well as work which is likely to harm the health, safety, and morals of children. Page 57 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 3.4.8 Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women The Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) places explicit obligations on states to protect women and girls from sexual exploitation and abuse. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 7), the UN Charter (Articles 1, 13, 55, and 76) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 24) reaffirm the freedoms and rights of all children, including internally displaced children. The project has to ensure that women and girls are protected from all forms of abuse, sexual exploitation and discrimination. 3.5 World Bank Environmental and Social Framework The Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) set out the requirements for the GoKE/ESWC (Borrowers) relating to the identification and assessment of environmental and social risks and impacts associated with Siphambanweni Water and Sanitation Project (NSWSP) to be supported by the Bank through Investment Project Financing (IPF). The Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) that the GoKE/ESWC and the NSWSP shall comply include the following: - ESS 1. Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts ESS 2. Labor and Working Conditions ESS 3. Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management ESS 4. Community Health and Safety ESS 5. Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement ESS 6. Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources ESS 8. Cultural Heritage ESS 10.Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure. ESS7 is not relevant to the Project currently as there are no identified vulnerable or marginalized groups with identities and aspirations that are distinct from mainstream groups as defined under ESS7. ESS9 is not relevant to the project as the project will not use financial intermediaries as an instrument for channeling funds to the beneficiary communities in the project area of influence. In line with ESS1, EWSC will prepare an ESIA and ESMP for the proposed project. In line with ESS2 and 4, EWSC will prepare Labour Management Plan (LMP) and Community Health and Safety Management Plan (CHSMP). Also, to fulfill the requirements of ESS 5, EWSC will prepare a Resettlement Policy Framework to guide preparation of RAPs at design stage and a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) is prepared to fulfill the requirements of ESS 10. Page 58 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 3.6 Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines The World Bank Group Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines are technical reference documents with general and industry-specific examples of Good International Industry Practice (GIIP). They define acceptable pollution prevention and abatement measures and emission levels in World Bank financed projects. The Project will apply the General Guidelines, including (i) Environmental, (ii) Occupational Health and Safety, (iii) Community Health and Safety, and (iv) Construction and Decommissioning, as well as the Guidelines for Water and Sanitation. 3.6.1 The General EHS Guidelines Environmental ▪ Air Emissions and Ambient Air Quality ▪ Energy Conservation ▪ Wastewater and Ambient Water Quality ▪ Water Conservation ▪ Hazardous Materials Management ▪ Waste Management ▪ Noise ▪ Contaminated Land Occupational Health and Safety ▪ General Facility Design and Operation ▪ Communication and Training ▪ Physical Hazards ▪ Chemical Hazards ▪ Biological Hazards ▪ Radiological Hazards ▪ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ▪ Special Hazard Environments ▪ Monitoring Community Health and Safety ▪ Water Quality and Availability ▪ Structural Safety of Project Infrastructure ▪ Life and Fire Safety (L&FS) ▪ Traffic Safety ▪ Transport of Hazardous Materials ▪ Disease Prevention ▪ Emergency Preparedness and Response Construction and Decommissioning ▪ Environment ▪ Occupational Health and Safety ▪ Community Health and Safety Page 59 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Page 60 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 3.7 Description of World Bank Environmental and Social Standards The Siphambanweni Water and Sanitation Project (NSWSP) to be supported by the Bank through Investment Project Financing are required to meet the following Environmental and Social Standards: Table 6: WB ESSs Standard Objective Applicability ESS1 Assessment and To identify, evaluate and manage the environment and social risks and ESS1 applies to all projects supported by the Bank through Investment Management of impacts of the project in a manner consistent with the ESSs. To adopt a Project Financing and is therefore applicable in this project. Environmental and Social mitigation hierarchy approach to: (a) Anticipate and avoid risks and impacts; (b) Where avoidance is not possible, minimize or reduce risks and impacts to Risks and Impacts acceptable levels; (c) Once risks and impacts have been minimized or reduced, mitigate; and (d) Where significant residual impacts remain, compensate for or offset them, where technically and financially feasible . To adopt differentiated measures so that adverse impacts do not fall disproportionately on the disadvantaged or vulnerable, and they are not disadvantaged in sharing development benefits and opportunities resulting from the project. To utilize national environmental and social institutions, systems, laws, regulations and procedures in the assessment, development and implementation of projects, whenever appropriate and also promote improved environmental and social performance, in ways which recognize and enhance Borrower capacity. ESS2 Labor and Working To promote safety and health at work. To promote the fair treatment, non- Its applicability depends on the type of employment relationship between Conditions discrimination and equal opportunity of project workers. To protect project the Borrower and the project worker and it is established during the workers, including vulnerable workers such as women, persons with environmental and social assessment described in ESS1.For the disabilities, children (of working age, in accordance with this ESS) and implementation of this project, labour (ranging from unskilled to skilled) migrant workers, contracted workers, community workers and primary supply will be required. workers, as appropriate. To prevent the use of all forms of forced labor and child labor. To support the principles of freedom of association and collective bargaining of project workers in a manner consistent with national law. To provide project workers with accessible means to raise workplace concerns. Page 61 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Standard Objective Applicability ESS3 Resource Efficiency To promote the sustainable use of resources, including energy, water and The applicability of this ESS is established during the environmental and and Pollution Prevention and raw materials. To avoid or minimize adverse impacts on human health social assessment described in ESS1. EWSC will be required to Management and the environment by avoiding or minimizing pollution from project consider ambient conditions and apply technically and financially activities. To avoid or minimize project-related emissions of short and long- feasible resource efficiency and pollution prevention. lived climate pollutants. To avoid or minimize generation of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. To minimize and manage the risks and impacts associated with pesticide use. ESS4 Community Health and To anticipate and avoid adverse impacts on the health and safety of project- The applicability of this ESS is established during the environmental and Safety affected communities during the project life cycle from both routine and non- social assessment described in ESS1. This ESS addresses potential routine circumstances. To promote quality and safety, and considerations risks and impacts on communities that may be affected by project relating to climate change, in the design and construction of infrastructure, activities. Occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements for project including dams. • To avoid or minimize community exposure to project -related workers are set out in ESS2, and measures to avoid or minimize impacts traffic and road safety risks, diseases and hazardous materials. To have in on human health and the environment due to existing or potential place effective measures to address emergency events. To ensure that the pollution are set out in ESS3. safeguarding of personnel and property is carried out in a manner that avoids or minimizes risks to the project-affected communities. ESS5 : Land Acquisition, To avoid involuntary resettlement or, when unavoidable, minimize involuntary This ESS applies to permanent or temporary physical and economic Restrictions on Land Use resettlement by exploring project design alternatives. To avoid forced displacement resulting from the following types of land acquisition or and Involuntary eviction. To mitigate unavoidable adverse social and economic impacts from restrictions on land use undertaken or imposed in connection with project land acquisition or restrictions on land use by: (a) providing timely implementation: (a) Land rights or land use rights acquired or restricted Resettlement compensation for loss of assets at replacement cost and (b) assisting through expropriation or other compulsory procedures in accordance displaced persons in their efforts to improve, or at least restore, their with national law; (b) Land rights or land use rights acquired or restricted livelihoods and living standards, in real terms, to pre-displacement levels or through negotiated settlements with property owners or those with legal to levels prevailing prior to the beginning of project implementation, rights to the land, if failure to reach settlement would have resulted in whichever is higher. To improve living conditions of poor or vulnerable expropriation or other compulsory procedures; (c) Restrictions on land persons who are physically displaced, through provision of adequate use and access to natural resources that cause a community or groups housing, access to services and facilities, and security of tenure. To conceive within a community to lose access to resource usage where they have and execute resettlement activities as sustainable development programs, traditional or customary tenure, or recognizable usage rights . This may providing sufficient investment resources to enable displaced persons to include situations where legally designated protected areas, forests, benefit directly from the project, as the nature of the project may warrant. To biodiversity areas or buffer zones are established in connection with the ensure that resettlement activities are planned and implemented with project; (d) Relocation of people without formal, traditional, or recognizable usage rights, who are occupying or utilizing land prior to a project specific cut-off date; (e) Displacement of people as a result of Page 62 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Standard Objective Applicability appropriate disclosure of information, meaningful consultation, and the project impacts that render their land unusable or inaccessible; (f) informed participation of those affected. Restriction on access to land or use of other resources including communal property and natural resources such as marine and aquatic resources, timber and non-timber forest products, fresh water, medicinal plants, hunting and gathering grounds and grazing and cropping areas; (g) Land rights or claims to land or resources relinquished by individuals or communities without full payment of compensation; and (h) Land acquisition or land use restrictions occurring prior to the project, but which were undertaken or initiated in anticipation of, or in preparation for, the project. This ESS does not apply to impacts on incomes or livelihoods that are not a direct result of land acquisition or land use restrictions imposed by the project. Such impacts will be addressed in accordance with ESS1. 6. This ESS does not apply to voluntary, legally recorded market transactions in which the seller is given a genuine opportunity to retain the land and to refuse to sell it, and is fully informed about available choices and their implications. However, where such voluntary land transactions may result in the displacement of persons, other than the seller, who occupy, use or claim rights to the land in question, this ESS will apply. ESS6 Biodiversity This standard aims to protect and conserve biodiversity, the variety of This policy is triggered by any project (including any sub-project Conservation and life in all its forms, including genera, species and ecosystem diversity under a sector investment or financial intermediary) with the Sustainable Management of and its ability to change and evolve; which is fundamental to potential to cause significant conversion (loss) or degradation of Living Natural Resources sustainable development. natural habitats, whether directly (through construction) or indirectly (through human activities induced by the project). ESS7 Indigenous It recognises the possibility of vulnerability of indigenous people The policy is triggered when the project affects the indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan owing to their culture, beliefs, institutions and living standards and that people in the project area. African Historically it may further get compromised by one or other project activity Underserved Traditional throughout the life cycle of the project. This standard underlines the Local Communities requirement of minimizing adverse impacts on indigenous people in the project area, respecting the local culture and customs, fostering Page 63 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Standard Objective Applicability good relationship and ensuring that development benefits are provided to improve their standard of living and livelihoods . ESS8 Cultural Heritage It aims to protect the irreplaceable cultural heritage and to guide This standard is triggered when a project finds items of cultural project proponents on protecting cultural heritage in the course of significance. project operations. ESS9 Financial The standard identifies that strong domestic capital and financial Applicable when there are Ifs in the project area. Intermediaries (FIs markets and access to finance are important for economic development, growth and poverty reduction. FIs are required to monitor and manage the environmental and social risks and impacts of their portfolio and FIs subprojects. They also develop and maintain, in the form of an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), effective environmental and social systems, procedures and capacity for assessing, managing, and monitoring risks and impacts of subprojects, as well as managing overall portfolio risk in a responsible manner. ESS10 Stakeholder This ESS recognizes the importance of open and transparent Engagement and Information engagement between the Borrower and project stakeholders as an Disclosure essential element of good international practice. Effective stakeholder engagement can improve the environmental and social sustainability of projects, enhance project acceptance, and make a significant contribution to successful project design and implementation. W orld Bank Group The General EHS Guidelines contain information on cross-cutting These guidelines will be followed during the preparation of Environmental, Health and environmental, health, and safety issues potentially applicable to all mitigation measures. When host country regulations differ from Safety Guidelines industry sectors. The guidelines include;- the levels and measures presented in the EHS Guidelines, Environmental projects are expected to achieve whichever is more stringent. If ▪ Air Emissions and Ambient Air Quality less stringent levels or measures are appropriate in view of ▪ Energy Conservation specific project circumstances, a full and detailed justification for ▪ Wastewater and Ambient Water Quality any proposed alternatives is needed as part of the site-specific Page 64 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Standard Objective Applicability ▪ Water Conservation environmental assessment. These EHS Guidelines give specific ▪ Hazardous Materials Management guidance on prevention and control of community health and ▪ Waste Management safety impacts that may occur during new project development, ▪ Noise at the end of the project life-cycle, or due to expansion or ▪ Contaminated Land modification of existing project facilities. Cross referencing is Occupational Health and Safety made to various other sections of the General EHS Guidelines. ▪ General Facility Design and Operation Employers and supervisors are obliged to implement all ▪ Communication and Training reasonable precautions to protect the health and safety of ▪ Physical Hazards workers. Preventative, measures will be introduced to ensure ▪ Chemical Hazards OHS. They also provide guidance in the preceding environmental ▪ Biological Hazards and occupational health and safety sections, specifically ▪ Radiological Hazards ▪ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) addressing some aspects of project activities taking place outside ▪ Special Hazard Environments of the traditional project boundaries, but nonetheless related to ▪ Monitoring the project operations, as may be applicable on a project basis. Community Health and Safety These issues may arise at any stage of a project life cycle and ▪ Water Quality and Availability can have an impact beyond the life of the project. Construction ▪ Structural Safety of project Infrastructure activities may result in a significant increase in movement of ▪ Life and Fire Safety (L&FS) heavy vehicles for the transport of construction materials and ▪ Transport of Hazardous Material equipment increasing the risk of traffic-related accidents and ▪ Disease Prevention injuries to workers and local communities. The incidence of road ▪ Emergency Preparedness and Response accidents involving project vehicles during construction should be Construction and Decommissioning minimized. ▪ Environment ▪ Occupational Health and Safety ▪ Community Health and Safety WBG EHS Guidelines for Impoundment should prevent adverse impacts to the quality and availability Where the project includes the delivery of water to the community or to Sanitation of groundwater and surface water resources users of facility infrastructure (such as hotel hosts and hospital patients), where water may be used for drinking, cooking, washing, and bathing, water quality should comply with national acceptability standards or in their absence the current edition of with WHO Drinking Water Guidelines. Groundwater and surface water represent essential sources of drinking and irrigation water in developing countries, particularly in rural areas where piped water supply may be limited or unavailable and Page 65 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Standard Objective Applicability where available resources are collected by the consumer with little or no treatment. Project activities involving wastewater discharges, water extraction, diversion or impoundment should prevent adverse impacts to the quality and availability of groundwater and surface water resources. . Drinking water sources, whether public or private, should at all times be protected so that they meet or exceed applicable national acceptability standards or in their absence the current edition of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality. Air emissions, wastewater effluents, oil and hazardous materials, and wastes should be managed according to the guidance provided in the respective sections of the General EHS Guidelines with the objective of protecting soil and water resources. Project activities should not compromise the availability of water for personal hygiene needs and should take account of potential future increases in demand. The potential effect of groundwater or surface water abstraction for project activities should be properly assessed through a combination of field testing and modeling techniques, accounting for seasonal variability and projected changes in demand in the project area. Table 7: Applicable E&S Standards Standard Triggered by the Project Yes/No Reasons ESS1 Assessment and Management of Yes Project investments are likely to have potential significant adverse environmental and social impacts. Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts ESS2 Labor and Working Conditions Yes This standard is extremely applicable as the project will employ workers to execute the project. It ensures that working conditions are favourable to both the employee and employer. ESS3 Resource Efficiency and Pollution Yes This standard is applicable in that there is a possibility of pollution into the water resources as well as air quality. Prevention and Management Page 66 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Standard Triggered by the Project Yes/No Reasons ESS4 Community Health and Safety Yes The project activities for the Nhlangano - Siphambanweni Integrated Water Supply Project are likely to cause health and security risks if not managed properly. ESS5 : Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Yes The Nhlangano - Siphambanweni Integrated Water Supply Project may involve the acquisition of land for Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement construction purposes. ESS6 Biodiversity Conservation and Yes Project activities may be located in or close to areas with unique flora or fauna. The Nhlangano - Siphambanweni Sustainable Management of Living Integrated Water Supply Project will try to avoid or mitigate threats to biodiversity arising from project activities Natural Resources and where this cannot be avoided relevant mitigation measures will be in place. ESS7 Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan No The country does not have undeserved traditional local communities, and as such this standard does not apply. African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities ESS8 Cultural Heritage Yes There are no known items of cultural significance in the proposed project area. In cases where these are found, notification procedures will be followed to ensure protection of cultural heritage of the area and the country. ESS9 Financial Intermediaries (FIs) No There are no FIs identified for this project, therefore it not triggered by the project, nor is it applicable. ESS10 Stakeholder Engagement and Yes The proposed Nhlangano – Siphambanweni Integrated Water Supply project will require extensive stakeholder Information Disclosure engagement because its success will depend on how it is received by the communities. In addition, its design will have to be informed by the involvement of the affected communities and other stakeholders. Comparative Analysis of Applicable ESSs and Eswatini’s National Regulations Table 8:Comparative analysis ESF Objectives National Laws and Requirements Gaps Recommended Action ESS 1 Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts Page 67 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT To identify, evaluate and Environmental Management Act No 5 of 2002 provides for subjecting No significant gaps between Apply national laws manage the proposed projects to Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Performance Standard 1 environment and social studies as a mechanism for identifying, evaluating and managing and the various national risks and impacts of the environmental and social impacts of projects. laws. project in a manner consistent with the ESSs. The Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations, 2000, issued under the Eswatini Environmental Authority Act, 1992, and the Environmental Management Act, 2002, underline processes that must be taken for any proposed project in order to predict and evaluate likely environmental impacts under studies such as the ESIA. Section 32 of the Environmental Management Act, 2002 emphasizes that no person shall undertake any project that may have a detrimental effect on the environment without the written approval of the EEA.  To adopt a mitigation Environmental Management Act No 5 of 2002 provides for subjecting No significant gaps between Apply national laws hierarchy approach proposed projects to Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) ESS 1 and the various to: studies as a mechanism for identifying, evaluating and managing national laws i) Anticipate and avoid environmental and social impacts of projects. risks and impacts; ii) Where avoidance is not possible, minimize or reduce risks and The Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations, impacts to acceptable 2000, issued under the Eswatini Environmental Authority Act, 1992, and levels; the Environmental Management Act, 2002, underline processes that must be taken for any proposed project in order to predict and evaluate likely iii) Once risks and impacts environmental impacts under studies such as the ESIA. These include have been minimized scoping, screening, impact identification using hierarchical process, or reduced, mitigate; mitigation etc. and iv) Where significant residual impacts remain, compensate The EAARR 2000 provide for categorization of projects based on risk for or offset them, factors i.e. category 1, 2 and 3. where technically and financially feasible. Page 68 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Section 32 of the Environmental Management Act, 2002 emphasizes that no person shall undertake any project that may have a detrimental effect on the environment without the written approval of the EEA. The legal framework and regulations do not provide for offset mechanism as a compensation.  To adopt National laws and regulations do not address the risk that adverse impacts Apply ESS1 with respect to differentiated will fall on disadvantaged on vulnerable people. this requirement which is measures so that not a requirement in adverse impacts do Eswatini’s statutory not fall regulations disproportionately on the disadvantaged or vulnerable, and they are not disadvantaged in sharing development benefits and opportunities resulting from the project.  To utilize national Eswatini Government has in place relevant environmental and social The Project will rely on Apply either of the two due environmental and institutions, regulations, laws, systems and procedures that support National laws and to insignificant differences. social institutions, sustainable development through ensuring assessment, development and regulations supplemented systems, laws, implementation of projects in a sustainable manner. These include: :- by measures defined in the regulations and full ESIA. procedures in the assessment, development and Institutions:- implementation of projects, whenever • Eswatini Environmental Agency (Refer to section xx on roles appropriate. including systems). Laws, Regulations and Procedures: Page 69 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • The Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations, 2000 • Environmental Management Act No 5 of 2002 • Waste Regulations of 2000 • Water Pollution Control Regulations of 2010 • The Air Pollution Control Regulations, 2010, provide for the control of air emissions during project implementation.  To promote improved The Project in itself is an Apply ESS1 with respect to environmental and opportunity for EWSCEEC this requirement social performance, to strengthen its in ways which environmental and social recognize and management systems. enhance Borrower capacity. ESS 2 Labor and Working Conditions • To promote safety and 1. The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2001 No significant gaps between Apply national laws health at work This Act provides for the safety and health of both employees and the ESS 2 requirement and the public, especially during the construction phase of proposed projects, and various national laws specifies processes to be undertaken in order to ensure that safe and health practices are adhered to and implemented at work. 2. Factories, Machinery and Construction Works Act, 1972 The Act provides for the protection of workers’ health from harmful effects such as fumes, dust, excessive noise and other harmful impacts. This is applicable to contractors as well. • To promote safety and The Occupational Safety and Health Act 9, 2001 No significant gaps between Apply national laws health at work. ESS 2 requirement and the • This Act provide for the safety and health of persons at work and at the various national laws workplace and for the protection of persons other than persons at the workplace against hazards to safety and health arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons in the workplace and to provide for other matters incidental thereto. • S.9 – entrusts the employer to ensure the safety and health of all its employees, and also to; • Mitigate risks of exposure to danger of its workforce; Page 70 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • Provide personal protective clothing or equipment to employees exposed to wet, dusty, noisy or any conditions that might expose the employees to harsh or dangerous conditions; • Train its workers to perform their work in order to avoid exposure to danger or injury; and • Inform employees of any known hazards or disease associated with the work. The Factories, Machinery and Construction Works Act 17, 1972 • This legislation provides for the registration of factories and the regulations of working conditions and the use of machinery at factories, construction works and other premises and for matters incidental thereto • The Act mandates the office of the Labour Commissioner to monitor and inspect any working environment or structure to determine its suitability. • The office of the Labour Commissioner is also required to investigate incident or accident involving any person injured in connection with the activities of the employer. The Workman’s Compensation Act 7, 1983 • It provides for the compensation and medical treatment of workmen who suffer injury or contract diseases in the course of their employment. • The scope of its application extends to not an injury or accident that occurs within the workplace but also while the employee is travelling by reasonable means and within any reasonable route between the workplace and his place of residence • In terms of the Act, Workman is any person who has entered into the works under the contract of service or of apprenticeship or of traineeship whether the contract is express or implied, is oral or in writing whether the remuneration is calculated by time or work done. • To promote the fair The Employment Act 5/1980 No significant gaps between Apply national laws treatment, non- ESS 2 requirement and the discrimination and equal • S29 – prohibits employers from discriminating against any person on various national laws opportunity of project grounds of race, colour, religion, marital status, sex, national origin, workers. tribal or clan extraction, political affiliation or social status. Page 71 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • S30 – makes it an offence to discriminate against any person as envisaged in S29. Such employer if found guilty shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding E3,000.00 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both. • S96 – mandates employers to accord female employees the same treatment as their male counterparts in the workplace and also pay them ‘equal pay for equal work’. • To protect project The Employment Act 5/1980 No significant gaps between Apply national laws workers, including ESS 2 requirement and the vulnerable workers such • S29 – prohibits employers from discriminating against any person on various national laws as women, persons with grounds of race, colour, religion, marital status, sex, national origin, disabilities, children (of tribal or clan extraction, political affiliation or social status. working age, in • S30 – makes it an offence to discriminate against any person as accordance with this envisaged in S29. Such employer if found guilty shall be liable on ESS) and migrant conviction to a fine not exceeding E3,000.00 or imprisonment not workers, contracted exceeding 1 year or both. workers, community S96 – mandates employers to accord female employees the same workers and primary treatment as their male counterparts in the workplace and also pay them supply workers, as ‘equal pay for equal work’. appropriate. The Occupational Safety and Health Act 9, 2001 • This Act provide for the safety and health of persons at work and at the workplace and for the protection of persons other than persons at the workplace against hazards to safety and health arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons in the workplace and to provide for other matters incidental thereto. Page 72 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The Workman’s Compensation Act 7, 1983 • It provides for the compensation and medical treatment of workmen who suffer injury or contract diseases in the course of their employment. • The scope of its application extends to not an injury or accident that occurs within the workplace but also while the employee is travelling by reasonable means and within any reasonable route between the workplace and his place of residence In terms of the Act, Workman is any person who has entered into the works under the contract of service or of apprenticeship or of traineeship whether the contract is express or implied, is oral or in writing whether the remuneration is calculated by time or work done. • To prevent the use of all The Employment Act 5, 1980 (Part XIV) – Forced Labour No significant gaps between Apply national laws forms of forced labor and ESS 2 requirement and the child labor. • S144 – prohibits all works or service which is extracted from any person various national laws under the threat of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily. • S147 – states that, if any person acting in an official capacity coerces any person under his charge, that person shall be held personally liable and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding E3,000.00, or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both. The Country ratified both the ILO Minimum of Age Convention (C138) and the ILO Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (C182) in 2002. It also signed the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in 1992 but has not yet ratified it. The Employment Act 1980 • S97 – Prohibits the employment of children below the age of 15. The Children’s Protection and welfare Act 6, 2012 • S234 – Minimum age of engagement for children is 15 • S236 – children below the age of 18 cannot be engaged in any form of hazardous employment Page 73 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • S248 – any person who employs under age children I liable on conviction to a minimum fine of E100,000.00 or 5 years’ imprisonment or both for a first offender. For a second offender, it is imprisonment of not less than 10 years. • To support the principles The country has ratified the numerous ILO Conventions aimed at ensuring No significant gaps between Apply national laws of freedom of association that member states do protect the notion of collective bargaining. These ESS 2 requirement and the and collective bargaining Conventions include; ILO Convention 87 on Freedom of Association and various national laws of project workers in a Protection of the Right to Organize and the ILO Convention 98 on the Right manner consistent with to Organize and Collective Bargaining. Section 32 (2) of The Constitution national law. of Eswatini, 2005 on the Rights of Workers, guarantees all workers of their right to freely form, join or not join a trade union for the promotion and protection of the economic interest of that worker; and collective bargaining and representation. The Industrial Relations Act 2000 (as amended) was enacted to give effect to the collective bargaining, amongst other purposes. Section 4 (c) to (e) of the Act allows for the collective negotiation of terms and conditions of employment. Part 4 of The Industrial Relations Act 2000 (as amended) deals with the registration and/or formation of Employee, Staff and Employer Organizations, Federations and International Organizations. In terms of S. 26 (3) of the Act a minimum of six employees can form a trade union by obtaining a Certificate of Registration through the office of the Labour Commissioner (S.27). Once registered, a trade union can recruit any employees who falls within its bargaining unit with that particular employer. S.42 (9) states that once the union has recruited more than fifty percent of the employees in respect of which it seeks recognition, the union can then apply for recognition with the employer. The employer is obliged to recognize the trade union if it meets the required threshold. If, however the union membership is below the threshold the employer is not obliged to recognize the union but can exercise its discretion. Once a union is recognized, it has the right to bargain or negotiate for and on behalf of its members and also to represent them at the workplace. • To provide project In implementing an effective dispute management system consideration • No significant gaps • Apply national laws workers with accessible must be given to the disputed resulting from the following: between ESS 2 means to raise workplace requirement and the concerns. 1. Disciplinary action various national laws Page 74 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 2. Individual grievances 3. Collective grievances 4. Negotiation of collective grievances 1. Disciplinary Procedure The Code of Good Practice: Resolution of Disputes at the Workplace which is in terms of S109 of The Industrial Relations Act 2000(as amended) at Clause 4.2 requires employers to establish a fair and effective disciplinary procedure in the workplace, which should be in line with Clause 11 (Fair Procedure). The procedure is as follows: a) Conduct an investigation to determine whether there are grounds for a hearing to be held; b) If a hearing is to be held, the employer is to notify the employee of the allegations using a form and language that the employee can understand; c) The employee is to be given reasonable time to prepare for the hearing and to be represented by a fellow employee or a union representative; d) The employee must be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations, question the witnesses of the employer and to lead witnesses; e) If an employee fails to attend the hearing the employer may proceed in with the hearing in the absence of the employee; f) The hearing must be held and concluded within a reasonable time and is to be chaired by an impartial representative; g) A dismissed employee must be given the reasons for dismissal and the right to refer the dispute concerning the fairness of the dismissal to the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Commission (CMAC). 2. Individual Grievance Procedure Clause 4.3 requires every employer to have a Formal Grievance Procedure which should be known and explained to the employee. The Code recommends that such procedure should at least: a) Specify to whom the employee should lodge the grievance; b) Make reference to time frames to allow the grievance to be dealt with expeditiously Page 75 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT c) Allow the person to refer the grievance to a more senior level within the organization, if it is not resolved at the lowest level. d) If a grievance is not resolved the employee has the right to lode a dispute with CMAC. 3. Collective Grievances and Disputes resulting from the negotiations of Collective agreements Clause 4.4 and 4.5 of the Code deals with the handling of collective grievances as raised by the employees. This procedure is usually contained in the Recognition Agreement the parties sign from the onset. What is common to these disputes is that in the event the parties fail to resolve the dispute, either can lodge a dispute with CMAC and subsequently the Industrial Court. ESS 3 Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management  To promote the The Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini Act, 2005 (Act No: 001 of sustainable use of 2005) obliges the State to in the interest of the present and future resources, including energy, water and generations, to protect and make rational use of its land, mineral and water raw materials. resources as well as its fauna and flora, and shall take appropriate measures to conserve and improve the environment. In terms of section 216(1) every person has the responsibility to promote the protection of the environment and section 216(3) obliges the State to ensure a holistic and comprehensive approach to environmental preservation and shall put in place an appropriate environmental regulatory framework. The Environmental Management Act, 2002, provides and promotes the enhancement, protection and conservation of the environment, as well as sustainable management of natural resources. The Flora Protection Act of 1958 provide for the sustainable management and utilization of floral resources. Page 76 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The Forests Preservation Act no 28 of 1910 provide for the sustainable management and utilization of forest resources. The Water Act, 2003, provides for the sustainable use and management of water resources in the country as well as for the control of pollution.  To avoid or minimize The Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations, 2000 No significant gaps between Apply national laws adverse impacts on requires ESIA studies to be conducted as a mechanism for identification ESS 3 requirement and the human health and of adverse impacts on projects on the human health and environment and various national laws the environment by requires the determination of mitigation measures (avoid, minimize, avoiding or mitigate, compensate) when such impacts are identified. minimizing pollution from project activities. Waste Regulations of 2000 provide the regulatory measures for waste management in order to minimize pollution from project activities. Water Pollution Control Regulations of 2001 provide for measures geared towards minimising pollution of water by project activities by establishing standards. The Air Pollution Control Regulations, 2001, provide for the control of air emissions during project implementation.  To avoid or minimize Ozone Depleting Substance Regulations, 2003, provide for the Significant gaps between Apply ESS 3 requirements project-related elimination and avoidance of products that deplete the ozone layer. ESS 3 requirement and the emissions of short various national laws as and long-lived appertains to emission climate pollutants. prevention from climate Eswatini does not have regulations regarding Green House Gases related pollutants. Page 77 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT  To avoid or minimize The Waste Regulations, 2000, under the Environmental Management No significant gaps between Apply national laws generation of Act, provide for the management of solid and liquid waste disposal. They ESS 3 requirement and the hazardous and non- emphasize on the appropriate handling, transportation, treatment and final various national laws hazardous waste. disposal of waste. The Building Act, 1969, underlines the prohibition of illegal structures and requires the removal and disposal of all waste materials in an appropriate manner during project implementation.  