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DEPARTMENT OF WATER LOWLANDS WATER Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized
if rica Metolong Dam Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Volume 1 .Main Report Final Report
Table of Contents AbbreviationsIDefinitions Acknowledgements Executive Summary in EnglishISesotho (Separate Volume)
1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Project Background ...... 1 1.2 Previous Studies ...... 1 1 .2.1 Environmental Impacts Identified in the Feasibility Study ...... 2 1.2.1 .1 Public Health ...... 2 1. 2.1 .2 Socio-Economic Conditions ...... 3 1.2.1.3 Water Resources ...... 4 1.2.1 .4 Archaeology ...... 4 1. 3 Scope and Objectives of ESlA ...... 4 1.4 Consultant Resourcing and Terms of Reference...... 4
2 Policy. Legal and Administrative Framework ...... 6 2.1 Lesotho ...... 6 2.1.1 Constitution of Lesotho ...... 6 2.1 .2 Environment...... 6 2.1.3 Land and Land Acquisition ...... 7 2.1 .3.1 Land Act, 1979 ...... 7 2.1.3.2 WSlP Policy Framework Land Acqu isition and Compensation . 8 2.1 .3.3 Compensation Practices on the LHWP ...... 8 2.1.4 Water ...... 9 2.1 .5 Air ...... 9 2.1 .6 Public Health...... 9 2.1.7 Natural and Cultural Heritage ...... 9 2.1 .8 Other ...... 10 2.1 .9 Local ...... 10 2.2 Institutional Capacity of lmplementir~gAgency ...... 10 2.3 Private Sector Capacity ...... 11 2.4 World Bank ...... 11 2.5 International Agreements ...... 14
3 Project Description ...... 16
Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 20M a%SMmon Assoaalfon w~mFM Assocfates ilesotho) and SaulPem Waters !South Alnca~ 3 . 1 Overview ...... 16 3.2 Location and Justification...... 16 3.3 Description of Proposed Works ...... 16 3.3.1 Dam ...... 16 3.3.2 Water Supply Transmission...... 17 3.3.3 Pumping Stations...... 19 3.3.4 Treatment Plant ...... 19 3.4 Ancillary Facilities and Services...... 19 3.4.1 Quarry Site ...... 19 3.4.2 Water Supply ...... 20 3.4.3 Power Supply ...... 20 3.5 Operation and Maintenance...... 20 3.6 Area of Impact ...... 20 3.7 Projectlmplementation ...... 21 3.8 Project Cost ...... 21 4 Methodology ...... 22 4 . 1 Scoping ...... 22 4.2 Source of Information and Data Analysis ...... 23 4.3 Physical Environment...... 23 4.3.1 Water Quality ...... 23 4.3.1 .1 Adequacy of sampling Sites ...... 24 4.3.2 lnstream Flow Requirements...... 24 4.3.2.1 Choice of DRIFT Method and its Limitations ...... 25 4.3.2.2 Overview of the Drift Method ...... 26 4.3.2.3 IFR Tasks ...... 27 4.3.2.4 Hydrology Data and its Limitations...... 28 4.4 Biological Environment ...... 29 4.4.1 Terrestrial...... 29 4.4.2 Aquatic ...... 30 4.4.2.1 Sampling...... 30 4.4.2.2 Habitat cover ratings ...... 30 4.4.2.3 Fish Assemblages Integrity Index ...... 31 4.4.2.4 Assessment of Impact Significance...... 33 4.5 Social Aspects ...... 33 4.5.1 Consultations with Interested and Affected Parties ...... 33 4.5.2 Census of Households in Broader Reservoir Area ...... 34 4.5.3 Socio-Economic Survey ...... 34 4.5.4 Recording of Assets ...... 35 4.5.5 Survey of Movement across the Phuthiatsana River ...... 35 4.5.6 Mapping and Database of Affected Persons and Assets ...... 36 4.5.7 Review of Secondary Data ...... 36 4.6 Health ...... 36 4.7 Cultural Heritage ...... 36 ...... Melolong 3am ESlA Final February 2008 i I @!&SMEC 3" Assoc~al~onw~!h FM Assouales lLesotnoi and Soulnern Waters iSoutn Alilcai 4.8 Consultation and Public Disclosure ...... 38 4.8.1 Objectives of Public Consultation and Information Dissemination ...... 38 4.8.2 Previous Public Consultation and Disclosure ...... 38 4.8.3 Stakeholders ...... 39 4.8.4 Consultation Activities for Preparation of ESIA and Resettlement Plan . 40 4.9 Bounding ...... 42
5 Description of the Environment ...... 43 5.1 Physical Environment ...... 43 5.1.1 Topography and Geology ...... 43 5.1.1.1 Regional Geology ...... 43 5.1.1.2 Site Geology ...... 44 5.1.1 .3 Seismological Environment ...... 44 5.1.2 Soils ...... 44 5.1.3 Climate ...... 44 5.1 .4 Surface and Groundwater Resources ...... 45 5.1 .5 Water Quality ...... 46 5.1.5.1 Description of Sampling Sites ...... 46 5.1.5.2 Results of the Water Analyses ...... 49 5.2 Biological Environment ...... 54 5.2.1 Vegetation ...... 54 5.2.1 .1 Regional Context ...... 54 5.2.1 .2 Description of Vegetation ...... 55 5.2.1.3 Species Diversity ...... 56 5.2.1 .4 Threatened Species ...... 56 5.2.2 Terrestrial Wildlife ...... 57 5.2.2.1 Mammals ...... 57 5.2.2.2 Birds ...... 58 5.2.2.3 Reptiles ...... 59 5.2.3 Fish ...... 59 5.2.3.1 Fish assemblage in the Phuthiatsana River ...... 59 5.2.3.2 Habitatcoverratings ...... 61 5.2.3.3 Fish Assemblages Integrity Index ...... 62 5.2.3.4 Conclusions ...... 63 5.2.4 lnstream Flows ...... 63 5.2.4.1 P resent Ecological Condition ...... 64 5.2.4.2 1 1. 2 Consequence assessment ...... 64 5.3 Socio-Economic Envi ronment ...... 65 5.3.1 Geographical Context ...... 65 5.3.2 Development Context ...... 66 5.3.3 Administrative Context ...... 66 5.3.4 Demography ...... 69 5.3.4.1 Population and Settlement Patterns ...... 69 5.3.4.2 Age and Gender Distribution ...... 72
Melolong Dam ESA final . February 2LW8 ili @%SMm n Assocfat,on with iMkssociales ILesothol and Southern Waters (South Atnca) 5.3.4.3 Educational Attainment ...... 73 5.3.4.4 Household Composition ...... 74 Housing ...... 77 Water and Sanitation ...... 78 Land Use ...... 79 5.3.7.1 Agriculture ...... 79 5.3.7.2 Livestock Farming ...... 81 5.3.7.3 Trees ...... 81 Livelihoods ...... 82 5.3.8.1 Occupation and Employment Status ...... 82 5.3.8.2 Income and Expenditure ...... 83 5.3.8.3 Poverty ...... 84 Infrastructure, Services and Movement Patterns ...... 85 Use of the Phuthiatsana River and Riverine Resources ...... 86 Health ...... 88 5.3.1 1.1 Overview ...... 88 5.3.1 1. 2 Existing Health Status of the Population ...... 89 Cultural Heritage ...... 91 5.3.1 2.1 Cultural Heritage Sites ...... 91 5.3.1 2.2 Community Members Interviewed ...... 92 5.3.12.3 Opportunities and Constraints ...... 92 Attitudes Towards the Project...... 92 Key Issues Raised ...... 93
6 Social and Environmental Impacts ...... 95 6.1 Project Benefits ...... 95 6.1 .1 Local Benefits ...... 95 6.1 .2 Regional and National Benefits ...... 95 6.2 Description of Impacts Prior to Mitigation ...... 98 6.2.1 Physical Environment ...... 98 6.2.1 .1 Climate ...... 98 6.2.1 .2 Soils ...... 98 6.2.1.3 Mineral Resources...... 98 6.2.1.4 Surface and Groundwater Resources ...... 98 6.2.1.5 Water Quality ...... 99 6.2.2 Biological Environment ...... 103 6.2.2.1 Vegetation and Terrestrial Wildlife ...... 103 6.2.2.2 Fish ...... 103 6.2.2.3 lnstream Flow Environment ...... 104 6.2.3 Socio-Economic Environment ...... - ...... 107 6.2.3.1 Land Acquisition Requirements ...... 107 6.2.3.2 Affected Households ...... 108 6.2.3.3 Livelihood Impacts ...... 110 6.2.3.4 Loss of Trees ...... 112
- ...... Melolong Dam ESIA' Final Februarv PWX 4eSMECAssoc.~~~o~ with FM Assoc~ates(Lesothoi and Southern Waters (South Afrtcai 6.2.3.5 Impacts on Livestock Farming...... 112 6.2.3.6 Lossof Graves ...... 112 6.2.3.7 Severedlconstrained Access ...... 113 6.2.3.8 Population Relocation ...... 113 6.2.3.9 Vulnerable HouseholdsISocial Categories ...... 113 6.2.3.10 Construction Impacts ...... 114 6.2.3.1 1 Operational Impacts ...... 115 6.2.3.1 2 Impacts on Downstream Users ...... 115 6.2.3.13 Health ...... 115 6.2.3.14 Cultural Heritage...... 128 6.3 Mitigation Measures ...... 129 6.3.1 Physical Environment ...... 129 6.3.1.1 Water Quality ...... 129 6.3.2 Biological Environment ...... 134 6.3.2.1 Vegetation and Terrestrial Wildlife ...... 134 6.3.2.2 InstreamIRiparian Environment ...... 135 6.3.3 Socio-Economic Environment ...... 136 6.3.3.1 Guiding Principles for Compensation and Resettlement...... 136 6.3.3.2 Entitlements ...... 136 6.3.3.3 Structured Consultation Programme ...... 141 6.3.3.4 Health and Safety ...... 142 6.3.3.5 Cultural Heritage ...... 147 6.3.3.6 Future Consultation and Disclosure Program ...... 150 6.3.3.7 Grievance Redress ...... 151
7 Analysis of Alternatives ...... 152 7.1 Project Alternatives ...... 152 7.2 Alternative Sites for Metolong Dam ...... 152 7.3 Alternative Ancillary Facilities for Metolong ...... 153 7.4 Alternative Storage Options for the Metolong Dam Site ...... 153 7.5 "Do Nothing" Option ...... 155
8 Environmental and Social Management Plan ...... 156 8.1 Proposed Environmental Management Measures ...... 156 8.2 Institutional Arrangements ...... 180 8.3 Training ...... 180 8.4 Monitoring ...... 181 8.4.1 Water Quality Monitoring ...... 181 8.4.2 Noise Levels Monitoring ...... 182 8.4.3 Soil Erosion Monitoring ...... 182 8.4.4 Monitoring of Vegetation Clearing ...... 182 8.4.5 Monitoring Rehabilitation of Work Sites ...... 182 8.4.6 Monitoring of AccidentsIHealth ...... 182
9 Recommendations 1 Conclusions ...... 185
. _.- - .- ... - .. _~ .. __ _- -_ .. -...... _ ___ . Melolong Oam ESiA F~nal February 2008 \i *&SMEc !n Asscciatao~ wtth FM Associates !Lesoth~1and Southerr Wafers !%"ItAlnca! 9.1 Key Actions to be Implemented ...... 185 9.2 Summary of Compensation and Monitoring Costs ...... 186
10 Reference Material ...... 188
List of Tables Table 1 . Details of water supply transmission lines ...... 17 Table 2 . Details of pumping stations...... 19 Table 3. Different Kinds of river flow and their importance to ecosystem functioning ... 26 Table 4 . FAll Assessment Classes (from Kleynhans, 1996; 1 999) ...... 32 Table 5. Consequence and probability ranking...... 33 Table 6 . Project Stakeholders...... 39 Table 7 . Summary of consultation activities undertaken for report preparation...... 41 Table 8 . Results of the water chemical and coliform analyses for the Phuthiatsana River and its two tributaries ...... 51 Table 9 . Utilisation categories of identified plant species ...... 56 Table 1 0. List of mammals observed in the project area ...... 57 Table 1 1 . List of bird species reported by local residents...... 58 Table 12 . List of reptiles reported as occurring in the area by local residents ...... 59 Table 13. The fish assemblages integrity index calculated for the site downstream from the dam site ...... 62 Table 14 . The Fish Assemblages Integrity Index calculated for the site within the proposed reservoir ...... 63 Table 15 . Present Ecological State categories (after Kleynhans 1996) ...... 65 Table 16 . Population distribution by ecological zone ...... 69 Table 17. Inter-district lifetime migration and population in districts ...... 70 Table 18 . Population distribution and density in the Project area districts ...... 70 Table 19 . Population in the Metolong reservoir area. 1996 ...... 71 Table 20 . Households enumerated in the Metolong reservoir area. 2006 ...... 71 Table 21 . Lesotho's population by broad age category ...... 72 Table 22 . Age-sex distribution of the household population. Metolong reservoir area .... 72 Table 23. Educational attainment of persons 5 years and older in the Metolong reservoir area ...... 74 Table 24 . Residential status of the surveyed population. metolong reservoir area ...... 75 Table 25 . Main demographic features of household heads. Metolong reservoir area ..... 76 Table 26 . Educational levels of household heads. metolong reservoir area ...... 76 Table 27 . Employment status of household heads. Metolong reservoir area ...... 77 Table 28 . Dwelling types in berea and maseru districts ...... 77 Table 29 . Ownership of homestead. metolong reservoir area ...... 78 Table 30 . Length of residence at homestead site. Metolong reservoir area ...... 78 Table 31 . Household water sources. Metolong reservoir area ...... 78 . -...... - - . Melolong Dam ES A F~nal February 2008 \ @&SMEC In Assoclallon wllh FM Assoclales ILesolho) and Soulhern Walers (South Af-ea: Table 32 . Household sanitation facilities. Metolong reservoir area ...... 79 Table 33. Ownership of agricultural fields. Metolong reservoir area ...... 80 Table 34. Size of agricultural holdings...... 81 Table 35. Livestock ownership, metolong reservoir area ...... 81 Table 36 . Ownership of Trees, Metolong Reservoir Area ...... 82 Table 37. Employment status across male and female-headed households, Metolong reservoir area ...... 83 Table 38. Household income sources, Metolong reservoir area ...... 83 Table 39 . Location of services accessed by surveyed households, Metolong reservoir area ...... 85 Table 40. Survey of crossing points on Phuthiatsana River and tributaries ...... 86 Table 41 . Frequency of eating fish from Phuthiatsana River, Metolong reservoir area... 87 Table 42 . Important riverine resources. Metolong reservoir area ...... 87 Table 43. Impact of Natural Resource Loss on Livelihoods...... 88 Table 44 . Cultural heritage sites recorded within the metolong dam footprint ...... 91 Table 45 . Overall view of project ...... 92 Table 46 . Perceptions about Project benefits. Metolong reservoir area ...... 95 Table 47. Summary of predicted impacts for Metolong Dam ...... 96 Table 48 . mean total phosphorus inflow concentration to the Metolong Dam ...... 101 Table 49 . Estimated algal counts for Metolong dam ...... 101 Table 50. Feasibility allocations to IFR ...... 106 Table 51. Households potentially affected by the Metolong reservoir ...... 108 Table 52. Households Potentially Affected by the Water Treatment Plant and Access Road...... 109 Table 53. Summary of Affected Households ...... 109 Table 54 . Affected Population: Metolong Reservoir. Water Treatment Plant and Access Road ...... 109 Table 55 . Affected Households by Gender of Household Head...... 110 Table 56. Income Sources of Affected Households ...... 110 Table 57. Estimate of Permanent Land Losses ...... 111 Table 58. Affected Households by Number of Agricultural Fields...... 111 Table 59. Estimate of Individual Tree Losses. Metolong Reservoir Area ...... 112 Table 60. Dust. matrix of health impact...... 116 Table 61 . Combustion gases; matrix of health impact...... 117 Table 62. Handling of chlorine and water treatment chemicals: Matrix of Health Impacts 118 Table 63 . Consumption of drinking-water chemicals and contaminants: matrix of health impact ...... 119 Table 64. Non-biological wastes: matrix of health impact...... 121 Table 65. Noise: matrix of health impact...... 122 Table 66. Dam failure: matrix of health impact...... 123 Table 67. Downstream flooding: Matrix of Health Impacts...... 124 Table 68. Fire. explosion. chemical spill: matrix of health impacts ...... 124 Melolong Dam ESlA F~nel February 20C0 In Assoc~al~onwnh FM Associates (Lesolhol and Southern Waters iSoufh Alr~ca! Table 69 . Perceived change in the risk of contracting HIVtAIDS once the construction phase of the project has started...... 126 Table 70. Water Quality Monitoring Program ...... 130 Table 71. Summary of the flood requirements ...... 135 Table 72. Cost Estimate for Compensation and Associated Measures ...... 141 Table 73 . Cost estimates for health mitigation measures...... 146 Table 74 . Proposed Metolong Cultural Resources Management Plan ...... 148 Table 75 . Summary of environmental impacts for Metolong Dam options 1 and 2 ...... 153 Table 76 . Environmental Management Plan ...... 157 Table 77. Training for LWSU and Contractor Staff ...... 180 Table 78. Monitoring Plan...... 183 Table 79 . Budget estimate for Monitoring ...... 184 Table 80 . Compensation and Monitoring Costs ...... 187
List of Figures Figure 1. Location of Project and Study Area ...... 5 Figure 2 . General Location of Metolong Dam ...... 18 Figure 3 . Location of the Metolong dam site in the Phuthiatsana catchment ...... 45 Figure 4 . Locations of the six water quality sampling sites used in this study...... 47 Figure 5 . Length frequencies for the Smallmouth Yellowfish sampled during August 2006 at the site downstream from the proposed dam site ...... 60 Figure 6 . Length frequencies for the Chubbyhead Barb sampled dl~ringAugust 2006 from the site within the proposed dam basin...... 60 Figure 7 . Length frequencies for the Smallmouth yellowfish sampled during August 2006 from the site within the proposed dam basin...... 61 Figure 8 . Habitat Cover Ratings calculated during the August 2006 survey from the site downstream from the proposed dam ...... 61 Figure 9. Habitat Cover Ratings calculated during the August 2006 survey from the site within the proposed dam basin...... 62 Figure 10. Community Councils in the Metolong Reservoir Area ...... 68 Figure 11 . Population Pyramid. Metolong Reservoir Area ...... 73 Figure 12. Household Composition. Metolong Reservoir Area ...... 75 Figure 13. Examples of Housing in the Metolong Reservoir Area ...... 77 Figure 14. Employment Status. Metolong Reservoir Area ...... 82 Figure 15 . Reported Monthly Household Income. Metolong Reservoir Area ...... 84 Figure 16. Use of Phuthiatsana River. Metolong Reservoir Area ...... 87 Figure 17. Typical Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Profiles for lnanda Dam...... 100 Figure 18. DRIFT CATEGORY Plot for the Metolong IFR Site...... 106 Figure 19. Land use patterns around the proposed reservoir ...... 131 Figure 20 . Map of Metolong Dam Showing Two Storage Options ...... 193 Figure 21 . Vegetation Map of Storage Area ...... 194 Figure 22 . Schools in the Immediate Reservoir Area ...... 195 Fsure 23 Cros3 Points on the Phuthiatsana River ...... 196 -p ...... - . . .- ...... -...... Melolong Dam ESlA Finel Febr~ary2008 vii! I, I, Association with FM Assocmres {Lesotho) and Soutl7nrn Waters (South Aka) Figure 24. Potential Access Roads and Bridges...... cv ...... 197 Figure 25. Potential Area for Treatment Plant ...... 198 Figure 26. Possible Areas of Involuntary Relocation...... 199 Figure 27. Cultural and Heritage Sites at Metolong Dam Site ...... 200
APPENDIX 1 : List of Consulting Staff
APPENDIX 2 : Consultant Terms of Reference
APPENDIX 3 : Record of Consultation
APPENDIX 4 : Community and Other Stakeholder Issues
APPENDIX 5 : List of Potentially Affected Households
APPENDIX 6 : Entitlement Framework
APPENDIX 7 : IFR Monthly Flow Releases at IFR Site
APPENDIX 8 : Best Practice Environmental Guidelines
List of ESIA Documents
Volume 1: Main Report - ESIA This is the "stand alone" main report addressing the environmental and social impact assessment of the Project and includes an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The specialist reports in Volumes 2 and 3 (Annexes to the ESIA) need only be consulted if a reader wishes to follow-up the specialist studies undertaken to complete the ESIA. Volume 2: Annex to Main Report I. Minutes of Stakeholder Meetings 2. Health Impact Assessment 3. Cultural Heritage (Archaeology) Impact Assessment
Volume 3: Annex to Main Report 1. Instream Flow Assessment 2. Water Quality Assessment 3. The Ecology of the Metolong Storage Area, Transmission Lines and Proposed Quarry Sites
Executive Summary This Report provides a summary of the main ESIA in English and Sesotho.
i*%h Melolong Dam ESlA Flnal February 2008 ix \&SMm an Assoclaflon with FM Assocfales (Lesolho) and Soulhern Waters (South Africa, Resettlement Plan Volume 1 : Main Report The Resettlement Plan is a separate report required by the World Bank to support the ESIA. The findings and recommendations have been included in the Main ESIA. The Resettlement Plan is supported by an Annex (Volume 2) containing the documents outlined below.
Resettlement Plan Volume 2: Annex to the Resettlement Plan The Annex contains the following: 1. Census Questionnaire 2. Socio-Economic Questionnaire 3. Asset Survey Sheet 4. Profile of Villages Surrounding the Metolong Reservoir Area 5. Examples of Monitoring Indicators 6. Survey of Movement Across the Phuthiatsana River 7. Summary Socio-Economic Information on Interviewed Households Potentially Affected by Metolong Reservoir, Treatment Plant and Access Road to Dam Wall
Cover Photo: Phuthiatsana River upstream of the dam site near the village of Ha Seeiso (February 2006).
~ - Metolonc Dan ESIA Final February 2W @QSMW ~n As50cialion vnlh FM Assoc~ales(Lesotho; anti Southern Waters \South Alrlmi AbbreviationdDefin itions AIDS Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome BP Bank Procedure of the World Bank DMA Disaster Management Authority, Lesotho DWA Department of Water Affairs, Lesotho EA Environmental Assessment EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement (National Environment Act, 2001, Lesotho) ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan GDP Gross Domestic Product GNI Gross National Income GoL Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus IAPs Interested and affected parties IFR Instream Flow Requirement LCN Lesotho Council of Non-Government Organizations LEI AC Lesotho Environment, Justice and Advocacy Centre LHDA Lesotho Highlands Development Authority LHWP Lesotho Highlands Water Project LSPP Department of Lands, Surveys and Physical Planning, Lesotho LWSU Lowlands Water Supply Unit ML/D Mega litres per day NES National Environment Secretariat, Lesotho NGO Non Governmental Organisation OD Operational Directive of the World Bank OP Operational Policy of the World Bank Pitso Public gathering in Lesotho PMF Possible Maximum Flood level PRA Participatory Rural Appraisal RFP Request for Proposals for Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Metolong Dam Project RP Resettlement Plan SADC Southern African Development Community SIA Social Impact Assessment STD Sexually Transmitted Diseases ST1 Sexually Transmitted Infections TOR Terms of Reference TRC Transformation Resource Center for Intervention (Lesotho NGO) WASA Water and Sewerage Authority (Lesotho) WB World Bank
.- ~ ~ .- - - +Is Melolong Darn ESlA Fmal Febfusry ZD06 xi MEC I" Ass~cta!~~,',I, KM Assocxales ,Lesolhoi and Southern Waters iSoufh Atnmi Acknowledgements
SMEC International, FM Associates (Lesotho) and Southern Waters (South Africa) acknowledge the assistance provided by numerous individuals in Maseru and elsewhere in Lesotho, and especially the following. Lowlands Water Supply Unit (LWSU) including MsLintle Maliehe, Director, Mr Seboka Thamae, Chief Environment Officer, Mr Maieane Khaketla, Chief Public Relations Officer and MsLisebo Mahlatsi, Chief Development Officer. National Environment Secretariat (NES) of Lesotho Ms Bernice Khoachele, EIA and Pollution Control Division. Staff of the Department of Water Affairs - Mr. M. Mojakisane, Director, Mr. M. Lesopi, Principal Hydrologist, Mr Mefi, Chief Technical Officer, Mr Khaba, Mr. M. Lerotholi, Manager Wetlands Unit. WASA - Mr. J. Mohosho, Director, Mrs Agnes Masenyetse, Plant Manager, Maseru Water Treatment Plant. The EA team appreciates the helpful interest of Mr. E. Lesoma, Commissioner of Water, and Mr. G. Munro, Technical Advisor to the Commissioner of Water and Mr. N. Lachovitzki, Water Sector Policy Advisor. Mr M. Lenka from Transformation Resource Center, Lesotho and Ms T. Irvine from the Lesotho Council of NGOs. Mr M. Ntsihlele, Director Ntsihlele Land Surveyors, Maseru. The Councillors, Village Chiefs and affected communities who provided their time and effort at meetings and participated in the socioeconomic and affected asset surveys for the Project. Metolong Dam Feasibility Consultants: Mr Bakaya and Mr Ian Rushton, GWC Consulting Engineers, Lesotho; Mr Yousef Hammad, CEC Lesotho; and Mr Chris Wagner, Mott MacDonald, UK.
