The Republic of Uganda

Public Disclosure Authorized

The Republic of Uganda Public Disclosure Authorized Rural Electrification Agency Project Brief for Rural Electrification of Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and Environs in Eastern Uganda (REA/Srvcs/09-10/00001)

Final Project Brief Report

Public Disclosure Authorized

November 2010

Prepared by

Samuel Vivian Matagi/Team Leader Bernard Ochola/Sociologist Dr. Moses Kiiza Musaazi/Electrical Engineer Hilary Bakamwesiga/Ecologist David Mugisa/Occupational Safety & Health Simon Peter Otoi/Environmental Engineer Public Disclosure Authorized www.sunshineprojects.co.ug in joint venture with www.savimaxx.co.ug

The Republic of Uganda Rural Electrification Agency

Project Brief for Rural Electrification Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and Environs in Eastern Uganda (REA/Srvcs/09-10/00001)

Final Project Brief Report

November 2010

Report no. 01 Issue no. 01 Date of issue 29th November 2010 Prepared by Samuel Vivian Matagi, Bernard Ochola, Dr. Moses Kiiza Musaazi, Hilary Bakamwesiga, David Mugisa Checked Simon Peter Otoi Approved Samuel Vivian Matagi

A Project Brief for the proposed 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

Table of Contents LIST OF TABLES...... VI LIST OF FIGURES ...... VII LIST OF PLATES...... VIII ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS...... X ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... XII THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... XIII 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Rural electrification...... 1 1.3 Objectives and scope of the EIA...... 2 1.4 Structure of the Report ...... 3 1.5 EIA Methodology ...... 3 1.5.1 Selection of the Environmental Consultants...... 3 1.5.2 Literature Review ...... 4 1.5.3 Initial environmental screening ...... 4 1.5.4 Inception Report...... 4 1.5.5 Scoping for Environmental Impacts ...... 4 1.5.6 Field Visit...... 4 1.5.7 Stakeholder Consultations ...... 4 1.5.8 Research Methods ...... 5 1.5.9 Physical Environment ...... 5 1.5.10 Biological Environment ...... 5 1.5.11 Human Environment ...... 5 1.5.12 Identification of environmental impacts ...... 5 1.5.13 Identification of mitigation measures and Impact Ranking ...... 6 2 POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK...... 7 2.1 Policy framework...... 7 2.2 Legislative Framework ...... 8 2.3 Regulations...... 11 2.4 Occupational Safety and Health Standard US 534:2008...... 14 2.5 The World Bank Safe Guard Policies ...... 14 2.6 Instructional framework...... 15 2.7 Other relevant Institutions ...... 18

Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader

ii A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

3 BASELINE ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS ...... 20 3.1 Physical Environment...... 20 3.1.1 Topography...... 20 3.1.2 Hydrology and Drainage ...... 20 3.1.3 Geology ...... 20 3.1.4 Soils ...... 20 3.2 Climate ...... 21 3.2.1 Rainfall...... 21 3.2.2 Temperature...... 21 3.2.3 Winds ...... 21 3.2.4 Humidity ...... 21 3.3 Biological Environment...... 22 3.3.1 Flora (Include Forest Reserves) ...... 22 3.3.2 Agricultural vegetation...... 22 3.3.3 Fauna (Include Wildlife Protection Areas) ...... 25 3.4 The Human Environment...... 25 3.4.1 Soroti District ...... 25 3.4.2 Katakwi District...... 26 3.4.3 Amuria District ...... 27 4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 28 4.1 Description of the Project Site ...... 28 4.2 Project Objective ...... 28 4.3 Description of the Project ...... 28 4.3.1 Description of Project...... 28 4.3.2 General Scope of Activities ...... 29 4.3.3 Materials and Specifications ...... 31 4.4 Description of Project Activities ...... 31 4.4.1 Design Stage ...... 31 4.4.2 Construction Stage ...... 31 4.4.3 Pole hole digging ...... 32 4.4.4 Pole framing, erection and installation of stay lines...... 32 4.4.5 Conductor ...... 32 4.4.6 Transformers...... 32 4.4.7 Line hardware ...... 32 4.4.8 Services Drops ...... 33 iii

Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

4.4.9 Metering points sectionalising equipment ...... 33 4.4.10 Post Construction Clean up...... 33 4.4.11 Operation and Maintenance...... 33 4.4.12 Human Resources...... 34 5 PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND DISCLOSURE ...... 35 5.1 Local Communities ...... 35 5.2 Local Government...... 38 5.3 Key Issues arising from the Consultation Process:...... 40 6 PROJECT IMPACTS AND MITIGATIONS...... 43 6.1 Likely Positive Project Impacts/Enhancement...... 43 6.2 Details of the positive impacts ...... 43 6.2.1 Electricity supply in the rural areas...... 43 6.2.2 Employment opportunities...... 44 6.2.3 Sale of construction materials ...... 44 6.2.4 Improved medical services...... 44 6.2.5 Promote industrialization ...... 44 6.2.6 Improvement of education ...... 44 6.2.7 Improvement of telecommunication...... 45 6.2.8 Improvement in security...... 45 6.2.9 Improvement of the standard of living ...... 45 6.2.10 Improvement of banking services ...... 45 6.2.11 Reduce deforestation...... 45 6.2.12 Decrease global warming ...... 45 6.2.13 Provision of pumped water supply ...... 46 6.3 Likely Negative Project Impacts ...... 46 6.4 Details of the negative impacts...... 46 6.4.1 Hydrology and Water Quality...... 46 6.4.2 Geology and soils...... 47 6.4.3 Noise and vibrations...... 47 6.4.4 Increase in suspended particulate matter (dust)...... 48 6.4.5 Habitat destruction ...... 48 6.4.6 Fire outbreaks...... 48 6.4.7 Generation of construction solid waste...... 49 6.4.8 Occupational health and safety ...... 49 6.4.9 Visual impacts and landscape ...... 49 iv

Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

6.4.10 Impact on flora ...... 50 6.4.11 Impacts on Fauna ...... 50 6.4.12 Electrocution and electric shocks...... 50 6.4.13 Electromagnetic fields...... 51 6.4.14 Influx of skill and unskilled labour in the project area ...... 51 6.4.15 HIV/AIDS...... 51 6.4.16 Impact on Cultural sites...... 52 6.4.17 Impact on Crop Production ...... 52 6.4.18 Land uptake...... 55 6.4.19 Impacts of residential areas and community services ...... 55 7 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES...... 56 7.1 ‘No Project Option’...... 56 7.2 Project as Described in the Project Brief...... 56 7.3 Upgrading the existing Soroti 33kV power line from Opuyo substation to Soroti Flying School...... 56 8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN...... 57 9 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS...... 64 REFERENCES ...... 66 APPENDIX A: TERMS OF REFERENCE...... 68 APPENDIX B: 33KV LINE DIAGRAM OF CONNECTIONS...... 72 APPENDIX C: PROJECT AREA MAP...... 73 APPENDIX D: STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTED ...... 77

Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

List of Tables Table 1.1 Impact Ranking according to the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix...... 6 Table 2.1: Maximum permissible noise levels from a factory/workshop* ...... 12 Table 6.1: Positive impact ranking...... 43 Table 6.2: Negative impact ranking ...... 46 Table 8.1: Impact-Mitigation-Monitoring-Responsibility Matrix ...... 58

Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

List of Figures Figure 2.1: Governance structure within the power sector (Slightly adopted from UETCL, 2009)...... 16 Figure 2.2: Role of the Electricity Regulatory Authority ...... 17 Figure 4.1: Map of Project area...... 29

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Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

List of Plates Plate 3.1: Small Inselbergs...... 23 Plate 3.2: Ferralitic soils at Opuyo Substation ...... 23 Plate 3.3: Sandy and loams soils...... 23 Plate 3.4: Wooded savannah...... 23 Plate 3.5: Grass savannah ...... 23 Plate 3.6: Forest ...... 23 Plate 3.7: Riparian vegetation ...... 24 Plate 3.8: Wetlands...... 24 Plate 3.9: Aoja wetland ...... 24 Plate 3.10: Food crops ...... 24 Plate 3.11: Settlement at Opuyo Substation...... 24 Plate 3.12: Traditional huts in Katakwi...... 24 Plate 4.1Power lines at Opuyo Sub Station...... 30 Plate 4.2 Opuyo Sub Station Transformers ...... 30 Plate 4.3 Opuyo Sub Station Switch Yards ...... 30 Plate 4.4 Lira 132kV Transmission line ...... 30 Plate 4.5 Soroti 33vK Power Line ...... 30 Plate 4.6 Settlements at Opuyo...... 30 Plate 5.1 Amuria Town Council FGD...... 37 Plate 5.2 Asamuk Sub county FGD ...... 37 Plate 5.3 FGD Asamuk Sub county ...... 37 Plate 5.4 FGD at Wera sub county...... 37 Plate 5.5 FGD at Katakwi Town Council...... 37 Plate 5.6 FGD at Tukum...... 37 Plate 5.7: Meeting the assistant CAO Soroti District (Jane Akiror)...... 39 Plate 5.8: Meeting the District Planner Soroti District (Richard Oboi)...... 39 viii

Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

Plate 5.9: Meeting the East African Civil Aviation Authority (Francis Malinga) Soroti District ...... 39 Plate 5.10: Meeting the Town clerk Katakwi Town Council (Lawrence Okwakol). .... 39 Plate 5.11: Meeting the Katakwi District Engineer (Justus Okware) ...... 39 Plate 5.12: Meeting the district planners Katakwi District ...... 39 Plate 6.1 Late Etengu Francis’s Grave in Asinge cell Soroti...... 52 Plate 6.2: Sorghum grown in Madera central cell ...... 54 Plate 6.3: Affected chicken structure in Madera Boys School, Soroti...... 54 Plate 6.4: Affected cassava in Madera Central cell...... 54 Plate 6.5: Affected Pit latrine in Late Asinge cell ...... 54 Plate 6.6: Affected staff house in Madera Boys Primary school...... 54 Plate 6.7: Orchard (Oranges) and gardens in Asinge cell...... 54 Plate 6.8: Power lines fill the landscape at Opuyo Sub Station ...... 55 Plate 6.9: Omalera village where two the 33kV and 132kV lines will pass...... 55

Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS BP Bank Policies (World Bank) BEL Bujagali Energy Limited DWD Directorate of Water Development EAPMPS East African Power Master Plan Study EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ERA Electricity Regulatory Authority ERT Energy for Rural Transformation GEF Global Environmental Facility GoU Government of Uganda GWh giga watt hours ICT’s Information Communication Technologies IDA International Development Agency IPP Independent Power Producers kV kilo volt MDG Millennium Development Goals MEMD Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development MV medium voltage MVA mega volt amperes MW mega Watt NBI Nile Basin Initiative NEMA National Environmental Management Authority NEMP The National Environment Management Policy NWP National Water Policy OP Operational Policies (World Bank) OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development PPE Personal Protective Equipment PSIP Power Sector Investment Plan PV Photo Voltaic RPF Resettlement Policy Framework RE Rural Electrification REA Rural Electrification Agency REB Rural Electrification Board REP Renewable Energy Policy RESP Rural Electrification Strategy and Plan UEB Uganda Electricity Board UEDCL Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited

Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

UEGCL Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited UETCL Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited UIA Uganda Investment Authority US Uganda Standard

Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Government of Uganda with funding support from The World Bank through the International Development Agency IDA is implementing Rural Electrification projects in Priority Areas under the energy for Rural Transformation Project.

An Environmental Assessment of the areas is a pre-requisite to all construction of lines in the priority areas. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) the Client therefore has therefore prepared an Environment Assessment for the construction of the proposed construction of a 33kV electricity power line (the “Project”) in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

Sunshine Projects Limited in joint venture with Savimaxx Limited (the “Consultant”) was appointed by the Client to provide consultancy services for the Project Brief. The two firms mobilised environmental practitioners and specialists to carry out the assignment.

Project Objective and Justification

The actual objective of the project is to prepare an environmental project brief for Soroti-Katakwi-Amuria 33kV grid extension from Opuyo Substation. The proposed project is 33kV of bare conductor overhead lines and a distribution system at selected load centres.

It is expected that the project will stimulate several economic activities within these areas and even beyond. The beneficiaries are expected to develop agro-based and small as well as medium scale industries, while institutions and households will also get electricity supply. Mobile telecommunication masts in the area which are powered by diesel generators will also get electricity from the national grid, through the project

Project Description

The project area is located in north-eastern Uganda and will include construction of about 92 km of 33 kV from Opuyo substation to Katakwi and Amuria District Headquarters via Wera trading centre as follows: -

1. 65 kms of 33 kV power line from Opuyo 132/33 kV substation (Soroti) to Katakwi district headquarters;

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Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

2. 27 kms of 33 kV power line from Wera Township including extension to Amuria District headquarters.

Presently, Opuyo substation has an installed capacity of 30 MVA; 3 MVA is evacuated by a 33 kV line to Soroti while 7 MVA is evacuated to Mbale via Kumi, Bukedea and Kachumbala, hence there is adequate substation capacity to supply the Soroti-Katakwi-Amuria loads estimated at about 1 MVA.

Project Activities

The main project activities include fixing of eucalyptus creosote treated poles 2m into the ground, spacing them at 100m on dry terrestrial land, the construction of steel stays in wetland areas, installation of the 100mm ACSR, 300 amps bare conductors overhead lines and installation of transformers.

Positive Impacts

Using the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix it showed that the project had overhauling positive significant impacts on the project area. These include but not limited to the following: -

• Electricity supply in the rural area

• Employment opportunities

• Sale of construction materials

• Improved medical services

• Promote industrialization

• Improvement of education

• Improvement of telecommunication

• Improvement in security

• Improvement of the standard of living

• Improvement of banking services

• Alternative power source hence reducing deforestation

• Decease global warming

• Provision of pumped water supply

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Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

Negative impacts and mitigation

Using the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix it showed that the project had overwhelming slightly negative impacts on the project area. These slight negative impacts can be easily be mitigated. These include but not limited to the following: -

• Water Quality

• Geology and soils

• Noise and vibrations

• Increase in suspended particulate matter (Dust)

• Habitat destruction

• Fire outbreaks

• Generation of construction solid waste

• Occupational health and safety

• Visual impacts and landscape

• Impact on flora

• Impacts on Fauna

• Electrocution and electric shocks

• Electromagnetic fields

• Influx of skill and unskilled labour in the project area

• HIV/AIDS

• Impact on cultural sites

• Impacts on Crop Production

• Land uptake

• Impacts of Access roads

• Impacts on residential areas

Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The findings of this project brief concur with those of Environmental and Social Management Framework for the Energy for Rural Transformation Project. The anticipated potentially negative environmental impacts for the grid extension from Soroti, Katakwi, Amuria and surrounding environs are generally slightly negative, localised, of short term, minor in nature and can easily be handled at source during construction. According to World Bank OP 4.01 this project is ranked as Category C where a detailed EIA is not needed or Category I under The Environment Act where only a project brief is required. Significant impacts where identified as those related to occupational health and safety. Again these are localised, site specific and can be handled by either using appropriate engineering or provision of appropriate personal protective equipment.

The project does not impact natural habitants; it passes through the road reserve. Nor does it affect ecological sensitive areas like forests or wildlife protected areas.

It is recommended that the Contractor should have an Environmental Management System preferably based on the ISO 14000. This should have an emergency plan, traffic plan, solid waste and wastewater management plan, occupational health and safety plan.

It is recommended the Contractor should give equal employment opportunities to women as well as men within the project skills requirements; and to maximize the procurement of local products and services. There should be a deliberate policy to employee local people from the project area.

The District Engineers, Environmental Officers, Public Health Officials, REA, ERA and NEMA should monitor the project particularly during the construction phase.

The local community in Omalera and Owalei villages in Soroti Sub County, Soroti District, have reservations on the project because it would displace some members of their community entirely because two other proposed 132kV projects and a district track road will need the same land hence reducing their farming acreage. The land shortage in this area has been exacerbated by the fact an underground fibre optic cable also passes in the same area and has already taken up some of their land.

The soils in the project area are sandy and loose. Anchorage of poles is not easy as poles tend to bend over time. Therefore, hard compaction material will need to be used.

The best option in order to avoid displacing some people Omalera and Owalera villages and the intricacies of sharing the Lira 132kV line way leave with UETCL it is recommended that the existing 33kV Soroti line be upgraded into a double circuit up to Soroti Flying School.

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Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

Since nearly all the negative impacts are minor and can be easily mitigated the Environmental Practitioners are of the strong option that project be approved by NEMA expeditiously so that the Government of Uganda can full fill its development programmes.

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Rural Electricity Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi, Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background The Government of Uganda with funding support from The World Bank (the IDA) is currently in the process of implementing Rural Electrification projects in Priority Areas under the energy for Rural Transformation Project.

An Environmental Assessment of the areas is a pre-requisite to all construction of lines in the areas. The Rural Electrification Agency (the REA) the Client therefore prepared a project for the construction of the proposed construction of a 33kV electricity power line (the “Project”) in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda.

This report presents the findings of the environmental screening, scoping, field visit, community consultation and in-depth interviews.

1.2 Rural electrification Rural electrification is one of the main pillars of the power sector reform strategy and the program established with the support of development partners to operationalize the Energy for Rural Transformation (ERT) Project. The Rural Electrification Strategy and Plan (RESP) embody the following important elements: -

1. The primary objective of the RE strategy is to reduce inequalities in access to electricity and the associated opportunities for increased social welfare, health and income generating opportunities.

2. Raising the present rural electrification rate from the present 1% to 10% within ten years.

3. Raise Electricity coverage in the country to 30% in ten years.

4. Use of rural electrification fund to achieve equitable regional access.

5. Use of private sector initiatives to develop projects.

6. Promoting decentralised power supply (mini-grids and PVs), especially utilizing renewable energy sources in order to electrify remote areas.

7. Regulation of small grids using light regulation to remove administrative barriers that could hinder private sector investment in rural areas.

However, development in rural areas has lagged behind urban areas. Much of Uganda’s rural population remains isolated and has not yet received or seen the benefits of liberalisation of the economy. This is partly due to inadequate physical infrastructure and therefore, lack of integration with national, regional, and international markets. In order to achieve rural transformation in the country, it is necessary to develop those sectors that will add value where it is needed. The energy sector, for example, affects the productivity of rural enterprises as well as the quality of life of rural households (REA, 2009).

1.3 Objectives and scope of the EIA The overall objective of the Project Brief is to carry out an EIA that will help REA: -

• Meet Government of Uganda legal requirements in order to get permission to construct the Soroti, Amuria and Katakwi 33kV electricity power line,

• Obtain permission related to the construction of the line.

The purpose of the assignment is to prepare a Project Brief that meets the Environmental and Social Management Framework, which guides all environmental and social issues in the Energy for Rural Transformation (ERT) project (REA, 2007).

Other areas to be covered include: -

• Justification of the Project

• Background of the Project

• Project site, maps and photos of the area

• Baseline Data

• The physical form of the development

• Construction practice

• Preliminary analysis of alternatives

• Impact identification, nature, extent, magnitude and complexity, probability, duration, frequency

• Mitigation and Complexity

1.4 Structure of the Report The Report is structured as follows:

• Chapter 1 is this Introduction;

• Chapter 2 provides an overview of the Uganda power sector. Policies, legislative and institutional framework is reviewed;

• Chapter 3 describes the detailed base line conditions of the project area;

• Chapter 4 outlines the project description;

• Chapter 5 is public consultations and disclosure

• Chapter 6 is project impacts and mitigations

• Chapter 7 is the project alternatives

• Chapter 8 is the environmental management and monitoring plan

• Chapter 9 is conclusions and recommendations

• Chapter 10 is references

• Chapter 11 are appendices

1.5 EIA Methodology

1.5.1 Selection of the Environmental Consultants The following Registered Environment Practitioners were assembled by the Consultant to carry out the assignment: -

1. Samuel Vivian Matagi, Registered Environmental Practitioner/Team Leader;

2. Eng. Simon P. Otoi, Registered Environmental Practitioner/Environmental Engineer;

3. Bernard Ochola, Registered Environmental Practitioner/Sociologist;

4. Hilary Bakamwasiga, Registered Environmental Practitioner/Ecologist;

5. David Mugisa, Occupational Health and Safety Specialist,

6. Eng. Dr. Moses Kiiza Musaazi, Electrical Engineer.

The selection of the consultants was done in recognition of the need of their skills in the assignment.

1.5.2 Literature Review Literature was reviewed to obtain background information on environmental data, the energy sector in Uganda, the proposed project, policies and legal and institutional framework. The documents referred to are given in references. The Consultant followed the terms of reference (Appendix A) provided by the Developer in carrying out the assignment. The Client also provided the detailed Feasibility Study report, line diagram of the connections (Appendix B) and Maps (Appendix C).

1.5.3 Initial environmental screening Environmental issues and/or impacts that were likely to arise from the project at the construction, operation and maintenance phases were identified using Environmental Screening checklists issued by NORD for development projects. Activities that were likely to affect the environment were documented for further evaluation using environmental scoping as recommended by Guideline for Environmental Impact Assessment in Uganda (1997). This process continued in the field.

1.5.4 Inception Report The Consultant prepared an Inception Report outlining the issues so far encountered during the assignment, the work plan, interpretation of the ToR and assessment of the timeframe and staffing allowed for the assignment. The Inception Report was presented to the Client for review. The Client and Consultant’s Teams then discussed the pertinent issues, approach and related issues. Final Inception Report was submitted after all the concerns of the Client were incorporated.

1.5.5 Scoping for Environmental Impacts Environmental impacts that are likely to have negative impact identified in the initial environment screening at inception were subjected to further analysis using the environmental scoping method as recommended by the Guideline for Environmental Impact Assessment in Uganda (1997).

1.5.6 Field Visit The Project area was visited from 3rd to 13th October 2010. The Consultants were divided into two teams. The first team was composed of the Sociologist and a research assistant. The second team comprised of the Team Leader and other consultants. These teams travelled independently to the project site. The second team played a courtesy call on the district and lower local councils, while the first team went straight to consultant the local people who will be impacted by the project. Baseline data and photos of project were taken as the Consultants drove along Moroto and Amuria Roads.

1.5.7 Stakeholder Consultations The EIA was done at the stage when design consultants had finished the feasibility study and detailed designs. The Restatement Action Plan was done at the same time with the project brief. Consultative meetings were held with individuals of local 4

Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda authorities and central government. Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were held with local communities. The Environmental Practitioners consulted these people as well as regulatory authorities and also sought expert opinion from well known Consultants. The aim of these meetings was to identify environmental issues at an early stage so that their mitigations are incorporated in the implementation phase of the project. Project alternative options were also discussed and evaluated. The findings of these consultative meetings are in Appendix D.

1.5.8 Research Methods Qualitative methods of research using direct observation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to obtain information on neighbourhood issues and facilitate public participation in the proposed project area as recommended by the National Environmental Statute (Act) 1995, EIA Regulations 1998, and Conduct of Environmental Practitioners Regulations, 2001 and Guidelines for EIA in Uganda. Professional expertise was used to arrive at mitigation measures to be under taken during construction, operational and maintenance phases of the project. Quality Assurance for the EIA study and report preparation was done as recommended by Good Practices for Environmental Impact Assessment of Development Projects (OECD, 1992).