To minimize and Eswatini has no specific regulations governing use and management of Apply ESS 3 requirements. manage the risks and pesticide wastes. However, the waste management regulations, 2000 impacts associated with pesticide use. include hazardous wastes. ESS 4 Community Health and Safety • To anticipate and avoid The Public Health Act, 1969, provides for the establishment of processes No significant gaps between Apply national laws adverse impacts on the to ensure public health at all phases of a project. It also provides for steps ESS 4 requirement and the health and safety of to take should there be any incident from the project affecting the public various national laws project-affected and lays out responsibilities for actions to be taken. communities during the project lifecycle from both routine and non-routine circumstances. The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2001, provides for the safety and health of both employees and the public, especially during the construction phase of proposed projects, and specifies processes to be undertaken in order to ensure that safe and health practices are adhered to and implemented at work. • To promote quality and National laws and regulations do not have specific provisions. Significant gaps between Apply ESS 4 requirements. safety, and ESS 4 requirement and the considerations relating to various national laws as climate change, in the appertains to promote design and construction quality and safety, and of infrastructure, considerations relating to including dams. climate change, in the design and construction of infrastructure Page 78 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • To avoid or minimize The Road Traffic Act, 2007, provides for the compliance of all road users No significant gaps between Apply national laws community exposure to and for those organizations such as EEC conducting works on and/or ESS 4 requirement and the project-related traffic and along public roads. various national laws road safety risks, diseases and hazardous materials. The Waste Regulations, 2000, under the Environmental Management Act, provide for the management of solid and liquid waste disposal. They emphasize on the appropriate handling, transportation, treatment and final disposal of waste. The Public Health Act, 1969, provides for the establishment of processes to ensure public health at all phases of a project. It also provides for steps to take should there be any incident from the project affecting the public and lays out responsibilities for actions to be taken. • To have in place effective Eswatini does not have laws or regulations that specifically address Significant gaps between Apply ESS 4 requirements. measures to address emergency events ESS 4 requirement and the emergency events. various national laws. • To ensure that the Eswatini does not have laws or regulations specific to security personnel Significant gaps between Apply ESS 4 requirements. safeguarding of ESS 4 requirement and the personnel and property is various national laws. carried out in a manner that avoids or minimizes risks to the project- affected communities. ESS 5 Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement ESS5: Para(10): Eligibility  Section 211(3) of the Constitution notes that “a person shall not be All person are protected by Given that the National laws Classification deprived of land without the due process of the law and where a the law regardless of their guarantees the protection person is deprived, that person shall be entitled to prompt and social or economic standing, of all occupiers of land to be  Persons who have adequate compensation… age or disability so long as affected by land acquisition, formal legal rights to they occupy land earmarked it is recommended that the land or assets  Section 14 (1) (d) of the Constitution guarantees the right of all for the proposed project. EWSCEEC applies the  Persons who do not individuals the protection from deprivation of property without National laws and ESS5 have formal legal rights compensation. where the need arises. The to land or assets, but more stringent will prevail. Page 79 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT have a claim to land or  Section (14) (1) (c) secures the right of individuals to protection of assets that is their property rights. recognized or  In as much as The Constitution does not specifically classify the recognizable under different categories of eligibility of a person to be deprived of land national law; without due process as required by ESS5 classification. Section  Persons who have no 20(1) and (2) provides thus; recognizable legal right  S.20(1) – all person are equal before and under the law in all or claim to the land or spheres of political, social, economic and cultural life and in every assets they occupy or other respect and shall enjoy equal protection of the law; Section use. 20(2) further states that for the avoidance of any doubt, a person shall not be discriminated against on the ground of gender, …, or social or economic standing…, age or disability.  To avoid forced eviction The Constitution of Swaziland 2005, on the protection and promotion of There is a significant gap Apply ESS 5 requirements fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual guarantees protection with respect to forced from deprivation of property without compensation (S.14(e)) evictions. There are no laws or regulations protecting Section 211(3) of the Constitution notes that “a person shall not be squatters or encroachers on deprived of land without the due process of the law and where a person is government land and this deprived, that person shall be entitled to prompt and adequate provides an opportunity for compensation for any improvement on that land or loss consequent upon the government to that deprivation unless otherwise provided by law.� undertake forced evictions without due compensation S.54 of the Electricity Act, 2007 and S.3 of the Acquisition Act, 1961 as provided by ESS 5. requires consent from the property owner. If however the property owner does not consent due process is then followed.  To mitigate S.15 of the Acquisition Act identifies the factors that needs to be While the acquisition of Apply ESS 5 requirements unavoidable adverse considered when determining compensation, namely: - property act applies to all social and economic PAPs affected by the impacts from land a) market value of the property proposed project with acquisition or regards to the procedure for restrictions on land b) damages sustained by the person interested by severing of any land acquiring and use by: (a) providing compensation, it is silent on timely compensation c) damages sustained by reason of the acquisition injuriously affecting any the issue of allocation of for loss of assets at other property of the person land of equal production use replacement cost and or potential or with similar or d) any reasonable expenses incidental to a change of residence or (b) assisting improved services. It only business as a consequence of the acquisition displaced persons in mentions compensation in their efforts to terms of monetary value. Page 80 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT improve, or at least Also no transfer of Stamp restore, their duty is payable in respect of livelihoods and living The factors listed in S.15 of The Acquisition of Property Act 10, 1961 in any transfer of title etc. is standards, in real essence requires that the person affected by the acquisition should be mentioned explicitly... terms, to pre- placed in a position he was had he not been affected by the move if not displacement levels better or to levels prevailing prior to the beginning of project implementation, S.9 & 10 of the Acquisition of Property Act articulates the procedure for whichever is higher. settlement of disputes for compensation by the Board of Assessment as appointed in terms of S.10.  To improve living The resettlement procedure will be done within the purview of the law in The national legislation Apply ESS5 and work with conditions of poor or particular S.15 of the Acquisition of Property Act and the Constitution. All does mention that a person local authorities and vulnerable persons affected persons will be compensated fairly. shall not be discriminated resettlement committees to who are physically however, does not explicitly address the needs of the displaced, through requires that additional vulnerable groups. provision of adequate support shall be provided to housing, access to address needs of vulnerable services and group or to improve their facilities, and security living conditions. of tenure. Loss of access to There is no national legislation which deals with the loss of access to There is gap with ESS5 Apply ESS 5 requirements natural resources natural resources.  To ensure that No legislative requirement for disclosure of resettlement Plan. Although There is gap with ESS5 Apply ESS 5 requirements resettlement the The Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations, activities are planned 2000 does require consultations of the ESIA and mitigation plans. and implemented with appropriate disclosure of information, meaningful consultation, and the informed Page 81 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT participation of those affected. ESS 6 Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources  To protect and The Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland Act, 2005, provides that No significant gaps between Apply national laws conserve biodiversity the country and all who reside in it shall protect and make rational use of ESS 6 requirement and the and habitats. its land, mineral, water resources as well as flora and fauna. It also various national laws underlines that appropriate measures to attain sustainable living through the conservation and enhancement of the environment. The Environmental Management Act, 2002, provides and promotes the enhancement, protection and conservation of the environment, as well as sustainable management of natural resources. The Flora Protection Act, 2001, provides for the protection of indigenous flora and encourages the eradication of alien and/or invasive plant species. The Game Act, 2001, provides for the protection of birds and mammals against any illegal and harmful activities, such as poaching. The Plant Control Act, 1981, provides for the control, movement and growth of plants.  To apply the The Environmental Management Act, 2002, PART II-Fundamental No significant gaps between Apply national laws mitigation hierarchy Purpose & Principles, mentions the precautionary principle and the need ESS 6 requirement and the and the to take into account the needs of the present and future generations. various national laws precautionary approach in the design and implementation of projects that could Page 82 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT have an impact on biodiversity.  To promote the The Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland Act, 2005, provides that No significant gaps between Apply national laws sustainable the country and all who reside in it shall protect and make rational use of ESS 6 requirement and the management of living its land, mineral, water resources as well as flora and fauna. It also various national laws natural resources. underlines that appropriate measures to attain sustainable living through the conservation and enhancement of the environment. The Environmental Management Act, 2002, provides and promotes the enhancement, protection and conservation of the environment, as well as sustainable management of natural resources. The Flora Protection Act, 2001, provides for the protection of indigenous flora and encourages the eradication of alien and/or invasive plant species. The Game Act, 2001, provides for the protection of birds and mammals against any illegal and harmful activities, such as poaching. The Natural Resources Act, 1975, promotes the conservation and improvement of all living natural resources within the country. The Water Act, 2003, provides for the sustainable use and management of water resources in the country as well as for the control of pollution. The Forests Preservation Act no 28 of 1910 provide for the sustainable management and utilization of forest resources. Page 83 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT  To support Eswatini does not have requirements specific to supporting the livelihoods Significant gaps between Apply ESS 6 requirements. livelihoods of local of local communities, and inclusive economic development. ESS 4 requirement and the communities, various national laws. including Indigenous Peoples, and inclusive economic development, through the adoption of practices that integrate conservation needs and development priorities. ESS 7 Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities NOT APPLICABLE ESS 8 Cultural Heritage  To protect cultural The National Trust Commission Act, 1972, provides for the operation of No significant gaps between Apply national laws heritage from the cultural institutions and the proclamation of national parks, monuments and ESS 6 requirement and the adverse impacts of various national laws project activities and matters incidental thereto. The EswatiniSwaziland National Trust Commission is support its the parastatal organisation responsible for the conservation of nature and the preservation. cultural heritage of the Kingdom of EswatiniSwaziland. Environmental Management Act No 5 of 2002 provides for subjecting proposed projects to Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) studies as a mechanism for identifying, evaluating and managing environmental and social impacts of projects. This includes cultural resources. The Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations, 2000, issued under the Eswatini Environmental Authority Act, 1992, and the Environmental Management Act, 2002, underline processes that must be taken for any proposed project in order to predict and evaluate likely environmental impacts under studies such as the ESIA. This includes cultural resources. Page 84 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Section 32 of the Environmental Management Act, 2002 emphasizes that no person shall undertake any project that may have a detrimental effect on the environment without the written approval of the EEA.  To address cultural Eswatini does not have requirements specific to addressing cultural Significant gaps between Apply ESS 8 requirements. heritage as an heritage as an integral aspect of sustainable development. ESS 8 requirement and the integral aspect of various national laws. sustainable development.  To promote Eswatini does not have requirements specific to consultations regarding Significant gaps between Apply ESS 8 requirements. meaningful tangible or intangible cultural heritage. ESS 8 requirement and the consultation with various national laws. stakeholders regarding cultural heritage.  To promote the Eswatini does not have requirements specific to equitable benefit sharing Significant gaps between Apply ESS 8 requirements. equitable sharing of from the use of cultural heritage ESS 8 requirement and the benefits from the use various national laws. of cultural heritage. ESS 9 Financial Intermediaries NOT APPLICABLE ESS 10 Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure  To establish a The Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations, 2000 Significant gaps between Apply ESS 10 systematic approach requires stakeholder consultation during the ESIA preparation process. ESS 10 requirement and the requirements. to stakeholder Specifically during the scoping phase, the proponent must conduct various national laws. engagement that will stakeholder consultation. help Borrowers identify stakeholders and build and maintain a The EAA also allows for public hearing during the EIA process , where - constructive (a) after examining the IEE and/or EIA report and accompanying CMP for relationship with the proposed project, it is of the opinion that the project is of such a them, in particular sensitive or significant nature that the public should have the opportunity project-affected to make submissions or comments at a public hearing; or (b) the public parties. Page 85 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT concern over the project is great and the number of written and substantiated objections exceeds ten." EAAR Regulations, sec. 12(1)  To assess the level of There are no clear regulations on how to assess the level of stakeholder Significant gaps between Apply ESS 10 stakeholder interest interest and support for a project. ESS 10 requirement and the requirements. and support for the various national laws. project and to enable stakeholders’ views to be taken into account in project design and environmental and social performance.  To promote and There are no clear regulations on how to provide means for effective and Significant gaps between Apply ESS 10 provide means for inclusive engagement with project-affected parties throughout the project ESS 10 requirement and the requirements. effective and lifecycle on issues that could potentially affect them. various national laws. inclusive engagement with project-affected parties throughout the project lifecycle on issues that could potentially affect them.  To ensure that EAAR Regulations, sec. 11(1). Provides for public notice of the availability No significant gaps between Apply national laws appropriate project of the EIA which must be published in the Government Gazette, on the ESS 10 requirement and the information on EswatiniSwaziland Broadcasting Service, and in a newspaper circulating various national laws environmental and in EswatiniSwaziland twice a week and for two consecutive weeks. social risks and impacts is disclosed to stakeholders in a timely, The EM Act and EAAR Regulations, sec. 11(1). Requires the Authority to understandable, distribute copies of the EIA and CMP to concerned and affected ministries, accessible and local authorities, parastatals, and non-governmental organizations. Page 86 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT appropriate manner The Authority shall publish "a detailed statement of the decision for public and format. inspection." EAAR Regulations, sec. (15)(6)(c) "Any person may request from the Minister, the Authority or any other organ of Government any information relating to the environment that is not available in the registry but that could reasonably assist that person in contributing to the enhancement, protection and conservation of the environment and the sustainable management of natural resources." EM Act, sec. 51  To provide project- EAAR Regulations, sec. 12(2)The Authority shall "call upon any party who No significant gaps between Apply national laws affected parties with has an interest in the outcome of the public hearing, including the project ESS 10 requirement and the accessible and proponent, the authorising agency, the commenting agency and any other various national laws inclusive means to person, to attend the public hearing or solicit in writing comments from raise issues and other government agencies or offices with expertise or regulatory power grievances, and over the proposed project." allow Borrowers to respond to and manage such grievances.  To establish a The Eswatini Environment Authority has a systematic approach to No significant gaps between Apply ESS 10 systematic approach stakeholder engagement during the EIA process. See below:- ESS 10 requirement and the to stakeholder various national laws during engagement that will preparation phase. help Borrowers However, no explicit identify stakeholders EAAR Regulations, sec. 11(1). Provides for public notice of the availability mention of stakeholder and build and of the EIA which must be published in the Government Gazette, on the engagement during maintain a EswatiniSwaziland Broadcasting Service, and in a newspaper circulating implementation/construction constructive in EswatiniSwaziland twice a week and for two consecutive weeks. and operation phase. relationship with them, in particular project-affected The EM Act and EAAR Regulations, sec. 11(1). Requires the Authority to parties. distribute copies of the EIA and CMP to concerned and affected ministries, local authorities, parastatals, and non-governmental organizations. Page 87 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The Authority shall publish "a detailed statement of the decision for public inspection." EAAR Regulations, sec. (15)(6)(c) "Any person may request from the Minister, the Authority or any other organ of Government any information relating to the environment that is not available in the registry but that could reasonably assist that person in contributing to the enhancement, protection and conservation of the environment and the sustainable management of natural resources." EM Act, sec. 51 EAAR Regulations, sec. 11(1). The Authority shall "invit[e] objections, comments or submissions from interested and affected persons. . . ." EAAR Regulations, sec. 11(1). EAAR Regulations, sec. 12(2) The Authority shall "call upon any party who has an interest in the outcome of the public hearing, including the project proponent, the authorising agency, the commenting agency and any other person, to attend the public hearing or solicit in writing comments from other government agencies or offices with expertise or regulatory power over the proposed project." Page 88 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 3.8 Alignment of WB and Eswatini Legislation Relevant to ESIA Both the World Bank safeguards policies and Eswatini laws are generally aligned in principle and objective: ▪ Both require screening/categorization of projects in order to determine environmental analysis is needed. ▪ Both require public participation and input to inform ESIA reports. ▪ Eswatini recognizes other sectoral laws while WB has environmental and social standards for specific interests. ▪ The Bank requires that stakeholder consultations be undertaken during planning, implementation and operation phases of the project. EEA requires consultations during planning and before implementation of the project. During implementation and operational phases, the public are free to bring forth any environmental, social, safety or health issue they might have as a result of the implementation of the project. ▪ Monitoring of projects during implementation is required by EEA Page 89 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 4.1 Location of the Project Area Eswatini is situated in the easterly part of the Southern African subcontinent about 3 degrees south of the Tropic of Capricorn. The country is landlocked, bordered by South Africa almost wholly with a small portion bordered by Mozambique in the easterly direction. From the grassland of the Highveld in the west, the land falls down through the Middleveld to the bushveld plains of the Lowveld and rises again to the plateau of the Lubombo Mountains. Eswatini has four administration regions namely Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Lubombo (refer to figure 4). The regions are administered by Regional Administrators. The Capital city of the country is Mbabane while the largest city of the country is Manzini. The proposed project is located in the Shiselweni Region of Eswatini. The proposed project covers a major part of this region. The largest town in this region is Nhlangano, and this is where all the regional offices are located. The proposed project comprises a 64 km pipeline that runs from Nhlangano to connect to a water supply network that comes from Lavumisa at Siphambaneni. It runs along the MR 11 (Nhlangano- Lavumisa) Road. Figure 5 shows Eswatini with its neighbouring states. Figure 5: Regions of Eswatini Page 90 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 4.2 Proposed Project Outline 4.2.1 Introduction The project entails installation of 61 km of gravity mains and 3 km of pumping mains at various stages; connected to 244 km of laterals supplying homesteads, offices, clinics, schools. The pipeline will be connected to an existing water supply pipeline which services the population from Siphofaneni, Somntongo and Matsanjeni Tinkhundla (SISOMA) project and as such will start at Nhlangano to Siphambanweni. A pump station with a small solar power plant will be constructed to provide the power required for pumping. The project also includes the construction of 24 kiosks. This is a structure where water is sold to people who may not be connected to the water supply. It helps increase the reach of the water supply so that even those segments of society with no house connections can still have affordable potable water distribution point (public standpipe). A connection will be made from the pipeline that originates from the existing 10 Mega litre Reservoir at 1180m MSL at Masibini. There will be three proposed reservoirs, at Mhlosheni, Florence Christian Academy and Hluthi, each with a 3.2 ML capacity. An additional 1ML sump will be constructed, with a solar power supply unit. The components of the project are outlined below: 4.2.2 Existing Water Treatment Plant Raw water for the project will be sourced from the Mkhondvo River via an existing water abstraction into a Water Treatment Plant (WTP).The main water treatment plant in the area is at Masibini (about 10km from Nhlangano town) with a production capacity which may be upgraded to 30Ml per day (such production possible based on the above abstraction permit information, refer to Appendix 3). To date, the water treatment plant produces only 3.5ML a day to cater for Nhlangano and Mahamba areas. This caters for a population of 16’500 residents with the current number of connections being 3’300. This still leaves the plant with spare capacity of above 6.5ML per day which can then be channeled towards the study area for this project, thus making the station work closer to its available production capacity. A picture of the WTP is attached in photo plate 2. Page 91 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Photoplate 2: Existing Masibini Water Treatment Plant 4.2.2.1 Abstraction Works Water is abstracted form the river via an intake structure comprising of a weir, low level pump station and rising main to the treatment works. The function of the weir is to direct water to the intake works during periods of low flow in the river. A flood protection wall exists to at the lower end of the site in order to provide access to the raw water pump station chamber during times of minor flooding. The weir is approximately 60m long with a maximum height of 0.3m above river bed level with the intake structure at the right of the river bank, to the eastern side. The intake structure is sized to handle the ultimate capacity of the scheme but will be equipped in phases. In Phase 1, a pumping capacity of 275L/s has been provided. The pumping station transfers water to the treatment plant through a pipeline sized to covey the ultimate capacity of the works. 4.2.2.2 Treatment works Include coagulant dosing facilities, flocculation, clarification, rapid gravity filtration in dual media filters and sludge treatment all to the EWSC Potable Water Standards (see attached Appendix 8A). Certain elements of the plant have designed and constructed to provide for the full future capacity of the plant. These include: • The backwash water recovery system and the treated water sump, low lift pump station and high lift pump station. • A high-level pump station with a treat water storage reservoir • A pumping main to the reservoir site • A terminal reservoir located at a high point • Gravity trunk distribution pipelines to Nhlangano and Mahamba Page 92 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • A housing scheme for plant operations staff Treatment works follow the stages outlined below • Chemical addition and coagulation • Flocculation • Clarification • Dual media rapid gravity filtration • Chlorination • Backwash water recovery • Sludge treatment • Low lift pump station 4.2.2.2.1 Chemical addition and flocculation Chemicals used in treatment works are as follows: Coagulation – Alum, liquid form delivered by tanker, pH Stabilization – Soda ash packaged in granular form in 50kg bags, Flocculent – polyectrolyte, liquid form in plastic carboy that can be fed into the dosing plant. Dosage is adjusted according to the quality based on the hourly control tests and flow rates of raw water. A sample of a typical test chart is attached. Chemical dosing pumps with variable capacity have been provided for each chemical. 4.2.2.2.2 Flocculation A baffled channel for flocculation is used for raw water, a duplication channel will be provided for Phase 2. 4.2.2.2.3 Clarification Chemically conditioned water and flocculated water undergoes settling under gravity in clarifies or settling tanks. 4 No 25m diameter circular clarifiers are required for the ultimate capacity of the plant, 2 clarifiers are used in Phase 1. Inflow from flocculation tacks is delivered to each clarifier. Settled water from the clarifiers discharges into a common collector pipe/channel conveying settled water to the filtration plant. Sludge from the clarifiers flows by gravity to sludge drying beds. The clarifiers have a center feed with a cantilever peripheral lauder and a conical bottom to facilitate the thickening and removal of the sludge. 4.2.2.2.4 Dual Media Rapid Gravity Filters Settled water from the clarifiers flows to dual media gravity filters where the residual suspended solids in the water are removed in the filtration process. Details of the filters are given below. Table 9: Filter Specifications Unit Phase 1 Phase 2 Number of filters No 6 9 Area of filters m2 96 144 Filter loading rate at AADF m/h 4.3 6.7 Page 93 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Filter loading rate at PADF m/h 6.5 9.26 The dual media filter will consist of a layer of anthracite media over a layer of silica sand media. Provisional properties of the filter media are given below. The effective size ratio of anthracite to sand of about 2 ensures that mixing at the media interface is kept to a minimum. Properties of filter media Table 10: Properties of Filter Media Property Unit Anthracite Sand Media depth Mm 550 450 Specific gravity 1.7 2.65 Effective size Mm 1.2 0.6-0.7 Uniformity coefficient 1.5 1.5 When the accumulation of suspended solids in the filter bed results in a decrease in the volume of water being treated or excess headloss in a filter bed the filter will be backwashed to remove the accumulated solids and restore the filter performance. When backwashing of a filter bed is required, the filter bed is removed from duty and partially drained. Backwashing of the filter beds involves an initial air scouring of the filter bed by passing air through the filter media followed by backwashing with chlorinated water drawn from the filter plant clear well. In the air scour cycle air is passed through the bed for 3 to 5 minutes to agitate the filter media and scour settled solids off the filter media. This is followed by a backwashing cycle which water is pumped up through the filter media at a rate that causes the expansion of the filter media and results in the removal of solid particles from the filter in the backwash water. The backwashing cycle lasts between 3 to 10 minutes. Backwash waster is conveyed to the backwash water recovery system from where the recovered water is recycled. 4.2.2.2.5 Chlorination The filtered water is disinfected by the addition of chlorine to the water. The chemical dosage is adequate to provide a safe drinking water that is free form pathogens and a residual chlorine concentration in the treated water pumped into the distribution system. Chlorine dosing comprises of: • Chlorine storage building with cradles meter (load cells) to store 4 x 69kg liquid chlorine cylinders (Phase 1) and 8 x 69kg liquid chlorine cylinders (Phase 2) • Chlorine manifold with heaters/evaporators, automatic flow proportion dosing units and change over units • Injector pumps • Safety equipment including gas leak detectors, emergency shower and gas masks, etc and ventilation fans • Associated piping, instrumentations and electrical equipment. Page 94 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • Dilution water is supplied from the filters • Chlorine is added to the filtered water at the filter water clear well prior to pumping from the low lift pump station to the treated water sump at the high lift distribution pump station The maximum chlorine dosing rate at AADF for Phase 1 will be 4.8 mg/l. The average contact time in the treated water sump at the ultimate AADF is 10 minutes. The design of the chlorination facility complies with the requirements of SABS 0298: 1999- Indirect Small to Medium sized Gas Chlorination Systems for the Disinfection of Water Equipment. 4.2.2.2.6 Backwash water recovery Backwash water from the backwashing of the filters and supernatant liquor from the decanting of the sludge treatment lagoons is conveyed to the backwash water recovery tanks from where the water is pumped at a constant rate to the works inlet. 4.2.2.2.7 Sludge treatment Sludge that is removed in the clarifiers is conveyed to a sludge holding tank from where it is pumped to fabric sludge dewatering bags where the sludge is dewatered and dried to a dry solids content that allows the sludge to be removed from the bags for disposal. The drainage water from the under-drainage system is collected and conveyed to the backwash water recovery tank from where the water is recycled to the works inlet. The sludge removed from the clarifiers have a concentration of 1 to 2% dry solids and to dewater to a concentration of about 20-25% in the sludge dewatering bags before being air dried. 4.2.2.2.8 Low lift pump station Because of the relative levels and restrictions of the site, treated chlorinated water is pumped from the clear well at the filter plant to the treated water sump at the high level distribution pump station. The pump station is constructed to accommodate the pumps required for the ultimate development of the works but is equipped for Phase 1 only. 4.2.2.3 High Level Distribution Pump Station The high-level distribution pump station is required to pump treated water to the terminal reservoir at Nhlangano Town. The pump station with its associated treated water sump were constructed in Phase 1 for the ultimate works capacity but will be equipped in phases. In Phase 1 a pumping capacity of 0.260m3/s has been provided. 4.2.2.4 Existing 450 Diameter Pumping Main The existing 450 diameter ductile iron pumping main to the Nhlangano Reservoir, while adequate for Phase 1 of the scheme, is too small to convey the peak demand flows for the scheme’s ultimate peak capacity. The very high flow velocities in this pipeline under ultimate demands gives rise to very high friction losses with the result that the total dynamic head on pipeline will exceed the pressure rating of the pipeline. To accommodate Phase 2 demands, a duplicate 450 diameter pipeline will be required. 4.2.2.5 Terminal Service Reservoir Page 95 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT From the treated water sump. Water is pumped by high lift pumps via the ESWC pipeline to a new circular 10MLreservior located near Nhlangano which is sized to cater for Phase 1. The 10ML reservoir together with the old 2ML reservoir provide 24hours storage in the system at the average annual daily demand for Phase 1. The reservoir is constructed with reinforced concrete. 4.2.2.6 Special Provisions A telemetry system is in place to monitor and control the distribution pumps and the reservoir level in order to minimize losses through overflows. The abstraction facility of the plant uses electricity powered, currently 2 out of out of 3 (each 132MW) pumps are used, which are operated only on day time. The extra pump may be used when there is need for more water in the plant, furthermore operation times can be increased to increase the capacity. 4.2.3 Main pipeline This component entails construction of a 21km 400mm Ductile Iron gravity, 3km 400mm Ductile pumping and 41km 250mm ductile iron gravity mains with isolation, air, scour valves and are supply tee junctions. The proposed main pipeline will be connected at 1100m MSL near Nhlangano Correctional at CH 0+000. The other main connection will be at the other end of the pipeline to the existing 200mm pipe at 415m MSL Siphambanweni. A pump and 1 ML Sump at Zombodze at CH20 + 700, 1103 MSL. Figure 6 shows the proposed profile of the pipeline. Figure 6: Pipeline profile The proposed pipeline will be constructed allow the road reserve on the right side of the road in the Nhlangano direction from Masibini. This design aspect is mainly to avoid electricity lines and permanent structures. The pipeline is predominantly on the right side of the road until the Nhlangano Galp filling station junction, where it passes behind the preschool in an open space to avoid concrete paving and driveways. The route of the pipeline adheres to the right side, with a few road crossings until the Casino Royal Hotel, where there is a crossing on the MR11 road to the left to avoid the hotel driveways and concrete paving. At Ecinisweni Primary School there will be about 4 road cuttings on MR11 to allow for the pipeline crossing to the school and other communities, this includes a provision for the standby pipeline crossing in case of maintenance. At the Hluthi town, the route remains on the left side of the MR11 road until Siphambanweni, passing behind the shops at the junction to avoid concrete driveways into the shops. The proposed pipeline will have nodes at different points. Table 11 shows the points where the nodes will be located. Table 11: Pipeline Major Nodes Page 96 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Markers Longitudinal Distance (km) Start End A1 A 20.1 A B 2.7 B C 22.3 C D 7.7 D A2 10.1 Figure 15 shows the site map for the connection point of the main pipeline at Nhlangano correctional. This is the beginning of the main pipeline at Nhlangano. The main distribution line will predominantly be buried in normal terrestrial land, however the route crosses 4 streams namely: Mahosha, Mthongwane, Mantambe and Mdakane. On sites where the route crosses streams, there will be no excavation instead the pipeline will be elevated and hinged onto bridges. It should be noted, however that detailed designs are still to be developed, and therefore some design information may change. Pipeline route behind preschool Figure 7: Nhlangano Connection Point 4.2.4 Proposed Main Laterals Many of the areas along the main pipeline route have laterals in various sizes that terminate at schools and villages. The proposed network is 243km but there is room for expansion under other community or government Page 97 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT led projects. The following areas are the proposed distribution points from the main pipeline which are along the road reserve: • Ekuthuleni Primary School junction • Makhonza • Ecinisweni • Mhlosheni • Galile • Mantambe • Bhejisa Distribution will be done on both the left- and right-hand side in the proposed areas. In these proposed areas, there are establishments including schools, multiple homesteads, commercial establishments and health facilities. Noteworthy is that a sump, pump station and solar power supply will be erected at Mhlosheni. The process of installation includes clearing of about 3m working space, digging trenches which are 1m wide and 1.5m in depth, laying of pipes, covering with soil material and stabilization of material, and finally rehabilitation of disturbed areas. Potential impacts shall be assessed, and appropriate compensation and resettlement assistance shall be paid to PAPs who shall be disturbed and affected by these project activities. The following photoplate illustrates a typical pipeline installation. Page 98 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Photoplate 3: Typical Pipeline Installation 4.2.5 Existing and Proposed Reservoirs A connection will be made from the pipeline that originates from the existing 10 Mega litre Reservoir at 1180m at Masibini, the following photoplate shows the 10ML reservoir. Page 99 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Photoplate 4: Existing Masibini Reservoir The following are the proposed reservoir positions: Reservoir B at Mhlosheni at CH 22+800, 1161m MSL with a 3.2ML capacity. Reservoir C at Florence Christian Academy at CH 45+100, 853m MSL with a 3.2ML capacity. Reservoir D at Hluthi at CH 52+800, 849m MSL with a 3.2 ML capacity. Land requirements of these reservoirs shall be assessed and where there is/are need(s) for land acquisition, PAPs shall be paid compensation and resettlement assistances in line with provisions stated in the entitlement matrix of the RPF. 4.2.5.1 Mhlosheni Reservoirs A 1ML sump will be constructed about 22.6km from the Nhlangano town together with a pump station powered by a solar plant as part of the project. Approximately 200m away from the sump, is the site for the Reservoir B at Mhlosheni at a high point of 1161m MSL with a capacity of 3.2ML. Figure 8 indicates the reservoir and pumphouse sites at Mhlosheni. Page 100 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Figure 8: Mhlosheni Pumphouse and Reservoir Site 4.2.5.2 Florence and Hluthi Reserviors Reservoir C will be constructed 45.1km away from Nhlangano, at Florence Christian Academy, at an elevation of 853m MSL and a capacity of 3.2ML. Reservoir D will be located at Hluthi, 52.8km from Nhlangano at 849m MSL with a 3.2 ML capacity. Figure 9 shows the reservoir site at Florence Christian Academy and Hluthi. Page 101 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Figure 9: Florence Christian and Hluthi Reservoir Sites 4.2.6 Nhlangano Network Extensions EWSC currently has plans to develop networks for a population of 23610 people with 154km of pipe network to cover the following areas (which are in SNL and along road reserve): • Makhonza (E8.1M for 39km of network) to cover 4300 population • Mashekesheni and Ngwane (E4.1M for 19km of network) to cover 2910 population • Mbangweni (E4.5M for 36km of network) to cover 3300 population • Ngelane (E2.8M for 13km of network) to cover 2300 population • Nsongweni (E2.5M for 11km of network) to cover 800 population • Qinisweni (E5.2M for 14km of network) to cover 6500 population • Maseyisini (E3.8M for 22km of network) to cover 3500 population Land requirements of the “Network Extension� shall be assessed and where there is/are need(s) for land acquisition, PAPs shall be consulted and be paid compensation and resettlement assistances in line with provisions stated in the entitlement matrix of the RPF. Figure 10 and 11 show lateral connections to the main pipeline: Page 102 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Ecinisweni Primary School Figure 10: Qinisweni Network with Pipeline to Pump House Pipeline route behind retail shops Figure 11: Mhlosheni to Hluthi Connections Page 103 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 4.2.7 Solar Power Supply There will be 1 pumphouse that will be located next to the 1Ml sump at CH 22+500. The proposed pumps for the pump house require 180kva with an 8 hour pumping operation per day resulting to 6’480kwh/day. The aim is to move towards greener technology hence the solar component will be built in the components of the pump houses to be constructed (Solar panels on roof tops and reservoir tops). The energy capacity will be approximately 300KW since this energy will mostly be used for supplementary needs. Ultimately, the viability of it will be confirmed by the design consultant as it is meant to be an alternative power supply to the booster pump station. Figure 12 shows the location of the proposed solar plant. Figure 12: Proposed Solar Power Supply Site Land requirements of the “Solar Power Supply� shall be assessed and where there is/are need(s) for land acquisition, PAPs shall be consulted and be paid compensation and resettlement assistances in line with provisions stated in the entitlement matrix of the RPF. 4.2.7.1 Energy Requirement for Pumphouse Table 12 shows the requirements of the proposed solar plant. Page 104 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Table 12: Electricity Demands for Pumping Station Q (m3/hr) 455 H (m) 70 P (kW) 135 kVA 180 Energy Demand Cost (E/kVA) 155.860 Energy Access (E/kVA) 58.060 Facility Charge/Month 5,015.720 Power Consumption/day (kWh) 6,480 Power Consumption/month(kWh) 142,560 Q/day (m3) 72.00 Q/Month (m3) 1,584.00 Energy demand 28,054.80 Access Charge 10,450.80 Facility Charge 5,015.72 Total Costs 79,787.87 4.2.8 Electricity costs for Pumping station The following table outlines the costs of pumping for peak, standard and off peak hours. Page 105 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Table 13: Annual Electricity Costs for Pumping Station Hours/Week Hours/Year Cost/kWh kWh/year Cost/Year Cost/Month HIGH DEMAND PEAK 25 325 4.7141 43,875 206,831.14 STANDARD 62 806 1.4534 108,810 158,144.45 OFF - PEAK 81 1053 0.9601 142,155 136,483.02 LOW DEMAND PEAK 25 975 1.6646 131,625 219,102.98 STANDARD 62 2418 1.1875 326,430 387,635.63 OFF - PEAK 81 3159 0.9601 426,465 409,449.05 TOTAL 1,517,646.25 126,470.52 High Demand Weeks 13 Low Demand Weeks 39 From the above table, the expected power consumption costs at maximum operation and power for the pump house are expected to be E1.5M for the first year, with expected 10% or more increases each year will result in a five-year energy cost of E9.2M. If this figure can be offset by putting up a renewable energy plant and running it, this gives a solid case for consideration of alternative energy to power the plant and is more cost effective. 4.2.8.1 Energy yields The proposed solar plant is expected to have yields as shown in Figure 13. Page 106 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Figure 13: Solar Plant Electricity Yield per Month 4.2.9 Kiosks At the end of every lateral, a kiosk will be constructed. This is a structure where water is sold to people who may not be connected to the water supply. It helps widen the reach of the water supply so that even those segments of society with no house connections can still have affordable potable water distribution point (public stand pipe). The principle of water kiosks also helps empower community members since each kiosk is run as a business by a local person. In addition, the kiosk operators will be allowed to display and sell other items like fruits and vegetables to maximise their income from this operation. A total of 24 kiosks will be set up. The location of these kiosks are decided based on proximity to high population of the less privileged, proximity to public structures like schools, clinics. Location of kiosks will be based on ease of accessibility, population coverage and also the need to have individual kiosks service multiple people to sustain the business. All the planned kiosk will be located in Swazi Nation Land. This means that EWSC will engage with the respective chiefs for each community, under the traditional ‘khonta’ system. This involves acquiring rights to use land by requesting and getting approval from the chief and paying a cow. The kiosks operators will be trained by EWSC on the operation of the kiosk. In as much as this is not based on a cost recovery model given the low cost of the water tariffs, it greatly improves the access to potable water as people find it more affordable. These kiosks can be added incrementally depending on water needs in the various areas. The following photoplate shows a water kiosk in operation. Page 107 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Photoplate 5: Water Kiosk in Operation 4.3 Capacity Requirements and Design Guidelines As this will be mainly a gravity main with limited pumping, the use of pump and system curves was the main method used. Also, design parameters considered included the areas through which the pipeline will traverse. 