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Metolong Dam ESIA Final FEblwary ZW~ >!I @SMEC In Assocoalion with FM Associates (LesOmOj and Sou:llern Waters iSouth Afrlcai . 1 Introduction
1.I Project Background The Metolong Dam Project will permit the Government of Lesotho to meet Maseru's domestic and industrial water requirements up to the year 2020 and possibly beyond through the provision of a treated water supply of up to 80 MUday. The water sector plays a dominant role in Lesotho's economy. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project contributes 5% of Lesotho's GDP; however, the emphasis on water for export from the Highlands is counter-balanced by the lack of development of water resources for the Lowlands region. The critical situation of the Lowlands' water resources and its expected effects on the wellbeing of the people of Lesotho has been well documented through numerous studies undertaken since the mid-1990s. One of the most comprehensive studies is the 1996 Water Resources Management Policy and Strategy Study undertaken by the Ministry of Natural Resources (TAMS International, 1996). Predictions inthis study for rapid urbanization of the lowlands and increased industrial development are now apparent especially the sustained water supply shortages in Maseru. The lack of security of supply has manifested itself in the limited service coverage, in the unreliable supply to existing consumers and an inability to meet demand of new consumers. Major factors contributing to an already fragile situation include: Rapid urbanization: Urban growth of at least 5.5% per annum in the lowland areas (up to 7% in Maseru) is evident. Urban population is now about 26% of total population, rising from 20% 10 years ago. This trend is expected to continue with the urban population predicted to be in excess of 35% by 201 0. Further, the dynamics of rural water supplies are changing dramatically with the shift to urbanized neighbourhoods. Increased industrial water use: Lesotho has experienced a boom in export growth through light industries, particularly the textile and apparel industries. Over 20,000 jobs have been created since 1991 in light industries and this trend is expected to continue resulting in a substantial increased demand for water in Maseru and its peri-urban environs (CEC et. al. 2003). Increased environmental degradation: The Mohokare River is the main surface water source for the Lowlands but there are shortfalls of supply in the driest months of the year (July-August). During high flows the river is very turbid and has a heavy sediment load. Inadequate wastewater treatment, particularly by industry, contributes to downstream pollution of the river. The Metolong Dam Project, based on the South Phuthiatsana (Little Caledon) River (Figure l), is designed to alleviate the degradation of the Mohokare River regime from Maseru onwards by becoming the main source of water for Maseru up to 2020. The Government of Lesotho (GoL) entered into discussions with various donors including the World Bank concerning financing possibilities for the Metolong Water Supply Project in September 2004. During the course of the discussions, the World Bank outlined the steps that will have to be taken. including the preparation of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESL4) that could facilitate donor participation in funding. It is understood that the World Bank ESIA requirements would also meet the needs of other potential donors as well as the national environmental requirements. According to the schedule to section 27, part 4 of the Lesotho Environment Act No. 15 of 2001, dam projects require a full EIA including preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). It is the responsibility of the Government of Lesotho to ensure that an EIS is prepared and a licence issued by the National Environment Secretariat (NES) before the Project can proceed. The World Bank has provided a loan towards the preparation of the ESL4 and Resettlement Plan (RP) investigations for the Project. These documents will meet the requirements of the NES.
1.2 Previous Studies A major water review undertaken in the mid 1990s (TAMS 1996) concluded that the water resources infrastructure for Maseru was inadequate. The review looked at three alternative water
Metolong Dam ESiA Final Februarr 2008 GgSMm #nAssoc~allon wmlb FM Assoclales (LeSolho) and Southern Waters (South Africa' supply options for Maseru, namely expansion of the existing off-bank storage, a new water supply dam referred to as the "Crushers Dam" proposal and the Metolong Dam proposal. The Crushers Dam proposal was rejected outright on environmental grounds. In light of an increasing water deficit for Maseru and its pen-urban areas in recent years, the GoL decided to fast track the Metolong Dam proposal by initiating the Metolong Dam Feasibility Study in 2003 under the direction of the Lowlands Water Supply Scheme Unit. The Feasibility Study examined the technical, environmental and economic feasibility of constructing a dam in the middle reaches of the South Phuthiatsana River to meet the future water supply of Maseru and the neighbouring towns of Mazenod, Roma and Teyateyaneng up to the year 2020 (Consulting Engineering Center et. al. 2003). The Feasibility Study included: community consultation in scoping the environmental issues of the Project; detailed analysis of future water demand projections; geological site investigations; water transmission options; economic and financial investigations; and a preliminary environmental impact assessment which included water quality assessment as well as hydrological investigations to make a preliminary estimate of instream flow requirements. The current ESIA study builds upon this earlier investigation.
1.2.1 Environmental Impacts Identified in the Feasibility Study The 2003 Feasibility Study by Consulting Engineering Center (CEC) included an assessment of the environmental and social impacts of the Project (CEC er al. 2003b)- While the assessment was based on limited field work it was built upon a relatively comprehensive community consultation program which provides a good baseline, particularly with respect to scoping of environmental and local community concerns for the current ESIA study. A brief summary of the 2003 major findings is presented below. The issues raised and recommendations made by the CEC Consultants were taken on board and addressed in more detail as part of the current investigation.
1.2.1 .I Public Health Health and Safety The Feasibility assessment proved that noise levels will be higher and the crusher site should be located either at the darn site or at least 1,000 m from any village. Additionally, heavy trucks should be used during daytime only and the drivers should abide by low speed instructions near villages. Medical Clinic There is a shortage of medical clinics in the vicinity of the dam and consideration should be given to making Project medical facilities available to local communities both during construction and on a long term basis.
With respect to the HIV/Aids issue, the Feasibility assessment recommended conducting HN awareness programs for the villagers and workers. The present EIA investigation will expand on this issue by making recommendations on the existing baseline information on communicable and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and describing the expected communicable disease increase as a result of the project implementation, with emphasis on HN/ AIDS and policies to be adopted to control its spread within the project area. Solid Waste and Debris Generated solid waste should be collected in a proper covered container and disposed of properly. The proponent should co-ordinate with the NES to select a proper site and method to be used for disposal. Access Roads The assessment recommended an access road to be used by the Project should be outside villages and low speed limits should be abided to minimise accidents. Waste Water
-, --- -. ~ -~ Melolong Dam E31A Finst, February 2008 msMEcI" Assoclallon wilh FM Assoc~alesIlesotho) and Southern Waters iSaulh Afr~ca! Sanitation should be established for workers and the proponent should help locals in that regards to minimise pollution to the dam reservoir. It is recommended to consider a disinfection unit in the treatment plant. High Water Level in the Dam Reservoir It was recommended to fence both sides of the dam reservoir near villages to protect people from drowning, especially children. The feasibility of fencing in combination with the use of other methods including education will be further investigated during the current EIA process. Noise Workers should be provided with ear protection equipment such as earplugs. Dust All Project dust generating units should be sprayed with water 2-3 times per day including crusher belts, storage areas, access roads etc. Solid Waste Solid waste generated by the workers should be collected in covered containers and disposed of at a site to be chosen by the proponent in full cooperation with the NES. Waste Water Proper sanitation units should be constructed for workers.
1.2.1.2 Socio-Economic Conditions Employment Local employment is important to villagers in the vicinity of the proposed dam and the Feasibility assessment recommended a hiring policy of 30% locals (i.e. those people directly affected by the Project), to start with and to increase this during the course of the Project. This policy will be reviewed during the current EIA process following consultation with local villagers to determine their skill levels/work experience. Access roads The reservoir will extend upstream approximately 16 km from the dam wall site, thereby preventing walking access from villages on one side of the South Puthiatsana River to the other. To ameliorate this there should be drivable access across the crest of the dam, connected to new gravel roads linking the villages adjacent to the valley on each side. The assessment suggested 25-30 km of the access gravel roads should be provided to villages in the Project area. Business Prosperity The assessment recommended that the Project should buy some of their needs from local suppliers if available to enhance business at the local level. Com pensation The assessment recommended the supply of potable water and electricity to villages to fulfil the Project objectives and to improve the health and quality of life of the residents. Additionally, wood and fruit trees, medicinal herbs and planted fields impacted by the project should also be compensated. Rehabilitation of the Quarry Site The proponent should ensure that the Contractor rehabilitates the quarry site upon termination of quarrying activities at the quarry site. Local Training The Contractor should provide locals with appropriate training to match their skill levels with employment requirements/opportunities on the Project.
-- ~ -. . -. ~..- Melolong Dam ESlA Final Febrdary 7308 3 @%sMm I, Assoclatfonw~th FM Associales liesotho! and Southern Walers ;South Alrfca) The socio-economic profiling of local communities to be undertaken under the present study will further look at this issue. Generated Debris All debris generated from project activities including excavation for the transmission pipelines must be disposed of at a proper site selected in coordination with the NES.
1.2.1.3 Water Resources The Feasibility assessment recommended instream flow releases (IFR) from the dam to be 200 Vs during the dry season and around 100 Ys during the rainy season plus an annual "major flood" freshet and five monthly "minor flood" freshets. The combination of these releases represents 11% of the mean annual runoff. The IFR estimates will be further refined in the current study using the Drift method as described in Section 5.3 of this Report. Waste oil should be collected, handled and disposed of properly. The Project should construct a settling facility downstream of the dam site to intercept the solids generated by construction activities. Additionally, at the quarry site a similar facility should be constructed between the river and the quarry to prevent fine solids from reaching the stream during rain periods. It was anticipated that no significant influence would be exerted on the downstream wetlands. However, the Consultant recommended that a detailed study be undertaken to identify potential sites that might be affected and to propose mitigation measures to protect them.
1.2.1.4 Archaeology An archaeological study for the upstream area was recommended due to the presence of some caves in the upstream area. Additionally. any grave that might be discovered during laying of the transmission pipes must be handled properly. Avoidance of the potential sites was recommended or relocating the grave in full cooperation with the Archaeological Department and with concerned local people for carrying out traditional ceremonies during the new burying activities.
1.3 Scope and Objectives of ESIA The World Bank has indicated that it considers the Project to be a category "A" project and as such a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) including an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and a separate Resettlement Action Plan (RP) are required. The objectives of the ESIA are to: 1. Identify the probable positive and negative impacts of the Project on the physical and social environment prior to, during and post construction. 2. Provide technical information and recommendations to help select and design the best alternative, and; 3. Prepare an environmental management plan (EMP) which includes: a mitigation program, monitoring plan, program of technical assistance; and describes institutional arrangements for implementation of the EMP. The ESIA has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the government of Lesotho and World Bank policies and procedures (refer to Section 2 on Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework for details). It will be disclosed in accordance with the procedures of the NES for Lesotho and the World Bank's disclosure policy (OP 17.50).
1.4 Consultant Resourcing and Terms of Reference The Contract for Consultancy Services for preparation of the ESIA and RP was signed on 31 January, 2006 between the Project Proponent (Commissioner of Water, Ministry of Natural Resources, Government of Lesotho) and the Consultant. The Consultant mobilised on 16 February,
~ - Melolong Dam ESIA: Final. February 2008 4 a.sMEcon Association with FM Asso~lalzs !ies01h0! and Southern Waters lSDuth Africa! 2006. The term of the consultancy was for a total of 10 months from mobilisation and included all field work, stakeholder consultation and report preparation. The Consultancy is being implemented by SMEC International from Australia in association with Southern Waters of South Africa and FM Associates of Lesotho. The Consultant established a Project Office in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho which is within the Project Study Area and approximately 35 km from Metolong Dam site. Three Teams of specialist staff - Environmental Team, Social Team and Instream Flow Requirements Team (see Appendix 1) were organised by the Consultant. Staff of all three teams were utilised as required to input into the environmental, social and instream flow components of the ESLA to maxirnise use of resources within the timeframe for completing the ESlA and RP reports. The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Consultant are reproduced in Appendix 2.
F~gureI Locabon of Projecr and Srudy Area (Map sourced from httu:/lwww.fao.orn)
Meto long Dam ESlA Final February 2308 @SSMEC(0Assocta'!on wlh FM Associates (Lesotha) and Sauthern WaterS'Sr~uthAfrtcal 2 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework
Lesotho According to the Schedule to Section 27, Part 4 of the Lesotho Environment Act No. 15 of 2001, dam projects require a full EM. The first step in compliance with the environmental assessment requirements of the Environment Act is the preparation of a Project Brief. This was completed during the Feasibility Study in 2003. The next stage in the EIA process is the preparation and submission for review to the National Environment Secretariat, of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The ESIA Report being prepared under the current Consultancy is consistent with the requirements of the EIS and therefore only one EIA document will be prepared to meet the Lesotho and World Bank requirements. The ESIA will be supported by a separate Resettlement Plan (RP) which will deal with resettlement and compensation issues.
2.1 .I Constitution of Lesotho Section 36 of Lesotho's Constitution relates to conservation and management. It states that: "Lesotho shall adopt policies designed to protect the natural and cultural environment of Lesotho for the benefit of both present andfuture generations and shall endeavour to assure all citizens a sound and safe environment adequate for their health and well-being". The principle that all land is vested in the nation (Sechaba) is fundamental to concepts of land tenure and use in Lesotho. Individual rights of access to land are a prerogative of citizenship and until recently, rights to land could not be bought and sold. Article 17 of the Constitution of Lesotho stipulates the "prompt payment of full compensation" for the compulsory acquisition of (movable and immovable) property for public purposes. It also grants persons with an interest in or right over property which is compulsorily acquired the right to have direct access to the High Court for "the determination of his interest or right, the legality of the taking of possession or acquisition of the property, interest or right and the amount of any compensation to which he is entitled", as well as for the purpose "of obtaining prompt payment of that compensation."
Environment The Environment Act 2001 has a number of sections specifically pertaining to Environmental Assessment (EA) and the environmental requirements for new projects. The most pertinent sections in this regard are: 1. Section 27 requires an EA to be undertaken for a project specified in the Schedule (which mentions any project dealing with water, reservoirs, pipelines and associated structures); 2. Section 28 requires submission of a Project Brief which describes the proposed project and expected generic impacts, and which initiates the environmental assessment process; 3. Section 29 requires submission of the EA to the Authority (currently the National Environment Secretariat) and opening of the EA for public review; 4. Section 30 provides for GoL and public review of the EA, which activities may include a public hearing (if the Authority so deems); 5. Section 31 provides for monitoring of environmental elements in conjunction with line ministries to determine project compliance with the Act; 6. Section 32 provides for periodic environmental audits of projects for which EA's were previously undertaken; and 7. Section 33 requires any proponent to be in possession of an EA licence before proceeding with development or operation of a scheduled project.
M~lolongDam ESIA Flnal February ZOO@ Assoc~at,~?wrlh FN Assoc,ales (Lesolhol and Southern Walers 1South Afr~cal 2.1.3 Land and Land Acquisition
2.1.3.1 Land Act, 1979 The Land Act of 1979 (as amended) essentially divided Lesotho into two areas, namely rural areas where land is allocated or granted (initially by Chiefs, but currently by Community Councils) but where title cannot be registered or transferred, and urban areas where title can be registered in the form of leases. Subsequent amendments to the Land Act allow a person who has been granted residential land in a rural area to apply to the Commissioner of Lands for a lease in respect of that land. The Land Act is presently the principal legislation through which property is acquired for public purposes. A Commission of Inquiry (the Land Policy Review Commission) was appointed in December 1999 to assess land reform issues and to formulate a national land policy. The Commission Report was tabled in September 2000 which included recommendations pertaining to systems of land tenure, qualification to hold title to land, fallow land and under-utilised state land, surveying/mappingl registration of land, commercial and block farming, and land administration and management. A Draft Land Bill was recently prepared by the Ministry of Local Government (MLG). Apart from incorporating the Land Act, the Draft Land Bill is anticipated to contain land acquisition and land transaction regulations, as well as land administration and management requirements. The Draft Bill is yet to be passed by Parliament. Part V of the Land Act details the declaration of Selected Development Areas (e.g. reservoirs) and agricultural development areas, Part VI deals with acquisition of land required for public purposes, and Part IX with the granting of public servitudes for the construction or supply of public utility works or services. Key specifications of the Act are summarised below:
r Sections 56 to 59 of the Land Act deal with compensation issues. A period of three months from the date of the declaration notice is provided for the submission of compensation claims. r With regard to the determination of compensation, in its original form Section 56 stated that "in assessing compensation, regard shall be had only: (a) to the value which the property might have been expected to realise if it had been sold on the open market by a willing seller at the time of publication of the declaration notice; (b) to the expenses incidental to any necessary change of residence or of place of business." Paragraph (a) was modified by the Land (Amendment) Order, 1986 to read: "(a) to the value of the property as certified by the Government valuer having regard to the present and replacement value." r Provision is made for extension of the time within which compensation claims may be made, as well as for recourse to other legal avenues where agreement cannot be reached on the compensation amount or where compensation payments have not been made within six months of the submission of a claim. An affected land occupier may also request the acquisition of his entire landholding where his remaining landholding is less than 500m2. r With regard to public servitudes, Section 72 (I) states that "the body to whom the servitude is granted shall, subject to section 73, be liable to compensate the grantee of the title for any damage to the land in the exercise of the servitude." The exclusions in Section 73 for which compensation is not payable include land and movable property that have been restored or replaced, civil works that do not interfere "substantially with the enjoyment of the land", as well as a loss arising out of road construction "which does not deprive the allottee of more than one-tenth of the area of land, and the remainder continues to be suitable for use for the purpose for which the land was granted." Setting aside Selected Development Areas (SDA's) for development, construction or readjustment of boundaries is provided for in Section 44 of the Land Act. All existing titles are deemed to be revoked under this section, but substitute rights may be granted. Under Section 56 compensation may be granted to a title holder who incurs damage due to public servitude on titled land. SDA's
Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2008 7 ('$%SMEC ~nASSOC~S~IO~ with FM Assoclates !Lesotho)snd Southern Walers 1Soulh AfrtcaI have proven to be a convenient device for land grants to virtually anybody, provided a "public interest" declaration has been made. Copies of this EA will be provided to key ministries dealing with land, water, planning and community health and development, with full opportunity for review, comment and feedback to the project authority (DWA).
2.1.3.2 WSIP Policy Framework Land Acquisition and Compensation A Policy Framework for Land Acquisition and Compensation (PFLAC) was prepared in 2004 as part of the Water Sector Improvement Project (WSIP), scheduled to run from 2005 to 201 1.' The PFLAC "establishes the compensation principles, organizational arrangements and design criteria to be applied to meet the needs of the people who may be affected by the project" (Government of Lesotho 2004b). The WSIP will result in the acquisition of land and the PFLAC has accordingly been "prepared to the standards of the Governments own policy on land and social compensation and the policy of the World Bank, OP 4.12." The overall objectives of the PFLAC are that: land acquisition should be avoided where feasible, or minimized, exploring all viable alternatives; and where acquisition of land or other assets is unavoidable, compensation should be provided to the full value of the land or assets acquired and any loss of livelihood as a result. In compliance with the Bank's OP4.12, the following categories of affected persons would qualify for compensation and/or rehabilitation support: "Those who have formal rights to land (including customary land traditional and religious rights, recognized under Lesotho Law. Those who do not have formal legal rights to land at the time the census begins but have a claim to such land or assets provided that such claims are recognized under the laws of Lesotho or become recognized through a process identified in the resettlement plan. Those who lose other economic resources such as trees, agricultural produce on cultivated fields, etc, and or have their access to these economic resources denied or restricted. Those who have no recognizable legal right or claim to the land they are occupying, using or getting their livelihood from" (ibid: 5). Since all the land to be acquired for the WSIP is located within urban area of Maseru, the PFLAC states that entitlement for land losses is on the basis of land swaps or by purchase at prevailing prices. Building and structures are replaced by an equivalent structure or, on an exceptional basis, cash andlor credits are paid based on replacement costs.
2.1.3.3 Compensation Practices on the LHWP The compensation procedures used on the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHWP) have had a significant effect on land acquisition practices in Lesotho. The legal obligations of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) to project-affected people are referred to in the LHWP Treaty and in the LHDA Order of 1986. Following these obligations, a Compensation Policy and associated rates were approved in 1997 (revised in 2002). In addition to the provision of replacement housing (including fencing and stoves), the Policy stipulates the following compensation entitlements: production losses from arable land - annual cash payments over a 50 year period for the loss of arable land, "determined on the basis of the established production capacity of the land"; disturbance allowances -paid to "all households included in LHDA's resettlement and relocation programme, and .. . intended to meet the unforeseen but inevitable initial costs
I The WSIP, which is funded by the World Bank, consists of three components: policy implementation and capacity building; augmentation and extension of Maseru water supply; and a water and sanitation programme in Maseru.
~ -- -~- lulelolong Dam ESIA: Flnal: February 2UOe e I W~SMEC~nAssocla1~0n wllh FM Associalss !Les01ho) and Sourhern Walers (South Africa) of moving. The amount will decrease incrementally to zero over three years, from the date of arrival at the resettlement or relocation destination"; minimum income threshold payments - top-up payments, for a maximum of 10 years, to vulnerable households who lost income is below a minimum threshold income as determined by the project; trees -compensation as "a lump sum or annual cash payment equivalent to the lost production"; rights of access to natural resources (grazing land, brushwood, medicinal plants, useful grasses and wild vegetables) - calculated according to various formulas, payments are made "to communities as a whole in the form of lump sum or annual cash payments. These funds shall be used for development purposes within the communities". The LHWP rates have generally also been higher than those used elsewhere. The report of the Land Policy Review Commission states that "in recent times people have indicated that they want LHDA compensation rates to be used as they are relatively higher than the others" (Government of Lesotho 2000a.).
2.1.4 Water The cornerstone of water conservation and management is the Water Resources Act No. 22 of 1978, which provides for the use, control, protection and conservation of water resources and of water for connected purposes. Control and use of water for non-domestic purposes (including bulk extraction, storage and treatment) requires a permit from the Minister. The Act also defines water pollution in wide-ranging terms and makes provision for regulations to control and prevent such pollution. The necessary pennits for water extraction and treatment by the DWA will be forthcoming from the Ministry via the office of the Commissioner for Water who is actively involved in the development of the project. Compliance with water pollution abatement requirements (from construction site run-off) will be dealt with via engineering good practice guidelines contained in construction contracts.
2.1.5 Air Lesotho has no specific air quality act. A number of regulations pertaining to the health or nuisance issues related to fumes (e.g. exhausts) are contained in orders and some acts such as the Local Administration Act No. 13 of 1969. These all generally aim to curtail indiscriminate release of fumes, smoke or industrial gases with potential health impacts. Dust and exhaust gases from construction equipment will comprise potential localised air quality hazards, and will be dealt with via engineering good practice guidelines contained in construction contracts.
2.1.6 Public Health There is no all-embracing public health act in Lesotho. Many regulations and orders contain sections pertaining to public health in specific situations, e.g. industrial work-sites, abattoirs, hotels, restaurants and trading areas. Public health is an over-arching concern in the DWA as an objective (clean, potable domestic water) as well as a potential issue at construction sites (local contamination). Prevention of public health hazards at Project construction sites will be dealt with via engineering good practice guidelines contained in construction contracts.
2.1.7 Natural and Cultural Heritage The Historical Monuments, Relics, Fauna &Flora Act No. 41 of 1967 provides for the protection of man-made cultural sites and artefacts as well as 16 groups of fauna and 11 groups of flora. Amendments in 2003 and 2005 have listed additional protected flora species. Some of the scheduled faunal groups (tortoises and terpins; cranes, storks & herons; hammerheads; birds of prey; egrets) are recorded as occuning in the project area.
~p ~ Metolong Dam ESIA Final February 2308 'J @$SMEC ~nAssocial~ofi with FM Associates (iesolhoi and Southern Wafers (Swth Afr~cal There are known records of cultural and historic sites which would be affected by the proposed reservoir. These have been addressed through the undertaking of an archaeological survey of the reservoir area and are further addressed in the recommended mitigation measures outlined in Section 6. The Act also stipulates that a permit is required to carry out research on cultural sites. A National Heritage Bill (2006) for Lesotho is currently under development and when enacted by Parliament it will "providefor the protection, preservation and conservation of cultural, natural and living heritage of Lesotho, and for connected matters". The Act designates the Department of Culture as the agency responsible for the implementation and administration of the Act and its Regulations. It also provides for the establishment of a Heritage Commission with wide ranging functions on the management of Lesotho's cultural heritage.
2.1.8 Other The Roads Act No 24 of 1969 makes provision for the establishment of road reserves on either side of public roadways. The Act provides for the "locating, constructing, opening, maintaining, protecting, deviating, working and closing of roads." Sections 4,5, 6 and 8 provide for the declaration of road reserves for the purposes of road construction, maintenance and protection. Section 25 provides for compensation for any direct damage resulting from road construction or maintenance. Other provisions of the Act confer the following rights and responsibilities to a road authority: Some of the proposed transmission lines will lie within road reserves and construction work therein requires a permit from the Department of Roads of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. The Project also includes construction of a new access road to the dam site and upgrading existing feeder roads around the proposed reservoir area. Permits for temporary use of the respective reserves will be sought from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
2.1.9 Local By-laws enacted by the Maseru City Council enforce control over disturbance, noise and access impairment by construction work within urban areas. These controls will apply to the construction of the new "High South Reservoir" in Maseru (see Section 3.3). The necessary notification and requests for permits, if required, will be directed at the Maseru City Council to cover the new reservoir in the city.
