V 3 Public Disclosure Authorized

11' V 3 Public Disclosure Authorized

Report /02 Environmental for Environmental Impact Statement line & Public Disclosure Authorized Bondo-Nebbi distribution generator operation in Arua (Revised v.2) Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized

-M ECON-Report no. /02, Project no. ISSN: 0803-5113, ISBN 82-7645-xxx-x e/,, 9. January 2003

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

Commissioned by West Nile Concession Committee

Prepared by EMA & ECON

ECON Centre for Economic Analysis P.O.Box 6823 St. Olavs plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway. Phone: + 47 22 98 98 50, Fax: + 47 22 11 00 80, http://www.econ.no - - EMA & ECON - Environmental Impact Statement for Bondo-Nebbi transmission line, Uganda - DRAFT -

Table of Contents:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 2 INTRODUCTION ...... 7 1.1 Background ...... 7 1.2 Objectives of the study ...... 7 1.3 EIA team ...... 7 1.4 Methodology ...... 8 2 POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ...... 9 2.1 Policies ...... 9 2.1.1 National environment management policy ...... 9 2.1.2 Energy policy ...... 9 2.1.3 The National Policy for the Conservation and Management of Wetland Resources 1995 ...... 9 2.1.4 Water Resources Policy 1995 ...... 10 2.2 Legal and Regulatory Framework ...... 10 2.2.1 The Uganda Constitution, 1995 ...... 10 2.2.2 National Environment Statute and Regulations ...... 10 2.2.3 Electricity Regulation ...... 11 2.2.4 Water Act ...... 11 2.2.5 Land Act 1998 ...... 12 2.2.6 Local Governments Act 1997 ...... 12 2.2.7 Town and Country Planning Act 1964 ...... 12 2.2.8 Investment Code Statute ...... 12 2.2.9 International Agreements ...... 12 2.3 Institutions ...... 13 2.3.1 National Environment Management Authority ...... 13 2.3.2 Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) ...... 14 2.3.3 Directorate of Water Development (DWD) ...... 14 2.3.4 Town and Country Planning Board ...... 14 2.3.5 District Level Institutional Structure ...... 14 2.3.6 Donors and Financing Institutions ...... 15 3 AREA PROFILE . .16 3.1 Topography .16 3.2 Geomorphology .16 3.3 Climate .17 3.4 Soils .17 3.5 Water Resources .17 3.6 Land Tenure And Administration .17 3.7 Settlements .18 3.8 Demography .18 3.8.1 Population and Population Trends .18 3.8.2 Population Growth .18 3.8.3 Population Density .19 3.8.4 Health .19 3.8.5 Infrastructure .20 3.8.6 The Economy .20

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3.8.7 Social Services .21 4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION . .23 4.1 Introduction and background .23 4.2 Project layout .24 4.3 Distribution Line .24 4.4 The existing generator units at Arua and Nebbi .25 4.4.1 Distribution .26 4.4.2 Additional Thermal Generation Capacity .27 5 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE . .29 5.1 Vegetation .29 5.2 Wildlife .29 5.3 Administrative Boundaries .30 5.4 Environmental Health and Sanitation .30 5.5 Education .31 5.6 Other Services .31 5.7 Cultural Heritage .31 5.8 Attitude to the project .31 6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE DISTRIBUTION LINE & GENERATOR SETS . .33 6.1 Ecological Impacts .33 6.2 Negative Impacts .34 6.2.1 Change of land use .34 6.2.2 Flora .34 6.2.3 Fauna .34 6.2.4 Noise .35 6.2.5 Electromagnetic Fields .35 6.3 Potential benefits .36 6.4 Socio-economic impacts .36 6.4.1 Access Tracks And Traffic .36 6.4.2 Impacts On Land Use And Settlement .37 6.4.3 Visual Impacts .38 6.4.4 Impacts on Property .38 6.4.5 Employment .38 6.4.6 Health And Safety .39 7 PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES . .40 7.1 Summary of mitigation measures ...... 40 7.2 Erosion ...... 42 7.3 Access to the forest reserves in Arua ...... 42 7.4 Vegetation ...... 42 7.5 Chronic effects of electromagnetic radiation ...... 43 7.6 Noise ...... 43 7.7 Access tracks and traffic impacts ...... 43 7.8 Land use and settlements ...... 43 7.9 Visual influence ...... 43 7.10 Property rights ...... 44 7.11 Health and safety issues ...... 44 8 REFERENCES . .47 ANNEX 1: LIST OF PERSONS CONSULTED ...... 48

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ANNEX 2: EIA REVISION DUE TO LINE ROUTE CHANGE ...... 49 ANNEX 3: LINE ROUTE MAP ...... 57 ANNEX 4: COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR ROAD UPGRADE ...... 62 ANNEX 5: ESTIMATED SHARE OF LINE WITHIN ROAD RESERVE ...... 67 ANNEX 6: RECORD OF CONSULTATION MEETINGS & DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION ...... 69

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Acknowledgements

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

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

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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS AFFREI African Rural Renewable Energy Initiative CAO Chief Administrative Officer CEFORD Community Empowerment for Rural Development DEO District Environment Officer DRC Democratic Republic of Congo EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement EMA Environment Management Associates EMR Electro-magnetic Radiation ERT Energy for Rural Transformation ESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework GoU Government of Uganda IDA International Development Association IFC International Finance Corporation km Kilometres km2 Square Kilometres km/s Kilometres per second LC Local Council m2 Square Kilometres M3/s Cubic Metres per second MW Megawatt MWh Megawatt - hour NGO Non-Governmental Organisation NEMA National Environment Management Authority NES National Environment Statute OPIC Overseas Private Investment Corporation RAFU Road Agency Formation Unit (RAFU) RDC Resident District Commissioner ToR Terms of Reference UEB Uganda Electricity Board URECL Uganda Rural Electrification Company Limited UWA Uganda Wildlife Authority WB World Bank WNES West Nile Electricity Supply

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Executive Summary

Background and introduction The growing demand for electricity in rural Uganda is currently not being met by the present supply. The Government of Uganda (GoU) has recently introduced new measures to decentralise the sector to correct shortfalls and to encourage private participation in the energy sector. The World Bank (WB) is providing assistance through the Energy for Rural Transformation (ERT) project as part of a larger programme known as the African Rural Renewable Energy Initiative (AFRREI). The objective of the programme is to facilitate private sector involvement in generating and supplying electricity as a catalyst for overall rural development. The West Nile Electricity Supply Project falls under the AFFREI category of independent grid systems in isolated areas, and consists of three main components: Nyagak and Olewa minihydros and the construction of a 33 kV line connecting the two isolated grids of Arua and Nebbi. Further, until the hydro generation facilities are operational, heavy fuel oil fired generator sets in Arua will provide electricity to the two districts. A private developer will be responsible for building and operating the generation facilities, while the Government of Uganda has committed itself to building the distribution line.

The World Bank requires that projects, which are part of the AFFREI/ERT undergo environmental impact assessments. The Bondo - Nebbi 33 kV distribution line and the interim generator sets form essential part of the West Nile Electricity Supply project under the ERT, and an EIA is therefore required. An Environmental and Social Management Framework was developed especially for the ERT programme to provide guidelines for the application of World Bank safeguards to the Ugandan context. This EIA study generally follows these guidelines.

Project description EIS reports for the two-hydropower schemes in Paidha and Arua are provided separately. This report is concerned with the distribution line project from Bondo to Nebbi and potential impacts of interim generator set operation in Arua. The project has the following components; * the construction of a 33 kV line from Bondo - Nebbi Town in Arua/Nebbi districts covering a total length of 45 km; and * interim generation of power using heavy fuel oil engines at Arua town site.

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

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

The original version of this report assessed a different route for the line passing through ecologically sensitive areas (eg wetland and the Laura Forest reserve). An additional field trip was carried out in November 2002 to update the impact assessment based on the recently conducted survey report. This reassessment is attached with this report as Annex 2.

The second component, interim generation of electricity in Arua, involves installing two new, efficient fuel oil powered generator (1,5 MW) sets in the existing powerhouse compound currently used by the UEB in Arua. These generator sets will be used to produce electricity 18 hours a day for approximately 14 months until the hydro station in Paidha is commissioned. The new generator sets will replace the old diesel fired generator sets currently in use, and will be powered mostly for peak demand once the hydro station is online.

Environmental baseline The landscape through which the rehabilitated road and the 33kV line pass has rolling plains from the Nile floor in the Rift Valley. It passes through the Madi Plateau, and the Rift Valley escarpments. The geomorphology of the area where the line will pass consists of a monotonous Made vast plain with occasional rising abruptly from it termed as zone of tours and inselburgs.

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

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

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

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

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

Negative environmental andsocial impacts The line route, which has been decided by the Ministry of Energy and mineral Development will closely follow the recently rehabilitated road from Bondo to Nebbi, a stretch of 45 km (see map in Annex 3). Approximately 8 km of the line will be built within the road reserve of the upgraded road (see Annex 5).

