Evaluation of the study on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for

Kinyeti Hydropower Project

Elnour Abdalla Elsiddig, Faculty of Forestry, University of Khartoum

General

As similar to the other two studies (for Sue and Juba hydropower projects) Kinyeti Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Study is composed of thirteen chapters following the same sequence from Chapter one (Introduction) to chapter 13 (Conclusion) and ended the report by the list of references. The first four chapters are almost identical in contents for the three projects except in specific information concerning the project name and location map mentioned in the “Project Overview”. The Kinyeti Project is located in Eastern Equatoria State of Southern Sudan.

The three reports on the hydropower projects in the Southern Sudan follow similar procedure in the report writing having almost the same sequence of Table of Contents and environmental aspects evaluation particularly on:

Physical Environment

Biological Environment

Socio-economic Environment

However, there are some aspects that the three report are lacking:

No Executive summary

No Acronyms

No highlight on the terms of reference

Introduction (Chapter 1)

The Kinyeti project provided an over view on the project area, location with respect to Gilo, Katire and Torit, describing the catchment. The consultants gave a summary of the scope and objectives of the project, mainly for hydropower to supply power to Torit. The report divided the project area into four parts namely construction area; reservoir area; downstream area and transmission line. 1

The report on Kinyeti Hydropower Project is a comprehensive study which covered major aspects of the environmental and social impacts of the Kinyeti Hydropower Project, giving details on expected impact at pre-construction, during construction and during operation.

Administrative and Legal Framework (Chapter 2)

Chapter Two in Kinyeti, Sue and Juba are similar in contents covering all legal and administrative frameworks at the national and regional (Southern Sudan) levels. The study covered the background data on administrative organization considering the Ministry of Environment and Physical Development (presently changed to Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Physical Development. The Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources was described in the context of affiliation and mandate. The reports mentioned other institutions relevant to the environment.

Strategic and legal frameworks relevant to the ESIA requirements for implementation of the project were listed. In this respect the consultant looked into the constitutions, Acts, sectoral legislations, traditional and customary laws and orders that indicate the importance of paying consideration to the environment and its protection. The consultants also provided a list of policies and legislation of Southern Sudan relevant to the ESIA including the constitution and acts

However, the consultant did not look into the regional and international agreements and conventions in order to link between these and the Sudanese legal and institutional framework and extent of compatibility with national and southern legal frameworks.

The consultant looked into the International Best Practices considering the African Development Bank and World Bank Group, taking into consideration the guidelines and procedures on ESIA requirements and the Environmental and Social Management Plans. The consultant highlighted on the basis followed for screening and identification the project potential impacts as well as examination of alternatives.

Project description and Justification (Chapter 3)

The consultant made an overview on electric power demand in the katire-Torit area in eastern Equatoria where there is no public supply of electricity. Accordingly, the main objective for Kinyeti Hydropower project is for power generation. The consultant expected high demand at public and private levels. Table 3.1.1-1 illustrates the power load and the demand over the period 1981 - 2005. The kinyeti project is accordingly expected to contribute to the reduction in energy shortage.

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The absence of power grid in the Southern Sudan and the demand for electricity in Eastern Equatoria are stated as main justifications for hydropower generation in Kinyeti in Eastern Equatoria to support electricity supply and economic development in the capital Torit and in the State. entral Equatoria State.

To fulfill the project objectives and satisfy the required standards, the consultant highlighted on the engineering characteristics as presented in table (3.2-1) covering:

The hydrological characteristics,

Reservoir,

Project benefits index,

Immersion loss and permanent land occupation,

Main structure,

Construction

This was then followed by descriptions of the project layout including dam and reservoir, power house and transmission lines. These are associated by construction planning, methods and schedule and other engineering planning accompanied by illustrative tables

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Method (Chapter 4)

Based on the background information, the legal and administrative framework and the description of the project, the consultant came to a stage of providing the method they used for the ESIA study. The consultant provided a comprehensive description of the methodology they adopted in the Environmental Impact assessment process which will be the basis for collection of baseline survey on the physical, biological and social Environment.

They provided concepts and knowledge on the basis of which they designed the methodology. The consultant indicated that the ESIA contained a comprehensive and deep look into the project components and their impacts which are considered early in the project cycle in order to develop adequate mechanism for monitoring and environmental management. On this basis, the consultants pointed the series of steps followed including:

Screening Scoping

Prediction and Mitigation

Management and Monitoring

Audit 3

The methodology has been presented in a diagrammatic illustration in Figure 4.1-1 in the main report.