1.5.9 Physical Environment Using a checklist from Guidelines of Environmental Impact Assessment for Uganda (NEMA, 1997) an inventory of the existing physical environment was analysed. This included but not limited to the following: - topography and landscape, soil, geology and geomorphology, hydrology and water resources, climate. Meteorological data like wind speed and direct, ambient temperatures and flooding potential activities that are likely to impact the project were got from meteorological stations in the project area or from the Department of Meteorological head quarters in Kampala.

1.5.10 Biological Environment Using a checklist from Guidelines of Environmental Impact Assessment for Uganda (NEMA, 1997) an inventory of the existing biological environment was analysed. This included but not limited to the following: - wildlife, vegetation, biodiversity, the integrity of surrounding ecosystems protected habitats.

1.5.11 Human Environment Using secondary data from the population census and the UNDP human development report, District Development Plans, background demographic information from the area was obtained and integrated into the EIA report. Information included population, age structure, sex ratio, mortality, mobility, socio- economic issues and ethnic composition.

1.5.12 Identification of environmental impacts Identified impacts were analyzed for their significance. The impact of project activities like excavation of poles, cutting of trees and construction of camp sites were reviewed. 5

1.5.13 Identification of mitigation measures and Impact Ranking Mitigation measures for each impact were identified, ranked and the best feasible alternative recommended. Mitigation measures were based on the Consultants experience, best practices and opinions of the stakeholders. Initially the no project option was done. This is usually when project activities have irreversible impacts on the environmental.

Identified impacts were analysed for their significance. They were ranked according to Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix developed by Christopher M. R. Pastakia of VKI, Horsholm, Denmark (Pastakia, 2004). The Ranks range from of -5 to +5 (Table 1.1).

Table 1.1 Impact Ranking according to the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix No. Impact Rank 1 +5 Major positive change/impact respectively 2 +4 Significant positive change/impact, 3 +3 Moderate positive change/impact, 4 +2 Positive change/impact, 5 +1 Slighting positive change/impact, 6 0 No change/status quo/not applicable, 7 -1 Slight negative change/impact, 8 -2 Negative change/impact, 9 -3 Moderate negative Change/impact 10 -4 Significant negative change/impact, 11 -5 Major negative change/impact,

2 POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK This section presents an overview of the Uganda power sector. The structure of the sector in respect of the policy, legislative and institutional framework.

2.1 Policy framework In 1997, the government of Uganda formulated a comprehensive plan for transforming the energy sector into a financially viable industry. Since then there have been significant reforms in policy and legislative frameworks which are briefly outlined below:

The Energy Policy for Uganda, 2002

In 2002, the GoU developed a comprehensive policy on energy. The goal of the policy is to meet the energy needs of Uganda’s population for social and economic development in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Renewable Energy Policy for Uganda, 2007

The overall goal of the Renewable Energy Policy is to increase the use of modern renewable energy, so that its proportionate use increases from the current 3.8% to 61% of the total energy consumption by the year 2016.

The 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.

The National Industrial Policy

The National Industrial Policy that was developed in Feb. 2008 is a framework for Uganda’s “transformation, competitiveness and prosperity.” The economic transformation of Uganda critically depends on industrialization, the application of science and technology and innovation.

National Water Policy

The National Water Policy (NWP), adopted in 1999, provides the overall policy framework for the water sector. The National Water Policy promotes the principles of integrated water resources management as a means to ensuring sustainable management and utilization of Uganda’s water resources.

Uganda Wildlife Policy, 1999

The policy aims to conserve in perpetuity the rich biological diversity and natural habitats of Uganda in a manner that accommodates the development needs of the nation and the well-being of its people and the global community.

The Uganda Forestry Policy 2001

The main objective of this policy is to establish an integrated forestry sector that achieves sustainable increases in the economic, social and environmental benefits from forests and trees by the people of Uganda, especially the poor and vulnerable. The policy provides for the protection of the Permanent Forest Estate (PFE) under government trusteeship and the development and sustainable management of natural forests on private land.

It also provides for a wide cross section of stakeholder participation in the management of the forests. The policy further encourages partnerships with the local forest communities to develop sustainable management of forests. This partnership provides an opportunity for foreign companies to work with the local communities to implement Clean Development Mechanism projects through reforestation and afforestation.

2.2 Legislative Framework This Section presents the legislation framework which includes acts, regulations, guidelines, requirements or procedures, issued by public authorities, related to the energy sector, water sector, application of agricultural chemicals and protection of the environment. This legal review covers the constitution of the Republic of Uganda and the national standard on Occupational Safety and Health US 534, 2006.

The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995

The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda is the main framework on which all legislation in Uganda is based on. The Constitution provides for among other things matters pertaining to land, natural resources such as rivers, lakes and the environment. It is the duty of each citizen individual or corporate to protect and preserve the environment from abuse, pollution and degradation and also to provide measures intended to manage the environment for development in a sustainable manner by promoting environmental awareness.

The Electricity Act 1999

The Electricity Act, 1999 aims bringing about an enabling environment for the transformation of the electricity sector. The main objective of the Act is to provide a framework for regulation of the generation, transmission, distribution, sale, export, import and distribution of electrical energy in Uganda.

The National Environmental Act CAP 153

This is the law making the Constitutional Article of everybody having a right to live in a clean environment operational. This Act is currently the most significant law on the environment and the management of chemicals. It prohibits the discharge of hazardous substances into any part of the environment except with the guidelines of the National Environment Management Authority.

Workers’ Compensation Act (2000)

The Workers Compensation Act, 2000 provides for the provision of financial compensation for work related injury or illness. Section 28 of The Workers' Compensation Act (2000) states that, “Where a medical practitioner grants a certificate that a worker is suffering from a scheduled disease causing disablement or that the death of a workman was caused by any scheduled disease; and the disease was due to the nature of the worker's employment and was contracted within the twenty-four months immediately previous to the date of such disablement or death, the worker or, if he or she is deceased, his or her dependants shall be entitled to claims and to receive compensation under this Act as if such disablement or death had been caused by an accident arising out of and in the course of his or her employment.”

The act further stipulates, “If on the hearing of an application for compensation in terms of subsection (I) of this Section the court is satisfied on the evidence that the allegations in the certificate are correct, the workman or his dependants, as the case may be, shall be entitled to compensation under this Act as if the contracting of disease were an injury by accident arising out of and in the course of the workman's employment.” The provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees minimizes accidents and injuries is emphasised.

The Employment Act, 2006

The Employment Act 2006 is the governing legal statutory instrument for the recruitment, contracting, deployment, remuneration, management and compensation of workers. The Employment Act 2006 is based on the provisions of Article 40 of The Constitution of Uganda. The Act mandates Labour Officers to regularly inspect the working conditions of workers to ascertain that the rights of workers and basic provisions are provided and workers’ welfare is attended to. The Act also provides for the freedom of association of workers permitting workers to join labour organizations. This provision is also supported by the Labour Unions Act 7, 2006, which provides elaborate guideline and regulation for membership.

The Local Governments Act 1997

The Act establishes a form of government based on the district as the main unit of administration. Section (34-45) of the Act gives legislative and planning powers to the districts. Districts are also enjoined to plan for the conservation of the environment within their local areas and the District Environmental Committees established under Section 15 of the National Environment Act Cap 153 are supposed to guide the district authorities in that regard.

Land Act 1998

Requires the developer of an energy project to enter into mutual agreement with the owner/occupier of any land required for project construction, and the payment of fair compensation to such owners/ occupier. Section 78 establishes principles for compensation.

Land Acquisition Act 1965

Provides for the expropriation of land needed for public purposes, but requires the payment of compensation for any damage suffered due to such works

The Investment Code Cap 92

Section 19 thereof provides that an Investment License may also contain an undertaking by the investor to take necessary steps to ensure that the operations of their business enterprise do not cause injury to the ecology or environment. The Code is enforced by the Uganda Investment Authority from which the investment licence was obtained.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act No. 9, 2006

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2006 consolidate, harmonize and update the law relating to occupational safety and health in Uganda. The Act repealed the Factories Act of 1964. Section 45-55 of the Act makes provisions for the health, safety, welfare and appropriate training of persons employed in work places. Management of workplaces have to ensure safety and health of employees and equipment through provision of safety and health measures, appropriate machine guarding, personal protective equipments (PPE) like respirators, overalls and gloves. The Act emphasises work place managers to compel all workers comply and use the PPE in order to fulfil the provisions of this Act. Section 46 of the Act requires that every factory be kept in a clean state, including floors, walls, workrooms and ceiling or top of rooms. Furthermore section 47 (2) states that a factory shall not, while work is carried out be so overcrowded so as to cause risk of injury. Section 47(4) provides for ventilation and circulation of fresh air in each workroom.

The Control of Agricultural Chemicals Act No. 1, 2007

This Act is enacted to control and regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution and trade in, use, importation and exportation of agricultural chemical and other 10

Uganda Wildlife Act 1996

An EIA is to be conducted for any project likely to have a significant impact on wildlife resources.

The Water Act Cap 152

This Act provides for and regulates supply of water to the public. It seeks to protect the water as a resource. Under Section 34, any person who pollutes, or causes risk of pollution by any foul liquid, gas or other noxious matter to enter into a waterworks shall be liable on conviction to a fine. The Act is enforced by a number of agencies in the Ministry of Water and Environment.

Uganda Wildlife Act, (Cap. 200) 2000

The Act promotes the conservation of wildlife throughout Uganda so that the abundance and diversity of their species are maintained at optimum levels commensurate with other forms of land use, in order to support sustainable utilization of wildlife for the benefit of the people of Uganda;

The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 8/2003

This Act provides for the conservation, sustainable management and development of forests for the benefit of the people of Uganda; to provide for the declaration of forest reserves for purposes of protection and production of forests and forest produce; to provide for the sustainable use of forest resources and the enhancement of the productive capacity of forests; to provide for the promotion of tree planting; to consolidate the law relating to the forest sector and trade in forest produce; to establish a National Forestry Authority; to repeal the Forests Act, Cap. 147 and the Timber (Export) Act Cap. 151 and for related matters.

2.3 Regulations Environmental Regulations related to project

National Environment (Noise Standards & Control Regulations) 2003

The regulation provides standards for:

• The maximum permissible noise levels to which a person may be exposed from a facility or activity;

• Control of noise and for mitigating measures for the reduction of noise levels; and giving effect to the provisions of section 29 of the Statute.

Section 7(1): No person shall emit or engage in any activity that emits or likely to emit noise above a maximum permissible level specified in regulation 5 of these Regulations, unless permitted to do so by these Regulations.

Section 7 (2) Any person who emits or engages in any activity that emits or likely to emit noise above a maximum permissible level specified in this sub regulation (1) commits an offence.

Section 8(1) - Duty to control noise. It shall be the duty of the owner or occupier of a facility or premise or machinery to use the best practicable means of ensuring that the emission of noise from those premises does not exceed the standards and limitations set in these regulations.

Sub-section (3): A person or occupier of a premise or facility or machinery or plant generating noise who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence.

Under Sections 23 and 107 of the Environment Act these regulations are aimed at ensuring the maintenance of a healthy environment for all people in Uganda, the tranquillity of their surroundings and their psychological well-being by regulating noise levels. This is done through prescribing the maximum permissible noise levels from a facility or activity to which a person may be exposed and the provision for control of noise and for mitigating measures for the reduction of noise. Under regulation 8, it is the duty of the owner of a facility or premises to use the best practicable means to ensure that the emission of noise from his/her premises does not exceed the permissible noise levels. The Table below outlines permissible levels of noise at a factory or workshop.

Table 2.1: Maximum permissible noise levels from a factory/workshop* Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 85 8 hours 40 hours 88 4 hours 20 hours 91 2 hours 10 hours 94 1 hours 5 hours 97 30 minutes 2.5 hours 100 15 minutes 1.25 hours 103 7.5 minutes 37.5 minutes 106 3.75 minutes 18.75 minutes 109 1.875 minutes 9.375 minutes * The National Environment (noise standards and control) Regulations, 2003. First Schedule, Part II.

The National Environment (Standards for Discharge of Effluent into Water or on Land) Regulations, No. 5 of 1999

The standard for effluents or waste-water before they are discharged into water is prescribed in the schedule to these Regulations. Every industry or establishment shall install at its premises, anti-pollution equipment for the treatment of effluent or chemical discharge emanating from the industry or establishment.

National Environment (Waste Management) Regulations No. 52 of 1999

The Regulations made in accordance with section 54 (2) of the National Environment Act CAP 153, are meant for management of waste that NEMA may consider necessary. These regulations provide for the management of waste. Regulation 4 describes the sorting and disposal of domestic waste and provides that the generator of domestic waste may, without a license issued under these regulations, dispose of non-hazardous waste in an environmentally sound manner in accordance with by-laws made by a competent local authority.

Under Regulation 5(1), a person who owns or controls a facility or premises which generate waste shall minimize the waste generated by adopting the following cleaner production methods: -

- Conserving raw materials and energy;

- Eliminating the use of toxic materials;

- Reducing toxic emissions and waste;

- Monitoring the production cycle from beginning to end;

- Identifying and eliminating potential negative impacts of the product

- Enabling the recovery and reuse of the by-product where possible

- Reclamation and recycling

- Incorporating environmental concerns in the design and disposal of a product.

National Environment (Audit) Regulations No. 12 of 2006

The Audit Regulations operationalize Section 3 (3) c of the Environment Act in which it is a requirement for ongoing activities which are likely to have environmental impacts to be subjected to an environmental audit in accordance with Section 22 of the Act. The regulation also operationalises the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation, in which it is a requirement to follow up projects that carried out an EIA with an Audit at list three years after the commencement of the project.

The National Environment (Wetlands, River Banks and Lake Shores Management) Regulations, 2000

Under regulation 34(2), a developer carrying out a project which may have significant impact on a wetland, river bank or lake shore shall be required to carry out annual audits, monitor its activities and submit reports to the Executive Director of NEMA or a lead agency in accordance with sections 22 and 23 of the Environment Law.

The Water Resources Regulation No. 33 of 1998

The Regulations apply to any person who occupies land, on or adjacent to which there is a motorized water pump that pumps water from a borehole or water way, a public authority or any water supply authority or sewerage authority which operates works capable of diverting, impounding or using more than 400 m3 of water within 24 hours. Such a person must apply for a water permit in the manner prescribed under the Regulations in order to be able to utilize such water.

The Water (Discharge) Resources Regulation No. 32 of 1998

These Regulations regulate the discharge of effluent or wastewater on land or into the aquatic environment. NEMA sets standards for the discharge of such substances in consultation with the lead agency. A person who wishes to discharge such substances in the prohibited environment must obtain a permit from the Directorate of Water Resources Management Development (DWRM).

The Electricity (Primary Grid Code) Regulation 2003

The Code contains rules and procedures for the efficient management (generation, transmission and distribution) of the electric supply industry in Uganda, taking into account a wide range of operational conditions that are likely to be encountered under normal and exceptional circumstances.

The Electricity (Tariff Code) Regulations, 2003

The major goal of the code is to fairly regulate electricity tariffs in Uganda. It strives to protect all stakeholders i.e. consumers, generators, transmitters and distributors of electricity. It lays the principles of cost fairness in the sector.

2.4 Occupational Safety and Health Standard US 534:2008 The Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems US 534:2008 is a national standard set by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. The objective of the standard is to promote the safety, health and welfare of people engaged in work or employment. As a secondary effect, it protects also co-workers, family members, employers, customers, suppliers, nearby communities and other members of the public who are impacted by the workplace environment. The standard sets out the policy, legal and the implementation framework of how an organization may establish, implement and maintain the standard.

2.5 The World Bank Safe Guard Policies This Project triggers three important World Bank safe guide policies i.e. (i) Environmental Assessment OP/BP 4.01 (ii) Natural Habitats OP/BP 4.04 and (iii) Involuntary Resettlement OP/BP 4.12. These are briefly discussed below. A comprehensive review can also be obtained from Environmental and Social Management Framework (REA, 2006).

Environmental Assessment OP/BP 4.01

This Project will impact the environment. However the Environmental and Social Management Framework, A Field Manual (REA, 2006) gives the procedures of how to make check lists of impacts, they sources, screening and forecasting the main potential impacts. A preliminary screening show that the Project will be constructed along an already built up environment i.e. along the roads. This is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts and is ranked as Category C according of OP/BP 4.01. In comparison with GoU Laws and Regulations this project is classified as Category I where an EIA is not needed. A project brief is sufficient for NEMA to give it a certificate for the project to proceed as is.

Natural Habitats OP/BP 4.04

The project is most unlikely to adversely impact on the natural ecosystems because it runs along the main track road from Soroti to Katakwi and Amuria towns. Ecological sensitive areas like Lake Bisina which is a Ramsar site for the protection of wetlands that has threatened bird species like the Shoebill and Fox’s weaver which is endemic to Uganda are far away from the project site. Other conservation areas include Aibaret swamps, Teso Hunting areas and Central Forest Reserves. All these are very far away from the project site.

Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12)

The Project will take up land from the local communities, hence displacing people. However, this is anticipated to be minimal since it will be mainly besides an existing way leave and along the road reserve in the majority of the line route to Katakwi. A Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) for ERT II has been designed. In this Project a Resettlement Action Plan consultancy assignment has been commissioned and it findings will be used to compensate land uptake as recommended in RPF. Resettlement issues are significant at Opuyo Substation approximately 9 km from Opuyo to Aloet where there is a convergence of existing and proposed power lines that supply northern region. However, as already stated these will be adequately addressed in the RAP.

2.6 Instructional framework The overall responsibility for the power sector within government lies with the MEMD. The MEMD oversees and coordinates the implementation of all power projects.

The following institutions below the MEMD were established under the reform brought about by 1999 Electricity Act.

• Electricity Regulatory Authority (“ERA”);

• Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (“UEGCL”);

• Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (“UETCL”);

• Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (“UEDCL”); and 15

• Rural Electrification Agency (“REA”).

The governance structure arrangements within the power sector are depicted in Figure 2.1 below.

MEMD

MINERALS & ENERGY PETROLEUM EXPLORATION

ERA

REA UEGCL UEDCL UETCL

Figure 2.1: Governance structure within the power sector (Slightly adopted from UETCL, 2009). We briefly describe the role of each of these sector participants below:

Electricity Regulatory Authority; The functions of ERA include the regulation of the power sector activities issuing of generation, transmission and distribution licences regulation of electricity tariffs, developing and enforcing performance standards within the sector, enforces adherence to the National Grid Code, quality of service code, safety codes, tariff codes. It also issues installation permits and establishes tariff structures. The role of the ERA is depicted below in Figure 2.2.

Figure 2.2: Role of the Electricity Regulatory Authority Rural Electrification Agency (REA) was established as a semi-autonomous agency by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) in 2001 through statutory instrument No.75, to operationalize Government’s rural electrification function under a public private partnership. It functions as a secretariat of Rural Electrification Board (REB) which carries out the ministers rural electrification responsibilities, as defined in the Electricity Act of 1999. It also manages the Rural Electrification Fund. REA is tasked with facilitating the Government’s goal of enhancing rural electrification rate and thus is mandated to:

• Maintain a national database on rural electrification

• Promote rural electrification

• Facilitate rural electrification projects

• Receive and review applications for subsidy

• Advise MEMD on policies pertaining to rural electrification

• Implement government priority rural electrification projects and community schemes

• Monitor and evaluate rural electrification projects.

Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL): UEGCL is the state-owned generation company. UEGCL currently owns Nalubale and Kiira power stations. The

Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL): UEDCL is the state owned distribution company. UEDCL builds, owns distribution network at 33kV and below in the areas where UEB used to operate with a few additions made by REA and UMEME U Ltd. UMEME U Ltd is operating UEDCL’s distribution network under a concession agreement.

Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL): UETCL is the state owned transmission company. UETCL builds, owns and operates the high voltage network above 33 kV. UETCL has the following four (4) licences:

• Bulk power supply;

• Operation of high voltage transmission grid;

• Carrying out activities of a system operator; and

• Import & export of power.

Concessionaires: Apart from Umeme Ltd other concessionaires are Ferdsult, WENRECo, and URECL who distribute and participate in meeting the energy needs; and

2.7 Other relevant Institutions National Environment Management Authority (NEMA): NEMA is responsible for regulating the impact of renewable investments on the environment, through instruments like environment impact assessment (EIA).

Directorate of Water Development (DWD): DWD is responsible for issuing permits for water extraction for hydropower schemes;

Uganda Investment Authority (UIA): UIA provides both foreign and local investors with licenses for investment;

Uganda Wildlife Authority

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is a body corporate established by the Uganda Wildlife Act 2000 and is mandated to manage the Wildlife Protected Areas of Uganda guided by periodic 5 year Strategic Plan and 10 year General Management Plans for each protected area that prescribe the conservation programmes, tourism and infrastructure development, research and monitoring.

National Forestry Authority

NFA was established under the National Forestry and Tree planting Act (2003) as a semi- autonomous body to replace the 100 year old Forestry Department.

Customers: Customers are the end-users.

3 BASELINE ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS

3.1 Physical Environment

3.1.1 Topography The topography of Project Area i.e. Soroti, Katakwi and Amuria districts were determined from 1:50,000 topographic maps. It is dominated by the extensive Karamoja Sub Region plain at approximately 1000-1200 masl with gentle large scale undulations broken by abrupt hills associated with areas of previous volcanic activity (Amuria District 2009; Katakwi District 2009; Soroti District 2009). The area is also characterised by small inselbergs (Plate 3.1).

3.1.2 Hydrology and Drainage Based on observation and on available flow data the hydrology and drainage in the region can be generalized. In the Teso Sub Region, heavy rainfall causes high surface runoff which ends one or two days after rainfall has ceased. In the head waters, river flows commence soon after rainfall starts with peak flows occurring in the afternoon or evening. River flows across the plains in the region occur from around April to August with flow in later months being fed by shallow groundwater flow from adjacent areas. There is a time lag of about a month for upland flows to reach the dams downstream in Teso-Karamoja border which flow from May to October again supported by shallow groundwater flow long after the main rains have ceased. Total surface flow is thought to be approximately 5% of the total catchment flow(Amuria District 2009; Soroti District 2009).

3.1.3 Geology Most of the project area is underlain by rocks of the basement complex Precambrian age that include granites, mignalites, gneiss, schists and quartzites (Amuria District 2009; Soroti District 2009).

3.1.4 Soils The soils fall mainly under four major units; Serere and Amuria catena; Metu complex and Usuk type series. These are mainly of the ferralitic type (Plate 3.2) i.e. sandy sediments and sandy loams (Plate 3.3). They are well drained and friable. Bottomlands contain widespread deposits of alluvium (Amuria District 2009; Soroti District 2009).

3.2 Climate Generally climate of the project area is modified by the large swamp area surrounding districts. The rainy season is March to November, with a marked minimum in June, and marked peaks in April to May and August to October. December and January are the driest months. Of recent rainfall has been unreliable and unpredictable hence affecting the activities of people e.g. agriculture, livestock rearing etc (Amuria District 2009; Katakwi District 2009; Soroti District 2009).