The incremental environmental and social impacts of the line construction, given that the road is already there, are likely to be small and limited (see Annex 2 for details). The key negative impacts are summarised below: * No farmland will be taken and no resettlement is required. However, some 5 thatched huts and a permanent house may have to be relocated within the boundaries of the owners' existing land area or in one case to land in the immediate vicinity. Further, some small woodlots, single trees and a eucalyptus plantation are likely to be affected. The land use and settlement patterns will generally be left unaffected. The number of people affected are much lower than 200, and nobody will lose more than 10% of their land. * The influx of workers is expected to be low and the resulting pressures on health, roads and other facilities, and the risks of disease and social disruption are low. . The general incremental ecological impacts, given that the road is already there, are likely to be limited since the line will be close to the new road for the whole stretch and the area has relatively low ecological value. l The line may however have some limited impacts on the bird population in the area. As discussed in section 6.2.3, and in Annex 2, these impacts are expected to be low negative. In the case of unexpected negative impacts, mitigation can be effected (see below). . Some negative visual impacts, however limited since the line follows the road, is low in height and carried by brown, wooden poles (rather than shiny metal constructions).

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

The new generator sets in Arua town will potentially have low environmental and social impacts, as summed up below: * Some noise and disturbance during installation * Some noise during operation can be expected, both from operation of generator sets and from transport of fuel. The new generator sets are likely to be less noisy than the old ones, though running for 18 hours (rather than 4) (including some hours at night). These impacts will be limited to 14 months, when the hydro station takes over. After that the generator sets will generally be used during peak demand (ie. daytime). * It is important to note that the centralised power generation will replace the supply from many privately owned, small and less efficient diesel generator sets. . Some emissions to air from heavy fuel oil combustion. The new generator sets are more efficient than the old ones, but will run for longer and use heavy fuel oil rather than diesel. The total emissions in Arua from power generation may not go up for some years, since the new generator sets are more efficient than all the small privately owned generator sets they will initially replace. * Some risk of fuel oil spills from the transfer of oil from the tank lorry to the permanent storage to the generator sets. * Some waste from the upgrade of the Arua powerhouse and some increased transport of fuel to Arua can be expected.

Positive impacts . The distribution line is a locally long awaited connection between Nebbi and Paidha towns in the south and Arua town in the north. The electricity the line will bring to trading centres, schools and villages is potentially of huge importance to these relatively poor communities. Limited potential for local employment during construction * The generator sets will be up and running within 10 months of the contract signature of the preferred bidder, URECL, for the electricity licence. The installation of generator sets is a response to a strong local need for electricity.

Mitigation measures It is the clear recommendation of this report that an approval is given for the commencement of this project. Negative environmental and social impacts are low, while the potential benefits of electricity supply are high for the local communities.

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

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. Due to the low number of people affected, an abbreviated resettlement action plan (RAP) should be drawn up in accordance with Environmental and Social Management Framework for ERT projects. The abbreviated RAP should be based on the Ministry of Energy's compensation process, which includes a report by the Government valuer, and be advised by an external resettlement/compensation expert. The RAP should be submitted to and approved by relevant Ugandan authorities and the World Bank. The RAP should take into account the ongoing compensation process for the rehabilitation of the road. This is to ensure that people who are affected by the stretches of the line, which are in the road reserve are compensated fairly for incremental impacts of the line over the impacts of the road. . The construction of the line should to the extent possible avoid cutting valuable trees, though balancing the risks these trees represent for the line. The construction should generally be sensitive to people's properties and land. . The poles should be put securely and far enough down in the ground so that they do not easily fall over and cause hazards and power disruption. . Consideration should be given to fitting the distribution line with an inexpensive type of bird diverter, eg markings or flappers (such as those used by ESKOM of South Africa) or insulation material for the stretches that passes the two small wetland habitats of River Ora and at Namthin bridge. The operator of the line should be tasked with the monitoring of bird migratory patterns to assess whether there is a risk of these being affected. If they are clearly affected, the operator should have a commitment to install the anti-collision devices. . Consideration should be given regarding the need for fitting the new powerhouse in Arua with noise insulation material. This issue should be discussed with the developer once his choice of generator set design is finalised. . Proper storage facilities for the heavy fuel oil should be put in place as well as procedures for handling the transfer of fuel. . Waste of various kinds both from the installation of the generator sets and the construction of the line should be removed and disposed of in a safe manner. . Noise and emission levels should be monitored in order to put measures in place to reduce these if necessary.

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

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1 Introduction 1.1 Background The distribution line from Bondo to Nebbi covering 45 km falls under the second component of the Energy for Rural Transformation (ERT) for Uganda, which is under a larger World Bank (WB) initiative known as the African Rural Renewable Energy Initiative (AFFREI). This study assesses the potential environmental impacts of the distribution line and also the interim short-term thermal power generation in Arua.

1.2 Objectives of the study According to the Terms of Reference (TOR) for this study, the objectives include among others, to ensure that the construction of the 33 kV distribution line and the thermal generation of power comply with GoU and World Bank environmental and social safeguard policies.

This particular study involves an assessment of the potential impacts on the biophysical and socio-economic environment as a result of the construction of a distribution line from Bondo to Nebbi along the Arua - Nebbi highway and the interim thermal power generation. The study is in line with the Government of Uganda standards, and environmental legislation, regulations and administrative framework (NEMA, 1995) and the World Bank's environmental and social safeguard policies. These are set out for projects under the ERT programme as an Environmental and Social Management Framework. While three (3) studies were previously carried out on the Nyagak hydropower project and one (1) on the Olewa hydropower scheme on River Enyau, no such study has been done on the proposed distribution line and the thermal power generation. 1.3 EIA team The EIA study was carried out by a multidisciplinary team of consultants with very rich background in environmental assessments in Uganda and in the region and are quite familiar with both NEMA and World Bank expectations. The team consisted of the following:- . Dr. Yakobo Moyini - Team Leader. * Dr. Christine Dranzoa - Ecologist (terrestrial)

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* Dr. Natal Ayiga -,Sociologist * Mr. Luka Agwe - Socio economist * Mr Isaiah Owiunji - Ecologist (Aquatic) * Dr. Darlington Akusa - Public Health * Mr. Henrik Lindhjem - Economist

1.4 Methodology The study team in formulating this report used three main methods namely: literature review of reports, documents and other relevant information about the project; * site visits. The team took a close look at the area through which the distribution line passes in December 2001. The team was guided by the drawings of UEB surveyors beginning from Nebbi Police Station to Bondo. The team also visited the sites of current thermal power generation to assess their suitability for additional capacity installation; and . a reassessment field visit was carried out in November 2002 based on a finalised survey report of the distribution line. The route will follow the recently rehabilitated road from Bondo to Nebbi. * consultation with the district officials of Nebbi and Arua districts, the UEB Manager for Nebbi and Arua, Officials of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, the In-charge UEB - Nebbi, and other stakeholders.

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2 Policy, legal and institutional framework 2.1 Policies This chapter discusses the policy, legal and administrative framework within which the TOR for the EIA for the Bondo - Nebbi Distribution Line and the Thermal Power Generation has been prepared. National or local and international environmental requirements and guidelines are discussed along with relevant international environmental agreements ad conventions.

2.1.1 National environment management policy The National Environment Management Policy (NEMP) was adopted by Cabinet in 1994. Its overall goal is the promotion of sustainable economic and social development that enhances environmental quality without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. One of the strategies identified to achieve this goal is Environmental Impact Assessment. The policy clearly states that an Environmental Impact Assessment should be conducted for any policy or project that is likely to have adverse impacts on the environment. This statement is further embedded in the National Environment Statute No. 4 of 1995 which makes EIA a legal requirement for eligible projects, policies and programmes.

2.1.2 Energy policy A draft Energy Policy has been formulated for Uganda and awaits Cabinet approval. The policy, once approved, will emphasise sustainable and environmentally benign development. At the sectoral level, the policy further strengthens the provisions of the National Environment Management Policy 1994 for environmental impact assessments.

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

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

2.1.4 Water Resources Policy 1995 The overall water resources policy objective is to sustainably manage and develop the water resources in a coordinated and integrated manner so as to secure/provide water of an acceptable quality for all social and economic needs. To further elaborate, the National Water Policy states as follows: * "the first priority in water resources allocation will be the provision of water in adequate quantity and quality to meet domestic demands; and . "allocation of water to meet irrigation, livestock, industrial and other demands will be done considering the economic, social and environmental value of water".

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

Finally, the policy provides that conditions for, and impact of, water supply project should be assessed considering demographic, environmental and health aspects in accordance with stipulations for carrying out environmental impact assesment as given in the National Environment Management Policy 1994 and prepared in accordance with the NEMA guideliens ad regulations.

2.2 Legal and Regulatory Framework 2.2.1 The Uganda Constitution, 1995 The Uganda Constitution of 1995, Article 39 and 41 provides that everyone has a duty to maintain and enjoy a sound environment. Every person in Uganda has a right to a healthy environment and as such can bring action for any pollution or disposal of wastes. Chapter three section 245 stipulates that Parliament shall by law provide measures intended to protect and perserve the environment from abuse, pollution and degradation.