4.3.1 Total Daily Water Consumption in Litres The total daily water consumption is indicated in Table 14. Table 14: Current Expected Consumption Figures Based on IRC 1980 Item Description l/day (2007) l/day (2017) l/day (2047) 17 500 18 500 24 000 Domestic Consumption Urban (2’500 people) 300 000 360 000 600 000 Domestic Consumption Rural (15’000 people) 750 000 800 000 950 000 Clinics Consumption (4 Clinics) 80 000 100 000 120 000 Schools Consumption (32 schools) 256 000 280 000 320 000 Church Consumption (10 Churches) 5 000 6 000 7 500 Business Consumption 50 000 75 000 100 000 Other Consumption (Police, RDA, 108Nkhundla, kraal) 5 500 7 500 10 000 Page 108 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Total Average Daily Demand 1 515 500 1 628 500 2 107 500 Somtongo –Matsanjeni worst case scenario (l/day) 570 000 750 000 Total Requirements (l/day) 2 198 500 2 857 500 This means that with the current scenario having a large percentage of the population provided with potable water connections, there is an estimated 2.2Ml required daily to feed areas beyond Nhlangano and beyond the current ongoing extensions by EWSC. This is spare capacity that the Nhlangano plant has and can provide including the requirements of the integration area of Somntongo-Matsanjeni. In 2047 which is 30 years later, there will be an estimated need of 2.9Ml per day, which if development patterns change to increase settlement along the route, then this could be estimated to 3.5Ml per day, which capacity the Nhlangano plant still has available for production and distribution. 4.3.2 Pipeline Design Parameters The proposed pipeline design parameters are outlined in Table 15. Table 15: Pipeline Parameters Pipeline Parameter Gravity 250mm Pumping 200mm Gravity 200mm Liquid density @ 20deg (kg m-3) 998.2 998.2 998.2 Liquid viscosity @ 20deg (Pa s) 0.001005 0.001005 0.001005 Gravity (m s-2) 9.81 9.81 9.81 Pipe diameter (m) 0.25 0.20 0.20 Pipe length (m) 20’100 2’700 40’100 Pipe roughness (m) 0.0000015 0.000061 0.0000015 Pipe cross-sectional area (m2) 0.049087385 0.031415927 0.031415927 4.3.3 Other Relevant design considerations Table 16 outlines other considerations in the designs of the project Table 16: Other Relevant Parameters Design Parameter Value Percentage of Urban population after pump 40% Percentage of Rural population after pump 60% Estimated Daily Consumption after Pump 1 200 000 l/day Power Operating Period (time of use) 8 hours Required volume/day without SISOMA (2017) 1 800 000L Required volume/day without SISOMA (2047) 2 200 000L Required volume/day with SISOMA (2017) 2 200 000L Page 109 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Required volume/day with SISOMA (2047) 2 900 000L Pumping or flow through whole network at 120L/s 120L/s over 8 hours of pumping provides up to 3 456 000L The above design consideration shall also factor in land requirements of the project. The project design will incorporate design options to avoid and minimize land requirements of the project. 4.4 Equipment and Materials The heavy equipment that will be used for the construction is shown in Table 17. Picture of typical equipment to be used in the project have been presented in the photo plate below. Table 17: Inventory of Equipment and materials Equipment Source Trucks Local and international suppliers Excavators Local and international suppliers Compactors Local and international suppliers TLB Local and international suppliers Reel and tensioner Local and international suppliers Lorries Local and international suppliers Materials Source Cement Local suppliers Sand Local suppliers Concrete Local suppliers Aggregate Local suppliers Water pipes Local and international supplies Reinforcement bars Local supplies Solar Panels Local and international suppliers Pipes of different sizes and materials (steel pipes, SDPE, Local and international suppliers uPVC and Concrete) Pumps Local and international suppliers Water Local suppliers Sand (Plaster and River) Local suppliers Cement Local suppliers Reinforcements Local suppliers Valves Local and international suppliers Water meters Local and international Blocks Local suppliers Crush stone Local suppliers Timber (roofing) Local suppliers Roof Sheets Local suppliers 4.5 Project Activities 4.5.1 Pre-construction Phase Detailed Study Design: EWSC procured a consulting firm to prepare a detailed design of the proposed project which may vary albeit not significantly from the feasibility study design currently under preparation and will equally update this draft ESIA report to detailed design ESIA. Page 110 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Comprehensive ESIA Report: This draft ESIA report will be updated to include the specifics as outlined in the detailed design. The ESIA will be submitted to the Eswatini Environment Authority (EAA) for approval as per the regulations of the country and at the same time submitted to the Bank for clearance. This draft ESIA recognizes that there are certain gaps that can only be addressed during the preparation of detailed design report. Obtaining Necessary Permitting Requirements: A number of environmental and social permitting requirements will be required to be obtained by contractor for this project as per the statutes of the Government of Eswatini before the construction commences. These include among others the Environmental Compliance Certificate issued by the EEA. The other activities to be done during the preconstruction phase are as outlined below: • High level design of pipeline and components • Environmental Impact Analysis and Mitigation in place • Power purchase and generation agreements sourced • Detailed surveys and design of pipeline • Detailed design for solar energy plant and power banks for 10’000kWh per day • Establishment of site offices • Consultations with potential PAPs • Finaliztion of resettlement and compensation to PAPs, • Submission of compensation and resettlement payments report to the Bank and obtain the Bank’s clearance prior to clearing and handing over the impact sites to the contractor • Obtaining of relevant permits and licences 4.5.2 Construction phase Key activities during the construction stage including equipment and construction material is presented to the extent known and is subject to change depending on final methodology that will be adopted by the contractor. Activities during the construction will include among others: - 4.5.2.1 Clearing and excavations Once the project receives its final permits and the Bank’s clearance on completion of compensation resettlement assistance payments, construction crews will begin clearing or trimming the transmission route where necessary. This includes clearing trees and brush to provide construction crews and their equipment safe access to the work site. When construction is complete, disturbed areas will be restored. Native shrubs and ground cover are allowed to regrow. 4.5.2.2 Installation of main water pipes The next step is the installation of the water pipes. The workers will set aside the topsoil carefully (which will be reused). After installation of the pipes, the excavations will be covered. There are no trenches which will be left uncovered for more than 48 hours. The main pipeline will be 21km 400mm Ductile Iron gravity, 3km 400mm Ductile pumping and 41km 250mm ductile iron gravity mains with isolation, air, scour valves and are supply tee junctions. These details may change subject to finalisation of the designs. Page 111 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 4.5.2.3 Construction of planned laterals and water kiosks After the main pipe has been constructed, the associated laterals and kiosks will be constructed to facilitate the distribution of water to institutions and homesteads. It is proposed that 244km Lateral networks will be constructed. Twenty-Four (24) water kiosks are proposed in peri-urban and adjacent rural areas. Consideration shall be made to ensure that these water kiosks are all-inclusive and are accessible to/by elderly and disables. 4.5.2.4 Construction of pump house and solar power supply The solar power plant will also be constructed concurrently with the installation of the pipes. This will include site clearing, excavations and the construction of the power plant. An access road will also be constructed for use during operation to enable vehicles to pass through to the solar plant. 4.5.2.5 Construction of reservoirs The reservoir constructions will also run parallel with the construction of the pipeline. Its construction will also involve site clearing, levelling and erection of the reservoir. An access road will also be constructed for use during operation. There will be 3 x 3.2Ml Reservoirs that will be constructed, whose proposed locations have been indicated in earlier sections. 4.5.3 Operational phase This will involve the following activities • Regular maintenance of water supply infrastructure • Support in training and capacity building within EWSC for WB funded projects comprising environmental issues, social issues, procurement, engineering services for design and supervision • Training for Kiosk operators 4.5.4 Decommissioning After the 50-year lifespan of the equipment a major overhaul of the system will be done to avoid increased waster loss due to dilapidated infrastructure. 4.6 Land Take and Land Acquisition The project will require some land take, mostly along the road reserve of the MR 11. Land that may be affected is on both Swazi Nation Land and Title Deed land. There are no resettlements and relocations anticipated in the current alignment of the project. The following table outlines the properties that may be affected. Engagements of these stakeholders have been initiated and are ongoing. A Resettlement Policy Framework has been developed and is attached as Appendix 4. Compensation payments are determined by a set of rules and an entitlement matrix contained in a RAF. The RAP will be prepared as a separate, independent but connected activity to this ESIA. The RAP will be guided by the existing RPF and shall be prepared in accordance with the objective, applicability and requirements of ESS5. Page 112 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The table below outlines the properties that will be affected based on the preliminary designs. The highlighted properties are those where the proposed reservoirs, pumphouse and solar panels might be located and this will be confirmed during the final design of the project. Page 113 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Table 18: Information on Land Required for the Project No Property Distance Min Offset Max Offset Comments 1 Lot 853 of Nhlangano Ext 8 141 1.5 50 Public Open Space to avoid structures 2 Portion 8 of Farm 285 435 1.8 4.6 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 3 Portion 7 of Farm 285 438 3 12 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 4 Farm 142 1067 1 124 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 5 Farm 977 839 1 455 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 6 Remainder Farm 972 512 1 135 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 7 Portion 1 of Farm 1091 635 1 281 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 8 Remainder of Farm 1091 479 27 172 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 9 Portion 4 of Farm 975 344 1 122 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 10 Remainder of Farm 975 67 134 139 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 11 C/101A/LC1P 887 1 501 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 12 Farm 1053 592 1 370 Swazi Nation Land, dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 13 Farm 999 2834 1.5 384 Swazi Nation Land, dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 14 Portion E of Farm 470 2208 137 827 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 15 Remainder of Portion F of Farm 470 908 322 709 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 16 Portion 2 of Portion F of Farm 470 436 354 20 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 17 Remainder of Farm 470 637 362 417 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. Page 114 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT No Property Distance Min Offset Max Offset Comments 18 Farm 1054 2318 21 622 Swazi Nation Land, dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 19 Farm 993 2739 1998 23 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 20 Remainder of Henwoods LC1P 685 40.89 9.5 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. Also require 3500m2 for Reservoir 21 Farm 993 89.78 22 4.78 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 22 Portion 2 of Farm 991 3256 581 62.5 Swazi Nation Land, dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 23 Remainder of Farm 991 1314 2 839 Swazi Nation Land dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 24 Portion 5 of Portion 101B of LC1P 1121 17 507 Swazi Nation Land, dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 25 Remainder of Portion 101B of LC1P 1012 1.5 27 Hluthi Town dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 26 Remainder of Farm 1295 Hluthi Town, portion on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve, also required for reservoir. 27 Portion 5 of Farm 1299 2520 32 485 Pipeline servitude plus 3500sqm reservoir site 28 Remainder of Farm 1267 15000sqm for reservoir, pumphouse and solar panels 29 Portion C of Portion 84A of LC1P 890 Swazi Nation Land dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. Also contains existing EWSC water plant and reservoir 30 Remainder of Farm 911 377 24 25.5 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 31 Remainder of Farm 910 976 19.6 47 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 32 Remainder of Portion 84A of LC1P 250 1.5 116 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. Page 115 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT No Property Distance Min Offset Max Offset Comments 33 Portion B of Portion 79A of LC1P 398 1.5 295 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 34 Portion A of Portion 79A of LC1P 124 1.5 352 Dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. 35 Farm 1053 6200 Swazi Nation Land dependant on road fence position can be avoided if within official road reserve. Page 116 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 4.6.1 Transmission Line and laterals The main transmission line affects mainly the road reserve along the MR 11 road, which was constructed in the year 2011. Project affected parties were relocated when the road was constructed, however payment of compensation has been pending for a long time and since have been settled by the MoPWT as shown in the letter attached. The main lateral route also goes along feeder roads into the community and high-level engagements have been conducted with the traditional authorities. 4.6.2 Reservoirs and access roads 4.6.2.1 Mhlosheni 1ML Reservoir This component lies on a private farm, and the area required for its construction will be determined once the designs have been completed. About 50m wide access road for use during both construction and operation. The cooperation will engage the farm owner on possible land take and compensation. 4.6.2.2 Mhlosheni 3.2ML Reservoir This reservoir site lies on Swazi Nation Land, under Makhosini Umphakatsi. The land is currently open grassland used for livestock grazing. The area required for its construction will be determined once the designs have been completed. About 50m wide for access and it is notably close to the main road (the length will be determined after designs have been completed). 4.6.2.3 Florence 3.2ML Reservoir This component lies on a private farm. The area required for its construction will be determined once the designs have been completed. About 50m wide for access and it is notably close to the main road (the length will be determined after designs have been completed). The cooperation will engage the farm owner on possible land take and compensation. 4.6.2.4 Hluthi 3.2ML Reservoir This component lies on a private farm. The area required for its construction will be determined once the designs have been completed. About 50m wide for access and it is notably close to the main road (the length will be determined after designs have been completed). The cooperation will engage the farm owner on possible land take. 4.6.3 Pump House and Solar Power Supply This component lies on a private farm. The area required for its construction will be determined once the designs have been completed. About 50m wide for access and it is notably close to the main road (the length will be determined after designs have been completed). The cooperation will engage the farm owner on possible land take. There will be 1 pumphouse that will be located next to the 1Ml sump at CH 22+500. The proposed pumps for the pump house require 180kva with an 8 hour pumping operation per day resulting to 6’480kwh/day. The aim is to move towards greener technology hence the solar component will be built in the components of the pump houses to be constructed (Solar panels on roof tops and reservoir tops). The energy capacity will be Page 117 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT approximately 300KW since this energy will mostly be used for supplementary needs. Ultimately, the viability of it will be confirmed by the design consultant as it is meant to be an alternative power supply to the booster pump station. Page 118 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 4.7 Project Timelines The estimated duration of the proposed project is as follows; Table 19:Project Timelines Timing (months) Stage 1 - Design and Tendering Environmental and Social Studies, EEA Approval 4 months Project Financing Approval by World Bank 2 months Procurement of design and supervision consultant 4 months Engineering studies and final designs 6 months Preparation of tender documents 2 months Tendering and appointment of Contractor 6 months Stage 2 - Construction 24 months Construction Defect Liability Period 12 months Stage 3 - Operation phase 600 months Stage 4- Upgrade/ decommissioning phase Page 119 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 4.8 Spoil and Quarry sites Quarry will be sourced commercially, there is no likelihood for quarry sites, however this will be determined one project deigns have been completed. In case where there is a need for quarry sites, the contactor will draw up C-EMP specific to the site. It is not anticipated that there will be a need for spoiling of material, since the excavated material will be used as cover material. In case where there is excess material, it will be disposed at the Nhlangano landfill to be used as cover material during landfill activities. 4.9 Burrow sites There are no burrow pits and spoil sites planned for the project. However, if there is a need as the designs are developed further, the contractor will prepare a Contractor Environmental Management Plan (C-EMP). 4.10 Site Access The pipeline will run along the MR11 Nhlangano Lavumisa Road, and as such can be accessed through this main road. The laterals, reservoir and solar plant can be accessed through the minor roads teeing off the MR11. 4.11 Schedule for Implementation and Workforce Construction for the project is planned to be implemented over a period of 2 years (24 months). The construction of the pipeline, laterals, reservoirs and solar power plant generally require human labor/Workforce who will be instrumental in among others: - ▪ Excavation works associated with construction of gravity mains ▪ Excavation works associated with construction of laterals ▪ Excavation works associated with construction of reservoirs, and solar power plant ▪ Construction of access roads to reservoirs and solar power plant ▪ Construction of kiosks including commissioning of solar power plant ▪ Operation and maintenance of solar power plant, reservoirs and kiosks The number of workers who will be involved in the construction of the project will be approximately 50, but the detailed design phase which will include tender documents complete with number of workers, associated skill sets and whether they will be foreign or local will ascertain the exact workforce required. Impacts associated with workers specifically with respect to ESS2 and ESS 4 will be evaluated in detail. 4.12 Workforce The construction of the Nhlangano - Siphambanweni Integrated Water Supply Project will need some 70 workers of varying skill levels at the peak of construction. Most of the un-skilled workers will be locally recruited. The 10 highly skilled labour will not be local but will use accommodation facilities in Nhlangano. The project will not use child labour In order to address risks associated with working condition and management of worker relationship, the project in collaboration with ESWC will develop and implement written labour management procedures. The purpose of the labour management procedures is to facilitate planning for the project and help identify the resources necessary to address the labour issues associated with the project. Page 120 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Page 121 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 5 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES A key component in the ESIA process is the identification and consideration of feasible and reasonable alternatives. The identified feasible alternatives should be evaluated in terms of social, biophysical, economic and technical aspects. Alternatives in relation to the proposed activity or development can be defined as different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity. These alternatives can include the following: ▪ The property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity; ▪ The type of activity to be undertaken; ▪ The design or layout of the activity; ▪ The technology to be used in the activity; ▪ The operational aspects of the activity; and ▪ The option of not implementing the activity. 5.1 Site selection alternatives 5.1.1 Development of Nhlangano- Siphambanweni Integrated water supply • Minimizes the risk of raw water shortages and inadequate supply for the current Somntongo – Matsanjeni system as it depends on the Jozini dam through a small holding dam in Eswatini. Due to climate change and recurring droughts, the holding dam is prone to depletion which severely compromises potable water supply. It is expected that linking it to the Nhlangano supply and therefore utilizing Mkhondvo River will provide a backup supply of water for Lavumisa. • The project will give potable water to communities along the pipeline with a population exceeding 20’000 people. • The proposed system will further improve water supply at Hluthi town and reduce reliance on groundwater that is depleted in the dry season. The population of the area is expected to rise to almost 30’000 in 2047, this excluding Somtongo –Matsanjeni area. • It is envisaged that the availability of potable water in the area will also necessitate the need to provide or improve sanitation as well as the promotion of good hygiene practices for the populace in the area. This project will also seek to provide the required sanitation upgrade for on-site waste water treatment systems (VIPs and septic tanks). In addition, the rising costs of water production due to energy costs will be addressed in this project through the possible use of renewable energy (solar PV plant) to mitigate pumping costs. • Through the construction of water kiosks, the community will have opportunities to earn a living by running the kiosks and supplementary businesses associated with it. 5.1.2 Development of the project in a different area This would mean the Shiselweni region, which has the lowest percentage access to clean water and sanitation, will continue to lag behind amongst the regions of Eswatini. Page 122 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 5.2 Technology alternatives 5.2.1 Extend Coverage and Allow the System to be able to Transmit Water in both Directions Between the Existing Treatment Plants An alternative design would be to expand the water supply scheme from Lavumisa. Lavumisa is a low point in the country. This will result in a more expensive project with more pumping to bring water from Lavumisa towards Nhlangano. This will prove to be costly and most likely never be used as the water availability on the Lavumisa side is still uncertain following issues of cross border water permits and agreements as well as frequent down- time of the equipment required to bring water from South Africa to the holding dam in Eswatini. Another critical factor is the capacity of the holding dam and the sharing of the water with agricultural users who have very high abstraction rates. 5.2.2 Use of gravity from Nhlangano to Siphambanweni Connecting the water supply from Nhlangano to Siphambanweni allows for the project to use gravity all the way because Nhlangano is at a higher altitude than Siphambanweni. It minimizes pumping costs, making the running costs of the project lower. 5.3 Sources of water supply for the project 5.3.1 Ground water Due to the fact that this region is prone to dry spells, the groundwater resources easily run dry. This would make the water supply very unreliable and it would mean a backup system would need to be in place. A new water treatment plant would need to be constructed. 5.3.2 Rainwater harvesting Rainfall patterns are not predictable. The region itself is an area that is prone to drought and as such this alternative would not help the communities much. In addition, the treatment of the rainwater would have to be individualized, which may lead to increased costs. 5.3.3 Use of Mkhondvo River The Mkhondvo River is one of the major rivers and it is a perennial river, making the water supply from more stable. EWSC has a water permit to abstract water which allows for supply of water from Nhlangano to Siphambanweni, leaving capacity so supply more communities. The Nhlangano treatment plant capacity is sufficient to produce for the new demand. This seems to be the most financially and logically viable solution towards water supply coverage and integration. Page 123 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 5.4 Power supply alternatives 5.4.1 Connecting to the EEC grid This option will not require the installation of the solar plant, therefore eliminate the associated capital costs. However, the running costs would be high. 5.4.2 Establishment of a solar plant The establishment of a power plant to meet the pumping needs of the project will lower the running costs of the system, even though at the beginning the capital costs may have been high. 5.5 No Project Alternative There would not be any need to spend money on this water supply project, and investments would be done in other areas. There would be no possible adverse environmental impacts associated with the project, as the environment will be left intact. However, this would leave the population of the proposed project area in the same situation with regards to access to water supply and sanitation. This will mean that no new coverage objective will be realized and that redundancy for the Somtongo –Matsanjeni project will not be achieved. This will further mean that the full capacity of the Nhlangano plant cannot be utilized in the short/medium term. Implementation of the project in a different location would mean the communities at Hosea, Sishelweni 1 and Zombodze Emuva Tinkhundla will remain with unreliable access to potable water. Existing water schemes in the area have been failed due to unaffordability of communities and poor maintenance of structures. The cost of potable water is currently E100.00 for 10 000L at the corporation, where the purchaser pays for own transport. The actual cost of the water is low bit the total costs would be high due to transport costs. Other rural water schemes in the project are most nonfunctional, due to poor maintenance of infrastructure and lack of subscriptions. Existing water schemes in the area are regulated in terms of access hours (open in limited hours of the day) and the appointed custodian of the key may not be available at times when they need to be open, with a fixed monthly fee per family. This presents a limited access to potable water. Furthermore, water from these schemes is not regularly monitored for quality. This also presents risks of access to poor quality water for drinking. The cooperation has a system in place to ensure proper maintenance of the scheme and related infrastructure. Most of the pipeline is buried, which protects it from vandalism. The corporation has a water loss department that monitors pipe leaks to avoid losses. 5.6 Preferred alternative for water supply system The extension of the water supply from Nhlangano to Siphambanweni is the preferred alternation because of the socio-economic benefits to the community, sustainability and affordability. 5.7 Alternative Transmissions Page 124 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Gravity flow of water was considered against pumping systems for the following reasons: • Gravity flow systems are advantageous in systems where there is sufficient elevation, which is the case for the project area. A typical gravity system has the following advantages: no energy costs, simple operation, low maintenance costs and no sudden pressure changes. This system has the following disadvantages Gravity system is less flexible for future extension. • Small gradients available for friction losses require large diameters within the whole system. • Longer pipelines are necessary. • High pressure for firefighting requires use of motor pumping. A pumping system requires a constant power supply which is costly. However, Consumers don’t have to store water, since it is continuously available at the tap and water always remains available. 5.8 Alternatives for Pipeline Route The preliminary route proposed for the project passes on the road reserve along the MR 11 road. This route is the preferred one because it minimises land take impacts as there are no settlements along the road reserve. An alternative route would be costly since it would require compensation of PAPs and well as potential disputes and disturbance of green fields. 5.9 Alternatives for Materials Materials used of the project will include: • Concrete • Pipework: • Major process pipework: pressure pipelines – mild steel (with full corrosion protection), stainless steel, UPVC, HDPE • Pipelines will normally be buried • Puddle pipes – Epoxy tar coated mild steel • Small diameter process pipework • Galvanized mild steel – above ground • Gravity lines below ground - concrete, UPVC • Pressure pipelines below ground – ND-UPVC • Pressure pipelines below ground – ND-HDPE • Storm water pipes • jointed concrete • jointed concrete with anchor blocks The above materials are easily accessible locally and mostly a manageable cost: • PVC is a low carbon plastic, PVC pipes require less energy and fewer resources to manufacture. Moreover, the ultra-smooth surface of PVC pipes reduces pumping costs and energy use, and their leak-free fittings eliminate water loss. Page 125 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • HDPE pipe is flexible and ductile, not rigid. It has outstanding resistance to fatigue. Unlike other plastic pipes, it is designed and pressure rated to handle the kind of occasional and recurring surge events that are common in water distribution systems. • Epoxy tar coated mild steel is used for industrial concrete floors because of its extreme durability. • Galvanized steel does not shrink or crack because it is metallurgically bonded to the steel it protects. It also offers superior resistance to abrasion and water. Above listed materials were considered over other conventional material like iron is easily rusted contaminating the water supply. The also easily leak from rusting leading to water losses. Asbestos material was not considered due as it represents a carcinogenic health hazard when used to transport water for human consumption. Stainless steel was not considered too costly for the project. Page 126 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 6 DESCRIPTION OF THE BASELINE ENVIRONMENT This chapter provides a description of the environmental and social baseline of the proposed Nhlangano - Siphambanweni Integrated Water Supply Project area. An understanding of the physical, biological and socioeconomic attributes of the project area and surroundings is critical in an ESIA as it allows for a better understanding of the environment in which the project is being considered. Consideration of the receiving environment is a prerequisite for the identification of potential environmental and social impacts. The baseline information was obtained through site visits by ESIA and a review of available secondary information. Validation of this information was done through the data from secondary sources, satellite imagery study and consultation with project proponent and published literature as well as consultation with local authorities. 6.1 Land Use The major land uses of the country are crop production and livestock grazing. About 50% of the land is communally grazed, 19% is under commercial ranching. Plantation forestry covers 8% and nature reserves and parks cover 4% of the total land area (Mwendera, 2003). The proposed Nhlangano - Siphambanweni Integrated Water Supply Project main pipeline is along the MR11 road from Nhlangano to Siphambanweni, a total distance of 64km. In addition, there will be laterals branching off this main pipeline; covering a total of 244 km. The project area is rural, and therefore it mainly consists of settlements. It is sparsely populated, with subsistence crop farming and livestock grazing. In areas from an estimated distance of 10 km from Nhalngano, there is commercial forest called Agro Forestry Development. These plantations have Acacia mearnsii, commonly known as black wattle, and pine trees ( Pinus monticola and some Aracaria columnaris). The area also has Psidium guajava, commonly known as guava trees. There are commercial banana plantations around Mhlosheni. Along the MR11 road, there are some vegetables and fruit stalls run by women, especially in the bus stop structures. At the turn-off to Franson Christian High School, at Mhlosheni, there is a number of stalls, about 10 in total. There is land under title deed that is found in the project area, where not much activity in terms of farming was observed. A few formal business establishments are found in the project area. These include small shops, maize milling operations, butcheries and filling stations. Government establishments found in the area include a police station at Hluthi, Sub-regional Government offices, a number of schools and clinics. The site is near the border with the republic of South Africa, and as such the Lavumisa border gate and Nsalitje border gate are within a 20 km radius of the site. Page 127 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Photoplate 6: Market Stalls Photoplate 7:Banana Plantations at Mhlosheni Photoplate 8: Entrance to Casino Royale 6.1.1 Surrounding Land use The following are establishments that are neighbouring the project area: ▪ Bahle Benguni Milling ▪ United Christian Church ▪ Agro Forestry Development ▪ Evangelical Church ▪ Concrete Block Supplier ▪ Mgazini Nazarene Clinic ▪ Muna nwar Investments ▪ Nhlangano Funeral Parlour ▪ Sibovini Supermarket ▪ Siphambanweni Milling ▪ ESIGAS Filling Station ▪ Kantombanyana Resturant and Mini Supermarket ▪ Ka-Lakhumalo ▪ Swazi Sigwe ▪ Try Again Supermarket ▪ Cordan Hardware Store Page 128 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT ▪ Van niekarks Farm ▪ Lijaha Sisu General Dealer ▪ Imphilo Butchery ▪ Gugwane Hardware 6.2 Geology and Soils The geological map of Eswatini indicates that the geological setting of Nhlangano is made up of 6 groups, the first being dominant in the area is the Nhlangano gneiss a granite gneiss reddish in the Nhlangano area while in Mkhondo Valley are Nhlangano outcrops of gneissoe veined at the margins, homogeneous with a plutonic aspect centrally. A few are folded malic dykes which are upright gneiss domes mantled mainly by Pongola and related rocks. Also characteristic of the area is a few of the Hlatikhulu granite (Htg), Mahamba Gneiss (Mh gn) Mozaan Group (Mz) Mkhondo Valley (MVms) and Dolorite grabbo (do). The Hlatikhulu granite is coarse to medium- grained relicas and xenolithis common in some areas around Hlatikhulu in sheet like form fed from below by dykes and sheets- late pegmelites and mesocralic granite dykes. The Mahamba Gneiss is a semi pelitoc gametilerous gneiss which its correlation is uncertain. The Mozaan group is a basalt about 150m thick. Lastly is the dolorite grabbo and metegrabbo which is mostly dykes of various swarms and ages which a few may be proterozioc or karro. The arrangement of the soil structure in the project area varies considerably. From Nhlangano to Qinisweni, there are three soil types. It is mostly deep red loam, very acidic soil. Some parts of the soil structure are orange loam, on a soft iron pan. It ranges from ferrisolic to ferralitic. Right after Qinisweni and up to Mantambe, the structure is generally ferralitic; beginning with a Highveld grey on orange which is gravely loam. There are also rock outcrops with stony ground (raw mineral soil) and grey loam on the thick stone line. Moving up to Makhondza area, just before Shiselweni 1, the soil arrangement is deep yellow, loam and very acidic. In some parts, this ferralitic structure is deep pale grey sand on clay. Masiphula area is represented by generally lithosolic rock. It is grey sandy on hard iron pan and shallow grey to sandy loam on hard rock. From Masiphula to Hluthi, the structure of the soil is mostly shallow grey to sandy loam on hard rock, with Highveld grey on orange which is gravely loam and deep red loam, very acidic. Hluthi to Siphambanweni has ferralitic soil which is slightly vertisolic. This gives the soil an acidic dark to deep dark brown clay structure with rock outcrops. It is in some parts marsh, with deep black clay and is calcareous. The erosion hazard map indicates that soils in Nhlangano area fall between an erosion hazard category 2 and 4 with sub-factors s, r and e. This means the soils in the area are erodible, but at an intermediate rate with contributing factors of slope and rainfall. From Nhlangano town to Galile Primary, the slope is a major contributing factor to erosion. In the area with a steeper slope (such as St Florence Christian High Academy), there is greater erosion power. This area is also susceptible to rainfall erosivity. The flat areas are not susceptible to erosion by slope but during periods of high rainfall in January where most precipitation, the area is likely to experience erosion as a result of rainfall in disturbed areas that have not been rehabilitated. The erosion hazard category ranges from as low as 2 to a medium (3). Galile Primary area has a steep slope too with an erosion hazard category of 4 which is a high medium and soil erodibility due to the nature of the slope. Moving into Hluthi and up to Siphambanweni, the erosion hazard map shows that the soil has an erosion hazard category of 3 with soil erodibility due to slope. Page 129 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 6.3 Climate and Climate Change Patterns 6.3.1 Climate of Eswatini The climate of Eswatini varies from tropical to near temperate. The rain falls during summer months in the form of thunderstorms. The annual rainfall is the highest in the Highveld towards the westerly direction and ranges from 1000 mm to 2000 mm. However, this varies from year to year. The Lowveld, which is in the easterly direction, receives the lowest rainfall, ranging from 500 mm to 900 mm per annum (World Bank, 2015). The country receives the highest average annual rainfall in December (142 mm) and the lowest rainfall in June (8 mm). Temperatures vary according to the altitude of the regions. The Highveld region temperatures are temperate; whilst the Lowveld has temperatures which reach up to 40 oC in summer (World Bank, 2015). Eswatini receives the highest average temperatures in February (24oC) and temperatures are at their lowest in winter months with an average of 16oC in June (World Bank, 2015). 6.3.2 Climate of Nhlangano The climate is warm and temperate in Nhlangano. In winter, there is much less rainfall than in summer. The wet season is warm and partly cloudy and the dry season is comfortable and mostly clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies significantly. The average percentage of the sky covered by clouds experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year. The clearer part of the year in the area begins around February ending around October. June normally has the clearest day of the year; the sky is clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 88% of the time, and overcast or mostly cloudy 12% of the time. The cloudier part of the year begins around October, ending around February. November normally has the cloudiest day of the year; the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy 44% of the time, and clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 56% of the time. The wetter season lasts between October and March; with a greater than 27% chance of a given day being a wet day. The chance of a wet day peaks at 50% in December. The drier season is usually from March to October. The smallest chance of a wet day is 3% on July. Over the course of July the length of the day gradually increases. From the start to the end of the month, the length of the day increases by roughly 23 minutes. The graphs below (using data sourced from the Eswatini Meteorological Department) indicate the average temperatures and rainfall measures between year 2015 and 2018. Data used here was collected from the Mbabane weather station. 6.3.3 Average Monthly Rainfall of Nhlangano Generally, the most rain falls during the 31 days cantered in January and December. But on Figure 14, it is shown that between 2015 and 2018, the highest average rainfall was measured in February (90.5mm). December and March also recorded significantly average rainfall totals of 59.4mm and 75.3mm respectively. The rainless period of the year is between May, June, July and August with average rainfall totals of 21.4mm, 0.4mm, 6.5mm and 9.8mm correspondingly. The least rain falls around June; with an average total accumulation of 0.4mm. Page 130 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Average Monthly Rainfall 100 90 80 70 Rainfall (mm) 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Month Figure 14: Average Monthly Rainfall Measured Between 2015 Andand 2018 (Sourced From Thefrom the Eswatini Meteorology Department 2018) 6.3.4 Average Annual Rainfall of Nhlangano Nhlangano experiences extreme seasonal variation in monthly rainfall. The lowest and highest rainfalls at 235 mm and 486 mm respectively. The lowest rainfall was in the 2015 and highest in 2018. This, along with the rainfall totals for 2016 and 2017 is shown in Figure 15 below. Annual Rainfall 600 500 Rainfall (mm) 400 300 200 100 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 Year Figure 15: Annual Rainfall Measured 2015-2018 (Sourced from the Eswatini Meteorology Department 2018) 6.3.5 Temperature The warm season lasts from December to February; with the highest monthly temperatures at 28.6 Degrees Celsius, 27.9 Degrees Celsius and 28.9 Degrees Celsius in December, January and February respectively. The hottest month of the year is February, with an average high of 28.9 Degrees Celsius. The cool season is normally from May to August with average monthly high temperatures of 10.4 Degrees Celsius, 9.9 Degrees Celsius, 8.9 Degrees Celsius and 10.6 Degrees Celsius in May, June, July and August respectively. The coldest month of Page 131 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT the year is July; with an average monthly low of 8.9 Degrees Celsius. Figure 16 demonstrates the average minimum and maximum monthly temperatures between 2015 and 2018 from January to December. Average Monthly Temperature 30 Temperature (Degrees Celcius) 25 20 15 10 5 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Months Min Max Figure 16: Average Monthly Minimum and Maximum Temperatures Between 2015 and 2018 (Sourced from Eswatini Meteorology Department 2018) The subsequent figure (Figure 17) shows the average annual temperatures from 2015 to 2018. This is to show variation within the years and not just the monthly average totals. The figure shows a drastic decline in the average minimum temperatures; with the lowest temperature recorded in the year 2018. The lowest being 12.1 Degrees Celsius in 2018 while 14.4 Degrees Celsius in 2015. This shows a decrease by 2.3 Degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature dropped marginally to 24 Degrees Celsius in 2017. The temperatures continued to plateau out up to 2018. However, towards the end of 2018, there was a minute increase to 24.1 Degrees Celsius. Average Annual Temperature 30 Temperature (Degrees Celcius) 25 20 15 10 5 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 Year Minimum Maximum Figure 17: Average Annual Minimum and Maximum Temperatures (Sourced from Eswatini Meteorology Department 2018) Page 132 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 6.4 Topography Eswatini is oval shaped and bestrides the dissected edge of South African Plateau. The elevation of the country decreases from west to easterly direction. There are four main geographical regions running longitudinal north to south and these are (Microsoft Encarta Encyclopaedia, 2002 and Mwendera, 2003). ▪ The mountainous westernmost portion, the Highveld, has an average elevation of 900 m to 1400 m and in some places it reaches an altitude of more than 1800 m above sea level; ▪ The hilly central Middleveld has an elevation of 400-800 m; ▪ The eastern Lowveld is a rolling area that averages from 120 to 130 m above sea level; and ▪ The Lubombo Mountains bound the Lowveld on the east. Significant ridge areas are present in the region of the proposed project. Project Area Figure 18: Topography of Eswatini Source: Wikipedia Page 133 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 6.5 Biodiversity 6.5.1 Flora 1. Biodiversity The Project is located in significantly modified natural habitats, including extensive rainfed farmland (much of which has been abandoned) and tree plantations, especially close to Nhlangano. 