3.2.1 Rainfall Rainfall in Soroti district normally ranges from 1000 mm to 1500 mm coming in two seasons; March–July and September – November. There is normally a short dry spell between the two rain seasons during mid June – mid July. The long dry season sets in during late November through to early March. The distribution is such that areas bordering Northeast experience earlier dry seasons. This is also a common occurrence at the Lake Kyoga shore areas, which sometimes experience very sharp spells of drought (Amuria District 2009; Katakwi District 2009; Soroti District 2009).

Climatic factors in Amuria do not significantly differ from that in Soroti district. According to the statistics for 2009, the annual rainfall was 1,289.8 mm (Amuria District Weather Station). The same report reveals rainfall is not uniformly distributed throughout the district with the eastern parts of Acowa and Abarilela sometimes registering low rainfall (Amuria District 2009; Katakwi District 2009; Soroti District 2009).

3.2.2 Temperature Soroti and Amuria districts generally record a mean annual maximum temperature of around 31.3o C and a mean minimum of around 18oC. Its extreme highest temperatures are in the month of February when it records approximately 35oC. The highest ever recorded was in February 1949 where temperatures reached 40oC (Amuria District 2009; Katakwi District 2009; Soroti District 2009).

3.2.3 Winds Relative humidity ranges from 66% to 83% at 0600 in the morning. However, it reduces much in the afternoon (35%-57% at 1200 noon) thereby reducing chances of rainfall. During the N.E. monsoon the area is swept by a wind that has traversed Somalia, passed between Abyssinian massif and Kenya highlands and the hills of Karamoja (Amuria District 2009; Katakwi District 2009; Soroti District 2009).

3.2.4 Humidity The water vapour content of wind, described in 3.2.3 is consequently low. The southwards passage of the inter-tropical convergence zone in October would appear to bring no more rain than is sufficient to produce a gradual falling off from the July peak. There are relatively high rates of evaporation in Soroti District as it lies near the equator. Evaporations are particularly high in the dry seasons (Amuria District 2009; Katakwi District 2009; Soroti District 2009).

3.3 Biological Environment

3.3.1 Flora (Include Forest Reserves) The vegetation of the project area can best be described as wooded savana, grass savana, forests and riparian vegetation (Plates 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7). The wooded savana mainly comprises moist Acacia savana associated with Hyparrhenia spp and Combretum savana associated with Hyparrhenia spp (Soroti District 2009).

The riparian category comprises certain scattered tree grasslands associated with Setaria incrassate Hyparrheria rufa, Acacia sayel Acacia fistula, Balanities aegyptica and Terminalia spp (Soroti District 2009).

The area has expansive wetlands and in the northeast is a vegetation characteristic of semi arid type with thorny shrubs.

Forests in the project area occur in open public land and reserves which are either central or local forest reserves owned by the central or local district governments respectively. Forest reserves are under heavy degradation because the trees are cut for fire wood, charcoal and timber. The deforested areas are then invaded by pastoralists, farmers and finally settlements take over (Amuria District 2009; Katakwi District 2009; Soroti District 2009).

The project goes not pass through any forest reserve.

3.3.2 Agricultural vegetation In the three districts the commonly grown crops include food crops and cash crops. The major food crops grown are cassava, sorghum, sweet potatoes, cow peas, groundnuts, millet, green gram, simsim, maize, beans, peas and rice (Plate 3.8).

It is also evident that some traditional food crops have been transformed to cash crops. This is because of high demand and to some extent having recommendable market value. However, initially cotton was taken as the sole cash crop but now other food crops have been grown to provide cash. These include millet, rice, sweet potatoes, cow peas, green gram, cassava and sorghum.

Some vegetables and fruits are equally produced for cash i.e. pineapple, oranges, mangoes, tomatoes, cabbage, onions, egg plant, yams, sugar cane and are commonly grown along the wetland edges especially during dry season.

Horticulture has been practised all year round which means during wet season horticulture crops are grown upland and in dry season grown at wetland edges. However, crops like rice and sugar cane whose demand for moisture is relatively high have been grown in wetlands or wetland edges. This has resulted into over dependence on wetlands resulting into degradation, conflicts over ownership, access and user-rights.

Plate 3.1: Small Inselbergs Plate 3.2: Ferralitic soils at Opuyo Substation

Plate 3.3: Sandy and loams soils Plate 3.4: Wooded savannah

Plate 3.5: Grass savannah Plate 3.6: Forest

Plate 3.7: Riparian vegetation Plate 3.8: Wetlands

Plate 3.9: Aoja wetland Plate 3.10: Food crops

Plate 3.11: Settlement at Opuyo Plate 3.12: Traditional huts in Katakwi Substation

The practice of rice growing was copied from neighbouring districts of Kumi and Pallisa. This has resulted into emulation of the practice. The most affected sub counties are Gweri, Arapai, Tubur, Asuret, Kyere and spreading to other sub counties.

3.3.3 Fauna (Include Wildlife Protection Areas) Amuria district has a diversity of small mammals, reptiles, aves and amphibians spread widely in the terrestrial, edaphic and wetlands ecosystem. The major fauna found in the district include:

¾ Small mammals – the most prevalent are wild rats/ squirrels, wild cats/ foxes rabbits and wild pigs. Although some fairly bushy areas still habit porcupines, monkeys and antelopes, cases of wild animals from the game reserve in the Karamoja region straying into the district have been taking place. In the past before ecological disturbances of fauna habitats, there used to be hyenas, antelopes and other wild animals.

¾ Reptiles- a variety of reptiles ranging from snakes to monitor lizards.

¾ Aves- there is a rich avian diversity in the district; however, no species can be said to be unique to the area. The guinea-fowls are fairly distributed in the district although they are facing threat from human activity. The prevalence of a variety of fauna in the district is majorly attributed to: the availability of bushes that provide suitable habitats; the fairly vegetated areas of Obalanga and Kapelebyong sub-counties have a rich distribution of fauna than the west of the sub-counties.

The communities harness a number of benefits from the wild fauna; most importantly meat and skins. A number of mammals in the district are hunted for meat (hunting is pronounced in Kapelebyong sub-county). Some of the meat is domestically consumed while some is sold locally.

The animals belonging to the rat family are a nuisance to the community; they devour most crops and in some scenarios significant losses have been registered. Members of the cat family also eat poultry from households thus resulting in economic losses to the community.

The project goes not go thorough protected areas like national parks, game reserves nor hunting grounds.

3.4 The Human Environment

3.4.1 Soroti District The major source of livelihood is subsistence agriculture which accounts for 76%, followed by earned income from employment 16.7%, property income 0.5% and other sources 6.9% according to 2002 population and housing census.

Commercial agriculture features dominantly within the landscape of the district especially in the area of fruit growing (mainly oranges, mangoes, pineapples and avocadoes). This is mainly due to assistance given to farmers by the NAADS program. Access to and control over key production assets and resources is still male dominated. Most rural women are without independent sources of income and so have less access to productive resources. The dwelling units are mainly detached houses 82.4%, semi detached houses 10.4%, tenant 5.3% and other 2.0%. The main type of tenure of dwelling units is owner occupied 83.9%, free 4.5%, rented 11.5 and other 0.1%. The conditions of these dwellings mainly characterised by grass thatched roofs (83.7%),with walls made of mud and poles, floor made of rammed earth and this is typical of rural areas of the district . only 7.8% leaves in permanent dwellings, 3.4% in semi permanent structures, and a small proportion in temporally roofed houses. (Source: Population and Housing Census, 2002)

3.4.2 Katakwi District The people of Katakwi District are partially traditionally pastoralists. They earn their livelihood through livestock rearing and crop production at subsistence level. This was so until 1986 when cattle rustling by the Karimojong intensified. In 1987 a civil strife broke out in the Teso region and this aggravated the situation. During this period a lot of lives and property were lost and many families got disintegrated. Most of the productive labour force was either destroyed or displaced. Animal traction, which used to be a major means of land cultivation for agricultural production became a thing of the past. The whole Teso region became impoverished as the economic base was completely depleted.

With the gradual return of peace in the early 1990’s the population began to resettle and engage in small-scale production activities. Through individual and some NGO efforts, the economic recovery had begun to take shape with livestock and crop production levels rising. However, if the persistent cattle rustling continue, it will affect the economic recovery. If total peace and security is restored, there is no doubt that Katakwi district can attain sustainable levels of development.

On average about 64% of the population of Katakwi falls below the poverty line (i.e. the population is spending less than US $ 1 per person per day on basic human requirements such as health, food, shelter and clothing).

To diversify sources of household incomes, new crop varieties and economic activities were and are being introduced. Some of these new activities include: agro-processing industries, apiculture, brick making, fish farming, stone quarrying etc. There is need to open a road link to Kumi district from Magoro sub-county through Tisai Island for ease marketing of produce and obtaining inputs

These activities together with others form the main sources of livelihood of the people of Katakwi. These can be summarised as follows (estimates- Source: Katakwi District Development Plan July, 2010/11 - June, 2012/13) -

• Subsistence farming (%) : 81.6

• Commercial farming (%) : 1.3

• Trade (%) : 3.8

• Employment income (%) : 5.9

• Family support (%) : 5.8

• Others (including small scale Industries) (%) : 1.6

3.4.3 Amuria District The economy of Amuria district is predominantly based on agriculture and livestock keeping. This is basically carried out on a subsistence basis through a new trend is creeping in of trying to commercialize farm production. Over 90% of the district population is engaged in agricultural cultivation and livestock keeping. Major crops grown include; Cassava, Sweet potatoes, Groundnuts, Sorghum, Finger millet, Cow peas, Green grams, Sim sim (sesame), Cotton, and Sun flower, Rice, Maize, Beans, Soya beans and Citrus.

The national census in 2002 estimated the population of Amuria District at approximately 183,800. It is calculated that the annual population growth rate in the district is 7.0%. The estimated population in Amuria District in 2010 is approximately 315,900. The district has 108 primary government schools and 1 private school. The secondary schools for government are 5 and private schools are 3. It has one tertiary institute. The Health delivery system in the district comprises of the district health office, health sub districts (HSD), the HC III and HC II units. The health care services are delivered by both government and private organizations and individuals. There are all together 18 health units in the district. Nine of these units are operated by the government and seven by private not for profit. Delivery of health services has been limited because of lack of electricity most cases are referred to Soroti Regional Hospital.

4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

4.1 Description of the Project Site The project area is located in north-eastern Uganda (Figure 4.1). It will include construction of about 92 km of 33 kV from Opuyo substation to Katakwi and Amuria District Headquarters via Wera trading centre as follows: -

1. 65 kms of 33 kV power line from Opuyo 132/33 kV substation (Soroti) to Katakwi district headquarters;

2. 27 kms of 33 kV power line from Wera Township including extension to Amuria District headquarters.

4.2 Project Objective The actual objective of the project is to prepare an environmental project brief for Soroti-Katakwi-Amuria 33kV grid extension from Opuyo Substation. The proposed line is 33kV of bare conductor overhead lines and a distribution system at selected load centres.

It is expected that the project will stimulate several economic activities within these areas and even beyond. The beneficiaries are expected to develop agro-based and small as well as medium scale industries while some institutions and households will also get power supplies. Mobile telecommunication masts in the area which are powered by diesel generators will also get electricity from the national grid through the project.

4.3 Description of the Project

4.3.1 Description of Project The project has the primary aim of constructing a 33kV power line made of bare overhead conductors and a distribution system at selected load centres. The details of the project, including T-offs, are outlined below:

4.3.2 General Scope of Activities The project has the primary aim of constructing a 33kV power line made of bare overhead conductors and a distribution system at selected load centres. The details of the project, including T-offs, are outlined below:

Figure 4.1: Map of Project area

Plate 4.1Power lines at Opuyo Sub Station Plate 4.2 Opuyo Sub Station Transformers

Plate 4.3 Opuyo Sub Station Switch Yards Plate 4.4 Lira 132kV Transmission line

Plate 4.5 Soroti 33vK Power Line Plate 4.6 Settlements at Opuyo

4.3.3 Materials and Specifications The 33kV line shall be constructed mainly using 12m high wooden poles, creosote treated, with an average spacing of 100 m. The wooden poles will have foundations consisting of 0.35 m diameter and 2.0 m depth. The foundations of the poles that will be erected in wetland areas shall be prepared using gravel material as backfill. The steel wire of gauge 7/4.00 shall be used for stays, T-offs and terminal structures shall be anchored by stay blocks buried at a depth of 2.0 m. The stay blocks, 1.0m long, shall be made out of creosote treated wood or made of concrete and of dimension 0.3m x 0.3m x 0.3m. The H-type section poles shall be erected 2.0m apart but installed every 1.5km and each shall have a 4-stay wire set installed along each corridor. At large angles, the stay wire shall be installed at 45 degrees from the pole.

The pole height will be 9 m at selected low voltage (LV) centres and the pole span will average 50 m. The LV poles shall be erected into foundations of 0.6 m diameter and 1.6 m depth. The steel wire stays (size 7/2.64) shall erected at appropriate angles, T-offs and terminal structures anchored by stay blocks buried 1.6 m deep. The stay blocks shall be creosote treated timber of 1 m length or concrete of size 0.3 m cube. In as far as possible some materials, such as wooden poles, shall be obtained locally (provided they meet the specifications). A Right of the way (RoW) corridor of about 10m shall be reserved throughout the entire line system. The minimum distances of 3.0 m from a house and 2.0 m from the road edge for both LV and HV shall be observed. The 33kV lines shall be erected with a minimum clearance from the ground or highest water level will be 6.0m or 2.0m from the highest point.

The other accessories for the project i.e. pole line hardware, insulators, conductor hardware and transformers shall be availed as per project document.

4.4 Description of Project Activities The project activities shall include design, construction, operation and maintenance of the power lines as outlined below:

4.4.1 Design Stage This involved the survey, in detail, of the proposed power line so as to establish the centre line. Subsequently, a 10m corridor was cleared, with the centre line as guide, for the entire route. The clearance included cutting down trees and trimming all vegetation inside the corridor. In addition, all trees in the falling distance of the corridor were cut down or trimmed accordingly. Pole location was done and the appropriate line drawings produced.

4.4.2 Construction Stage The construction shall be carried out by one main contractor and where necessary assisted by subcontractors. The human resource shall be of 20 skilled personnel. The main contractor shall arrange for campsites to be erected or hired, preferably on the project areas, where materials will be stored and for coordination of the project activities.

4.4.3 Pole hole digging The pole holes shall be dug, mostly manually except in rocky areas where a pneumatic hammer may have to be used, to a depth 1.5-2.0 m. In waterlogged areas or at river crossings, a bucket excavator may have to be employed. Soils are sandy lose therefore extract refill and compacting is required.

4.4.4 Pole framing, erection and installation of stay lines The poles will be drilled and dressed with the appropriate hardware. The poles shall be erected manually. They shall be plumbed with the aid of ropes. The steel wire stays shall be fixed at appropriate angles, T-offs and terminal structures shall be anchored by stay blocks. All conductor configurations shall be installed either with line post insulators or suspension insulators. The distribution system shall be 33kV, 3- phase 4-wire. The single-phase distribution system shall be single wire earth return (SWER) design and construction where single phase tapping shall be done off the main line.

The poles shall be made from treated eucalyptus wood and will be of height 35 feet for the tangent structures standing with 30 feet (9m) above ground, spaced 100- 120m apart on the line segments where “Rabbit” conductors are used or 100-105m apart where “Dog” conductors are used. Poles of 40 feet (12m) shall be used where slight angles are required while those of 45 feet (14m) shall be used at vertical corners. The 30- feet (9m) poles shall be used for all secondary lift poles. The 8-feet (2.4m) galvanized cross-arms with cross-arm braces and polymer pin-type insulators shall be employed on tangent structures.

4.4.5 Conductor Most of the lines shall be built with 100 mm2 ACCR (“Dog”) type conductors whose rated current is 300 Amps. The smaller lines and minor taps shall be built with 50 mm2 ACCR (“Rabbit”) type conductors whose rated capacity is 200 amps. Conventional means shall be used for stringing and the wires will afterwards be tensioned on the guyed structures while using pull lifts.

4.4.6 Transformers The transformers shall be fitted with gas detectors, oil temperature, winding temperature, pressure release and oil level relay devices as well as current differential protection and restricted earth fault on at least two windings, where applicable, as main protection measure. In order to provide backup protection, all transformers shall be fitted with non-directional over-current protection and restricted earth faults on all windings.

4.4.7 Line hardware Using REA specifications, the framing of the structures and obtaining the actual hardware (bolts, insulators, etc) shall be carried out. It is noted that the specifications were chosen as the most economical and appropriate to rural electrical systems. We are borrowing a leaf from their use elsewhere like the United

States where they have been in use for over 65 years with remarkable durability and safety.

4.4.8 Services Drops The residential service drops shall average 15-20m in length but with a maximum length of 40m. The cable size shall 16 mm2, copper duplex (#6 AWG). All energy (kWh) meters will be socket based type so as to prevent meter tampering. For the larger, industrial consumers the service drops shall be of size 25 or 50 mm2 as need and made of covered multiplex type conductors.

4.4.9 Metering points sectionalising equipment The cost of each primary metering point shall include; the primary meter with associated CTs and PTs, zigzag configured grounding bank with primary fuses, a voltage regulator and a solid state re-closure. The re-closure shall have a microprocessor-based control system so as to operate at any fault within its zone of responsibility. Maintenance of the re-closure shall be minimized because of the solid state design. The line shall be sectionalised so that a minimalistic scheme, which will be economical to build and operate, will cause adequate level of service when needed. It has been recommended to install the re-closures at the metering points and fuses for T-offs of the main line as well as transformer installations. Air Break Switches shall be installed at various strategic points so as to facilitate sectionalizing.

4.4.10 Post Construction Clean up All the excess and waste material shall be removed from the Right of the Way (RoW) and properly disposed off at designated areas. All erected campsites shall be properly demolished and the leftovers removed.

4.4.11 Operation and Maintenance The 33kV line shall be fully automated. This means that the system shall be equipped with several automatic devices like re-closures which will de-energize the faulty parts of the line e.g. during rain storms, tree branches falling on the line, a collapsed pole and others. The auto re-closures will therefore ensure reduced damage to the line and increased protection to humans. The transformers shall be equipped with surge arrestors and fuse isolators which will protect them from voltage surges which are likely during lightning and/or system switching. There will routine maintenance of the line every year or whenever deemed necessary by the system operator. The activities shall include, but not limited to, line clearance along RoW, repair of damaged structures, conductors, and cracked or broken insulators. In addition, there will be selected tree trimming and bush clearance as may be observed necessary. A 1-metre radius weeding shall be done around each pole as protection against bush fires. There will be emergency maintenance prompted by technical breakdowns due to faults or after wind or lightning storms. The poles, conductor and insulators will be inspected and those found damaged shall be replaced.

4.4.12 Human Resources In as far and in as much activity as possible, human resource shall be sourced from the local communities with the help of those in local authority. For example, digging holes and the stringing process, the local people should be given the first priority.

5 PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND DISCLOSURE The Environment Act together with the World Bank Safeguard Policies requires consultation and disclosure with stakeholders likely to be affected by projects.

A field trip to the project site was undertaken from 4th to 13th October 2010. The two groups were formed and travelled independently to the project site. The first group consisted of the Sociologist and his assistant who went directly to the local communities while the second group went to the Local Authorities to conduct key informant interviews. The details of these field findings are provided in this Chapter and Plate 5.1 to Plate 5.6.

5.1 Local Communities A program of local community consultations and awareness creation was developed and disseminated to the LC 1s of the potentially affected areas. The purpose of the consultations and awareness activities was to stimulate participatory information gathering and sharing to help avoid potential conflict as well as raise awareness. Focus group discussions were conducted at village level with the aim of ensuring that effective community consultation and participation is enhanced and that village specific issues are identified and where possible, addressed. The consultation process focused on providing information on the proposed project in a manner that can be understood and interpreted by potential beneficiaries and affected communities, seeking comment on key issues and concerns, sourcing accurate information, identifying potential impacts and offering the opportunity for alternatives or objections to be raised by the potentially affected parties. During this process, the following was undertaken focus group discussions were held: -

• At an LC I at Tukum trading centre on the Moroto Road in Soroti District (Plate 5.6) and one family that will be impacted by the project was visited at Aboi- boi Village in Abella Parish, Katakwi Sub County just in the outskirts of Katakwi Town Council.

• At Owalei Village on the 12th October 2010.

• At Aloet village on the 13th October 2010.

• At Madera Central Cell on the 15th October 2010.

• At Katanga cell, Northern ward in Katakwi on 26th October 2010.

Plates 5.1 to 5.6 depict the proceedings of these focus group discussions. Detailed recordings of these proceedings are attached to Appendix D.

Plate 5.1 Amuria Town Council FGD Plate 5.2 Asamuk Sub county FGD

Plate 5.3 FGD Asamuk Sub county Plate 5.4 FGD at Wera sub county

Plate 5.5 FGD at Katakwi Town Council Plate 5.6 FGD at Tukum

5.2 Local Government Key respondent interviews were conducted focusing on members of the Local Government, Technical Planning Committees and local councils Plates 5.7 to 5.12. Individual interviews were conducted with:

• LCV Chairman of Amuria District and his Vice Chairman; the Town Clerk of Amuria Town Council and The LCV Vice Chairman of Soroti District

• LC III Chairpersons of Soroti, Asumak and Wera Sub Counties were held. This also focus group discussions with residents directly impacted by the line route held at their respective sub county head quarters.

• The Deputy CAO Katakwi 25th October 2010.

• The Environment Officer Katakwi 25th October 2010.

• The Senior Planner Katakwi 25th October 2010.

• The Town Clerk Katakwi 25th October 2010 (Plate 5.10).

• The District Engineer Katakwi 26th October 2010 (Plate 5.11).

• The District Planner Soroti 27th October 2010 (Plate 5.8).

• The Assistant CAO Soroti 27th October 2010 (Plate 5.7).

• The District Environment Officer Soroti 27th October 2010.

• The Senior Air Traffic Management Officer East African Flying Academy, Soroti 28th October 2010 (Plate 5.9).

The proceedings of these in-depth interviews and focus group discussions are in Appendix D.

Plate 5.7: Meeting the assistant CAO Soroti Plate 5.8: Meeting the District Planner District (Jane Akiror). Soroti District (Richard Oboi).

Plate 5.9: Meeting the East African Civil Plate 5.10: Meeting the Town clerk Aviation Authority (Francis Katakwi Town Council Malinga) Soroti District (Lawrence Okwakol).

Plate 5.11: Meeting the Katakwi District Plate 5.12: Meeting the district planners Engineer (Justus Okware) Katakwi District

5.3 Key Issues arising from the Consultation Process: The situation in Soroti Sub County where Opuyo Substation is located is getting rather crowded. The substation hosts the 132kV line from Tororo. The substation transmits 132kV to Lira and 33kV to Soroti town and its environs. In addition, a telecommunication fibre cable was recently installed along the same area. Four projects are being proposed in the area. The first three are electricity power lines, while the fourth is a district local trunk road. All these projects are passing through Omuron, Omalera and Owalei villages where land holdings comprise of small plots of land characteristic of the immediate outskirts of Soroti Municipal Council (Appendix C).