2.2.2 National Environment Statute and Regulations The National Environment Statute, 1995 provides tools for environmental management that hitherto had not been deployed, including EIAs. The Statute imposes a mandatory duty on a project developer to have an environmental impact assessement conducted before embarking on a project.

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

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. an environment impact review shall be required for small scale activities that may have significant impact; . environmental impact evaluation for activities that are likely to have significant impacts; and * environmental impact study for activities that will have significant impacts.

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

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

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

However, the Electricity Act 1999 is not yet fully operational until diverstiture of Uganda Electricity Board (UEB), which is currently under the Parastatal Monitoring Unit of the Ministry of Finance , Planning and Economic Development is complete.

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

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

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

2.2.5 Land Act 1998 The Land Act 1998 provides for the ownership and management of land. It provides for four different forms of land tenure (customary, leasehold, mailo and freehold) and the procedure for applying for the granting of any of these tenures. The Act provides that non-citizens of Uganda may be granted leases not exceeding 99 years.

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

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

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

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

2.2.9 International Agreements Uganda is signatory to and has ratified several international agreements relating to the environment. Both global and regional agreements of potential importance are briefly discussed below:

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

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

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

The Convention on InternationalTrade in EndangeredSpecies of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has been ratified by Uganda and seeks to ensure that the international trade in species of wild fauna and flora does not threaten the survival in wilderness of the species concerned. Species on the CITES lists are considered of conservation concerns.

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

2.3 Institutions

2.3.1 National Environment Management Authority

Under the National Environment Statute, 1995 (GoU, 1995) the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is the principal agency in Uganda for the management of the environment and coordinates, monitors and supervises all activities in the field of the environment (GoU, 1995). NEMA is under the Ministry of Water, Lands and Environment, and has a cross-sectoral mandate including the review and approval of EIS reports.

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

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

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

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

The objectives of the statute are to promote the rational management and use of the waters of Uganda through the introduction and application of standards and techniques; to coordinate all public and private activities that may influence water quality and quantity; and to allow for the orderly development and use of water resources including such activities as generation of hydro-electric or geothermal energy.

2.3.4 Town and Country Planning Board The 1995 Uganda Constitution Cap 30 provides for the formation of the Town and Country Planning Board. This Board provides for the orderly and progressive development of land in towns and other rural areas of the country. It defines building operations to include the making accessible of electrical installation and development in relation to any land. Any placing of new poles for transmission and distribution of electricity and construction of substations would have to comply with the provisions of this Act.

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

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

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

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

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

Private Sector and Civil Society Institutions Interested private sector institutions and NGOs will be given an opportunity to participate in further studies. A number of NGOs exist in the districts of Arua and Nebbi including CEFORD (Community Empowerment for Rural Development) a local initiative in the districts that was identified in the project area. They are involved in social community development work. These and other NGOs have relevant experience in the districts and could play an important role in carrying out some of the mitigation and monitoring activities, in particular those related to social, health and educational issues.

2.3.6 Donors and Financing Institutions This EIA follows international EIA standards and procedures. It will therefore be possible, upon approval from NEMA, for developers to seek financing and donor support from private and government organisations.

The World Bank, and its private sector arm IFC, apply the same social and environmental safeguard policies: * OP 4.01 Enviromental Assessment *OP 4.04 Natural Habitats *OP 4.09 Pest Management *OP 4.20 Indigenous People *OP 4.11 Safeguarding Cultural Property *OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement * OP 4.36 Forestry * OP 4.37 Safety of Dams * OP 7.50 Projects on International Waterway i OP 7.60 Projects in Disputed Areas.

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

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

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3 Area profile Of the 45 km stretch, between Bondo and Nebbi, only 10 km are in Nebbi District leaving the longest stretch of the line in Arua District. A map of Arua and Nebbi Districts are provided at the end of this chapter. A map of the line route is given in Annex 3.

3.1 Topography Arua District in which 35 km of the 45 km line passes comprises of rolling plains from the Nile floor in the Rift Valley 600 masl to the DRC where the plain drastically changes to between 1200 - 1400 masl. The landscape in the project area can be generally grouped into three topographical zones. s Madi Plateau: Occurs at an altitude of about 900 masl. It occupies the easterm parts of the district including Madi-Okollo County through which much of the distribution line passes. G Western Highland This upper plateau occurs at an altitudinal range of 1200 to 1800 masl, the parent rocks include basement complex metamorphose which is responsible for the formation of the hilly terrain. This zone does not however fall directly in the project area, which is the easternzone. D Rift Valley: The Rift Valley escarpments are highest in the south and fade off to the north. They consist of several fault camps arranged, roughly parallel with the Albert Nile. These scarps separate the Rift Valley plains from the Madi Plateau.

3.2 Geomorphology The geomorphology of the project area consists of a monotonous Madi vast plain with occasional rising abruptly from it termed as zone of tours and inselburgs. At the Nile, Rift Valley faults are seen at about 300 meters in height. Rift Valley deposits occur and are backed by a series of scarps arranged in an echelon, which separate the Rift Valley plain from the Madi Plain. Large scarps in the West of the project area, above which is the West Nile Plateau in tur stop the plain. This succession of plains is largely due to Rift Valley movement hence low erosion surfaces have been established, the Madi Plain which is part of the African end of tertiary surface, and another principal erosion surface which is the older Gondwana surface is what characterises the geomorphology of the project area.

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3.3 Climate The project area has a bi-modal rainfall pattern with light rains between April and October. The wettest season normally August and September receives 120mm/month. The average total rainfall is 1250 mm per year. The mean monthly evaporation ranges from 130 mm - 180 mm. In the dry season (December - March) temperatures in this part of the country remain high throughout.

3.4 Soils The soils covering most parts of the districts of Arua and Nebbi are mainly ferralitic and sand loams. These soils have fine texture with rather loose structure, which are easily erodible and leached. Most soils in the area are acidic. Soil types in the area include: . yellow - red sandy, clay loams littosols varying from dark grey to dark which are slightly acidic and mainly derived from granite, gneissic and sedimentary rocks. They occur on gently undulating - hilly topography mainly in Madi Okollo County. . brown - yellow clay loams with laterite horizon with a variety of dark brown to dark greyish brown, which are slightly acidic. These occur mainly in Nebbi district especially in Padyere County and parts of Madi in Arua District, occurring on flat ridge tops or as undulating topography. . light grey white loamy soils with laterite horizon ground, structure - less loamy sands occurring from Bondo and through parts of Okollo. They are also acidic - allocative and mainly found on the lower and bottom slopes.

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

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

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

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3.7 Settlements There is a marked difference between settlements in the urban areas compared to those in rural areas. Up to about 7% of the population live in urban areas where settlements are governed by the Town and Country Planning Act 1964. They have demarcated residential, civic and industrial areas. Urban settlements in Nebbi and Arua are mostly of permanent or semi-permanent building structures while in rural areas; settlements are characterised by temporary structures (mostly huts). Along the Arua - Nebbi highway a few permanent settlements exist especially in the Trading Centres. From Bondo to Nebbi there are six (6) major trading centres that is: Aryek, Wingupier, Amadudu, Okollo, Alibu and Uleppi otherwise villages are characterised by clustered lineage units on communal land. A lineage may range from 3 to 5 generations and a household from 2 to 25 persons. The average occupancy rate in the rural areas is 7 persons per household

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

3.8.1 Population and Population Trends According to the 1991 Population and Housing Census, the population in the two districts totalled 954,900 persons of who about 48.0% were males and 52.0% females. Nebbi had a total population of 316,900 persons (33.6%) while Arua had 638,000 (66.81%).

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

3.8.2 Population Growth

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

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

Table 3.1 Demographicfeaturesin Nebbi andArua Districts

Population Population Population Literacy Rate Growth (Age 10 plus) (%p.a.) Census Male | Female Total Density 1991 (%) Year ('000) ('000) ('000) (inh./km2 T Nebbi 1969 98.7 105.4 204.1 73.4 1.3 Male 66.6 1980 111.6 121.4 233.0 83.8 2.8 Female 29.0 1991 152.1 164.8 316.9 114.0 Average 46.8 Arua 1969 178.7 190.9 369.6 48.7 2.4 Male 65.4 1980 226.8 245.5 472.3 62.2 2.7 Female 28.0 1991 307.7 330.3 638.0 84.0 | Average 45.7 Source: 1991 Population and Housing Census Report

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

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Table 3.2 Prevalentdiseases in the Nebbi/Arua Area.

Disease Prevalence (%) Malaria 36.9 Upper Respiratory track Infection 19.2 Lower Respiratory track Infection 14.6 Diarrhoea Diseases 7.5 Intestinal Worms 7.4 Skin Diseases 2.9 Eye Diseases 2.8 Source: 1998 District Medical Reports (Nebbi/Arua)

The major facilities for health care services include: three hospitals in Nebbi and four hospitals in Arua. Health units in the rural areas provide elementary treatment and are usually staffed by a medical assistant supported by trained or semi-trained nurses. The distribution line will serve two health units that are at Bondo and another in Madi Okollo.