In the case of Juba project, the ESIA is based on past studies for the dam and the transmission lines and on report, research projects, bibliography and official archives, which facilitated the presentation of the background information in chapters 1, 2 and 3. The major impacts identified are related to the dam project construction and its operation and the resettlements of people on the site of the reservoir. With regards to transmission lines the main impacts are related to land acquisition and deforestation along the corridor.

The assessment covered all aspects within the framework of three major issues:

The physical Environment (Climate, geology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, hydrology, sedimentation, pedology and water quality)

Biological Environment (The flora and Fauna and their ecological relationship in the zone of the study)

Socio-economic Environment (Social, cultural and economic characteristics of the population potentially affected)

The consultants described the method of identification and evaluation of impacts, in their positive and negative forms. In this respect the consultant used criteria that contained three types: Duration of the impact, extent of the impact and intensity of the impact. In relation to this, the consultant determined the various impacts severity as shown in an illustrative chart (Table 4.5-1). The chart links the intensity, the extent and the duration with the severity. For any intensity (strong, average or weak) there are three extents (regional, local and punctual) and for every extent there are two durations (permanent or temporary) and fin relation to duration there is a level of severity (major, average or minor).

The Environment Baseline data (Chapter 5)

The Physical Environment (Section 5.1)

The consultant made a detailed description of the physical environment components indicating major impacts related to runoff and sedimentation in their methodology.

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The consultants provided a general review of the baseline data concerning the physical environment of the Kinyeti project area. The project climatic zones, the topography of the area, the geology and the hydrography and water resources associated with illustrations using maps and tables. These components of the physical environment are essential for land use in the area particularly with regard to settlement plans and agriculture.

The consultant provided mean annual temperature and rainfall in annual averages and ranges over the area. It could be useful if the consultant provided rainfall and temperature over a long period and break the data into sub-periods to evaluate the trend of temperature and rainfall. It could be useful if these figures are given along specified long term period up to 2010. In addition, it would be useful if the long term average per annum is associated with annual amounts in a figure to indicate anomalies over time taking the long term average as zero line. The figure may indicate the fluctuations in rainfall. Wind speed is provided over a long period.

However, other physical features of the area are given in general terms for the topography, and geology. Detailed description was provided for the hydrological aspects with some concern about the catchment area, the discharge and runoff. Water mean monthly discharge of Kinyeti hydropower station provided in table 5.1.4-1) provided values for monthly contribution over the year in m3/s.

Nile Basin

The consultant did not mention the Nile basin in a regional agreement perspective nor from climate changes and its impact on lakes water storage and river flow. In fact, the consultant may need to look into the climate change risks resulting from fluctuation of rainfall in the major basin at the lakes or at the basin of the White Nile within Sudan and the impacts This situation is more influenced by the fact that only 20% of the Nile basin receives high rainfall while almost 80% of the Nile length flows in drylands. There is a need for looking into approaches for mitigation of climate change risks on the Nile basin and solution may be within regional and international cooperation to support ecosystem management.

Biological Environment (Section 5.2)

The consultant indicated that the area of Kinyeti Hydropower project has rich rainfall almost all the year with mean annual of 1475 and such water resources is important for the biological environment and food resources. The consultant considered the biological environment components such as aquatic ecology, biodiversity in plants, forests, livestock, and wildlife in details.

Aquatic Ecology and Fishes

The consultant reported the existence of biodiversity in aquatic life reporting phytoplankton and zooplankton ecology, fish and other fauna. With respect to fish biodiversity and importance for

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food and poverty reduction, the consultant reported the high potential of the fish resources in the area but indicated the low level of fishing practices.

It seems that the common species of fish in the situation of Kinyeti and Juba projects are similar. The consultants provided some detailed information on the common species of fish with respect to habits of feeding and breeding. The most important information that the consultant did not consider is the trend of population dynamic, abundance and frequencies which indicate the potential of use over time.

Vegetation

The consultant stated that vegetation in southern Sudan is rich in biodiversity of forests and woodland illustrating by remote sensing picture (Figure 5.2.2.1-1) that the vegetation cover is approximately 29% of Southern Sudan total area.