The three proposed electricity power line projects are the rehabilitation of the existing Tororo - Lira 132kV. It is being changed from wooden poles to metallic pylons; a new 132kV transmission line to Moroto in Karamoja and the proposed 33kV Soroti-Katakwi-Amuria line (this project). The first two 132kV lines are promoted by Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited while the 33kV Soroti-Katakwi- Amuria line is implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Essentially, each of these projects will need approximately 15m way leave from each other (for the road it is 15 m on either side of the road). Land uptake as the power lines leave the substation will not be less than 75 m.

According to the plot sizes in this area (average one acre) it would mean some families being entirely displaced or leaving them with very little land to carry out any meaningful subsistence farming. The LCIII Chairperson of Soroti Sub county feels this translates into his electorate migrating leaving him with no voters! Furthermore, the people of Opuyo and the surrounding three villages have been bombarded by numerous Consultants from UETCL and REA. These have been doing preliminary feasibility studies, detailed feasibility studies, detailed designs, surveying, land and property valuation, RAP, socio-economic studies and EIA. In the process the natives are faced with consultation fatigue as each team of consultants gives them different packages of information (some contradicting) and in most cases over raising their expectations.

The situation at Opuyo and its surrounding three villages is rather critical requiring immediate intervention. The case study in Box 5.1 below illustrates land pressures issues at Opuyo Substation.

Box 5.1 Land pressure at Opuyo Sub station Nowhere else is land pressure more significant than in the first six kilometres of the project. This stretch starts from Opuyo Sub station, through Omalera to Owalei villages. The villages of Omalera and Owalei currently host the 132kV transmission line from Tororo, through Opuyo to Lira and, there are efforts to rehabilitate this line requiring that the way leave width be extended from 30m to 35m; the fibre optic cable also passes through the same villages. In addition, there are also plans to extend electricity from Opuyo to Moroto through a 132 kV metallic pylon transmission line as well. The latter project also requires a way leave width of 30m particularly affecting land take in Omalera village. These villages have high populations with average land holdings at approximately one acre per household. Putting another power line requiring further land uptake will create excessive land pressure and the need for incurring costs of resettling the whole village of Omalera. A combination of these projects is generating community resilience to similar projects requiring land uptake.

From the consultations and in-depth interviews it became clear that: -

1. An effective awareness creation exercise needs to be initiated to inform all stakeholders about the project and its implementation arrangements and erase suspicions of probable political gimmick. Most of the communities consulted and the district officials particularly in Soroti and Amuria districts had scanty information about the project. However, both the local leadership and the local community are incensed by the long delay in implementing the project. It is said that the President promised electricity in 2005 prior to the 2006 Presidential elections. 5 years later, electricity has not yet reached Katakwi. Ironically, some transmission poles have been taken to Katakwi and indeed one pole has been planted at Katakwi District Headquarters. Yet there are no poles from Opuyo Substation in Soroti District where the electricity is supposed to be got from.

2. Both the communities consulted and the technical officers interviewed are aware of the development benefits of extending electricity to their localities mentioning that this may stimulate the establishment of small scale enterprises and industries that utilise electricity. However, aware of complaints regarding connection and expenses as witnessed in Soroti and other areas, a request has been made that the connection rates and electricity tariffs be subsidised to allow local people also benefit from the line. It is also recommended that all potential applicants be given opportunity to be connected when this time comes.

3. Only within the first 5 kilometres from Opuyo (within the villages of Omalera and to a lesser extent Owalei) is there significant opposition to the erection of poles. The communities here feel disgruntled because they have not been compensated by the land take demands of the proposed 41

rehabilitation of the 132 kV transmission line from Tororo, through Opuyo to Lira. In addition, they feel that existing electricity power projects are putting exceptional demands on the land available depriving them of the right over land for eking out sustainable livelihoods.

4. In all the community consultations especially in Soroti District, it was resolved that no construction work shall start when the people have not yet been compensated both for the proposed rehabilitation of the 132 kV Tororo - Opuyo to Lira Transmission line and the 33 kV Soroti –Katakwi - Amuria line.

6 PROJECT IMPACTS AND MITIGATIONS

6.1 Likely Positive Project Impacts/Enhancement Positive impacts have been identified and ranked using Pastakia (2004) Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (see Section 1.5.13) and are listed in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1: Positive impact ranking No. Impact Rank 1 Electricity supply in a rural area + 5 Major positive change/impact 2 Create employment opportunities + 5 Major positive change/impact 3 Promote the sale of construction materials + 5 Major positive change/impact 4 Improve health delivery + 5 Major positive change/impact 5 Promote value addition and industrialisation + 5 Major positive change/impact 6 Improvement telecommunication + 5 Major positive change/impact 7 Improvement in education + 5 Major positive change/impact 8 Improvement of security + 5 Major positive change/impact 9 Improvement of standard of living + 5 Major positive change/impact 10 Improvement of banking + 5 Major positive change/impact 11 Elevate deforestation + 5 Major positive change/impact 12 Reduction green house gases + 5 Major positive change/impact

6.2 Details of the positive impacts

6.2.1 Electricity supply in the rural areas The most important positive impact of project is that it will take electricity to the rural areas. It is ranked as +5 (major positive impact). The importance of electricity cannot be over emphasized. It is a prerequisite for the development of a modern society. This part of Teso sub region will have another source of reliable energy. The project is expected to have a cascade effect of employment, industrialization, improvement in education, health service delivery and telecommunications and banking services; it will accelerate economic development and help lift the people from extreme poverty. Upon commissioning, the project will supply electric power to households in the targeted areas and unlock the business potential of the project area. The use of hydroelectricity, will reduce the use of fossil fuels, hence reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease the rate of deforestation to the benefit of the global climate.

6.2.2 Employment opportunities The power project will generate employment opportunities during design, construction and operation phases. At the design stage it has already employed electrical engineers, economists, financial analysts, sociologists, surveyors, valuers, environmentalists, ecologists, environmental engineers and occupational health and safety specialists. After completion of construction the electricity will provide further employment opportunities in downstream industries especially in agro- processing, health services delivery, banking sector and artisanal activities like carpentry and welding.

At local level, communities will benefit from short-term employment opportunities during the construction phase. Positive implications of the project emanate from its potential to create short-term business and employment opportunities to both professional staff and unskilled workers during the construction phase.

6.2.3 Sale of construction materials Traders will benefit from opportunities to supply construction materials, food, water and lodging to the contractors. Women in particular will participate in income generating activities like selling local products to workers on construction sites and camp sites. These activities will benefit women who are very often the sole supporters of their families.

6.2.4 Improved medical services Medical services in the Teso Sub Region will be improved. Hospitals and health centres in the districts shall now be able to use electricity powered medical equipment like x–rays and ultrasound to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of patients. There will be reduced need for patients to be referred to Soroti Hospital for unsophisticated medical services like blood transfusion, caesarean sections or minor surgery. Hopefully this will reduce maternal deaths in the rural areas. This will decongest Soroti Hospital hence allowing its medical staff to concentrate on more serious referral medical cases. With refrigeration, vaccines will be stored at the sub county level, enhancing the prevention of diseases like polio.

6.2.5 Promote industrialization The lack of power supply has been the limiting factor in the industrial development of the area. With the availability of electricity this will unlock the industrial potential of the sub region. The most beneficiary will be the agro-processing industry like grain milling, rice de-husking / hulling, citrus fruit processing, milk cooling plants and abattoirs. This may reduce rural-urban immigration.

6.2.6 Improvement of education Education in the area has lagged behind partly because of lack of electricity. For instance there is only one secondary school in Katakwi. There are however number of technical schools in the area. In most of these institutions, sciences and other practical subjects like physics, biology, chemistry, electrical engineering and carpentry are taught by theory. Furthermore, the reading time for pupils and 44

Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda students alike is done only during the day. At night candles and paraffin lanterns are used. Because of low illumination this affects their eye sight and the inhalation of paraffin fumes affects their health. With the supply of electricity this will be an issue of will the past.

6.2.7 Improvement of telecommunication Telecommunication in the area is poor and not reliable. The few mobile telecommunication masts in the area use diesel powered generators. With electricity in the area more masts may be built. This will increase teledensity. Local people will be able to access the internet and related computer services. The digital divide will be reduced, enabling the people to enter the information age with its associated globalisation consequences.

6.2.8 Improvement in security Electricity will be used for lighting streets and homes. This will help improve security. Electric fencing will reduce burglary and petit theft.

6.2.9 Improvement of the standard of living Electricity will improve the standard of living of the communities. The first impact will be lighting. This will increase aesthetic value of the area at night. The use of household appliances like TV, radios, computers and electric ironing will increase. Refrigeration will be possible. Video and disco halls will increase hence raising the profile of the tourism, leisure and hospitality industry.

6.2.10 Improvement of banking services Banking services continue to elude the area because banking facilities require electricity. With the demise of the co-operative movement in Uganda, the only semblance of financial services in the rural area is “money / gift circles” and microfinance. The tragedy with these financial facilities the interest rates are very high (up to 36% per annum).

With improved power supply, large banks are expected to open branches in the areas and bring their services closer to the people. Electronic money transfer will be possible.

6.2.11 Reduce deforestation The major source of energy in the area is fuel wood which accounts for 98% of the energy consumption. This has increased deforestation and accelerated climate change. It is anticipated electricity will give a better source of clean and renewable energy. This will reduce pressure on forests and trees.

6.2.12 Decrease global warming Deforestation and the use of fossil fuels increased global warming. Electricity will reduce deforestation and the use of petroleum powered equipment. This will in turn

Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda reduce greenhouse gasses emissions that cause the greenhouse effect that lead to global warming, resulting in climate change.

6.2.13 Provision of pumped water supply The introduction of electricity will enable water treatment works to be constructed in the area. This will reduce waterborne disease like cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid and dysentery. Wet industries like abattoirs and tanneries can be built in the area with reliable water supply.

6.3 Likely Negative Project Impacts Negative impacts have been identified and ranked using Pastakia (2004) Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (see Section 6.1) and are listed in Table 6.2.

Table 6.2: Negative impact ranking

No. Impact Rank 1 Hydrology and Water Quality -1 Slight negative change/impact 2 Geology and soils -1 Slight negative change/impact 3 Noise and vibrations -1 Slight negative change/impact 4 Increase in suspended particulate matter (dust) -1 Slight negative change/impact 5 Habitat destruction -1 Slight negative change/impact 6 Fire outbreaks -1 Slight negative change/impact 7 Generation of construction solid waste -1 Slight negative change/impact 8 Occupational health and safety -1 Slight negative change/impact 9 Visual impacts and landscape -1 Slight negative change/impact 10 Impact on flora -1 Slight negative change/impact 11 Impacts on fauna -1 Slight negative change/impact 12 Electrocution and electric shocks -4 Significant negative change or impact 13 Electromagnetic fields -1 Slight negative change/impact 14 Influx of skill and unskilled labour in the project area -1 Slight negative change/impact 15 HIV/AIDS -2 Negative change/impact 16 Impact on cultural sites -1 Slight negative change/impact 17 Impacts on Crop Production -2 negative change/impact 18 Land uptake -1 Slight negative change/impact 19 Impacts on Residential Areas -1 Slight negative change/impact

6.4 Details of the negative impacts

6.4.1 Hydrology and Water Quality Water runoff will be minimal since there will only be minimal excavation and dumping of excess material. The line will cross two major wetlands. It is anticipated excavation of pits in these wetlands especially during wet conditions will not impact water quality, altering stream flow and increase soil compaction. However, the poles are treated with creosote which may be hazardous. It is anticipated there will be wastewater from camp sites and workshops.

Human excreta from camp sites, workshops and construction sites may reach waterways hence increase chances of water borne diseases like typhoid, cholera and dysentery.

The holes of wooden poles will occupy a small area. The excavations will mainly be done manually including erection of poles. There will be generally limited compaction of the roads as a result of construction activities. Furthermore the line will be accessed from existing roads which are maintained by the districts. There will be limited clearing for access roads.

Mitigation: The impacts can be minimized by careful selection of the line routing to avoid introducing new access roads in the virgin areas. No loose soils from excavations or imported fill should be left at the sites. Furthermore, since most wetlands are seasonal, the timing of the construction activities should be in dry season to minimize soil compaction and alteration to the drainage and water quality. Large spans of poles/or towers should be used to reduce disturbance to the swamps / wetlands areas. Creosote will be less hazardous in wetlands because metallic pylons will be used instead of electric poles treated with creosote. Open defecation by construction workers should be prohibited as a policy. Human excreta should be disposed in toilets or dug up pit latrines. It is anticipated the impact on hydrology and water quality will be a slightly significant -1 and will be localised only where electricity poles will be placed.

6.4.2 Geology and soils No impact will be encountered from slope stability problems since the terrain is level to slightly undulating. Poor drainage and clay and peaty soils in swamps may pose a problem. The sandy soils are susceptible to soil disturbance and not suitable as backfill materials. Soil compaction reduces the water-holding capacity of the soil and may result in increased run-off.

Wetland soils consist of primarily organic matter (decomposed organic matter). These soils are formed very slowly and if disturbed by digging, filling and compaction they do not readily recover and are not easily repaired. Using fill material on access roads especially in undisturbed wetland areas can cause soil compaction and decreased hydrological functioning of the wetland. Considering that the area to be affected is limited, the impacts on geology and soils be will be slightly negatively significant -1 and will be localised only where electricity poles will be placed.

Mitigation: Soil conditions at each location should be assessed during excavations. Timing of the construction during dry season will minimize disturbance to sensitive soils and problems in flood prone areas. Locating new access roads in wetlands should be minimized as much as possible.

6.4.3 Noise and vibrations During the construction phase, activities like excavations, blasting, movement of vehicles and the operation of heavy machinery may impact on people living near access roads as well as in the neighbourhood of construction sites or workshops. 47

However, these nuisances will be short-term effects restricted to day time. This impact is ranked as -1 negative change/impact. It is localised to construction equipment and vehicles and only affects people nearby.

Mitigation: Most of the construction activities will be carried out by manual labour. There will be one or two vehicles delivering labour and materials to the sites. Furthermore, the existing roads, which already have traffic, will be used during construction. The Contractor should follow the noise regulations and should provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to personnel. All motorised equipment and vehicles should have silencers.

6.4.4 Increase in suspended particulate matter (dust) Site clearance, road construction and movement of heavy machinery and equipment to the site may generate dust within the environment arising out of the vehicular activities. Poor air quality may result from the mostly diesel powered machinery like a compactor. These activities will be continuous throughout the construction phase. Some air impurities may also result from cement depending on the nature of materials the Contractor intend to use but this is expected to be localised with -1 negative impact affecting mainly construction workers and people nearby.

Mitigation: Motorised equipment and vehicles should be regularly serviced and fitted with filters. Construction sites that are likely to generate dust should be sprinkled with water. Construction workers should wear masks to prevent dust entering their respiratory tract.

6.4.5 Habitat destruction The construction of access roads to deliver poles, construction materials and the labour force to the construction sites may destroy parts of the natural environment. Extraction of sand, murram, lime, stone aggregates and materials for making cement like gypsum and limestone may destroy the environment. It is anticipated that habitat destruction will be localised and its impact is ranked -1 slightly negative. However, the summation of destruction done at the construction of each pole long the entire route of the line may big enough to cause worry.

Mitigation: Landscaping is required at areas affected. Restoration is recommended at quarries where murram, sand, stone aggregates, limestone and other construction materials will be excavated. Restoration should be the responsibility of the contractor, suppliers and manufacturers of construction materials.

6.4.6 Fire outbreaks There is a possibility of wild fire outbreaks caused by dry vegetable matter (leaves) resulting from vegetation clearance. Fires might also occur at the contractor workshops and camp sites. This impact is -1 slightly negative and is localised. At the household level, fire might be caused by short circuits, poor wiring, faulty electrical appliances or the illegal connection of electricity. This is taken as -1 slightly negative impact. 48

Mitigation: Maximum care should be taken not to start fires by bringing in lighters and other sources of fire to areas with dry vegetation matter which may result from site clearance. In case of fire, the Contractor should mobilise staff and local community to quickly put out the fire. The Contractor should have fire detection and suppression policy, procedures and equipment. The Contract should be insured against fire. At the household level professional design and implementation of electricity supply installation schemes coupled with implementation of a public sensitisation campaign will greatly reduce incidence of fire outbreaks.

6.4.7 Generation of construction solid waste Junk from scrap metal, plastics, PVC cords, vehicle batteries, polythene papers etc., will be generated from construction activity. Such waste has potential to pose environmental challenges unless appropriately disposed of. This is taken as -1 slightly negative impact.

Mitigation: All storage and construction sites should be kept clean, neat and tidy at all times. No burying or dumping of any waste materials, metallic waste, litter or refuse may be permitted. The Contractor shall implement measures to minimise waste and develop a waste management plan.

6.4.8 Occupational health and safety Construction, testing, commissioning and maintenance of electric power lines exposes workers to multiple occupational hazards such as injury or loss of life from accidental falling, motor accidents, electrocution, attack by wildlife (reptiles, bees etc) which are costly to both affected families in terms of loss of income and the government through loss of productive labour and increased dependency. This is taken as -1 slightly negative impact.

Mitigation: Both the Contractor and the Concessionaire who will manage the line need to have a Safety, Health and Environmental Management Policy, that is backed up by clear objectives, targets, activities, procedures and work instructions. These should be preferably based on ISO 14000, Environmental Management System as recommended by the International Standards Organization, Geneva.

6.4.9 Visual impacts and landscape The lines run close to the existing roads for most parts. There will be clearance of vegetation along the (RoW). The power line will therefore be visible to the road users. The lines will introduce visual disturbance to the undeveloped areas. The power line will pass close to some homes. The lines will affect the scenic view of these homes. This is taken as -1 slightly negative impact.

Mitigation: Maintaining vegetation close to the road will shield the power line from road travellers. Where the line is not located within the road reserve, the natural woodland can be left to shield the power line. Near the residential houses, discussions should be held with the owners to recommend tree planting to reduce visual impact.

6.4.10 Impact on flora Clearance of the power line corridor (Right of Way) and access roads will impact the vegetation cover. At each site specific location the impact is -1 slightly negative. However, summation of the total removal and cutting down of tall trees and shrubs along the entire corridor will result in deforestation and loss of vegetation cover. This will cause diminished ecological functions due to the removal and degradation of the vegetation cover. Construction of the power through the wetlands will be minimal because poles/towers will occupy small patches.

Mitigation: The Contractor should prune the branches of big tees and replant ten trees for each tree cut. This will facilitate rapid regeneration of the vegetation necessary for biodiversity maintenance, soil and water conservation. Economically important timber tree species such as Vitellaria paradoxa and Milicia excelsa (Mvule) and fruit trees like mangoes may be cut but must be compensated.

6.4.11 Impacts on Fauna The new power line may cause electric shocks and electrocution to wildlife particularly monkeys and birds on the poles or live wires. High collision risks for birds with a large wing span are possible where earth wires are mounted ahead of the conductors. This impact is ranked as -1 slightly significant, because bird collision or electrocutions on 33kV power lines is minimal. After the first shocks and electrocutions wildlife normally learn that electricity wires and poles are dangerous and resident birds/monkeys usually avoid these installations.

Mitigation: Collision of birds with the line can be minimized through reducing the number of conductor levels. This will require a different type of poles for the concerned line stretches and fitting of flapper devices on the shield wires will make them more visible and reduce collisions significantly.

6.4.12 Electrocution and electric shocks The electricity poles will pose a risk to playing children who may attempt to climb or lean on them. Broken live wires that fall on the ground are a serious risk if stepped on or handled. Maintenance workers are exposed to shocks and electrocution. This impact is ranked as -4 significant negative impact. Electrocution is fatal and irreversible. Electrical shocks may leave permanent psychological effects. Other causes of electrocution and electrical shocks at the household level will be due faulty electrical appliances, poor wiring without appropriate earthing and handling electrical installations without insulation. Illegal power connections are another source of electrocutions and shocks. Electrocution and shocks are high with children and illiterate people. During one of the focus group discussions it came out clearly that some people may use the electricity to commit suicide!

Mitigation: Electrocution and shocks on the power lines and poles should be avoided by proper wiring and earthing. “Danger” sign posts should be hang on each pole. The warning message should include the local language version. Further, accidental electrocution can be mitigated through routine maintenance of the right of way (RoW) by routinely clearing vegetation. The soils are sandy which will

Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda make anchorage very difficult. The poles are likely to lean causing the lines to sag. This may result in short circuits or wires to break causing electrocutions. Strong back filling material should be used to hold the poles firmly in the ground. To avoid household electrocutions and shocks sensitisation of the local populace will be needed. Focus should be initially on mothers who should pass over the message to the children. Proper coordination and the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment will reduce electrocutions and shocks for the maintenance crew.

6.4.13 Electromagnetic fields Epidemiology studies show mixed results which are not conclusive whether electromagnetic fields/ frequency (EMF) cause health effects like cancer in adults (Keen, 2008; WHO, 2007). However, a strong correlation is possible for cancer in children where changes in nerve cell excitability in the central nervous system, nerve and muscle stimulation in adults has been observed (Keen, 2008; WHO, 2007). This means that the field strength should be kept as low as technically possible and economically reasonable. This impact is taken as -1 slightly negative.

Mitigation: Maintaining the RoW clear of human settlements is the recommended mitigation measure not to exposed people to electromagnetic fields. As a precautionary measure people should not live or work near power lines. Increased distances from electrical installations empirically reduce exposure to EMF. Maintenance crews should work for short periods in high EMF areas. It is safe to work six meters from most electrical installations (Eskom, 2010).

6.4.14 Influx of skill and unskilled labour in the project area During the construction phase of the project an influx of skilled and unskilled labour will occur in the project area. This is likely to disrupt the closely netted social networks, cause tension between natives and non-locals and accelerate prostitution and elopement. Electricity construction workers are known to be vulgar. At the operational stage of the project, the opening up of industrial and economic potential of the area will cause an influx of workers and their families. This may interfere with the local traditions and they will be a clash of cultures. With the arrival of electricity, the community will be exposed to globalisation and its associated social ills. This impact is taken as -2 slightly negative.

Mitigation: The Contractor should hire local people as much as possible. The Contractor should develop a strict code of conduct for its employees. The Foreman at each construction site should be the focal person whom the community should take any compliant. Employees should respect the cultural norms of the local people, be courteous and should not be vulgar. As a long term measure, the locals should be sensitised on how to live and deal with foreigners.

6.4.15 HIV/AIDS The influx of workers recruited for the construction of the power line and people looking for work after the completion of the project will create a new social order in the project area. As stated above the first causality will be the breakdown of social 51

Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda networks. Workers with money to spend will change the social dynamics of the community by promoting prostitution and enticement of local women including the girl child. The sexual unions that may result will encourage the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other STDs into the community. This impact is taken as -1 slightly negative.

Mitigation: Measures against the spread of HIV/AIDS and STD would be through implementation of the most efficient strategy concentrating on awareness and information campaigns on the group of workers (but not neglecting the community). Provide voluntary testing and treatment for all workers periodically on HIV/AIDS and ensure full participation of all workers. Information materials on HIV/AIDS should be posted at all work sites and villages along the entire line. The Federation of Ugandan Employees has an excellent Policy on HIV/AIDS at the workplace which the Contractor may adapt.