2. Flora The vegetation of the area crossed by the Project is mainly secondary. It includes a mix of indigenous, alien and exotic plant species. The dominant indigenous trees include Ficus sp., Blue berry trees, Aloe Malothii, Acacia sp, the marula tree, Sclerocyrea birrea, Vengueria sp, as well as grasslands with thorny bushveld tree species. The dominant exotic trees in the project area are: Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle/ umtfolo wesilungu), Eucalyptus sp. (umgomu), Jacaranda trees and Melia azedarach (Umsilinga). Dominant grass species include; Digitaria sp, Eragrostis sp, panicum sp and Terminelia sp.alien. Invasive species such as Lantana camara and Chromolena odorata are common in the project area and surroundings. The following photoplates and table 20 show some of the flora found in the project area. Page 134 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Table 20:List of Flora in the Project Area Scientific name Common name Siswati Name Comment Syzygium cordatum Water berry Umcozi Indigenous Psidium guajava guava Umgwava Invasive Lantana Camara Emehlo akati Alien invasive species Pinus sp. Pine Tree Umtfolo Alien invasive species Sclerochiton harveyanus Blue-lips Mazabuka Weed Lannea discolor Live-long umnTfokolovu Indigenous Ozoroa engleri R. & A.Fern White Resin Tree imFuce lemhlophe Indigenous Ozoroa sphaerocarpa R. & A.Fern Currant Resin imFuce lemnyama Indigenous Tree Rhus chirindensis Baker f. R. Red Currant inHlangushane Indigenous legatii lenkhulu Rhus pentheri Zahlbr. R. cuneata Crow-berry inHlangushane, Indigenous Sitsatsatsa Sclerocarya birrea Marula umGanu Indigenous Monanthotaxis caffra (Sond.) Dwaba-berry siTitane, Indigenous maSweleti, maSweti Carissa bispinosa (L.) Num-num umVusankunzi, Indigenous umBethankunzi Cussonia spicata Cabbage Tree umSenge Indigenous Chromolaena odorata (L.) riffid Weed, Sandanezwe Paraffin Weed Vernonia myriantha Eared Vernonia, liNyatselo Indigenous Eared Bitter-tea, Blue Bitter-tea Kigelia africana Sausage Tree umVongotsi Indigenous Eucalyptus spp Gum tree Gomu Ricinus communis L Castor Oil Bush umHlafutfo Indigenous Pinus patula var. patula Pine Tree Sipheshula Indigenous Prunus persica Peach uMpetjisi Persea americana Ovacado uMkotapeni Englerophytum magalismontanum umnumbela Indigenous Bidens bipinnata daisy Chuchuza Alternanthera sessilis sessile joyweed Imbuya Herb Corchorus argillicola Jew's mallow Ligusha Herb Pluchea bojeri sunflower Nukani, Herb Shashasha Vangueria cyanescens Kalahari wild- Umntulwa Indigenous medlar None of the species observed are protected under the Flora Protection Act, 2001 6.5.2 Fauna There are 19 vertebrate species on the IUCN (2013) Globally Threatened Species list which are native to Eswatini. Of the 19 globally threatened vertebrate species, 6 are locally extinct in Eswatini. and 11 are found within Gazetted PAs. Of the 40 species of threatened plants recorded for Eswatini 29 occur within National PAs, a further 3 occur in Informal PAs and the balance except for one species ( Ficus sansibarica Warb. ssp. Sansibarica) are found in potential new PAs. Page 135 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT A search of the available literature did not find any animal species on IUCN’s Red data list in the area directly affected by the Project. This will be confirmed during preparation of the full ESIA. More generally, wildlife, particularly large mammals, is not abundant in the Project area, being limited according to locals to the occasional monkey and impala, which needs to be confirmed during by the full ESIA. Instead, areas not farmed are open rangeland used by cattle. Table 21 below shows the fauna species that are present in the region. Table 21: Fauna Species in the Project Area Species Common name SiSwati name Chiroptera spp Bats Lilulwane Lepus saxatilis Scrub hare Logwaja Pronolagus crassicaudatus Natal red rock rabbit Logwaja Cercopithecus mitis Samango monkey Ingobiyane Chlorocebus pygerythrus Vervet monkey Ingobiyane Papio ursinus Chacma baboon Imfene Aethomys chrysophilus Red veld rat Ligundvwane Aethomys ineptus Tete veld rat Ligundvwane Aethomys namaquensis Namaqua rock mouse Ligundvwane Sylvicapra grimmia Common duiker Impunzi Poyntonophrynus fenoulheti Northern Pygmy Toad Sicoco Schismaderma carens Red Toad sigogodvolo Sclerophrys capensis Raucous toad sigogodvolo None of the species known to be in the project area is contained in the red data list for protected fauna. There are no protected areas within the project area and its vicinity. 6.6 Water Resources 6.6.1 Hydrology The project area falls within the Usuthu River Basin. The main river flowing through Shiselweni is the Mkhondvo river, which is the source of water supply for the project. Its confluence with the Usuthu River is at Sidvokodvo. The figure below shows the main river basins of the country. Page 136 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Project area Figure 19:River Basins in Eswatini Page 137 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 6.6.1.1 Mkhondvo River Flows The following table indicates the flow rate for the Mkhondvo River over the last 5 years Table 22:Monthly Flow Rates for the Mkhondvo River Year Oct (m3/s) Nov Dec Jan Feb (m3/s) Mar (m3/s) Apr May Jun (m3/s) Jul (m3/s) Aug Sep Monthly Monthly median 3 3 3 3 3 3 (m /s) (m /s) (m /s) (m /s) (m /s) (m /s) mean (m3/s) 2011/12 2.831 4.052 3.208 19.66 14/47 6.322 - 1.309 1.180 1.061 0.9264 - 5.503 3.020 2012/13 - - - 25.40 14.93 15.30 14.09 8.750 3.749 1.659 0.7963 0.4293 9.458 8.750 2013/14 0.736 3.292 15.86 8.861 8.849 36.48 9.058 4.575 2.811 1.809 1.519 1.186 7.925 3.933 2014/15 2.782 4.556 16.00 11.07 5.509 2.527 1.766 1.191 0.7116 0.8102 0.6597 0.6861 4.030 2.147 2015/16 0.7105 0.4951 0.7972 1.827 2.083 6.114 1.134 1.023 0.7921 0.7501 0.7198 0.7080 1.429 0.7946 2016/17 0.9143 3.857 2.147 3.710 3.334 5.520 1.917 1.142 0.4603 0.8403 0.7275 0.06084 2.113 1.530 2017/18 - - 9.398 6.863 6.310 11.36 7.643 3.054 1.632 1.1213 1.170 - 5.405 6.310 Mean 2.631 4.910 9.763 10.13 9.534 9.002 4.324 2.177 1.410 1.264 0.9497 1.176 Median 2.275 3.448 6.936 6.664 6.310 6.218 2.236 1.369 1.137 1.048 0.7242 0.7080 Max 10.13 17.01 62.55 68.04 36.38 36.48 14.17 8.750 4.233 4.401 3.150 5.462 Min 0.1554 0.4951 0.3867 0.9380 0.6058 0.4691 0.4806 0.3757 0.1801 0.3216 0.2333 0.2215 Source: Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, DWA Page 138 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The lowest flow rate for the river in the past 5 years was experienced in October, which was 0.1554m3/s which translates to 4,900,694.4m 3 per year. This lowest minimum flow rate (which is the worst-case scenario in 5 years) can accommodate the allocated quota of 1,866,240m3 per year. It therefore leaves enough water for downstream use and aquatic life. 6.6.2 Water Quality Along the MR11, there several small, seasonal streams namely; Mahosha, Mthongwane, Mantambe 1 and Mantambe 2. The following table indicates the water quality for Mkhondvo River at the abstraction point and the different streams that are along the MR11. Table 23: Water Quality of streams in the project area Parameter Unit Mkhondvo** Mohosha Mantambe Mantambe 2 Mthongwane Water 1 Quality Standard* Turbidity NTU 34.05 5 Electrical µS/cm 132.1 118 378 470 57 1800 Conductivity Dissolved ppm 69.2 59 189 235 29 - Solids TSS ppm 178 8 10 20 12 - DO ppm 5.87 >4 Total Alkalinity ppm 37.33 41 202 246 11 Salinity ppm 0.08 - Total ppm 33 17 127 160 2 1000 Hardness Faecal Per 200 400 710 75 1-10 coliforms 100ml Total Per 80.5 1-10 Coliforms 100ml pH - 7.95 6.6 8.3 8.5 6.5 6.5 - 8.5 Cl ppm 6.04 12 18 24 4 - Fe ppm 0.133 0.971 0.707 1.220 1.234 1 COD ppm 17.59 10 NO3 ppm 3.40 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.1 10 PO4 ppm 0.19 - NH4 ppm 0.042 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.03 0.6 Flouride ppm 0.1 0.8 0.5 0.2 1 Ca ppm 3.51 24.40 37.44 0.787 0.2 Na ppm 14.92 36.55 44.01 8.34 - Mg ppm 3.97 24.49 27.50 0.775 - K ppm 2.75 0.48 1.25 0.95 - Pb ppm 0.007 0.00 0.00 0.00 - Cu ppm 0.00 0.007 0.00 0.001 - *Water Pollution Control Regulation, 2010; **Ministry of Natural Resource and Energy data 6.6.2.1 Water Quality for raw and treated water at Masibini Table 24: Raw and Treated Water Quality For Mkhondvo At Abstraction Parameter Unit Raw water Treated Drinking Water Standard* Turbidity NTU 6.5 0.975 1 pH pH Units 7.6 7.3 6.0-9.0 EC µS/cm 118 120 100 Colour 49.75 12.8 15 Page 139 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT TSS ppm 65.75 1.5 25 TA ppm 49.75 47.8 400 SO4 ppm 8.3 9.05 200 Cl ppm 15.8 43.79 1.2 - 10 Total Coliforms Per 100mL 500 25.8 Not detected E. Coli Per 100mL 250.3 6 Not detected *SWSC Drinking Water Standards The table above indicates that the water treatment system at Masibini does not adequately remove total coliforms and E. Coli. This needs to be addressed for the treatment process to comply with drinking water standards. 6.7 Noise Along the project route, sensitive receptors are located and include towns and settlements. Sensitive receptors also include schools, hospitals which are likely to be affected by construction noise. A detailed analysis aimed at identification of such sensitive receptors including distance with respect to construction site/route will be undertaken during the detailed design and will definitively identify the noise related impacts of the project on sensitive receptors and in comparison with the WBG noise level guidelines. The Government of Eswatini does not have noise level guidelines. 6.8 Roads Some of the roads in the region are outlined below ▪ National Route 11 (MR11) – The road runs from Nhlangano, towards Lavumisa. The associated traffic on the road is classified as low, consisting out of mainly light vehicles (greater portion of mini-taxis) and <5% heavy vehicle make-up of the total traffic amount; and ▪ Unpaved road (D8) – from turning off the MR11 towards Hlathikhulu at Hluthi, past Hosea Inkhundla, with one of the laterals running along it. ▪ Unpaved road (MR21) – from turning off the MR11 towards Nsalintje border gate at Siphambanweni ▪ Tarred road (MR9)- toward Mahamba 6.8.1.1 Identified Sensitive Receptors The table below presents the relevant sensitive areas selected for further analysis. The following table indicates the identified sensitive receptors. 6.8.1.1.1 Schools Table 25: Schools in the Project Area School Distance from MR11 Kuthuleni High School 4.3 km Othandweni Primary School 2.8 km Ngwane Central Primary School 2.6 km Ngwane Central High School 2.4 km Mabamba Primary School 5.4 km Page 140 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT School Distance from MR11 Nkoneni Primary School 4.5 km Mthonjeni Primary School 5 km Mantambe Primary School 7 km Manyandzeni Primary School 3.1 km Themba Primary School 6.1 km St. Juliana’s Primary School 1.8 km Bhejisa Primary School 1.3 km Hluthi Central Primary School 39.4 m Our Lady of Sorrows High School 3 km St. Benedict’s Primary School 1.6 km St. Maria Primary School 197 m Hosea Secondary School 8.1 km Jericho Primary School 5.3 km Patmos Primary School 10.4 km The furthest schools from the MR11 road are Patmos Primary School and Hosea Secondary School located 10.4 km and 8.1 km correspondingly. Schools closest to the MR11 road are Hluthi Central Primary School and St. Maria Primary School at 39.4 m and 197 m away respectively. 6.8.1.1.2 Other Establishments Table 26: Establishments in Surrounding Areas Name Type Distance from MR11 Hluthi Clinic Clinic 47 m Mahosha Church of the Nazarene Church 15.3 km Makhoza E.C Church 1.9 km Emantungwa Restaurant Commercial establishment 1m Benguni Chemist Commercial establishment 59 m Nhlangano Casino Royale Commercial establishment 104m T’s Tools Commercial establishment 11.4 km Hluthi Petrol Station Commercial establishment 1m Amitofo Care Centre of Eswatini Orphanage 3.4 km Page 141 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Hluthi Police Station Police station 300m 6.9 Existing Water Supply Schemes The project area has several water supply schemes that are developed mainly by the Rural Water Supply Branch under the Department of Water Affairs. Hosea Inkhundla has 61 Water Supply schemes (11 Macro and 50 Micro). Shiselweni 1 has 34 (14 Macro and 20 Micro) and Zombodze Emuva has 25 Schemes (13 Macro and 12 micro). The following table outlines number of water schemes that have been developed in the Shiselweni Region. The micro schemes are supplied from three kinds of infrastructure sources which include: either boreholes or hand dug well or protected springs infrastructure. The infrastructure for macro schemes is focused mainly on the standpipes, water storage facilities and pipeline since these are key in the provision of potable water to communities. Table 27: Distribution of Water Schemes by Inkhundla Region Inkhundla Macro % Micro % Total Shiselweni 214 36 377 64 591 Gege 27 60 18 40 45 Hosea 11 18 50 82 61 Kubuta 17 68 8 32 25 Maseyisini 25 51 24 49 49 Matsanjeni South 16 12 122 88 138 Shiselweni II 23 64 13 36 36 Mtsambama 22 79 6 21 28 Ngudzeni 10 59 7 41 17 Nkwene 11 85 2 15 13 Sandleni 8 33 16 67 24 Shiselweni 1 14 41 20 59 34 Sigwe 11 18 51 82 62 Somntongo 6 18 28 82 34 Zombodze Emuva 13 52 12 48 25 Source: Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy 6.9.1 Functionality and Distribution status of Existing RWSS Of the existing water schemes, 67% are functional under Hosea Inkhundla, 65% under Shiselweni 1 and 64% under Zombodze Emuva. The table below illustrates the functionality of Water schemes in the Shiselweni Region. Page 142 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Table 28: Functionality of Water Schemes Region Inkhundla Functional % Not % Partially % Total Functional Functio nal Shiselweni 387 65 177 30 27 5 591 Gege 36 80 8 18 1 2 45 Hosea 41 67 18 30 2 3 61 Kubuta 11 44 12 48 2 8 25 Maseyisini 31 63 17 35 1 2 49 Matsanjeni South 93 67 41 30 4 3 138 Shiselweni II 25 69 11 31 0 0 36 Mtsambama 22 79 3 11 3 11 28 Ngudzeni 9 53 5 29 3 18 17 Nkwene 7 54 3 23 3 23 13 Sandleni 13 54 11 46 0 24 Shiselweni 1 22 65 10 29 2 6 34 Sigwe 41 66 18 29 3 5 62 Somntongo 20 59 14 41 0 0 34 Zombodze Emuva 16 64 6 24 3 12 25 Source: Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy 6.9.2 Socio Economic Baseline 6.9.3 Background Shiselweni Region has one of the highest rates of poverty in the country, with 21.1% of the population living below the extreme poverty line. The main source of livelihood is agriculture, predominantly livestock and rain fed subsistence farming. The region is also characterized by climate variability with recurring droughts and is prone to portable water shortages and inadequate supply from the Jozini dam. The region comprises 14 Tinkhundlas (administrative subdivisions) and its administrative center is Nhlangano. The population size for the serviced enumeration area is approximately 18,478 (2017 data) of which 65% is rural and 35% urban for purposes of water consumption calculations (based on lifestyle and homesteads). The majority of the communities to be served by the project live in geographically dispersed rural villages along the main road and scattered around the hill-tops and valleys with agriculture being the main economic activity. Due to severe water shortages in the project area, a significant percentage of rural households obtain their drinking water from boreholes which are also used by livestock. There are a few water kiosks in the area selling 20 litres of water for SZL0.20. The pipeline traverses through an existing road reserve which is a built up, already disturbed rural area. The total population of the three target Tinkhundla: Zombodze (14,231), Hosea (14,733) and Shiselweni I (9,269)- total 38,233) will benefit from improved sanitation services. Page 143 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 6.9.4 National level 6.9.4.1 Population The population of Eswatini is 1093238 and the population density is 63 people per square metre. It is largely rural with the population of Eswatini concentrated in the Hhohho and Manzini regions. Fifty three percent (51%) of the Eswatini population are female whilst 49% are male (Central Statistical Office, 2017). 6.9.4.1.1 Source: Swaziland Population Projection 2007 -2030 Population 2007 2017 2018 2019 2030 Total 1,020,102 1,145,970 1,159,250 1,172,433 1,303,090 Population Male 482,209 544,811 551,317 557,760 620,793 population Female 537,893 601,159 607,933 614,673 682,297 population Percent 0-4 13.0 13.3 13.2 13.1 11.5 Percent 5-14 25.7 23.1 23.1 23.0 22.6 Percent 15-49 50.8 53.4 53.5 53.6 54.4 Percent 15-59 55.8 58.5 58.6 58.8 60.6 Percent 60+ 5.5 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.4 Source: Swaziland Population Projection 2007 -2030 6.9.4.1.2 6.9.4.2 Poverty levels A majority of the population (58.90%) in Eswatini lives below the poverty line, but only 20.1% live below the extreme poverty line. The percentage working poor is 38.90%. More people living below the poverty line live in the rural areas (70.15%) than urban areas (19.55). The national poverty gap is 24.9%. Amongst the 4 regions of Eswatini, Lubombo has the highest percentage, followed by Shiselweni. Manzini has the lowest after Hhohho. The poverty gap and percentage of people living under extreme poverty follows the aforementioned trend. 6.9.4.3 Household income and consumption per Capita The national average household income per capita is SZL1651, and the consumption average per capita is SZL1074. The percentage entrepreneurship rate is 27.69%. A majority of enterprises (66.45%) have a female decision maker. This indicates that women in Eswatini are more empowered than man to run their own businesses. 6.9.4.4 Education Levels The country has a 91% enrolment rate for primary education. At secondary level (form 1 to 5), the enrolment rate drops to 51.25%. This may be attributed to the access to the free primary education, which then makes the literacy for the country to be 94.61%, with males having a higher literacy rate (95.64%) than females (93.77%). The average money spent on education per household is SZL1,114.54 (CSO, 2017). 6.9.4.1 Health Page 144 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The total percentage of the population with impairment is at 18.13%. The healthcare affordability for the country is about 80%. The average distance travelled to a health facility is 11.36 km. The national average health expenditure is SZL649.93 per year per household. 6.9.4.2 Water Supply and Sanitation At a national level 29.9% of the population has functional connection to the EWSC grid and a further 11.76% get water from functional community taps. 75.6% use improved sources of drinking water; 12.8% use unimproved drinking water using appropriate treatment methods and 77.43% are engaged in water harvesting. In terms of sanitation 53.68% have access to safely managed; none shared Sanitation facilities. The Shiselweni region as whole lags behind the three other national regions in terms of improved water and sanitation. The following table indicates the percentage of improved drinking water by region and percentage improved sanitation respectively. Table 29: Improved Sources of Drinking Water by Region Region % to improved sources of drinking water Hhohho 79% Manzini 79.5% Shiselweni 65.7% Lubombo 71.9% (Source: CSO, 2017) 6.9.5 Regional Level 6.9.5.1 Population 6.9.5.1.1 Population by Region and Sex The following table presents the distribution of the population in each of the regions by sex. Table 30: Population Distribution by Region and by Sex Region Total Population Male Female Census: 2017 Total % Total % Hhohho 320, 651 158,229 49 162,422 51 Manzini 355,945 172,470 48 183,475 52 Shiselweni 204,111 96,000 47 108,111 53 Lubombo 212,531 104,412 49 108,119 51 Total 1, 093,238 531,111 562,127 Source: CSO 2017 Table 30 indicates that all the regions have a higher percentage of females than males. Shiselweni has the lowest male to female ratio (0.89), followed by Manzini (0.92). Hhohho and Lubombo have the highest ratio, both at 0.96. 6.9.5.1.2 Population by Age Group and Sex: Shiselweni Table 31 shows the breakdown of the population in the Shiselweni region by age. Table 31: Population Age Group and Sex in the Shiselweni Region Age group Total Male Female 0-14 79,823 39,687 40,136 Page 145 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 15-29 58,409 28,700 29,709 30-44 30,638 13,835 16,803 45-59 18,174 7201 10,971 60-74+ 16,334 6179 10,155 All Ages 204,111 96,000 108,111 Source: CSO 2017 Table 27 indicates that the majority (68%) of the population in the Shiselweni Region is below 29 years, and at these ages, the majority is female. The trend observed in the region is consistent at national level. Noteworthy is that the male - female ratio drops significantly in the region at ages above 45 years. 6.9.5.2 Poverty levels in the Shiselweni Region Sixty Seven percent (67%) of the Shiselweni population lives below the poverty line, and a further 21.1% lives under extreme poverty. The poverty for the Shiselweni Region is 28.3%. 6.9.5.3 Water supply and Sanitation Only 56 percent of the population in this region have access to an improved source of drinking water and 19.7 percent have access to improved sanitation. Approximately 35 percent of this target group use piped water, 13 percent use tube well/borehole, 10 percent use an unprotected well (an unimproved source) and most of the remainder use surface water (24 percent). Most of the population (68 percent) does not have access to drinking water on their premises and a total of 31 percent must travel more than 30 minutes to collect water (both improved or unimproved source). A total of 12 percent of the population openly defecate and 17 percent of households were observed as having a place for handwashing. 6.9.6 Targeted Tinkhundla Level 6.9.6.1 Population by Age group and Sex The following table presents the age distribution of the population in the three targeted Tinkhundla. Table 32: Age and Sex Distribution in Targeted Tinkhundla Target Tinkhundla % targeted all Tinkhundla Age Zombodze Hosea Shiselweni 1 Group Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female 0- 14 2617 2929 5546 2602 3144 5746 1697 1918 3615 49 51 15-29 1946 2178 4124 1935 2338 4273 1262 1426 2688 46 54 30-44 1007 1127 2134 1001 1209 2210 653 738 1391 46 54 45-59 604 760 1364 600 726 1326 392 443 835 45 55 60-74+ 537 601 1138 534 645 1179 348 393 741 46 54 All age 6710 7521 14231 6671 8062 14733 4351 4918 9269 46 54 Page 146 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Table 32 indicates a higher female population in all three constituencies. Zombodze has the highest male to female ratio (0.89), followed by Shiselweni 1 (0.88). Hosea has the lowest ratio (0.83). The highest population is below 29 years in all constituencies. 6.9.7 Baseline survey on Project Area A quantitative survey was carried for the proposed project area. The questionnaire used in the survey has been attached as Appendix 12. The survey sample size for the targeted constituencies is 5,761, which is about 15% of the population of the targeted constituencies. This covers 342 households in the targeted constituencies. 6.9.7.1 Household Composition 6.9.7.1.1 Household Characteristics A household rather than a homestead was to be the unit of enumeration because this is the smallest level of resource sharing. The cooking arrangement international definition of a household was used, which is defined as a person or persons who may be related or unrelated, who share at least one meal per day (“Lidladla, no ma badla bhodo linye�). Since no list of households was available from Bucopho, homesteads were selected using random sampling, and thereafter all households in selected homesteads were interviewed. The following table presents the household characteristics by sex and age in the constituencies. Table 33: Household Characteristics Targeted Tinkhundla Total Percentage Characteristics Zombodze Hosea Matsanjeni Shiselweni 1 Sex of Head of Household: Male 92 85 13 55 245 71.6 Female 31 42 6 18 97 28.4 Total 123 127 73 19 342 100 Number of people in the households by age 615 645 95 365 1,720 29.9 Infants (0- 4 years) Children (5-14 years) 675 685 100 410 1,870 32.5 Adults (above 15 years) 773 788 140 470 2,171 37.7 All age 2,063 2,118 335 1,245 5,761 100 Table 33 shows that in the 342 households, 71.6% of the households are headed by males while 28.4% of the households are headed by females, mostly widows. The Zombodze Inkhundla has the highest number of male headed households (92), while the Matsanjeni inkhundla has the least number of male headed households. The Hosea Inkhundla on the other hand has the highest number (42) of female headed households. The above table also presents the number of people by age in the targeted Tinkhundlas. 2,118 people are from Hosea; 2063 people were sampled from Zombodze; 1,245 are from Shiselweni1 and 335 are from Matsanjeni inkhundla. 62.4 % of the sample are infants and children between the ages 0 to less than 15 years. Adults aged above 15 years constitute only 37.7% of the entire sample size. This shows that the area has a higher dependency ratio since children are more than adults. Page 147 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 6.9.7.2 Sex of Respondents Per Constituency In all the constituencies, female respondents were more than the males as shown in the following. The Hosea constituency recorded the highest number of females (90) and 37 males; Zombodze Emuva recorded 76 females and 45 males; in Shiselweni 1, there were 43 females and 33 males. This is illustrated in the following graph. Sex of Respondents in each Inkhundla 100 80 60 40 20 0 Hosea Matsanjeni Shiselweni 1 Zombodze Emuva Male Female Figure 20:Sex of Respondents by Constituency (Inkhundla) 6.9.7.3 Economic Status of the Households It is very important to investigate the economic status of the households in order to ascertain they will afford to pay for the proposed water supply that will be provided by the Eswatini Water Services Corporation. 6.9.7.3.1.1 Average Monthly income per Household The following pie chart illustrates the average monthly income per household in the project area. 3.20% 12.60% 14% Below E500 per month E501 – E1000 per month 20.80% E1001 – E2000 per month Above E2000 per month Don’t know 33.90% Refused to answer 15.50% Figure 21: Average Monthly Income per Household Page 148 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Figure 21 shows that the majority of the households on average have a monthly income above E2000. About 21% of the households have an average monthly income between E1000 and E2000. 45.3% of the households have an average monthly income below E1000, most of these households depend on the elderly grant for income. 6.9.7.3.1.2 Main Sources of Income for the Households Respondents were asked to list the main sources of income for their households. The results are presented in Figure 22 by constituency: 70 60 50 40 Hosea 30 Matsanjeni 20 Mkhiweni 10 Shiselweni 1 0 Zombodze Emuva FIGURE 22: MAIN SOURCES OF INCOME BY CONSTITUENCY Figure 22 shows that in almost all the constituencies the main source of income is the salary. Other sources of income for the respondents include the pension, remittances, trading and farming. It is interesting to note that households in this region are highly dependent of salaried income and only one respondent (0.3%) from the Shiselweni 1 constituency is self-employed. 6.9.7.3.1.3 Highest Expenditure Item in the Household Expenditure on food (88%) is the most highly ranked item in all the constituencies. This is shown in Table 34 below: Table 34: Main Expenditure Items for Households Household Expenditure Number of Respondents Percentage Food 302 88 Electricity 24 7 School Fees 10 3 TV /Radio 6 2 Total 342 100 Other expenditures include; electricity consumption (7%), school fees (10%) and TVs & radios (2%). This region spends more on consumables than saving or investing their excess income. One respondent out of the 342 Page 149 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT respondents is self – employed. The region needs to be oriented on how to start their own businesses so that they can learn to save and invest their proceeds. 6.9.7.4 Education Levels The following table presents the education levels attained in the project area. Table 35: Education Level Attained by Households in Each Inkhundla What is the highest education level attained by the members of your household? Name of Primary Secondary High Inkhundla None level level school College University Vocational Total Zombodze Emuva 1 7 36 55 8 14 2 123 Hosea 0 12 41 57 7 9 1 127 Shiselweni 1 0 12 17 34 5 5 0 73 Matsanjeni 0 3 5 11 0 0 0 19 Total 1 34 99 157 20 28 3 342 Table 35 shows that about 46% of the households have completed high school, while 30% of the respondents have completed Secondary school. The tertiary level completion rates are very low. Complete illiteracy is a reality in the area, and this is attributable to them having to acquire work to support their families at the earliest age possible. 6.9.7.5 Water Supply 6.9.7.5.1 Access to Safe W ater Sources The following table illustrates the different sources of water supply used in the project area and frequency of use. Table 36: Sources of Water Supply by the Households in the Constituencies Sources of Water Supply Frequency Percent Stream/River/ Pond 97 28.4 Unprotected well without concrete lining or cover 69 20.2 Rainwater collection 30 8.8 Hand dug well with hand pump 1 0.3 Borehole with hand pump 49 14.3 Public taps 30 8.8 Piped into yard 19 5.6 Protected well 15 4.4 Community tank 7 2.0 Dam 1 0.3 Buy the water 6 1.8 Spring 18 5.3 Page 150 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Sources of Water Supply Frequency Percent Total 342 100.0 Table 36 presents the types of water sources where the households fetch water for drinking. The majority of the households (82.3%), drink untreated/unsafe water from the dams, rivers, unprotected wells some of which are hand – dug. 6.9.7.5.2 Responsibility for Collecting Water from the Water Sources and Associated Risks It is estimated that 59% of women and girls in targeted areas are responsible for collecting water. Carrying the responsibility for collecting water can also be very dangerous for women and girls. They can face conflict at water points and the risk of physical or sexual assault. Many of these dangers also arise when women and girls do not have access to safe and clean water and have no access to private toilet or latrine for urinating, defecating and managing menstruation. 6.9.7.5.3 The Times for Fetching water from the source The early morning hours (before 9am) are the best times for households to fetch water from the source. The respondents cited reasons including that in the early morning hours, the water is clean compared to the afternoon time where livestock has starred the mud from the source. Additionally, the sun in the morning is not as hot as in the noon and afternoon times. This is illustrated in Figure 23 below. Number of Respondents 120 100 80 60 40 number of respondents 20 0 Figure 23: Times for Fetching Water from the Source 6.9.7.5.4 The Time it Takes to Fetch Water from the Source Respondents were asked to state the time it takes them to fetch water from the source. Their responses are presented in the following bar graph. Page 151 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The Time it Takes to Fetch Water from the Source 70 60 50 40 30 Number of Respondents 20 10 0 0 5 15 25 35 45 60 90 120 300 Figure 24: The Time it Takes to Fetch Water from the Water Source Figure 25 demonstrates that the majority (51%) of the respondents reported that it takes them less than 45 minutes to fetch water from the source. The highest number of respondents (17.3%) reported that it takes them about 30 minutes to fetch water from the source. 49% spend more than an hour to collect water from the source. Any time above 10 minutes indicates that generally most of the respondents walk long distances to get water from the source. There is a great need for clean and accessible water supply in the region. 6.9.7.5.5 Means of Transport to Ferry W ater from the Source Table 37 shows that only 8% of the respondents use transport to ferry water from the source. The remaining 92% carry plastic containers on their heads. The few respondents that use transport to ferry water from the source mostly use wheelbarrows and tractors. Table 37: Means of Transporting Water from the Source by Tinkhundla Means of transporting water from the source by constituency water wheelbarro Name of Inkhundla car Donkey Tractor Truck van tank w Total Hosea 1 1 4 0 1 2 2 9 Matsanjeni 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Shiselweni 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 Zombodze Emuva 0 0 6 1 0 0 8 7 1 1 10 2 1 2 12 17 Total Figure shows the responsibility for collection of water from the various water sources in the project area. Page 152 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Mother, wife, aunt, sister, 4% sister-in-law 4% 25% Father, husband, uncle, brother 18% Daughter, niece 4% Son, nephew 11% Not applicable 34% Everyone Figure 25: Responsibility for Collecting Water from the Water Sources It is the responsibility of the females to collect water from the sources. Figure 26 shows that 59% of the female respondents collect water for the households. 6.9.7.5.6 Interruptions in W ater Supply Table 6 below shows that within the past 6 months there were no major breakdowns (72%) in the drinking water supply. This is because most of the water sources that are perennial. The constituencies that have had some breakdown are those communities that use boreholes that had to be closed down so that the community leaders could organise someone to fix the problem. The responses are summarized in the subsequent table. Table 38: Interruptions/Breakdowns in the Drinking Water Supply From the Main Source in the Past 6 Months Did your household experience interruptions/ breakdowns in the drinking water supply from Name of Inkhundla the main source in the past 6 months Total Yes No Dont know Hosea 32 90 4 126 Shiselweni 1 20 51 2 73 Zombodze Emuva 26 94 1 121 Total 85 247 7 339 6.9.7.6 Sanitation Page 153 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Sanitation is the effective use of tools and actions that keep our environment healthy. These include latrines or toilets to manage waste, food preparation, washing stations, effective drainage and other mechanisms. In the immediate environment, exposed faecal matter will be transferred back into people’s food and water resources, helping to spread serious diseases such as cholera. Beyond the community, the lack of effective waste disposal or sewerage systems can contaminate ecosystems and contribute to disease pandemics. Also having access to private toilet or latrine for urinating, defecating and managing menstruation can: i) prevent the danger associated with harassing and abusing women and, ii) reduce girls’ school dropout rate. 6.9.7.6.1 Types of Toilet Facilities used by Households Evidence from a baseline study covering Nhlangano to Siphambanweni shows that in all the constituencies over 70% of the households use the improved type of pit latrine. 21% of the households use the traditional type of pit latrine. This is shown in Figure 26 below. An improved pit latrine is the one that has a ventilation pipe from the pit to above the toilet structure, while the basic or traditional pit latrine does not have the ventilation pipe. Type of Toilet Facility used by Households 250 200 150 100 50 0 Number of Respondents Figure 26: Type of Toilet Facility Used by Households About 6% of the respondents do not have a toilet facility and they use the bush, open air and fields. The constituencies that reported that they do not have a toilet facility and they use the bush, open air and fields are: Hosea (7 respondents), Shiselweni 1 (6 respondents) and Zombodze Emuva (5 respondents). This is shown in table 39. For women and girls, finding a place to go to the toilet outside, often having to wait until the cover of darkness, can leave them vulnerable to abuse and sexual assault. Page 154 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Table 39: Type of Toilet Facility used in the Household by Constituency/Inkhundla What kind of toilet facility does your household use Tradition Flush to al pit sewage Improved latrine Open or septic pit latrine without Air/bush/ No tank (VIP) slab field etc toilet Total Name of Hosea 0 97 21 7 0 125 Inkhundla Matsanjeni 0 18 1 0 0 19 Shiselweni 1 2 54 13 5 1 75 Zombodze 5 71 40 3 2 121 Emuva Total 7 240 75 15 3 340 6.9.7.6.2 Distance of the Toilet Facility from the Homestead The majority (81%) of the toilet facilities are located within the compound, while 15% of the respondents reported that the toilet facility is located outside the compound. The few respondents (4%) reported that they do not have the toilet facility at all, they use the bush as a toilet. This is shown in figure 28 below: Is the Toilet Facility Located within the Homestead? 4% 15% Yes , within the yard No, outside the yard No toilet facility 81% Figure 27: Location of Toilet Facility from the Homestead 6.9.7.6.3 Disposal of Infant stools Respondents were asked to explain how they dispose the stools of their infants (0 to 3 years), who do not use the toilet facility. The responses are shown in Figure 29: Page 155 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Methods of Disposing Infants stools (0 to 3 years) 250 200 150 100 50 Number of Respondents 0 Figure 28: Methods of Disposing Infants Stools (0 To 3 Years) About 65% of the respondents do not stay with infants. Those that stay with infants reported that they dispose the stools in the latrine (14%); some burry it within the yard (10.89%); others just throw the stools outside the yard (7.6% ); others simply burn the disposables in the rubbish pit outside the compound and 0.3% of the respondents throw it in the rubbish pit that is within the compound. Large portion of the population in the project area just throw stools in the open environment. This practice can have serious implications on human health, including generating: i) water borne disease and, ii) victor borne diseases. The project shall minimize these risks by putting in place and implementing community health and safety measures that will address these challenges in its targeted intervention areas. 6.9.8 Vulnerabilities 6.9.8.1 HIV/AIDS The key factors that underpin Eswatini’s social vulnerability are the devastating impact of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) pandemic with national HIV prevalence estimated at 39% in 2006, increasing food insecurities due to persistent drought conditions in certain regions of the country, low economic growth levels (below 2% in 2006/7); shrinking agriculture output and rising unemployment. In 2002 the unemployment rate was 34.2%. The impact of HIV and AIDS, unemployment and rising poverty and the corresponding decrease in purchasing power exposes many households to food insecurity (pension-watch knowledge centre). The Government launched an initiative, called “ALL IN�. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that the country attains a National Vision of having an AIDS free generation by 2022. This campaign is also aimed at uniting different sectors in the reduction of AIDS deaths by 65% and reduction in new infection by adolescents by 75% by 2022, and thus set the AIDS movement on track to end the AIDS epidemic among adolescents by 2030. Page 156 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT While contextual risks related with HIV/AIDS are being addressed by the national level initiative, the project related risks shall be mitigated through the project’s ESMP within the context of community health and safety requirements of ESS4. 6.10 Heritage The majority of the proposed routes for the main pipeline and laterals are along the roads (road reserve). The road construction and maintenance that are regularly done may have uncovered surface hidden artefacts/ archaeological object which would have been buried for some time. The Environmental and Social Assessment will confirm the existence of tangible or intangible cultural heritage at project sites will include guidance regarding how to manage any negative impacts. Since the project will be financing some civil works, some of excavation, movement of earth and impounding can be expected. These types of activities pose the possibility of encountering both known and unknown physical and cultural resources. A “Chance Finds Procedure� will be elaborated in the Environmental and Social Management Plans. 6.10.1 Archaeological interest There were no archaeological sites, artefacts or anything of archaeological importance observed in the area. In cases where these are discovered during the implementation of the project, the Eswatini National Trust Commission will be notified immediately and involved in the removal and preservation of these items. 6.10.2 Graves There were no signs of graves within the area affected by the project. During consultations with the communities in the project area, there has not been any indication that there may be graves affected by the project. 6.10.3 Monuments The Eswatini National Trust Commission Act popularly known as the ENTC Act of 1972 section 25 (1) (a)(i) defines a monument as “any area of land containing old building or any other place or object (whether natura l or constructed by man) aesthetic, historical, archaeological, scientific, sacred, or religious value or interest�. Along the proposed route there were no old buildings that qualify for national monument status as per the ENTC Act stipulations. Old buildings identified are not on the proposed route for the project. There were also no waterfalls, caves, rock art sites or anything else found along the proposed route that can stated to be of archaeological value or which deserves monument status. There were no identified areas or pieces of land along the proposed route that were said to be of historic value or sacred according to the nearby communities. 6.11 Crime The Shiselweni region records cross border crime since it is bordering South Africa. This suggest that in some cases like stock theft, Robberies, drug smuggling, Human trafficking, Theft, House Breaking and theft, the Page 157 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT criminals are either from the Republic of South Africa or Eswatini or even conspire with each other in committing the crimes. Other nationalities are also involved in cross border crime. However, in comparison to the other regions, the crime rate for Shiselweni is third after Hhohho and Manzini regions, Lubombo having the lowest. Shiselweni Police Region has got six (6) Police Stations which can be ranked according to high crime rate as follows. The project area is under the jurisdiction of Nhlangano and Hluthi Police station. Nhlangano has the highest crime rate in the region, and Hluthi. The following tables indicates the ranking of police stations in the region. Table 40: Crime Rate Ranking for Shiselweni Police Stations Police station Crime rate ranking Nhlangano 1 Hlatikulu 2 Hluti 3 Lavumisa 4 Gege 5 Phunga 6 Source: Eswatini Royal Police Headquarters Table 41:Crime Statistics in the Project Area (in Percentages) Crime Statistics for The Past Five (5) Years 2014-2018 Offences Against Lawful Authority 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Terrorism 0 0 0 0 0 Public Order 9 8.4 4.5 8.9 13 Perjury 0 0.47 3 3 2.6 Contempt 84 86 78.2 70.4 66.2 Def. The Ends 1.4 0.93 4.5 3 2.6 Escaping 5.6 4.2 9.8 14.9 14.3 Other 0 0 0 0 1.3 Offences Against Public Morality Rape 39.7 43.7 34.6 21.4 26.2 Att. Rape 1.9 6 3.4 1.3 1.7 Indecent Ass. 17.9 24.5 26.2 14.7 7.5 Unnatural Off. 36.7 22.5 34.1 0 2.1 Page 158 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Abortion 0 3.3 1.7 0.7 0.3 Other 3.8 0 0 61.9 62.2 Offences Against Person Murder 1.3 1.0 9.7 0.99 1.2 Ch 1.1 0.8 8.3 0.85 1.0 Att. Murder 0.4 0.5 0.46 0.35 0.58 Ass. Gbh 37.6 35.8 31.2 34.2 35.5 Ass. Common 47.1 49.2 43.9 48.1 50.9 Abduction 1.4 1.7 1.6 2.3 1.5 Robbery 9.9 10 5.09 10.5 7.7 A/Robbery 0.8 1.0 0.6 2.71 22 Car Hijacking 0 0 0.05 0 0 Extortion 0 0 0 0 0 Other 0.2 0 0 0 0.43 Offences Against Property H/B 28.3 26.6 31.3 30.9 31.9 Arson 0.7 0.4 8.7 0.5 0.3 Mip 9.6 9.2 0.9 8.5 7.7 Stock Theft 10.5 9.85 2.2 6.5 6.9 Theft Common 4.7 50.1 48 48.6 48.7 Car Theft 0.5 0.13 0.2 0.06 0.3 Falsitas 2.9 2.4 2.2 2.9 2.9 Fraud 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.6 0.6 Foggery 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.03 Rec. Stolen Pro. 0 0.03 0 0 0.03 Other 41.7 0.09 5.1 1.0 0.6 Offences Against Statute Girls 4.1 4.1 3.0 3.7 2.2 Game Act 0.5 0.8 0.4 0.5 0.5 Offences Against Statute (Cont.) Drugs 19.6 19.3 22.7 0 17.6 Page 159 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Liquor Act 14.8 10.4 12.4 13.3 10.5 Grass Burning 0.2 0 0 0.2 0 Gambling 0.1 0 0.1 0.4 0.4 Stock Disease 11.8 9.2 6.1 5.3 7.2 Firearm 1.3 1.2 1.9 1.3 0.9 Income Tax 0.8 0.7 0.4 0.9 1.3 Hum. Traffick. 