With regards to Kinyeti hydropower project, the consultant provided details on variations pattern of distribution with respect to Kinyeti River. Tree cover is much denser and closer to the river the grassland, then open woodland and lastly shrubs to the inland. The site is characterized by waterfalls and beautiful landscape.

The consultant did not ignore the use of the vegetation at all levels including forest products, fodder, cottage industry and medicinal that support livelihoods in the area. The consultant gave details on species distribution and composition and their uses presented in table (5.2.2 6-1) where 13 tree species, 7 shrub species and 6 grass species are listed.

The biodiversity of tree, shrub and plant species could be more than the 36 cited in table (5.2.2.3- 1) but rare species may not be observed from single survey. The consultant may be able to look into previous inventories or into regeneration survey to conclude to other species components

The consultant highlighted on the threat facing the flora. Seasonal burning and cultivation are the most serious in the consultants’ perception. The grazing and last is the logging for timber use and trade.

Wildlife

The southern Sudan is rich with biodiversity with most of the wildlife protected inside national parks than in open lands. For the three project areas, a common map (Figure 5.2.3.1-1) shows the locations of National parks, game reserves and other protected areas. Two game reserves are located in East Equatoria where Kinyeti Hydropower project is located.

Wildlife is a potential for eco-tourism but is lacking management. The consultant perceived the various values of wildlife but because of mismanagement, most of the wildlife species migrated. The consultant linked between the need for protection with reference to the acts and ministerial 6

orders that support wildlife protection and management. Juba Game Reserve will be affected by the project;

The consultant provided some details on other wildlife species common in the Sue Hydropower Project illustrated in tables (Table 5.2.3.3-1 for birds), (Table 5.2.3.4-1 for mammals), and (Table 5.2.3.5-1 for reptiles). More illustrations are provided in photos and descriptions of selected species of wildlife.

Socio-economic Environment (Section 5.3)

In chapter five, socio-economic environment the consultant covered nine major aspects in the baseline survey, all related to the social fabrics in demographic, infrastructure, land use, health and culture aspects. These data will be useful with respect to impacts.

Use is made of the population census, 2008 which provided population density in Eastern Equatoria as 11 persons/km2 .

Data on infrastructures whether public (roads) or private (housing) are considered. With respect to land use, the consultant considered that all lands are in Savannas characterized by five types of use dominated by agriculture and settlements. The use of natural resources components is also important from socio-economic point of view. Farming, forests, water, wildlife, fishing and animals are included. Photos for illustrations are provided in figures 5.3.2-1, 5.3.3-1 and 5.3.3-2.

From health side, the consultant is aware about tropical and water born diseases. In addition the consultant did not ignore the cultural and cultural heritage. Other general social issues considered include poverty, poor conditions of public resources and others.

Social and Environmental Impacts (Chapter 6)

Chapter six (Social and Environmental Impacts) is considered important because it is concerned identification of impacts and it proposes suitable mitigation measures and minimizing adverse impacts as for three phases of Kinyeti Hydropower Project (pre-construction and construction phases and the operation phase). The approach of the consultant in this chapter is concerned with identification of the parameters of the impact as based on the area affected and the period to be taken; the three phases of the project life. The area affected is described in the project detailed description covering major environmental fields in the Physical, biological and socio-economic environments.

The consultant made a list of impacts and impacts sources for the three phases provided in tables (6.1-1) and these were followed by a table for identification of sensitive habitats components (Table 6.2.-1) covering the three aspects (The physical, the biological and the Human habitats or

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environments). All these were then linked by designing a chart table (Table 6.3-1) for the interrelationship between impact sources and environmental sensitive elements.

These tables helped the consultant to provide a comprehensive review of the benefits and negative impacts created by the Kinyeti Hydropower Project to the area, people and at national levels.

The consultant envisaged a list of benefits pertaining to the case of Kinety Hydropower project. Benefits include development of a new hydropower generation plant which generate power, provides job opportunities, increases the chances for ecotourism and wildlife development particularly birds, and enhances fishery and agricultural development in addition to reducing CO2 emissions.

While these benefits are positive and valuable, the negative impacts are many and of variable magnitudes and effects as perceived by the consultant. Based on the identified impacts presented in tables (6.1-1; 6.2-1) and chart (Table 6 3-1) the consultant is able to visualize and set a system for evaluation of impacts during the pre-construction and construction phase (Chapter 8) and during operation stage (Chapter 9).