6.4.16 Impact on Cultural sites The proposed power line in some places may impact on cultural sites like grave yards. Plate 6.9 shows one such grave found in Asinge cell found in the Northern Division of Soroti Municipality. Two graves have also been sighted along the alignment at the Late Mr. Elietu’s place in Aloet. Apart from these, no other cultural sites of significant value have been traced along the line. This impact is taken as -1 slightly negative.

Mitigation: cultural sites should be avoided as much as possible unless the concerned households have shown willingness to relocate them. Graves may be avoided by ensuring that electricity poles are located a distance away from the grave/graveyards. Or a slight detour to avoid graves is recommended.

Plate 6.1 Late Etengu Francis’s Grave in Asinge cell Soroti

6.4.17 Impact on Crop Production Over the first 6-8 km of the proposed project, there exist some residences and properties that are situated directly under the 33 kV power line. Plates 6-1 to 6-6 below show some of impacted properties. The project may require the destruction of some residential areas to create the 10m corridor for the power line. This corridor 52

Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda will be regularly maintained / slashed. It must also be noted that no permanent construction is allowed along the corridor. This will lead to complete loss of productive land. This impact is taken as -2 negative.

Although this is quite insignificant as compared with the total area of cultivated land in the project area, there is a likelihood of a permanent loss on some croplands due to the occupation of the land with power lines. The farmers’ seasonal agricultural activities may be disrupted during the construction phase. On farm, crops may also be affected temporarily during construction period.

Mitigation: If the Lira 132kV line is used then a resettlement action plan should be planned with property owners. Commensurate compensation should be given to affected households. Farmers should be allowed time to harvest their crops before project activities commence. However, if the Soroti 33kV is upgraded into a double circuit and used instead this problem will have been avoided all together.

Plate 6.2: Sorghum grown in Madera central Plate 6.3: Affected chicken structure in cell Madera Boys School, Soroti

Plate 6.4: Affected cassava in Madera Plate 6.5: Affected Pit latrine in Late Asinge Central cell cell

Plate 6.6: Affected staff house in Madera Plate 6.7: Orchard (Oranges) and gardens in Boys Primary school. Asinge cell

6.4.18 Land uptake Development of the project will however introduce some adverse impacts, the most drastic of which is creation of a way leave traversing villages, grazing land and farms. The clearing of physical infrastructure and trees from within the 6m wide ROW corridor followed by erection of power lines poles where none existed before has drastic consequences in terms of land uptake.

Plates 6.7 and 6.8 demonstrate the plight of Omalera and Owalei village. With the existing plans, the area of land shown in Plate 6.8 will be crowded with power line lines similar to Plate 6.7 if all power line projects meant for this area are constructed. This impact is taken as -1 slightly negative.

Mitigation: To avoid land up take at Omalera and Owalei villages the Soroti 33kV should be up graded into double circuit up to Soroti Flying School.

Plate 6.8: Power lines fill the landscape at Plate 6.9: Omalera village where two the Opuyo Sub Station 33kV and 132kV lines will pass

6.4.19 Impacts of residential areas and community services The power line route is mainly located in the road reserve that is 15m from the centre of the road. This implies that existing road network shall be used for access to these poles during either construction or maintenance on most sections of the power line except for the swampy areas. The project impacts are anticipated to be slightly significant. This impact is taken as -1 slightly negative.

Mitigation: The Contractor should ensure that traffic laws are adhered to. Construction material should not spill on the road.

7 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

7.1 ‘No Project Option’ Analysis of the ‘No Project Option’ or ‘do nothing’ is an important component of the EIA. It provides an environmental baseline against which impacts of the proposed action can be compared. The ‘No Project’ alternative would mean the cascade effect of having electricity in the sub region would be foregone. The quality of life would remain at a low level for many of those who live in the project area. Long- term development plans for the country would be compromised and slowed down. This in turn would affect service delivery and stagnate development. The Millennium Development Goals (MDG) would not be met.

The ‘No Project’ option is clearly therefore not recommended.

7.2 Project as Described in the Project Brief The power line follows the same transmission corridor as the Lira line at Opuyo together with 3 other lines affecting various homesteads which could consequently lead to the displacement of the residents of Omalera and to a lesser extent Owalei village.

This option is not recommended because it wound displace people in Omalera and Owalei in Soroti Sub County, Soroti District.

7.3 Upgrading the existing Soroti 33kV power line from Opuyo substation to Soroti Flying School The route could avoid the settlements in Omalera and Owalei by using the exiting 33kV line from Opuyo Substation to Soroti Flying School. The power line will be upgraded to a double circuit.

This option is recommended because it will avoid displacing people in Omalera and Owalei.

8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN An Impact-Mitigation-Monitoring-Responsibility matrix is proposed and presented below. This is to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of all the major activities of the construction, operation and maintenance phases. Continuous supervision should be undertaken by the developer REA, to ensure that the development adheres to the proposed environmental standards and other civil works standards.

NEMA, ERA and the District Local Administrations should monitor the project activities to ensure that they are implemented in an environmentally sound manner and where it is discovered to the contrary, action should be taken accordingly.

As a guide to the environmental monitoring team, an impact-mitigation-monitoring- responsibility matrix is proposed in Table 8.1 below.

Table 8.1: Impact-Mitigation-Monitoring-Responsibility Matrix

No. The Nature of Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Monitoring Indicators Responsibility Negative Impact 1. Hydrology and - Oil spills from workshops leading - Oil interceptors - Number of oil Contractor Water Quality water pollution and degradation of - Building septic tanks interceptors soils - Building latrines - Number of septic - Wastewater from campsites tanks leading to water contamination - Number of latrines - Human excreta from camp sites leading to water borne diseases 2. Geology and soils - Compaction of soils - Landscape compacted areas - Number of places Contractor - Kill below ground fauna - Use appropriate back fill landscaped - The soils are sandy, hence not materials that will hold poles - Number of trips of good for holding poles firmly in the firmly into the ground vehicles carrying ground back fill material 3. Noise and vibrations - loss of hearing ability for operators - Fit silencers on vehicles and - Number of PPE Contractor of motorised construction motorised construction supplied to workers equipment equipment - Number of - Noise nuisance to neighbourhood - Supply workers with PPE complaints from the communities - Restrict work during the day community not to affect communities 4. Increase in - Fine suspended particulate matter - Fit filters to all diesel motorised - Number of services Contractor suspended from exhaust fumes and dust from equipment within a year for particulate matter over speeding construction vehicles - Sprinkle water on roads to motorised (dust) entering the respiratory tract of reduce dust equipment and workers and local communities. - Reduce vehicular speed on vehicles - Cause respiratory diseases like murram roads - Number of times cough, asthmatic attacks water is sprinkled on the road to reduce dust - Number of speed 58

No. The Nature of Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Monitoring Indicators Responsibility Negative Impact limit sign posts 5. Habitat destruction - Vegetation cover removal - Landscape - Number of areas Contractor, - Deforestation - Restoration landscaped Suppliers and - Reduction of biodiversity - Rehabilitation - number of areas Manufacturers of - Loss of habitat for flora and fauna restored construction - Trees cut - Number of areas materials. rehabilitated - Number of trees planted 6. Fire outbreaks - Cause bush fires that may lead to - Prevent the burning of dry - Number of public Contractor the destruction of property, crops, vegetable matter sensitisation and District LC traffic accidents and death. - Installation of fire detection awareness LC II, LCI - Fire at the camp sites or and suppression equipment at campaigns against Owners and construction workshops can destroy camp sites, workshops, school, bush burning managers of public property or kill workers factories and other public - Number of fire buildings - Fire caused by electricity in homes, buildings detection and Local community factories and schools or trading - Good wiring suppression centres can cause the loss of - Prevent illegal use of power equipment installed property and life. - Having fire and emergence in strategic places policy, procedures and - Fire prevention instructions policy, procedures - Fire insurance and instructions 7. Generation of - Construction spoils littering the - Collection of solid waste from - Number of skips or Contractor construction solid construction site, workshops and source of generation by dust bins NEMA waste camp sites providing skips, dust bins etc - Number of colour District Local - Polythene paper littering the - Sorting solid waste by coded solid waste Authorities environment and preventing water category at source of collection containers penetration in soils when buried generation - The number of times - Metal scrap littering the - Dump solid waste at solid waste is construction sites, camp sites and approved district approved dumped at district 59

No. The Nature of Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Monitoring Indicators Responsibility Negative Impact workshops which pieces people dump sites approved sites - Contracting NEMA approved solid waste handlers particularly hazardous waste like used batteries, engine oil, oil filters, tyres etc 8. Occupational - accidental falling off from poles - Provision appropriate PPE - Number and types - Contractor health and safety - motor accidents - Having emergency policy of PPE given to - District Engineers - electrocution and procedures employees - District Labour - Injury due to handling sharp metal, - Provision First Aid Boxes - Presence of an Officers metal cutting appliances - Having Health and Safety emergency policy - District - attack by wildlife (snakes, bees) Policy and procedures and procedures in Environmental - Insurance place Officers - Presence of a - Public Health health and safety Officials policy and - NEMA procedures 9. Visual impacts and - Visual intrusion that may spoil the - Plant trees to shield electrical - Number of trees - Concessionaire landscape nice scenic beauty of the rural poles and wires along the road planted setting. from travellers 10. Impact on flora - Vegetation cover removal - Landscape - Number of areas Contractor, - Deforestation - Restoration landscaped Suppliers and - Reduction of biodiversity - Rehabilitation - number of areas Manufacturers of - Loss of habitat for flora and fauna - Plant ten trees for each restored construction - Local climate change tree/shrub cut - Number of areas materials. - Local global warming (raise in - compensate each rehabilitated temperature) economical tree cut - Number of trees planted 11. Impacts on Fauna - Electrical shocks ( Birds and - Proper earthing - Number of earth Contractor monkeys) - Large spacing of wires conductors 60

No. The Nature of Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Monitoring Indicators Responsibility Negative Impact - Electrocutions ( Birds and - fitting of flapper devices - The distance monkeys) between wires - Number of flapper devices 12. Electrocution and - Cause death - Proper wiring - Number of shot - Contractor electric shocks - Blowing up to circuit breakers - Proper earthing circuits - The - Psychological effects of electrical - Put “DANGER” signs on each - Number of warming Concessionaire shocks electric pole using local signs on electric - REA language poles - Ministry of - Routine clearance of the way - Number of times Education, through leave to prevent vegetation the way leave is primary and touching power lines cleared of secondary - Firm anchorage of electric vegetation curriculum poles to avoid slugging of - Number of leaning - District community transition poles poles development - Avoid the use of faulty - Number of poles officers electrical appliances that have fallen/or - Minimise illegal power knocked connections - Number of illegal - community sensitisation about connections the dangers of electricity - number of - Provision of appropriate PPE community to installation and sensitisation maintenance crews workshops about the usage and dangers of electricity - Number and type of PPE provided to workers 13. Electromagnetic - A strong correlation is possible for - Maintaining the way leave - Measurement of - Contractor 61

No. The Nature of Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Monitoring Indicators Responsibility Negative Impact fields the cause of cancer in children clear of human settlement EMF - Concessionaire - A strong correlation is possible for - As a precautionary measure - The community the cause of changes in nerve cell people should not leave or - REA excitability in the central nervous work near power lines. - ERA system, nerve and muscle - Increased distances from stimulation in adults electrical installations empirically reduce exposure to EMF. - Maintenance crews should work for short periods in high EMF areas. - A distance of six meters from most electrical installations is safe 14. Influx of skill and - Disrupt the closely netted social - Recruit local personnel as - Number of local - Contractor unskilled labour in net works possible people recruited - Workers the project area - Cause tension between natives - Construction and immigrate - The Courteous and foreigners workers to respect cultural nature of the - Accelerate prostitution and norms of the local people immigrate workers elopement. - Warn immigrate workers - Avoid the use of - Interference of local traditions about casual sex , avoid local vulgar language - Cause a clash of cultures women particularly the girl child 15. HIV/AIDS - The spread of AIDS - Community HIV/AIDS - Number of - Contractor - The Spread of sexually transmitted awareness and sensitisation community - The Federation of diseases - Contractor having HIV/AIDS sensitisation Uganda Employees - The spread of contiguous diseases policy, procedures workshops - Ministry of Health - Supply of free condoms - Contractor having - The community - Promoting ABC of AIDS an AIDS policy and - Individual control procedure members of the 62

No. The Nature of Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Monitoring Indicators Responsibility Negative Impact - Free HIV/AIDS testing and - Number free testing community counselling and counselling campaigns 16. Impact on cultural - Passing wires over graves - Avoid putting poles in grave - Number of grave -Contractors sites yards yard diversions 17. Impacts on Crop -Reduction of production arising Introduce high yielding Change in per Production Production from limitations set to agricultural agricultural practices capita income of Extension Staff activity affected households -Reduction in incomes arising from restrictions to land use 18 Land uptake -Deprivation of sources of livelihood -Ensure that affected Number of affected Contractor, households obtain alternative households MOE&MD in land of equivalent productivity compensated conjunction with -Ensure that project activities Local governments are restricted to the road of respective areas reserve. - Development alternative line route alignment that avoids concentrated settlements - Compensate affected house holds 19. Impacts on - Increase pressure on Increase budget for Number of Local Authorities Residential Areas community services community services community services and Community More investment in community developed Services services as part of social responsibility % of population accessing community services

9 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The findings of this project brief concur with those of Environmental and Social Management Framework for the Energy for Rural Transformation Project. The anticipated potentially negative environmental impacts for the grid extension from Soroti, Katakwi, Amuria and surrounding environs are generally slightly negative, localised, of short term, minor in nature and can easily be handled at source during construction. According to World Bank OP 4.01 this project is ranked as Category C where a detailed EIA is not needed or Category I under The Environment Act where only a project brief is required. Significant impacts where identified as those related to occupational health and safety. Again these are localised, site specific and can be handled by either using appropriate engineering or provision of appropriate personal protective equipment.

The project does not impact natural habitants; it passes through the road reserve. Nor does it affect ecological sensitive areas like forests or wildlife protected areas.

The District Engineers, Environmental Officers, Public Health Officials, REA, ERA and NEMA should monitor the project particularly during the construction phase.

The soils in the project area are sandy and loose. Anchorage of poles is not easy as poles tend to bend over time. Therefore, hard compaction material will need to be used.

REFERENCES 1. Amuria District (2009) Amuria District 3- Year Development Plan (2010/11- 2012/13)

2. Amuria District (2009). Amuria District State of the Environment Report

3. Eskom (2010). Environmental Audit for Kiira Hydro Power Plant. Eskom Uganda Limited.

4. Katakwi District (2009) Katakwi District 3- Year Development Plan (2010/11- 2012/13)

5. Keen Charles M, 2008 Possible Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields Associated with Electric Power Systems - History and Status of the Issue. http://www.emfservices.com/article.htm

6. OECD (1992) Good Practice for Environmental Impact Assessment. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Paris

7. Pastakia, C. M. R. (2004) Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix. VKI, Horsholm, Denmark

8. REA (2006). Environmental and Social Management Framework. Rural Electricity Agency, Kampala.

9. REA (2009). Feasibility Study for 33kV electricity Lot 2: Soroti – Katakwi – Amuria in Eastern Region of Uganda. Rural Energy Agency. Consultancy Report submitted by Power Net Works Oct 2009.

10. National Population and Housing Census (2002).

11. NEMA (1997). Guidelines of Environmental Impact Assessment for Uganda. National Environmental Management Authority, Kampala.

12. Soroti District (2009) Soroti District 3-Year Development Plan (2010/11-2012/13)

13. Soroti District (2009). Soroti District State of the Environment Report

14. UETCL (2009). Inception Report Opuyo, Amuria, Katakwi and Moroto 132kV Transmission line. Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited.

15. WHO (2007). Electromagnetic fields and public health. World Health Organization. Fact Sheet No. 322, June 2007, Geneva http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs322/en/index.html.

16. World Bank (2009). Project Appraisal. Energy for Rural Transformation II. The World Bank.

APPENDIX A: TERMS OF REFERENCE Terms of Reference for the Environmental Assessment Consultancy

1. Introduction

The Government of Uganda with funding support from The World Bank (IDA) is currently in the process of implementing Rural Electrification projects in Priority Areas, under the Energy for Rural Transformation Project.

This consultancy assignment will, however, be financed from the Rural Electrification Fund.

An Environmental Assessment of the areas is a pre-requisite in the implementation of Rural Electrification (RE) projects. The Rural Electrification Agency therefore requires Environment Assessment for the construction of lines along routes in the following areas:

• Lot 1 Ibanda-Kazo-Rushere and environs

• Lot 2 Soroti-Katakwi-Amuria and environs in eastern Uganda

• Lot 3 Ayer Kamudini, Bodi Minakulu and Environs in Northern Uganda

It is envisaged at this point in time that the power lines to be constructed will traverse mainly the road reserve areas, with little or no major negative impacts to the environment.

This assignment calls for the preparation of Project briefs in the areas mentioned above in fulfilment of the appropriate Environmental regulations.

2. Purpose of the assignment and what it is expected to achieve

Obtaining of all approvals prior to the tendering of construction works for the projects

The Project Brief shall be prepared to meet the requirements as spelt out in the ERT- Environmental and Social Management framework, Field Manual.

The Project Brief shall also be prepared to meet the requirements of NEMA.

3. Description of the scope of the services required

The Consultant/s will prepare a project brief (Environment Assessment) for the Project Area/s mentioned in 1 above. The project brief for each area shall contain but not be limited to inclusion of the following information:

1. Contact details of the developer (sponsor)

2. Characteristics of the Project to include:

a) Brief Description

b) Justification of the Project

c) Background of the Project

d) Project Site, to include maps and photographs of the area

e) Baseline data

f) Physical form of the development

g) Construction practices

h) Preliminary analysis of alternatives

3. Other large development projects ongoing or planned in the area

4. Characteristics of the Potential Impacts

5. A brief description of the likely impacts of the projects considering the following factors:

a) Impacts on people

b) Nature of the impacts

c) Extent of the impacts

d) Magnitude and complexity

e) Probability of the impacts

f) Duration, frequency and reversibility of the impacts

g) Mitigation

h) Transboundary nature of the impacts

4. Expected Outputs

• Preparation of a project brief report per lot – Three (3) hard copies and one (1) soft copy.

5. The location or locations for performance of the services

• Lot 1 Ibanda-Kazo-Rushere and environs

• Lot 2 Soroti-Katakwi-Amuria and environs in eastern Uganda

• Lot 3 Ayer Kamdini, Bobi, Minakulu and Environs in Northern Uganda

6. Key Personnel

The Key Personnel shall comprise:

¾ A Natural Resource Specialist

¾ A Sociologist

¾ An Electrical Engineer/Energy Expert

One of the above shall also double up as the Team Leader.

The Team Leader shall meet the criteria below:

• Have a degree in Environmental Science or related field.

• Post graduate qualification in Environmental issues will be an added advantage

• Be a on the NEMA list of registered environment practitioners

• Have good interpersonal skills

• Have carried out environment impacts on energy projects upcountry

• Be able to prepare and present information clearly and concisely (both oral & written) and have superior report writing skills

• Shall have executed at least two similar works (provide evidence of satisfactory completion e.g. client reference letter/s)

7. The duration of the contract or expected completion date

The assignment should be completed within:

• Three (3) weeks for Lot 1 and 2

• Four (4) weeks for Lot 3

8. Hours when the Provider should avail the service

Normal working hours 8.00am- 5.00pm; Monday to Friday

9. Any facilities, services or resources to be provided by REA

REA will hold a compulsory pre-bid meeting on 20th August 2009 at 4.00pm. All Bidders should attend.

10. Arrangements for reporting to the Procuring and Disposing Entity, including lines of communication and the contact point for management and administration of the assignment

The Rural Electrification Agency – represented by the Manager Project Planning

Plot 1 Pilkington Road

10th Floor Workers House

P. O. BOX 7317

Kampala, Uganda

11) Any other details or requirements relevant to the assignment a) Include any conditions, exclusions and precautions. b) Include any other information that will enable REA make an informed decision.

APPENDIX B: 33kV LINE DIAGRAM OF CONNECTIONS

APPENDIX C: PROJECT AREA MAP

APPENDIX D: STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTED MINUTES OF THE MEETING WITH THE CLIENT ( RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AGENCY, M.O.E.M.D, UGANDA) AT REA OFFICES WORKERS HOUSE, 11:30 AM 29th September, 2010

AGENDA:

1. Introduction

2. Communication from the Chairman

3. Reactions from the members

4. Closing Remarks from the chairman

MIN 1, 2010: INTRODUCTIONS

The Chairman welcomed the members to the meeting and called to the members to introduce themselves as stated below:

1. Abaho Peace Balikuddembe [email protected]

2. Samuel Vivian Matagi [email protected]

3. Eng. Simon P. Otoi [email protected]

4. Eng. Dr. M.K Musanzi [email protected]

5. Nantume Deborah [email protected]

6. Andrew Muguwa [email protected]

7. BenonBena [email protected]

8. Philip Gyayi [email protected]

9. Flavia Uwayezu [email protected]

MIN 2, 2010: COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIRMAN

The letter from the Team Leader of the EIA asking for a meeting was reviewed by the Chairman together with the proposed agenda and the chairman said that no significant issues were noted but only issues regarding terms of reference were to be discussed. The Chairman said that the terms of reference stand as stated before.

MIN 3, 2010: REACTIONS FROM THE MEMBERS

There was a query about the distribution line using the same corridor as UETCL line but the Chairman maintained that this line was mainly concentrated in the road reserve, no compensations were to be made, and that the problems encountered by the RAP team may not be shared by the EIA team.

There was a question about if the client was going to avail someone to go with the EIA team to the site, but this was declined as they said that this was not a new route, the route is clear enough and some other consultants have used it before.

It was noted that the KATAKWI – MOROTO line was already under construction as compared to the SOROTI – KATAKWI line whose EIA assessment is being done. The Chairman enlightened on this saying these two projects have different funding agencies, the former project is funded by the government of Uganda while the former project is funded by the World Bank where more technicalities are involved.