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

3.8.5 Infrastructure

The Kampala Highway is presently being upgraded into a tarmac surface. The road construction project will improve all the bridges along this highway thus making communication between Arua and Nebbi much easier than it is now. The paving of this road will accelerate economic development in the two districts particularly for those settled along the highway. Postal services remain unchanged both in Arua and Nebbi, although special delivery services such DAKS COURIER and Speed Delivery services operate in the districts. Uganda Telecommunications (UTL) has installed automatic exchange services in Arua but not yet in Nebbi. Mobile Telephone Networks of MTN and Celtel exist in both Arua and Nebbi with reliable network. There is private FM radio stations in both Arua and Nebbi operated by the Church of Uganda and an individual, respectively. They both have clear reception in the two districts. Electric power supply is available for only four hours a day forcing people to look for other alternatives such as generators and solar power.

3.8.6 The Economy Agriculture is the dominant economic activity in the two districts employing well over 85% of the population. However, the sector remains subsistence-oriented with less than 40% of the produce sold. In Nebbi, cotton growing is being encouraged after the collapse of the former cooperative societies and low price on the international market while tobacco is the dominant cash crop for Arua.

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

3.8.7 Social Services In the education sector major changes have occurred as in other parts of the country and mainly at primary level. The introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE), supported by a number of other programmes (COPE, EARS and TDMS) has increased enrolment in the districts of Arua and Nebbi. New classroom blocks are being constructed through the School Facilities Grant (SFG) Programme. The new structures in the project will benefit from availability of electricity.

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

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Map ofArua and Nebbi Districts

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4 Project description 4.1 Introduction and background The Uganda Electricity Board (UEB), currently undergoing privatisation, supplies some 840 customers in Arua, Nebbi and Paidha municipalities in the West Nile Region, split by sector comprising roughly 60% business/commercial, 15% institutional, and residential consumers. UEB has five diesel generators, four in Arua and one in Nebbi, with a current operating capacity of 776 kW. UEB operates a distribution grid in Arua supplying some 700 consumers, and very small distribution centres in Nebbi (some 80 consumers) and Paidha (some 30 consumers), with the latter two centres connected by a 24 km 33 kV line.

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

West Nile demand for electricity is expected to grow very quickly. Initially, the ERT planned a 3.2 MW investment at Nyagak, near Paidha, in Nebbi District. However, the demand and load profile studies carried out for the ERT during August and September 2000 show that demand will exceed that capacity. Therefore, the Nyagak hydropower facility will have to be sized to approximately 5 MW while the Olewa hydropower site near Arua will need to be developed, with distribution lines installed between Arua and Nebbi, part of this has been done and the remaining stretch that is Bondo to Nebbi is yet to be completed, and is the reason for this study, expanded distribution systems in Paidha, Nebbi and Arua, and stand-by diesel generator (1 by 1.5 MW in Arua and 1 by 1 MW in Paidha).

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

EIA Bondo-Nebbi line (revised ver2).doc\PL\09.0l.03\l0:0623 -EMA & ECON - Environmental Impact Statement for Bondo-Nebbi transmission line, Uganda - DRAFT - procedure is going on managed by ERA. Based on bidders' submissions, ERA will select a winning bidder and award the licence to this company.

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

4.2 Project layout As mentioned above the WNES project has three components namely the completion of the Arua - Nebbi Distribution Line by Govemment and the installation of new diesel generation sets in Arua and Nebbi by the successful bidder (URECL) and the development of mini-hydropower schemes at Nyagak and Olewa falls. This description is of the Bondo - Nebbi Distribution Line and the thermal generators. . The purpose of the distribution line project is to enable power to be transmitted from the proposed power station at Nyagak to the existing grid in Arua. After construction the line will be leased to the company that wins the West Nile Electricity Concession; and this company will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the facilities. Further, before the hydro station in Paidha is commissioned, the line will enable having generator sets in one place (Arua) and transmit the electricity to Nebbi and Paidha. * A component of the project requires the immediate installation of additional thermal power generation to serve the people of Arua and Nebbi districts within the project zone while the hydropower schemes are being developed. With this additional power in place, electricity will be available to the consumers for at least 18 hours a day compared to the present four, a more than fourfold increase in availability.

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

4.3 Distribution Line The first component of the project consists entirely of the construction of a 33kv distribution line from Bondo to Nebbi Town. The construction of this line began from Arua, but because of financial constraints, stopped at Bondo Trading Centre on the Arua - Nebbi highway. The remaining stretch is app. 45 km, which Govemment is planning to construct. the distribution line.

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

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

The map of the route is enclosed as Annex 3.

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

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

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

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Table 4.1 Existing Diesel Generators in Arua and Nebbi SPEE OUTPUT LOCATION TURBINE YEAR TYPE ALTERNATOR D KVA KW RPM ARUA 1 PERKINS 2000 2006- NEWAGE STAMFORD 1500 350 240 2 PERKINS 2000 TWG ATLANTA 1500 350 240 3 PERKINS 1998 2006- WILSON 1500 380 280 TWG 4 PERKINS 1999 NEWAGE STAMFORT 1500 380 280 2006- TOTAL TWG 1460 1040 2006- TWG NEBBI 1 PERKINS 1999 2006-TAG NEWAGE STAMFORD 1500 250 240 TOTAL 250 240

Table 4.2 Existing Generator Transformers in Arua and Nebbi VOLTAGE LOCATION MAKER YEAR WINDING RATING X LV kW ARUA 1 FOSTER 1965 Ydl 300 4.67% 415 11000 2 FOSTER 1965 Ydl 300 4.67% 415 11000 3 CROMPTON 1967 Ydl 300 4.67% 415 11000 TOTAL 1100 NEBBI I N/A N/A N/A 325? N/A 415 33300 Note: Additional gensets have added at Arua since the Norconsult and World Bank assessments were taken.

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

4.4.1 Distribution The distribution networks in the two districts appear to be in reasonable condition and were constructed to UEB standards which have historically reflected UK practice. In Arua the distribution voltage is 11 kV and the NorConsult report indicates 35 km of 11 kV overhead powerlines and 25 distribution transformers. Most of the construction transformers. Most of the construction appears to date from the original installations by UEB 40 years ago, but maintenance and pole replacement appear to have been adequate.

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

Two different routes for the distribution line from Nebbi/Paidha to Arua have been evaluated. These routes are: * From Paidha along the Congo border road to Arua, ca 100 km. * From Nebbi along the Kampala Highway to Arua, ca 80 km.

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

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

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

4.4.2 Additional Thermal Generation Capacity According to information from UEB the total load is about 1.2 MW in Arua and 0.2 MW in Nebbi/Paidha. In addition, over 2.3 MVA of independent (non-UEB) small diesel generator capacity have been recorded during the load profile work by ERA. If this entire load shall be supplied in the years before the Nyagak hydropoer plant is commissioned, new diesel generators have to be installed.

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

The licensee of the West Nile electricity supply will be required to install at least 1.5 MW of generating capacity in Arua within 180 days of the licence coming into effect. It is assumed that this plant will be required for base-load operation until the commissioning of hydroelectric generation, peaking duty immediately thereafter, and subsequently for base-load generation as demand grows.

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

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In order to have a constant voltage at Arua, a 33/11 KV substation with a transformer with automatic voltage control has to be constructed in Arua. While UEB had plans to install this transformer in the power station at Arua, this has not yet been done by the time of this study. Moreover, as time for repair of a transformer can be long (up to months) it is recommended to install two 3 MVA 33/11 kV transformers. However, only one unit has to be on-line while the other acts as a reserve. This is now the obligation of the licensee of the WNES.

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

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5 Environmental baseline 5.1 Vegetation The vegetation types of both Nebbi and Arua districts can be categorised into three broad types: savannah communities, post-cultivation communities and sites of impeded drainage including seasonal swamps. Combretum-Acacia- Hyparrhenia is the most dominant vegetation type consisting of mixed deciduous trees with both annual and perennial grasses. It is dominated by Acacia hockii and Terminalia molliis. Vitellaria (previously Butyrospermum) Hyparrheniadissolute forms the drier savannah community interspersed with both perennial and annual grasses. The grass savannah popularly known as grasslands is dominated by species of hyparrhenia. In the post-cultivated communities tree cover is sparse and consists of remnants of previous climaxes.

Although the vegetation types of both districts have been highly modified by man's activities, Arua district has few forest reserves like Mount Kei Forest Reserve, which is the only reserve where a systematic inventory was carried out in 1993 by the Forest Department (Davenport et al. 1996). A report by Davenport et al. (996) gave a species list of 217 tree and shrub species for Mount Kei Forest Reserve of which three species Aeschynomene schimperi, Combretum racemosum and Morinda titanopylla were not recorded elsewhere in Uganda. None of these species were encountered during our surveys for the right of the way for the distribution line. The proposed power distribution line passes through post- cultivation communities, dry Combretum Vitellaria (previously Butyrospermum) - Hyparrheniasavannah ecosystem especially in Nebbi District. However, in Arua District, part of the distribution line will pass through two forest reserves. The rest of the area is heavily populated and dominated by small-scale peasant cultivation and scattered woodlots of eucalyptus and other plantations. 5.2 Wildlife Mammals There are no available records indicating detailed survey of wildlife in Nebbi district by the time this report was prepared. Available information showed that generally wildlife population is low partly due to habitat loss for these animals due to agricultural encroachment (according to NEMA). In other parts of the district, wildlife is confined to the lake and wetlands especially towards the Nile River.