2.2 Institutional Capacity of lrr~plementingAgency It has not yet been decided whether the Lowlands Water Supply Unit (LWSU) will be the implementing agency for the Project. At present, the Unit is headed by a Director who is supported by three senior specialists covering environmental impact assessment and management, public relations and development issues. However, the Unit is already understaffed and key individuals are often seconded to other government duties. The Unit is not in a position atpresent to implement the Project with the current resources available. One option is to utilise the institutional infrastructure and experience within the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority to implement the Project. However that also has some problems. LHDA has undergone a major reorganisation and downsizing in recent years which has meant that it has lost a lot of its technical expertise developed from the implementation of Khatse and Mohale Dams. Also, LHDA does not have a good record in the implementation of these Projects with respect to social and environmental aspects (Transformation Resource Center 2004 and reportsfinquiries from the Ombudsman for Lesotho). This issue is compounded by the fact that one of the villages adjacent to the proposed storage consists of resettled villagers from Mohale Dam area and this may create some tension/mistrust in further stakeholder consultation. Another option under consideration is to establish a separate Project Implementation Unit (PIU) specifically for implementing the Metolong Dam Project. The PIU could draw on the expertise and resources of either or both LHDA and the Lowlands Water Supply Unit in implementing the Project. In addition to expertise in engineering, construction supervision and financial management, -...... ~ ------.-A-p------&&\SM~ Meto long Dam ESlA Final February 2006 10 w*9' In Asso~lal~onwith FM AssOclaleI liesomo) and Southern Waiers ISouth Afr~ca) such a unit would require experienced staff in public consultation, environmental monitoring and management, and socialhesettlement aspects of major engineering structures. The PIU would also need the legislative mandate to implement a major infrastructure project such as Metolong Dam. Perhaps this Project could be the catalyst in moving towards a single water authority in Lesotho for the management and control of the countries water resources. Once construction has been completed, the ongoing operation of Metolong could pass onto the Lowlands Water Supply Unit or which ever organisation is given control of the Dam and the PIU would be disbanded.
2.3 Private Sector Capacity Construction Contractors for the Project will be appointed through international competitive bidding and contract documentation will include environmental monitoring and management requirements from the ESIA and Resettlement Plan (RP) Reports. Such requirements are standard practice and most international contractors are aware of the need to carry them out. However, the level of adherence is often dependent on the environmental monitoring and management expertise of the Supervising Consultant and the relevant sectoral agency, which in this case will be the Lowlands Water Supply Unit. It is important therefore that Contractors are provided with detailed environmental monitoring and management plans and that Contractor staff are given on-site environmental training by the supervision consultant and LWSU prior to the commencement of construction activities.
2.4 World Bank The World Bank provides guidance on EIA requirements through the Environmental Assessment Sourcebook (World Bank 1994) which includes sectoral guidelines. In particular, Vol. 2 of the Sourcebook dealing with Sectoral Guidelines for Environmental Assessment of Water Projects provides a detailed analysis of the potential environmental impacts associated with water supply structures including dams and transmission structures. It also addresses environmental monitoring and management issues and identifies typical mitigation measures. The World Bank EZA process is implemented through a set of Operational Policies/Procedures whose primary objective is to ensure that Bank operations do not cause adverse impacts and that they "do no harm". The following WB Procedures and Policies have been considered for Metolong Dam ESZA. OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment (January 1999) Ensures that appropriate levels of environmental and social assessment are carried out as part of project design. It also deals with the public consultation process, and ensures that the views of project-affected persons/groups and local NGOs are taken into account. It outlines the contents of environmental assessment reports and environmental management plans for Category A projects. Comment: This safeguard Policy is triggered because of the size of the proposed dam and its potential to cause significant adverse impacts. OP/BP 4.04 Natural Habitats(June 2001) Supports the conservation of natural habitats and the maintenance of ecological functions as a basis for sustainable development. The Bank does not support projects that involve the significant conversion or degradation of critical natural habitats. Comment: This safeguard Policy is not triggered because the Project does not impact on critical natural habitats. OP 4.09 Pest Management (December 1998) Promotes the use of biological or environmental control methods and reduces reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides, and defers to the World Health Organisation's "Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard and Guidelines to Classification" criteria for pesticide selection and use.
.. . ~ ~ ~.~ &%\ Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2008 1 i 164.'~~~1" Assoc~atlnn with FM Assocoales iiesothoi and Southern Waters ISo~thAlraa) Comment: This safeguard Policy is not triggered since the Project is unlikely to result in any significant increase in the use of pesticides. The primary purpose of Metolong Dam is to provide urban water supplies. OP 4.36 Forests (November 2002) Aims to reduce deforestation and enhance, through sustainable economic development, the environmental and social contribution of forests. The Bank dos not support projects which involve significant conversion or degradation of critical forest areas or related critical natural habitats. Comment: This safeguard Policy is not triggered since the Project will not result in any significant impacts on critical forest areas or critical natural habitats. OP/BP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources (July 2006) Cultural property is defined to include both remains left by previous human inhabitants (e.g. middens, shrines) and unique natural environmental features such as canyons and waterfalls. The Bank does not support projects that will significantly damage non-replicable cultural property and assists only those projects that are sited or designed so as to prevent such damage. Comment: This safeguard Policy may be triggered if appropriate mitigation measures are not put in place since there are known important cultural heritage sites which will be permanently affected by the Project.
OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement (December 2001) The World Bank's involuntary resettlement safeguarding regulations and requirements2are triggered when a project leads to the involuntary taking of land resulting in: relocation or loss of shelter; loss of assets or access to assets; loss of income sources or means of livelihood, whether or not the affected persons must move to another location; the involuntary restriction of access to legally designated parks and protected areas resulting in adverse impacts on the livelihoods of the displaced persons. The overall objectives of Operational Policy 4.12 (the Bank's policy on involuntary resettlement as defined above) are: to avoid or rninirnise involuntary resettlement, by exploring "all viable alternative project designs; where population displacement is unavoidable, to conceive and execute resettlement activities as sustainable development programs; that displaced persons should be meaningfully consulted and should have opportunities to participate in planning and implementing resettlement programs; and to assist displaced persons to improve their livelihoods and standards of living or at least to restore them, in real terms, to pre-displacement levels or to levels prevailing prior to the beginning of project implementation, whichever is higher. OP 4.12 requires that displaced persons are provided prompt and effective compensation at full replacement cost for losses of assets attributable directly to the project; provided assistance (such as moving allowances) during relocation; and provided with residential housing or housing sites. The policy also requires that taking of land and related assets may take place only after compensation has been paid and, where applicable, resettlement sites and moving allowances have been provided. OP 4.12 identifies three categories of affected persons: those who have formal legal rights to land, including customary and traditional rights recognised under the laws of the country;
* Operational Policy 4.12 (OP 4.12) - Involuntary Resettlement, OP 4.12 (Annex A) - Involuntary Resettlement Instruments, and Bank Procedure 4.12 (BP 4.12) - lnvoluntary Resettlement.
Melolong Dam ESIA Final: February 2008 3 2 in Assoc~81~nwitk FM Associates ILesotOo) and Souhern Walers tSaurh Africa) those who do not have formal legal rights to land, but have a claim to such land or assets provided that such claims are recognised under the laws of the country or become recognised through a process identified in the resettlement plan." This is further explained: "Such claims could be derived from .. . continued possession of public lands without government action for eviction (that is, with the implicit leave of the government); and those who have no recognisable legal right or claim to the land they are occupying. Category (a) and category (b) persons should be compensated for the land they lose, as well as provided with other agreed-upon assistance. Category (c) persons should be provided with resettlement assistance in lieu of compensation for the land they occupy as well as other assistance as necessary, if they have occupied the area prior to an agreed cut-off date for entitlements. The policy regulation is that all three categories should be provided with compensation for loss of assets other than land. Comment: This safeguard Policy is triggered since the Project will result in loss of land and other private assets although resettlement is not likely to be required. OP 4.37 Safery of Dams Safety of Dams requires competent and periodic inspection of both new and existing dams to ensure that risks from failure are acceptably low and that measures are in place to deal with structural failures. Comment: This safeguard Policy is triggered since the proposed dam wall size exceeds the threshold for large dams. The Project will therefore need to establish a dam safety panel to consider the design and operation of the dam meets international standards. The Proponent will also have to have in place appropriate dam safety inspections and prepare a dam safety report which includes: plan for construction supervision and quality assurance; instrumentation plan; operation and maintenance plan; and, emergency preparedness plan. OP 7.50 Projects on Zntemtional Waterways OP 7.50 (Projects on International Waterways) applies to the Metolong Dam Project since it conforms to a number of defining criteria: 1. The primary water source the South Phuthiatsana River flows into the Mohokare River which forms a boundary between two states (Lesotho and South Africa); 2. The same water source is a tributary of a larger river system (the OrangeBenqu) which forms a boundary between states (South Africa, Botswana and Namibia); and 3. The project involves the use of, or potential pollution of, an international waterway as defined. Comment: The underlying requirement in the Operational Policy is for communication of project design and implementation features to the boundary states - South Africa, Botswana and Namibia so that they can conduct reviews and transmit their specific concerns, or lack thereof, to the GoL. Notification of possible further water extraction from the Mohokare was made to these states in 2002. This EA makes the assessment that detection of flow changes in the OrangdSenqu system will be very unlikely and that flow changes in the Mohokare itself will be of limited spatial and temporal extent. It makes a recommendation that a copy of the EA be made available to the water resource authorities in the respective boundary states for information. OP 17.50 Disclosure This Policy details the Banks requirements for making operational information available to the public. The Bank reaffirms its recognition and endorsement of the fundamental importance of transparency and accountability to the development process. In addition, timely dissemination of information to local groups affected by the projects and programs supported by the Bank, including nongovernmental organizations, is essential for the effective implementation and sustainability of oroiects. Metolong Dam ESIA Flnsl February 2008 15 @aSMw!n Assoc~a1$on wlllt FM Assocrares ,Lesotho, and Sourhem Waters lSoulh Atr.ca) 2.5 International Agreements Lesotho has ratified the following international conventions and protocols pertaining to the environment and which are of relevance to the Project: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1992 Base1 Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal adopted on 22 March 1989 Convention on Biological Diversity, 5 June 1992 SADC Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses UNFCCC The ultimate objective of this Convention is to achieve, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Convention, stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Such a level should be achieved within a time-frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner. The parties to the Convention agree to "promote sustainable management, and promote and cooperate in the conservation and enhancement, as appropriate, of sinks and reservoirs of all greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol, including biomass, forests and oceans as well as other terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems". The Metolong Project will generate greenhouse gases during construction, most notably from construction vehicles and other plant and equipment. Contractors should therefore be required to minimise these emissions by properly maintaining all plant and equipment in good working order and to plan activities to minimise there use. Operation of the Project will also generate greenhouse gas emissions. most noticeably from energy use for pumping of water supplies. Water supply routes should therefore be designed to minimise pumping head and thereby reduce energy needs in the long term. The Base1 Convention One of the underlying principles of the Convention is that "States should take necessary measures to ensure that the management of hazardous wastes and other wastes including their trans-boundary movement and disposal is consistent with the protection of human health and the environment whatever the place of disposal". The Convention places obligations on member States to minimise and control the generation and movement of hazardous wastes between states. Further that "States should ensure that the generator should cany out duties with regard to the transport and disposal of hazardous wastes and other wastes in a manner that is consistent with the protection of the environment, whatever the place of disposal". The Convention lists wastes which are subject to trans-boundary movement and classified as hazardous wastes including: waste mineral oils unfit for their originally intended use; waste oilslwater, hydrocarbonslwater mixtures, emulsions. Therefore any waste oils generated by Metolong Project and exported to South Africa for disposal or recycling would be subject to the Convention. Convention on Biological Diversity The objectives of this Convention "are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, including by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights over those resources and to technologies, and by appropriate funding". With respect to conservation, the Convention requires States to "Adopt measures for the recovery and rehabilitation of threatened species and for their reintroduction into their natural habitats under appropriate conditions". This has implications for the Metolong Dam Project and proposed mitigation measures with respect to the Red Data Book species of plants which will be affected through inundation in the reservoir area. SADC Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses
~ - ~ ~ - . .. Metolong Dam ESIA. Final. February 200e 14 on 455oc1al!onwllh FM Assoclales (Lesotho) and Southem Walers (South Afrlcal Objective The overall objective of this Protocol is to foster closer cooperation for judicious, sustainable and co-ordinated management, protection and utilisation of shared watercourses and advance the SADC agenda of regional integration and poverty alleviation. In order to achieve this objective, this Protocol seeks to: (a) promote and facilitate the establishment of shared watercourse agreements and Shared Watercourse Institutions for the management of shared watercourses; (b) advance the sustainable, equitable and reasonable utilisation of the shared watercourses; (c) promote a co-ordinated and integrated environmentally sound development and management of shared watercourses; (d) promote the harmonisation and monitoring of legislation and policies for planning, development, conservation, protection of shared watercourses, and allocation of the resources thereof; and (e) promote research and technology development, information exchange, capacity building, and the application of appropriate technologies in shared watercourses management. Obligations State Parties shall exchange information and consult each other and, if necessary, negotiate the possible effects of planned measures on the condition of a shared watercourse. The Treaty was signed at Windhoek, on 7th of August 2000 by the 14 member states of SADC including Botswana, Namibia and South Africa which all share the Orange River system with Lesotho.
. .---- ~ - ~ ~ ~- . .- .~ ------.. -- -- Melolong Dan ESlA Final. Fabruary 2008 15 3%SMEc I" AsseciaCon wilh iMAssocoalbs liesothol an0 Soulhern Waters (South Afr,ca5 3 Project Description
3.1 Overview The Project is aimed at augmenting the water supply system in Maseru to enable it to meet domestic and industrial requirements up to the year 2020 and possibly beyond. The present Maseru Water Supply System has the capacity to deliver 45 MLIday with the recently completed augmentation of the Mohokare River intake and the increased capacity of the Maqalika Reservoir. The Metolong Scheme will provide up to a further 80 MLIday to give a total available for Maseru and contingent urban areas of some 125 MUday. All components of the Project will be subject to the EA. The civil works components of the Project will include the facilities described in Section 3.3.
Location and Justification Metolong Dam site is some 35 km from Maseru on the South Phuthiatsana River (or Little Caledon River) and will be accessed from existing asphalt roads plus a new asphalt road to be constructed as part of the associated infrastructure (Figure 1). Access to South Africa and main suppliers will be via the Border Post at Maseru Bridge which is less than 5 km from the centre of Maseru. The Metolong Dam site is on the South Phuthiatsana River, which flows through the Lowlands of central western Lesotho. The storage area spans the districts of Maseru and Berea (Figure 2). The Project area itself is much larger, since it will supply water to the capital city of Maseru and the towns of Teyateyaneng and Roma, while the indirect effects from water abstraction from the South Phuthiatsana River may affect downstream water users as far as the confluence with the Mohokare (Caledon) River. The area is situated between 27% and 28% longitude and 29% and 30% latitude. There is an urgent need to expand Maseru's water supply to meet the present shortfalls in domestic supplies to enable the expansion of wet industries. These are vital to provide employment opportunities needed in the country. The Project is aimed at augmenting the water supply system in Maseru to enable it to meet domestic and industrial requirements up to the year 2020 and possibly beyond. The present Maseru Water Supply System has the capacity to deliver 45 MUday. The Metolong Scheme will provide up to a further 80 MLIday to give a total available for Maseru and contingent urban areas of some 125 MUday. The Project will also provide water to neighbouring towns of Roma, Teyateyaneng, and Morija as well as the International Airport on the southern outskirts of Maseru. Roma, which is the location of the National University of Lesotho, St. Joseph's Hospital and two major High Schools experience regular water shortages. A temporary emergency water supply facility was constructed by WASA in 2006 as a stop gap measure pending a more permanent augmentation such as from the Metolong Dam proposal.
3.3 Description of Proposed Works The following description is based on the Feasibility Study of 2003 and has been revised on the Feasibility Update currently being undertaken by the MCC Consultants.
Dam The preliminary design for the Dam prepared by the Feasibility Study Consultant in 2003 recommended a Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) wall with a spillway consisting of 3 radial gates. A variable level intake structure is proposed which allows draw off of water down to 1627 m. Below this there is a bottom outlet culvert at 1612 m which can be used for flow releases and sediment flushing. Two storage options were originally considered with the preferred option being Option 2 as described below. An analysis of the two alternatives is provided in Section 7. Option 2 the larger of the two dams (providing a water supply of 80 MUday) would be 68 m high (from a base level at 1605 m to crest level at 1671 m) with a crest length greater
(Metolong Dam ESlA Final Febrilsry 2008 than 210 m and an estimated reach upstream of approximately 16 km. The full storage level (FSL) is at 1671 masl with a top water level (TWL) at 1673 masl allowing for flood surcharge. This Option would flood approximately 260 ha of land and the volume of the reservoir would be 52 million m3. The flooded area is entirely within the incised valley gorge and several side tributaries (Figure 7). The dam wall design will allow for vehicle access across the wall. The dam site is located in Maseru District, adjacent to the villages of Ha Seeiso and Metolong Ha Makotoko on the South Phuthiatsana River. The storage area would extend to the village of Ha Tsoaleli, in Berea District (Figure 6).
3.3.2 Water Supply Transmission Originally there were some 88 km of transmission mains required for water supply to Maseru, Teyateyaneng, Roma and the Airport. With the inclusion of Morija the total length is approximately 112.6 krn. Transmission Mains range in size from 250mm ND to 700 mm ND. These are designated as Transmission Lines 1 to 8 with a short 700 rnm ND pumping main from the Dam to the Treatment Works. The pipelines will be buried with a minimum 1 m of overburden placed above. Periodic placement of access hatches will be required for maintenance purposes. The pipelines will as far as possible be laid in existing road reserves. Where this is not possible, the lines will be laid across country. The routing of these lines is shown in Table 1, updated in consultation with the current Feasibility Update Consultant. The exact location of the pipelines will be confirmed during final design. Provisionally, an estimated 15 km of pipeline will need to be laid on private and public/communal land, outside of current road reserves.
TABLE 1. DETAILS OF WATER SUPPLY TRAlVSMlSSlON LINES
- - 0 1 700 1 Dam ~reahentPlant (new) I 300 1 Rising 1 1 1 ' 700 ' Treatment Plant Ha Nchela Reservoir (new) 1 7.540 Rising 1 5,000 2 700 Ha Nchela Reservoir Maseru High South ReseNoir (new) ( 23.740 Gravity 1,000 3 350 Junction "A" line 2 ( Junction 8 4,680 1 Gravity ~
i 4 250 Junction 'B" I Mazenod Reservoir (Airport) 8,800 Gravity 1 1 5 1 300 Treatment Plant / Sefikeng Reservoir (new) 8.720 I Rising 1 8,720 1 6 20W300 Sefikeng Rese~oir Teyateyaneng 20,220 Gravrty I 1 7 1 250 Junction "B" 1 Roma Reservoir 13,475 Gravity I Mazenod 1 25,125 1 Gravity 1 1 Total (including Morija which was not considered in the 2003 study) 112,600 1 14,720 1 Three new reservoirs in the form of above ground storage tanks are required as indicated in Table 1. Each will require a land area of approximately half a hectare.
- . . . ------~. -- -- Melolong Dam ESlA Final. Febrdary 2008 17 @gSMzan ASSoaatlon wllh FM Assoslates (Lesotho!end Southerr Waters (Soulh Alr~ca) Figure 2. General Location of Metolong Dam
Melolong Dam ESlA F~nslFebruary 2038 18 3.3.3 Pumping Stations There are four pumping stations as shown in Table 2. TABLE 2. DETAILS OF PUMPING STATIONS
Dam Site (to 940 67
Treatment Plant (to 890 55 Ha Nchela) Treatment Plant (to 62 230 Sefikeng) I 4 Near Roma 41 151 1 These pumping stations take up a minimal amount of space (generally less than 600 m2) since living accommodation for operators and their families is not required on site.
3.3.4 Treatment Plant It is expected that the water from the Metolong Dam will require standard full treatment i.e. Screening, Chemical Dosing. Flocculation and Clarification, Rapid Gravity Filtration, Chlorination, pH Adjustment. Clear Water Storage and Sludge Drying1 Disposal. The proposed site for the Treatment Plant and ancillary works is close to the dam right abutment at an elevation of some 1,690 m, c.f. the maximum water level in the dam of 1,673 m. According to the Feasibility Study the area required for the Treatment Plant is 4 ha and the proposed area for the sludge drying beds was estimated at 11 ha. Final details of the treatment plant will be undertaken during design review stage when further environmental assessment will be undertaken. It is likely that the area required for the sludge drying beds will be much smaller than the original estimate. The area set aside for the treatment plant will be large enough to allow for the construction of permanent living quarters, storage and the like.
3.4 Ancillary Facilities and Services The infrastructure required to implement the Project and then to facilitate the operation and maintenance of the facilities will include access roads, electricity supply, telecommunications as well as staff and labour quarters, health and education facilities, workshops and storage areas, quarry site and sand and aggregate sources. The main requirement will be to construct some 4 km of asphalt surface road from the site of the works to the existing Thaba Bosiu to Sefikeng Road. There will also be the need to upgrade andlor construct some 25 km of gravel access roads to areas around the dam and reservoir for construction purposes and to improve access for local residents (see Figure 25). The temporary infrastructure such as construction camps, workshops and general storage areas will be placed in the proximity of the Works and will be removed after commissioning of the Proj at. Permanent infrastructure such as operator's accommodation and offices will be constructed adjacent to the Treatment Works site (Figure 26). It is proposed that nearby health clinics such as at Thaba Bosiu and Sefikeng and schools will be upgraded to accommodate workers and their families rather than constructing new facilities just for workers. This way the local communities will also benefit from the upgrading.
3.4.1 Quarry Site The original quany site recommended by the Feasibility Study in 2003 was located in the general area around the Liphiring River near where the road to Ha Makatoko crosses the River (the southern side of the Phuthiatsana River). The location is being reviewed in the current Feasibility update and an alternative site located closer to the dam site on the northern side of the Phuthiatsana River near the village of Ha Seeiso has been identified (see Figure 26).
Melolopg Jam ESlA F~nalFebruary2008 19 asSMEc,n ASSoclallOn w:h FM Assonales iLeso:hu# and Southern Wafers (Soulh Alrca) The new quarry site under consideration has a number of houses within a lkrn radius and may require the relocation of two to three households.
3.4.2 Water Supply Similarly, a water supply for the main works camp at the dam site and for the permanent operations complex is under investigation in the cumnt Feasibility update. A tributary flowing into the Phuthiatsana River from the north immediately upstream of the dam wall site has been identified as a potential source for the water supply.
3.4.3 Power Supply A power supply will be required both during the construction phase and for operation of the treatment plant, pumping stations, dam operations (spillway operation etc.) and operator's complex. The electrical works required for the dam will be primarily for: Operation of the bottom outlet gates Operation of the draw-off valves and other equipment Internal lighting in the drainage gallery, adit, draw-off culvert and intake chamber Small power sockets in these internal works Security lighting at the dam crest Spillway gate operation The electrical supply to the dam, the dam pumping station and treatment works will be provided from the National Grid. In addition there will be a standby generator. The 2003 Feasibility Study estimated a required power supply of 4,100 KW supplied by the Lesotho Electricity Corporation through a new 33KV line taking off from the existing 33KV line to Roma at Ha Makhalanyane.
3.5 Operation and Maintenance There will be a requirement for permanent staff at the Project, covering the operation of the dam, treatment works and main pumping stations. Senior staff and other skilled operatives will be housed in the permanent camp. Other workers would be employed locally and live in their villages. The 2003 Feasibility Study estimated permanent staff requirements to include 10 senior qualified staff and 30 workers covering maintenance and operation. They would be supported by plant and equipment.
3.6 Area of Impact Metolong Dam site is on the South Phuthiatsana River (Little Caledon River) which flows through the lowlands of central western Lesotho. The storage area spans the Districts of Maseru and Berea. The Project area itself is much larger, since it will supply water to the capital city of Maseru and the towns of Teyateyaneng, Roma and Morija and the indirect effects from water abstraction from the South Phuthiatsana River may affect downstream water users as far as the confluence with the Mohokare (Caledon) River. The area is situated between 27% and 28% longitude and 29% and 30% latitude (Figure 5). In general the study area will include the following areas which will benefit from the Project, or which may be directly affected in a negative way, by any of the components of the Project. Specifically, the study area will include: The catchment that affects the Metolong Dam and its reservoir that will be flooded as a result of the construction of the dam wall specifically the upstream reservoir area and its adjacent lands. The furthest upstream extent of the direct impacts from the dam is near the Village of Ha Tsoaleli in the Sefikeng area;
Metolong Dam ESIA- Final February 2008 20 gsSMm,n AssOClat~On wnh FM As~oc~afesiiewtho, and Southern Wafers (South Af:tca) The area downstream of the dam including the predicted flood lands and the area, if any, that could be affected by a dam burst, impacts on fish habitats, fish migration upstream, and water quality; The areas and adjacent areas that will be required for the new water treatment plant including the sludge drying beds; The areas and adjacent areas that will be required for water storage reservoirs; The land resources and the people who may be affected by construction activities as these relate to the construction of the dam, water mains, access roads, pumping stations, area required for sludge drying beds from the treatment plant and other ancillary works; Farmlands and other users downstream of the Metolong Dam as far as the confluence between the Caledon and the South Phuthiatsana Rivers. There are existing imgation schemes downstream of the dam site and there is potential for further imgation development. This is the furthest downstream stakeholders which could be affected by increased water abstraction from the South Phuthiatsana River; and The entire country as this relates to the policy and strategy input component of the Project.