MIN 4, 2010: CLOSING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIRMAN

The Chairman handed over letters of introduction to the EIA Team Leader. The chairman said the inception report is to be done after the site visit in 8 weeks from this date. The EIA team should get UETCL maps for guidance as opposed to the geographical map obtained from the office of the prime minister. The EIA team should also get the environmental and framework document. The EIA team was to be introduced to the team doing the RAP for the same route.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING ON THE SOROTI, KATAKWI AND AMURIA GRID EXTENSION WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER SOROTI DISTRICT AT THE DISTRICT HEADQUATERS ON 4th OCTOBER AT 4:00PM

AGENDA:

1. Introductions

2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader

3. Reactions from the District Environmental Officer

4. Closing Remarks from District Environmental Officer

ATTENDANCE

No. Name Designation Contact

1. Ajotu Benjamin District Natural Resources Officer 0772 573914

2. Francis Opolot Senior Environmental Officer 0782 800692

3. Aduju George District Forestry Officer 0772 682954

4. Abaho Peace Environmental Engineer 0774 – 066 288 Balikuddembe

5 Samuel Vivian Matagi Team Leader/ Environmentalist 0712 – 654 651

MINUTES

MIN MINUTES ACTION BY NO. 1. The District Environmental Officer welcomed the members to Francis the meeting and called to the members to introduce Opolot themselves. 2.. A brief overview of 33kV grid extension in Soroti, Amuria and Samuel Vivian Katakwi Districts along the Moroto Road and Amuria Road was Matagi given by Samuel Vivian Matagi. The map of the transmission lines from Opuyo substation to each of the terminals in Amuria and Katakwi was used to illustrate where the project would pass. 3. The environmental officer was asked if he was aware of any Environmental problems along the line, and he enumerated some of them as Officer follows: 1. Compensation for land uptake, crop destruction, cutting of trees and demolition of hedges, fences, verandas/frontage of houses within or without the road reserve is a very significant impact. 79

MIN MINUTES ACTION BY NO. 2. There may a need to construct access roads especially in the swampy areas. Access roads should ensure drainage is not hindered as this may cause flooding. The Contractor should ensure that the swamps remain clean during construction because the rural community uses streams as their source of drinking water. These wetlands also need to be free from lubricants and oils the best way of doing this is creating camps for fueling, oiling and repairs far off from swamps like the Chinese did when they were constructing Soroti Road. 3. He advised the EIA Team to utilize the sociologist maximally, addressing issues as they arise without hoarding and not to raise people’s hopes unnecessarily. 4. Being the last Consultants on site before it is handed over to the Contractors the Environmental Officer advised the EIA Team to be as realistic as possible not to create problems for the Contractor. 5. During construction the Contractor should provide protective gear/ first aid in case of accidents 6. Where the line passes over some people’s homes, there may be some cultural issues to be dealt with. 7. Pass all necessary information to all stakeholders to avoid any disturbances 4. People are happy to know that power is coming and the EIA Environmental Team was welcomed to start work. The Team was advised to Officer pay a courtesy call to the Local Leadership before going to the project site. Other Consultants went straight to the community to survey the land and they were about to be lynched by the wanaichi, who mistook them for land grabbers.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING ON THE GRID EXTENSION TO SOROTI, KATAKWI AND AMURIA WITH THE LCV CHAIRMAN AT SOROTI DISTRICT LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES 10:15 AM on 6th October, 2010

AGENDA:

1. Introductions

2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader

3. Reactions from the Vice Chairman LCV

4. Closing Remarks from the Vice Chairman

ATTENDANCE

No. Name Designation Contact

1. Ediau Ewadu Vice Chairman LCV 0774 – 526 647

3. Abaho Peace Balikuddembe Environmental Engineer 0774 – 066 288

4. Samuel Vivian Matagi Team 0712 – 654 651 Leader/Environmentalist

MINUTES

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The Chairman welcomed the members to the meeting and Ediau they introduced themselves as stated above. Ewadu 2. A brief overview of 33kV grid extension in Soroti, Amuria and Samuel Katakwi Districts along the Moroto Road and Amuria Road was Vivian given by Samuel Vivian Matagi. The map of the transmission Matagi lines from Opuyo substation to each of the terminals in Amuria and Katakwi was used to illustrate where the project would pass. 3. When asked to give a timeframe in which the whole project is Samuel expected to be completed the EIA Team Leader said that in Vivian about 1.5 years the area would be having electricity. Matagi 4. The Chairman said that the Soroti- Katakwi- Amuria line takes Ediau care of the problem of the bypassing 133kV Moroto Ewadu transmission line from which the local people do not benefit. This is what the communities have been asking for and that the time frame is important as the people should see progress while they are still expectant. 1. He advised the team to find time and meet with the 81

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY people to sensitize them and yet not raise their expectations about resettlement but rather concentrate on compensation.

2. Maximize impact by putting transformers especially in the developing trading centers that have grinding mills, barber shops, welding and carpentry in order to decentralize development in the rural areas and thus bring services closer to people. The project would benefit the youth who have been trained in welding and carpentry but cannot use motorized machines because of lack of electricity. This would reduce transport costs required to acquire these services from Soroti town which services the entire Teso Sub region. 3. There are different developments within the sub- counties that require electricity e.g. stores at the subcounty level, computers for storing data, formal banking services to support circles and for salary payment, and the need to run workshops and schools. Electricity would reduce the cost of running these facilities and also increase the productive time, as night hours would also be utilized. 4. It was noted that microfinance support for businesses in Soroti remains redundant with less than 12% utilization as compared to 80% utilization in other districts and this is attributed to lack of business opportunities. The cost of operating businesses on either solar or diesel is very high and this has caused many businesses to collapse. 5. Medical services in the Teso Sub Region are in turmoil because of lack of electricity. A case in point, AMREF donated x–ray and ultrasound equipment to Health IV Centres in the project Districts. All these lay redundant because of lack of electricity. As a result people in the rural areas continue to die because surgery cannot be carried out. Many women die while delivering because of lack of electricity in the health centers. The blood bank at the moment is Soroti town therefore patients have to be sent to Soroti Hospital for blood transfusion. Most of them die on the way to hospital. 6. This rural electrification plan is important as it will encourage banks to invest, and also encourages an integrated financial management system which enables contractors and civil servants to be paid electronically. It would also generally improve people’s livelihood in the area as the cost of running recreational centers would be greatly reduced. 5. The positive impacts of this project overwhelm the negative Ediau 82

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY impacts. Ewadu The Chairman gave the EIA Team a go a head to go to the project site and interact with the local community.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING ON GRID EXTENSION IN SOROTI, KATAKWI AND AMURIA WITH THE LC III CHAIRPERSON AND THE SUBCOUNTY CHIEF OF SOROTI SUBCOUNTY AT THE SUBCOOUNTY OFFICES 11:45 AM on 6th October, 2010

AGENDA:

1. Introductions

2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader

3. Reactions from the Chairman LC III

4. Closing Remarks from the Chairman

ATTENDANCE

No. Name Designation Contact

1. Esegu Edward LC III Chairman 0782 – 611 313

2. Odongo John Acting Sub County Chief 0772 – 966 818

3. Abaho Peace Balikuddembe Environmental Engineer 0774 – 066 288

4. Samuel Vivian Matagi Team Leader/ 0712 – 654 651 Environmentalist

MINUTES

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The chairman welcomed the members to the meeting and Esegu called to the members to introduce themselves as stated Edward above. 2. A brief overview of 33kV grid extension in Soroti, Amuria and Samuel Katakwi Districts along the Moroto Road and Amuria Road was Vivian given by Samuel Vivian Matagi. The map of the transmission Matagi lines from Opuyo substation to each of the terminals in Amuria and Katakwi was used to illustrate where the project would pass. 3. The Chairman said that he has only met with the people Esegu working on the Opuyo Moroto line being developed by UETCL Edward and has not met people doing the RAP for REA. He was only meeting the REA team for the first time. He said that Opuyo is a very sensitive area as many lines are moving out of Opuyo substation to the different areas such as the existing 132kV line to Lira, the proposed 132kV Lira line which will replace the 85

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY existing line, the existing 33kV Soroti Line, the proposed 132kV to Moroto, then proposed 33kV Soroti, Katakwi and Amuria. He said the whole Opuyo village is likely to be displaced since the Katakwi line is located 15m in from the Lira line and not necessarily in the road reserve. Four key points of information were noted from this meeting: - 1. The EIA team cannot hold any meetings with the village members in Soroti Sub County (Omuron, Omalera, Owalei villages) because the site is very volatile. 2. No compensation has been paid to the people who are going to be displaced by the rehabilitation of the Lira 132kV transmission line which is being developed by UETCL, yet photographs were taken and the villagers were asked to open up bank accounts now nearly 8 months later, no compensation has been done. 3. The Consultant doing RAP for the Soroti- Amuria – Katakwi 33kV transmission line for Rural Electrification Agency asked for a mobilization meeting on 10/09/2010 but unfortunately the wrong community where the line is not passing was mobilized instead. It was realized in the meeting that the wrong community was in the meeting. It was then agreed that another be set for 18/09/2010. Unfortunately the RAP Consultants did not show up. This left the local community disgusted. 4. The Chairman said that the people of Opuyo were incensed by the many developers of different transmission lines who come to their area in un- coordinated way promise the locals about compensation and never come back nor inform them why promises have not yet full filled. 5. One instance which broke the Camels back is when the UETCL Group came with a map showing the land they wanted for the Moroto 132kV transmission line. When the community asked them how they had come up with the precise area since they had not seen them survey the land. The UETCL Group told them that they had used satellites, GPS and aerial photos. Then the community asked them to pass the line through the sky the same way they had done the reconnaissance survey! 6. The Chairman complained that no Consultants have visited them during the feasibility studies for either projects promoted by REA or UETCL. All they have seen are Maps where the lines will pass and asking people to be compensated. 7. The LCIII Chairperson also noted that with this political atmosphere, a clear approach of sensitization needs to be done for the people around Opuyo. And if possible 86

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY REA should liaise with UETCL about the marmalade of projects coming into area and most importantly about compensation of the villagers.

4. The Chairman requested the EIA Team not to meet the local Esegu community at Opuyo during this electron period but was Edward allowed to go to the UETCL Substation.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING WITH THE LCV OF AMURIA DISTRICT AT THE DISTRICT HEADQUATERS OFFICES 11:45 AM on 6th October, 2010

AGENDA:

1. Introductions

2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA team leader

3. Reactions from the Chairman LC V

4. Closing Remarks from the Chairman

ATENDANCE

No. Name Designation Contact

1. Julius Ochere Chair Person LC V Amuria District 0772671377

2. Paul Ebiru V/Chair Person LC V Amuria 0774014516 District

3. Abaho Peace Environmental Engineer 0774 – 066 288 Balikuddembe

4. Samuel Vivian Matagi Team Leader/ Environmentalist 0712 – 654 651

MINUTES

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1 The Chairman welcomed the members to the meeting, Hon. Julius introduced himself and called to the EIA team to introduce Ochere themselves as stated above. 2. A brief overview of 33kV grid extension in Soroti, Amuria and Samuel Katakwi Districts along the Moroto Road and Amuria Road was Vivian given by Samuel Vivian Matagi. The map of the transmission Matagi lines from Opuyo substation to each of the terminals in Amuria and Katakwi was used to illustrate where the project would pass. 3. The Chairman said that people of Amuria had been promised Hon. Julius electricity since 2006 by the President. This was in a meeting of Ochere the political Leaders of Amuria District with the President together with the Ministry of Energy. It was agreed that the existing line from Soroti – Atirir – Achuna (had a cotton ginnery which is now closed) – Ochola – District headquarters would be rehabilitated but this was not done. This line had been 89

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY destroyed by the civil war. The existing line was covering over 5 sub counties in the district and yet the proposed one is covering only 3 sub counties.

When asked about the positive impacts this line would to bring to the people of Amuria, the Chairman emphasized that electricity is a catalyst for development. All diesel run milling machines and rice haulers would be replaced with electric ones. He said that electricity in the area would also attract investors for example a rice packaging. It would also improve efficiency of work. Electronic and electrical equipment which is redundant because of lack electricity in hospitals will be used. The District and Sub county would get rid of their solar systems which are too expensive and inefficient particularly in the rainy season.

In areas where the electricity transmission line goes off the road reserve into people’s property, compensations may have to be done.

The district officers were completely unaware of the Soroti – Amuria – Katakwi electricity transmission line until now and that they were not directly involved in the planning of the line. Therefore he suggested that a copy of the maps should be given to the district offices and that they should keep posted on the progress of the project. 4. This is a good development, and the EIA team is welcome to Hon. Julius start their assessment. Ochere

FOCUSSED GROUP DISCUSSION ON GRID EXTENSION TO SOROTI, AMURIA AND KATAKWI AT AMURIA TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES ON 8th OCTOBER, 2010 AT 11:00 AM

AGENDA:

1. Introductions

2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader

3. Reactions from the members

4. Concluding remarks from the EIA team

ATTENDANCE

See attendance list at the end.

MINUTES

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The Town Clerk welcomed the members to the meeting and Amuria introduced himself. He then called to the EIA team to Town Clerk introduce them selves. He left for another urgent meeting but requested the Community Development Officer to interpret . 2. The Team Leader gave a brief overview of the Project and a Samuel brief explanation of the line drawings showing the transmission Vivian lines from Opuyo substation to each of the terminals in Amuria Matagi and Katakwi. He clearly stated the purpose of meeting as to be able to introduce the project, find out positive and negative impacts of the project and to solicit mitigation measures that could be applied to avoid the negative impacts. 3. The members were asked about the positive effects electricity would have on their livelihoods. The answers below are what All the participants envisaged to get once they are connected to the national grid. POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. Electricity would simplify the work of doctors in hospitals especially during surgery 2. Students at school will be able to read at night as compared to using candles and lanterns that expose them to fumes. 3. There would be increased productivity especially in carpentry, milk production, grinding mills, other factories are also likely to start including rice milling hauling, welding will improve etc. 4. Improved poultry farming where advanced technology

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY shall be involved. 5. Increase in development 6. The price of fuel will fall, because presently fuel stations are using manual hand pumps. 7. There will be reduced rate at which trees are being cut down for firewood since another source of power would have come into play. 8. Movement at night would have been made easy as people will be feeling more secure. 9. People who originally had no access to the computer because of lack of fuel will be able to learn computer comfortably. 10. Grinding simsim, ground nuts and distilling local brew will be made much easier. 11. There will be creation of jobs especially in putting up the transmission lines and the poles. All 12. People will now be able to use flashing toilets which are more hygienic. For every project with positive effects, there are always negative effects too. Members were asked what negative effects this project is likely to have on the people’s livelihood.

NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. Electricity is expensive to pay. Ability and affordability will be a challenge to the local folk. 2. People are afraid of the use of electricity particularly the wires. They anticipate electrocution that may result into loss of life particularly children and drunkards. 3. People are completely ignorant about electricity. 4. Increased theft due to illumination at night. 5. The erected poles and wires may affect the trees and homes where they are passing. 6. The power line may pass cultural sites like grave yards. It was singled out that in Dakabala Village, Tukum one electricity pole is in the middle of a grave. All 7. The survey marks made by the survey team are exactly along the water pipeline. The people were asked to enumerate the best way these negative impacts can be mitigated.

MITIGATION MEASURES 1. The Concessionaire who will be contracted to manage the Soroti, Katakwi and Amuria 33kV transmission line should sensitize the people on how to use electricity. The populace is completely ignorant. 2. The people also requested that they be advised on the positive impacts electricity will have on them. 93

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 3. To avoid theft, all materials and equipment should be kept at the town council offices, and a guard employed, this guard would then be held accountable for any theft of materials occurring on the site.

4. The members were advised not to touch any electric source, Samuel appliances and fixtures using wet hands or metallic Vivian conductors. Matagi For displacement of persons or graveyards, the land affected & Abaho will be evaluated and the people affected compensated. Peace Also, poles shall not be placed in the middle of graves; the Contractor’s team will make sure graveyards are avoided by placing their poles before and after the graveyards. Where cultural issues are involved, the Contractor will comply as per the customs of the people. Contractors are usually experienced in handling cultural norms of people where construction projects occur. The people were also advised against theft of materials and fuel from Contractor. The local people were also advised to be cautious about the spread of the deadly killer disease AIDS, since there was a large influx of people from districts outside their communities that included the feasibility study team, survey team, the social economic team, the valuation team, the EIA team, and the Contractor’s employees who would be coming once the project is commissioned and staying in the district for some time. The EIA team leader then thanked the members for their time and contributions and bade them farewell.

FOCUSSED GROUP DISCUSSION ON GRID EXTENSION AT WERA SUBCOUNTY OFFICES ON 8th OCTOBER, 2010 AT 15:36 PM

AGENDA:

1. Introductions

2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader

3. Reactions from the members

4. Concluding remarks from the EIA team

ATTENDANCE

See attendance list attached

MINUTES

MIN MINUTES ACTION BY NO. 1. The Sub county Chief introduced herself to the EIA team and Florence welcomed the members to the meeting. She also called to the Adiao Wera EIA team to introduce themselves. Sub County Chief 2. The Team Leader gave a brief overview of the Project and a Samuel brief explanation of the line drawings showing the transmission Vivian lines from Opuyo substation to each of the terminals in Amuria Matagi and Katakwi. He clearly stated the purpose of meeting as to be able to introduce the project, find out positive and negative impacts of the project and to solicit mitigation measures that could be applied to avoid the negative impacts. 3. The members were asked about the positive effects electricity would have on their livelihoods. The answers below are what the participants envisaged to get once they are connected to the national grid. POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. Increased Income. 2. Improved security 3. Health center operations will be made much easier 4. Use of light, fridges, iron boxes, and charging phones at one’s own time of convenience. 5. The light will be used by students to do personal study at night. 6. The people will be able to learn how to use computers and be able to use them at home. All 7. Technical schools will also be able to run machines like

MIN MINUTES ACTION BY NO. carpentry machines. Students will be able to do electrical practices. At the moment only theory is taught. 8. Hauling machines, welding machines, and grinding machines. 9. Diaries would also begin to operate in the area. 10. There will be improvement in people’s livelihood with the increased use of video halls, discotheques and other recreational activities that depend on the use electrical or electronic equipment. 11. There will be increased job opportunities For every project with positive effects, there are always negative effects too. Members were asked what negative effects this project is likely to have on the people’s livelihood.

NEGATIVE IMPACTS 8. There is a very high connection fee. 9. There is likely to be electrocution of children and drunkards in homes. 10. There are areas where the line has gone beyond the road reserve and into people’s land and property. These would require compensation. 11. A pole may fall down causing damage to people and property All 12. Some people may use these electric poles as an opportunity to commit suicide by electrocution. The people were asked to enumerate the best way these All negative impacts should be mitigated.

MITIGATION MEASURES 4. Engage a professional person while making any wiring in the house or extension of power to people’s homes, to avoid careless mistakes like naked live wires. 5. The community should be sensitized about the possible hazards that could happen while using electricity since they have never used it before. 6. They also recommended tree planting where trees have been cut down 7. Peoples whose land and property is affected by the project should be compensated before the project starts. 4. The community was encouraged to plant trees and report Samuel leaning poles to the relevant authorities for corrective action. Vivian The local people were also advised to be cautious about the Matagi spread of the deadly killer disease AIDS, since there was a large & Abaho influx of people from districts outside their communities that Peace included the feasibility study team, survey team, the social economic team, the valuation team, the EIA team, and the 99

MIN MINUTES ACTION BY NO. Contractor’s employees who would be coming once the project is commissioned and staying in the district for some time. The people were also advised not to build in the road reserve; that is 15m away from the center of the road, on either side of the road and to be good entrepreneurs which would enable them to pay their electric bills. The EIA Team Leader then thanked the members for their time and contributions and bade them farewell.

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FOCUSSED GROUP DISCUSSION AT KATAKWI DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS ON 9th OCTOBER, 2010 AT 11:00 AM

AGENDA:

1. Introductions

2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader

3. Reactions from the members

4. Concluding remarks from the EIA team

ATTENDANCE

See attendance list attached

MINUTES

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The District Senior Planner welcomed the members to the Samuel meeting and called to the EIA team to introduce themselves Omoding Asamuk Sub County 2. The Team Leader gave a brief overview of the Project and a Samuel brief explanation of the line drawings showing the Vivian transmission lines from Opuyo substation to each of the Matagi terminals in Amuria and Katakwi. He clearly stated the purpose of meeting as to be able to introduce the project, find out positive and negative impacts of the project and to solicit mitigation measures that could be applied to avoid the negative impacts. 3. The members were asked about the positive effects electricity would have on their livelihoods and life. The answers below are what the participants envisaged to get once they are connected to the national grid.

POSITIVE IMPACTS

13. Electricity would simplify the work of doctors in hospitals especially during surgery 14. It would also enable the start of small scale industries like bakeries, drying cassava and meat for export etc. All 15. There would now be use of computers and internet in administrative offices, even at home. 16. Electricity could also be used for pumping water in

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MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY remote parts of the District. 17. There would also be increased education standards as students would now be able to do personal study at night. 18. Students will now be able to study sciences practically and computer lessons in schools. 19. Electricity would boost businesses e.g. selling of cold drinks 20. There would be improved security especially with the use of electrified fences. 21. Increase in income since bigger projects e.g. welding and grinding, and rice hauling and food processing plants will be undertaken. 22. With electricity, people will be able to work for longer hours. 23. There would also be new job opportunities as people will be able to work in shifts day and evening. All 24. Electricity would attract banking investments in the area. 25. There would also be a possibility of university education in the area. 26. Affordability to pay for this electricity was not considered a problem. For every project with positive effects, there are always negative effects too. Members were asked what negative effects this project is likely to have on the people’s livelihood.

NEGATIVE IMPACTS

13. The people have been promised electricity since 2006, so there is a worry that this program will end just after elections i.e. it is only meant to raise people’s hopes All before elections. 14. During the 2006 election campaigns the President had promised the people of Katakwi that next time he would visit District he would come in person to switch on the lights himself. Ironically the President was due to visit the District on Monday 11/10/2010 to open Katakwi High School the only secondary school in the District. 15. The participants were worried that the electricity poles would collapse hence live wires electrocuting people. 16. The project will take land from people who are near the road reserve. These should be compensated. 17. The participants were surprised that poles from Katakwi to Moroto were being laid while electricity is supposed to come from Soroti. 104

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY

The people were asked to enumerate the best way these negative impacts should be mitigated.

MITIGATION MEASURES 8. Politicians should be involved in the sensitization program especially with the local people 9. Compensation should be done first before any works start on the line. 4. The members were advised to be good entrepreneurs which would then enable them to pay their electricity bills properly Samuel and also pay back the World Bank loan. Vivian Matagi The local people were also advised to be cautious about & Abaho the spread of the deadly killer disease AIDS, since there was Peace a large influx of people from districts outside their communities that included the feasibility study team, survey team, the social economic team, the valuation team, the EIA team, and the Contractor’s employees who would be coming once the project is commissioned and staying in the district for some time. The EIA team leader then thanked the members for their time and contributions and bade them farewell.

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FOCUSSED GROUP DISCUSSION ON GRID EXTENSION TO SOROTI, KATAKWI AND AMURIA HELD AT ABOI BOI VILLAGE IN USUK COUNTY, KATAKWI DISTRICT ON 8th OCTOBER, 2010 AT 02:00 PM

AGENDA:

1. Introductions

2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader

3. Reactions from the members

4. Concluding remarks from the EIA team

ATTENDANCE

See attendance list attached

MINUTES

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The LC1 of the area welcomed the members to the meeting John Adipa, and then called to the EIA Team to introduce them selves. LC1 Chairman

2. The Team Leader gave a brief overview of the Project and a Samuel Vivian brief explanation of the line drawings showing the Matagi transmission lines from Opuyo substation to each of the terminals in Amuria and Katakwi. He clearly stated the purpose of meeting as to be able to introduce the project, find out positive and negative impacts of the project and to solicit mitigation measures that could be applied to avoid the negative impacts. 3. The members were asked about the positive effects electricity would have on their livelihoods. The answers below are what the participants envisaged to get once they are connected to the national grid.

POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. Electricity would simplify the work of doctors in hospitals especially during surgery. All 2. Improved security e.g. security lights would help protect homes from Karamajong wrestlers. 3. People would be able to charge their phones, use radio, television and other electrical appliances. 4. People would be able to have light at night. 5. There would also be increased industrialization in terms of small scale factories using power. Currently rice hauling can only be done in Soroti or Mbale where 108

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY there is power. 6. Banks would also be able to invest in the area 7. Students at schools would be able to do personal study at night 8. There would also be increased employment opportunities for example in garages, welding workshops, carpentry etc. 9. There would be an increase in the number of fuel stations in the area because currently there is only one fuel station in town working on a generator.

For every project with positive effects, there are always negative effects too. Members were asked what negative effects this project was likely to have on the people’s livelihood.

NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. Electricity tariffs are expensive to pay. 2. Load shedding would cause distortion of lessons in class, and disruption of people’s businesses. 3. When poles fall down and wires come down, they All may cause electrocution and consequently death when people like children and drunkards step on them. 4. People are very ignorant about electricity, therefore sensitization on how to use electricity and the possible electricity hazards is a prerogative before the project is commissioned. 5. Some people may default by tampering with the meter, or other electric wires causing short circuits. 6. Vandalism i.e. stealing aluminium wires and transformers during the time of load shedding. The aluminium lines are smelted and used to make aluminium sauce pans. 7. Some people imposters may deceive the villagers All leading them to pay electricity bills to the wrong people.

The people were asked to enumerate the best way these negative impacts are to be mitigated.

MITIGATION MEASURES 1. The Contractor in charge of taking electricity to households should sensitize the people on how to use of electricity because they are very ignorant about it. 2. The people also were encouraged to set up factories; increase productivity in order to be able to afford 109

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY electricity and the country to pay back the World Bank loan. 4. Samuel Vivian The community was advised to plant trees and not to build in Matagi the road reserve; that is 15m away from the center of the & Abaho road, on either side of the road and to be good Peace entrepreneurs which would enable them to pay their electric bills.

The local people were also advised to be cautious about the spread of the deadly killer disease AIDS, since there was a large influx of people from districts outside their communities that included the feasibility study team, survey team, the social economic team, the valuation team, the EIA team, and the Contractor’s employees who would be coming once the project is commissioned and staying in the district for some time. The EIA Team Leader then thanked the members for their time and contributions and bade them farewell.

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FOCUSSED GROUP DISCUSSION AT TUKUM VILLAGE IN SOROTI ON 9th OCTOBER, 2010 AT 04:30 PM

AGENDA:

1. Introductions

2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader

3. Reactions from the members

4. Concluding remarks from the EIA team

ATTENDANCE

See attendance list

MINUTES

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The LC1 Chairman welcomed the members to the meeting Stephen Okia, and introduced himself. He then called to the EIA team to Chair Person, introduce them selves Tukum Village 2. The Team Leader gave a brief overview of the Project and a Samuel Vivian brief explanation of the line drawings showing the Matagi transmission lines from Opuyo substation to each of the terminals in Amuria and Katakwi. He clearly stated the purpose of meeting as to be able to introduce the project, find out positive and negative impacts of the project and to solicit mitigation measures that could be applied to avoid the negative impacts. 3. The members were asked about the positive effects electricity would have on their livelihoods. The answers below are what the participants envisaged to get once they are connected to the national grid.

POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. Electricity would simplify the work of doctors in hospitals especially during surgery 2. Students at school will be able to read at night as All compared to using candles that would endanger their lives. 3. There would be increased productivity especially in works such as carpentry, milk production, rice hauling, maize grinding, bakeries, welding workshops, garages etc. These and other factories are also likely to start up. 4. Improved poultry farming where more technology shall be involved 5. There will be reduced rate at which trees are being 112

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY cut down for firewood since another source of fuel would have come into play. 6. Movement at night would have been made easy as people will be feeling more secure. 7. People who originally had no access to the computer because of lack of fuel will be able to learn computer comfortably. 8. Grinding simsim, ground nuts and distilling local brew will be made much easier. 9. There will be creation of jobs especially in putting up the transmission lines, and the poles. For every project with positive effects, there are always negative effects too. Members were asked what negative effects this project is likely to have on the people’s livelihood.

NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. Electricity is expensive. 2. Poles could fall down during the rainy season causing All death of people once they step on live wires. 3. People may be electrocuted due to poor connections. 4. Mango trees and muvule trees are likely to be cut down where the transmission line is passing. These would require compensation. 5. It may also cause a lack of food since areas that used to be cultivated for food are either no longer being farmed/ have farming restrictions (plants of < 3m high) 6. There may be house hold damages in instances where the line passes through a house.

The people were asked to enumerate the best way these negative impacts are to be mitigated. All

MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Engage a professional person while making any wiring in the house or extension of power to people’s homes, to avoid careless mistakes like naked live wires. 2. The community should be sensitized about the possible hazards that could happen while using electricity since they have never encountered it before. 3. They also recommended tree planting where trees have been cut down

4. The community was encouraged to plant trees and report Samuel Vivian leaning poles to the relevant authorities for counteractive Matagi measures. & Abaho Peace 113

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY The people were also advised not to build in the road reserve; that is 15m away from the center of the road, on either side of the road and to be good entrepreneurs which would enable them to pay their electric bills. For displacement of persons, and cutting down of trees, the land affected will be evaluated and the people affected compensated. The people were further advised against theft of materials and fuel from the implementation team. The local people were also advised to be cautious about the spread of the deadly killer disease AIDS, since there was a large influx of people from districts outside their communities that included the feasibility study team, survey team, the social economic team, the valuation team, the EIA team, and the Contractor’s employees who would be coming once the project is commissioned and staying in the district for some time The EIA Team Leader then thanked the members for their time and contributions and bade them farewell.

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MINUTES OF MEETING HELD WITH THE LC1 CHAIRMAN ASINGE CELL, MADERA WARD, SOROTI COUNTY ON THE GRID EXTENSION HELD ON 9th OCTOBER, 2010 AT 17:30 PM

AGENDA:

1. Introductions

2. A brief overview of the project from the EIA Team Leader

3. Reactions from the members

4. Concluding remarks from the EIA team

ATTENDANCE

No. Name Designation Contact

1 Etengu Francis LC1 Asinge Cell, Madera ward

2. Abaho Peace Balikuddembe Environmental Engineer 0774 – 066 288

3. Samuel Vivian Matagi Team Leader/ 0712 – 654 651 Environmentalist

MINUTES

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY 1. The LC 1 Chair Person introduced himself to the EIA team. The Francis EIA Team to introduced themselves. Etengu LC 1 Chair Person Asinge Cell, Soroti Sub County 2. The Team Leader gave a brief overview of the Project and a Samuel brief explanation of the line drawings showing the transmission Vivian lines from Opuyo substation to each of the terminals in Amuria Matagi and Katakwi. He clearly stated the purpose of meeting as to be able to introduce the project, find out positive and negative impacts of the project and to solicit mitigation measures that could be applied to avoid the negative impacts. 3. The members were asked about the positive effects electricity would have on their livelihoods. The answers below are what the participates envisaged to get once they are connected to the national grid. 116

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY

POSITIVE IMPACTS 1. The people in this area have electricity; they are only disgruntled with UMEME’s high tariff and the crude way Umeme Staff handles people. .

For every project with positive effects, there are always negative effects too. Members were asked what negative effects this project is likely to have on the people’s livelihood. All

NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. There has not been any compensation from the previous lines passing through this area e.g. the Lira line. People opened accounts, photographs were taken and compensation papers signed yet no compensation has been done. 2. Compensation is only based on what was on ground at the time of doing the RAP not what is on ground when the actual compensation takes place. 3. Its takes a long time before old poles are replaced. 4. The people of this area are not likely to benefit from these lines passing through their area because they have small plots. It is possible to find that some one’s All plot lies in between the lines which would mean losing all the land. 5. UMEME is very slow at responding to emergencies, they do not offer any assistance if they have been contacted on phone; it is only when one goes to their offices that they may get some assistance. They ask for a lot of money. UMEME also requires one to pay the previous tenant’s electricity bill in cases where one is renting a house. Reconnection is only done only when those bills have been paid. 6. UMEME does not listen to the people’s views. Some people masquerade as UMEME officials and disconnect All people’s electricity. Some of these people work outside working hours.

The people were asked to enumerate the best way these negative impacts are to be mitigated.

MIN NO. MINUTES ACTION BY hazards that could happen while using electricity and the problems that may arise from illegal connections

4. The people were also advised not to build in the road reserve; Samuel that is 15m away from the center of the road, on either side of Vivian the road and to be good entrepreneurs which would enable Matagi them to pay their electric bills. & Abaho Peace The local people were also advised to be cautious about the spread of the deadly killer disease AIDS, since there was a large influx of people from districts outside their communities that included the feasibility study team, survey team, the social economic team, the valuation team, the EIA team, and the Contractor’s employees who would be coming once the project is commissioned and staying in the district for some time The EIA Team Leader then thanked the members for their time and contributions and bade them farewell.

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Meeting with the Deputy CAO, Katakwi District (Ms Alupo Scola – 0772948577)

Date: 25th October 2010

Time: 10:00 am – 10:15 am

Venue: District Offices

Objective

To find out the attitude of the people towards the 33kv power line and its socio- economic impacts on the people of Katakwi.

The Deputy CAO disclosed that the people of Katakwi are very receptive and excited about the power line which they have been impatiently waiting for since last year; she said installation of this line is over due and people are beginning to think they are being deceived. However, they will only be convinced when they actually see installation going on. It is otherwise a very welcome development.

Benefits of the local government

The power line will improve the provision of social services. Currently the district looses over 300 litres of diesel every month to run a generator to provide power to the offices. This is not sustainable so in most days they are forced to reduce the time for running the generator from eight to three hours hence proportionately impacting on service delivery.

The district offices are vulnerable to theft because in most days the generator cannot run to provide power for security lights. This has resulted of loss of property and equipment worth millions of shillings. The power line will therefore enable to run all the equipment in offices hence improving services and provide security through lighting of both office premises and the streets.

Benefits of the business community

The power line will cause diversification of businesses and emergence of both small and large scale industries as well as processing industries for value addition to products so that people earn more money from them.

Apart from industrialisation and security, employment will be created for the indigenous people and other social economic services like health, education etc. will improve.

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Meeting with the Environment Officer, Katakwi District (Ms Apolot Elizabeth – 0772372389)

Date: 25th October 2010

Time: 10:20 am – 10:30 am

Venue: District Offices

Objective

To find out the environmental impact of the 33kv power line in Katakwi. The officer observed that the environmental impact by this line are minimal because it is being installed along the road reserve, there will be no displacement of homes save for a few gardens of the people who illegally cultivated in the road reserve. However there will be clearing of vegetation and tree cover during installation.

There will be need to sensitise the community at village level about the legal aspects of cultivating in the road reserve in order to avoid conflict of interest. The district technical and political leaders as well as LC 1 officials and other community leaders should be involved in sensitising the community on environmental issues since the question of the power line to Katakwi is a very welcome idea is long over due. It has lingered in people’s minds about how soon the positive development will become reality.

Meeting with the Senior Planner, Katakwi District (Mr. Omoding Samuel – 0782333165)

Date: 25th October 2010

Time: 10:40 am – 10:50 am

Venue: District Offices

Objective

To find out the attitude of the people towards the 33kv power line and its socio- economic impacts on the people of Katakwi. The officer expressed concern that the planning unit is the department most affected by absence of electricity because it is the engine for all development plans and socio-economic interventions. Most economic activities in the district cannot take off due to absence of power. Services like health, education, and industrialisation are in limbo and this has kept the poverty indices very high.

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Extension of electricity to Katakwi is not only a positive development but also an intervention which is long over due, however, if done all the services will improve, production in the district will improve as well as income levels and standards of living. It should therefore be expedited because talk about this issue has been doing the rounds for many years.

Meeting with the Town Clerk Mr. Okwakol Lawrence, Katakwi District – (0772416030/0752 416030)

Date: 25th October 2010

Time: 10:55 am – 12:10 pm

Venue: Town Council Offices

Objective

To find out the attitude of the people towards the 33kv power line and its socio- economic impacts on the people of Katakwi town council.

According to this officer, the issue of the power line is very positive, very welcome and too good to be true because people are tired of promises. Katakwi is a sleeping town because all socio-economic activities do not go beyond 9:00 pm. Insecurity and other acts of lawlessness ie theft, waylaying people on the way, robberies are evident because of darkness in both residential areas and commercial centre. Revenue collection is very low because of the limited scope of business and levels of production. The plan of the urban council to light the street is complete and awaiting implementation while all public buildings are already wired.

If power were to come to Katakwi there will be increased revenue collection, small scale and processing industries will be set up, there will be increased employment, entertainment and a boost of social services like health, education etc.

Challenges

Because Katakwi is just recovering from insecurity, cattle rustling and LRA war, sustainable use of power for commercial and industrial purposes will remain a challenge for at least some time this will call for support by both government and development partners to the people of Katakwi in promoting agricultural production and direct business enterprises in order to enhance emergence and sustainability of industrialisation, processing and commercial use of power.

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Meeting with the District Engineer Mr Okware, Justus, Katakwi District – (0772 676230/ 0751676230)

Date: 26th October 2010

Time: 9:15 am – 9:25 am

Venue: District Offices

Objective

To assess the impact of the REA power line on the structures in the district

This officer joined the others in expressing the continuous demand for the power by the Katakwi community which badly needs it for lighting, running office appliances, agro processing and induce development. When this is done the district will get a face lift and the population will increase as well as stimulate influx of people into the district in search of jobs and business opportunities.

He lamented that for now much of the money which would be used in Katakwi to strengthen the district economy and improve services is spent in Soroti town where most of the services are due to the presence of electricity there.

He pointed out that impact of this power on the structures in the district is very minimal because it passes through the road reserve. Katakwi town is already planned and most of the structures are already wired in anticipation for the long awaited electricity. The wiring has been done by qualified personnel with the necessary accreditation from UMEME in accordance with the prescribed norms. There is therefore no negative impact on the structures.

Even when the power finally comes the wiring of structures must be checked by professionals who will issue certificates of fitness to ensure that standards are kept and sustained. The sooner therefore the power comes to Katakwi the faster the socio- economic fabric will be strengthened for the benefit of the people who are currently poverty stricken.

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Meeting with the Soroti District Planner, Mr. Oboi Richard (0772636872)

Date: 27th October 2010

Time: 2:10 pm – 2:30 pm

Venue: District Planning Unit

The officer expressed concern that this project is a very welcome intervention an is long over due. However, it has come at a wrong time when political campaigns are on because several promises have been made about it for over six years now. People have adopted a resigned attitude towards it thinking that it is one of the usual campaign gimmicks. The majority have become doubting Thomases who will only believe when they see it done and in use.

Nonetheless, the expected benefits have raised excitement in the community who are looking forward to the achievement of the following:

- Improvement in infrastructure like construction of small scale and processing industries like grain mills, wood and metal fabrication workshops, etc.

- Decrease in fuel costs used now for running the same appliances.

- Upgrading of health services ie. Theatres and laboratories in health centres will become functional and hence reduce transport costs to and over crowding in Soroti Hospital.

- Storage of vaccines and other drugs in regulated temperatures

- Improvement of physical infrastructure eg. Water sources, security lighting along the streets etc.

- Attraction of skilled manpower to work in the remote rural setting

The officer observed that the power line may impact on the district plan through:

- Improved standards of education – many of the schools now will access electricity that will improve the quality of education and attract teachers to work in the rural setting.

- Improved safe water coverage

- Under agricultural production vet services will improve as the power will facilitate preservation of vaccines for both animals and poultry in line with the district development plan.

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- There is a district plan to provide hatcheries in some subcounties to boost poultry production, but this has been hampered by lack of power. If this power now came that plan will become a reality.

- Motivation of trained health workers is one of the set backs in the provision of quality health services in the district. This power will not only facilitate installation of health appliances at the health units but also motivate health workers to work and stay in the rural health units.

The district planner pointed out that though the power line is expected to improve services in the area, its construction may face some challenges which include;

- security of construction materials, many black smiths would be tempted to steal electric cables for making of saucepans, this calls for vigilance in keeping the construction materials secure during installation.

- The current electricity tariffs by UMEME are very high and many of the residents along the line route may not be able to access power because of their income levels.

- The issue of compensation may delay the start of the construction works for the long awaited line

- The line is likely to stimulate increased rural to urban migration which goes along side increased crime rates.

Consultation with the Assistant CAO, Soroti District (0782504261)

Date: 27th October 2010

Time: 2:40 pm – 3:00 pm

Venue: District Offices

The assistant CAO the long list of other officers who said the line is a very welcome development which is overdue. For the last six or so years people have been waiting for the construction of the line, and now that over three teams have come to talk to the district leadership about it a lot of excitement has been generated amongst the populace more so the business community.

According to this officer the expected benefit include;

- Establishment of small scale and processing industries,

- Longer hours of business

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- Improvement of security through residential and street lighting, provision of improved services in the areas of education health and agricultural production.

- Provision of power to run office appliances eg computers, photocopiers, fund etc.

- Construction of more permanent houses which permit use of electricity.

However the officer lamented that much as government has good intentions of improving service delivery and development initiative through provision of power, some local leaders with skewed mind set have tried to sabotage the development by misinforming and inciting the community to reject it. To over come interference by these negative forces, there is need to conduct sensitisation sessions targeting the leaders at district and subcounty levels. The community is otherwise very receptive and anxious to see the power line functional.

Consultation with the Soroti District Environment Officer Mr. Opolot Francis

Date: 27th October 2010

Time: 3:10 – 3:25 pm

Venue: District Offices

The environment officer added his voice to the others who welcome the power line as a propipal development. He said though it is over due better late than never, however, because people have waited for too long they have become sceptical about the construction of this line and are nursing reservations which will only be allayed when they see the power line functional.

During construction of this line the number of impacts that are anticipated;

- Vegetation that includes grass, crops will be affected and there is no clear mitigation plan.

- There will be spillage of oils and lubricants which may be harmful to humans, animals and crops.

- As workers of the line interact with the community, there is s possibility of infecting each other with HIV/AIDS.

The project will affect some houses, trees and other property and yet the affected people are not enlightened about issues of compensations. On the contrary this line will improve provision of services in all sectors of life and governance eg. Health services, education, business and trade, security, agricultural production and social issues like entertainment. The sooner it is made functional the better for the community it is targeted to serve.

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Consultative meeting with the Senior Air Traffic Management Officer (Mr. Malinga Francis 0772689556)

Date: 28th October 2010

Time: 9:30am – 9:50 am

Venue: East African Flying Academy, Soroti (CAA Offices)

The consultative meeting was meant to asses the impact of the proposed 33kv power line on flight operations at the Academy.

According to Mr. Malinga who doubles as the acting Director of the Academy, there is a plan to expand and improve the runway at the Academy, in order to accommodate both training aircrafts and big commercial planes. This means as planes approach the descent and take off there should be no obstacles on their way. The policy also stipulates that no masts or high objects beyond 50 meters are allowed within the protected area.

However, given the height of the proposed power line, which is far less than the maximum height of limit, it will not affect the line of gradient, so it has basically no effect on the flight operations of the academy. The construction of the power line can thus go ahead unabated.

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MEETING WITH THE COMMUNITY OF OWALEI VILLAGE SOROTI SUBCOUNTY, SOROTI DISTRICT

Date: 12th October, 2010

Time: 10.00Am -12:00pm

Venue: Owalei primary school

AGENDA

Prayers

Introductions

Communication from the LC1

Communication from the LC3 chairperson

Communication from the Sociological team leader

Guided Discussions

Way Forward

Minute 1: Prayer

The meeting opened with prayers led by a community member.

Minute 2: Introduction

The chairman called for self introductions beginning with the members of Madera cell followed by the Sociologist’s team.

Minute 3: Communication from the LC1chairman

He welcomed the Soroti sub county chairperson and the Sociologists’ team and thanked the residents for turning up at short notice. He assured them of security and then allowed the meeting to proceed.

Minute 3: Communication from the Soroti sub-county chairman

The Chairman thanked the people of Owelei village for sparing their time to attend the meeting. He clarified that the team has not come to take their land but to consult the village community on how to manage the process if the line has to pass through their village. He emphasised that the people whose land and property will be affected by the proposed power line must be compensated using appropriate rates before commencement of construction. Owalei village is at the periphery of the municipal council with a lot of urban influence including stanrds of life, the proposed 131

Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda power line should not leave them desolate but in a better position of improved welfare. The line is however a welcome development and will enable the people of Owalei to access electricity.

Minute 4: Communication from the Sociologist Team leader.

Mr. Ochola thanked the residents for sparing their time to attend the meeting and said the purpose of the meeting is to consult with them about the Soroti to Katakwi power line (33kv) which will pass through their land hence affecting both land and other property. He assured them that after surveying the line route the land and property owners will be identified, affected property enumerated and valued and compensation do according to the current rates. This power line is also meant to enable the residents along its route access electricity for domestic and commercial use as they are far from the grid of Soroti town. According to policy construction of the power line will not start until compensation is done.

Minute 5: Guided Discussion

Question Response

1. How many about 15 households will be affected by the households are likely proposed power line route in Owalei village to be affected by the transmission line in this village?

2. In which part of the The Southern part of the village has less village are there concentration of settlements with nine households concentrations of while the northern part has less concentration with settlement likely to six households . be affected and how many households are in these specific areas?

3. What are the major Agricultural Production, Business, gainful economic activities employment in the affected area?

ii) What are the four Ground nuts, sweet potatoes, Sorghum and dominant food crops Cassava grown?

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iii) What are the dominant Ground nuts, Citrus Fruits (mangoes and oranges), four cash crops grown , cassava and sweet potatoes

iv) What are the four dominant animals/birds reared? Animals : Goats, pigs, sheep and cows

Birds: Chicken turkeys, Guinea fowls and pigeons

v) What are the dominant Buying and selling of produce, Livestock, Poultry, forms of trade bars, restaurants and saloons

vi) What are the forms of Teaching, Health workers, traditional civil servants gainful/casual and casual labourers, bodaboda employment?

vii) when are the major The seasons for growing crops are March- July, productive seasons August – November

viii) What is the average land The average Land holding is 3 acres per holding per household? household.

ix) What is the average per capita income per household per annum?

i) From cash crops

Approximately Ug. Shs. 1,500,000 per annum

ii) From animals

Approximately Ug. Shs 1,200,000 per annum.

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iii) From trade

Approximately Ug. Shs 2,500,000 per annum

iv) Gainful employment

Approximately Ug. Shs 4,000,000 per annum

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x) How many persons can About 10 persons in a household be found in each of the affected households?

xi) Infrastructure A Roads One accessible feeder road (Gweri road 3km) (i). Which are the accessible and motor able feeder roads in this area? How long is each of them?

(ii). Which are the Owalei –Aloet 3 km accessible community roads in this area? How Owalei, omoleum, Arubela Rd. 4km long is each of them? Osamian t o Owalei P/S 1.6km (iii). Which are the accessible tarmac roads? How long is each of them?