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

Birds Nebbi District has a number of savannah and wetland species of birds but again there is no available record showing their presence. Although not heavily forested, the District also has some forest bird species; while for Arua district Davenport et al. (1996) gave a total of 124 bird species for Mount Kei Forest Reserve and Stubblefield (1993) provided 116 species for Ajai Wildlife Reserve as the only key records available by the time this report was written. According to these previous reports, a high proportion of the species recorded were associated with open savannah habitat, e.g. Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus, Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus, Helmented Guineafowl Numida meleagris etc. Other species associated with aquatic systems include the Crested Crane Balearica pavonina that is an IUCN red list, categorised as near threatened species and only 9% of the species were dependent on the forest habitat. We expect that the same scenario would apply for the other forest reserves found in Arua District.

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

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

5.4 Environmental Health and Sanitation The latrine coverage in Nebbi district is estimated at 46.5% while in Arua it is 33%. Areas covered by the distribution line in both districts have better latrine

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5.5 Education The distribution line passes through a rural area where the rates of illiteracy are very high. Presently, it is among the areas, which record 36% and 72.5% illiteracy for men and women, respectively. Due to the past civil strife, which badly affected the districts in the project area, most of the educational infrastructure was negatively affected. This is now being reconstructed by Community Action Programme and the Northern Uganda Reconstruction Programme (NURP).

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

Technical education in the region suffers from lack of infrastructure, qualified teachers, tools and equipment. In the region, there are nine Technical Institutes/Schools of which five are government operated and four are managed by NGOs.

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

5.7 Cultural Heritage No site of cultural interest is known to exist along the proposed Bondo - Nebbi Distribution Line. Cultural sites noted in Nebbi District do not fall in the specific project area under study. They exist in the sub-counties of Wadelai, Atyak, Paidha, Erussi, Pakwach and Nebbi town. However, the latter does not exist in the area of the distribution line.

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

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

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

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6 Environmental impacts of the distribution line & generator sets NOTE: A reassessment of the environmental and social impacts of the line construction and generator sets was carried out in November 2002. The line route has been surveyed and will follow the recently rehabilitated road from Arua to Nebbi. This new route will greatly reduce the impacts described in this chapter, eg. The Laura forest reserve will not be affected. Further, a low number of people and a small amount of land will be affected (a preliminary survey reported in Annex 2). Nobody will need to resettle and nobody will lose more than 25% of their land.

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

This chapter analyses the impacts of the project from the viewpoints of: . Ecology * Access tracks and traffic * Land use and settlement . Agriculture * Visual impact . Employment * Health and safety

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

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

6.2.2 Flora The power distribution line passes through post-cultivation communities, dry Combretum- Vitellaria-Hyparrhenia savannah ecosystem. The dominant tree species include Combretum binderanum, Vitellaria paradoxica ssp nilotica, Terminalia mollis and dominant grasses include Hyparrhenia filipendulla,Themeda triandraand others.

However, the whole area is heavily populated and small-scale peasant cultivation and scattered woodlots of eucalyptus and other plantation (Appendix 1) dominate much of the right-of-way of the distribution line. Therefore, no areas of high ecological value will be affected during construction of the distribution line. There will be some changes in species composition within the cleared areas. Some vegetation may be permanently lost; while the surrounding vegetation will experience changes in species composition towards more secondary-shrub species. Some of the nearby eucalyptus production forest may be cleared to create open areas for aligning lines. This will result in loss of ecological values of trees and other plant species affected. Further yegetation clearance will lead to soil erosion and hence soil degradation, especially along the riverbanks. However, it is anticipated that the impacts will be low. There is also the possibility that the distribution line could open up the woodland forests to human activities like hunting, agriculture, settlement and recreation. Generally the impact on the flora is assessed to be low especially if the line is aligned within the road reserve.

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

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

Birds See Annex 2 for an updated assessment of bird impacts.

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

The possibility of avian hazards from distribution lines and towers is low since migratory birds tend to fly at high altitude, as such the distribution line would pose very little risk to such species. Furthermore, the ecological team did not find any evidence of bird strikes by the existing lines through consultation with the local communities.

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

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

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

6.2.5 Electromagnetic Fields Placement of low-slung or lines near human activity (e.g. settlements) increases the risk for electrocutions. However, technical guidelines for design ordinarily minimise this hazard. Furthermore electric power distribution lines create electromagnetic fields that are alleged to cause cancer, leukaemia and lymphoma.

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

6.3 Potential benefits Electric poles often provide patches of passerine birds and as well as breeding sites for both hole and open nesters. These impacts are considered small and positive for these species.

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

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

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

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

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

6.4.2 Impacts On Land Use And Settlement The study team understood from the company that is upgrading the Arua - Nebbi Highway to a tarmac status, that compensation has been made to those who are affected by the road project. That all those who have cultivated along the Highway and would be affected by the road construction have been adequately compensated. It is, therefore, the considered opinion of this study that UEB constructs the line within the road reserve so that no more settlements and cultivated land are affected. In any case cultivation of low growing crops is permitted after installation of the line, so long as a 5 m access track under the line is kept clear. Otherwise between pole 25 and 36 the line passes through Thatha Trading Centre where at least 5 permanent settlements are found and will be positively affected in terms of electricity supply. There is a restaurant/lodge, which will benefit from the project. Between pole 36 - 55, there is the Namuthini Primary School, which will also benefit from the line. Between pole 62 - 88, the Owinyoper Trading Centre, a primary school and about 30 customers are potential beneficiaries of the distribution line.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As described earlier, the topography of this part of the world is mainly rolling plains rising from the Nile floor in the Rift Valley (600 masl). The line runs through the Madi Plateau, which is rather flat and gentle. It is usually cheaper to design road align in such landscape character. Sine the distribution line will run within the road reserve and follows the alignment of the existing road, visual impairment effects will be minimal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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7 Proposed mitigation measures NOTE: Due to the anticipated low impacts of this project, an EMP has not been drawn up. Since the line route will follow the main road from Arua to Nebbi, the environmental and social impacts of the line construction will be greatly reduced compared to the original EIA report. A summary of mitigation measures based on the reassessment report in Annex 2 and the rest of this chapter, of which a Resettlement Action Plan clearly is the most important, is provided as section 7.1 to this chapter.

7.1 Summary of mitigation measures Some cost effective mitigation measures should be put in place to limit the negative environmental and social impacts of the line construction and the interim generator sets: . Due to the low number of people affected, an abbreviated resettlement action plan (RAP) should be drawn up in accordance with Environmental and Social Management Framework for ERT projects. The abbreviated RAP should be based on the Ministry of Energy's compensation process, which includes a report by the Government valuer, and be advised by an external resettlement/compensation expert. The RAP should be submitted to and approved by relevant Ugandan authorities and the World Bank. The RAP should take into account the ongoing compensation process for the rehabilitation of the road. This is to ensure that people who are affected by the stretches of the line, which are in the road reserve are compensated fairly for incremental impacts of the line over the impacts of the road. This should be the responsibility of Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD). . The construction of the line should to the extent possible avoid cutting valuable trees, though balancing the risks these trees represent for the line. The construction should generally be sensitive to people's properties and land. This should be the responsibility of the line builder, as specified in the tendering documents from MEMD. This mitigation measure will be fulfilled through good engineering practice. . The poles should be put securely and far enough down in the ground so that they do not easily fall over and cause hazards and power disruption. This should be the responsibility of the line builder, as specified in the tendering documents from MEMD. The developer will

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be required to build the line to certain minimum standards. This mitigation measure will be fulfilled through good engineering practice. . Consideration should be given to fitting the distribution line with an inexpensive type of bird diverter, eg markings or flappers (such as those used by ESKOM of South Africa) or insulation material for the stretches that passes the two small wetland habitats of River Ora and at Namthin bridge. The operator of the line should be tasked with the monitoring of bird migratory patterns to assess whether there is a risk of these being affected. If they are clearly affected, the operator should have a commitment to install the anti-collision devices. Some of these anti-collision devices have proven up to a 100% effective in Southern Africa, e.g. in the comparable case of protecting the Grey Crowned Crane against collisions with 22kV lines . Consideration should be given regarding the need for fitting the new powerhouse in Arua with noise insulation material. This issue should be discussed by MEMD/ERA with NEMA and URECL once his choice of generator set design is finalised. . Proper storage facilities for the heavy fuel oil should be put in place as well as procedures for handling the transfer of fuel. This is the responsibility of URECL, the preferred bidder for the West Nile Electricity Project. . Waste of various kinds both from the installation of the generator sets and the construction of the line should be removed and disposed of in a safe manner. This should be the responsibility of URECL and the line builder, respectively. * Noise and emission levels should be monitored in order to put measures in place to reduce these if necessary. This should be the responsibility of the District Environmental Officer of Arua in cooperation with NEMA. . Monitoring of the progress with the line and the adherence to these mitigation measures should be the responsibility of the District Environmental Officers of Arua and Nebbi on the operational level, with supervision from NEMA.