3.7 Project l mplementation The implementation schedule prepared during the Feasibility Study in 2003 indicated a final design and construction period for the Project to be some 30 months to when supply would commence. The ideal would be to have the dam completed by the start of the 200912010 rainy season, but this is however dependant on final designltender process and the EA process. There a number of key environmental mitigation measures which would need to be in place prior to the commencement of construction (see Section 6).
3.8 Project Cost The following Project costs were calculated during the Feasibility Study in 2003 and do not include the costs for supplying water to Morija which has since been included in the Project.
I 80~L/d&yield) 1 Transmission Pipelines (Maseru, 179 Mazenod, ~orna;~e~ate~anen~) Pumping Plant 37 Treatment Works 87 Total 476 I Note: Cost estimates are based on Feasibility Study estimates with a July 2003 exchange rate of 1 USD = 8 Maloti. The above costs also do not include provision of water to Morija since this option was not included in the 2003 Feasibility Study. A breakdown of costs associated with compensation for private assets affected by the Project is given in the Resettlement Plan. Environmental monitoring cost estimates are given in Section 8 of this Report. A summary of the environmental and social costs for mitigation and monitoring are provided in Section 9.
Melolong Dam ESlA Finsl February 2008 21 3gsMkin Assocdatton with FM Associates ll~esoliluland Soulhwn Walers :Soulh AIr~cai 4 Methodology
4.1 The Environmental Assessment Process The following steps were followed in undertaking the environmental assessment (EA) process for the preparation of the ESIA: Project description and design (based on previous detailed Feasibility Study, ESIA TOR and discussions with the Project Proponent). Formal Stakeholder Workshop in Maseru which included local communities from the Metolong area as well as NGOs TRC and LETAC from Lesotho. Scoping and bounding of environmental investigations based on Feasibility Study and Stakeholder Workshop. Major field investigations in which local communities were employed to assist with socio- economic surveys, heritage and ecological investigations. Environmental baseline description. Description and assessment of impacts Environmental Management Planning o Mitigation and enhancement o Environmental monitoring o Institutional support Preparation of a Draft ESIA Formal Stakeholder Workshop in Maseru to present the ESIA findings and to obtain feedback and comment from interested and affected parties. Finalise ESIA Throughout the above process, the Consultant attended regular monthly community meetings on site at the village of Ha Seeiso to report on EA progress and to take note of any concerns raised by local people. The Project Proponent also established a Project Steering Committee which was kept informed throughout the EA process (refer also to Section 4.9.3). The EA process was based principally on the Environment Act 2001 for Lesotho (as described in Section 2.1), World Bank environmental guidelines ( as discussed in Section 2.4) and obligations under international agreements which have been ratified by Lesotho (outlined in Section 2.5).
4.2 Scoping Scoping is the process of identifying, defining and prioritising the environmental components to be addressed in the EA, and has been discussed in the Inception Report. The method of scoping used for this EA is based on: Feasibility Study undertaken in 2003 which considered the engineering, economic and environmental aspects of the Project. Section 1.2 provides a summary of the environmental and social issues identified during the Feasibility Study. Community participation during the Feasibility Study and during the current study including workshopping of the Inception Report (see Appendix 4). Reviews of all available engineering and environmental documentation on the subject of water supply in Maseru; Experience of the EA team who have a collective experience of more than 20 years' in similar Projects as well as experience in Lesotho.
Melolong Dam ESIA: Final. rebrua ry 2008 G&SM'C an ASsoC~a,onwllh FM Assoaates lLeSolho~and Southern Waters iSouVl Afna, Utilising the above information and experience, the Project impacts were assessed in terms of five primary impact criteria: Scale: Physical scale / area over which the impact will be felt: Local, Regional, National or International Duration: The length of time the impact is likely to occur: Short, Medium or Long Term Severity: The intensity of the impact: Low. Medium or High Certainty: The probability of the impact occurring: Possible. Likely, Highly Likely or Definite Direction: Whether the impact is Positive (Beneficial) or Negative (adverse)
An overall rating of significance was then derived from the impact criteria: Significance : Nil or Negligible. Low, Medium. High or Very High
4.3 Source of Information and Data Analysis The methodologies outlined in the following Sections have been formulated on the basis of: Relevant documents, including World Bank directives, guidelines and other documents; relevant national and local legislation, policy papers and guidelines of Lesotho. Available survey plans and related reports, including an environmental assessment of the Project from the 2003 feasibility study. Practical considerations including timeframe for ESIA, and the accessibility of the study area. preliminary site visit and consultations with local officials and affected people detailed site survey interviews with government authorities, relevant institutions and NGOs Resettlement Plan investigations The Consultant has also made use of 1:250,000 and 1:50.000 vegetation cover, forestry, topographical and geological maps, soil maps, aerial photographs, and previous sumey work undertaken as part of the Feasibility investigation. Data collection relied on both primary and secondary sources, and included an environmental factors survey for discussion with selected samples of local residents and project affected persons who have knowledge of the local ecosystem and its exploitation by traditional methods. The data collected was validated by experts in the ESIA team. The main output was to: Identify environmentally sensitive areas and to assess the area's sensitivity to negative effects from construction and operation of the dam and associated works. Assess impacts and changes that may be induced by the Project, and identify mitigation measures to avoid or lessen the negative impacts.
4.4 Physical Environment
4.4.1 Water Quality A water quality assessment was undertaken to gain an understanding of the quality of the water in the proposed dam in relation to the treatment needs that will be necessary prior to the water being reticulated to the various user nodes. The full water quality report is included in Volume 3 Annex to this report. It is to be noted that it was not possible to obtain sufficient data for comprehensive
- ~ ~ - Metolonp Dam ESIA Final. February 2008 2 > @BSMEc8" Assoc!ation w!tn FM Associates (Lesotho~and Sovt9ern Waters (South Afrca! modelling of the new water body in the time available to complete the EM studies, but it was possible to do some preliminary modelling as a basis for assessment of the predicted water quality in Metolong Dam. Also, it was anticipated that the findings of the studies done for the Katse Dam would be of relevance here as the two have many characteristics in common. The two water quality samplings reported on here were undertaken at the end of winter (August 2006) and then at a time when the first steady rains of the new wet season had fallen (November 2006). Thus it may be considered that the rivers were in an "intermediate" condition which was typical of neither the low flow state nor the wet season medium to high flow states. By fortunate chance, it was possible to sample one site both before and after a significant rainfall event and the extent to which the water quality may change was amply revealed. The study area was visited over the period from 22 - 24 August 2006 and again on 1 November 2006. With the use of maps and with the assistance of staff from SMEC it was possible to visit the South Phuthiatsana River at several points as well as to view all the major tributaries which enter the dam basin. Six sampling sites were chosen in this area and they are described in the following section. At each site a series of water samples were collected in bottles which had been prepared and supplied by the Umgeni Water laboratory in Pietermaritzburg. Details of the bottle preparation are given in the information and instruction sheet provided by the laboratory (see Volume 3 of the Annexes). The methods used in the laboratory are from Standard Methods for Water and Wastes: AWWA, 21 Ed. The laboratory is IS0 17025 accredited in terms of its analyses. The method for the benthic diatoms was as follows: Collect 5 random brick sized stones from across a section of the stream and gently wash and brush the slimelslippery coating off them into a clean tray with river water and moderately stiff bristle brush. Collect a lOOml sample of the water fix it with 10% alcohol (by volume). Submit the material for laboratory analysis. The collecting procedures which were prescribed by the laboratory were adhered to and information on the site and its catchment were recorded. Included in the latter process were assessments of the ecological status of the site according to predefined classifications. These classifications are shown in Appendix TI. During the course of the first site visit, heavy rains fell and the Phuthiatsana River rose considerably. This provided an opportunity to resample Site MET 5 under a very different set of conditions and the two sets of results are designated MET 5A and MET 5B respectively.
4.4.1 .I Adequacy of sampling Sites As indicated above, the sampling sites were selected to gain an understanding of both the characteristics of the water entering and leaving the dam site, and of the river and a major tributary below the dam site. The decision to do so was made prior to visiting the area and hence to gaining an actual impression of the catchment conditions there. During the course of the visit it became apparent that the catchment is reasonably homogenous in terms of its landscape characteristics and landuse patterns. For this reason the various sub-catchments of all the study sites are very similar and, had any other sites been selected, they too would have been similar. Therefore it may be taken that the sites used present realistic data on the quality of the water entering the dam and there is no reason to change them or to select any further points.
4.4.2 lnstrearn Flow Requirements Instream flow requirements (1FR)is a generic and widely used term that refers to the water required to protect the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems at some agreed level. Other terms that are sometimes used include 'environmental water allocations' or 'environmental flow requirements'. In the United States, the term 'minimum ecological flows' is also used. Methodologies to determine IFR were originally developed in response to the question posed by engineers designing outlet structures for large dams: What is the minimum flow that must be released from the dam for the downstream aquatic ecosystem to survive? Various methods are in existence for the determination of IFR. The Consultant used the DRIFT method. DRET (an acronym for Downstream Response to Imposed Flow Transformations) is an ------Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2WB 24 *$SM'C ,n Assoc~attonwllh iMAssoclales (Lesotho) and Soulnein Waters (South Afrlcar Environmental Flow Assessment (IFRA) process that was developed by Southern Waters for the assessment of environmental flows for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. It was developed in liaison with SMEC International and the team of biophysical and socio-economjc specialists brought together for that project (Metsi Consultants 2000). An earlier version of DRIFT was also used to determine the environmental flows for the Palmiet River in the Western Cape, South Africa (Brown et al. 2000). The methodology arose from, and its initial data-collection steps closely approximate those of, the Building Block Methodology (BBM, King and Louw 1998). Like the BBM, DRIFT is a holistic approach, addressing all biophysical aspects of the river of concern. Both employ multidisciplinary teams in a workshop environment to compile a modified flow regime that will help maintain some required river condition.
4.4.2.1 Choice of DRIFT Method and its Limitations DRIFT was selected for use in the IFR studies for, inter alia, the following reasons: 1. It is a holistic interactive method which provides the biophysical consequences for the downstream river for various scenarios flow change. These scenarios can then be used to determine a 'desired' future condition and the relevant IFR to facilitate meeting that condition. 2. It is a published method (King et al. 2003, with a detailed User Manual (Brown et aE. 2005), and as such is has been peer reviewed. 3. It was approved by the Panel of Experts for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) for use in determining the IFRs for that project (King et al. 2000). 4. It has been widely applied in southern Africa (e.g., Brown et al. 2006). 5. The IFR monitoring done by the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority subsequent to implementation of IFRs for LHWP Phase 1 structures has followed a DRIFT format. This means that the lesson's learnt through the monitoring of IFRs in Lesotho could be easily incorporated into this study. 6. It is based on expert knowledge and as such is suitable for use in regions where there are few if any biophysical data available for the rivers, as was the case for the Phuthiatsana River. As with all IFR methodologies, DRIFT has its limitations. These are summarized below. DRIFT focuses on temperate southern African rivers, and many of the examples used, including terminology, hydrological classification, hydrological time steps and the content of the Generic Lists were derived for use in such rivers. DRIFT is a model and as such its outputs will only be an accurate as its inputs. In this study and many similar studies, the input tothe DRIFT model is based on expert opinion backed by very little data collections. This must, per force, affect the confidence of the results produced. The predictions presented in this report are the best effort of specialists with a good knowledge of both the theory and data supporting their disciplines, and some understanding of Lesotho rivers. Nonetheless, the predictions are made on the basis of poor baseline data for the river system, lack of research data in Lesotho to guide or support predictions, and a short time-frame for the IFR study necessitated by the EIA process. It is unlikely that the specialists will have predicted the changes in the river accurately in every instance. o In this study, specialists used rough estimates of change to populate the DRIFT model (e.g., King et al. 2005), the main focus was on using the relative scores to estimate changes in overall river condition; o the data collection and time allocated to the study are insufficient to allow decision-making based on the estimated abundance changes in any one component or subcomponent, and; -- - .- - . -. - .. . - Merolonp Dam ESlA Final February 2038 25 qbsMEcAs50clatwn with FM Assoc~ales!LeSotnoI and Sodthern Waters (South Atricai o should, for any reason, a particular component or subcomponent become the subject of scrutiny, such scrutiny should be undertaken with a full knowledge of the limitations applicable to the data. DRIFT takes as its starting point the available daily hydrological time series for the study area. The resultant IFR data are based on these hydrological data. If the data are shown to be inaccurate the DRIFT assessment will have to be revisited, and in the worst cases redone. In this study, the accuracy of the DRIFT assessment will also be affected should anyone of the major assumptions not hold true, viz. o climatic conditions in the next 30 years would mirror those of the past 30 years. o no major changes in landuse in the catchment. o trout are present in the system. o water quality will not constitute a significant contributor toreduced ecological condition with a reduction in flows.
4.4.2.2 Overview of the Drift Method DRIFT is essentially a data-management tool, allowing optimum use of data and knowledge in a structured way. Within DRIFT, component-specific methods are used by each specialist to derive the link between river flow and river condition (biophysical), or between changing river condition and social and economic impact (socioeconomic). The central rationale of DRIFT is that different aspects of the flow regime of a river elicit different responses from the riverine ecosystem (Table 3). Thus, removal of part or all of a particular element of the flow regime will affect the riverine ecosystem differently than will removal of some other element. TABLE 3. DIFFERENT KINDS OF RIVER FLOW AND THEIR IMPORTANCE TO ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONING
The normal lowflows Lowflows define the basic seasonality of rivers - its dry and wet season, whether in the river outside it flows all year or dries out for part of it. The different magnitudes of low flow in of floods the dry and wet seasons create more or less wetted habitat and different hydraulic and chemical conditions, which directly influence what the balance of species will be in any season to flow variability. They re-set a wide spectrum of conditions in the river
Defined here as small pulses of higher flow, freshes are usually of most Freshes: small ecological importance in the dry season. Smaller floods stimulate spawning in f'oods that fish, flush out poor quality water, mobilise sandy sediments, and contribute severaltimes triggering and synchronising activities as varied as upstream migration of fish and a year germination of riparian seedlings
Large, scouring floods dictate the form of the channel, They mobilise sediments and deposit silt, nutrients and seeds on floodplains. They inundate backwater Large floodsthat areas, and trigger the emergence of flying adults of aquatic insects, which occur lessOften lhan provide food for fish, frogs and birds. They maintain moisture levels in the banks, once a year which support trees and shrubs, inundate floodplains, and scour estuaries thereby maintaining the link with the sea
variability of flow is essential for a healthy ecosystem. Different conditions are Flow variability created through each day and season, controlling the balance of species and preventing dominance by pest species
It is possible to identify and isolate these elements of the flow regime from the historical hydrological record and to describe the probable biophysical consequences of partial or whole removal of a particular element of the flow regime, in isolation. Once these biophysical .- Melolnng Dav ESIA Fiml February ?DO~ 25 @&SMw ir AsSoC~al!Onwith FM Asicc~atesIlesolho) and Soulher? Waters (South Alrical consequences have been described, it is possible to combine them in various ways to describe the overall impact on river condition of a range of potential flow regimes. Once the potential changes , in river condition have been described, it is possible to also describe their socio-economic implications. The DRIFT process involves a number of river-related biophysical and socio-economic activities. At present these are centred in two major workshops, but it is envisaged that much of the work could eventually be done by the specialists prior to much shorter "wrap-up" workshops. There are eight main activities in DRIFT (post data collection): I. Preparation of the hydrological data and derivation of summary statistics. 2. Linkage of the hydrological statistics to cross-sectional river features at a number of representative river sites. 3. Reduction of different flow components in a structured series, and description of the biophysical consequences. 4. Entry of the consequences into a custom-built database. 5. Querying the database to describe the changes in river condition caused by one or more potential flow regimes (scenarios). 6. identification of the social impacts of each scenario. 7. Calculation of the economic cost of compensation and mitigation for each scenario. 8. Calculation of the impact on system yield for each scenario.
4.4.2.3 IFR Tasks The IFR tasks included the following: Focus on one study site to maximize time spent understanding that site. Aim at determining only the volume and distribution of IFRs for the Phuthiatsana River. Provide a range of scenarios (including the IFR recommended in the 2003 Feasibility Study) linking volume and timing of flows to river condition (biophysical) for consideration in other study tasks. Dam engineers and decision makers provide the IFR team with an indication of the likely flow manipulations downstream of the proposed dam. Existing daily hydrological data for the Phuthiatsana River (from the Department of Water Affairs) was used as a basis for the IFR study although the data contained many gaps and required some hydrological modelling to improve its usefulness. Site selection The IFR determination concentrated on one IFR site. The site was selected on a representative river reach downstream of the proposed dam site on the basis of: Useful for both pre- and post-construction studies andlor monitoring. Proximity to a hydrological gauging weir. Accessibility. Useful for hydraulic calibrations. Suitability for use by other riverine disciplines, such as geomorphology; vegetation; invertebrates and fish. The site is located approximately 20 km downstream of the proposed dam site Cjust downstream of water quality sampling site MET 5, see Figure 2). IFR Team The following specialists were represented in the IFR determination:
.. .-- .-~ ~ - ~ - .- .- diiak Melolonp Dam ESlA Final- February 20% i 7 \F*~~~~Assxlalnon wltn FM AsSoC~ales(LesolPo) and Southern Water? (South Afi~cal IFR Team Leader and Facilitator Hydraulics Engineer Hydrologist Geomorphologist Riparian Botanist Invertebrate Biologist Fisheries Specialist Data collection Apart from data collection for the hydraulics, the study team made one data collection visit to the IFR site. They spent two days at the Phuthiatsana River, the first day was spent farniliarising themselves with the study area and selecting an appropriate site to be used for collecting the relevant IFR data. Stage-discharge information with which to calibrate the hydraulics was collected at the same time. The Fisheries Specialist revisited the site on a further occasion when flow conditions were more suited to fish sampling. It should be noted that it was not viable to 'include' water quality in the IFR study as there are no data available for water quality at the sitelreach. Furthermore, experience from LHWStage 1 has indicated that the water quality in the downstream rivers has not been greatly affected 5 years after implementation of the IFR. Water quality is an important driver but often because water is required to dilute pollution loads into a river. This does not form part of an IFR - which should only consider natural water quality issues. The most important water quality issue for the South Phuthiatsana is probably sedimentation, particularly since many of the other determinands are adsorbed to the sediment particles. Total suspended solids are also a universally-used surrogate for water quality issues related to potability. Sediments were considered to the extent possible in the study. IFR Workshop Following the field work, the specialists met for a two-day IFR Workshop, where they populated and checked the output of the DRIFT database. LWSU staff also attended the workshop to gain a better understanding of the IFR methodology. Results and report The results of the IFR Determination were written up in a separate report (see Volume 3), as well as captured in the DRET database.
4.4.2.4 Hydrology Data and its Limitations Two types of hydrological data were used for the IFR study: flow data and rainfall data. Both types of data were obtained from six recording stations. While all the rainfall data from the six gauging stations were used in the analysis, only the Masianokeng gauging station was used for the case of flow data. However it is important to note that the data from the other five gauging stations were of utmost importance especially during the data cleaning and gap filling of the Masianokeng data. Generally speaking, the data which was eventually used for the IFR analysis was of good quality as it originated from six gauging stations and six rain gauge stations. The limitation of the hydrological data is based on three key factors: 1. relevancy 2. adequacy 3. accuracy Relevancy. The Metolong data were relevant in that the data used in the analysis included three flow types: high flows, mean flow and the low flows. This distribution gave the best representation of the actual situation. In addition, the gauging station in which the data were used to generate flow
Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2008 56 @ssMEC,n ASs~c~al~onwith FM Assoc~ales{LesolhD) and Southsrn Waters (South Atrlcal information at the IFR site was within the catchment which makes the data more relevant and thus raising the confidence on the IFR results. Adequacy - refers to the length of record. Most stations in the catchment had limited data records and the preferred hydrological analysis assumes records of not less than 50 years. However, stations of records with as low as 20 years provide acceptable levels of results. The Masianokeng station had 17 years of record and it was supplemented with data from Khoshane station which had 20 years of record. The Khoshane data were used for cross checking purpose only because the gauging station is located on a tributary of the Phuthiatsana River. It is considered that this approach provided sufficient data for the IFX analysis. Accuracy. This refers to data homogeneity. The Masianokeng data had acceptable accuracy. To increase the accuracy, the data were supplemented by a scientifically recognised method of data cleaning gap filling before being used. The interpolation method used to improve the hydrological records for the Metolong Dam catchment is common in estimating rainfall amount for catchments with no rainfall stations. The methodology used for Metolong is described in detail in Section 3 of the IFR Study Report (Volume 3 Annex to the ESIA). Rainfall is the result of flow and thus it is necessary to carefully assemble the rainfall information when analysing the hydrology of any catchment. The Phuthiatsana catchment is fortunate in that it has several rainfall stations in close proximity unlike other areas of Lesotho. Although most of these stations are not within the catchment area they are close enough such that if scientific methods are applied, data from these stations can be used. Only one station is within the catchment area (Pulane) and it is in the upper catchment leaving the lower part without any station. It was for these reasons that the Consultant considered the direct use of the data from the station within the catchment at the upper catchment for the IFR site would provide inaccurate hydrological representation and consequently inaccurate estimation of flow data. It was thus necessary to establish some intermediate rainfall stations in the lower catchment and at the IFR site through the interpolation method. Five rainfall stations which are relatively close to the catchment were used in the interpolation of rainfall data. The rainfall data were then used in estimating flows at the IFR site. This approach is scientifically acceptable in hydrological analysis. Also, the fact that the rainfall stations used in the interpolation were evenly distributed along the catchment makes it even more reliable and suitable for its application in generating appropriate hydrological data for the IFR study. The data from the interpolation method are sufficiently accurate and a true representation of rainfall at the IFR site and for the IFR analysis. As a further test of the reliability of the data used, the results of the interpolation have been cross checked and proven to be consistent and in line with raw data (both rainfall and flow data) from other stations around the catchment.
4.5 Biological Environment
4.5.1 Terrestrial A detailed investigation of the terrestrial biological environment was undertaken using the services of an ecologist/botanist who carried out the following tasks: Description of vegetation types Description of species composition and biodiversity Listing of any endangered, rare, or vulnerable species Estimation of the ecological significance of vegetation types at the regional, national and global level (if significant) Assessment of the sensitivity of the ecosystem to the proposed Project intervention in order to identify variables which are likely to experience change
. . --. - - ~ - -.. Melolong Dam ESIA Final February 7008 25 In AssoClal!On wilh FM Asso~~ales(Lesolhoi an0 Southern Walers lSouih Afncai Assessment of impacts and changes that may be induced by the Project, and identify mitigation measures to avoid or lessen the negative impacts. Identified environmentally sensitive areas and assess the area's sensitivity to negative affects from construction and operation of the dam and associated structures. Characterised the biological resources within the zones of influence of the dam and associated structures. Interviewed traditional users of the local natural environment who have first hand information Vegetation types were identified on the aerial photography of the storage area and transferred to the corresponding 1 :50000 topographic maps. Each type was described according to species composition. Prior to field visits relevant documents including guidelines, previous surveys and studies and other documents including relevant national legislation and policy papers of Lesotho were reviewed. Field trips were undertaken in May and early November of 2006. Threatened, rare and vulnerable species were listed where possible. Field assessment was done by walking the distance of the storage area transmission line, proposed quarry site and reservoir sites. Plant species from the storage area and transmission lines were identified on site and those that could not be identified satisfactorily were sent to Roma Herbarium at the National University for further verification. Traditional users of the resources were inte~iewedto further characterise the plants into medicinal and economic values.
4.5.2 Aquatic The main objective of the fish survey was to conduct sampling in river reaches representative of the main areas of impact (within the dam basin. and downstream from the dam wall) in order to characterize the fish assemblage from these areas, to serve as the basis for an impact assessment. Specific attention was paid towards qualifying habitat cover in these reaches (using the Habitat Cover Rating approach) and characterizing the fish assemblages using the Fish Assemblages Integrity Index (Kleyn hans, 1999).