0.1 0 0.1 0 0 Other 46.8 54.3 52.9 74.4 59.4 Source: Eswatini Royal Police Headquarters 6.12 Facilities 6.12.1 Health A Clinic located within the project area is at Hluthi. The Matsanjeni Health Centre and Nhlangano Health Centres can be reached with 30 minutes from either side of the project area. The following tables outline the prevalent diseases/conditions treated in the 3 health facilities in the project area. Hluthi and Matsanjeni health facilities are along the MR11, which makes them easily accessible to all population (women, children and other vulnerable groups). Nhlangano Health centre is located within Nhlangano town, which is also reachable as Nhlangano is the main town in the region. The cost of health care services is heavily subsidized by government, allowing the treatment of all people regardless of their financial status. 6.12.1.1 Hluti Clinic Top Conditions Below are the top conditions recorded in Hluti Clinic in 2018. Page 160 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Table 42: Annual Hluthi Clinic Data Condition Frequency Abnormal faeces 498 Acute upper respiratory infections of unspecified site 1701 Contact dermatitis and other eczema, unspecified cause 1017 Cough 438 Dental caries, extending into pulp 486 Diarrhea 70 Disorder of bone and cartilage, unspecified 511 Epilepsy, unspecified, without mention of intractable epilepsy 6 Fever, unspecified 51 Headache 323 Hypertension 285 Injury 58 Intestinal helminthiasis, unspecified 28 Intestinal Worms 15 Leukorrhea, not specified as infective 86 Lower Respiratory Infection (severe) 78 Mental Disorders 0 Muscular Skeletal Disease 255 Persistent Diarrhoea 20 Skin Disorders 507 Unspecified functional disorder of intestine 311 Unspecified essential hypertension 658 Unspecified senile psychotic condition 8 Upper respiratory infection 887 Urethral discharge 98 Varicella without mention of complication 9 Venereal disease, unspecified 138 Vomiting alone 44 Source: Regional HMIS (Out Patient Data 2018) Page 161 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 6.12.1.2 Matsanjeni Health Centre Top Conditions Below are the top conditions recorded in Nhlangano Health Centre in 2018. Table 43: Matsanjeni Health Centre Data Condition Frequency Abnormal faeces 31 Acute tonsillitis 1 Acute upper respiratory infections of unspecified site 129 Contact dermatitis and other eczema, unspecified cause 57 Cough 58 Dental caries, unspecified 4 Diarrhoea 2 Disorder of bone and cartilage, unspecified 160 Epilepsy, unspecified, without mention of intractable epilepsy 6 Epilepsy complicating pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium, unspecified as to 2 episode of care or not applicable Family history of diabetes mellitus 9 Fever, unspecified 2 Headache 80 Hypertension 4366 Injury 727 Intestinal helminthiasis, unspecified 1 Intestinal Worms 49 Leukorrhea, not specified as infective 14 Mental Disorders 615 Muscular Skeletal Disease 887 Persistent Diarrhoea 102 Unspecified disorder of urethra and urinary tract 1 Unspecified essential hypertension 246 Unspecified functional disorder of intestine 51 Unspecified senile psychotic condition 24 Urethral discharge 138 Varicella without mention of complication 2 Venereal disease, unspecified 9 Vomiting alone 12 Source: Regional HMIS (Out Patient Data 2018) Page 162 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 6.12.1.3 Nhlangano Health Centre Top Conditions Below are the top conditions recorded in Nhlangano Health Centre in 2018. Table 44: Annual Nhlangano Health Centre Data Condition Frequency Abnormal faeces 1230 Acute tonsillitis 411 Acute upper respiratory infections of unspecified site 3722 Altered mental status 760 Contact dermatitis and other eczema, unspecified cause 1843 Cough 1571 Dental caries, unspecified 3305 Diarrhea 296 Disorder of bone and cartilage, unspecified 3481 Epilepsy, unspecified, without mention of intractable epilepsy 419 Epilepsy complicating pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium, unspecified as to 710 episode of care or not applicable Family history of diabetes mellitus 2765 Fever, unspecified 211 Headache 1502 Intestinal helminthiasis, unspecified 128 Leukorrhea, not specified as infective 451 Unspecified disorder of urethra and urinary tract 431 Unspecified essential hypertension 7201 Unspecified functional disorder of intestine 1279 Unspecified senile psychotic condition 387 Urethral discharge 216 Varicella without mention of complication 111 Venereal disease, unspecified 320 Vomiting alone 222 Source: Regional HMIS (Out Patient Data 2018) Hypertension is among the top three conditions treated in all three health facilities. The other two in Hluthi are upper respiratory infections and skin diseases. Muscular skeletal disease and injury were the other two conditions in Matsanjeni. In Nhlangano Health Centre, disorder of bone and cartilage and dental caries were the other conditions ranked highest along with the hypertension. 6.12.2 Utilities There are telephone and power transmission lines that run along the MR11, on the road reserve, and they cover the whole distance of the main pipeline. There is an MTN mast in close proximity to the proposed reservoir site at Hluthi. This will not be disturbed by the proposed reservoir construction. 6.12.3 Emergency services Page 163 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The nearest fire and emergency services office is at Nhlangano. Police stations in the project area and in close proximity are Hluthi and Nhlangano police stations. The nearest fire and emergency services site is at Nhlangano. GBV/SEA: 7 OVERVIEW OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS This section describes the outcomes of the stakeholder consultation process as part of the ESIA compilation; furthermore, it provides details of the public consultation and participation activities undertaken during compilation of the ESIA for the Nhlangano - Siphambanweni Integrated Water Supply Project. The law states that public participation and provision of access to information are obligatory procedures of the environmental authorisation process and for that reason, these consultations were aimed at being fully inclusive, open and transparent. Stakeholder engagement and participation is of essence in the planning and implementation of the proposed water project as it will provide an opportunity for the implementing agency (EWSC) and other stakeholders to engage extensively with project beneficiaries, identify stakeholder’s interests and to collate feedback to assist in project planning and in the refinement of preliminary designs. The consultation process was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) and the Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) of the World Bank (ESS10 – Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure in conjunction with ESS1 – Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts). Public consultation, disclosure and stakeholder engagement are key requirements of the World Bank because when done effectively, they can improve the environmental and social sustainability of projects and as well as allow these stakeholders to make significant contribution to successful project design and implementation. It assists also in the management of environmental and social impacts. The requirements for stakeholder engagement in projects require that stakeholder consultation and engagement should start as early as possible in the project cycle; continue throughout the life of the project; be free of external manipulation, interference, coercion, or intimidation; where applicable enable meaningful community participation; and be conducted on the basis of timely, relevant, understandable, and accessible information in a culturally appropriate format. A number of stakeholders are involved in this project; ranging from the Government Line Ministries, the community and other stakeholders. Noteworthy is that these consultations were carried out at both Regional and Constituency Level. At the Regional level, the following groups of people were inclusive; constituency leadership (Bucopho, Tindvuna), development partners (World Vision, Red Cross), security forces (Police, Correctional, USDF), the youth (ENYC) and Government (CTA, Education, Commerce, Rural Water, Health). For the Constituency Level, these groups of people were consulted; the youth, water committees, WASH community representatives, social workers (Bagcugcuteli), traditional authorities and community police. The public consultation process began in March 14, 2019. The primary aims of the public participation process are: Page 164 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT ▪ To inform Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs) and key stakeholders of the proposed project and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ▪ To initiate meaningful and participation of IAPs; ▪ To identify issues and concerns of key stakeholders and IAPs with regards to the implementation of the project (i.e. focus on important issues); ▪ To promote transparency and an understanding of the project and its potential environmental (social and biophysical) impacts (both positive and negative); ▪ To provide information used for decision-making; ▪ To provide a structure for liaison and communication with IAPs and key stakeholders; ▪ To ensure inclusivity (the needs, interests and values of IAPs must be considered in the decision- making process); ▪ To assess the level of stakeholder interest and support for the project and to enable stakeholders’ views to be taken into account in project design and environmental and social performance; ▪ To anticipate and avoid risks and impacts and where possible, minimize or reduce risks to acceptable levels; ▪ To focus on issues relevant to the project, and issues considered important by IAPs and key stakeholders; and ▪ To provide responses to IAP queries. The public participation process for the proposed project was undertaken according to the stages outlined below. 7.1 Scoping phase stakeholder engagements 7.1.1 Initial Stakeholder Consultations At the inception of the ESIA process, the Development Teams from each benefiting community were engaged. Meetings were also held with the Ministry of health, which is driving the sanitation part of the project. Consultations were conducted at Regional level (Shiselweni Region Development Team) and further condensed to Constituency level (Zombodze Emuva Inkhundla Development Team, Hosea Inkhundla Development Team and Shiselweni 1 Development Team). All IAP information; including details on who was consulted, consultation dates, what was consulted on and general feedback on consultation process, responses, has been included and acts as a record of the communication/public involvement process. Minutes of these consultations have been attached as Appendix 5 of this report. A detailed Stakeholder Engagement Plan is attached as Appendix 6. A total of five consultative meetings were held and a total of 234 people have attended these meeting on the dates shown under table 42, the last meeting was the public scoping meeting. Page 165 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Table 45: Dates of Community Meetings Meeting Venue Number of Date participants Shiselweni Regional 14 March 2019 ESWC Regional office 50 Attendees: 29 Development Team auditorium males, 21 males Zombodze Emuva 16 March 2019 Zombodze Emuva 35 attendee, 21 males, Constituency Constituency Building 14 females Hosea Constituency 23 March 2019 Hosea Constituency 43 Attendees: 29 Building Males, 14 females Shiselweni 1 Constituency 30 March 2019 Shiselweni 1 50 Attendees: 25 Constituency Building males, 25 females Hluthi Police Station - 04 April 2019 Hluthi Police Station - 47 Attendees: 35 Conference Room Conference Room males, 12 females (Scoping Meeting) During these consultations, a powerpoint presentation was done by the EWSC’s Project Manager; Mr Bongani Mdluli and the Corporation’s Public Affairs Manager Ms Nomahlubi Matiwane explained the aim of the meeting which was to; • Provide background information about the proposed water project (project brief) • Gather feedback and identify stakeholders interests • Address social, technical and environmental issues Meeting attendees were then allowed to voice their comments and seek clarifications. Page 166 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Photoplate Photoplate were asked for their perceptions and expectations with respect to the proposed project and in particular the location of kiosks along the project area for ease of accessibility. They were also asked to indicate the main challenges they face as a result of the unavailability of potable water in the area. Issues of sanitation were also discussed as perpetuated by the lack of clean water. Page 167 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The following photo plates illustrate the discussion. Photoplate 7.2 Advertising for the Scoping meeting 7.2.1 Site Notices Site notices were erected at various noticeable locations along the MR11 corridor (Nhlangano - Siphambanweni) to advertise the planned scoping meeting. The purpose of these notices was to raise awareness about the planned scoping meeting, for optimal participation of IAPs. A4 size site notices in both English and Siswati were placed in the site, especially population concentrated areas (Hluthi Police Station, Siphambanweni Water Kiosk, Market Stalls and multiple Bus Stop Shelters along the aforementioned road amongst others), inviting interested and affected members of the public to a scoping meeting as part of the ESIA compilation process. The photo plates below show some of the notices displayed; Photoplate 9: Advert displayed at the entrance of a local shop Page 168 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Photoplate 10:An Advert at Siphambanweni Kiosk 7.2.2 Advertising To support the project environmental review process, members of the public and IAPs were invited to a scoping meeting with the purpose of collecting public input and allowing the public and IAPs to express their views and concerns about the project. The primary aim of the advert was to ensure that the widest possible group of IAPs were informed of the project, and to elicit comments from the public regarding the proposed project. This interactive process is key in the determination of major issues and impacts that will be vital and need to be addressed in the ESIA. This advert was published in the local newspaper for two consecutive weeks on the following dates; 23rd March 2019, 30th March 2019, 31st March 2019 and 3 April 2019. To reach a wider audience, members of the public and IAPs were also invited to the meeting on various social media platforms including Facebook, through the EWSC’s pages. The following photo plate shows one of the published adverts on the local Newspaper; Page 169 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT PHOTOPLATE 12: ADVERT IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER 7.3 Public Scoping Meeting PHOTOPLATE 11: ADVERT ON EWSC FACEBOOK PAGE The primary aim of the public meeting was to: ▪ Provide IAPs and stakeholders with information regarding the proposed project and associated infrastructure; ▪ Provide IAPs and stakeholders with information regarding the ESIA process; ▪ Provide an opportunity for IAPs and stakeholders to seek clarity on the project; ▪ Record issues and concerns raised; and ▪ Provide a forum for interaction with the project team. A scoping report was compiled and submitted to the EEA for review and approval. The scoping report was approved as shown in Appendix 2 of this report. 7.4 Issues Raised during Consultations The following table provides a summary of the issues raised during these initial stakeholder consultations. Page 170 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Table 46: Summary of Issues raised during consultations Category Question Response Project Timelines 1. When will the World Bank approve the project The World bank will meet to consider the project for funding in July and communicate decision to for implementation. EWSC soon after that. 2. How long after approval will implementation After approval, there will be an appointment of design consultants to make detailed designs, which commence? will take 6-12 months. The contractor will then be appointed to start the construction. 3. After receipt of approval from the Bank, may EWSC will ensure that there are no delays after approval of eth project for funding and run EWSC work speedily to complete this project? processes in parallel where possible. Resettlement & 1. Will there be compensation due to movement of Privately owned land that is affected will be a=compensated after extensive consultations with Compensation water network through privately owned land? property owners, using national and international guidelines. Compensation will be done in accordance with national and international guidelines. No civil work shall commence unless compensation and Resettlement Assistances are paid to Project Affected Persons (PAPs) Employment 1. What benefits will the community receive e.g. Locals will be given first preference, depending on the availability of their skills. The contractor will job opportunities? be advised to ensure non skilled labour is sourced from the community. Unskilled labour will be sourced from the Tinkhundla in the area. Appointed Community Liaison Officer (CLO) will assist. Companies, contractors included, are expected to comply with labour laws of the country to ensure 2. Are there any laws that address payment of that salaries paid to workers are above the minimum wage. unskilled labour? Movement of Laterals 1. How will the pipe laterals move from the Left To minimise disturbance to traffic, the design will use storm water culverts that cross under the Hand Side (LHS) to the Right Hand Side roads. (RHS)? Page 171 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Water Abstraction 1. Has a water abstraction permit been obtained? The water abstraction permit for the existing Masibini water treatment plant has more water allocation than is currently abstracted. The required volumes from this project will still be within the 2. How does EWSC plan to continuously provide allocated quota. water in cases where Mkhondvo River levels are significantly low? ESIA Process 1. 2. Once Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) has The EEA does not revoke the EEC before doing extensive consultations and engagements with been issued out by the EEA, can EEA evoke the concerned parties. It is after that exercise has been exhausted that the EEC may be revoked, but Certificate due to concerns from the public? also based on valid environmental non compliances. Socio-economic Issues 1. Can child-headed families who cannot afford The project does not give preferential treatment for installation cost to disadvantaged groups. meter installation fee be given a discount? However, the provision of kiosks, which provided water at E0.20 per litre, makes a provision for disadvantaged groups to access water at minimal cost. 2. Do water charges differ in the rural areas compared to the urban areas? Water Kiosks 1. Will multiple Water Kiosks be placed in densely Location of kiosks will be based on ease of accessibility, population coverage and also the need to populated areas? have individual kiosks service multiple people to sustain the business. areas with a high density of less privileged people will also be considered first. The placement and number of kiosks will be done in consultations with community and will ensure maximum coverage in these communities. Pipeline Coverage 1. What is the estimated number of people to be The estimated population of 20,000, and up to 50,000 people are expected to benefit from this provided with potable water in this project? project. 2. How will the water reach homesteads away There will be laterals that will be constructed to feed communities that are not in close proximity to from the MR 11 corridor? the highway, as shown in the project layout drawings presented. EWSC provides 15m coverage from main pipe to homes. Individuals who fall beyond the 15m can acquire a quotation from EWSC to bring meter closer to their homes. Quotation is based on the number of additional metres required by the client. Most of the water will be driven by gravity because the pipeline is from an area of higher latitude to lower altitude. However, because of the different laterals, the pressure will need to be boosted by Page 172 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 3. Are there any pump stations along the network? pumping. Only one solar powered pump station is proposed, opposite St Florence Christian Academy due to extremely steep slope. The Corporation does not encourage that the public buys their own pipes, because the quality may be substandard. EWSC encourages the use of SABS approved pipes. Water pipes sold in most 4. Is an individual allowed to buy a similar pipe local hardware shops cannot withstand the velocity at which the water flows and will therefore lead grade for movement of meter within his/her to bursting of the pipes. home instead of those provided by EWSC to avoid high installation costs? Bambitje has been included in this project. 5. Will the network cover Bambitje area? It has been previously left out and is in desperate need for potable water. Appointment of 1. Contractor appointed in a similar project in The procurement of the contractor will follow standard EWSC procurement procedures, and equal Contractor Lavumisa did an exceptional job. Can he be opportunities will be given to contractors appointed for this project? Existing Water 1. Will existing multiple water committees and For ease of sustainability, water supply from EWSC should not be supplementary to other water Committees and community water schemes be dissolved for the supply projects. One member from the various water committees in each Inkhundla can be selected Schemes formation of new committees to assist in for the formation of a water committee to work with EWSC. implementation? 2. Some people have already paid in water The project will give an option for people to access water. It will not compel people to change form schemes, what is the way forward? their schemes if they prefer to stick with them. General 1. Request for EWSC to open a branch in Hluthi The suggestion was noted and would be taken up with the leadership of EWSC 2. Who digs and buys the pipes for supply in EWSC does the installation of the bulk infrastructure up to the water meter. The plumbing from the homes? water meter to the houses is done by plumbers that are engaged by home owners. Page 173 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Page 174 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The following table outlines the responses to typical questions that have been carried out. Photoplate 13: A Section of The Regional Development Team Meeting Attendees 15: Interactions with the Shiselweni Regional Team Photoplate 14: The Project Manager Presenting the Project Outline Page 175 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Photoplate 16: Zombodze Emuva Consultations Photoplate 17: Interactions with Zombodze Emuva Attendees 18: Submission of the Environmentalist at Hosea Inkhundla Photoplate 19: A section of Attendees for Hosea Inkhundla Page 176 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Photoplate 20: Some of the Attendees of the Consultative Meeting for Shiselweni 1 Photoplate 21: A Presentation by Ms Matiwane during the Meeting Photoplate 22: Interactions with the Attendees who required Clarification 7.5 Focus Group Discussions A number of focus group discussions were held to solicit input of various groups in the project area. 7.5.1 Women Page 177 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Focus group meetings were with women (25 women at Shiselweni 1 Inkhundla, 10 at Lushini and 13 at Mchinsweni communities). Women23: The Focus Group Discussion Photoplate 24: Ms Matiwane Chairing the Discussion at Shiselweni 1 Inkhundla 7.5.1.1 Summary of issues raised by women groups The following table summarizes comments and issues from women’s groups Table 47: Issues Raised by Women Category Comment/Issue Existing water supply Existing stand-pipes within their community are unreliable. When this happens, the community schemes has no choice but to return to unsafe sources such as rivers. Although technically they are near to safe water sources these are often shut down. These water schemes were implemented by Rural Water Supply Branch and as is the norm, community members had to put down a joining fee to be part of the scheme as well as provide labour for the installation of pipes. Some schemes are said to be non-functional at least once per month for a couple of days at a time even though community member are paying E10 per month. Water Availability Each person is allowed a 20litre container at a time at the borehole pumps. If there are many people at the borehole the process is slowed considerably. Water quality The water is drawn from an earth dam that was built so respondents are not sure how clean it is. Water from the boreholes is sometimes muddy. Affordability There is concern in the community that some will not be able to afford to pay their bills which in the past has affected neighbours. For this reason, the kiosk is the preferred means of getting safe potable water. Access to water supply The elderly find it increasingly difficult to fetch water or use an outdoor toilet. For many the option of indoor plumbing is desirable as even the water kiosk is considered far for some. Those who live with or near sick or elderly people are concerned to ensure they leave enough water for the day. Some respondents claim that they sometimes queue for water from 3am to 7am before they can return home. Those who have transport make use of the EWSC water kiosk at Nsalitje. Sanitation VIP toilets had to be built by homesteads in order for them to be eligible for the Rural Water scheme but many of these quickly fell into disrepair because they were done hurriedly to facilitate the project. Some have hand-washing facilities but most do not. Page 178 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Category Comment/Issue Maintenance of water Community members are further frustrated because they have to constantly maintain clogged supply infrastructure pipes and repair burst pipes or other infrastructure which they provided labour to install in the first instance. General As carrying water is cumbersome, most opt to wash the cloths at the river rather than at home. This time-consuming task means other household chores are put on hold. The availability of water closer to the homestead is seen as a timesaving intervention where additional activities such as cooking, and watering livestock can be carried out simultaneously. Waste management Disposable nappies are littered all over the community in dongas and even along the side of the road. The preference to disposable nappies is said to be nothing to do with the availability of water but the allure of ‘modern’ living. 7.5.1.2 Recommendations from women’s groups i. The project should use local labour for their (‘our’) projects and were keen to know if the kiosk would provide more long-term employment. ii. They are eager to learn more about water conservation with a view to reducing costs. iii. They are looking forward to having the water project implemented and they wold protect against anyone who stopped a water project. Photo plate 25: Women's group Lushini Page 179 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Photo plate 26: Long awaiting plumbing 7.5.2 Rural Health Motivators Rural Health Motivators are generally regarded as the most knowledgeable community members with regards to water and sanitation having been trained on WASH issues by government and non-governmental organisations over the years. Rural Health Motivators (RHMs) were also consulted to solicit their views on the project. These are community people that work with the Ministry of Health to promote health issues and play a liaison role between the Ministry of health and the community. 7.5.2.1 Summary of issues raised by RHMs The following table provides a summary of issues raised by RHMs in the project area. Table 48: Issues Raised by RHMs Category Issue raised Need for the project Expressed gratitude for the project No single home in Bambitje community has a water connection Water kiosk is the first priority so that everyone in the community can have access to clean potable water. The respondents request that ESWC consult them with regards to the site of the proposed kiosk. Then those who can afford to can opt for individual connections. Existing water schemes Though there have been boreholes with communal hand-pumps in the area these are not maintained Not reliable Water availability Most people collect water from the river which they share with livestock Now even the rivers are drying up so that in many places people have to dig for water. Page 180 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Category Issue raised There is so little water to spare that one respondent remarked that ‘people do not even offer water to travellers if they ask – we pretend not to hear.’ Respondents also observed that the availability of water at home or close to home would allow them to be more efficient in their chores. Water reuse and recycling The use of ‘grey’ water for homestead gardens is understood but respondents complain that this water is hardly adequate for viable gardens. Sanitation In many areas, percentage of homestead with good, effective VIP toilets in the area has decreased. This is because many of the existing VIPs are old and have become dilapidated or because they are many new homesteads who did not benefit from past interventions. Bambitje community has recently benefitted from an EU funded sanitation programme implemented by World Vision. Every home has a clean toilet with additional waste pits in each. These new VIP toilets also include hand-washing facilities utilising 2 litre plastic bottles attached to the toilet. There has been education on sanitation and hygiene for all the families in the area although it is difficult to estimate who adheres to this. Education and awareness The Rural Health motivators stated that they try to teach people about purifying drinking raising water and believe that many are following their advice because the cases of diarrheal diseases in the community have declined over the years. Waste management – A big challenge to waste management are disposable nappies which are said to litter Disposable nappies the community. Although burning disposables and sanitary towels is an option many chose to throw in the veld or in the VIP latrines which are already full. This is a source of annoyance for those family members who have to dig new pits, in many instances the men. Recognising that water projects always have a sanitation component; respondents were concerned that some families will not be able to improve their facilities. Affordability Respondents stated that many will make the connections even if they may be an initial reluctance to commit. An elderly couple stated that would even be willing to sell their cattle if necessary because they find it increasingly difficult to cope with fetching water and using an outdoor latrine. This is an important commitment considering the traditional attachment to cattle among Emaswati. 7.5.2.2 Recommendations from RHMs The community would be grateful for more information on how to maintain their water connections, how to avoid faults and how to reduce costs. The following photoplates show interactions with RHMs Page 181 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Photo plate 27: Rural Health motivators at Bambitje Photo plate 28: Rural Health motivators at Ondiyaneni 7.5.3 Traditional Authorities The importance of engaging with traditional authorities cannot be understated. Buy in from the traditional authority in general is key to the success of a project in the country. Page 182 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 7.5.3.1 Summary of issues from traditional authorities The following table summarises the issues raised during the engagements. Table 49: Summary Issues from Traditional Authorities Category Comment/Issue Consultations Respondents suggest that previous projects have been stalled or cancelled because the traditional authorities felt that they were not adequately consulted. Following the scoping activities that have been carried out by ESWC, Bandlancane expressed satisfaction with the consultations carried out so far in this project. Reception of the project The people of this area look forward to having water not only for drinking but also to plant vegetables. Some even have ambitions to plant sugar cane rather than maize. It is clear from informants that the implementation of a water project will give positive political mileage for all community leaders associated with it. Many are keen that the project be implemented during their term of office 7.5.3.2 Recommendations from Traditional authorities i. Although all traditional authorities including Bandlancane expressed satisfaction with the scoping process carried out, further enhancement of this benefit would be for the Regional Administrator who is responsible for Chiefs within the region to be informed of the project and formally and to liaise with his chiefs for the duration of the project. ii. Members of Libandla also expressed a hope that there would be further consultations as to where to construct Kiosks so that they are in easy reach of the neediest in the community. Further Consultations will be carried out as outlined in the environmental and Social commitment plan (ESCP) and the Stakeholder Engagement Plan. Page 183 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 7.6 Disclosure This stage focuses on disclosing and consulting on the draft results of the ESIA process. Within the overarching ESIA engagement objectives, the specific objectives for the ESIA phase are to: • Provide feedback to the stakeholders on the draft impact assessment and associated management/mitigation measures • Gather stakeholder input on the impact assessment and outlined mitigation and enhancement measures Consultation and public participation are equally an integral part of the EIA process in Eswatini as applied to projects assigned to both medium and high risk under the Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations. As required by EAA, this draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), as well as Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) will be disclosed in the EWSC website and an advertisement will be placed in the daily newspaper informing the general public of the need to access and review the documents as part of stakeholder consultations. Page 184 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 8 DESCRIPTION OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS This chapter describes the potential impacts on the biophysical and socio-economic environments, which may occur due to the proposed activities. Impacts are identified and predicted based on the analysis of the information collected from the following: - • Project information • Baseline information • World Bank Environmental Health Guidelines for Water and Sanitation Projects 8.1 Positive/Beneficial Impacts 8.1.1 Construction Phase The construction of the pipeline, laterals and pumphouses, reservoirs and kiosks and additional general operational maintenance activities provide employment opportunities (directly and indirectly) to skilled as well as unskilled labour primarily to locals. Routine and periodic maintenance activities during the operation phase would generate direct employment not necessarily to the local communities but to the staff of EWSC. 8.1.1.1 Education and Health Facilities The educational and health facilities in the project areas will be connected to the main pipeline and this will improve the quality of services. 8.1.1.2 Employment and Acquisition of new skills Increased employment opportunities, improved service delivery to enterprises and the population across the water sector in general remains one of the positive benefits that will arise from the project. Project needs include labour force; therefore, semi and unskilled labour will be sourced locally to provide significant employment opportunities. It is anticipated that the project will provide direct employment during the construction phase and another operational stage (through the kiosks). Indirect employment through aspects such as, infrastructure maintenance and markets will be far much greater and over a longer period. The proposed project will provide economic benefits to the communities in Hosea, Shiselweni 1 and Zombodze Emuva Tinkhundlas. These will come in a form of direct and indirect job opportunities to a significant number of the population of the area during the construction phase of the project. This will reduce the unemployment rate in the area and in the process improve the standard of living of the residents. Locals may acquire some sills in construction through training and Skills transfer, training. This will increase in future employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. 8.1.1.3 Increase in entrepreneurship opportunities Commercial activities in the corridor will have their businesses widened by the increased demand for their products. The project will also create markets for goods and services especially construction inputs which include raw materials, construction machinery and labour. Many secondary businesses are also likely to spring up during the construction phase especially those providing foods and beverages to the construction workers. Page 185 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 8.1.2 Operation Phase 8.1.2.1 Increased Water Supply The project entails the bulk supply of water in the project area. Presently, a high percentage of the population in the project area drink untreated water from dams, rivers and unprotected wells; some of which are hand dug. Water from these sources is commonly shared with livestock. In addition, borehole water supply is unreliable and at times muddy. The proposed project will ensure reliable supply good quality water. 8.1.2.2 Employment/Job Creation It is anticipated that the project will provide direct employment in the constituencies during the construction phase and another operational stage (through the operation of the kiosks). 8.1.2.3 Improved Economic Growth Better access to clean water, sanitation services and water management creates tremendous strategy for economic growth as its availability has a potential for various investments and gains across domestic, industry and irrigation. This project will be a catalyst for local development and economic activity and help reduce extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. Furthermore, the value of time savings is the largest component of economic benefits as a result of the project as the beneficiaries will no longer have to access water from relatively distance sources. 8.1.2.4 Increased Food Security Water scarcity has a huge impact on food production as it is key to food security. Without water, people do not have a means of watering their crops. This is because agriculture requires substantial amounts of water is required for irrigation processes. Currently, most people in the project area (82.3%) drink water from untreated/unsafe water from dams, rivers and unprotected wells; some of which are hand-dug. This water is also shared with livestock including cattle and goats, which presents a health risk as various communicable and zoonotic diseases can be transmitted first from the animals and then spread within the population. Through the provision of potable water to the people located in the project area, water more will be available for crop production and livestock growth. The beneficiary population will be able to water their gardens and provide water to various livestock which are both sources of food. 8.1.2.5 Business Growth Improved reliability and quality of water supply will stimulate business and entrepreneurial activities leading to increased commercial and residential water demand in the Shiselweni region. Moreover, the construction of the pipeline and distribution laterals and power station including operation of the kiosks will require materials and equipment which will be sourced locally and internationally, and will in-effect boost the local business enterprises through supply of locally available materials and equipment. Water is a significant trigger of economic growth and establishment of small and micro-enterprises by the local communities. Businesses are likely to increase due to the presence of improved water hence spur economic growth. 8.1.2.6 Education and Health Facilities Page 186 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The educational and health facilities in the project areas will be connected to potable water and this will improve the quality of services, for example, health centres that have water, which is also contributes to sanitation. Access to clean water will make the schools and health facilities not to be a source of infections themselves. 8.1.2.7 Gender and Children Access to potable water would go a long way towards alleviating the daily household burdens of women, giving them more time, improving their health and enhancing their livelihoods. The burden to collect water for cooking, and other domestic needs falls primarily on women and children (more than 59% in the project area). water will contribute significantly to their safety and productivity as they will have more time to perform other tasks. The social studies undertaken during the preparation of this report revealed 51% of the beneficiary population take less than 45 minutes to collect water, and 49% spend more than an hour. This shows that the water sources are significantly far away from homesteads. This activity can, and often does, take women away from other, more economically profitable, opportunities such as employment or even farming. Children often must miss school or arrive late to collect water. In some cases, children and women must walk long distances to water sources. Besides opportunity costs, many find themselves in danger along the route to and from water sources. The availability of easily accessible potable 8.1.2.8 Improved Community Health Communities in Hosea, Shiselweni 1 and Zombodze Tinkhundla will have access to potable water through the pipeline which alleviates the risk is waterborne diseases. In some places, the water sources are shared with livestock and other possible contamination sources. People living outside the 3 Tinkhundlas will also have access to potable water through 24 water kiosks that will be constructed. This will improve the quality of life school-going children, especially young adolescent girls. 8.1.2.9 Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emission Most of the electricity used in Eswatini is imported from South Africa and Mozambique, of which most is generated from coal. The use of a solar plant to generate power for the project will contribute to climate change alleviation as this will allow the project not to use power generated from coal. 8.1.2.10 Improved Service Delivery EWSC customers along the Nhlangano Matsanjeni corridor will experience an improvement in quality of water supply service (e.g., distance to water, pressure and daily hours of service). The total population of the three target Tinkundla (Zombodze (14,231), Hosea (14,733) and Shiselweni I (9,269)- total 38,233) will benefit from improved sanitation services (through either: new infrastructure, supply chain enhancement, behaviour change campaign, sanitation marketing campaign, hygiene campaign, private sector enhancement). Baby WASH interventions will target all households with children under 3 year’s old living in the household (assuming approximately 8 percent of households). Additionally, there will be improved service delivery to enterprises and the population across the water sector in general remains one of the positive benefits that will arise from the Page 187 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT project. Institutions such as schools, shops and clinics stand to benefit and that will enhance their ability to better deliver their various service to the public. 