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

Table 7.1 Responsibilities and Costs Estimatesfor Implementation of Mitigation Measures.

Issue Mitigation Measure Suggested Estimated Estimated Responsibility One-off costs recurrent for (US$) costs implementation (US$)/year) Distributionline Resettlement and Implement RAP Ministry of See RAP (to be See RAP (to Compensation Energy prepared) be prepared)

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

Securely fasten Make sure poles are put deep Line builder Normal good Normal good poles enough into the ground so not engineering engineering to represent hazard practice practice Mitigate bird Install anti-collision devices Line builder 30,000* 1,000 impacts Waste handling Make sure waste is disposed of Line builder 2,500 1,000 in a safe manner Monitor progress Inspect and observe adherence District Negligible Negligible with mitigation measures. Environment Officer Generatorsets Noise control Install insulation or noise fence Uganda Rural 12,500 1,000 to reduce noise from generator Electrification set operations Company Ltd Oil handling to Install proper oil storage Uganda Rural 7,500 2,500 reduce spills facilities and put in place Electrification procedures for fuel handling Company Ltd Waste handling Make sure waste is disposed of Uganda Rural Negligible Negligible in a safe manner Electrification Company Ltd Monitor progress Site inspections to monitor District Negligible Negligible & record emission and noise levels and Environment complaints adherence to mitigation Officer measures. Keep record of public complaints and instigate I necessary changes. TOTAL I 52,500 5,500 * Based on an estimate by Endangered Wildlife Trust of South Africa

7.2 Erosion It is unlikely that during construction of the line a lot of areas will be exposed to agents of erosion through removal. However it is important that the area and time of exposure of bare soil is minimised. The construction process is likely to move quickly along the route, and it is recommended that where site restoration is necessary the process includes re-planting the cleared area with grass in order to prevent erosion in the short-term.

7.3 Access to the forest reserves in Arua A potential impact arising from the construction of a distribution line is the increased incidence of activities such as tree felling, charcoal burning and hunting especially in the two forest reserves in Arua. This could however be mitigated by aligning the distribution line in the present road reserve to avoid creating another access route through the forest.

7.4 Vegetation There is some concern that popular fruit trees may be cleared such as mangos and pawpaws. Another concern is related to the protected species of Vitellaria paradoxa ssp nilotica and Balanites aegyptiaeca that have various economic and ecological values. Efforts should be directed in reducing the number of trees removed in the process of building the line.

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7.5 Chronic effects of electromagnetic radiation At present there are no known guidelines or recommended levels of exposure by any of the international or national regulatory authorities. It is therefore difficult to make any firm suggestions that could be implemented to avoid any form of potential effect. However it is suggested people should be prevented from undertaking major activities directly beneath the distribution lines, even if the line is a low voltage one.

7.6 Noise The construction activity on the Bondo-Nebbi line is anticipated to be unlocalised therefore it is not necessary to provide additional noise measures, other than to ensure that all silencing equipment of vehicles and machinery, such as compressors, are maintained in good working condition.

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

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

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

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

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

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

7.11 Health and safety issues UEB should work with the local authorities and communities to ensure that people are prevented from undertaking major activities directly beneath the distribution line.

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

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

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Table 7.1 Effect Mitigqtion/EnhancementMatrix for Construction of Distribution line (Bondo - Nebbi).

Sector Activity Potential Effects Mitigation Responsibility Impacts: Measures Negative Impacts

Electricity 1. Land use Vegetation Restrict UEB/Contractor supply: destruction alignment within Construction of the road reserve Electricity distribution lines; Wayleaves, Deforestation Alignment of UEB/Contractor laydowns, line to be digging holes for restricted within poles the road reserve/rerouting

2. Road safety Accidents Humps to be Road Construction constructed at Project trading centres, school and churches

3. Flora Loss of If alignment UEB/DEOs of indigenous cannot avoided Arua/Nebbi species and destruction caused, indigenous species to be restored

Construction of 4. Health and Vulnerability of Supervise District Local the line, access safety of public children and the construction Governments of roads for public in settled work to ensure Arua and laydowns areas. poles are firmly Nebbi/UEB/ placed and wires Contractor are firm.

DEOs of Closure Arua/Nebbi monitoring during operation

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5. Visual Loss of vision Avoid use of UEB Intrusion shiny penstock

Construction 6. Displacement Poverty/desperation Re-routing or UEB/Arua/Nebbi of line off the of people (i.e district District Local Road Reserve houses+property) authorities of Governments due to Nebbi and economic and Arua technical compensates reasons or relocates affected

______persons

B) Positive Impacts

Completion of 7. Creation of Improved income of Provide non- UEB/Contractor Arua-Nebbi unskilled jobs local people skilled jobs for Distribution local line communities

8. Connection of Improved standard Connect as UEB/ Rural people on of education welfare many people Concessionaire the gnd especially and incomes as possible schools, churches and business premises

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8 References

Arua District Local Government (2000) District Development Plan, 2000/01 - 2002/03. Volume I: Policy Framework.

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

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

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

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

NEMA (1997) District Environment Profile

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

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

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

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Annex 1: List of persons consulted 1. Eng. Moses Murengezi, Assistant Commissioner (Electrical Power) Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Mr. Sam Ogenyi Rwoth, CAO, Nebbi

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

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Annex 2: EIA revision due to line route change

WEST NILE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY PROJECT

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT RE-ASSESSMENT REPORT

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

By ema consult limited

November, 2002

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aryek Growers Cooperative Society Store At this point 5 mangoes and 10 eucalyptus trees exist. More than six of these trees will be cleared to allow the distribution line to pass. The line will also pass through a homestead, affecting 2 thatched huts, which should be relocated further in-wards. The project will affect food pattems, as well as settlement and the ecosystem of the area. However, the household has adequate land at the backyard where the two affected huts will be relocated.

Patek Village In this village, the pole will be constructed on the plot where a hut existed until recently when the owner voluntarily relocated it to his backyard where there was available land.

Omyer PrimarySchool The line will pass behind the primary school without causing any major environmental problems. However, before reaching the school compound, it passes through a sensitive ecological zone where there is a small natural forest of Shea trees. More than 3 of these trees will be cut down. This has impacts both on the eco-systems and food situation. Shear Tree is a source of food and oil in the area.

Kangu Village While the line will not affect settlements, it will affect trees of indigenous nature including Shea. Same impacts as above are anticipated. At least five trees are likely to be affected.

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Okollo County Trading Centre At this point only positive impacts of the project is observed. The line will provide the badly needed electrical power in the area to provide lighting and other energy needs.

However, immediately after this point, there exists the Kau forest. The Surveyors of the line have already cut down trees of indigenous species to create the Right of Way. The impacts are mainly ecological in nature and though negative are not severe.

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

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

Uleppi Trading Centre Here the power line will affect a permanent house and a mango tree. Both the house and the tree belong to one Mr. Safi Nasur. The house is a business premise while the mango tree is for both food and income. The house will be relocated while the tree will be lost causing loss of food and income as well as involuntary relocation of property.

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

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

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

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

Regarding bird impacts, Dr Christine Dranzoa, of Makerere University in Kampala, Chris van Royen of Endangered Wildlife Trust of South Africa, Peter Nelson of Corporate Environmental Affairs of ESKOM, South Africa, have been consulted. The latter two have broad experience of impacts on (and mitigation) of

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

The three main impacts of transmission/distribution lines on birds, and the relevance for this project, are: . Habitat destruction and human disturbance: Due to the rerouting of the line along the main road, no destruction of important habitats for birds will occur. However, some woodlots and individual trees will be removed, as described above. Since most of the bird species recorded in the project area are common and widely distributed, the clearing of vegetation along the corridor is unlikely to cause major impacts on these species' habitats. Further, the only near-threatened species recorded in the wider region, the Black Crowned Crane, has its home range in wetlands, a type of habitat which is not very common in the project area. The distribution line passes two small wetland areas. These are at Namthin bridge where there is an eucalyptus woodlot and just outside Ulepi trading centre before it crosses River Nyagak, which is known in the area as River Ora. Black Crowned Cranes are not a common sight in this particular habitat, which was confirmed by the local communities the EIA team talked to. It is therefore unlikely that this particular family of birds will traverse the planned distribution line at this point (or indeed then at any other point along the line). Regarding human disturbance, it is to some extent already present in the area along the road, so the line should not in the short term increase the impacts of human disturbance on bird populations. . Collisions: Birds may often collide with transmission/distribution lines resulting in injuries or death. Some species are more susceptible to collisions than others, but such information has not been available for the project area. The most important factor in determining the collision impacts, are the location of the line in respect to the roosting and breeding sites of birds. Since the most threatened species, the Black Crowned Crane, does not have its most typical habitat in the project area, the location of the line may therefore not increase the number of collisions significantly for this particular species. The type of line may also be important for the extent of impacts. The line in question is single, at a height of 10 meters above ground using wooden poles. This 33kV line is likely to have lower impacts on birds than more extensive, multiple transmission lines using large metal tower constructions at a height, which may more severely interrupt birds' migratory patterns. Further, other bird species tend to fly below the height of 10 meters when moving around the savannah and bush land habitats. Those birds that fly high, normally take off from trees, which are often higher than the distribution line. In the long term, however, the presence of a distribution line may change the flight and roosting patterns of the birds in the area. Consultation with local people has not resulted in any reported bird collisions or injuries from the first section of the line form Arua to Nebbi. Further, some stretches of the line will pass through villages and trading centres, where the incremental impacts on birds from another human built structure is low. If the distribution line does turn out to give unexpected rise in bird deaths/injuries due to collisions, (up to a 100%) effective mitigation measures are known and available (see below).