4.5.2.1 Sampling Fish sampling was undertaken in August and October 2006 and was conducted by means of electro-shocking on a single pass basis throughout the selected sites. Sampling effort was standardized to a longitudinal equivalent of at least 40 river widths. Collected specimens were measured (fork length) and released unharmed where possible, except for reference specimens, which will be lodged at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (formerly JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology). Two sampling sites were surveyed on the Phuthiatsana River, one in the proposed Dam basin (S: 29'1 5.219' E: 27'52.102') and one downstream from the Dam (S: 29'19,262' E: 27'49.065). Surveys were conducted during the wet (best condition) and dry (worst condition) seasons. This provides an understanding on assemblages and during continuous long term monitoring will also provide insight into the population dynamics.
4.5.2.2 Habitat cover ratings Habitat cover was characterized using the Habitat Cover Rating (HCR's) approach of Kleynhans (1999). This approach was developed to assess habitats according to different attributes that are surmised to satisfy the habitat requirements of a variety of fish species. Habitats were categorized according to depth-flow classes adapted from Kleynhans (1999): Slow (c0.3m/s), shallow (c0.5m): shallow pools and backwaters Slow (<0.3m/s), deep (>0.5m): deep pools and backwaters Fast (>0.3m/s), shallow (<0.5m): shallow runs, rapids and riffles Fast (>0.3m/s), deep (>0.5m): deep runs, rapids and riffles The relative contribution of each of above-mentioned classes at a site was estimated and indicated as :
~ - --- Melolong Dam ESlA Final: February 2008 26 5!%S~min Associalion wm FM Associates :Lesolhoi and Southern Waters ,South Airica) 0 = Absent 1 = Rare (<5%) 2 = Sparse (5-258) 3 = Moderate (25-75 %) 4 = Extensive (>75%) For each depth-flow class, the presence of physical habitat features that may provide cover for fish (cf) was noted (from Kleynhans, 1999) and included: Overhanging vegetation Undercut banks and root wads Stream substrate Aquatic macrophytes The amount of cover present at each of these cover features was estimated and indicated as: 0 = Absent 1 = Rare (4%) 2 = Sparse (5-258) 3 = Moderate (25-75%) 4 = Extensive (>75%) The fish habitat cover rating (HCR) was calculated as follows: The contribution of each depth-flow class at the site was calculated (d fEdf) For each depth-flow class, the fish cover features were summed Wf). HCR = dfzdf x kf
4.5.2.3 Fish Assemblages Integrity Index The Fish Assemblages Integrity Index (FAII) consists of the calculation of an expected value, which serves as the baseline or reference, the calculation of an observed value and the comparison of the expected and observed scores that provide a relative FA11 score. The FA11 score is derived from three metrics, which are scored separately, an intolerance rating, frequency and the health of an individual. Species Intolerance Ratings Intolerance refers to the degree to which an indigenous species is unable to withstand changes in the environmental conditions at which it occurs (Kleynhans, 1999). Four components are considered in estimating the intolerance of fish species, i.e. habitat preferences and specialization (HS), food preferences and specialization (TS), requirement for flowing water during different life stages (mand association with habitats with unmodified water quality (WQ). Each of these aspects was scored for a species according to low requirernentlspecialization(rating = l), moderate requirernentlspecialization (rating = 3) and high requirernentlspecialization (rating = 5). The total intolerance (lT)of a fish species is estimated as follows: lT=(HS+TS+FW+WQ)/4 Frequency of Occurrence For each species expected to be present in a fish habitat segment, the expected frequency of occurrence was estimated and the observed frequency of occurrence calculated: Infrequent occurrence - score = 1 Frequent occurrence - score = 3 Widespread occurrence - scores = 5 The same procedure was applied taking into account habitat types actually present at a specific site and species' habitat preferences. Fish Health Assessment The assessment is conducted in such a way as to derive numeric values, which reflect the status of fish health. The percentage of fish with externally evident disease or other anomalies was used in - .- .-.~ ~.. .- - - M~tolmgDam ESlA Final February 2008 11 @@'M'c ,n AssOc!atlm wlth FM Assoc~ales(Lesotnoi and Southern Walers (South Atnca; the scoring of this metric (Kleynhans, 1999). The following procedure was followed to score the health of individual species at a site: Frequency of affected fish >5%. Score = 1 Frequency of affected fish 2-5%. score = 3 Frequency of affected fish 4%.score = 5 This approach is based in the principle that even under unimpaired conditions; a small percentage of individuals can be expected to exhibit some anomalies (Kleynhans, 1999). The FA11 is calculated asfollows The expected FA11 rating for a fish habitat segment is calculated as follows (Kleynhans, 1999): FA11 value (Exp) = ZIT x ((F + H)/2) Where: Exp = expected for a fish habitat segment JT = Intolerance rating for individual species expected to be present in a fish habitat segment and in habitats that were sampled H = Expected health rating for a species expected to be present. The observed situation is calculated on a similar basis, but is based on information collected during the survey: FA11 value (Obs) = ZIT x ((F + H)/2) Where: Obs = observed for a fish habitat segment The relative FA11 score is calculated by: Relative FA11 score = FA11 value (0bs)IFAII value (exp) x 100 TABLE 4. FAll ASSESSMENT CLASSES (FROM KLEYNHANS, 1996; 1999) Class Description of generally expected conditions for integrity FA11 score Rating classes (% of total) A Unmodified, or approximate natural conditions closely 90- 100 B Largely natural with few modifications. A change in 80-89 community characteristics may have taken place but species richness and presence of intolerant species indicate little modification. C Moderately modified. A lower than expected species richness 60-79 and presence of most intolerant species. Some impairment of health may be evident at the lower limit of this class. D Largely modified. A clearly lower than expected species 40-59 richness and presence of most intolerant species. Some impairment of health may be evident at the lower limit of this class. E Seriously modified. A strikingly lower than expected species 20-39 richness and general absence of intolerant and moderately intolerant species. Impairment of health may become evident. F Critically modified. Extremely lowered species richness and an 0-19 absence of intolerant and moderately intolerant species. Only tolerant species may be present with a complete loss of species at the lower limit of the class. Impaiment of health generally very evident. Interpretation of the FAll score Interpretation of the relative FA11 values is based on the habitat integrity classes of Kleynhans (1996) and as shown in Table 4.
. -. -.- .------~ SMx Met31ong Dam ESIA. Final Febr~ary2DOR 32 WE:&' In AssDc~al~onmlh FM Assoaales (Lesotho] and Southern Waters (Sourh Atr~cal 4.5.2.4 Assessment of Impact Significance The assessment of the potential significance of identified impacts on the fish is based on available information as well as professional judgment, by using a ranking scale as discussed below. The terminology stems from the South African Department of Environmental Affairs' guideline document on EIA Regulations, April 1998. The consequence of impacts can be derived by considering the following criteria: Severitylmagnitude Duration of the impact Spatial extent Severity relates to how severe the impact will be. Duration relates to how long the impact may be prevalent for and the spatial extent relates to the physical area that would be affected by the impact. Having ranked the severity, duration and spatial scale using the criteria outlined in Table 5, the overall consequence of an impact is estimated by adding the individual scores assigned to severity, duration and spatial scale. The overall probability of the impacts is then regarded as the likelihood of impact occurrence based on professional judgement. The overall significance (risk) of the impact is then determined by combining the consequence and the probability of occurrence: Significance of Impact = Consequence (magnitude + duration + spatial scale) x Probability TABLE 5. CONSEQUENCE AND PROBABILITY RANKING. MagnitudeISeverity Duration Spatial Scale Probability 10 - Very highldon't 5 - Permanent 5 - International 5 - Definitefdon't know know 8 - High 4 - Long-term 4 - National 4 - Highly probable (impact ceases after operational life) 6 - Moderate 3 - Medium-term (5- 3 - Regional 3 - Medium 15 years) probability 4 -Low 2 - Short-term (0-5 2 - Local 2 - Low probability years) 2 - Minor 1 - Immediate 1- Site only 1 - Improbable 0 - None 0 - None The maximum value, which can be obtained, is 100 significance points (SP). Environmental effects are rated according to High, Moderate, Low or No Impact significance categories on the following basis: SP>60 Indicates high environmental significance; SP 30 to 60 Indicates moderate environmental significance; SPe30 Indicates low environmental significance. SP = 0 Indicated no environmental impact
4.6 Social Aspects Information collected for the ESIA was acquired through a range of qualitative and quantitative methods, as described below.
4.6.1 Consultations with Interested and Affected Parties Discussions were held with a range of stakeholders during the course of the study. The consultations entailed: 22 community meetings (lipitso)and group discussions in villages around the Reservoir site, as well as in selected villages that may be affected (through temporary land occupation) by the transmission pipelines. This included attendance of the monthly
Metolong Dam ESlA Final. February 2006 33 @aSMEc,m A550c~a1~3n wlh FM Arroc!ates (Lesolhoi and Soulhern Walfrr (Soulh Africa) meetings of the Metolong Dam Committee, organised by communities in the Reservoir area to represent their interests; discussions with sand miners and imgators downstream of the Reservoir who may be affected by changed river flows; consultations with national, district and community authorities; and consultations with NGOs.
4.6.2 Census of Households in Broader Reservoir Area A one-page census questionnaire was completed for the households in the 25 villages in the immediate vicinity of the Metolong Reservoir. These villages were selected because of their proximity to the Reservoir site and the potential for direct Project impacts on villagers and social activities (see Figure 21). The census questionnaire gathered the following summary household information (a copy of the census questionnaire is included in the Resettlement Plan): name and gender of household head; number of males and females in the households; number of household members in formal employment and receiving government pensions; number of fields along the Phuthiatsana River and around the village areas; and number of livestock. The census enumerated 7,841 persons in 1,502 households.
4.6.3 Socio-Economic Survey A socio-economic survey was planned for a 30% sample of the households enumerated in the household census. The survey also included directly affected households. At total of 586 households (amounting to a sample of approximately 39%) was finally interviewed, consisting of: 200 (79%) of an estimated 253 households potentially affected by the Metolong Reservoir, the area required for the Treatment PlantIDrying Beds and the access road to the Dam Wall, and 386 non-affected households Most respondents (86.4%) were either the household head (61.6%) or hislher spouse (24.8%); 60.9% were female and 39.1% male. The questionnaire (included in the Resettlement Plan) covered the following topics: household composition (age, gender, educational status, residential status and employment status for each household member); ownership of agricultural fields, livestock and trees; agricultural and other economic activities; income and expenditure patterns; access to and use of community services/facilities and natural resources; health and nutrition; views/concems/suggestionson the proposed development; and for directly affected households, compensation preferences for the loss of private assets. It was agreed with the local communities that the enumerators would bedrawn from residents of the 25 Reservoir area villages who had completed their secondary education. A large number of persons applied to work on the survey and following recruitment interviews, twelve young persons (between the ages of 20 and 30 years) were picked by a selection committee that included community representatives. Ten of the enumerators worked on the socioeconomic survey (supervised by two experienced supervisors who had worked on the recent national census) and two were deployed to work with the asset recording team. The enumerators participated in an intensive training programme prior to commencing with the fieldwork. The programme was conducted from 13 - 18 July 2006 and included the following activities:
-- .- ~ -. Meloiong Dam iSA Final F~bruary2008 34 e&SMEC In Assoclalion wfth FM Assoosfes :Lesotho! and Southern waters (Soutn Africa! principles of quantitative and qualitative research; database requirements for quantitative research and data gathering; interviewing techniques; interviewing exercises and role-playing; pre-testing of the draft household questionnaire; finalisation of the household questionnaire, including assistance with the translation of the questionnaire into Sesotho. The main survey was completed on 6' September 2006, with a small number of enumerators retained up to 6' November 2006 to conduct interviews with as many affected households as possible.
4.6.4 Recording of Assets Two storage options are being considered for the Metolong Reservoir, with full supply levels (FSLs) at 1 663 m (Option 1) and 167 1 m (Option 2) respectively. A basic inventory was undertaken, together with the concerned ownersls and local authorities, of fixed assets that may be affected by Option 1 (the lower FSL) and Option 2 (the higher FSL). For the Metolong Reservoir, beacons (painted rocks) for the two FSLs were set up at regular intervals. The beacons formed the basis for the identification and recording of potentially affected assets. The approximate FSLs were also drawn on the available aerial photography for use in the field. Although not a completely accurate exercise, the recording exercise gives a good picture of the assets and owners potentially affected by the Reservoir. The same exercise was also undertaken at the approximate areas proposed for the Water Plant and Drying Beds and the new access road to the Dam Wall. It should be noted that the results are indicative only, as the location and alignment of these Project components are still under investigation and yet to be finalized. The asset recording sheet is included in the Resettlement Plan. It provides for the identification of the various assets in the Reservoir, as well as for confirmation signatures of the concerned ownerls and other representatives. It should be emphasised that the asset recording exercise is purely for planning and costing purposes. Once the project has been approved 1 gazetted, a formal valuation exercise will be undertaken (prior to the commencement of the civil works) by qualified surveyors to accurately identify assets and losses as the basis for the determination of final compensation packages.3
4.6.5 Survey of Movement across the Phuthiatsana River In order to gain insights into the movement of people across the Phuthiatsana River and tributaries a movement survey was conducted at 12 crossing points, most of which would be inundated by the Reservoir. Each crossing point was surveyed once, from Friday to Monday, the days when people are most likely to cross the River. The 12 crossing points (shown on Figure 24) are: Ha Makhale - Ha Seeiso; Ha Masakale - Ha Mosotho; Ha Letela/Ha Ntsane - Ha Tlele; Ha Monamoleli - Ha Tsoaleli; Ha Matjeke - Ha Mosotho; Ha Makotoko - Ha Seeiso; Ha Maimane - Ha Matjeke; Ha Masakale - Ha Tlele; Ha Mothomotsoana - Ha Ntsane; Ha Seeiso - Ha RamakhabaIHa Makirita; Ha Monamoleli - Ha Ntsane; and Ha Monamoleli - Ha Ramatlama.
The LWSU is in the process of finalising a TOR for a full asset verification and valuation exercise.
-. . ~ ~... ~ .~ ~ &ib\ Melclona Dam ESlA Final February 2CDe ~wSM~In As50ClaIiOn wlih FM ksoclates (Lesolhoi and So~thernWaters (South Alr~ca, 4.6.6 Mapping and Database of Affected Persons and Assets The information obtained from the household census, socioeconomic survey and asset recording exercise has been entered into three (MS Access) databases. The databases are kept by the Client and will be a useful resettlement planning tool in subsequent project phases, and for monitoring over the long term. The assets identified as potentially affected by the Metolong Reservoir, as well as those located in the areas where the Water Plant and Drying Beds and the new access road to the Dam Wall could potentially be located, have been numbered on the available aerial photography. The asset numbers are referenced to the asset database.
4.6.7 Review of Secondary Data Secondary information has been sourced from a range of printed and electronic reportsldocuments, including: the Government's Poverty Reduction Strategy (2004105 - 2006107); the World Bank's Growth and Employment Options Study of 2005; the 2005 report of the FAOlWFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission to Lesotho; the Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey of 2004; the Lesotho UNGASS report on HIVIAIDS for the period 2003 - 2005; the Welfare Indicator Survey of 2002; the Lesotho Demographic Survey of 2001; LHWP policies and reports; and country and poverty reports prepared for Lesotho by Sechaba Consultants.
4.7 Health The methodology for the health impact assessment (HZA)component of the ESIA included: 1) a desk review of relevant documentation, both local and international; 2) interviews with key informants at central level as well as in the area of the project; 3) the analysis of data from the household survey conducted by the sociologist on the study population in which specific questions related to health were included; 4) the analysis of information provided by other specialists involved in the ESIA; 5) the conduct of a clinic survey and the analysis of the data it provided. The clinic survey targeted the mainstream primary health care institutions serving the study population. The study population for the HIA was defined as all individuals residing within 5 km of the Phuthiatsana river, as far upstream as the maximum upreach of the reservoir in the neighbourhood of Ha Tsoaleli in the Sefikeng area, and as far downstream as the confluence of the Thupa-Kubu River with the Phuthiatsana River in the Thaba Bosiu area. The clinic survey extracted information relevant to a one year period, from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006, thus enabling a proper analysis of the pathologies whose incidence vary on a seasonal basis.
4.8 Cultural Heritage The Full Archaeological Report undertaken for the Metolong Dam proposal is included in Volume 2 Annex to the ESIA. The focus for heritage impact assessment was the main dam footprint, which consists of the proposed dam wall area and the area to be inundated. The remaining infrastructure of pipelines, pumping stations, quarries, access roads site establishment and treatment works will require assessment prior to the Project proceeding and when final design details are prepared. A literature review was undertaken as the first step in the current investigation to determine the nature of the cultural heritage data and likely impacts from dam infrastructure developments. Two studies have been undertaken within the southern Phuthiatsana valley within the area proposed from the Metolong dam and beyond. An intensive survey of the southern Phuthiatsana, focusing on rock art was undertaken in 1983 under Project ARAL. Systematic documentation and some
- ~ . - ~-. .. - ~ ---- -. Melolong Dan ESIA: Final - February 2008 36 *aSMm~n ASso~~at~on w~th FM Assoclales (Lesolhoi and Southern Waters (South Atrtcai classification were also completed as part of the survey. This work however was exported out of the country to the Netherlands and is in the custody of the Dutch Government. Mitchell (1994) carried out a stoneage survey and some test excavations within the area of the proposed Metolong Dam. Following the literature review, ground investigations were undertaken to determine sites that still exist after the first few surveys and records identified above. It is a foregone conclusion that natural factors working away continuously every year will erase some of the sites permanently from the Metolong valley within the next century. The ground survey therefore verified heritage data quality and to some extent quantities, against recorded information. Field survey work was supplemented by interviewing local residents to get their appreciation of the cultural heritage value and likely impacts from proposed dam development. An analysis was then made to determine the likely impacts on the tangible and intangible cultural assets of Metolong. The cultural heritage of the Metolong area, of which the archaeological study is only a fraction has been looked at in terms of the following: 1. Stone Age 2. Rock Art 3. Iron Age (Historical period) 4. Living Heritage 5. Palaeontological Remains For all of these categories, the major impact was total destruction in terms of inundation by development of a dam. Stone Age This category denotes remnants of artefacts from the early hunter gatherers, whose technology of tool manufacture centred around stone, either shaped as hand tools or prepared for harness to wooden and other forms of handles. Such remains have subsequently been laid down as deposits in shelters, in sequences that reflect the times of the users as well as function and style. Rock Art Rock art consists of motifs painted on to the stone walls in many of the shelters occupied by stone age man. They also reflect a very high and rare skill, of reproducing pictorial representations of early life forms. Rock art also provides indrect indications of fauna and sometimes flora of the ancient environments. It is very often found in association with stone tools, though there are situations where it occurs on its own. Iron Age Iron age implies the period when humans had gained substantial experience and expertise in tool making, this time extracting iron by smelting from rock (iron ore). At this time humans were not only dependent on the natural resources, but had also developed technic for modifying their environment through tilling the land to produce crops and keeping livestock for meat and other commodities or by-products. Humans are now settled and build homes instead of depending on available natural habitat of rock shelters. Living Heritage This is the active part of cultural heritage where people religious beliefs associate certain features or sites with ancestral connection. Such sites or features are then occasionally visited for religious purposes by various communities or religious sects to perform rituals. They may even be sites of initiation rituals where regularly, youths of certain age are taken through some rite of passage in gender groups and very rarely as individuals, swh as for healing purposes.
Palaeontological Remains This is the natural side of the heritage consisting of fauna and flora of the Triassic Period, largely included within the mudstone matrix of the Elliot Geological formation. The remains are often exposed as the rock is weathered under various agents. . ~- -- Metdong Dam ESlA Final' February 2006 3 7 *$SMEC 1" Assoctation w~thFM Associates (Lesolhol and Soulher2 Waters (South Alrln! Within the Metolong area, the palaeontological heritage component, consisting of fossilised remains of flora and fauna of the Triassic Period, is known to occur within sedimentary rock formations, especially the Elliot Formation. Since no substantial Elliot outcrops are exposed in the vicinity of the Metolong dam site, an intensive survey was considered as unwarranted in the present investigation. Potential sites were however considered whenever opportunity arose while undertaking the current survey since engineering excavations during dam construction may extend beyond the Clarens / Elliot transition and into the Elliot Formation underneath.
4.9 Consultation and Public Disclosure
4.9.1 Objectives of Public Consultation and Information Dissemination Public participation includes both information exchange (dissemination and consultation), and collaborative forms of decision-making and participation. Dissemination refers to transfer of information from project authorities to the affected population. Consultation, on the other hand, generally refers tojoint discussion between project authorities and the affected population serving as a conduit for transfer of information and sharing of ideas. Public participation is an ongoing process throughout project planning and implementation, not an event. The objectives of the Project's consultation and disclosure programme are: to share fully the information about the proposed Project, its components and its activities, with potentially affected persons; to obtain information about the needs and priorities of affected persons, as well as information about their reactions to proposed policies and activities; to inform affected persons about various options for relocation (if required) and livelihood restoration; to obtain the cooperation and participation of affected persons and communities in activities required to be undertaken for compensation and relocation planning and implementation; to ensure transparency in all activities related to land acquisition, compensation, relocation and livelihood restoration; and to establish a clear, easily accessible and effective grievance procedure.
4.9.2 Previous Public Consultation and Disclosure The Project Feasibility Study, undertaken over an eight month period and completed in late 2003, examined the technical, environmental and economic feasibility of the Project to meet the future water supply of Maseru and the neighbouring towns of Mazenod, Roma and Teyateyaneng. The Feasibility Study included extensive community consultation in scoping the environmental issues of the Project. Public participation was canied out in three stages: initial consultations with village Chiefs and school teachers at the villages of Ha Seeiso, Ha Masakale, Ha Makhale and Ha Makotoko; community meetings (lipitso) at three principle villages in the vicinity of the Project, namely, Ha Seeiso, Metolong and Ha Makatoko. Two NGOs, LCN and TRC assisted in carrying out the public gathering activities together with the Feasibility Consultant; Scoping Workshop in Maseru dedicated to EIA impacts and attended by representatives of the main villages. These representatives were selected by the villagers themselves and transport provided to facilitate their involvement. The public gatherings and workshop indicated a cautious but a significantly positive viewpoint of the Project by local people. This was primarily in relation to perceptions about employment opportunities during and after construction and access to improved amenities such as water supply, access roads and health facilities. Concerns that were raised about the project included: concerns over asset losses (primarily woodlots and thatching grasses in the reservoir area) and compensation for lost resources; health risks both during construction and from the permanent reservoir;
Melolong Dam ESA Final February 2008 38 impeded access to village across the Phuthiatsana River because of the creation of the Reservoir; and construction impacts, primarily related to disturbance and health issues caused by incoming workers, pollution and noise. An account of the public participation undertaken during the feasibility study is provided in the EIA Task Report (Consulting Engineering Center in association with Mott MacDonald & GWC Consulting Engineers, 2003).
4.9.3 Stakeholders Table 6 lists the stakeholders identified from the public consultation undertaken during the 2003 Feasibility Study and from community meetings and workshops held during the inception stage of the current EIA process. The list will be reviewed throughout the Project's consultation and disclosure process. TABLE 6. PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS Stakeholder Category Stakeholder Metolong Reservoir The Metolong Dam Committee, established by the Reservoir-area Area communities Communities and households in the broader reservoir area, located in the following villages: - Ha Sekantsi* - Meeling* - Ha Letela - Metolong Ha Makotoko - Ha Maimane - Nkokomohi - Ha Makhale* - Ha Mothomotsoana - Ha Makirita - Ha Matjeke - Ha Masakale - Ha Ramoselinyane - Ha Monamoleli - Ha Ramakabatane* - Ha Mosotho - Ha Kapa* - Ha Ntsane - Ha Ramakhaba - Ha Ramatlama - Ha Khabele - Ha Seeiso - Ha Nqosa* - Ha Tlele - Ha Ino - Ha Tsoaleli - Sefikeng I Other Project Areas 1 Irrigators and sand miners downstream of the dam wall 1 Communities and households potentially affected by other Project components Government Ministry of Natural Resources - Department of Water Affairs, Commissioner of Water (Proponent) National Environment Secretariat (EIA, biodiversity, archaeology, pollution con troystandards) 1 Ministry of Health and Social Affairs - Division of Environmental Health 1 r in is try of Labour, Labour Commissioner Ministry of Works, Roads Division Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperatives and Marketing - Livestock Services Disaster Management Authority (disaster Management / emergency services) Maseru and Berea District Agricultural Offices (agriculture, land use) Ministry of Conservation - Forestry Division (forestry and soils) Ministry of Local Government Lesotho Electricity Corporation Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation / Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture Ministry of Mines and Geology (mining, quarrying) Department of Trade, Industry and Marketing (economic development, small business development) Local government authorities (Principal Chiefs, District and Community Councils) Telkom Lesotho Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) (waste water and solid waste management) Other I The Lesotho Council of Non-Government Organizations (LCN) I Transformation Resource Center Intervention (TRC) . . . . -- - -- ~ ... . Metolong Dam ESlA Final February 2006 @&'M'c ,n Assooallon Mtn FM Assoclales (lesolhol and Soulhem Waters lSoulh Alvlca! Stakeholder Category 1 Stakeholder ( Water Youth Group 1 I 1 Lesotho Water Partnership I I Lesotho Environment ~usiiceAdvocacy Centre (LEJAC) Funding Agencies / Financing stakeholders such as the World Bank and Millennium Challenge I I Cnmoratinn. 1 Note: While the villages marked with an asterisk (*) are located immediately downstream of the dam wall, households in these villages are affected in the same manner as the other listed villages located around the proposed reservoir - i.e. losing assets and resources through inundation. meProject proponent has also actively engaged the stakeholders throughout the EL4 process by the establishment of a steering committee which received all draft and final reports and briefings on progress and issues with respect to the preparation of the ESIA and RP. The Steering Committee comprised of the following. National Environment Secretariat Ministry of Health - Health and Environment Division Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security - Crops and Imgation Ministry of Foresuy and Land Reclamation Lesotho Council of NGOs Department of Water Affairs Department of Rural Water Supply Water and Sewage Authority (WASA) Lesotho Highlands Devlopment Authority and Commission Ministry of Local Government
4.9.4 Consultation Activities for Preparation of ESIA and Resettlement Plan The EL4 consultation process focused on exchange of the following information: the EIA process and work program; the consultation program and schedule; Project details, including location of the Dam and Reservoir area, and provisional locations of the treatment plant, transmission pipeline routes and pumping stations; - Project impacts (both beneficial and adverse) and mitigation measures; - the views, concerns and suggestions of affected communities; md compensation and relocation procedures and protocols. The following information dissemination and consultation methods were used during preparation of the ESIA and the Resettlement Plan: consultation with stakeholders, including representatives from communities in the Metolong Reservoir area, at an Inception Report Workshop held on 26mApril 2006 and a Workshop on the Draft Final ESIA and RP held on 30' November 2006; distribution of the Executive Summary of the Draft Final ESIA translated into Sesotho at the Metolong Dam Committee meeting held on 4" December 2006. distribution of a Project Information Sheet (in Sesotho) to Project stakeholders; attendance of monthly meetings of the Metolong Dam Committee (representing all the affected villages in the Reservoir area) to discuss Project impacts and mitigation measures, as well as fieldwork activities; meetings in villages surrounding the Metolong Reservoir and in selected villages along potential transmission line routs to discuss Project impacts and mitigation measures; a household socio-economic questionnaire survey in the Reservoir area through which respondents could raise their concerns and recommendations; an asset recording exercise in the Reservoir area and at potential sites for the Water Treatment Plant and the new access road to the Dam Wall through which owners and local authorities participated in the identification of potentially affected assets.