8.1.2.11 Security Presence of clean water will be of beneficial impact to the local communities in terms of general security as a result of water. This is because the responsibility for fetching water, combined with recurring droughts and floods, results in women facing an increased risk of gender-based violence, as they have to walk farther distances to water sources. Through improved access of water (i.e., located closer to home, adequate volume of supply, better quality of water and regularity of supply) the project will directly improve the situation of women, elderly and youth in the targeted areas of Eswatini. 8.2 Adverse Impacts 8.2.1 Construction Phase 8.2.1.1 Site office Establishment Temporary construction sites are necessary to store construction equipment and materials. It is important to note that the materials will be delivered along the sections of the proposed pipeline to avoid long distance transportation of materials. There will be a need to establish several site offices at different points along the main pipeline and laterals for effective project supervision and management. 8.2.1.2 Land Acquisition Impacts The pipeline will be designed such that it aligns with the existing main road (MR11) along the road reserve, and parts will pass through certain fields and farmland, therefore there will be a need to land acquisition associated with the pipeline will be kept at a minimum. Associated infrastructure, including pump houses and reservoirs will be constructed will require land acquisition. 8.2.1.3 Land Use Change Agricultural production is one of the key activities that is a source of livelihood for the communities especially since most families depend on agricultural produce for their day to day dietary needs. Certain parts of the pipeline will pass through fields, which may not be used temporarily during construction. Furthermore, some land will be lost due to construction of other structures like reservoirs and the pump house. 8.2.1.4 Increase Invasion by Alien Weeds into Adjoining Areas Spread of alien invasive weeds onto adjoining naturally vegetated areas due to re-opening and transportation of stockpiles. 8.2.1.5 Depletion of water resources Page 188 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT As part of the planning process, one of the activities to be undertaken in preparation for construction will include seeking approvals to abstract water for construction. The logical choice of water supply for construction and dust suppression will be from surface water bodies close to the project area. Indiscriminate harvesting of water resources without a permit leads to shortage of water supply to downstream communities. 8.2.1.6 Water pollution Disturbances due to the pipeline construction on the water bodies could be in the form of increased pollution load by way of erosion from construction/ vehicle movement activities. The trenching activities may generate trench water, having high suspended solids concentration due to turbidity. Poor management of oils and hazardous material may lead to spillages and subsequent pollution of the surface water bodies 8.2.1.7 Loss of flora and vegetation cover Construction activities like clearing of land to make way for pipeline and associated infrastructure will lead to exposed area that may be more prone to erosion. Although the Flora may be lost through contamination due to improper management of chemicals, empty chemical containers and other wastes. 8.2.1.8 Soil Erosion and Contamination Clearing and compaction activities may lead to soil erosion since the soils on the project site are erodible. If clearing of areas is done and soil is left bare for a considerable amount of time, it may cause washing away of the topsoil. This may lead to sedimentation of nearby water bodies through surface runoff. The soil may further be contaminated by poor management of waste and other hazardous material. The soils on the project site are erodible. If clearing of areas is done and soil is left bare for a considerable amount of time, this may lead to soil erosion. Leaking machinery and equipment may pollute the soil, posing an adverse effect to the environment. 8.2.1.9 Community Health and Safety 8.2.1.9.1 Increase in road accidents The average traffic flow along the MR11 is 61.8 cars per hour. The introduction of construction vehicles may lead to unexpected disruption. The usability of this road will be compromised by heavy construction vehicles turning on/off the road and mingling with local traffic. During construction there will be heavy duty vehicles that come to the construction site to deliver various construction materials. This will increase traffic volumes as well as disrupt the smooth flow of traffic along these roads. The use of un-roadworthy vehicles, drivers disobeying traffic rules and obstruction of motorists’ views will contribute to this potentially negative impact. Drivers on the MR11 road and other feeder roads may also be not be aware of project construction vehicles, exposing them to risks. 8.2.1.9.2 Access Impacts The blocking and disturbance of accesses from construction activities will impact on accesses to properties due to excavations which may block users to their place of residence or business properties. 8.2.1.9.3 Changes in population dynamics Page 189 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The introduction of new people in the communities may lead to anti-social elements in this quiet environment, with a negative impact especially on issues of crime, HIV prevalence, and alcoholism and drug abuse especially among the youth, prostitution, women and child abuse, increase in costs of service provision, breakdown in values of locals. 8.2.1.10 Gender Based violence The introduction of new people in the project area may aggravate the current crime statistics related to violence against women and children which is the second highest public morality offense in the Shiselweni Region. Over the last five years, Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) has been the second highest in offences against women with an average of 34.9%. 8.2.1.11 Child labour Contractors may hire underage persons, which is against international and national legislation and standards. 8.2.1.12 Security Impacts At night, when streetlights may be absent or insufficient, inadequate site security or signage could lead to night- time accidents. 8.2.1.13 Blasting Impacts These impacts include ground vibrations, air blast, and generation of fines, fumes, dust and structural defects. 8.2.1.14 Pump House Impacts The raw materials used for the construction of the pump house may be disposed of improperly leading environmental degradation and aesthetical impacts. 8.2.1.15 Occupational Health and Safety 8.2.1.15.1.1 Site Water and Sanitation Since there is no running water, site workers may not have access to quality drinking water, which may lead to waterborne diseases. Without proper sanitation, site workers may use bushes as toilets, which may lead to soil pollution as well as pollution of water resources from pollutants like coliforms and other pollutants. Project activities may impact water availability in the small streams in the project area. Poor sanitation may also cause pollution to these water bodies. 8.2.1.15.1.2 Atmosphere and Aesthetics • Dust Construction of the pipeline may temporarily affect the visual aesthetics of the area as well as give rise to dust, noise and visual impacts. During haulage of material, dust will be emitted. The weight of vehicles, their speed of passage and number of wheels in contact with the ground, and the nature and condition of road surfaces or haul routes all contribute to dust emission. If not sheeted, turbulence in the empty bodies of the vehicles may scour out dust. Cleared surfaces may emit dust when vehicles are using them. Dust may also be emitted from stockpiles of soil material. This may be exacerbated in dry and windy days. Page 190 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • Emissions Machinery and vehicles may emit gases like SOx and NOx and particulate matter, which cause air pollution and respiratory illnesses. This may be exacerbated by unserviced and poorly maintained machinery and vehicles. • Noise Construction vehicles may generate a considerable amount of noise during construction activities. Noise during movements include reversing alarms and engine revving. Noise from construction vehicles has a number of different sources including silencer, brakes, poor suspension and body slap. Empty trucks are worse than fully loaded ones; they tend to travel faster and be noisier because they suffer from "body-slap" when going over potholes, bumps, or road humps. • Aesthetics Impacts Linear projects such as pipeline developments have a propensity to spoil aesthetic environments. This may be due to large tracts of areas being cleared and deep cuts involved. Excavated sites scar the landscape. This impact is high negative if unmitigated. 8.2.1.16 Waste Management Construction waste like cement bags, containers and other waste streams are likely to be generated. Improper management of this waste may lead to environmental pollution. 8.2.1.17 Loss of cultural and archaeological artefacts Although no archaeological finding has been made, the excavations may uncover these. If procedures for discovery are not in place, these can be lost. 8.2.1.18 Disruption of services The digging of trenches may affect lead to disruption of services like electricity in cases where the cables are underground. Pipes for existing water schemes may also be disturbed during the digging and laying of pipes. 8.2.2 Operational Phase The operation of water supply infrastructure will lead to various bio-physical and socio-economic adverse impacts in the project area. The EHS Guidelines for Water and Sanitation identify the following sector specific impacts. 8.2.2.1 Water Treatment Plant Management Impacts Solid waste residuals generated by water treatment include process residuals, used filtration membranes, spent media and miscellaneous wastes. Process residuals primarily consist of settled suspended solids from source water and chemicals added in the treatment process, such as lime and coagulants. Pre-sedimentation, coagulation (e.g., with aluminum hydroxide [alum]), lime softening, iron and manganese removal, and slow sand and diatomaceous earth filtration all produce sludge. Composition of the sludge depends on the treatment process and the characteristics of the source water, and may include arsenic and other metals, radionuclides, Page 191 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT lime, polymers and other organic compounds, microorganisms, etc. Damaged or exhausted membranes are typically produced from water treatment systems used for desalination. Spent media may include filter media (including sand, coal, or diatomaceous earth from filtration plants), ion exchange resins, granular activated carbon. Water contamination may also be experienced as a result of a non-functional or inefficient water treatment process. 8.2.2.2 Wastewater Impacts Wastewater from water treatment projects include filter backwash, reject streams from membrane filtration processes, and brine streams from ion exchange or demineralization processes. These waste streams may contain suspended solids and organics from the raw water, high levels of dissolved solids, high or low pH, heavy metals. 8.2.2.3 Chemicals management The water treatment process involves the use of chemicals for coagulation, disinfection and water conditioning. These include soda ash, alum (delivered by tanker), polyelectrolyte (liquid in plastic carboy that is directly to the dosing plant). 8.2.2.4 Air Emissions Air emissions from water treatment operations may include gaseous or volatile chemicals used for disinfection processes (e.g chlorine). Measures nee hazardous chemicals discussed above will mitigate risks of chlorine and ammonia releases. 8.2.2.5 Water System Leaks and Loss of Pressure Water system leaks can reduce the pressure of the water system compromising its integrity and ability to protect water quality (by allowing contaminants into the system) and increasing the demands on the source water supply, the quantity of chemicals, and the amount of power used for pumping and treatment. Leaks in the distribution system can result from improper installation or maintenance, inadequate corrosion protection, settlement, stress from traffic and vibrations, overloading, amongst others. 8.2.2.6 Solid Waste Impacts During maintenance of the water supply system, there may be waste generated from servicing and maintenance of pumps, valves, pipeline, laterals and the solar power supply. Waste that may be generated includes oils, non- functional pumps, electronic waste, oil soiled swabs and damaged pipes. Some of this waste is classified as hazardous waste in the Waste Regulations, 2000. Improper management of this waste may lead to environmental degradation. 8.2.2.7 Water Discharges Page 192 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Water lines may be periodically flushed to remove accumulated sediments or other impurities that have accumulated in the pipe. Flushing is performed by isolating sections of the distribution system and opening flushing valves or, more commonly, fire hydrants to cause a large volume of flow to pass through the isolated pipeline and suspend the settled sediment. The major environmental aspect of water pipe flushing is the discharge of flushed water, which may be high in suspended solids, residual chlorine, and other contaminants that can harm surface water bodies. 8.2.2.8 Storm water management Improper rehabilitation of the disturbed areas may lead to erosion, compromising the integrity of storm water drains and causing siltation. 8.2.2.9 Water Resource Impacts The current volume abstracted from the Mkhondvo River will increase on operation of the project to service the additional population along the Nhlangano – Siphambanweni corridor. This may impact water availability for downstream use and aquatic life. This may be more pronounced in unforeseen drought situations. 8.2.2.10 Atmosphere and Aesthetics During maintenance of the water supply system, dust and noise may be generated from maintenance trucks and maintenance activities. Noise may also be generated from the operation of pumps. The addition of structures like reservoirs, pumphouse and other structures will change the visual landscape of the project area. 8.2.2.11 Community Health and Safety Poor maintenance of pipes may cause to their bursting leading to flooding affecting properties, including fields, businesses and grazing land. Leaking of pipes may lead to contamination of water. During the maintenance of the system, open trenches may lead to safety hazards to the community. 8.2.2.12 Occupational Health and Safety Personnel involved in maintenance of equipment may be exposed to injuries from electrocution and occupational hazards like dust and noise. 8.2.2.13 Increased power usage The additional water abstraction will require more pumping from the Mkhondvo river, leading to increased power requirements. Page 193 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 8.2.3 Construction Phase Impact Evaluation The table below presents the evaluation of impacts for the Construction phase. Page 194 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Impact Description Ext1 Dur2 Sev3 Sig4 Pro5 Site Office Temporary construction sites are necessary to store construction equipment and Site Short Low Mediu Definite Establishment materials. It is important to note that the materials will be delivered along the sections specif m of the proposed pipeline to avoid long distance transportation of materials. There will ic be a need to establish several site offices at different points along the main pipeline and laterals for effective project supervision and management. Land Acquisition The pipeline will be designed such that it aligns with the existing main road (MR11) Local Long Medium Mediu Definite along the road reserve, and parts will pass through certain fields and farmland, m therefore there will be a need to land acquisition associated with the pipeline will be kept at a minimum. Associated infrastructure, including pump houses and reservoirs will be constructed will require land acquisition. Land Use Change Agricultural production is one of the key activities that is a source of livelihood for the local Short Low Low Definite communities especially since most families depend on agricultural produce for their day to day dietary needs. Certain parts of the pipeline will pass through fields, which may not be used temporarily during construction. Furthermore, some land will be lost due to construction of other structures like reservoirs and the pump house. Increase invasion Spread of alien invasive weeds onto adjoining naturally vegetated areas due to re- Local Long Medium High Probabl by alien weeds into opening and transportation of stockpiles. e adjoining areas Depletion of water As part of the planning process, one of the activities to be undertaken in preparation Regio Short Medium High Probabl resources for construction will include seeking approvals to abstract water for construction. The anl e logical choice of water supply for construction and dust suppression will be from surface water bodies close to the project area. Indiscriminate harvesting of water resources without a permit leads to shortage of water supply to downstream communities. 1 Extent of Impact 2 Duration Of Impact 3 Severity of Impact 4 Significance 5 Probability of Occurrence Page 195 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Water pollution Disturbances due to the pipeline construction on the water bodies could be in the form regio Const Medium Mediu Probabl of increased pollution load by way of erosion from construction/ vehicle movement nal ructio m e activities. The trenching activities may generate trench water, having high suspended n solids concentration due to turbidity. Poor management of oils and hazardous material may lead to spillages and subsequent pollution of the surface water bodies Loss of flora and Construction activities like clearing of land to make way for pipeline and associated Local Medium Mediu Definite Fauna infrastructure will lead to exposed area that may be more prone to erosion. Although m the Flora may be lost through contamination due to improper management of chemicals, empty chemical containers and other wastes. Soil Erosion and Clearing and compaction activities may lead to soil erosion since the soils on the project Local Long High High Probabl Contamination site are erodible. If clearing of areas is done and soil is left bare for a considerable e amount of time, it may cause washing away of the topsoil. This may lead to sedimentation of nearby water bodies through surface runoff. The soil may further be contaminated by poor management of waste and other hazardous material. The soils on the project site are erodible. If clearing of areas is done and soil is left bare for a considerable amount of time, this may lead to soil erosion. Leaking machinery and equipment may pollute the soil, posing an adverse effect to the environment. Community Health and Safety Increase in The average traffic flow along the MR11 is 61.8 cars per hour. The introduction of Local short Medium Low Probabl road construction vehicles may lead to unexpected disruption. The usability of this road will e accidents be compromised by heavy construction vehicles turning on/off the road and mingling with local traffic. During construction there will be heavy duty vehicles that come to the construction site to deliver various construction materials. This will increase traffic volumes as well as disrupt the smooth flow of traffic along these roads. The use of un- roadworthy vehicles, drivers disobeying traffic rules and obstruction of motorists’ views will contribute to this potentially negative impact. Drivers on the MR11 road and other feeder roads may also be not be aware of project construction vehicles, exposing them to risks. Access The Blocking and disturbance of accesses from construction activities will impact on Local Short Low Low Probabl Impacts accesses to properties due to excavations which may block users to their place of e residence or business properties Page 196 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Changes in The introduction of new people in the communities may lead to anti-social elements in Local Long Medium Mediu Probabl Population this quiet environment, with a negative impact especially on issues of crime, HIV m e Dynamics prevalence, and alcoholism and drug abuse especially among the youth, prostitution, women and child abuse, increase in costs of service provision, breakdown in values of locals. Gender Based The introduction of new people in the project area may aggravate the current crime Regio Short medium Low Probabl Violence statistics related to violence against women and children which is the second highest nal e public morality offense in the Shiselweni Region. Over the last five years, Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) has been the second highest in offences against women with an average of 34.9%. Child labour Contractors may hire underage persons, which is against international and national Regio Const Low Low Unlikely legislation and standards. nal ructio n Security Impacts At night, when lights may be absent or insufficient, inadequate site security or signage Local Long Medium Mediu Probabl could lead to night-time accidents. m e Blasting Impacts These impacts include ground vibrations, air blast, generation of fines, fumes, dust and Local Const Low Low Probabl structural defects. ructio e n Pumphouse The raw materials used for the construction of the pump house may be disposed of Local Const Medium Low Probabl Impacts improperly leading environmental degradation and aesthetical impacts. ructio e n Occupational Health and Safety Site water Since there is no running water, site workers may not have access to quality drinking Local Long Medium High Probabl and water, which may lead to waterborne diseases. Without proper sanitation, site workers e Sanitation may use bushes as toilets, which may lead to soil pollution as well as pollution of water resources from pollutants like coliforms and other pollutants. Project activities may impact water availability in the small streams in the project area. Poor sanitation may also cause pollution to these water bodies. Dust Construction of the pipeline may temporarily affect the visual aesthetics of the area as Local Const Medium Mediu Probabl well as give rise to dust, noise and visual impacts. During haulage of material, dust will ructio m e be emitted. The weight of vehicles, their speed of passage and number of wheels in n contact with the ground, and the nature and condition of road surfaces or haul routes all contribute to dust emission. If not sheeted, turbulence in the empty bodies of the Page 197 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT vehicles may scour out dust. Cleared surfaces may emit dust when vehicles are using them. Dust may also be emitted from stockpiles of soil material. This may be exacerbated in dry and windy days. Noise Construction vehicles may generate a considerable amount of noise during Site Const Medium Low Definite construction activities. Noise during movements include reversing alarms and engine ructio revving. Noise from construction vehicles has a number of different sources including n silencer, brakes, poor suspension and body slap. Empty trucks are worse than fully loaded ones; they tend to travel faster and be noisier because they suffer from "body- slap" when going over potholes, bumps, or road humps. Emissions Machinery and vehicles may emit gases like SOx and NOx and particulate matter, Local Const Medium Low Probabl which cause air pollution and respiratory illnesses. This may be exacerbated by ructio e unserviced and poorly maintained machinery and vehicles. n Aesthetic Impacts Linear projects such as pipeline developments have a propensity to spoil aesthetic Local Short Medium Low Definite environments. This may be due to large tracts of areas being cleared and deep cuts involved. Excavated sites scar the landscape. This impact is high negative if unmitigated. Waste Construction waste like cement bags, containers and other waste streams are likely to Local Const Medium Low Probabl Management be generated. Improper management of this waste may lead to environmental pollution. ructio e n Loss of Although no archaeological finding has been made, the excavations may uncover Local Long Medium Mediu Probabl archaeological these. If procedures for discovery are not in place, these can be lost. m e artefacts Page 198 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 8.2.4 Operational Phase Impact Evaluation The following table presents the evaluation of adverse impacts for the operational phase Table 50: Operational Phase Impact Evaluation Impact Description Ext6 Dur7 Sev8 Sig9 Pro10 Water Solid waste residuals generated by water treatment include process residuals, used filtration membranes, Regional Long Medium High Probable Treatment Plant spent media and miscellaneous wastes. Process residuals primarily consist of settled suspended solids from Management source water and chemicals added in the treatment process, such as lime and coagulants. Pre- Impact sedimentation, coagulation (e.g., with aluminum hydroxide [alum]), lime softening, iron and manganese removal, and slow sand and diatomaceous earth filtration all produce sludge. Composition of the sludge depends on the treatment process and the characteristics of the source water, and may include arsenic and other metals, radionuclides, lime, polymers and other organic compounds, microorganisms, etc. Damaged or exhausted membranes are typically produced from water treatment systems used for desalination. Spent media may include filter media (including sand, coal, or diatomaceous earth from filtration plants), ion exchange resins, granular activated carbon. Water contamination may also be experienced as a result of a non-functional or inefficient water treatment process. Wastewater Wastewater from water treatment projects include filter backwash, reject streams from membrane filtration Regional Long High High Probable Impacts processes, and brine streams from ion exchange or demineralization processes. These waste streams may contain suspended solids and organics from the raw water, high levels of dissolved solids, high or low pH, heavy metals. Chemicals The water treatment process involves the use of chemicals for coagulation, disinfection and water Local Medium Medium Medium Probable Management conditioning. These include soda ash, alum (delivered by tanker), polyelectrolyte (liquid in plastic carboy that is directly to the dosing plant). 6 Extent of Impact 7 Duration Of Impact 8 Severity of Impact 9 Significance 10 Probability of Occurrence Page 199 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Impact Description Ext6 Dur7 Sev8 Sig9 Pro10 Air Emissions Air emissions from water treatment operations may include gaseous or volatile chemicals used for Local Medium Medium Medium Probable disinfection processes (e.g chlorine). Measures for hazardous chemicals management to be outlined will mitigate risks of chlorine and ammonia releases. Water system Water system leaks can reduce the pressure of the water system compromising its integrity and ability to Regional Long Long High Probable leaks and loss protect water quality (by allowing contaminants into the system) and increasing the demands on the source of pressure water supply, the quantity of chemicals, and the amount of power used for pumping and treatment. Leaks in the distribution system can result from improper installation or maintenance, inadequate corrosion protection, settlement, stress from traffic and vibrations, overloading, amongst others. Solid Water During maintenance of the water supply system, there may be waste generated from servicing and Local Medium Medium Medium Probable Management maintenance of pumps, valves, pipeline, laterals and the solar power supply. Waste that may be generated includes oils, non-functional pumps, electronic waste, oil soiled swabs and damaged pipes. Some of this waste is classified as hazardous waste in the Waste Regulations, 2000. Improper management of this waste may lead to environmental degradation. Water Water lines may be periodically flushed to remove accumulated sediments or other impurities that have Local Low Medium Low Probable Discharges accumulated in the pipe. Flushing is performed by isolating sections of the distribution system and opening flushing valves or, more commonly, fire hydrants to cause a large volume of flow to pass through the isolated pipeline and suspend the settled sediment. The major environmental aspect of water pipe flushing is the discharge of flushed water, which may be high in suspended solids, residual chlorine, and other contaminants that can harm surface water bodies. Storm water Improper rehabilitation of the disturbed areas may lead to erosion, compromising the integrity of storm water Local Long Medium Medium Probable Management drains and causing siltation. Water The current volume abstracted from the Mkhondvo River will increase on operation of the project to service Local Medium Medium Medium Probable Resource the additional population along the Nhlangano – Siphambanweni corridor. This may impact water availability Impacts for downstream use and aquatic life. This may be more pronounced in unforeseen drought situations. Atmosphere During maintenance of the water supply system, dust and noise may be generated from maintenance trucks Local Long Medium Medium Probable and Aesthetics and maintenance activities. Noise may also be generated from the operation of pumps. The addition of structures like reservoirs, pumphouse and other structures will change the visual landscape of the project area. Community Poor maintenance of pipes may cause to their bursting leading to flooding affecting properties, including Local Medium Medium Medium Probable health and fields, businesses and grazing land. Leaking of pipes may lead to contamination of water. During the safety maintenance of the system, open trenches may lead to safety hazards to the community. Page 200 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Impact Description Ext6 Dur7 Sev8 Sig9 Pro10 Occupational Personnel involved in maintenance of equipment may be exposed to injuries from electrocution and Local Medium Medium Medium Probable Health and occupational hazards like dust and noise. Safety Increased The additional water abstraction will require more pumping from the Mkhondvo river, leading to increased Local Long High High Definite power usage power requirements. Page 201 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Page 202 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 9 IMPACT MANAGEMENT 9.1 Construction Phase Mitigations 9.1.1 Site Establishment Mitigations a. In identification of site offices, areas which are already disturbed will be considered as first priority to minimise disturbance of virgin land. b. The contractor shall restrict all activities to the designated areas on the construction layout plan. c. Establishment of site offices, material storage areas will be done in a manner that avoids environmentally sensitive areas like wetlands and streams. d. Progressive rehabilitation will be done so that cleared areas are rehabilitated as work progresses. e. All waste generated in the project, including builder’s rubble will be disposed in an approved waste disposal facility, in accordance with the Waste Regulations, 2000. f. Cleared surfaces will be regularly sprayed with water to minimize dust. Exposed areas will be rehabilitated and grassed as soon as work has been finished in those areas. g. Locals will be given first preference in hiring of skills that are available in the community. h. The contractor will be required to recognize his responsibility towards the social issues of his workforce. An HIV/AIDS awareness campaign will be done for the workers. 9.1.2 Land acquisition impacts mitigations a. The proponent undertakes to compensate all property owners fully. There shall be no gender bias. b. The cooperation will draw up and implement a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) to mitigate project related displacement impacts in addition to the existing Resettlement Framework Policy (RFP) c. Land affected by the project will be compensated after consultations and negotiations conducted in good faith by both parties (affected and proponent) before construction commences according to the land values given by the Valuator. In case of disagreements the issues must be referred to an Independent Arbitrator. d. Consultations will be undertaken especially with all affected landowners, and household members on the, valuation processes, negotiations and, awards e. The proponent and property owners will agree on compensation terms by signing letters of acceptance. f. Compensation will be effected prior to project implementation. g. Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) will be designated by the Traditional authorities to facilitate communication in cases where rights to cross fields and other community properties are required. 9.1.3 Land use change a. Construction of the pipeline will be managed such that sections falling on farming areas are completed in the shortest possible time b. PAPs using agricultural land will be engaged, and compensation will be paid for time when production cannot take place. c. The cooperation will draw up and implement a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) to mitigate project related displacement impacts in addition to the existing Resettlement Framework Policy (RFP) 9.1.4 Increased invasion by alien weeds a. Progressive rehabilitation will be done to avoid the establishment of alien invasive species in cleared areas. Page 203 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT b. Removal of invasive plant species, whenever possible, cultivating native plant species c. Once the establishment of an alien invasive species has been detected, the contractor will steps such as eradication, containment and control, to mitigate the adverse effects. 9.1.5 Depletion of water resources a. There will be logical choice of water supply for construction and dust suppression will be from surface water bodies close to the project area. b. Indiscriminate harvesting of water resources without a permit will not be done c. This lowest minimum flow rate (which is the worst-case scenario in 5 years) can accommodate the allocated quota of 1,866,240m 3 per year. It therefore leaves enough water for downstream use and aquatic life. d. The corporation shall ensure that abstracted volume are within the allocated quoter 9.1.6 Water Pollution a. The design of the pipeline will be such that at places where it crosses water bodies it will be suspended (attached to bridges) to avoid pollution. b. Digging will only done when pipes are ready to be laid, open trenches will be covered within 24hrs to minimise erosion of soil material c. Progressive rehabilitation will be done so that cleared areas are rehabilitated as work progresses d. Stockpiled material will be kept away from water bodies to prevent sedimentation of water bodies e. The contractor will draw up and implement a chemicals management plans, display signs, control access to chemicals and handle chemicals in accordance with their MSDSs. Only trained personnel will handle hazardous material, procedures for handling spillages will also be in place. f. All topsoil removed during construction will be stockpiled close to the site for rehabilitation purposes. g. The Contractor will ensure that stockpiles will be placed in areas where run-off will be a problem even during the dry season as this will cause water erosion and that they are arranged such that they are not exposed to the wind. h. Areas for storage of stockpiles will be graded to a uniform surface. It shall be free of all vegetation and other debris, and free from stones. Moreover, the stockpiles will be sprinkled with water regularly, thus abating dust emission. i. Topsoil that will be stripped and stored with as little compaction as possible, and only on non-wet days. All stockpiles will be stored without exceeding 1m height and those which are three months older will be re- seeded. Furthermore, the contractor will rehabilitate natural slopes to reduce environmental impact and erosion, using the stockpile of overburden material. 9.1.7 Loss of Flora and vegetation cover a. The contractor will zone out working areas to reduce ecological destruction, b. Restore disturbed natural sites through environmental rehabilitation; restoring top soils and (re-)introduce genetic species similar to those destroyed in order to re-establish the natural local ecology. c. Progressive rehabilitation will be done so that cleared areas are rehabilitated as work progresses Page 204 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT d. EWSC will ensure that there will be no indiscriminate site clearances, and that workers will be educated on the Plant Protection Act so as to be able to identify all legally protected ones. 9.1.8 Soil Erosion and Contamination a. Clearing will only be done when equipment and personnel are ready to start work on that area. b. Topsoil and subsoil will be stripped and stockpiled for rehabilitation after completion. c. Progressive rehabilitation will be done so that cleared areas are rehabilitated as work progresses. d. Vehicles and machinery will be regularly serviced. There will be no servicing done on site. This will ensure that the vehicles do not leak fuel into the soil. However, if there are any spills, the contaminated soil will be scooped and stored in hazardous waste marked bins which will then be treated using bioremediation on site. e. During construction, care will be taken that substances used in construction that may pollute nearby water bodies are properly stored and residues do not find their way into the river but are properly disposed of. 9.1.9 Community Health and Safety a. The contractor will implement training of Project Workers designed to heighten awareness of risks and to mitigate impacts on local communities b. The contactor will develop and implement measures and action to assess and manage specific risks and impacts to the community arising from Project activities c. There is potential hazard risk from open trenches in the vicinity of populated areas during the construction phase that should be mitigated by appropriate warnings and fencing. d. The contractor will prepare an Occupational Health and Safety Plan for minimizing occupational and community health and safety impacts. 9.1.10 Access Impacts a. The contractor will ensure that access roads leading to business/residential are kept open at all times for easier accessibility and that these provide safe and convenient passage. Where this cannot be avoided, the contractor will ensure that periods of closure are keep minimum. b. Access roads will be maintained during the construction period 9.1.11 Changes in Population Dynamics a. Local people will be prioritised for employment and no construction camps for accommodation will be established b. The contactor will have draw up recruitment policy that ensures screening of potential employees c. The local police will be engaged to assist in awareness raising on anti-social behaviours 9.1.12 Gender Based Violence a. The contractor will enforce legislation and act against employees found to have committed acts of gender-based violence Page 205 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT b. The contactor will draw up recruitment policy that ensures screening of potential employees c. The local police will be engaged to assist in awareness raising on anti-social behaviours 9.1.13 Child labour The contractor will draw up and implement are recruitment policy that is in-line with national and international laws and against child labour. 9.1.14 Security Impacts a. Security will be maintained 24hrs a day on site b. There will be signs restricting a day on site c. There will be access control and maintenance of entrance register in to the site 9.1.15 Blasting Impacts It is not anticipated that there will be blasting in the project, in the event that it is needed, the contactor will draw up and implement a blasting management plan 9.1.16 Pump house Impacts The contractor will draw up and implement a waste management plan in line with the Waste Regulations, 2000. 9.1.17 Occupational Health and Safety a. Site Water and Sanitation b. Adequate drinking water and proper sanitation facilities will be provided (for each sex where conditions warrant). c. Temporary chemical toilets will be put on site to ensure proper sanitation and avoid pollution of groundwater and surface water resources. 9.1.18 Atmosphere and Aesthetics Dust a. Cleared surfaces will be watered to supress dust, including spraying with water. b. The vehicles working on this project will be required to observe a speed limit of 40 km/h to minimise the emission of dust. c. The Contractor will ensure that stockpiles are not will not be placed in areas where run-off will be a problem even during the dry season as this will cause water erosion and that they are arranged such that they are not exposed to the wind. d. Areas for storage of stockpiles will be graded to a uniform surface. It shall be free of all vegetation and other debris, and free from stones. Moreover, the stockpiles will be sprinkled with water regularly, thus abating dust emission. e. Top soil that will be stripped and stored with as little compaction as possible, and only on non-wet days. All stockpiles will be stored without exceeding 1m height and those which are three month older will be re-seeded. Furthermore, the contractor will rehabilitate natural slopes to reduce environmental impact and erosion, using the stockpile of overburden material. Page 206 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 9.1.19 Emissions All vehicles will be serviced regularly and monitored for emissions 9.1.20 Noise a. Construction activities will be confined to daytime and noise and the noise levels will only affect the nearby areas for a relatively short time. b. A buying policy that includes consideration of noise for all new items of plant will be adopted. c. It will be ensured that plant and vehicles are properly maintained. d. Enclosures will be used for noisy plant such as pumps or generators. e. Rubber linings will be used in chutes and dumpers to reduce impact noise. 9.1.21 Loss of archaeological and heritage Impacts a. In cases where a discovery is made, the ENTC will be notified immediately. b. The contractor will draw a chance find procedure for unexpected discovery. 9.1.22 Aesthetics Impacts a. Progressive rehabilitation will be done so that cleared areas are rehabilitated as work progresses b. Design will take into consideration surrounding environment and made to blend with it as much as possible. 9.1.23 Waste Impacts a. Bins will be provided in all site offices for disposal of general waste. b. All employees will be sensitized on proper waste management. c. Special waste like tonners, cartridges and florescent tubes will be placed in separate, marked bins and will be stored in containers for environmentally sound disposal in accordance with the Waste Regulations, 2000. d. Disposing of rubble and other waste will be done appropriately and on a regular basis during the construction phase of the proposed project. 9.1.24 Disruption of Services a. The utility companies will be engaged prior to project implementation to be made aware of the project timelines. b. Incidences will be promptly reported to the relevant stakeholders for them to fix the problem. c. In cases where the pipeline crosses the road, the storm water drainage structures beneath the road will be used as a passage for the pipeline. d. Leaking pipes will be fixed immediately to avoid disruption of water supply to the community. 9.2 Operational Phase Mitigations Page 207 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 9.2.1 Water Treatment Plant Management Impacts • The quantity of solids generated by the water treatment process is minimised through optimizing coagulation processes; • Use of ferric and alum sludges will be balanced to bind phosphorous (e.g., from manure application at livestock operations) without causing aluminium phytotoxicity. Land application after testing for levels of heavy metals will be done before this is used for land application. • Sludges may require special disposal if the source water contains elevated levels of toxic metals, such as arsenic, radionuclides, etc.; • Regenerate activated carbon will be returned to the supplier. • Residual waste that cannot be recycled will be stored in designated containers and disposed of in Compliance with the Waste Regulations, 2000. 