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

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

Impacts of installation and operation of generator sets in Arua The new generator sets in Arua town will potentially have low negative environmental and social impacts, and high positive impacts through the generation of 18hours a day electricity as compared with 4hours at present. Impacts are summarised below: . Some noise and disturbance during installation, both from the construction of a bigger power house, the installation of the generator sets, the transport of parts etc. . Some noise during operation can be expected, both from operation of generator sets and from transport of fuel. The new generator sets are likely to be less noisy than the old ones, though running for 18 hours (rather than 4) (including some hours at night). These impacts will be limited to 14 months, when the hydro station takes over. After that the generator sets will generally be used during peak demand (ie. daytime). . It is important to note that the centralised power generation will replace the supply from many privately owned, small and less efficient diesel generator sets, which result in both emissions to air and noise. . Some emissions to air from heavy fuel oil combustion. The new generator sets are more efficient than the old ones, but will run for longer and use heavy fuel oil rather than diesel. The total emissions in Arua from power generation may not go up for some years, since the new generator sets are more efficient than all the small privately owned generator sets they will initially replace. . Some risk of fuel oil spills from the transfer of oil from the tank lorry to the permanent storage to the generator sets. . Some waste from construction and upgrading of powerhouse, some increased transport of fuel to Arua. . The generator sets will be up and running within 10 months of the contract signature of the preferred bidder, URECL, for the electricity licence. The installation of generator sets is a response to a strong local need for electricity as soon as possible. Therefore, the installation of generator sets will give a high positive impact.

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Mitigation measures for both elements However, some cost effective mitigation measures should be put in place to limit the negative environmental and social impacts: . Due to the low number of people affected, an abbreviated resettlement action plan (RAP) should be drawn up in accordance with Environmental and Social Management Framework for ERT projects. The abbreviated RAP should be based on the Ministry of Energy's compensation process, which includes a report by the Government valuer, and be advised by an external resettlement/compensation expert. The RAP should be submitted to and approved by relevant Ugandan authorities and the World Bank. The RAP should take into account the ongoing compensation process for the rehabilitation of the road. This is to ensure that people who are affected by the stretches of the line, which are in the road reserve are compensated fairly for incremental impacts of the line over the impacts of the road. A preliminary survey of number of people and amount of land affected is given in the table below. | The construction of the line should to the extent possible avoid cutting valuable trees, though balancing the risks these trees represent for the line. The construction should generally be sensitive to people's properties and land. . The poles should be put securely and far enough down in the ground so that they do not easily fall over and cause hazards and power disruption. . Consideration should be given to fitting the distribution line with an inexpensive type of bird diverter, eg markings or flappers (such as those used by ESKOM of South Africa) or insulation material for the stretches that passes the two small wetland habitats of River Ora and at Namthin bridge. The operator of the line should be tasked with the monitoring of bird migratory patterns to assess whether there is a risk of these being affected. If they are clearly affected, the operator should have a commitment to install the anti-collision devices. Some of these anti-collision devices have proven up to a 100% effective in Southern Africa, eg in the comparable case of protecting the Grey Crowned Cranes against collisions with 22kV lines. . Consideration should be given regarding the need for fitting the new powerhouse in Arua with noise insulation material. This issue should be discussed with the developer once his choice of generator set design is finalised. . Proper storage facilities for the heavy fuel oil should be put in place as well as procedures for handling the transfer of fuel. . Waste of various kinds both from the installation of the generator sets and the construction of the line should be removed and disposed of in a safe manner. . Noise and emission levels should be monitored in order to put measures in place to reduce these if necessary.

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

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Table 1: Propertiesfor Compensation due to Bondo-Nebbi DistributionLine Construction Place Items Quality Ownership Atiak Village 1. Eucalyptus 10 trees Private Namthin Primary 1. Mango 5 tree School School 2. Eucalyptus > 10 Rev. Elea Onika

Aryek Growers 1. Mango 2 Private Cooperative Society 2. Eucalyptus 40 Private Stores 3. Huts 2 Private Patek village 1. Hut I Private Omyer Primary 1. Shea trees 3 District/ Public School Kangu Village 1. Shea Trees > 5 Public 2. Other trees > 3 Public Okollo Trading 1. Forest Reserve > 20 District /Public Centre Kathi Onduka 1. Mango I Private Village Iriiri Village 1. Huts 2 Private Ulepi Trading 1. Permanent House I Private Centre 2. Mango I Private 3. Eucalyptus > 10 Private

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Annex 3: Line route map

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

GM/AIH/MOE/5 /08

29 August 2002

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development P.O.BOX 7270 KAM PALA

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

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

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

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

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

E~P Managing Director.

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

Part 1: Inspection and Valuation Report Valuation Estimates for Compensation of Land and developments along the proposed 85 Km Road, Nebbi- Arua. For the Ministry of Works, Housing and Communication. RAFU Road Development Programme Phase I Project (RDPPI) By Norconsult as in association with East African Consulting Surveyors and Valuers.

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

The relevant legislation that affects this valuation includes:

* The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995,

* The Land Act 1998

* The Land Regulations 2000/01

The route goes through the districts of Nebbi and Arua

The total compensation along this route is broken down as follows: CROPS LAND IMPROVEMENTS BUILDINGS 94,676,210 466,173,835 3,327,060 76,846,480 TOTAL 641,023,585

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Observations of developments along the corridors:

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

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

c) Cases where the reserve line takes the whole verandah

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

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

f) Cases where the development is in the road reserve but will not necessarily be affected when the road is built

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

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

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

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

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

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

Houses and Other Structures The present market cost of the materials to build a replacement structure within an area and quality similar to the affected, plus the cost of transportation of building materials to the construction site, plus the cost of labour and construction fees.

Urban Areas The valuation of buildings, houses and other structures not included in the District compensation roles was based on the open market values on comparison basis with similar properties recently sold in urban areas.

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

Witnesses The identification of the owners, measurements of the plots, and buildings records, of crops and other affected properties is demarcated by the surveyors witnessed by the LC members and confirmed by the Land registry records where the land is registered.

Resettlement The nature and character of the affected persons on the road development projects runs across many communities of various economic standings and across many cultures. The affected land area is usually small and in narrow strips. Most affected people would have come nearer the road to set up business premises especially in trading centres and towns. Some of these business premises have barely basic lining rooms, mainly for security of their business property. In most cases the affected persons have permanent houses elsewhere. The road programme would only affect business premises and therefore there would be no need to relocate them to another site.

Part 2: Excerpts from Report 2 Below are excerpts from report 2: the Compensation Plan and Schedule for people affected by the upgrading of Arua - Nebbi Road. Obtained from Road Agency Formation Unit (RAFU). Land Expropriation and Compensation of Affected Properties on proposed RDPPI Projects. Consultancy services.

RDPP HW/C002: Nebbi to Arua Road

Resettlement Action Plan: Draft Report August 2002

Norconsult for Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

Road Agency Formation Units (RAFU)

Addendum No. 1 Resettlement Action Plan for Nebbi to Arua Road

Implementation of Resettlement /Compensation

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

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

Time schedule and summary of activities Time scale for the resettlement process is estimated to take eight (8) weeks. This takes into account important variables such as resolution of conflicts and grievances and cash flow from GoU/RAFU to the contractors. Time schedule and summary of activities is presented in the table below. Activities Schedule in weeks from commencement 5 Depositof I x 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

lists of PAPs in the district and verification Resolution of conflicts and grievancesandgrievances ~ xxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX2 x x xx x x xxx x x xx x xx x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x|X x

GoU/RAFU disbursement of funds to the constructor Issue notice of eviction to PAPs accompanied kxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx by payment

Relocation by PAPs kx x xxxx x xxxxxxxxxx x xx xx

Progress weekly field reportstoRAFU Ixxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx|

Monitoring and Evaluation This is important to provide RAFU with a feedback of the resettlement process. RAFU will carry out an in-house monitoring or contract to a consultant as independent monitor to ensure complete and objectives information. The proposed program is given in the log frame below and is based or the propose implementation schedule.