~ .~ -~ -..- ~ Me;olong Dam ESIA Final February 2008 4 0 @asMEc,n Ass3~1at1on w~th FM Ass0~181e5(Lesothol and Soulhern Walers (Soulh Alr~cs~ A summary of the consultation activities undertaken for the preparation of the ESIA and Resettlement Plan is given in Table 7. Minutes of meetings with stakeholders are provided in Volume 2 of the ESIA Report. TABLE 7. SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN FOR REPORT PREPARATION Level Consultations Undertaken for ESMAPPreparation National and Regional Workshops to discuss the Inception Report and Draft Final ESINRP, attended by officials from concerned government departments and representatives from communities adjacent to the Metolong Reservoir Lowlands Water Supply Unit (Director, Chief Environmental Officer, Chief Public Relations Officer, Chief Development Officer) National Environment Secretariat Department of Water Affairs Water and Sanitation Authority Member of Parliament for Thaba-Bosiu Constituency Deputy Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Sefikeng Acting Chief Imgation Engineer India-Lesotho Irrigation Advisor Commissioner of Water, Technical Advisor to Commissioner of Water. Water Sector Policy Advisor Chief Valuation Officer Compensation Officer, Lesotho Highlands Development Authority District Agricultural Officer-Maseru District Administrator -Berea District Crop Production Officer-Maseru District Irrigation Officer-Maseru Community Level Meetings with Local Government Councils of Ratau, Senekane and Motanasela that represent the affected communities around the proposed Metolong Dam Meetings with Traditional Leadership: Principal Chief of Mamathe, Acting Principal Chief of Thaba-Bosiu, gazetted chiefs and headmen of affected villages around the Reservoir Monthly meetings with the Metolong Dam Water Committee Meetings in affected villages around the Reservoir Meetings with communities that could be affected by the transmission pipelines and reservoirs at Sefikeng Ha Fako, Meeling, Ha Khabele, Ha Kapa, Ha Ramakabatane, Ha Nchela and at Thaba-Bosiu A socio-economic survey, covering 571 households in the broader Reservoir area, including 183 (of an estimated 2 15) households who may lose assets to the Project. An asset identification and recording exercise in the Reservoir area and the areas potentially required for the water treatment plant and the new access road to the Dam Wall, undertaken in consultation with affected owners, chiefs and Community Councillors. Specialised Groups Meetings with downstream sand miners and imgators Non-Governmental Meetings with Transformation Resource Centre and Lesotho Council of NGOs Consultation at community level was mainly in the form of the traditional pitso (public gathering). The chiefs played an important role in announcing and inviting people to the meetings. Participatory techniques were usually applied in order to solicit people's opinions and perceptions regarding the Project. Wherever possible, participants were divided into villages or by gender and youth. Public consultation also took advantage of the meetings of the Metolong Dam Committee, held in Ha Seeiso on the first Monday of every month. This forum was used to provide further information about the Project and to respond to questions raised by committee members. NGOs and other government official also attended some of the meetings and aired their views as well. At most of the meetings an attendance register was kept.
Melolong Dam ESIA Final February 2000 41 ~~SMECn Assoi~alon wnb Fv Associates (Lesolhol and Soulhern Waters ,sum Afrcal 4.1 0 Bounding Bounding is the complementary process to scoping and is the establishing of spatial and temporal limits to the assessment of impacts and benefits in the EA. The same approach has been used in defining such limits as has been applied to scoping and described above. The spatial limits of the Project have been described in Section 3.6 - Area ofImpact.
Metab~gUam ESlA Flnal February 20C@ 12 6" Assoc~atlo, wtlh FM Assoclales (Lesol'lo) and Southern Walers 1SoulI3 Afrlcai 5 Description of the Environment
5.1 Physical Environment
5.1.1 Topography and Geology The following description is based on the Feasibility Study prepared in 2003 (CEC et. al. 2003). The topography of Lesotho is divided in general terms into Lowlands to the west of the country, Foothills and Highland areas. The proposed dam site and reservoir are located in the Foothills. At the proposed site, the Phuthiatsana River has eroded through the basalt and underlying sediments to produce a deeply incised valley that is approaching symmetry in cross section. The southern flank of the valley is somewhat stepped, with the Clarens Sandstone forming a number of prominent ledges, small cliffs and overhangs with scree or debris-covered areas in-between. The right flank of the valley is somewhat less steep, and is mainly covered with debris and soil, although there are a few minor sandstone ledges. The published geomorphologic map that covers the area of interest (Thaba Bosiu Rural Development Project Area 1-Lesotho: Nuffic Project lTC-6) indicates that the site is characterised by an accumulation terrace of alluvial infill. Downstream of the dam site the area is in the Lowlands of Lesotho present over the eastern third of the country and characterised by undulating, hilly topography. In contrast to the deeply incised river channel at the dam site, the river downstream forms a shallow, meandering channel in the surrounding plain and the topography is generally flat to undulating.
5.1.1.1 Regional Geology The Project area is underlain by argillaceous and arenaceous sediments of the Elliot and Clmns Sandstone Formations respectively of the Karoo Supergroup, as well as basaltic lavas of the Lesotho Formation of the Drakensberg Group. The Elliot Formation, formerly known as the "Red Beds", is characterised by the presence of red and purple mudstones and shales, together with red sandstones and thick beds of felspathic sandstones, ranging in colour from buff to yellow and white. The top part of the Elliot Formation forms a transitional zone of alternating sandstone and shale beds with an increasing sandstonelshale ratio towards the top. The Clarens Sandstone Formation was formerly called the Cave Sandstone due to the many overhangs present in the deposit. It is subdivided into the lower Transition Beds and the higher Massive Sandstone. The Transition Beds consist of a basal bed, which is compact, pale red to red or cream coloured fine grained sandstone or siltstone. Above the basal bed are red, green or pink siltstones and mudstones. The higher Massive Sandstone (often called the Cave Sandstone Facies), comprises massive white to creamy brown coloured, fine to very fine grained sandstone and siltstone. The sandstone is fairly well sorted and contains less than 10% of clay matrix. The mode of deposition is thought to be Aeolian. The top of the Clarens Sandstone Formation is overlain by basaltic lavas of the Lesotho Formation. The elevation or contour level between the base of the basalt and the underlying Clarens Formation has been documented at between 1480m and 251 Om but the published geological map of the area shows this contact to be between 1675m on the northern flank of the valley and 1700m on the southern flank. Other studies have showed that the basalt forms a regional basin-like structure below the highlands of Lesotho. The top of the sandstone is also considered to be an erosional surface which further contributes to local variations in the elevation of the contact. Drilling carried out during the Feasibility Study revealed that the elevation of the contact between the basalt and sandstone varies from 1663.8 m for the southern flank to 1657.8 m for the northern flank. At a regional scale, the bedding is essentially horizontal to sub-horizontal with a slight dip to the south in the area of interest.
Metolong Dam ESlA Final February ?COB 5.1.1.2 Site Geology The majority of the dam site (below 1663.8 m and 1657.2 m for the southern and northern flanks respectively) is underlain by sandstone of the Clarens Formation. Above those elevations, the predominant rock type is basalt of the Drakensberg Group (CEC et al. 2003). The basalt is generally dark grey stained orange brown, slightly to moderately weathered, medium grained, highly to very highly fractured, medium hard to hard rock. The joints vary from slightly rough and planar to rough and undulating. The joints are stained and often have an orange brown, clayey infill (up to lOmm thick). The lowermost 1.5m of basalt on either flank is highly to completely weathered and is often soil-like. At surface, the sandstone is typically light brown, moderately to slightly weathered, fine-grained, thickly bedded (occasionally thinly bedded), highly to moderately fractured, medium hard to hard rock. It generally becomes slightly unweathered, fine grained, thickly bedded, slightly fractured, and hard to very hard with depth. A layer of colluvium comprising dark orange brown, sandy silty clay with abundant sub-angular to sub-rounded fine medium and coarse gravels and boulders of weathered basalt was encountered at the top of each abutment. Large areas of the investigated area were covered by soil and scree deposits which consisted primarily of fine, medium and coarse gravels and boulders of basalt as well as boulders and slabs of sandstone in a sandy clay matrix. The river section is covered by alluvium of varying composition. No intrusive dykes or sills were located within the immediate vicinity of the site.
5.1.1.3 Seismological Environment Geological studies and site investigations to feasibility level were undertaken at the proposed Metolong dam site as part of the Feasibility Investigation completed in 2003 (CEC et al. 2003, Section 4). The purpose of the investigation was to assess the geological and geotechnical suitability of the chosen site for the dam. The investigation included drilling of boreholes at the dam site to determine the geological foundation s of the site. Borehole samples were collected and tested in a commercial rock laboratory in the Republic of South Africa. The Feasibility Study reported that a 10% probability exists that a seismic event of VI onthe Modified Mercalli Scale will occur at least once over a period of 50 years at the proposed dam site. Additionally the site is very close to the boundary of an area where a 10% probability exists that an intensity VII event will occur at least once over a period of 50 years. Despite the 10% probabilities of seismic events, the Feasibility Consultant concluded that ovemll, the narrow V-shaped valley and sound geology provided an excellent dam site, particularly for a concrete dam.
5.1.2 Soils The soils derived from the Karoo sedimentary sequences and basalt overlay on the western lowlands are the country's main cultivable areas and are typically inherently low in fertility, quite poorly-structured, have low water-holding capacities, and are easily eroded, even on slopes gentle enough for cultivation. Poor management of soils, the generally steep slopes characteristic of the Metolong catchment and intense rainfall has resulted in significant soil erosion throughout the catchment as evidenced by the widespread occurrence of gullying, rill and sheetlwash erosion.
5.1.3 Climate As with the rest of the country, the climate is strongly dependent on altitude, which gives it a temperate continental climate with warm summers and very cold winters. The climate of the Lesotho lowlands is continental and temperate with four distinct seasons. The salient features are moderate to high temperatures in summer (October to March) and lower temperatures during the dry winter (May to July). The extreme mean maximum temperature is 33OC during mid-summer, and the extreme mean minimum temperature is 0°C during the month of July.
-. .-P------.---- - ~ Melolong Dam ESiA Final February 23% 44 in Associal\onwltn FM Assoc~ates(iesolho) and Southern Warsrs ~Sou!hAfr~ca] The wet summer months have high evaporation, while the dry winter months have low evaporation rates. The Project area receives relatively low annual rainfall (-700mm) in the form of short- duration thunderstorms during the spring and summer months. Wind speeds are low in the summer months, but tend to get higher in winter, peaking from late July to end of August. The available meteorological data for the Project area is as follows: Average temperature 15" C Average annual rainfall 770mm Average evaporation rate 150&nm/yr Prevailing wind direction Westerly Average evapo-transpiration 1250mrnlyr With respect to climate change, the Lesotho State of Environment Report for I997 (Chakela, 1999) notes that Lesotho is expected to experience a change in temperature patterns, toward dryer and hotter conditions. In addition, the intensity and frequency of extreme events such as floods and drought are expected to increase, especially in western and northern lowlands
5.1.4 Surface and Groundwater Resources The Phuthiatsana River is situated in the lowlands of western Lesotho. The River is a tributary of the Caledon River. Its sources are in the highlands of Lesotho, but the bulk of its length flows through the lowlands. The hydrology of the Phuthiatsana river system has been well documented (CEC er. al. 2003, TAMS 1996 and Lahmeyer International 1996). A common finding from these investigations is that the Phuthiatsana catchment which includes the Metolong Dam site lacks good quality hydrological data. The Phuthiatsana South River lies within the Mohokare River Basin in South Western Lesotho and is bounded from the north by the Phuthiatsana North River and in the South by Lower Qeme River. The main river gauging station in Phuthiatsana South river system isthe Masianokeng station which is referenced by the Department of Water Affairs by a code number of GC24. With reference to the Metolong dam location, six river gauging stations were identified as possible data sources for hydrologicaVenvironmenta1 analysis. The location of the gauging stations in relation to the dam is illustrated in Figure 3. F~gure3. Location of the Metobng dam site In the Phuthiatsana catchment ...... (Bm 9YO mm ma mlm .-snm...... om
Metolong Dam ESA F~nelFebrua7i 2006 C 1; @dsMEX:In Assoc~artcn w~lh FM Assoc~alesLesothol and Southern Waters (South Atr~caj With few exceptions, the Phuthiatsana catchment is generally steep. The actual catchment boundary is not difficult to define from the large-scale topographic maps in this region. The drainage pattern of the entire Phuthiatsana catchment has been described using gauging stations available on the main channel of the Phuthiatsana River as shown on Figure 1. Three watersheds have been identified and they are further explained in the following subsections: (1) The most upstream watershed sub-catchment is Pulane with an estimated catchment area of 98 km2. It is gauged at Pulane station. (2) The next watershed is Metolong which is downstream of Pulane with an approximate area of 250krn2.This is gauged close to the dam site. (3) Further downstream toward the end of the Phuthiatsana river system is the Masianokeng water shed. The watershed is gauged at Masianokeng and its area is estimated at 945km2
5.1.5 Water Quality The location of the sampling sites is shown in Figure
5.1.5.1 Description of Sampling Sites Site MET 1 River description: This site is very close to the point where the stream would enter the proposed reservoir and is below the inundation level for the larger storage option. The stream consists of a riffle-pool sequence on a bedrock-pebble substrate. The gradient is moderate with steep sections and small cascades. Flow velocities are > 0.3 mlsecond in most places. Sediment deposits occur in the pools and consist of a mudsandgravel mixture. The banks tend to be steep to vertical with the dominant vegetation consisting of grass. Woody plants include Leucodidea sericea, Gomphostigrna virgatum, and sage. Catchment description: The catchment is highly transformed from the original condition. Almost all low gradient areas have been cultivated and livestock consisting of sheep, cattle, and horses, is grazed on the remaining grassland. Soil erosion is severe in places. Villages and settlements are common and average household density is probably in the range of 1 - 5 per square kilometre of catchment. Roads are scarce and there are no dams or other such infrastructure which would impact upon the water quality. Potential impacts on water aualitv: The factors most likely to be affecting water quality in this stream are animal and human wastes and sediment inputs. It is unlikely that there will be other significant chemical inputs unless fertilisers or pesticides are used on the ploughed lands. Phosphorus loading could be boosted by the use of detergents used for washing clothes in the stream but the overall quantities will be small. Overall, both the river and the catchment are considered to be in Class C or D. Site MET 2 River description: The South Phuthiatsana River at this point, which is less than lkm upstream of the headwaters of the smaller dam option but downstream of the headwaters of the larger option, is a riffle/run/pool sequence on a bedrock-dominated substrate. The gradient is moderate but, at the flow level observed, velocities are in excess of 1 mlsec in many places. As a result, sediment deposition is limited to the pools and only medium1 coarse sediments settle out. The banks tend to have a moderate to good cover at this point and so are quite stable in most places. The riparian vegetation consists almost entirely of grasses, reeds, and sedges and woody plants are generally absent. Growths of filamentous algae in the water suggest that some nutrient enrichment is taking place. Catchment description: The catchment is highly transformed from the original condition. Almost all low gradient areas have been cultivated and livestock consisting of sheep, cattle, and horses, is
.- -- -. .. .-. . - - -. .. -. - - .------.------. ------.- . .------. .- -- -. -- - .-.- . . . K'-h SMm Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 230E LB \sox In Assoaat~onwlth FM Assoc~alesILesotho, and Soulhrrn Waters ijouth Alrjcal grazed on the remaining grassland. In places, as shown in Photograph 2, the cultivation reaches right to the river banks. Soil erosion is severe and both gully and sheet forms are present. Villages and settlements are common and average household density is probably in the range of 1 - 5 per square kilometre of catchment. Roads are scarce and there are no dams or other such infrastructure which would impact upon the water quality. Potential impacts on water qualitv: As the site is on the main river, inputs will be coming from over a large area. The factors most likely affecting water quality in terms of chemical parameters are animal and human wastes. It is unlikely that there will be other significant chemical inputs unless fertilisers are used on the ploughed lands. The very extensive soil erosion in the area, coupled with the steep terrain, mean that sediment loads will be high at times. Overall, the river is considered to be in Class C while the catchment will be in either Class C or D.
F~gure4. Locations of the sn water quality sampling sites used in th~sstudy.
Site MET 3 River description: This site is within the proposed reservoir for both dam options. The stream here consists entirely of bedrock rimes but there is a sizeable waterfall a short distance below the site. The banks are heavily eroded and are steep in most places. The riparian vegetation is sparse and consists primarily of grasses and small Helichrysum bushes or shrubs. Livestock animals come to the site to drink and there is considerable trampling of the whole area. Catchment description: The catchment is highly transformed from the natural condition. Almost all low gradient areas have been cultivated and livestock, consisting of sheep and cattle, is grazed on the remaining grassland. Soil erosion is severe and both gully and sheet forms are present. There is a village (Ha Masakala) close to the site. Villages and settlements are common and average household density is probably in the range of 1 - 5 per square kilometre of catchment. Roads are scarce and there are no dams or other such infrastructure which would impact upon the water quality. Potential impacts on water quality: The factors most likely affecting water quality in terms of chemical parameters are animal and human wastes. It is unlikely that there will be other significant chemical inputs unless fertilisers are used on the ploughed lands. Because there is a villagevery --.- . ------. .- - . - .. Metolong Dam ESlA Final February 200E 47 WSMEC In AssoC~al~onwltn FM Associates (Lesotho; and Souther,? Waters (South Africa) close to the water at this site it is probable that polluting inputs are greater than for other sampling sites. The E. coli count was the highest of the upper sites at this point. The very extensive soil erosion in the area, coupled with the steep terrain, mean that sediment loads will be high at times. Both the river and the catchment are in either Class C or, more probably, Class D. Site MET 4 River description: This site is a few hundred metres upstream of the dam wall and is situated right within the gorge. It is for this reason that the active and macro channels are much the same width. The river is a riffle/rapid/pool sequence and the substrate is primarily bedrock. Sediment deposition is restricted to the pools and, in places, lateral bars have formed. The alluvium in these consists of a mixture of mud, sand, and gravel. The banks are very sheer with there being vertical rock walls in many places. Elsewhere there is considerable erosion due to the high water velocities characteristic of the area. Catchment description: The catchment is highly transformed from the natural condition. Almost all low gradient areas have been cultivated and livestock, consisting of sheep and cattle, is grazed on the remaining grassland. Soil erosion is severe and both gully and sheet forms are present. There is a village (Ha Seeiso) close to the site but it is on the plateau crest high above the river. In the same area are some small patches of timber plantations. Villages and settlements are common and average household density is probably in the range of 1 - 5 per square kilometre of catchment. Roads are scarce and there are no dams or other such infrastructure which would impact upon the water quality. Potential impacts on water qualitv: The factors most likely affecting water quality in terms of chemical parameters are animal and human wastes although the steepness of the terrain implies that not many people or animals will go right to the river itself. It is unlikely that there will be other significant chemical inputs unless fertilisers are used on the ploughed lands. The very extensive soil erosion in the area, coupled with the steep terrain, means that sediment loads will be high at times. Because the village is high above the river it probably has relatively little direct impact on water quality. It isprobable that harvesting of the timber could lead to some additional sediment entering the river. However, as some of the plantations are situated where their runoff is below the dam wall, the quantity of sediment entering the dam itself would be restricted. A stream which enters the gorge a short distance downstream of the sampling site passes by a village and may carry some pollutants, including detergents, to the river. Both the river and the catchment are in Class C. Site MET 5 River description: This site is situated about 9 krn downstream of the dam site. It is out of the narrow gorge and the valley has opened out considerably. Thus the gradient is gentler and the channel consists of a poollriffle sequence. The substrate consists almost entirely of sediment deposits with the material ranging from fine muds through to gravels, cobbles, and boulders. The channel is deeply incised with near vertical banks in many places. The banks are covered by a variety of vegetation types. Theses include grasses, bushes (Passerina sp.), and trees which are almost exclusively alien species such as black wattle and weeping willow. There is a sandlgravel mining operation at this site and in places the channel bed is severely churned up by the earthmoving machinery. Catchment description: As this is a main channel site the catchment area is extensive. Almost all of it is transformed from the natural state due to agricultural activities and human settlements. There is extensive soil erosion in many places and much of the remaining vegetation is heavily grazed by livestock. In many places, including the sampling site, there are ploughed fields right to the edge of the river banks.
~ . .- - - Melolo?g Dam ESlA final February 2008 48 ~~'SM~CI" Asso~allm with FM Assoclales (Lesotho! and Soulhern Walera SOU!^ Afrfca~ Potential impacts on water quality: A fairly large tributary, the Liphiring River, enters the main river between Site MET 5 and the dam wall. The conditions in its sub-catchment are typical of the region but, because of the fairly large area involved, the stream could have a significant effect on the quality of the water in the Phuthiatsana River. Most important in this regard will be sediment loads. As the site is well downstream of the dam site, there will not be any impact on the quality of the water in the dam but any abstraction points below the confluence could be adversely affected unless there are flows of sediment-free water being released from the reservoir. Both the river and the catchment are in Class C or Class D. Site MET 6 River description: This site is situated on a tributary stream which enters the Phuthiatsana River less than one kilometre downstream of the dam site. It therefore has no effect on the quality of the water in the reservoir but may be significant in controlling the quality of the water in the river should bottom releases be made. The gradient is moderate to steep and the channel consists of a pooYriffle sequence. The substrate at the sampling site consists of a mixture of cobbles and boulders but there is considerable infilling by sediment deposits consisting of materials ranging from fine mud through to gravels and cobbles. The channel is deeply incised with near vertical banks in many places. The banks are covered by a variety of vegetation types. Theses include grasses, bushes (Passerina sp.), and trees which are almost exclusively alien species such as wattle and silver poplar. Catchment description: As with the other tributary sites, the catchment is highly transformed from the original condition. Almost all low gradient areas have been cultivated and livestock consisting of sheep, cattle, and horses, is grazed on the remaining grassland. Soil erosion is severe in places. Villages and settlements are common and average household density is probably in the range of 1 - 5 per square kilometre of catchment. Several roads are present and due to poor construction and maintenance, often serve as conduits to carry sediment to the drainage lines. There are no dams or other such infrastructure which would impact upon the water quality. Potential impacts on water quality: The factors most likely affecting water quality in this stream are animal and human wastes and sediment inputs. It is unlikely that there will be other significant chemical inputs unless fertilisers or pesticides are used on the ploughed lands. Phosphorus loading could be boosted by the use of detergents used for washing clothes in the stream but the overall quantities will be small. The amount of soil erosion, and hence sediment in the stream, appears to be higher than in the other tributaries that were sampled. Both the stream and the catchment are in Class C or Class D.