In both chapters, the consultant covered the three main aspects of the ESIA; THE PHYSICAL Environment, the Biological Environment and the Socio-economic Environment in comprehensive details exhausting every possible aspect of impact related to the project. The Consultant provided some measures on the level of potential impacts suggesting four levels: Not significant (negligible) impact, minor, moderate and high; presented in 26 tables containing 14 aspects of impacts in chapter 8 and chapter 9 based on identified impacts, criteria and significance.

An important impact from climate change perspective is the emission of GHGs by the reservoir 2 in the form of CO Methane (CH4) from anaerobic decomposition from natural resources and soil organic matters submerged under water or biomass transported by water and other below water sources. The consultant did not elaborate on this issue. Mitigation is supported by clearance of the vegetation prior to dam filling and the consultant should note this. In addition, a positive impact from climate change perspective which reduces emission from wood energy use is based on increase in energy use through provision of electricity at household level and at industrial use which reduces GHGs emissions. It is necessary here to highlight on efficient use of electricity and encourage wise use of other forms of energy in order to contribute to GHGs emission reduction and this would support the positive impact of electricity generation.

The benefits obtained from electricity generation and use is indirectly proposing development based on electricity. More important is to include these aspects in the recommendations to increase possibilities for agriculture and agriculture-based industry development and increase security in all aspects of food and other forms. Based on the many mentioned benefits from 8

electricity generation, a development strategy should be proposed in connection with Kinyeti hydropower project.

The link between physical biological and social Environments

Of the potential benefits within the physical environment is the provision of electricity and irrigation water and creation of cropping facilitation that add to the strategy for food security at national and within the region. Moreover, the dam will create a crossing facility for agricultural products transportation and animal crossing, hence linking between production sites and the market. These aspects will add to the possibilities for piece development and so there is some need to elaborate on this particularly in public consultation.

However, one of the major negative impacts is the sedimentation which will in the long run reduce the storage capacity and hydropower generation of the Kinyeti hydropower project. In addition, silt capturing by the reservoir will withdraw the potential of irrigated areas from fertilization by silt.

Socio-economic Environment

Socio-economic impacts are many and variable. The most important as perceived by the consultant is the impact on the villages and the involuntary resettlements as a result of land take because of inundation, including settlement areas, agricultural, forests and rangelands. Detailed impacts are well described by the consultant covering land and settlements, households, livestock and farming and other natural resources and their impacts on livelihood. However, development of resettlement area in good standard is a possibility for creation of peaceful settlements

Analysis of Alternatives

Although the consultant had an overall look into the need for the Juba hydropower project from power generation and provision of irrigation for agriculture, for local and national needs, the consultant did not elaborate on alternatives in spite of their consultation to the World Bank guidelines and the African development Bank practices. The consultant should have considered alternatives such as “without project” case. The great benefits from dam construction over “without project” may include provision of electric power and irrigation and increased possibility for developments and food security than could be gained in “without project” situation.

Other possibilities for project alternatives compared to dam construction or change of location or alternative technology by using thermal generation could have been considered. The consultant

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could have performed comparative assessment in order to conclude to options for Kinyeti Hydropower project.

The Hydropower projects in Juba, Kinyeti and Sue are considered as important from a strategic development aspect in southern Sudan particularly for improvements of standards of living and consolidation of peace and unity. Hydropower projects in the South are very important for electricity generation and development of Irrigation schemes at the regional and national levels. The great benefits far outweigh the negative impacts while the later can be mitigated or controlled.

However, it is useful that the consultant considered the importance of public consultation for which the consultant provided a description of the methodology.

Environmental Management plan (Chapter 10)

The consultant addressed the issue of Environmental Management Plan shortly indicating that the environmental and social monitoring program will be presented in the environmental and social management plan (EMP). However, a brief highlight may be needed here to show the arrangement made by the consultant for environmental management of the project and procedure for capacity building at the institutional level and the ability for EMP implementation to facilitate monitoring and evaluation and decision support at the appropriate times. This is necessary for integration of the EMP with overall project management planning.

However, it is useful that the consultant considered the importance of public consultation for which the consultant provided a description of the methodology. The consultant finalized the report with a set of conclusions and a list of consulted references and documents.

However, there are few observations stated in this report that needs to be considered. In addition there are editing that needs to be done for corrections.

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