(iv). Which are track roads? How long is each of them? Mbale – Soroti road 2km

(NIL

Infrastructure B Houses

i) Grass thatched houses Majority with mud brick walls

ii) Permanent houses with (brick, mortar and Many iron roofs)

iii) Semi-permanent with mud and wattle walls and iron roofs Dotted iv) Camp dwellings with

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plastic sheeting etc

Nil

Community facilities Owalei primary school, affected by the line NB: There are graves found at the homes Mr. Aremo Francis and at Elimu Elietu Peter’s home.

(v). What cultural sites are NIL affected?

(vi). Name the four most Malaria, measles, HIV/AIDS, TB, common diseases

(i). Measurement of Socio Economic Impacts

(i) What ethnic groups are found along the Iteso, Kumam, Bakenye, are the ethnic groups proposed line route? along line

(ii) How the impacts of the proposed line likely to be inequitably distributed If the community is also allowed access to between different sectors electricity from the proposed power line, this will of this society? stimulate:

The lighting up of domestic premises

The establishment of milling/grinding machines (threshing/grinding rice, cassava, millet etc)

metal fabrication and wood workshops

establishment of Salons

development of Small scale industries

The growth of Commercial centers.

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(iii) What are the likely Positive social and economic benefits from the • Creation of commercial centers in the rural project? setting

• Improved security

(iv) Is there any factor unique to the region which might affect the level or type of impact? Negative

• Behavior change amongst the youth as a result of videos

• Increased population growths in the trading centers since people will want to stay were (v) Who are the likely there is power. affected parties and what is their level of contribution to the The farmers are the likely affected parties. They region? add on the food basket of the district in form of agricultural produce.

(vi) What flow-on benefits or impacts might be

expected, and which groups might be The flow of benefits will go to entrepreneurs and affected most? dependants as well as the descendants.

(vii) What are the likely

geographic boundaries of predicted impacts?

Will go across all boundaries to the other villages

(viii) Will there be impacts on sub populations (e.g. low income households)?

(ix) Why do you think The low income earners will improve their incomes people would be through employment from the investment opposed to the enterprises created by the power line.

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establishment of the line?

If the affected property was not to be compensated, people would be opposed to the What might happen if establishment of the proposed power line the development does NOT go ahead? (A picture of the community without the development • The growth of local socio economic and with the activities will remain slow without electricity development should be in the localities compiled).

• Right over use of land will be salvaged

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MEETING OF REA WITH THE COMMUNITY OF ALOET VILLAGE, ARAPAI SUBCOUNTY SOROTI DISTRICT

Date: 13th October, 2010

Time: 10.00am -12:00pm

Venue: Mr. Ongenge’s home

Agenda

1. Prayer

2. Introduction

3. Communication From L.C.1

4. Communication From The Sociologist

5. Reactions and Responses

6. Guided Discussion

7. Way Forward

Minute 1: Prayer

The meeting opened with prayers led by a community member. (Mr. Ongenge)

Minute 2: Introduction

The chairman called for self introductions beginning with the members of Madera cell followed by the Sociologist’s team.

Minute 3: Communication from the LC1chairman

He welcomed the Sociologists’ team and thanked the residents for turning up at short notice. He assured them of security and then requested the Sociologist to facilitate proceedings.

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Minute 4: Communication from the sociologist team

The sociologist thanked the residents for sparing their time to attend the meeting and said the purpose of the meeting is to consult with them about the Soroti to Katakwi power line (33kv) which will pass through their land hence affecting both land and other property. It will be constructed 15 meters to the left of the Soroti Lira Road right from Opuyo substation to Arapai on the way to Moroto. He assured them that after surveying the line route the land and property owners will be identified, affected property enumerated and valued and compensation do according to the current rates. This power line is also meant to enable the residents along its route access electricity for domestic and commercial use as they are far from the grid of Soroti town. According to policy construction of the power line will not start until compensation is done.

Minute 5: Reactions and Responses

Question Response

Which side is the 15 meters to the left side of the existing 132kv proposed line supposed Soroti-Lira transmission line. to pass?

What has happened to The funds are now available and the compensation of compensation is dew to begin after the people affected by the company to do it has been procured. It will new Soroti -Lira 132kv be done before commencement of the Transmission line construction.

Will there be Yes, after the survey, enumeration, compensation for the evaluation and validation has been affected people and conducted when?

Supposing my house is You will be paid money worth the value of affected and I want you your house and any other property affected. to build for me, will you?

Am I the one to decide The compensation rates are approved by the on the price for my land district in consultation with the chief or it is the government? government valuer.

Supposing During validation procedures for payment will compensation funds are be explained to the beneficiaries, however ready when the those to get little money will paid cash at beneficiary has no bank home e.g amounts below shs. 100,000/= while

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Question Response

account the others will be given procedure for opening bank accounts.

Minutes 6: Guided Discussion

The following is a summary of the community guided discussion:

Question Response

(ii). How many About 10 households are likely to be affected households are likely by the proposed line route in Aloet village. to be affected by the transmission line in this cell?

(iii). In which part of the The settlements are evenly spread throughout village are there the village with no specific area where there concentrations of is concentration of settlements. The settlement likely to approximate distance between the be affected and households here is 300 to 500 meters. how many households are in these specific areas?

(iv). What are the major Major economic activities in this area include economic activities agricultural production, business and gainful in the affected area? employment.

xii) What are the four Cassava, sweet potatoes, ground nuts, dominant food crops sorghum grown?

xiii) What are the dominant four cash crops grown groundnuts, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits (oranges and mangoes) and, Cassava

xiv) What are the four dominant animals/birds reared? Animals: goats, pigs, cows and sheep

Birds: chicken, Turkeys, guinea fowls and pigeons xv) What are the dominant 142

Question Response

forms of trade

Buying and selling of produce, Livestock, Poultry, bars, restaurants and saloons xvi) What are the forms of gainful/casual employment? Teaching, Health workers, traditional civil servants and casual labourers, bodaboda

(v). when are the major The seasons for growing crops are March- productive seasons July, August – November

(vi). What is the average The average land holding – 8 acres each land holding per household household?

(vii). What is the Ranging from Approximately Ug. Shs average per capita 3,600,000 - 8,000,000 per annum between income per household households engaged in formal (government) per annum? employment and Trade/ Business respectively.

Annual average income is 852,500/= v) From cash crops

ii) From animals The average annual income is 825,000/=

iii) From trade Annual average income is 1,204,667/=

iv) Gainful employment Annual average income is 1,835,000/=

(viii). How many persons Eight to ten can be found in each of the affected households?

(ix). Infrastructure A Roads Otichopi to Madera Catholic Mission 1.1km

vi) Which are the Camp Swahili to Madera Catholic Mission accessible and 1.8km motorable feeder roads in the area?

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Question Response

vii) Which are the accessible community roads? Aloet to Madera Boys P/S1km

Owalei to Aloet Market 3.1km

Aloet through Eneku village to Madera Catholic Mission 1.6km

viii) Which are the accessible tarmac NIL roads?

Infrastructure B Houses

iv) Grass thatched Majority houses with mud brick walls

v) Permanent houses Many with (brick, mortar and iron roofs)

vi) Semi-permanent with mud and wattle Dotted walls and iron roofs

vii) Camp dwellings with plastic sheeting etc

Nil

Infrastructure C Graves at the Late Elietus’ place Community facilities affected by the line

(x). What cultural sites are Nil affected?

(xi). Name the four most Malaria, cough and flue, measles, HIV/AIDS common diseases

(xii). Measurement of Socio Economic Impacts

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Question Response

(x) What ethnic groups are found along the proposed line route? Iteso, Kumam, Bakenye, are the ethnic groups along line

(xi) How the impacts of the proposed line likely If the community is also allowed access to to be inequitably electricity from the proposed power line, this distributed between will stimulate: different sectors of this society? The lighting up of domestic premises

The establishment of milling/grinding machines (threshing/grinding rice, cassava, millet etc)

metal fabrication and wood workshops

establishment of Salons

development of Small scale industries

The growth of Commercial centers.

(xii) What are the likely social and economic benefits from the project? Positive

• Creation of commercial centers in the rural setting

• Improved security (xiii) Is there any factor unique to the region which might affect the Negative level or type of impact? • Behavior change amongst the youth as a

result of videos

• Increased population growths in the trading centers since people will want to

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Question Response

(xiv) Who are the likely stay were there is power. affected parties and what is their level of contribution to the region? The farmers are the likely affected parties. They add on the food basket of the district in form of agricultural produce.

(xv) What flow-on benefits or impacts might be expected, and which groups might be The flow of benefits will go to entrepreneurs affected most? and dependants as well as the descendants.

(xvi) What are the likely

geographic boundaries of predicted impacts?

Will go across all boundaries to the other villages (xvii) Will there be impacts on sub populations (e.g. low income households)?

(xviii) Why do you think The low income earners will improve their people would be incomes through employment from the opposed to the investment enterprises created by the power establishment of the line. line?

If the affected property was not to be (xix) What might happen if compensated, people would be opposed to the development does the establishment of the proposed power line NOT go ahead? (A picture of the community without the development and with • The growth of local socio economic the development activities will remain slow without should be compiled). electricity in the localities

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Question Response

• Right over use of land will be salvaged

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RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AGENCY

Meeting with the residents of Northern Ward in Katakwi Town Council

Date: 26th October 2010

Time: 11:20 am – 12:30 pm

Venue: Katanga -Amakio Market

Agenda

Prayer

Introductions

Remarks by the LC 1 Chair person

Communication from Sociologist

Reactions

Way Forward

Guided Discussion

Min 01/2010 Prayer

The meeting was called to order at 11: 20 am with a prayer led by Iporotum Grace.

Min 02/2010 Introductions

The chairman Katanga Cell Mr. Amodoi Pampus welcomed the residents to the meeting and thanked them for their prompt response to the invitation at short notice. He also thanked the sociologists for keeping time. He called for self introductions beginning with the residents and the sociologists thereafter.

Min 03 /2010Remarks by the LC 1 Chairperson

After introductions the chairman assured the meeting of security in the area and allowed it to proceed. He called for frank and objective deliberations

Min 04/2010 Communication from the Sociologist

The sociologist thanked the residents for sacrificing their time to come and attend this meeting he also commended the area chairperson for effective mobilisation. He pointed out that the purpose of the meeting was to consult with them about the new

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Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader A Project Brief for the proposed of construction of a 33kV electricity power line in Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi and environs in eastern Uganda power line from Soroti which will cover Katakwi town council including their cell. This line will have both benefits and challenges to residents along its route. The meeting therefore is meant to assess the impact of this line on northern ward of katakwi town council.

Min 05/2010 Reactions

Question Response

What will happen to The structures that can be avoided, the power line will structures and trees to be be shifted, however those that cannot be avoided affected by the power line? and will inevitably be affected shall be compensated using the current rates.

Who will determine the The compensation rates are determined by the compensation rates? district in consultation with the chief government Valuer.

What will happen to All land and property outside the road reserve that properties that are affected will be affected by the power line will be but are outside the road compensated accordingly. reserve?

How shall we access the The electricity distribution company will establish an power from the line and how office here to guide the community on how to access much shall we pay? power from the line and procedure for payment.

Min 06/2010 Way Forward

• The process of construction of the power line should be expedited.

• Residents along the line route should be helped to access power for domestic and commercial use at affordable rates.

• Compensation should be done before commencement of construction.

• In case of relocation the affected persons should be given a grace period.

Min 07/2010 Guided Focus Group Discussion

Question Response

(i). How many There is a total of 285 households to be affected by households are likely the transmission line to be affected by the transmission line in this 150

ward?

(ii). In which part of The settlements are evenly spread throughout the the ward are there ward; there is no specific area where there is concentrations of concentration of settlement. settlement likely to be affected and how many households are in these specific areas?

(iii). What are the The major economic activities include agricultural major economic production, business and gainful employment. activities in the affected area?

xvii) What are the Cassava, sweet potatoes, maize and ground nuts four dominant food crops grown?

xviii) What are the Ground nuts, Rice, cassava and sweet potatoes dominant four cash crops grown

xix) What are the Goats, poultry, pigs and cows four dominant

animals/birds reared? Retail shops, bars, lodges, carpentry and metal xx) What are the fabrication workshops and grain mills. dominant forms of trade Teaching, police, nurses, public servants, carpentry, milling and bodaboda, xxi) What are the forms of gainful/casual employment?

(iv). when are the The seasons here are March to June with long rains, major productive then August to November with short rains. The area seasons also experiences extremity in seasons eg in 2009 there was prolonged drought that lasted seven months, while in 2010 there have been prolonged torrents of rain resulting in floods’ in both cases agricultural production is severely affected leading to poor harvests, bouts of famine and high incidence of poverty.

(v). What is the It is one plot which is 50m x 100m per household average land holding however, the majority of the households own land outside the gazetted urban setting and this is where 151

per household? agricultural production is carried out. The average land holding here is 3 acres per household.

(vi). What is the average per capita income per household The average household income for various economic per annum? activities are as follows:

ix) From cash crops The annual average income is shs. 852,500/=

ii) From animals Annual average income is shs. 825,000/=

iii) From trade Annual average income is shs. 1,204,667/=

iv) Gainful Annual average income is shs. 1,835,000/= employment

(vii). How many persons Eight to ten can be found in each of the affected households?

(viii). Infrastructure A Roads There is a total of thirteen roads namely; x) Which are the i. Aliakamer Rd 01km accessible and motorable feeder ii. Omeke Rd 01 km roads in the area? iii. Sister Camela Rd 0.85 km

iv. Ocuwai Rd 0.16km

v. Father Collins Rd 0.7km

vi. Crescent Rd. 0.5km

vii. Kanya Obiga Rd. 0.8km

viii. Bidandi Ssali Rd. 1.5km

ix. Odongo Jeje Rd 0.87km

x. Odomel Cossy Rd 0.2km

xi. Otukei Rd 1.1km

xii. Road 33. 0.26 km

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Infrastructure B Houses viii) Grass thatched Majority houses with mud brick walls ix) Permanent houses Many with (brick, mortar and iron roofs) x) Semi-permanent with mud and wattle Dotted walls and iron roofs xi) Camp dwellings with plastic sheeting etc Nil

Infrastructure C Community i) Primary schools namely; facilities affected by the line i. Township primary School along Aliakamer Rd

ii. Aliakamer Primary School along Aliakamer Rd

iii. Aputon Primary School along Otukei Rd.

ii) One health centre IV and four drug shops

iii) One daily market

iv) Five churches

v) One water pumping station, one UTL booster

vi) District offices, town council offices, prisons, ASTU offices, LWF offices, Red Cross offices, Urban water offices, Courts of law, 153

Action Aid (U) Offices,

ii) Secondary schools and one tertiary institution

i. St. Stephen S S S (Father Collins Rd.)

ii. Katakwi High School (Omeke Rd.)

iii. St. Paul S S S (Moroto Rd)

iv. Standard S S S (crescent Rd)

v. Comprehensive Girls School (Moroto Rd)

iii) Churches and Mosques

vi. Katakwi Catholic Church (Bidndi Ssali Rd)

vii. Katakwi Mosque (Sister Camela Rd)

viii. Katakwi Catholic Mission (Father Collins Rd)

ix. Church of Uganda (Moroto Road)

iv) Other institutions

x. District Headquarters (Bidandi Ssali Rd and Moroto Rd)

xi. Caltex Petrol Station (Odongo Jeje Rd)

xii. Police Station (Odomel Rd)

xiii. LWF offices (Otukei Rd)

xiv. District Health Centre IV, Town Council Offices, Police Barracks, High Court, (Moroto Rd)

xv. Community Center , Disabled 154

Offices, Red Cross offices (Crescent Rd)

xvi. Works Yard, ASTU offices (Omeke Rd)

xvii. Babelone Pub (Aliakamer Rd)

). What cultural sites are Nil affected?

). Name the four most Malaria, Pneumonia, cough and flue, measles, common diseases HIV/AIDS

Socio-economic impact

What ethnic groups are Iteso, Karamojong, Congolese, Kumum, Banyankole, found along the proposed Asians, line route?

What are the likely socio and Lighting up residential and commercial premises, economic benefits from the establishment of small scale industries eg grain mills, project carpentry and metal fabrication workshops

Establishment of saloons and processing industries,

Improvement of security through street and residential lighting

Improvement of education, health and other socio services.

Longer hours of business and socio services like entertainment.

Creation of employment from increased trade and industrialisation,

Is there any factor unique to There will be increased rural to urban migration in the area which might affect search of jobs and business opportunities. the level or type of impact? Tourism and hotel industry will thrive as the area has a number of tourist attractions

The rate of crime is likely to become higher.

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What flow on benefits or The expected flow on benefits are improved socio- impacts might be expected economic services, business and tourism sectors. and which group might be affected most? The groups that might be affected moist are the youth who will benefit from improved services and the elderly who may miss out from these services.

What are the likely All the rural areas surrounding the urban council geographical boundaries of predicted impacts?

Will there be impacts on sub The sub populations may not be able to access populations eg low income power for domestic and commercial use. households

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Why would you think people The low income earners who cannot afford access to would be opposed to the power and construct good houses for use of power or establishment of the line? cannot afford to start up business that requires power may have nothing to do with the establishment of the line.

What might happen if the Development of improved structures and development does not go commercial/business transactions as well as socio- ahead? economic services that require the use of power will stall as a result the poverty indices will remain high and the community will remain leading substandard lives.

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MEETING WITH THE COMMUNITY OF MADERA CENTRAL CELL, SOROTI MUNICIPALITY, SOROTI DISTRICT

Date: 15TH October, 2010

Time: 11.00am -1:00pm

Venue: Madera Boys Primary School

Agenda

8. Prayer

9. Introduction

10. Communication From L.C.1

11. Communication From Sociologist Team

12. Guided Discussion

13. Way Forward

Minute 1: Prayer

The meeting opened with prayers led by a community member.

Minute 2: Introduction

The chairman called for self introductions beginning with the members of Madera cell followed by the Sociologist’s team.

Minute 3: Communication from the LC1chairman

He welcomed the Sociologists’ team and thanked the residents for turning up at short notice. He assured them of security and then requested the Sociologist to facilitate proceedings.

Minute 4: Communication from the sociologist team

The sociologist thanked the residents for sparing their time to attend the meeting and said the purpose of the meeting is to consult with them about the Soroti to Katakwi power line (33kv) which will pass through their land hence affecting both land and other property. He assured them that after surveying the line route the land and property owners will be identified, affected property enumerated and valued and compensation do according to the current rates. This power line is also meant to enable the residents along its route access electricity for domestic and commercial use as they are far from the grid of Soroti town. According to policy construction of the power line will not start until compensation is done. 160

Minutes 5: Guided Discussion

The following summary was the outcome of community discussions:

Question Response

(i). How many About 12 households are likely to be affected households are likely to by the proposed line route in Madera village. be affected by the transmission line in this cell?

(ii). In which part of Northern part of the village has more the village are there concentration of settlements estimated at concentrations of about 8 households, while the southern part is settlement likely to be less concentrated with about 4 households affected and how only. many households are in these specific areas?

(iii). What are the Major economic activities in this area include major economic agricultural production, business and gainful activities in the employment. affected area?

xxii) What are the Cassava, sweet potatoes, ground nuts, four dominant food sorghum crops grown?

xxiii) What are the dominant four cash groundnuts, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits crops grown (oranges and mangoes) and, Cassava

xxiv) What are the four dominant Animals: goats, pigs, cows and sheep animals/birds reared? Birds: chicken, Turkeys, guinea fowls and pigeons

xxv) What are the dominant forms of 161

Question Response

trade Buying and selling of produce, Livestock, Poultry, bars, restaurants and saloons

xxvi) What are the forms of gainful/casual Teaching, Health workers, traditional civil employment? servants and casual labourers, bodaboda

(iv). when are the The seasons for growing crops are March- major productive July, August – November seasons

(v). What is the The average land holding – 8 acres each average land holding household per household?

(vi). What is the Ranging from Approximately Ug. Shs average per capita 3,600,000 - 8,000,000 per annum between income per household households engaged in formal (government) per annum? employment and Trade/ Business respectively.

i) From cash crops Approximately Ug. Shs. 1,500,000 per annum

ii) From animals Approximately Ug. Shs 1,200,000 per annum.

iii) From trade Approximately Ug. Shs 2,500,000 per annum

iv) Gainful Approximately Ug. Shs 4,000,000 per annum employment

(vii). How many Eight to ten persons can be found in each of the affected households?

(viii). Infrastructure A Otichopi to Madera Catholic Mission 1.1km Roads Camp Swahili to Madera Catholic Mission xii) Which are the 1.8km accessible and motorable feeder roads in the area?

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Question Response

xiii) Which are the accessible community roads? Madera Boys P/S to Aloet 1km

Madera Boys to Aloet Market 2.8km

Madera Catholic Mission through Eneku villase to Aloet 1.6km

xiv) Which are the accessible tarmac There is only one accessible tarmac road and roads? that is from town to Teso college Aloet.

Infrastructure B Houses

xii) Grass thatched Majority houses with mud brick walls

xiii) Permanent houses Many with (brick, mortar and iron roofs)

xiv) Semi-permanent with mud and Dotted wattle walls and iron roofs

xv) Camp dwellings with plastic sheeting etc Nil

Infrastructure C • Madera boys School, Community facilities affected by the line • proposed holy Angels College (already surveyed)

• St Kizito Technical hostel community projects

(ix). What cultural Nil sites are affected?

(x). Name the four Malaria, measles, HIV/AIDS, TB most common diseases

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Question Response

(xi). Measurement of Socio Economic Impacts

(xx) What ethnic Iteso, Kumam, Bakenye, groups are found along the proposed line route?

The lighting up of domestic premises (xxi) How the The establishment of milling/grinding impacts of the machines (threshing/grinding rice, proposed line likely to cassava, millet etc) be inequitably distributed between metal fabrication and wood different sectors of this workshops society? establishment of Salons

development of Small scale industries

The growth of Commercial centers.

Positive (xxii) What are the likely social and • Creation of commercial centers in the economic benefits rural setting from the project? • Improved security

Negative (xxiii) Is there any factor unique to the • Behavior change amongst the youth as a region which might result of videos affect the level or type of impact? • Increased population growths in the trading centers since people will want to stay were there is power.

The farmers are the likely affected parties. They add on the food basket of the district in 164

Question Response

(xxiv) Who are the form of agricultural produce. likely affected parties and what is their level of contribution to the region?

The flow of benefits will go to entrepreneurs and dependants as well as the descendants. (xxv) What flow-on benefits or impacts might be expected,

and which groups might be affected most? Will go across all boundaries to the other villages

(xxvi) What are the likely geographic boundaries of predicted impacts? The low income earners will improve their incomes through employment from the investment enterprises created by the power

(xxvii) Will there be line. impacts on sub populations (e.g. low income households)? If the affected property was not to be compensated, people would be opposed to the establishment of the proposed power line (xxviii) Why do you think people would be opposed to the establishment of the The growth of local socio economic activities line? will remain slow without electricity in the localities

(xxix) What might happen if the development does NOT go ahead? (A Right over use of land will be salvaged picture of the community without the development and with the development

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Question Response

should be compiled).

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Rural Electrification Agency Samuel Vivian Matagi/ Team Leader