5.1.5.2 Results of the Water Analyses
5.1.5.2.1 Turbidity and suspended solids The sampling survey conducted in August at the end of winter and the beginning of the summer rains was at a time when flow in the rivers was relatively low compared to the 'wet' summer season when flows are usually much higher due to significant rainfall events occurring and resulting in surface runoff to the rivers with concomitant soil erosion. These results can therefore be equated to 'winter' runoff water quality to the proposed Metolong dam. The low turbidity and suspended solids values shown in Table 8 for the sample sites in August support this view. On the other hand, the turbidity and suspended solids values for the South Phuthiatsana River, site Met 2, increased dramatically from 24 to 686 h!Ufor turbidity and from 32 to 633mgL for suspended solids between the August and November samplings, clearly indicating high flow with significant surface runoff, suspended solids and soil erosion taking place. The two tributaries of the South Phuthiatsana River, however, did not show any real change in turbidity or suspended solids values between the August and November samplings, implying that, either significant rainfall had not fallen in their particular catchments or that their catchments were not prone to soil erosion. Notwithstanding this apparent anomaly, and since the November sampling of the South
------..... -.----...p-p -- ~- Meiolong Dam ESIA Final February 2008 40 Phuthiatsana River clearly indicated high runoff, these results can be taken as being indicative of 'wet' summer season water quality in the rivers. The high suspended solids concentration in the South Phuthiatsana River at high flow is a cause for concern, not only for siltation within the proposed Metolong dam, but also for transport of adsorbed phosphorus, a nutrient that will stimulate algal growth and may lead to 'blooms', as well as the metals iron and manganese, which can cause water treatment problems. It would be prudent therefore to institute conservation measures in the catchment to minimize soil erosion.
5.1.5.2.2 Salts Soluble salts contribute to the conductivity of water samples and may be of geologic or anthropogenic origin. At Metolong dam site the origin is most likely to be geologic, since there is apparently little or no agriculture with application of fertilizers taking place in the catchment to increase salinity. The common cations present in rivers are sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium, usually in that order of decreasing concentration, while the common anions are chloride, sulphate and carbonate. The conductivity of the South Phuthiatsana River is on average 13.9 mS/m, which is not highly mineralized and would equate to an approximate Total Dissolved Salts (TDS) concentration of 90 ma,which is well below generally accepted maximum salt concentrations for potable water (1 000 mg/L. South African SANS 241: 2001 Drinking Water Specification). The total hardness, calcium and magnesium values, reflect a moderately 'soft water' which should not lead to undue deposits in reticulation pipes, but on the other hand will be more corrosive to concrete pipes than a 'hard water'. The two tributaries show higher conductivity and salt concentrations (calcium and magnesium), reflecting more mineralization, and an approximate TDS concentration of 150 mg/L. However, the levels are not at all problematic in the context of treatment for potable water.
5.1.5.2.3 Iron and manganese The average concentration of iron and manganese in metamorphic rocks in the upper continental crust is approximately 40 and 0.75 g/kg respectively. Although iron is much more abundant, manganese is much more mobile during the weathering of rocks and soils, since its oxides are typically far more soluble under normal environmental conditions. During 'soil weathering', mineral deposits can be leached by acid solutions formed by carbon dioxide and organic matter to yield soluble divalent forms of the metals which may be transported to water courses. The metals are commonly found together as minerals in many rock types. which weather and decompose to form hydrous oxides which are ubiquitous in clays, soils and sediments. Their oxides commonly precipitate from solution as colloids which may be transported long distances as peptized dispersions. The South Phuthiatsana River, site MET 2, shows large increases in iron and manganese concentrations from the August (winter) to the November (summer) samples, which are clearly related to the similar increases in turbidity and suspended solids values. The levels found in the two tributaries were generally lower, but surprisingly higher for the November compared to the August samples, when the corresponding turbidity and suspended solids values did not reflect similar increases. This may be a result of sources of the metals being mobilized in November, as described above. The implications of iron and manganese for dam management and water treatment will be discussed Section 6.5.
5.1.5.2.4 Nitrate and nitrite The nitrite concentrations for all samples were <0.05 mg/L N. therefore posing no threat to potable water quality by the formation of potentially carcinogenic nitrosarnines. Nitrate concentrations ranged from 0.73 to 1.79 mg/L, which is well within recognized potable water standards (10 mg/L, South African SANS 241: 2001 Drinking Water Specification) and not high for environmental water quality. The reason is most probably due to there being no significant agriculture taking place in the catchment where nitrogenous fertilizers are applied to crops.
- ..- ~~ ------.. ~~ MEIOIO~QDam ESIA: Finnl. February 2005 SG G%s~xI" Assoclaton wllh FM Assocdates liesolhoi and Soulhern Walers (South Alrlcal Metolong Dam ESlA Final February 2000 W~SMWm ASSOCI~~!O~ with FM Assoclales (Lesolhol and Soulhern Waters (Soulh Africa) Nitrate, however, is a nutrient which along with phosphorus promotes the growth of aquatic plants, and in this case the concern is excessive growth of algae in the proposed dam, which can lead to water treatment problems, the production of algal toxins as well as taste and odour compounds in potable water. With a mean nitrate concentration of 0.96 mgL N for the South Phuthiatsana River, as the main inflow, the classification of the water body would be mesotrophic. A general classification of the trophic status of water bodies such as dams, taken from SA Water Quality Guidelines, Vol7, Aquatic Ecosystems, DWAF, 1996, is as follows: Oligotrophic Usually moderate levels of species diversity; usua'lly low productivity systems with no nuisance growth of aquatic plants or blue-green algae. Mesotrophic Usually high levels of species diversity; usually productive systems; nuisance growth of aquatic plants and blooms of blue-green algae; algal blooms seldom toxic. Eutrophic Usually low levels of species diversity; usually highly productive systems with nuisance growth of aquatic plants and blooms of blue-green algae; algal blooms may include species which are toxic to man, livestock and wildlife.
5.1 -5.2.5 Ammonia The ammonia concentration in the South Phuthiatsana River increased from 0.01 to 0.06 mgL N from the August to the November sampling, which is significant. The source of the ammonia, in the absence of fertilizer application in the catchment, as presumed above, is most likely anthropogenic, or in other words from animal and human excrement. The fact that the concentration increased with high flow indicates wash off from catchment surfaces. At the above concentration of 0.06 mgL, together with a measured pH of 7.96 and assumed water temperature of 25oC, the concentration of free (or unionized) ammonia was calculated at 0.003 rngL, which is well below the threshold value of 0.007mgL for toxicity to aquatic life (SA Water Quality Guidelines, Vol. 7, Aquatic Ecosystems). River and dam processes will result in the oxidation of ammonia to nitrate and therefore further reduce any threat to aquatic life of sporadic high concentrations of ammonia. The ammonia concentrations found in the two tributaries were lower and not problematic.
5.1.5.2.6 Soluble reactive phosphate and total phosphorus As far as plant nutrients are concerned phosphorus is generally more important (and limiting) than nitrogen in southern African rivertdam systems. Further more nitrogen can be fixed from atmospheric nitrogen by certain algal species and used for growth. Therefore the input of phosphorus to a water body such as a dam is usually the limiting nutrient in determining algal growth and trophic classification. Soluble reactive phosphate (SRP), also known as inorganic phosphorus (P04)is the chemical form that algae use for growth. On the other hand, total phosphorus (TP), or rather the difference in concentrations between TP and SRP, representing phosphate adsorbed onto particulate matter (clays) and other forms (inorganic colloids, organic forms), is not immediately available to algae for growth, but is a store of phosphorus which can be made available for growth at a later stage, and under specific water quality conditions. Natural sources of phosphorus are geologic (weathering of rocks), with leaching of phosphate salts into rivers and the decomposition of organic matter such as plants and trees. In pristine rivers, the concentration of SRP would be of the order of 1-5 ugL. Anthropogenic sources are most commonly from detergents used for the washing of clothes and dishes and domestic sewage, in this case animal and human excrement. SRP values increased significantly from the August (low winter flow) to the November (high summer flow) sampling surveys at sites MET 1,2 and 3, which strongly indicates surface runoff from the catchment with the most likely sources being anthropogenic, namely animal and human excrement rather than detergents from the washing of clothes etc. This assumption isstrongly supported by the corresponding high increase in bacteriological contamination shown for the South Phuthiatsana River at the same time. The TP concentration for the South Phuthiatsana River for the November sample was also very high at 1 210 ugL, indicating significant adsorption of phosphorus onto particulate matter (e.g. clay particles), which will have consequences for the trophic status of the proposed Metolong Dam.
Melolong Dam ESl* Final F~brueiy2036 52 @%sM= tn Assoc~atlon~8th FM Associal85 ILesdho, and Soulhern Waters (5ouu Afr~cai Based on a classification of trophic status for SRP concentrations, if the three sites were classified for the November results, the status would be as follows: South Phuthiatsana River (MET 2) Eutrophic Tributary on south side (MET 1) Eutrophic Tributary on north side (MET 3) Mesotrophic The high SRP concentrations in the rivers during summer flow and the above classifications are a cause for concern and measures should be considered to keep animals away from the immediate vicinity of the rivers and sanitation should be introduced, as recommended in Section 11.
5.1.5.2.7 Chemical oxygen demand All Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) concentrations were at or below the detection limit of 20 mg/L except the one result for the South Phuthiatsana River of 73.4 mgL in November. This relatively high result during high flow indicates organic material being washed off the catchment, which would corroborate the foregoing comments made for the washoff of phosphorus with similar sources. High COD concentrations entering the proposed Metolong dam will have the effect of temporarily reducing dissolved oxygen levels in the surface waters, which will not be good for the protection of aquatic life, but the longer term effect will be the continual sedimentation of organically enriched particulate matter to the floor of the dam, where ongoing biological and chemical processes will result in an anoxic zone with the production of undesirable compounds such as sulphides and the dissolved forms of iron and manganese, which have negative implications for water treatment (should the abstraction tower draw water from this anoxic layer in the dam).
5.1.5.2.8 Total coliforms and E. coli Total Coliforms represents a heterogeneous group, which include bacteria of faecal and non-faecal origin, whereas E. coli, or sometimes referred to as Faecal Coliforms, is specifically from humans and warm-blooded animals. The level of E. coli counts in water is primarily used to indicate the possible presence of bacterial pathogens that can cause diseases in humans such as gastroenteritis, cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery if ingested. The Total Coliform counts were high for all samples taken, which is not surprising as coliform bacteria are plentiful in nature. However, the high E. coli counts for all sites, particularly for the South Phuthiatsana River in November, is indicative of wash-off of faecal matter from the catchment, most probably animal and human excrement, as already mentioned above. The main danger here of this significant bacterial contamination, even in the north and south tributaries, is for the health of the local populace in drawing water for drinking. Remedial measures recommended in Section I I would assist in reducing such pollution of the rivers in the catchment. The threat of severe bacterial contamination in the dam from these inflows is minimal as bacterial die-off occurs with ultra-violet radiation and this will take place as the inflow moves slowly up the long sinuous body of the dam to the wall. Data observed for Midmar Dam in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands have shown a reduction in E. coli counts of 98% from the inflow to the wall (a distance of approximately 8 km).
5.1.5.2.9 Chlorophyll-a and total algae The only chlorophyll-a result of any significance is the one for the South Phuthiatsana River sample taken in November of 1 1.03 ug1L. Similarly, the total algal count was also the highest recorded with a count of 1 548 cells/mL, which is supportive of the chlorophyll-a concentration. The fact that the earlier chlorophyll-a and total algal count results were far lower during low flow in August suggests that, with the onset of a higher flow regime in the summer, algae collected in quiescent pools or reaches in the river were washed out. During the winter period, algal concentrations would have built up in the 'calm' sections of the river. The results clearly indicate adequate sources of the nutrients to support this moderate algal growth.
ivleiolong Dam ESlA F~nalFebruary 2008 5 3 in Association with FM Associates ILesnlno) and Southern WatEis 'Soufh AlilCai 5.1.5.2.10 Benthic diatoms Because of their lower dependence on diverse aquatic habitats and flowing water, benthic diatoms (algae) collected from hard bottom substrates in the stream course often yield more definitive results with respect to the specific impacts associated with water quality changes and recovery of this stream. However the lack of flowing water during the current investigation also restricted the ability to successfully sample for diatoms and the samples contained large amounts of detritus, which hampered analysis of these samples. Diatoms comprise the major component of the microphyto benthos (small algal bottom-dwellers), performing essential light-driven, microbial functions at the base of the aquatic food chain. Accordingly they respond directly to growth stimulants (nutrients) andlor stressors such as toxicants, as well as to physical factors. Diatoms collectively show a broad range of tolerance along environmental gradients and individual species have specific water chemistry requirements. They are also able to integrate a longer term picture of water quality conditions in a river, compared to a single "grab" sample which does not always reflect the general or prevailing water quality in that system. As well as simple species records, the benthic diatom results may be summarized into an index to provide an indication of the water quality conditions in a river. These diatom indices are largely of French or European extract but are increasingly being used in the southern African context to provide a numerical reflection of water quality as well as to classify rivers and streams into a particular water quality class. The diatom based index used was the Specific Pollution Sensitivity Index (SPI), (WRC 2004). This index may be used to classify the water quality based on the species composition of the diatoms. Results indicate that water quality conditions at the sites monitored were in the Moderate to Good classes, i.e. some degree of enrichment by "pollutants" at these sites. One site (Met 4) during the August 2006 sampling was approaching a borderline Poor class. These results were generally consistent with the water quality samples collected, indicating some degree of degradation in the water quality at monitored sites. As previously indicated, the diatoms are able to integrate and provide something of an historical picture of the water quality conditions at a site. These diatom results give some confidence in the water quality data collected during the once off grab sampling during August and November 2006.
5.2 Biological Environment Poor management, rapid population growth, excessive exploitation, and disturbance by humans threaten the biological resources of Lesotho and have led to highly modified ecosystems. All big game has disappeared from Lesotho due to over-hunting and habitat loss by humans leaving only five species of large mammals limited to mountain areas. In addition to mammals, the State of the Environment Report for 1997 (Chakela 1999) indicated that Lesotho has a low species diversity of fish, reptiles and amphibians. The following description of vegetation and wildlife is based on an ecological survey undertaken as part of the ESIA investigations and the full report is included in the Volume 3 Annex to the ESIA.
5.2.1 Vegetation
5.2.1.1 Regional Context Lesotho falls within the grassland biome, with small-scattered thickets and woodlands occumng in the valleys and along the foothills. Lesotho has been divided into four ecological zones, the Lowlands, Foothills, Senqu Valley and Mountain. The earliest classification of Lesotho vegetation was by Staples and Hudson (1938) who broadly divided Lesotho into two grassland types: Themeda triandra dominated grassland, occurring mainly on northern slopes at lower elevations throughout Lesotho and Festuca caprinu grassland, occumng on northern slopes at high altitudes. Acocks (1975) and Killick (1978) used a similar approach in classifying the high altitude vegetation. Loxton. Venn and Associates (1993) during
. . - ~ .. ~ - Melolong Dem ESIA: Final February 2OOB $4 @kSMm I, Assooation with FM Assoclates ~Lesotholand Southern Waters iSoulh Alnca! the Baseline Survey of Phase 1A of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project identified four vegetation types, namely: Temperate Alpine belt Temperate/subtropical belt Su b-tropical sub-alpine belt Sub-tropical montane belt According to Low and Robelo (cited in Biological Diversity in Lesotho 2000) vegetation types occumng in Lesotho are Afroalpine Mountain, AfroMontane, and Highveld grassland in which the Lowland zone falls. To date, no formal assessment of vegetation specific to the lowlands has been undertaken in which the Metolong catchment falls. In the current investigation ten (10) ecological units based on species composition were identified and demarcated (Figure 22). Metolong Dam Project area falls within the lowland region characterized by cliff faces forming the perimeter of plateau or providing an abrupt descent of isolated flat-topped hills. The lower parts of the descent are gentler in slope, but covered with rocks. Between the plateau and hills the landscape is gently rolling and either grass covered or intensively cultivated. Clusters of houses and their surrounding vegetable gardens are on ridges or areas unsuitable for either ploughed land or grazing. The lowlands region has the highest density of humpopulation and this is reflected in the vegetation cover which has been highly disturbed through intensive land use activities including cropping and grazing.
5.2.1.2 Description of Vegetation The distribution of vegetation associations described below are shown in Figure 22. Indigenous Forest This is composed of mixed shmbltrees complex of Rhus sp., Tarchonanthus, Myrsine, Olea sp., Euclea sp., Kiggelaria, Diospyros austro-africm, Rharnnus prinodis, Celtis afiicana, with Leucosidea and Buddleja salviifolia dominating the valleys and river banks. Associated species include Asparagus sp., Rubia sp., Galium sp., Printzia sp., Cymbopogon sp. ., Themeda triandra, Helictotrichon sp., Miscanthus sorghum, Lessertia sp., Lotononis sp., Anisodontea sp., Conyza sp., Helichrysum sp., Bromus sp., Solanum sp., Melica decumbens and ferns. Despite heavy demand for fuel wood for domestic purposes, the shrubsltrees have survived the pressure of harvesting. Artemisia Dominant The area is dominated by Artemisia afra with associated species such as Helichrysum sp., Felicia jilifolius, Felicia muricata, Senecio asperulus, Polygala sp., Herrnannia sp., Aristida sp., Eragrostis sp., Heteropogon contortus, Pentzia sp., Themeda triandra, Harpechloa falx, Elyonurus muticus, Anthospermum sp., Conyza sp., Melica decumbens, Bromus sp., Oenethera sp. and ferns in rocky areas. Gnidia Dominant These are areas of limited vegetation due to grazing and other anthropogenic activities. Annuals and invader species such as Aristida congesta, Senecio asperulus, Cynadon dactylon, Wahlenbergia krebsii and Salvia sp. dominate the area. The area utilized for grazing is dominated by Eragrostis sp., Microchloa cafra, Heteropogon contortus and Trichoneura grandiglumis, Felicia muricata. The increase in Stoebe vulgaris, Feliciajilifolius and Aris tida adscenscionis are indicative of land degradation. Erica Dominant Type The dominant species is Erica with associated species Helichrysum sp., Cymbopogon sp., Helictotrichon sp., Tristachya hispida, Aristida sp., Festuca sp., Aristea sp., Eragrostis sp., Senecio sp., Clifortia sp., Trachypogon spicarus, Lotononis sericophylla, Polygala sp. and several forbs.
~ -.. . - - --- .. - .- .- .. - -.--- Metolong 3am ESlk Final: February 2006 55 I" AssOclatlon wllh FM As5oclales (LesOlno) and Soulhern Walelg [South Afr~Ca! Hyparrhenia Dominant The type is dominated by Hyparrhenia sp. and associated species include Elionurus muticus, Bracharia serrata, Aristida sp., Hermannia sp., Convolvulus sp., Anthospermum sp., Helichrysum sp., Dicoma sp., Gerbera sp., Microchloa cafia. The type is a very important source for building and is always protected from grazing during the growing season until the thatch grass is removed in late winter.
Dominant species are Heteropogon contortus and Eragrostis curvula. Associated species are Eragrostis capensis, Harpechloa falx, Microchloa cafJra, Trachypogon spicatus, Dicoma anamola, Gerbera sp., Aster sp., Comelina sp., Eragrostis racemosa, Elionurus muticus, Harpechloa falx, Trichoneura grandiglumis, Sporobolus sp., Aristida sp., forbs such as Dianthus, Scabiosa, Nolletia, Hermannia, Dicoma, Salvia, Senecio asperulus, Felicia muricata, Gazania krebsiana and many more. The type is important for grazing animals. Helichrysum Dominant The type is dominated by Helichrysum species. Associated species are Senecio sp., Hermannia sp., Conyza sp., Arisrida sp., Themeda triandra, Hereropogon contorrus, Microchloa caffra, ferns under rock outcrops, Salvia sp., Pentzia sp., Felicia sp., Lotononis sp. and Argyrolobium sp. Riverine System The vegetation along the shores of the river is composed mainly of sedges and rushes. Typical grass-like plants and herbs found near water and damp places are Scirpus sp., Juncus sp., Cyperus sp., Plantago sp., Schoenoplectus sp., Imperata cylindrica, Miscanthus sorghum, Persicaria, sp., Polygonum sp., Anagallis sp., Verbena sp., Bromus sp., Equisetum sp., Poa sp., Homeria sp. and Moraea sp. The grass-like plants are mainly used for handicrafts. Plantations These are composed mainly of Pine and Poplar trees. The Poplar trees are individually owned and they have invaded extensive areas of formerly indigenous thickets. There is also a small plantation of Eucalypts on the northern bank of the Phuthiatsana River adjacent to the dam wall site. Rocky areas The rocky area hosts species of Arisrida, Stipagrostis, Melinis, Eriospe rmum, Trachyandra, Ferns, Bulbine, Abyssinia and remnants of indigenous trees such as Myrsine africana, Rhus erosa. Rhus sp., Euclea crispa, Diospyros austro-africana, Halleria lucida and Kiggehria africana (Lekhatsi) on the south most of the study area.
5.2.1.3 Species Diversity The area relatively has rich species diversity despite anthropogenic disturbances that have taken place (See Annexes 1 and 3). Over 400 species of plants have been identified from field collection. indicating a rich floral diversity. Total number of species documented for Lesotho is 2961. Most of the species have been identified, and cross- referenced with lists from local communities. The species economic values were grouped into (seven) 7 categories as shown in Table 9.42% compose plants with medicinal value; 7% of plants are used as food and 14% as fodder. TABLE 9. UTlLlSATlON CATEGORIES OF IDENTIFIED PLANT SPECIES 1 Medicinal ,I Food 1 Fodder ( Handicrafts 1 Fuel I Construction I Ornamental i
I I 41.8 6.9 13.9 1.4 8.9 2.2 23.6 1 total?&of I 5.2.1.4 Threatened Species There are three (3) red data species (Southern ~frica'plantRed data list) found in the footprint area. Boophane distich classified as endangered in Lesotho only but read.ily found regionally. Dicoma
~ ~ .~ ~ ~. Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2008 56 anamola and Eucomis autumnalis classified as vulnerable. All three are not endemic to Lesotho, and have a wide distribution in Lesotho (Herbarium and Botanical Gardens records, Contract LHDA 1077,2003: LHDA615.1996-2000: LHDA75,1993, 1998; LHDA 1008,1996: Management plan-Tsehlanyane National park, 1996: pers. observations: Jacot Guillarmod. 1971). They are also widely distributed in the Southern African region. The distribution of the species is interspersed with other plant species such that it was not possible to accurately estimate population size and distribution. Threats to the species are anthropogenic in nature for example, over-harvesting, unsustainable land use practices and habitat degradation and destruction.
5.2-2 Terrestrial Wildlife Detailed information on the animals of Lesotho is very limited, and as such little is known about their abundance and distribution. Areas that have been surveyed in detail are Sehlabathebe National Park, Phase 1A and 1B of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
5.2.2.1 Mammals Lesotho has the lowest species richness in the Southern African region mainly due to the harsh climatic conditions, as well as human activities such as hunting with dogs. Currently the mammal species are estimated at 52 with 14 possibly listed under South African Red data Book (Lynch, 1994). It is estimated that historically 70 species occurred in Lesotho. Assessment of mammals specific to the lowlands has not been undertaken, however, Lynch in his study of mammals of Lesotho predicted that the following species might occur in the lowlands: Atelerix frontalis (Southern African hedgehog) Vulpes chama (Cape fox) Suricata suricatta (Suricate) Felis nigripes ( Black-footed cat) Xerus inuuris (Ground squirrel) Pedetes capensis (Springhare). The Other information available on mammals is from the baseline biology survey of the phase 1A of the LHWP by Loxton, Venn and Associates and Biological Survey of Phase 1B by Afridev Consultants. No Red Data species are within the vicinity of the site to be developed. There were no sightings of mammals in the study area except for some visible spoors, diggings and droppings. The list of mammals in Table 10 was compiled from interviewing the local communities around the footprint area. TABLE 10. I-IST OF MAMMALS OBSERVED IN THE PROJECT AREA
~ ~,. - ~- - - Melolong Darn ESlA Final February 2008 57 @&SM'C in Assoctatlon wllh FM Assoaalos (Lesotho) and Southern Waters (South Africa) 5.2.2.2 Birds Lesotho's Avifauna is poorly documented or known. Recent studies in phase 1Aand 1B of the LHWP have recorded I 16 and 106 species of birds respectively. The monitoring programme by Afridev Consultants (I 996 -2000) recorded 136 bird species 27 % which are endemic to Southern Africa and 18 % endemic to Lesotho. Ten Red data book species were recorded. of which four are breeding residents and are not within the site earmarked for the Metolong Dam Project. There were limited sightings of birds during the present survey. The list of birds in Table 11 is based on interviews with local communities around the footprint area. Of these, one species is listed as a red data book species (Bald Ibis). Its habitat will not be threatened by the Project as it is not resident in the area. Since its listing in the Red Data Book, the species has been found to be more widespread than previously thought. TABLE 11. LIST OF BIRD SPECIES REPORTED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS 1 Sesotho Name I Scientific Name 1 Common name Tsaase Anthus cinnamomeus Grassland pipit Seotsanvane Falco tinnunculus Rock kestrel
1 Serobele I Passer domestica I House s~arrow 1 I Letata I Anus svarsa 1 African black duck I
Mamasianoke I
Tlhatsin ane I Seotsanyane I Falco tinnunculus ( Rock kestrel Leeba Colurnba guinea Rock pigeon Letsibana Streptopelia capicola Dove Buteo buteo 1 Phakoe Falco biarmicus Lanner falcon T to alba &Khaka I / Mohetle I Fulica cristata 1 1
-. ~ ~~.. ~ Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2005 58 ~nAsSoc~al!on wth FM Assoc~aleslLesolhoi and Southern Walers :South Afraca: 5.2.2.3 Reptiles The limitations of the present study are that several assumptions have been made about presence or absence of species of reptiles from the footprint area. Reptiles are seasonally active, spending the harsher winter months in seclusion, usually in burrows, under rocks or in crevices emerging only under more suitable climatic conditions. For this reason no detailed work on reptiles was carried out at the site, with the exception of collecting observations by local residents, providing limited information about the reptiles in the area. There is no literature available which accounts for any distribution or abundance in Lesotho. It is likely that anthropogenic disturbances have changed the availability of specific habitats in the area detrimental to the species. It is also likely that some reduction has occurred due to habitat degradation arising from land use practices, the fires and the frequency of contact with human population. Reptiles in Lesotho generally get killed by people on contact. Information from local communities reports five reptile species occurring in the study area and the surrounds (Table 12). TABLE 12. LIST OF REPTILES REPORTED AS OCCURRING IN THE AREA BY LOCAL RESIDENTS Sesotho Name Scientific Name Common Name Marabe Bitis arientans Puff-adder Masumu 1 Haemachatus haemacharus ' Rinkhals 1 Mosenene I Psammophis notostictus I Cross-marked sand snake 1 1 Mosoa I Lamprophisfuliginosus I Brown house snake /1 Tlatlametsi
5.2.3 Fish The fish of the Phuthiatsana River forms part of the Orange River basin fish fauna that is typically characterized by opportunistic and generalist species, which generally occur at low diversities but high abundances. The Caledon River system is no exception to this and given the high level of instream sedimentation is not expected to support fish assemblages of specific conservation importance. The only Red Data Book fish species known to occur in the Caledon system is the Largemouth Yellowfish Labeobarbus kimberleyensis, (listed as vulnerable). Exotic species known to have been introduced into the Caledon River include the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and the common carp (Cyprinus calpio).