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Activity Responsibility Indicators Means Targeted /Services of Achievements Verification in weeks from commencement

8 Finalization of RAFU Number and Records/maps PAPs lists categories

Final lists of RAFU displaced persons Number and Records categories

Compensation RAFU Effectiveness Reports and payments of records compensation indicating payments and specific procedures payments Site Selection RAP/RAFU * Number of Field visits site and report

Site development PAP/RAFU * Number and Field site state observation and report

Relocation/Shifting PAP/RAFU * Access to Records and vacate sites reports

Revenue PAP/RAFU Agri output Home visit restoration plan and income and report xxx of affected people Resettlement Budget

Component Compensation Costs The component costs of compensation for cases of imperious affection (properties not in the road reserves but could be affected by the road works) will be computed and will include the following: * Compensation for land * Compensation for crops * Compensation for assets * 15% or 30% disturbance allowance depending on notice given

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Annex 5: Estimated share of line within road reserve The below correspondence with the Director of UETCL provides their estimate of the share of the line which will be within the road reserve of the newly rehabilitated road from Arua to Nebbi.

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

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

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

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

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SECTION FROM TO POLE LENGTH IN POLE NO. NO. ROAD RESERVE (METRES) BONDO-NDUBU 27 29 100

37 39 120 79 240 83 1700

NDUBU-ANYARIBU 207 210 300 236 247 1150 260 265 470 284 286 200 317 324 710 339 344 520 360 364 380

ANYARIBU-NEBBI 458 460 180 465 472 550 475 489 1200

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

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

The rest of the route is outside the road reserve.

Regards,

Eriasi Kiyemba

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Annex 6: Record of consultation meetings & disclosure of information Below is a description and record of the consultation process for the West Nile Electrification Project. The annex was also part of the EIA report for Nyagak. The consultation process in both districts have concemed all three components of the project: * Nyagak and Olewa mini hydros * Interim Generator sets in Arua * Distribution line from Arua to Nebbi

Description of the consultation process The West Nile hydropower project has a long history, at least back to 1995, but possibly before that. The previous three environmental and social assessment studies that have been carried out have involved public consultations, both locally and with central authorities. NORPLAN (2001), for instance, conducted its own extensive consultations. A list of people consulted is provided in the appendix C to that report. Further, NORPLAN (2001) identified and reviewed two important consultation studies conducted earlier.

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

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

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

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

The Local Councils at the village level (LC I and LC II) and the villagers are well organised. During the site visits, the LC officials mobilised villagers for consultations and they have established good co-operative arrangements. The visits to the area have involved both meetings with local government and administrative representatives in Nebbi and Paidha, site visits accompanied by local stakeholders, but also included open meetings with representatives from traditional community structures (e.g. village chiefs), women groups, NGOs, local religious leaders (e.g. bishop), business community etc.

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

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

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

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

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

Assessment of the need for further consultations It is ECON and EMA's clear view that the consultation before ECON started its involvement had already been extensive and thorough. ECON continued the close and frequent liason from the start of our involvement in November 2001. There is an enormous interest in the project locally and the clear message conveyed through the consultation process is a strong eagerness to see the project go ahead. The consultation saturation point for local people may, in our opinion, be exceeded. The development of the resettlement plan, and the strengthening of the EMP, should, in our view, conclude the pre-project-development consultation process. Record of local meetings The first section of this annex provided a general description of the consultation process regarding the West Nile Electricity Project, as far back as is known by ECON. To our knowledge there are no offical records of the meetings that have taken place before ECON's involvement commenced in November 2001, except for what is documented in the various EIA studies. Further, official minutes of meetings and detailed lists of participants since Nov. 2001 have not been written down by ECON. These records may, however, be kept locally.

Below is provided the record of local meetings since Nov. 2001; the date, place, duration, types (and if avaialable, names) of participants and purpose of visits to West Nile. In addition to the physical meetings, which are presented below, local government and administrative officals were frequently consulted over the phone (the mobile phone operator MTN has transformed communication to the area) or through written communication. Only meetings of relevance to the Nyagak project are listed, and the range of meetings/consultations with central stakeholders (NEMA, Directorate of Water, MEMD and others) are not mentioned here.

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Table Record of local consultationmeetings since Nov. 2001 Date Place Purpose Duration Participants Nov Nebbi Town, Site 2 days Local Council Chairmen, Local govt. familiarisation and Chief and Administrative main meeting local consultation Officers, other administrative room officers (incl. environmental), local community representatives, local UEB representative, local media, MEMD and ERA officials. Transaction advisor team Nov Paidha Town, Site 2 days Town mayor, administrative Mayor's familiarisation and officers, local community office local consultation representatives, local media, local UEB representative, MEMD and ERA officals Transaction advisor team Nov Arua Town, Offical Public I day Minister of Public Works Catholic hall hearing for both Parliament representatives Districts ERA CEO MEMD officals Local officals and civil society Transaction advisors Nov/Des Nebbi Town, EIA field trip incl. 5 day Local govt preliminary main meeting compensation room consultation EMA team Nov/Des Paidha Town, EIA field trip incl. Iday mayor's preliminary office compensation consultation EMA team Nov/Des Village of EIA field trip incl. I day Nyapea preliminary compensation Ngai consultation EMA team Nov/Des Village EIA field trip incl. 2 days ofNgia preliminary compensation consultation EMA team Jan'02 Nebbi Town, Bidders' 2 days Range of stakeholders (see Local govt programme, incl. meeting Nov/Des) main meeting site visits and 8 representatives from 5 room meetings between potential private company prospective investors investors and local community Transaction advisors Jan'02 Paidha Town, Bidders' 2 days Range of stakeholders (see mayor's programme, incl. meeting Nov/Des)

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office site visits and 8 representatives from 5 meetings between potential private company prospective investors investors and local Transaction advisors community March'02 Nebbi Town, Progress status I day Range of stakeholders (see Local govt and consultation previous meetings). main meeting reg. Compensation Transaction advisors room March'02 Paidha Town, Progress status I day Range of stakeholders (see mayor's and consultation previous meetings). office reg. Compensation Transaction advisors July'02 Nebbi Town Site investigations Local representatives URECL, the preferred bidder July'02 Paidha Town Site investigations Local representatives URECL, the preferred bidder

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

Table Record of consultation meetings during reassessmentfield trip Time Date Place Purpose No. of Attendants 2.00 pm 6/11/0 Planning I. Brief District Environment Officers/ about The West Nile 3 people 2 Unit Arua trip

8.00 pm 1/11/0 Paidha g of Paidha Town Council Officials over purposes of visit. 10 people . I______2 I______2. Request local authorities to mobilize communities in project area 3. Consult elders over cultural heritage in the project area 9.00 am 8/11/0 Paidha I. Held key informant in-depth interviews with professionals in 5 people 2 Paidha Town Council 3.00 pm 8/11/0 Nyapea 1. Brief Sub-County Chief and LC III Counsillors about our visit 7 people 2 Sub-County 2. To request local authorities to mobilize for a community meeting Head quarters 11.00 9/11/0 Nyapea . Held Focus Group Discussion with Communities in the Direct 31 people pm 2 Sub-County Impact Zone Head quarters 2. Held Key Informant in-depth interviews with Nyapea Sub-County 7 people Officials 5.00 pm 10/I1/ Paidha I. Held discussions with Sub-County Chiefs of Paidha, Nyapea, 10 people 02 Town Mayor Paidha, Council Town Council Engineer and Sub-County Accountants to discuss Pertinent issues as the issue of repair of the Nyagak Bridge, access road, compensation etc 10.00 12/11/ Nebbi I. Meet Nebbi District Local Govemment Officials to brief them about 10 people pm 02 our field findings, issues of compensation and possible resettlement and the need to repair the Nyagak bridge since it might be submerged.

2. Consult over-the issue of compensation regarding the Arua-Nebbi Road

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______|______and its linkage with the Bondo-Nebbi Distribution line. 2.00 pm 11/11/ Along the 1. Consultation of Communities over compensation of the Bondo- 10 people 02 Arua - Nebbi Distribution Nebbi Line I______Highway 4.000 11/11/ Camp of I . Consult them on the progress of Compensation of people affected 5 people pm 02 SBI near by the Bondo Road project and its implication to the Distribution Line. 9.000 12/11/ Arua 1. Brief Local Govemment Officials about the trip to West Nile and 02 District our findings. Local Council 2. Consult the Land Officer - Arua over the issue of Compensatiqn regarding the Arua-Nebbi Road Construction and its linkage with the ______Distribution Line

Disclosure of information Information about all aspects of the project, such as progress reports regarding project status, the contents of the Electricity Act, bid evaluation process etc, has been made available through official ERA/MEMD channels to local government in due course before consultation meetings. In the rare case that this has not been possible, e.g. due to time or practical constraints, members of the MEMD/ERA and/transaction advisors have made clear presentations of the issues to be discussed and what implications they may have for local people.

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

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

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