9.2.1.2 Wastewater Impacts • Land application of wastes with high dissolved solids concentrations is generally preferred over discharge to surface water subject to an evaluation of potential impact on soil, groundwater, and surface water resulting from such application; • Filter backwash is recycled into the process. • Reject streams, including brine, is treated tested for quality before being returned to the river, in compliance with the Environmental Management Act, 2002 and the Water Act, 2003. Disposal 9.2.1.3 Chemicals management • Alarm and safety systems, including automatic shutoff valves, that are automatically activated when a chlorine release is detected are installed in the Water Treatment plant • Containment and scrubber systems are in place to capture and neutralize chlorine should a leak occur • Corrosion-resistant piping, valves, metering equipment, and any other equipment coming in contact • with gaseous or liquid chlorine are used, and kept free from contaminants, including oil and grease • Chlorine is stored away from all sources of organic chemicals, and protect from sunlight, moisture, and high temperatures • Sodium hypochlorite is stored in cool, dry, and dark conditions for no more than one month, and used with equipment constructed of corrosion-resistant materials; • Calcium hypochlorite is stored away from any organic materials and protect from moisture; fully empty or re-seal shipping containers to exclude moisture. Calcium hypochlorite is stored for up to one year; Page 208 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • The amount of chlorination chemicals stored on site is minimised while maintaining a sufficient inventory to cover intermittent disruptions in supply; • A prevention program that includes identification of potential hazards, written operating procedures, training, maintenance, and accident investigation procedures has been developed and implemented. • A plan for responding to accidental releases has been developed and implemented . • A material safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is in place to ensure a sound chemicals management approach 9.2.1.4 Water System Leaks and Loss of Pressure • It will be ensured that construction meets applicable standards and industry practices; • Conduct regular inspection and maintenance; • Implement a leak detection and repair program (including records of past leaks and unaccounted-for water to identify potential problem areas); • Consider replacing mains with a history of leaks of with a greater potential for leaks because of their location, pressure stresses, and other risk factors. 9.2.1.5 Solid Waste Impacts • Waste will be recycled as far as practically possible by identifying and giving waste to licenced recyclers. • All employees will be sensitized on proper waste management. • Special waste like ewaste, old pumps, waste oils will be given to licenced recyclers • Oil swabs and other hazardous waste (like expired and used chemicals) will be placed in separate, marked bins and will be stored in containers for environmentally sound disposal in accordance with the Waste Regulations, 2000. • Disposing of waste will be done appropriately and on a regular basis in an approved Waste disposal site. 9.2.1.6 Water Discharges Page 209 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT • The flush water will be discharged into a separate storm sewer system with storm water management measures such as a detention pond, where solids can settle, and residual chlorine consumed before the water is discharged; • Erosion during flushing will be minimised by avoiding discharge areas that are susceptible to erosion and spreading the flow to reduce flow velocities. 9.2.1.7 Storm water management • A storm water management plan will be drawn up to ensure that rainwater is channelled to existing drainage lines with minimal contamination. 9.2.1.8 Water Resource Impacts • It shall be ensured that water abstracted from the river is within the allocated quota. • In cases where the water levels are unusually low, EWSC will engage with the Department of Water Affairs to adjust abstraction flow rates until the situation normalises • Community will be educated on water conservation and encouraged to report leakages in the water supply infrastructure. 9.2.1.9 Atmosphere and Aesthetics • Cleared surfaces will be watered to supress dust. • The vehicles working on this project will be required to observe a speed limit of 40 km/h to minimise the emission of dust. • There will be regularly spraying of untarred road surfaces • Machinery to be used during project implementation will be properly serviced to ensure that unnecessary noise is not emitted while the machines are at work. • Baffle mounds or noise fences will be used to provide screening since the area is a noise sensitive environment. 9.2.1.10 Community Health and Safety a. A maintenance plan will be developed and implemented to ensure regular maintenance of water supply infrastructure. This will include proactive testing of pipes and other infrastructure. b. The materials chosen for the water supply system will durable with easily obtainable spare parts. c. Community will be sensitized if there are anticipated disruption to service and fixing water supply issues d. All leaks will be addressed in the shortest time possible. 9.2.1.11 Occupational Health and Safety Page 210 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT a. There will be regular OHS training of personnel involved in maintenance and operation of the water supply infrastructure b. EWSC has an OHS policy and plan, which new employees will be inducted on c. Relevant personnel Protective Equipment will be provided for all employees and employees will be encouraged to use it d. Access to high risk areas will be limited to highly trained personnel e. There will be proper warning signs for areas that are of high risk. f. First aid representatives will be part of every maintenance crew and every area/section of work. g. First aid fits will always be available and accessible h. Fire fighting equipment will be put in place and properly serviced. i. Fire drills will be dome for workers and fire assembly points demarcated. 9.2.1.12 Increased power usage a. Power conservation measures will be put in place b. Pumping will only be done when it is necessary, and equipment not in use will ne switched off c. Works will be sensitised of energy conservation An Environmental and Social Commitment Plan has been developed and attached as Appendix 7. Page 211 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 9.3 Summary of Mitigation Measures The following table presents proposed mitigation measures for minimising adverse impacts. Page 212 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Page 213 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Adverse Impact Impact Description Mitigation Measure Site Establishment Temporary construction sites are necessary to store In identification of site offices, areas which are already disturbed will be construction equipment and materials. It is important to considered as first priority to minimise disturbance of virgin land. The contractor note that the materials will be delivered along the sections shall restrict all activities to the designated areas on the construction layout of the proposed pipeline to avoid long distance plan. Establishment will be done in a manner that avoids environmentally transportation of materials. There will be a need to sensitive areas like wetlands and streams. Progressive rehabilitation will be establish several site offices at different points along the done so that cleared areas are rehabilitated as work progresses. All waste main pipeline and laterals for effective project supervision generated in the project, including builder’s rubble will be disposed in an and management. approved waste disposal facility, in accordance with the Waste Regulations, 2000. Cleared surfaces will be regularly sprayed with water to minimize dust. Exposed areas will be rehabilitated and grassed as soon as work has been finished in those areas. Locals will be given first preference in hiring of skills that are available in the community. The contractor will be required to recognize his responsibility towards the social issues of his workforce. Land Acquisition Impacts The pipeline will be designed such that it aligns with the The proponent undertakes to compensate all property owners fully. There shall existing main road (MR11) along the road reserve, and be no gender bias. The cooperation will draw up and implement a Resettlement parts will pass through certain fields and farmland, Action Plan (RAP) to mitigate project related displacement impacts in addition to therefore there will be a need to land acquisition the existing Resettlement Framework Policy (RFP). Land affected by the project associated with the pipeline will be kept at a minimum. will be compensated after consultations and negotiations conducted in good Associated infrastructure, including pump houses and faith by both parties (affected and proponent) before construction commences reservoirs will be constructed will require land acquisition. according to the land values given by the Valuator. In case of disagreements the issues must be referred to an Independent Arbitrator. Consultations will be undertaken especially with all affected landowners, and household members on the, valuation processes, negotiations and, awards. The proponent and property owners will agree on compensation terms by signing letters of acceptance. Compensation will be effected prior to project implementation. Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) will be designated by the Traditional authorities to facilitate communication in cases where rights to cross fields and other community properties are required. Page 214 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Land Use Change Agricultural production is one of the key activities that is a Construction of the pipeline will be managed such that sections falling on source of livelihood for the communities especially since farming areas are completed in the shortest possible time. PAPs using most families depend on agricultural produce for their day agricultural land will be engaged, and compensation will be paid for time when to day dietary needs. Certain parts of the pipeline will pass production cannot take place. The cooperation will draw up and implement a through fields, which may not be used temporarily during Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) to mitigate project related displacement construction. Furthermore, some land will be lost due to impacts in addition to the existing Resettlement Framework Policy (RFP). construction of other structures like reservoirs and the pump house. Increase Invasion by alien Spread of alien invasive weeds onto adjoining naturally Progressive rehabilitation will be done to avoid the establishment of alien weeds into adjoining areas vegetated areas due to re-opening and transportation of invasive species in cleared areas. Removal of invasive plant species, whenever stockpiles. possible, cultivating native plant species. Once the establishment of an alien invasive species has been detected, the contractor will take steps such as eradication, containment and control, to mitigate the adverse effects. Depletion of Water As part of the planning process, one of the activities to be There will be logical choice of water supply for construction and dust Resources undertaken in preparation for construction will include suppression will be from surface water bodies close to the project area. seeking approvals to abstract water for construction. The Indiscriminate harvesting of water resources without a permit will not be done. logical choice of water supply for construction and dust This lowest minimum flow rate (which is the worst-case scenario in 5 years) can suppression will be from surface water bodies close to the accommodate the allocated quota of 1,866,240m 3 per year. It therefore leaves project area. Indiscriminate harvesting of water resources enough water for downstream use and aquatic life. The corporation shall ensure without a permit leads to shortage of water supply to that abstracted volume is within the allocated quota. downstream communities. Water Pollution Disturbances due to the pipeline construction on the water The design of the pipeline will be such that at places where it crosses water bodies could be in the form of increased pollution load by bodies it will be suspended (attached to bridges) to avoid pollution. Digging will way of erosion from construction/ vehicle movement only done when pipes are ready to be laid, open trenches will be covered within activities. The trenching activities may generate trench 24hrs to minimise erosion of soil material. Progressive rehabilitation will be water, having high suspended solids concentration due to done so that cleared areas are rehabilitated as work progresses. Stockpiled turbidity. Poor management of oils and hazardous material material will be kept away from water bodies to prevent sedimentation of water may lead to spillages and subsequent pollution of the bodies. The contractor will draw up and implement a chemicals management surface water bodies plans, display signs, control access to chemicals and handle chemicals in accordance with their MSDSs. Only trained personnel will handle hazardous material, procedures for handling spillages will also be in place. All topsoil removed during construction will be stockpiled close to the site for rehabilitation purposes. The Contractor will ensure that stockpiles are not be placed in areas where run-off will be a problem even during the dry season as this will cause Page 215 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT water erosion and that they are arranged such that they are not exposed to the wind. Areas for storage of stockpiles will be graded to a uniform surface. It shall be free of all vegetation and other debris, and free from stones. Moreover, the stockpiles will be sprinkled with water regularly, thus abating dust emission. Topsoil that will be stripped and stored with as little compaction as possible, and only on non-wet days. All stockpiles will be stored without exceeding 1m height and those which are three months older will be re-seeded. Furthermore, the contractor will rehabilitate natural slopes to reduce environmental impact and erosion, using the stockpile of overburden material. Loss of flora and Construction activities like clearing of land to make way for The contractor will zone out working areas to reduce ecological destruction. vegetation cover pipeline and associated infrastructure will lead to exposed Restore disturbed natural sites through environmental rehabilitation; restoring area that may be more prone to erosion. Although the topsoils and (re-)introduce genetic species similar to those destroyed in order to Flora may be lost through contamination due to improper re-establish the natural local ecology. Progressive rehabilitation will be done so management of chemicals, empty chemical containers that cleared areas are rehabilitated as work progresses EWSC will ensure that and other wastes. there will be no indiscriminate site clearances, and that workers will be educated on the Plant Protection Act so as to be able to identify all legally protected ones. Soil Erosion and Clearing and compaction activities may lead to soil Clearing will only be done when equipment and personnel are ready to start Contamination erosion since the soils on the project site are erodible. If work on that area. Topsoil and subsoil will be stripped and stockpiled for clearing of areas is done and soil is left bare for a rehabilitation after completion. Progressive rehabilitation will be done so that considerable amount of time, it may cause washing away cleared areas are rehabilitated as work progresses. Vehicles and machinery will of the topsoil. This may lead to sedimentation of nearby be regularly serviced. There will be no servicing done on site. This will ensure water bodies through surface runoff. that the vehicles do not leak fuel into the soil. However, if there are any spills, the contaminated soil will be scooped and stored in hazardous waste marked The soil may further be contaminated by poor bins which will then be treated using bioremediation on site. During management of waste and other hazardous material. The construction, care will be taken that substances used in construction that may soils on the project site are erodible. If clearing of areas is pollute nearby water bodies are properly stored and residues do not find their done and soil is left bare for a considerable amount of way into the river but are properly disposed of. time, this may lead to soil erosion. Leaking machinery and equipment may pollute the soil, posing an adverse effect to the environment. Waste Management Construction waste like cement bags, containers and The contractor prepares a waste management plan and provide labelled waste other waste streams are likely to be generated. Improper receptacles during the construction period. Employees will also be taught on the management of this waste may lead to environmental importance of proper waste management during toolbox talks to ensure that pollution. they are adequately sensitized about waste management. The contractor will additionally ensure segregation of all wastes from source. Special waste like tonners, cartridges and florescent tubes will be placed in separate, marked bins Page 216 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT and will be stored in containers for environmentally sound disposal in accordance with the Waste Regulations, 2000. Disposing of rubble and other waste will be done appropriately and on a regular basis during the construction phase of the proposed project. Loss of cultural and Although no archaeological finding has been made, the In cases where a discovery is made, the ENTC will be notified immediately. archaeological artefacts excavations may uncover these. If procedures for discovery are not in place, these can be lost. Blasting Impacts These impacts include ground vibrations, air blast, It is not anticipated that there will be blasting in the project, in the event that it is generation of fines, fumes, dust and structural defects. needed, the contactor will draw up and implement a blasting management plan Pump House Impacts The raw materials used for the construction of the pump The contactor will draw up and implement a waste management plan in line with house may be disposed of improperly leading the Waste Regulations of 2000. environmental degradation and aesthetical impacts. Community Health and Safety Increase in Road The average traffic flow along the MR11 is 61.8 cars per The contractor will ensure that flaggers and all traffic control signage is put up to Accidents hour. The introduction of construction vehicles may lead to control traffic. A traffic study will also be done by the contractor. No work will be unexpected disruption. The usability of this road will be done during the peak hours when traffic flows are high. Traffic warning signs compromised by heavy construction vehicles turning will be erected indicating possible construction vehicles driving in and out of on/off the road and mingling with local traffic. During site. Drivers and operators of heavy machinery will be properly trained. construction there will be heavy duty vehicles that come to the construction site to deliver various construction materials. This will increase traffic volumes as well as disrupt the smooth flow of traffic along these roads. The use of un-roadworthy vehicles, drivers disobeying traffic rules and obstruction of motorists’ views will contribute to this potentially negative impact. Drivers on the MR11 road and other feeder roads may also be not be aware of project construction vehicles, exposing them to risks. Access Impacts The blocking and disturbance of accesses from The contractor will ensure that access roads leading to business/residential are construction activities will impact on accesses to kept open at all times for easier accessibility and that these provide safe and properties due to excavations which may block users to convenient passage. Where this cannot be avoided, the contractor will ensure their place of residence or business properties. Page 217 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT that periods of closure are keep minimum. Access roads will be maintained during the construction period. Changes in Population The introduction of new people in the communities may Local people will be prioritized for employment and no construction camps for Dynamics lead to anti-social elements in this quiet environment, with accommodation will be established. The contactor will draw up recruitment a negative impact especially on issues of crime, HIV policy that ensures screening of potential employees. The local police will be prevalence, and alcoholism and drug abuse especially engaged to assist in awareness raising on anti-social behaviors among the youth, prostitution, women and child abuse, increase in costs of service provision, breakdown in values of locals. Gender Based Violence The introduction of new people in the project area may The contractor will enforce legislation and act against employees found to have aggravate the current crime statistics related to violence committed acts of gender-based violence. The contactor will draw up against women and children which is the second highest recruitment policy that ensures screening of potential employees. The local public morality offense in the Shiselweni Region. Over the police will be engaged to assist in awareness raising on anti-social behaviors. last five years, Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) has been the second highest in offences against women with an average of 34.9%. Child Labour Contractors may hire underage persons, which is against The contractor will draw up and implement are recruitment policy that is in-line international and national legislation and standards. with national and international laws and against child labour Security Impacts At night, when streetlights may be absent or insufficient, Security will be maintained 24hrs a day on site. There will be signs restricting a inadequate site security or signage could lead to night- day on site. There will be access control and maintenance of entrance register time accidents. in to the site Occupational Health and Safety Site Water and Sanitation Since there is no running water, site workers may not Adequate drinking water and proper sanitation facilities will be provided (for have access to quality drinking water, which may lead to each sex where conditions warrant). waterborne diseases. Without proper sanitation, site workers may use bushes as toilets, which may lead to soil Temporary chemical toilets will be put on site to ensure proper sanitation and pollution as well as pollution of water resources from avoid pollution of groundwater and surface water resources. pollutants like coliforms and other pollutants. Project activities may impact water availability in the small streams in the project area. Poor sanitation may also cause pollution to these water bodies. Atmosphere and Aesthetics Page 218 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Dust Construction of the pipeline may temporarily affect the Cleared surfaces will be watered to suppress dust, including spraying with visual aesthetics of the area as well as give rise to dust, water. The vehicles working on this project will be required to observe a speed noise and visual impacts. During haulage of material, dust limit of 40 km/h to minimise the emission of dust. The Contractor will ensure that will be emitted. The weight of vehicles, their speed of stockpiles are not will not be placed in areas where run-off will be a problem passage and number of wheels in contact with the ground, even during the dry season as this will cause water erosion and that they are and the nature and condition of road surfaces or haul arranged such that they are not exposed to the wind. Areas for storage of routes all contribute to dust emission. If not sheeted, stockpiles will be graded to a uniform surface. It shall be free of all vegetation turbulence in the empty bodies of the vehicles may scour and other debris, and free from stones. Moreover, the stockpiles will be out dust. Cleared surfaces may emit dust when vehicles sprinkled with water regularly, thus abating dust emission. Topsoil that will be are using them. Dust may also be emitted from stockpiles stripped and stored with as little compaction as possible, and only on non-wet of soil material. This may be exacerbated in dry and windy days. All stockpiles will be stored without exceeding 1m height and those which days. are three months older will be re-seeded. Furthermore, the contractor will rehabilitate natural slopes to reduce environmental impact and erosion, using the stockpile of overburden material. Emissions Machinery and vehicles may emit gases like SOx and All vehicles will be serviced regularly and monitored for emissions NOx and particulate matter, which cause air pollution and respiratory illnesses. This may be exacerbated by unserviced and poorly maintained machinery and vehicles. Aesthetics Impacts Linear projects such as pipeline developments have a Clearing will only be done when equipment and personnel are ready to start propensity to spoil aesthetic environments. This may be work on that area due to large tracts of areas being cleared and deep cuts involved. Excavated sites scar the landscape. This impact is high negative if unmitigated. Noise Construction vehicles may generate a considerable Construction activities will be confined to daytime and noise and the noise amount of noise during construction activities. Noise levels will only affect the nearby areas for a relatively short time. A buying policy during movements include reversing alarms and engine that includes consideration of noise for all new items of plant will be adopted. It revving. Noise from construction vehicles has a number of will be ensured that plant and vehicles are properly maintained. Enclosures will different sources including silencer, brakes, poor be used for noisy plant such as pumps or generators. Rubber linings will be suspension and body slap. Empty trucks are worse than used in chutes and dumpers to reduce impact noise. fully loaded ones; they tend to travel faster and be noisier because they suffer from "body-slap" when going over potholes, bumps, or road humps. Increase in HIV/AIDS Influx of workforce in the project area may potentially An HIV/AIDS awareness campaign will be done for the workers. The contractor Prevalence aggravate the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. will also ensure the provision of condoms for both male and female employees in the ablution facilities. Page 219 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Storm water Management Improper rehabilitation of the disturbed areas may lead to erosion, compromising the integrity of storm water drains and causing siltation. Water Resource Impacts The current volume abstracted from the Mkhondvo River The proponent will ensure that abstraction volume do not exceed the allowable will increase on operation of the project to service the limit in the permit granted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy. additional population along the Nhlangano – Siphambanweni corridor. This may impact water availability for downstream use and aquatic life. This may be more pronounced in unforeseen drought situations. Atmosphere and During maintenance of the water supply system, dust and Cleared surfaces will be watered to supress dust. The vehicles working on this Aesthetics noise may be generated from maintenance trucks and project will be required to observe a speed limit of 40 km/h to minimise the maintenance activities. Noise may also be generated from emission of dust. There will be regularly spraying of untarred road surfaces the operation of pumps. The addition of structures like reservoirs, pump house and other structures will change Machinery to be used during project implementation will be properly serviced to the visual landscape of the project area. ensure that unnecessary noise is not emitted while the machines are at work. Baffle mounds or noise fences will be used to provide screening since the area is a noise sensitive environment. Community Health and Poor maintenance of pipes may cause to their bursting A maintenance plan will be developed and implemented to ensure regular Safety leading to flooding affecting properties, including fields, maintenance of water supply infrastructure. This will include proactive testing of businesses and grazing land. Leaking of pipes may lead pipes and other infrastructure. The materials chosen for the water supply to contamination of water. During the maintenance of the system will durable with easily obtainable spare parts. Community will be system, open trenches may lead to safety hazards to the sensitized if there are anticipated disruption to service and fixing water supply community. issues. All leaks will be addressed in the shortest time possible. Occupational Health and Personnel involved in maintenance of equipment may be There will be regular OHS training of personnel involved in maintenance and Safety exposed to injuries from electrocution and occupational operation of the water supply infrastructure hazards like dust and noise. EWSC has an OHS policy and plan, which new employees will be inducted on. Relevant personnel Protective Equipment will be provided for all employees and employees will be encouraged to use it. Access to high risk areas will be limited to highly trained personnel. There will be proper warning signs for areas that are of high risk. First aid representatives will be part of every maintenance crew and every area/section of work. First aid fits will always be available and accessible. Fire fighting equipment will be put in place and properly serviced. Fire drills will be dome for workers and fire assembly points demarcated. Page 220 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Increase in Power Usage The additional water abstraction will require more pumping Power conservation measures will be put in place. Pumping will only be done from the Mkhondvo river, leading to increased power when it is necessary, and equipment not in use will be switched off. Works will requirements. be sensitised of energy conservation Wastage of Water Communities will be trained on water billing, water conservation and management. Mismanagement of Kiosks The proponent will train kiosks operators and monitor their operations to ensure that they don’t experience challenges that may lead to closure. Water Treatment Plant Treatment Plan Solid waste residuals generated by water treatment The quantity of solids generated by the water treatment process is minimised include process residuals, used filtration membranes, through optimizing coagulation processes; spent media and miscellaneous wastes. Process residuals primarily consist of settled suspended solids from source Use of ferric and alum sludge will be balanced to bind phosphorous (e.g., from water and chemicals added in the treatment process, such manure application at livestock operations) without causing aluminum as lime and coagulants. Damaged or exhausted phytotoxicity. Land application after testing for levels of heavy metals will be membranes are typically produced from water treatment done before this is used for land application. Sludge may require special systems used for desalination. Spent media may include disposal if the source water contains elevated levels of toxic metals, such as filter media (including sand, coal, or diatomaceous earth arsenic, radionuclides, etc.; Regenerate activated carbon will be returned to the from filtration plants), ion exchange resins, granular supplier. activated carbon. Water contamination may also be experienced as a result of a non-functional or inefficient Residual waste that cannot be recycled will be stored in designated containers water treatment process. and disposed of in Compliance with the Waste Regulations, 2000. Waste water Impacts Wastewater from water treatment projects include filter Land application of wastes with high dissolved solids concentrations is generally backwash, reject streams from membrane filtration preferred over discharge to surface water subject to an evaluation of potential processes, and brine streams from ion exchange or impact on soil, groundwater, and surface water resulting from such application; demineralization processes. These waste streams may Filter backwash is recycled into the process. Reject streams, including brine, is contain suspended solids and organics from the raw treated tested for quality before being returned to the river, in compliance with water, high levels of dissolved solids, high or low pH, and the Environmental Management Act, 2002 and the Water Act, 2003. heavy metals. Chemicals management The water treatment process involves the use of Alarm and safety systems, including automatic shutoff valves that are chemicals for coagulation, disinfection and water automatically activated when a chlorine release is detected are installed in the conditioning. These include soda ash, alum (delivered by Water Treatment plant. Containment and scrubber systems are in place to tanker), polyelectrolyte (liquid in plastic carboy that is capture and neutralize chlorine should a leak occur. Corrosion-resistant piping, directly to the dosing plant). valves, metering equipment, and any other equipment coming in contact with gaseous or liquid chlorine are used, and kept free from contaminants, including oil and grease. Chlorine is stored away from all sources of organic chemicals, Page 221 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT and protect from sunlight, moisture, and high temperatures. Sodium hypochlorite is stored in cool, dry, and dark conditions for no more than one month, and used with equipment constructed of corrosion-resistant materials; Calcium hypochlorite will be stored away from any organic materials and protect from moisture; fully empty or re-seal shipping containers to exclude moisture. Calcium hypochlorite will be stored for up to one year; The amount of chlorination chemicals stored on site is minimised while maintaining a sufficient inventory to cover intermittent disruptions in supply; A prevention program that includes identification of potential hazards, written operating procedures, training, maintenance, and accident investigation procedures has been developed and will be implemented. A plan for responding to accidental releases has been developed and implemented. A material safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is in place to ensure a sound chemicals management approach. Air Emissions Air emissions from water treatment operations may Air monitoring will be conducted periodically to assess the air emissions level at include gaseous or volatile chemicals used for disinfection the treatment plant. The employees at the water treatment plant will be provided processes (e.g chlorine). Measures nee hazardous with appropriate PPE to prevent the inhalation of volatile chemicals. chemicals discussed above will mitigate risks of chlorine and ammonia releases. Water System Leaks and Water system leaks can reduce the pressure of the water It will be ensured that construction meets applicable standards and industry Loss of Pressure system compromising its integrity and ability to protect practices such as conducting regular inspection and maintenance; water quality (by allowing contaminants into the system) implementing a leak detection and repair program (including records of past and increasing the demands on the source water supply, leaks and unaccounted-for water to identify potential problem areas) and the quantity of chemicals, and the amount of power used replacing mains with a history of leaks of with a greater potential for leaks for pumping and treatment. Leaks in the distribution because of their location, pressure stresses, and other risk factors. system can result from improper installation or maintenance, inadequate corrosion protection, settlement, stress from traffic and vibrations, overloading, amongst others. Solid Waste Impacts During maintenance of the water supply system, there Waste will be recycled as far as practically possible by identifying and giving may be waste generated from servicing and maintenance waste to licenced recyclers. All employees will be sensitized on proper waste of pumps, valves, pipeline, laterals and the solar power management. Special waste like E-waste, old pumps, waste oils will be given to supply. Waste that may be generated includes oils, non- licenced recyclers. Oil swabs, spent ad expired chemicals and other hazardous functional pumps, electronic waste, oil soiled swabs and waste will be placed in separate, marked bins and will be stored in containers damaged pipes. Some of this waste is classified as for environmentally sound disposal in accordance with the Waste Regulations, hazardous waste in the Waste Regulations, soli. Improper 2000. Disposing of waste will be done appropriately and on a regular basis in an management of this waste may lead to environmental approved Waste disposal site. degradation. Page 222 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Water Discharges Water lines may be periodically flushed to remove The flush water will be discharged into a separate storm sewer system with accumulated sediments or other impurities that have storm water management measures such as a detention pond, where solids accumulated in the pipe. Flushing is performed by can settle and residual chlorine consumed before the water is discharged; isolating sections of the distribution system and opening Erosion during flushing will be minimised by avoiding discharge areas that are flushing valves or, more commonly, fire hydrants to cause susceptible to erosion and spreading the flow to reduce flow velocities. a large volume of flow to pass through the isolated pipeline and suspend the settled sediment. The major environmental aspect of water pipe flushing is the discharge of flushed water, which may be high in suspended solids, residual chlorine, and other contaminants that can harm surface water bodies. Aging infrastructure Each pipeline has its own unique age. Aging pipes can The proponent will counterbalance the impact of aging infrastructure and pose a risk for pipeline rapture due to factors such as construction materials by properly managing the integrity of the pipe line and all material used and how the pipeline is maintained. associate infrastructure. This will include; the use of durable construction materials and regular maintenance of the pipeline and all its associated infrastructure. Easily degrading materials will not be sourced for this project. Excavation damage The integrity of the pipeline, its laterals, the pump house Security personnel will be placed at locations such as the reservoirs and pump and reservoirs may be damaged through natural force house to ensure that none of the infrastructure is damaged. Communities will damage or damage by persons. also be sensitized on the importance of protecting the pipeline and its laterals for the guaranteed provision of potable water. All offenders will be punished by the local Police Department. Page 223 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 10 ESMP Page 224 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Adverse Impact Description Mitigation Measure Phase Impact Responsibility Impact Site Temporary construction sites are In identification of site offices, areas which are already Construction Contractor Establishment necessary to store construction disturbed will be considered as first priority to minimise equipment and materials. It is important disturbance of virgin land. The contractor shall restrict all to note that the materials will be activities to the designated areas on the construction layout delivered along the sections of the plan. Establishment will be done in a manner that avoids proposed pipeline to avoid long environmentally sensitive areas like wetlands and streams. distance transportation of materials. Progressive rehabilitation will be done so that cleared areas There will be a need to establish several are rehabilitated as work progresses. All waste generated in site offices at different points along the the project, including builder’s rubble will be disposed in an main pipeline and laterals for effective approved waste disposal facility, in accordance with the project supervision and management. Waste Regulations, 2000. Cleared surfaces will be regularly sprayed with water to minimize dust. Exposed areas will be rehabilitated and grassed as soon as work has been finished in those areas. Locals will be given first preference in hiring of skills that are available in the community. The contractor will be required to recognize his responsibility towards the social issues of his workforce. Land Acquisition The pipeline will be designed such that The proponent undertakes to compensate all property Construction Contractor Impacts it aligns with the existing main road owners fully. There shall be no gender bias. The cooperation (MR11) along the road reserve, and will draw up and implement a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) parts will pass through certain fields and to mitigate project related displacement impacts in addition to farmland, therefore there will be a need the existing Resettlement Framework Policy (RFP). Land to land acquisition associated with the affected by the project will be compensated after pipeline will be kept at a minimum. consultations and negotiations conducted in good faith by Associated infrastructure, including both parties (affected and proponent) before construction pump houses and reservoirs will be commences according to the land values given by the constructed will require land acquisition. Valuator. In case of disagreements the issues must be referred to an Independent Arbitrator. Consultations will be undertaken especially with all affected landowners, and household members on the, valuation processes, negotiations and, awards. The proponent and property owners will agree on compensation terms by signing letters of acceptance. Compensation will be effected prior to project Page 225 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT implementation. Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) will be designated by the Traditional authorities to facilitate communication in cases where rights to cross fields and other community properties are required. Land Use Agricultural production is one of the key Construction of the pipeline will be managed such that Construction Contractor Change activities that is a source of livelihood for sections falling on farming areas are completed in the the communities especially since most shortest possible time. PAPs using agricultural land will be families depend on agricultural produce engaged, and compensation will be paid for time when for their day to day dietary needs. production cannot take place. The cooperation will draw up Certain parts of the pipeline will pass and implement a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) to mitigate through fields, which may not be used project related displacement impacts in addition to the temporarily during construction. existing Resettlement Framework Policy (RFP). Furthermore, some land will be lost due to construction of other structures like reservoirs and the pump house. Increase Spread of alien invasive weeds onto Progressive rehabilitation will be done to avoid the Construction Contractor Invasion by alien adjoining naturally vegetated areas due establishment of alien invasive species in cleared areas. weeds into to re-opening and transportation of Removal of invasive plant species, whenever possible, adjoining areas stockpiles. cultivating native plant species. Once the establishment of an alien invasive species has been detected, the contractor will take steps such as eradication, containment and control, to mitigate the adverse effects. Depletion of As part of the planning process, one of There will be logical choice of water supply for construction Construction Contractor Water the activities to be undertaken in and dust suppression will be from surface water bodies close Resources preparation for construction will include to the project area. Indiscriminate harvesting of water seeking approvals to abstract water for resources without a permit will not be done. This lowest construction. The logical choice of minimum flow rate (which is the worst-case scenario in 5 water supply for construction and dust years) can accommodate the allocated quota of 1,866,240m3 suppression will be from surface water per year. It therefore leaves enough water for downstream bodies close to the project area. use and aquatic life. The corporation shall ensure that Indiscriminate harvesting of water abstracted volume are within the allocated quota. resources without a permit leads to shortage of water supply to downstream communities. Water Pollution Disturbances due to the pipeline The design of the pipeline will be such that at places where it Construction Contractor construction on the water bodies could crosses water bodies it will be suspended (attached to be in the form of increased pollution bridges) to avoid pollution. Digging will only done when pipes Page 226 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT load by way of erosion from are ready to be laid, open trenches will be covered within construction/ vehicle movement 24hrs to minimise erosion of soil material. Progressive activities. The trenching activities may rehabilitation will be done so that cleared areas are generate trench water, having high rehabilitated as work progresses. Stockpiled material will be suspended solids concentration due to kept away from water bodies to prevent sedimentation of turbidity. Poor management of oils and water bodies. The contractor will draw up and implement a hazardous material may lead to chemicals management plans, display signs, control access spillages and subsequent pollution of to chemicals and handle chemicals in accordance with their the surface water bodies MSDSs. Only trained personnel will handle hazardous material, procedures for handling spillages will also be in place. All topsoil removed during construction will be stockpiled close to the site for rehabilitation purposes. The Contractor will ensure that stockpiles are not will not be placed in areas where run-off will be a problem even during the dry season as this will cause water erosion and that they are arranged such that they are not exposed to the wind. Areas for storage of stockpiles will be graded to a uniform surface. It shall be free of all vegetation and other debris, and free from stones. Moreover, the stockpiles will be sprinkled with water regularly, thus abating dust emission. Top soil that will be stripped and stored with as little compaction as possible, and only on non-wet days. All stockpiles will be stored without exceeding 1m height and those which are three months older will be re-seeded. Furthermore, the contractor will rehabilitate natural slopes to reduce environmental impact and erosion, using the stockpile of overburden material. Loss of flora and Construction activities like clearing of The contractor will zone out working areas to reduce Construction Contractor vegetation cover land to make way for pipeline and ecological destruction. Restore disturbed natural sites associated infrastructure will lead to through environmental rehabilitation; restoring top soils and exposed area that may be more prone (re-)introduce genetic species similar to those destroyed in to erosion. Although the Flora may be order to re-establish the natural local ecology. Progressive lost through contamination due to rehabilitation will be done so that cleared areas are improper management of chemicals, rehabilitated as work progresses EWSC will ensure that there empty chemical containers and other will be no indiscriminate site clearances, and that workers will wastes. be educated on the Plant Protection Act so as to be able to identify all legally protected ones. Page 227 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Soil Erosion and Clearing and compaction activities may Clearing will only be done when equipment and personnel are Construction Contractor Contamination lead to soil erosion since the soils on the ready to start work on that area. Topsoil and subsoil will be project site are erodible. If clearing of stripped and stockpiled for rehabilitation after completion. areas is done and soil is left bare for a Progressive rehabilitation will be done so that cleared areas considerable amount of time, it may are rehabilitated as work progresses. Vehicles and cause washing away of the topsoil. This machinery will be regularly serviced. There will be no may lead to sedimentation of nearby servicing done on site. This will ensure that the vehicles do water bodies through surface runoff. not leak fuel into the soil. However, if there are any spills, the contaminated soil will be scooped and stored in hazardous The soil may further be contaminated by waste marked bins which will then be treated using poor management of waste and other bioremediation on site. During construction, care will be taken hazardous material. The soils on the that substances used in construction that may pollute nearby project site are erodible. If clearing of water bodies are properly stored and residues do not find areas is done and soil is left bare for a their way into the river but are properly disposed of. considerable amount of time, this may lead to soil erosion. Leaking machinery and equipment may pollute the soil, posing an adverse effect to the environment. Waste Construction waste like cement bags, The contractor will prepare a waste management plan and Construction Contractor Management containers and other waste streams are provide labelled waste receptacles during the construction likely to be generated. Improper period. Employees will also be taught on the importance of management of this waste may lead to proper waste management during toolbox talks to ensure that environmental pollution. they are adequately sensitized about waste management. The contractor will additionally ensure segregation of all wastes from source. Special waste like tonners, cartridges and florescent tubes will be placed in separate, marked bins and will be stored in containers for environmentally sound disposal in accordance with the Waste Regulations, 2000. Disposing of rubble and other waste will be done appropriately and on a regular basis during the construction phase of the proposed project. Loss of cultural Although no archaeological finding has In cases where a discovery is made, the ENTC will be notified Construction Contractor and been made, the excavations may immediately. archaeological uncover these. If procedures for artefacts discovery are not in place, these can be lost. Page 228 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Blasting Impacts These impacts include ground It is not anticipated that there will be blasting in the project, in Construction Contractor vibrations, air blast, generation of fines, the event that it is needed, the contactor will draw up and fumes, dust and structural defects. implement a blasting management plan Pump House The raw materials used for the The contactor will draw up and implement a waste Construction Contractor Impacts construction of the pump house may be management plan in line with the Waste Regulations of 2000. disposed of improperly leading environmental degradation and aesthetical impacts. Community Health and Safety Increase in Road The average traffic flow along the MR11 The contractor will ensure that flaggers and all traffic control Construction Contractor Accidents is 61.8 cars per hour. The introduction signage is put up to control traffic. A traffic study will also be of construction vehicles may lead to done by the contractor. No work will be done during the peak unexpected disruption. The usability of hours when traffic flows are high. Traffic warning signs will this road will be compromised by heavy be erected indicating possible construction vehicles driving in construction vehicles turning on/off the and out of site. Drivers and operators of heavy machinery will road and mingling with local traffic. be properly trained. During construction there will be heavy duty vehicles that come to the construction site to deliver various construction materials. This will increase traffic volumes as well as disrupt the smooth flow of traffic along these roads. The use of un-roadworthy vehicles, drivers disobeying traffic rules and obstruction of motorists’ views will contribute to this potentially negative impact. Drivers on the MR11 road and other feeder roads may also be not be aware of project construction vehicles, exposing them to risks. Access Impacts The blocking and disturbance of The contractor will ensure that access roads leading to Construction Contractor accesses from construction activities business/residential are kept open at all times for easier will impact on accesses to properties accessibility and that these provide safe and convenient due to excavations which may block passage. Where this cannot be avoided, the contractor will users to their place of residence or ensure that periods of closure are keep minimum. Access business properties. roads will be maintained during the construction period. Page 229 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Changes in The introduction of new people in the Local people will be prioritized for employment and no Construction Contractor Population communities may lead to anti-social construction camps for accommodation will be established. Dynamics elements in this quiet environment, with The contactor will draw up recruitment policy that ensures a negative impact especially on issues screening of potential employees. The local police will be of crime, HIV prevalence, and engaged to assist in awareness raising on anti-social alcoholism and drug abuse especially behaviors among the youth, prostitution, women and child abuse, increase in costs of service provision, breakdown in values of locals. Gender Based The introduction of new people in the The contractor will enforce legislation and acttake action Construction Contractor Violence project area may aggravate the current against employees found to have committed acts of gender- crime statistics related to violence based violence. The contactor will draw up recruitment policy against women and children which is that ensures screening of potential employees. The local the second highest public morality police will be engaged to assist in awareness raising on anti- offense in the Shiselweni Region. Over social behaviors. the last five years, Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) has been the second highest in offences against women with an average of 34.9%. Child Labour Contractors may hire underage The contractor will draw up and implement are recruitment Construction Contractor persons, which is against international policy that is in-line with national and international laws and and national legislation and standards. against child labour Security Impacts At night, when streetlights may be Security will be maintained 24hrs a day on site. There will be Construction Contractor absent or insufficient, inadequate site signs restricting a day on site. There will be access control security or signage could lead to night- and maintenance of entrance register in to the site time accidents. Occupational Health and Safety Site Water and Since there is no running water, site Adequate drinking water and proper sanitation facilities will Construction Contractor Sanitation workers may not have access to quality be provided (for each sex where conditions warrant). drinking water, which may lead to waterborne diseases. Without proper Temporary chemical toilets will be put on site to ensure sanitation, site workers may use bushes proper sanitation and avoid pollution of groundwater and as toilets, which may lead to soil surface water resources. pollution as well as pollution of water resources from pollutants like coliforms Page 230 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT and other pollutants. Project activities may impact water availability in the small streams in the project area. Poor sanitation may also cause pollution to these water bodies. Atmosphere and Aesthetics Dust Construction of the pipeline may Cleared surfaces will be watered to suppress dust, including Construction Contractor temporarily affect the visual aesthetics spraying with water. The vehicles working on this project will of the area as well as give rise to dust, be required to observe a speed limit of 40 km/h to minimise noise and visual impacts. During the emission of dust. The Contractor will ensure that haulage of material, dust will be emitted. stockpiles are not will not be placed in areas where run-off The weight of vehicles, their speed of will be a problem even during the dry season as this will cause passage and number of wheels in water erosion and that they are arranged such that they are contact with the ground, and the nature not exposed to the wind. Areas for storage of stockpiles will and condition of road surfaces or haul be graded to a uniform surface. It shall be free of all routes all contribute to dust emission. If vegetation and other debris, and free from stones. Moreover, not sheeted, turbulence in the empty the stockpiles will be sprinkled with water regularly, thus bodies of the vehicles may scour out abating dust emission. Top soil that will be stripped and dust. Cleared surfaces may emit dust stored with as little compaction as possible, and only on non- when vehicles are using them. Dust wet days. All stockpiles will be stored without exceeding 1m may also be emitted from stockpiles of height and those which are three month older will be re- soil material. This may be exacerbated seeded. Furthermore, the contractor will rehabilitate natural in dry and windy days. slopes to reduce environmental impact and erosion, using the stockpile of overburden material. Emissions Machinery and vehicles may emit gases All vehicles will be serviced regularly and monitored for Construction Contractor like SOx and NOx and particulate emissions matter, which cause air pollution and respiratory illnesses. This may be exacerbated by unserviced and poorly maintained machinery and vehicles. Aesthetics Linear projects such as pipeline Clearing will only be done when equipment and personnel are Construction Contractor Impacts developments have a propensity to ready to start work on that area spoil aesthetic environments. This may be due to large tracts of areas being cleared and deep cuts involved. Excavated sites scar the landscape. Page 231 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT This impact is high negative if unmitigated. Noise Construction vehicles may generate a Construction activities will be confined to daytime and noise Construction Contractor considerable amount of noise during and the noise levels will only affect the nearby areas for a construction activities. Noise during relatively short time. A buying policy that includes movements include reversing alarms consideration of noise for all new items of plant will be and engine revving. Noise from adopted. It will be ensured that plant and vehicles are construction vehicles has a number of properly maintained. Enclosures will be used for noisy plant different sources including silencer, such as pumps or generators. Rubber linings will be used in brakes, poor suspension and body slap. chutes and dumpers to reduce impact noise. Empty trucks are worse than fully loaded ones; they tend to travel faster and be noisier because they suffer from "body-slap" when going over potholes, bumps, or road humps. Increase in Influx of workforce in the project area An HIV/AIDS awareness campaign will be done for the Construction Contractor HIV/AIDS may potentially aggravate the workers. The contractor will also ensure the provision of Prevalence prevalence of HIV/AIDS. condoms for both male and female employees in the ablution facilities. Storm water Improper rehabilitation of the disturbed Construction/Operation Contractor Management areas may lead to erosion, compromising the integrity of storm water drains and causing siltation. Water Resource The current volume abstracted from the The proponent will ensure that abstraction volume do not Operation Proponent Impacts Mkhondvo River will increase on exceed the allowable limit in the permit granted by the operation of the project to service the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy. additional population along the Nhlangano – Siphambanweni corridor. This may impact water availability for downstream use and aquatic life. This may be more pronounced in unforeseen drought situations. Atmosphere and During maintenance of the water supply Cleared surfaces will be watered to supress dust. The Operation Proponent Aesthetics system, dust and noise may be vehicles working on this project will be required to observe a generated from maintenance trucks and maintenance activities. Noise may also Page 232 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT be generated from the operation of speed limit of 40 km/h to minimise the emission of dust. There pumps. The addition of structures like will be regularly spraying of untarred road surfaces reservoirs, pump house and other structures will change the visual Machinery to be used during project implementation will be landscape of the project area. properly serviced to ensure that unnecessary noise is not emitted while the machines are at work. Baffle mounds or noise fences will be used to provide screening since the area is a noise sensitive environment. Community Poor maintenance of pipes may cause A maintenance plan will be developed and implemented to Operation Proponent Health and to their bursting leading to flooding ensure regular maintenance of water supply infrastructure. Safety affecting properties, including fields, This will include proactive testing of pipes and other businesses and grazing land. Leaking infrastructure. The materials chosen for the water supply of pipes may lead to contamination of system will durable with easily obtainable spare parts. water. During the maintenance of the Community will be sensitized if there are anticipated system, open trenches may lead to disruption to service and fixing water supply issues. All leaks safety hazards to the community. will be addressed in the shortest time possible. Occupational Personnel involved in maintenance of There will be regular OHS training of personnel involved in Operation Proponent Health and equipment may be exposed to injuries maintenance and operation of the water supply infrastructure Safety from electrocution and occupational hazards like dust and noise. EWSC has an OHS policy and plan, which new employees will be inducted on. Relevant personnel Protective Equipment will be provided for all employees and employees will be encouraged to use it. Access to high risk areas will be limited to highly trained personnel. There will be proper warning signs for areas that are of high risk. First aid representatives will be part of every maintenance crew and every area/section of work. First aid fits will always be available and accessible. Fire fighting equipment will be put in place and properly serviced. Fire drills will be dome for workers and fire assembly points demarcated. Increase in The additional water abstraction will Power conservation measures will be put in place. Pumping Operation Proponent Power Usage require more pumping from the will only be done when it is necessary, and equipment not in Mkhondvo river, leading to increased use will be switched off. Works will be sensitised of energy power requirements. conservation Wastage of Communities will be trained on water billing, water Operation Proponent Water conservation and management. Page 233 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Mismanagement The proponent will train kiosks operators and monitor their Operation Proponent of Kiosks operations to ensure that they don’t experience challenges that may lead to closure. Water Treatment Plant Treatment Plan Solid waste residuals generated by The quantity of solids generated by the water treatment Operation Proponent water treatment include process process is minimised through optimizing coagulation residuals, used filtration membranes, processes; spent media and miscellaneous wastes. Process residuals primarily consist of Use of ferric and alum sludge will be balanced to bind settled suspended solids from source phosphorous (e.g., from manure application at livestock water and chemicals added in the operations) without causing aluminum phytotoxicity. Land treatment process, such as lime and application after testing for levels of heavy metals will be done coagulants. Damaged or exhausted before this is used for land application. Sludge may require membranes are typically produced from special disposal if the source water contains elevated levels water treatment systems used for of toxic metals, such as arsenic, radionuclides, etc.; desalination. Spent media may include Regenerate activated carbon will be returned to the supplier. filter media (including sand, coal, or diatomaceous earth from filtration Residual waste that cannot be recycled will be stored in plants), ion exchange resins, granular designated containers and disposed of in Compliance with activated carbon. Water contamination the Waste Regulations, 2000. may also be experienced as a result of a non-functional or inefficient water treatment process. Waste water Wastewater from water treatment Land application of wastes with high dissolved solids Operation Proponent Impacts projects include filter backwash, reject concentrations is generally preferred over discharge to streams from membrane filtration surface water subject to an evaluation of potential impact on processes, and brine streams from ion soil, groundwater, and surface water resulting from such exchange or demineralization application; Filter backwash is recycled into the process. processes. These waste streams may Reject streams, including brine, is treated tested for quality contain suspended solids and organics before being returned to the river, in compliance with the from the raw water, high levels of Environmental Management Act, 2002 and the Water Act, dissolved solids, high or low pH, and 2003. heavy metals. Chemicals The water treatment process involves Alarm and safety systems, including automatic shutoff valves Operation Proponent management the use of chemicals for coagulation, that are automatically activated when a chlorine release is disinfection and water conditioning. detected are installed in the Water Treatment plant. These include soda ash, alum Containment and scrubber systems are in place to capture Page 234 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT (delivered by tanker), polyelectrolyte and neutralize chlorine should a leak occur. Corrosion- (liquid in plastic carboy that is directly to resistant piping, valves, metering equipment, and any other the dosing plant). equipment coming in contact with gaseous or liquid chlorine are used, and kept free from contaminants, including oil and grease. Chlorine is stored away from all sources of organic chemicals, and protect from sunlight, moisture, and high temperatures. Sodium hypochlorite is stored in cool, dry, and dark conditions for no more than one month, and used with equipment constructed of corrosion-resistant materials; Calcium hypochlorite will be stored away from any organic materials and protect from moisture; fully empty or re-seal shipping containers to exclude moisture. Calcium hypochlorite will be stored for up to one year; The amount of chlorination chemicals stored on site is minimised while maintaining a sufficient inventory to cover intermittent disruptions in supply; A prevention program that includes identification of potential hazards, written operating procedures, training, maintenance, and accident investigation procedures has been developed and will be implemented. A plan for responding to accidental releases has been developed and implemented. A material safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is in place to ensure a sound chemicals management approach. Air Emissions Air emissions from water treatment Air monitoring will be conducted periodically to assess the air Operation Proponent operations may include gaseous or emissions level at the treatment plant. The employees at the volatile chemicals used for disinfection water treatment plant will be provided with appropriate PPE processes (e.g chlorine). Measures nee to prevent the inhalation of volatile chemicals. hazardous chemicals discussed above will mitigate risks of chlorine and ammonia releases. Water System Water system leaks can reduce the It will be ensured that construction meets applicable Operation Proponent Leaks and Loss pressure of the water system standards and industry practices such as conducting regular of Pressure compromising its integrity and ability to inspection and maintenance; implementing a leak detection protect water quality (by allowing and repair program (including records of past leaks and contaminants into the system) and unaccounted-for water to identify potential problem areas) increasing the demands on the source and replacing mains with a history of leaks of with a greater water supply, the quantity of chemicals, potential for leaks because of their location, pressure and the amount of power used for stresses, and other risk factors. pumping and treatment. Leaks in the Page 235 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT distribution system can result from improper installation or maintenance, inadequate corrosion protection, settlement, stress from traffic and vibrations, overloading, amongst others. Solid Waste During maintenance of the water supply Waste will be recycled as far as practically possible by Operation Proponent Impacts system, there may be waste generated identifying and giving waste to licenced recyclers. All from servicing and maintenance of employees will be sensitized on proper waste management. pumps, valves, pipeline, laterals and Special waste like E-waste, old pumps, waste oils will be the solar power supply. Waste that may given to licenced recyclers. Oil swabs, spent ad expired be generated includes oils, non- chemicals and other hazardous waste will be placed in functional pumps, electronic waste, oil separate, marked bins and will be stored in containers for soiled swabs and damaged pipes. environmentally sound disposal in accordance with the Some of this waste is classified as Waste Regulations, 2000. Disposing of waste will be done hazardous waste in the Waste appropriately and on a regular basis in an approved Waste Regulations, soli. Improper disposal site. management of this waste may lead to environmental degradation. Water Water lines may be periodically flushed The flush water will be discharged into a separate storm Operation Proponent Discharges to remove accumulated sediments or sewer system with storm water management measures such other impurities that have accumulated as a detention pond, where solids can settle and residual in the pipe. Flushing is performed by chlorine consumed before the water is discharged; Erosion isolating sections of the distribution during flushing will be minimised by avoiding discharge areas system and opening flushing valves or, that are susceptible to erosion and spreading the flow to more commonly, fire hydrants to cause reduce flow velocities. a large volume of flow to pass through the isolated pipeline and suspend the settled sediment. The major environmental aspect of water pipe flushing is the discharge of flushed water, which may be high in suspended solids, residual chlorine, and other contaminants that can harm surface water bodies. Aging Each pipeline has its own unique age. The proponent will counterbalance the impact of aging Operation Proponent infrastructure Aging pipes can pose a risk for pipeline infrastructure and construction materials by properly rapture due to factors such as material managing the integrity of the pipe line and all associate Page 236 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT used and how the pipeline is infrastructure. This will include; the use of durable maintained. construction materials and regular maintenance of the pipeline and all its associated infrastructure. Easily degrading materials will not be sourced for this project. Excavation The integrity of the pipeline, its laterals, Security personnel will be placed at locations such as the Construction Contractor damage the pump house and reservoirs may be reservoirs and pump house to ensure that none of the damaged through natural force damage infrastructure is damaged. Communities will also be or damage by persons. sensitized on the importance of protecting the pipeline and its laterals for the guaranteed provision of potable water. All offenders will be punished by the local Police Department. 10.1 ESMP Monitoring Plan The following table summarizes the ESMP monitoring plan for the proposed project. Table 51:ESMP Monitoring Plan Project Parameter Indicator Institutional Project Monitoring Activity/Aspect Responsibility Phase Cost Estimates Implementation Monitoring Frequency USD Route/Plan Responsibility Impact of Flora Visual Inspection Bare soil ESMP Contractor Monthly Construction To be and operation finalized Soil Erosion once detailed designs are completed Project Manager/Supervising Engineer Air emissions and Dust fallout Bad Odour ESMP Contractor Monthly Construction To be quality of dust and operation finalized Use of PPE once detailed Page 237 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Project Parameter Indicator Institutional Project Monitoring Activity/Aspect Responsibility Phase Cost Estimates Implementation Monitoring Frequency USD Route/Plan Responsibility Health and Safety Plan designs are in use completed Supervising Engineer Record of induction for workers Active dust suppression Safeguarding Visual Inspection Induction training SEP Contractor Daily Prior to and To be community health records during finalized and safety Incident and Project performance Supervising Engineer Construction once accident records and operation detailed Grievance Mechanism designs are Safety working completed procedure Maintenance of complaints log and resolution process; and Evidence of effective Grievance Mechanism Photographs of appropriate fencing; and signage around site perimeter and Page 238 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Project Parameter Indicator Institutional Project Monitoring Activity/Aspect Responsibility Phase Cost Estimates Implementation Monitoring Frequency USD Route/Plan Responsibility where identified through risk assessment process. Safeguarding Health and safety OHS Management Contractor Daily Construction To be Worker records system and operation finalized Occupation audits of PPE use, once Health and maintenance of detailed Safety disciplinary records, Supervising Engineer designs are Visual inspection etc. completed Records of inductions, trainings & toolbox talks Active and passive monitoring Good “housekeeping� on site Worker Grievance Records & resolution Labor Influx Verification of Number of community ESMP/LMP/CoC Contractor Daily Construction To be records complaints and operation finalized Supervising Engineer once Consultations detailed designs are Frequency of completed consultations conducted Page 239 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Project Parameter Indicator Institutional Project Monitoring Activity/Aspect Responsibility Phase Cost Estimates Implementation Monitoring Frequency USD Route/Plan Responsibility Number of awareness campaigns conducted Storage of Spillages MSDS for all store Waste Management Contractor Monthly Construction To be hazardous Chemicals Plan finalized materials and Visual inspection Audit once chemicals Functioning storage Review detailed containers Supervising Engineer designs are completed Chemical usage records Traffic concerns Visual inspection Traffic Management Contractor Daily Construction To be Plan and operation finalized Records of accidents once involving project detailed vehicles designs are completed Supervising Engineer Banks men shall be used to direct vehicle traffic around construction sites and hazards during working hours (Health and Safety Plan). Page 240 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Project Parameter Indicator Institutional Project Monitoring Activity/Aspect Responsibility Phase Cost Estimates Implementation Monitoring Frequency USD Route/Plan Responsibility Plan approved by project manager barriers and signage Public Community Grievance Stakeholder Contractor Monthly Construction To be Awareness and Consultations management records & Engagement Plan and operation finalized Community resolution process once perceptions Grievance Mechanism detailed designs are completed Evidence of Supervising Engineer Occurrence-Event report Noise dB(A) Measure included in ESMP Contractor Monthly Construction To be design and and operation finalized procurement plans once detailed Supervising Engineer designs are completed Hearing protection and PPE in use Record of equipment maintenance Soil Erosion Visual inspection Bare soil ESMP Contractor Weekly Construction To be and operation finalized once Page 241 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Project Parameter Indicator Institutional Project Monitoring Activity/Aspect Responsibility Phase Cost Estimates Implementation Monitoring Frequency USD Route/Plan Responsibility Soil pillars detailed designs are Supervising Engineer completed Solid waste Domestic refuse, Documented Approvals Comprehensive waste Contractor Daily Construction To be management metallic scraps, for placement of management plan and operation finalized wastes, once detailed Supervising Engineer designs are completed Land Acquisition, Consultations Records of RPF ECC Daily Prior to and To be displacement and compensation during finalized restrictions on Site Visits completion & RAP/LRP Construction once land use completion rate detailed designs are Progress on RAP/LRP completed implementation Compliance with RPF/RAP and national legislation Cultural Heritage Visual inspection Records of Chance ESMP (Chance Finds Contractor Daily Prior to and To be Find Procedures Procedures) during finalized activated Supervising Engineer Construction once detailed designs are completed Page 242 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Project Parameter Indicator Institutional Project Monitoring Activity/Aspect Responsibility Phase Cost Estimates Implementation Monitoring Frequency USD Route/Plan Responsibility Supply Chain Reporting Bidding documents and ESMP Contractor Weekly Construction To be Contracts and finalized Bidding documents Supervising Engineer Operation once detailed designs are Supply chain completed performance on ESS2 compliance Page 243 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT In addition to mitigation measures and monitoring arrangements indicated in the ESMP tables, the EWSC in collaboration with the PIU and the contractor shall pay close attentions to the followings risks and impacts mitigation measures throughout the project life span: Labour Influx: The construction of the pipeline, laterals, reservoirs and solar power plant will require skilled and unskilled labor. The estimated number of workers who will be involved in the construction of the project is 355 of which 289 are male and 66 are female. In order to mitigate social risks and impacts associated with workers or potential labour influx, a Labour Management Procedures (LMP) was developed by Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC. The LMP sets out the Project’s approac h to meeting national requirements as well as the objectives of the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework, specifically objectives of Environmental and Socials Standard 2: Labour and Working Conditions (ESS2) and Standard 4: Community Health and Safety (ESS4). The LMP is cleared by the Bank and is applicable to all Project workers whether full-time, part-time, temporary, seasonal or migrant workers. Community Health and Safety: The main community health and safety risks associated with the project are: i) risks and impacts of the project on the health and safety of the affected communities and, ii) risks and impacts associated with the project’s security personnel. While preparing and implementing the project activities, the EWSC/PIU is required to assess health and safety risks and impacts on communities, and security personnel associated risks and impacts to those within and outside the project. On the basis of the assessment outcomes, the EWSC/PIU is required to propose and implement mitigation m easures in the project’s ESMP and the CESMP. Participation: In line with Bank’s ESS-10, the EWSC/PIU has prepared the project Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) and the plan is cleared by the Bank. The plan is geared toward providing opportunity for all-inclusive approach in project preparation, planning, implementation and monitoring processes. The SEP identified relevant interested parties and Project Affected Persons (PAPs). It provides the process for all parties’ dispute resolution mechanism and has embedded variety of stakeholder engagements and consultations strategies. The underlying principle of stakeholder engagement for the project is that engagement shall be: a) free of manipulation, b) free of interference, coercion, and intimidation, and conducted based on timely, relevant, understandable and accessible information, in a culturally appropriate format. It shall involve interactions between project’s stakeholders and shall provide stakeholders with an opportunity to raise their concerns and opinions and shall ensures that this information is taken into consideration when designing the project and making decisions. GBV/SEA: An initial GBV risks assessment, using Bank’s GBV risk screening tool, indicates the project GBV risk is moderate. As required, for moderate risk projects, by the Bank’s “Good Practice Note� for addressing gender base violence, the project shall prepare a “GBV Actions Plan� and; the basis of the GBV Action plan shall constitute part of the project’s ESMP and the contractor C -ESMP. The GBV Acton Plan shall include arrangements for: i) GBV risks awareness raising targeting workers and communities, ii) mapping GBV service providers and referral services, and iii) GBV allegation procedures. Gender: The project is also planning to undertake gender analysis to identify project relevant gaps between and female in light of country gaps identified by SCD and CPF. On the basis of the gap analysis, the project will put specific actions to address project level gender gaps and to improve wom en and men’s empowerment. The project will also include indicators in the result framework to monitor outcomes from actions identified in specific actions to address gender gaps. It is estimated that 79% of adult female collects drinking water when the source Page 244 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT is not on premises; this is usually the case in about 50 percent of the rural households in Eswatini. It is expected that the project will reduce the burden of female collecting drinking water thereby allowing enough time for schooling and at the same time reducing the risk associated with female insecurity. Exclusion/Inclusion: The project aims at addressing lack of adequate sanitation facilities for girls in schools through Menstrual Hygiene Management Approach. This measure is hoped to reduce or eliminate higher school dropout rates among female students coincided with menstruation and will also afford girls equitable access to sanitation facilities. Enhanced information about menstruation and the availability of adequate sanitation facilities is expected to reduce or eliminate challenges faced by girls at schools and young women. The project will promote inclusive design standards that take into account menstrual hygiene management needs and good practice such as: separate cabins for boys and girls, safe locks, lighting, presence of disposal bins, and handwashing stations. Disability: The project area is reported to have disabled and vulnerable groups who encountered access to portable water and to disability friendly sanitation facilities. These groups include the elderly, persons with disabilities, orphans and vulnerable children. In line with the National Development Strategy of the Kingdom of Eswatini on disability, and in fulfilment of the Bank’s ESF requirem ent to give differentiated treatment to vulnerable people, the project will follow universal project design principles and will make portable water and sanitation infrastructures accessible to vulnerable groups and for persons with disabilities; including, allowing disadvantaged groups to participate in project planning and implementation. 11 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS The preliminary ESIA process for the proposed Nhlangano - Siphambanweni Integrated Water Supply Project has been undertaken in accordance with the Environmental Audit Assessment and Review Regulations 2000 published in terms of the Environmental Management Act (Act No 5 of 2000) and World Bank environmental and social standards. The essence of the ESIA process is aimed at ensuring informed decision making and environmental accountability and to assist in achieving environmentally sound and sustainable development. In assessing the environmental feasibility of the proposed project, the requirements of all international and national relevant legislation have been considered as described in Chapter 3. The preliminary ESIA will also inform the development of project design. This relevant legislation has informed the identification and development of appropriate management and mitigation measures that should be implemented in order to minimise potentially significant impacts associated with the project. 11.1 Evaluation of the Proposed Project The preceding chapters of this report provided a detailed assessment of the predicted environmental impacts on specific components of the social and biophysical environment as a result of the proposed project. This chapter concludes the preliminary ESIA report by providing a holistic evaluation of the most important environmental impacts identified through the process. In so doing, it draws on the information gathered as part of the ESIA Process and the knowledge gained by the environmental consultants during the course of the ESIA and presents an informed opinion about the proposed project. Page 245 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT The ESIA Study also investigated alternative options for the proposed project for; ▪ Site selection, and technologies for the water supply ▪ Technology options for the sanitation, and ▪ No Project Alternative. The preferred alternative was the implementation of the integrated Water supply project as proposed, as well as the sanitation component. The major environmental impacts associated with the proposed project as discussed in the ESIA include: ▪ Potential impacts on Water Resources; ▪ Potential impact on Noise and air quality; and ▪ Potential Social Social Impacts and ▪ Potential health and Safety Impacts ▪ Potential Impacts on Soils 11.2 Recommendations The proposed Nhlangano - Siphambanweni Integrated Water Supply Project project clearly offers compelling strategic, economic and social advantages to Eswatini, whilst also positively impacting climate change. Environmental impacts that will result from the execution of the Nhlangano - Siphambanweni Integrated Water Supply Project have been identified and it is recommended that the following aspects be considered by the EWSC prior to implementation: ▪ The mitigation measures recommended for the proposed project are outlined in the preceding chapters of this report particularly chapter 8 and are also contained within the Environmental and Social Mitigation Plan (ESMP) compiled for the project. The ESMP is a detailed plan of action prepared to ensure that recommendations for enhancing positive impacts and preventing negative environmental impacts are implemented during the lifecyclelife-cycle of a project. ▪ The ESMP is compiled to provide recommendations and guidelines according to which compliance monitoring can be done during the construction phase as well as to ensure that all relevant factors are considered to ensure for environmentally responsible development. The ESMP should also form part of the contract for the Contractor who will be responsible for the construction of the proposed project. Page 246 MTK Sustainable Technologies DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR NHLANGANO – SIPHAMBANWENI INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT 12 REFERENCES 1. Arcus Gibb, Knight Piésold (2009): Lower Maguduza Hydro Power Scheme Feasibility Report, for Eswatini Electricity Company. 2. Aurecon (November 2011): Progressive Realisation of the IncoMaputo Agreement (PRIMA) IAAP3 3. Central Statistical Office (2017), The population and Housing Census, Mbabane. 4. Central Statistical Office (2017), Eswatini Household Income and Expenditure Survey 5. Consulting Services for Integrated Water Resources, Baseline Evaluation and Scoping Report Part B: Status QuoStatusQuo of the Maputo Basin. 6. Convention on Climate Change: Eswatini Government Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs. 7. Convention on Climate Change: Eswatini Government Ministry for Public Works and Transport. 8. Eswatini Environment Authority, 2005, Compendium of Environmental Laws of Eswatini, Mbabane 9. Eswatini Environment Authority, 2003, Threatened Vertebrates of Swaziland Red Data Book, Manzini 10. Eswatini (2000): Eswatini’s First National Communication to the United Nations Framework Eswatini (2012): Eswatini’s Second National Communication to the United Nations Framework 11. Eswatini Government (1969), Geology and Soils of Swaziland, Mbabane 12. Eswatini Government , Soil Hazard Map of Swaziland, Mbabane 13. Eswatini Demographic and Health Survey (2006-2007). 14. Eswatini Discovery, 2015 15. International Finance Corporation Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability: (2012). 16. Microsoft Encarta Encylopedia, (2002) and Mwendera E J, (2003): Wetland Development and Management in Eswatini. Report for Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations Regional Office for Southern Africa 17. Rammelzwaal A and Masuku B S (1994): Characterisation and Correlation of the Soils of Eswatini. AG: SWA89/00, Fields Document 15. MOAC/LUPS, Eswatini. 18. IPCC (2013): Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Stocker, T.F., D. Qin, G.-K. Plattner, M. Tignor, S. K. Allen, J. Boschung, A. Nauels, Y. Xia, V. Bex and P.M. Midgley (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA. 19. World Bank (2015), Climate Change Knowledge Portal for Development Practitioners and Policy Markers 20. World Bank (2017), The World Bank Environmental and Social Management Framework 21. World Health Organisation Global TB Report (2012). Websites http://data.un.org/Country Profile http://www.humantruth.info/Eswatini.html http://www.turkey-visit.com/Eswatini-map.asp www.waterresourceswr2012.co.za as per April 2015 http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Mbabane-weather-averages/Hhohho/SZ.aspx Page 247 MTK Sustainable Technologies