5.2.3.1 Fish assemblage in the Phuthiatsana River The fish assemblage in the Phuthiatsana River is expected to consist of the following species: Smallmouth yellowfish - Labeobarbus aeneus Largemouth yellowfish - Labeobarbus kirnberleyensis Rock catfish - Austroglanis sclateri Chubbyhead barb - Barbus anoplus
Two of the four expected, naturally occurring fish species were sampled from the Phuthiatsana River during the survey (15 - 18 August 2006), which were the Smallmouth Yellowfish (Labeobarbus aeneus) and the Chubbyhead Barb (Barbus anoplus). Although the two Orange River mudfishes (Labeo umbratus & L capensis) are present in the Caledon River (Personal observation) these are not expected in the Phuthiatsana given their requirements for sluggish open waters. The exotic rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are also known to occur in the Caledon River but is not expected in the Phuthiatsana River given the degraded nature of the instream habitat of this river, which is ascribed to sedimentation as a result of poor grazing and cropping activities in the catchment. The site downstream from the dam yielded only yellow fish and then also only juveniles. This is ascribed to the high flow conditions experienced during the field survey, which normally hampers sampling success. The survey was therefore repeated during the first and second of October 2006 at lower flow conditions when adult Yellowfish as well as the
Metolong Dam ESlA Final FeSruay 2008 59 *$SMEc 1, AsSoiia!lon w~tbFM Assoc~ales(Lesotho) and Souihern Waters (South Alrlca' Chubbyhead Barb were sampled. Figures 5 and 6 present the length frequency for the Yellowfish and Chubbyhead barbs sampled from the two sites.
LAEN Length frequency DS of Dam
40
35
30
,*5 c0 5 20 u 0 t 15
10
5
0 4 5 6 7 8 9 Length class (crn) -
F~gure5 Length frequencies for the Smallmouth Yellowfish sampled during August 2006 at the site downstream from the proposed dam site.
BAN0 Length frequency Dam Basin
4 5 6 7 8 9 Length class (cm)
Figure 6. Length frequencies for the Chubbyhead Bath sampled during August 2006 from the site within the proposed dam basin.
Metobng Dam ESIA: Final February 20M 60 @@SM'C ,n Assonallon with FM Associales !iesolhc and Soulhern Walers (South Alrlcal LAEN Length frequency Dam Basin
6
5
4 c C
rtf 2
1
0 4 5 6 7 8 9 Length class (cm)
F~gure7 Length frequenoes for the Smallmouth yellowf~shsampled dunng August 2006 from the slte with~nthe proposed dam bas~n
5.2.3.2 Habitat cover ratings From Figures 8 and 9 it is evident that the habitat at the two sites are fairly similar. At both sites the fast flow depth classes dominate with much lower ratings for the slow flow depth classes. This is mainly ascribed to the elevated flow conditions experienced during the survey as well as the extent of pool infilling as a result of sedimentation. Habitat diversity was slightly higher at the dam basin site which is evident from the higher ratings (specifically the fast flow depth classes).
Habitat Cover Ratings DS site
S/D F/S Depth flow classes
Rgure 8. Habitat Cover Ratings calculated during the August 2006 survey from the site downstream from the proposed dam.
Melolcng Dam ESlA Flnal February 2008 E.: @@SM'C ,n Assonat~onwlh FM Associalss iiesotho, and Scufhen7 Waters (South Atrical 1 Habitat Cover Ratings Dam basin
SIS SID FIS Flow depth classes
F~gure9. Habitat Cover Ratings calculated during the August 2006 survey from the site within the proposed dam basin.
5.2.3.3 Fish Assemblages Integrity Index The integrity of the fish assemblages at both sites are regarded as largely modified with a clearly lower than expected species richness evident from the fish assemblages integrity ecological category of a class D (Table 13and Table 14). The health of all the fish were generally regarded as good with minimal abnormalities observed.
TABLE 13. THE FISH ASSEMBLAGES INTEGRITY INDEX CALCULATED FOR THE SlTE DOWNSTREAM FROM THE DAM SlTE Expected Species GENERAL FREQUENCY HEALTH EXPECTED INTOLERANCE OF PER OCCURRENCE SPECIES LKM 3.6 5.0 1 5 .O 18.0 LAEN 2.5 5.0 5.0 12.5 BAN0 2.6 3.0 5.0 10.4 r ASCL 2.7 5.0 5.0 13.5 FA11 Expected species 54.4 Observed Species LAEN 2.5 5.0 5 .O 12.5 BAN0 2.6 2.0 5.0 10.4 FA11 22.9 RELATIVE FA11 42.1 1 FA11 Ecological Category D LKIM - Labeobarbus kimberleyensis LAEN - Lubeobarbus oeneus BANO - Barbus onoplus ASCL - Ausrroglonis scloreri
~ --pp-p--... ~ ---.ppp--.-.p---.-----..------... - Melolong Dam ESIA: Final. February 2008 62 @%SM~I" Assoclatron wlfh EM Assoc#ales (Lesotho) and Soulhsrn Waters (Soulh Africa) TABLE 14. THE FISH ASSEMBLAGES INTEGRITY INDEX CALCULATED FOR THE SITE WITHIN THE PROPOSED RESERVOIR Expected Species GENERAL 1 FREQUENCY- 1 HEALTH 1 EXPECTED I i I INTOLERANCE I OF I 1 PER I OCCURRENCE LKlM 3.6 5 .O LAEN 2.5 5 .O BAN0 2.6 5.0 ASCL 2.7 5 .O 5 .O 13.5 FA11 Expected species 57.0 I Observed S~ecies 1 LAEN 2.5 4 .O 5 .O 11.3 BAN0 2.6 5 .O 5 .O 13.0
-- -- - ~ FA11 I 24.3 1 RELATIVE FAII 42.5 1 ( FA11 EC D ] LKlM - Labeobarbus kimberleyemis LAEN - Lobeobarbus aeneus BANO - Barbus anoplus ASCL - Ausrroglanis sclareri
5.2.3.4 Conclusions No Red Data book listed species were recorded from the two surveyed sites and it is unlikely that the only listed species for the larger Caledon catchment, the Largemouth Yellowfish would occur in the Phuthiatsana, given the degraded nature of the river. The poor integrity of the fish assemblage in the Phuthiatsana River (Ecological Category D - Largely modified) is mainly ascribed to the extent of sedimentation in the river, which has largely eradicated the habitat of the two sensitive species, the Rock Catfish and the Largemouth Yellowfish. The resident fish species in the Phuthiatsana River (Smallmouth Yellowfish and Chubbyhead Barb) are both fairly hardy species and direct impacts from the proposed development are therefore generally expected to be of a low to a moderate significance. The main threat to the persistence of the two remaining fish species in the Phuthiatsana River are regarded as the establishment of the exotic predator trout (specifically Rainbow trout) in the impoundment as well as downstream from the dam where habitat integrity are expected to increase. Fluctuating water levels in the proposed Metolong Reservoir make it unsuitable for the development of a formal aquaculture facility (specifically with regards to cage culture). The introduction of exotic species such as trout should not be allowed given the threat they pose to the downstream reaches nearest the dam, which generally are expected to become more favourable to trout after dam construction. A similar situation occurred at Katse Dam and trout is now the only resident species immediately downstream from the dam. The reservoir is not expected to be too warm for trout, although temperature fluctuations may be a problem. Using any of the endemic fish (Yellowfish, mudfish) for development of a formal aquaculture facility would be possible, but there is no demand for the endemics except from an angling perspective. A more favourable alternative is to manage the fishery that will develop within the dam as a tourist attraction, and market it as such.
5.2-4 lnstream Flows Southern Waters Ecological Research and Consulting undertook the Instream Flow Assessment (IFA) sub-tasks listed under the Terms of Reference (TOR)for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Metolong Dam. Project duration for the FAwas from July 2006 to October 2006. The report is contained in Volume 3 Annex to the ESIA.
Metolong Dam ESIA Fmal February 2008 63 w*sMEc ,n Assoc~at~onwtlh FM Assoaales (Lesolhol and Southern Walers (Scurh A+r~w.l Water that is purposefully left in a river or released from an impoundment to maintain a river in a desired condition, is referred to here as the Instream Flow Requirement (IFR). The closer to natural the desired condition, the greater the volume of the original flow regime that will be required as an IFR. Determinations of IFRs are referred to as Instream Flow Assessments (IFAs). IFAs can be done at several levels of detail, from a simple statement of water depth to provide wetted habitat for a valued fish species, to a comprehensive description of a flow regime with intra-annual and inter- annual variability of low flows and floods in order to maintain whole river systems. Early IFAs concentrated on one or more biophysical aspects of river condition, but some more recent IFAs in areas such as SADC, where many people depend on rivers for subsistence, have included socio- economic aspects. In the current study, the IFA focussed on the river ecosystem, and was conducted at a low-level of detail. lFRs aim to mitigate the potential impacts of water-resource developments on rivers. They do this in three ways. 1. By reserving some water for river maintenance. 2. By ensuring that the reserved water is made available at the times when it is most appropriate for river maintenance. For instance, if small floods to stimulate fish spawning, then the IFA would stipulate the magnitude, duration and frequency of the required floods. Similarly, if a flood is needed to breach flush sediments from the system, then the IFA would dictate the timing and size of that flood requirement. 3. By defining the water quality, physical habitat and biotic characteristics that typify the desired condition of the river. In this manner, IFAs define objectives that can beused for management of the resource. Even the most successful IFR will only partially mitigate against the effects of a water-resource development. The physical presence of a dam will, in itself, inevitably result in impacts on the downstream river related to, inter alia, trapping of sediment, reduction in flow variability, and changes in the temperature and chemical composition of the water, with knock-on social and economic impacts. Nothing is gained at nocost - if flow regimes are manipulated, the targeted rivers will change. Society decides, pro-actively or through neglect, the extent of that change. Also, an IFR will facilitate, but cannot guarantee, achieving a desired condition of river since other activities in the catchment could also affect river condition. For instance, even if the IFR is implemented and released correctly, pollution from industry or agriculture could result in unacceptable water quality in the river. Thus, an IFR should be implemented as part of a catchment management plan that has as part of its objectives maintaining the desired condition of the river.
5.2.4.1 Present Ecological Condition The Present Ecological Condition (Kleynhans 1996) for the Metolong IFR reach is Category CID (Table 15). Present Ecological Condition categories are points along a continuum. The above assessment was undertaken to provide a reference point from which to begin deliberations. In this regard, it is important to note that the direction and extent of relative predicted change are more important that the actual category assigned at the outset.
5.2.4.2 11.2 Consequence assessment The major factors contributing to the Present Ecological Condition for the Metolong IFR reach are: accelerated supply of sediment to the river (non-flow related); accelerated down-cutting of the channel; sand-mining; removal of riparian vegetation; dominance of alien riparian vegetation;
~ ~ &in\ s Melolong Dam ESlA Final. February 200B 64 qw MEC rn Assooation with FM Associates (Lesolhoi an0 Soulnwn Waters (South Afrlia; assumed altered hydrological patterns as a result of landuse activities . TABLE 15. PRESENT ECOLOGICAL STATE CATEGORIES (AFTER KLEYNHANS 1996) Ecological Description / category 1 A Unmodified, natural. I Largely natural with few modifications. A small change in natural habitats and biota lBlmay have taken place but the ecosystem functions are essentially unchanged. Moderately modified. Loss and change of natural habitat and biota have occurred, but C the basic ecosystem functions are still predominately unchanged.
Largely modified. A large loss of natural habitat, biota and basic ecosystem functions D has occurred.
Seriously modified. The loss of natural habitat, biota and basic ecosystem functions is IElextensive. Critically I extremely modified. Modifications have reached critical level and the system has been modified completely with an almost complete loss of natural habitat F and biota. In the worst instance the basic ecosystem functions have been destroyed and the changes are irreversible.
Socio-Economic Environment This Section provides an overview of the Project's socio-economic environment, with an emphasis on the population living in the area surrounding the site of the proposed Metolong Reservoir. As indicated in Section 4.4, primary information has been obtained from (a) a basic census of 1.502 households resident in 25 villages surrounding the Metolong Reservoir, (b) a socio-economic survey of a sample of 586 households in these villages, (c) 22 community meetings and group discussions in villages surrounding the Metolong Reservoir, as well as in areas that may be affected by the construction of pipelines outside existing road reserves, and (d) a survey at 12 crossing points of human movement across the Phuthiatsana River (and tributaries). Where necessary, reference is made to the wider socio-economic context.
5.3.1 Geographical Context Lesotho is a small mountainous country located in the Drakensburg-Maluti escarpment in south- eastern Africa. A landlocked country (being completed surrounded by the Republic of South Africa), it has a surface area of approximately 30,355 square kmm4The country is divided into four ecological regions, based on elevation and agro-climatology:
w Mountains: comprising 59% of the country (at altitudes of between approximately 2000 mas1 and 3.384 mad); w Senqu River Valley: comprising 9% of the country (1000 - 2000 masl);" w Foothills: comprising 15% of the country (1800 - 2000 masl); and w Lowlands: comprising 17% of the country (less than 1800 masl) (Ranthamane, undated). The high Maluti Mountains, which occupy most of the central and eastern parts of the country, descend westwards to the narrow Foothills zone and the Lowlands area. The Project Area lies wholly within the Lowlands region, with the Metolong Dam site located on the edge of the
Only approximately 10% of Lesotho's land area is classified as arable land (GOL 2005; Ranthamane, undated). The Senqu River (which becomes the Orange River in South Africa) drains about two-thirds of Lesotho and forms the basis of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2008 65 @&sMEc ,n Assocation wtth FM Associales (Lesotho) and Soulhern Wa:ers (Soulh Afrtca; Foothills (see Figure 2). The Lowlands region is characterised by continental and temperate climatic conditions as described in Section 5.1.3.
5.3.2 Development Context International funding/development agencies classify Lesotho as a least developed country. The UNDP's Human Development Index (HDI), for instance, ranks Lesotho 149" out of 177 countries, with a HDI value of 0.497, while its Human Poverty Index (UPI-I) ranks the country 91" out of 103 developing countries for which the index has been developed! Notwithstanding its status as a least developed country, Lesotho achieved real annual average GDP growth of 4.2% between 1980 and 2002, principally because of factors such as the country's strong linkages with the South African economy (particularly the mining industry), the development of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) in partnership with South Africa, and the development of the textile industry in urban areas such as Maseru and Maputsoe (Government of Lesotho 2006). The remittances of migrant mine workers has been a key characteristic of the Lesotho economy and contributed nearly 50% of the country's GNI until the decline in mine employment in the mid- 1990s (ibid). More recently, the textile industry has become an important source of employment: "For decades the main form of migration involved young men who were recruited to the mines of South Africa and migration by other family members to the lowlands to be near transport links to the mines. By the mid- 1990s, recruitment had come to an end with the number of Basotho mineworkers dropping from over 120,000 in the mid-1980s to less than 50,000 by 2002. Since then, a new form of internal migration is taking place, driven by the rapid development of the textile industry in Maseru. This time, however, the work is available almost exclusively to women, with over 36.000 [in 20031 employed in Maseru and Maputsoe (Sechaba Consultants 2003)." Lesotho's Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) describes the country's economy (between 1980 and 2002) as follows: "the pre-LHWP period (198018 1 - 1986187), when the economy (GDP) grew at 2.8% per annum. Lesotho produced domestically only 57% of its GNI and relied heavily on South Africa for a key source of livelihoods in the form of remittances from Basotho miners; the high-LHWP period (1987188 - 1997/98), when GDP growth was 6% per annum. The textile and garment industry developed rapidly but employment opportunities for Basotho in South Africa mines started to decline. About two-thirds of GNI was produced locally and remittances comprised only about 36% of GNI. The share of private investment in GNI, while rising rapidly, was still small at 6%. Public revenue increased both because LHWP-related imports led to an increase in SACU receipts from 5% of GNI prior to 1988189 to 14% in the 1990s and because of water royalties after the completion of the first phase of the LHWP in 1996; and the post-LHWP period (1998199 onwards), when GDP growth has slowed down to about 3% per annurn. There is a significantly smaller flow of LHWP-related loans and grants but the garment industry has continued its rapid expansion" (Government of Lesotho 2006). The PRS aims to "provide a broad based improvement in the standard of welfare for the current generation of Basotho, without compromising opportunities for future generations" (ibid: ix).
5.3.3 Administrative Context Lesotho is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with ten administrative districts: Berea, Butha- Buthe, Leribe. Mafeteng, Maseru, Mohale's Hoek, Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing and Thaba-
The Human Development Index WDI) is a composite index measuring average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development: (a) a long and healthy life, (b)knowledge and (c) a decent standard of living. The HDI rank is determined using HDI values to the sixth decimal point. Performance in each dimension is expressed as a value between 0 and 1, the higher the number the better the result. The UPI-1 focuses on the proportion of people below a threshold level in basic dimensions of human development - living a long and healthy life, having access to education, and a decent standard of living. - - Melolonp Dam ESlA Final: February 2006 55 Tseka. The Project Area is located in the districts of Maseru and Berea. The Metolong Dam site, where the most significant Project impacts will occur, is located in the Thaba Bosiu and Mamathe Chiefdoms. Since the mid-90s, there have been planning efforts to improve governance and service delivery, focussing on the devolution of government decision-making and authority to the district and local level. The Traditional (Chiefdom) Authority system has historically been the dominant local government institution - chiefs controlled the allocation and use of land and communal resources, administered local justice and performed a range of administrative duties (such as authorising the passport applications of subjects) (Turner 2006). The management of land and communal resources reverted to Village Development Committees1 Councils (VDCs) in 1986 but it was not until 1994 that the position of chiefs as ex oficio chairpersons of VDCs was rescinded, a move that reportedly led to confusion and acrimony at community level (Government of Lesotho 2000a; Tuner 2006). The Local Government Act of 1997 introduced a restructured form of local government with democratically elected Community Councils as the central institution in all aspects of local government, including land and natural resource management. However, local government elections were only held in 2005 and VDCs continued to operate up to 2001 after which a system of interim local authorities was established to fill the institutional void (Tuner 2006). The Government's Working Paper on the Establishment of Local Governments, which was adopted by Cabinet in February 2004, forms the basis of the country's current decentralisation pr~gramme.~ The programme consists of three phases, scheduled for implementation over a 12-year period: a transition phase (2004-2005), leading to the elections of District and Community Councils and the devolution of some administrative functions to these structures; a development phase (2006-201 1). focusing on the further devolution of powers and functions to Councils; and a consolidation phase (2012-2016). focusing on strengthening and refining local government operations (Mbetu and Tshabalala 2006). Following the local government elections of 30 April 2005, 128 Community Councils and one Municipal Council were formed. District Councils, under which the Community Councils resort, were also established.' The Councils are underpinned by a coordinating structure consisting of District Development Co-ordinating Committees, District Administrators, District Planning Units and a Local Government Service Commission and Local Government Service Tribunal (Commonwealth Expert Team 2005). Schedules One and Two of the Local Government Act (1997) confer wide-ranging responsibilities to District and Community Councils, which are expected to be fully devolved to the Councils by the end of 201 1 .9 Amongst others, these responsibilities include: control of natural resources and environmental protection; physical planning and landlsite allocation; grazing control; water supply in villages (maintenance); services for agriculture improvement; and preservation and control of designated forests in local authority areas. The Traditional Authority (Chiefdom) system has a strong historical basis and continues to play an important role in local matters." Villagers commonly confer with their local and area chiefs on
' Local government in Lesotho is guided by the Local Government Act (1997), the Local Government Elections Act (1998) and the Local Government Elections (Amendment Act (2004). Voter turnout was very low - 33% nationally and as low as 8% in Maseru (Mbetu and Tshabalala 2006). Part of the decentralisation process includes the transfer of central government staff (most of whom were already operating as central government extension/field officers) to District Administrators or Dismct Councils. By June 2006. a total of 4,520 central government officers had been transferred to the Local Government Service (Mbetu and Tshabalala 2006).
'O There are 22 Principal Chiefs, two independent Chiefs, 282 Area Chiefs, 235 Chiefs and 692 Headmen in Lesotho (gazetted chiefs receive government allowances). The roles and re~nsibilitiesof chiefs are set out Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2038 67 %%SMw in RssOc~at~cmwrlh FM Associales (Lesothoi and Soulhern Waters (Soulh Afrce' many issues affecting their lives and livelihoods. Furthermore, in accordance with the local government legislation, each Community Council includes two chiefs elected by the gazetted chiefs in the Council's area of jurisdiction. Nationally, 249 of the 1,508 Community Councillors appointed after the 2005 local elections are chiefs (Mbetu and Tshabalala 2006).
1 Ministry of ha1 Government
: District Maseru Distrlct Council 1 B- District Coundl t D~smct i Administralor (I5 Community Councils) 1 (10 Community Councils) Administrator j
Rauu A02 Senekane DO2 Senekane DO8 Motanasele DO7 r-lCommunity Council ICommunity Council Community Council I ICommunity Council I
Ha Kapa Ha Letela Ha Khabele Ha N~sane Ha Maimane Ha Mwamoleli Ha Ramatlama Ha Makhale Ha Tsoaleli Ha Makirita Mamathe Chiefdom Ha Makotoko Ha Masakale Ha Matjeke Ha Mosoao Ha Mothomotsoana Ha Nqosa Ha Ramakabatane Ha Ramakhaba Ha Ramoselinyane Ha Seeiso Ha Sekantsi Ha Tlele Meeling Nkokomohi Sefikeng Thaba Bosiu Chiefdom
F~gure10. Community Councils in the Metolong Reservoir Area
The legislation also stipulates that at least one third of the elected Community Councillors should be women. The local election results show that 51% of the Community Councillors are women (ibid). A diagrammatic presentation of local government structures at the site of the Metolong Dam is shown in Figure 10. The villages surrounding the proposed reservoir are located in four Community Councils: Ratau A02 (Maseru District) accounts for 19 of the surveyed villages, all part of the Thaba Bosiu Chiefdom; Senekane D02, Senekane DO8 and Motanasele DO7 (Berea District) have six of the surveyed villages, all within the Mamathe Chiefdom. The Project's community participation and institutional arrangements need to accommodate these new local government arrangements. The Metolong Dam Committee, an existing structure set up during the Feasibility Study to represents villages in the broader Metolong Reservoir area, includes Chiefs, Community Councillors and representatives from the concerned villages. This Committee will form the nucleus of the Project's institutional arrangements for Project
in the Chieftainship Act, 1968. Mbelu and Tshabalala (2006; 27) report that although "the law is quite clear on the roles and responsibilities of chiefs and councils . .. there is still some confusion on who is responsible for allocating land or for collecting revenue [from] pounded livestock sales."
Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2006 68 @asMEc~nA520c~a1~on wi!h FM ASSOCI~~~S(Lesotho1 and Southern Walers (South Afrbcal implementation, and will be augmented as required to include District-level development and planning representatives and participating NGOs.
5.3.4 Demography
5.3.4.1 Population and Settlement Patterns Lesotho had a population of 1.96 million in 1996, which increased to an estimated 2.157 million in 2001 and around 2.2 million in 2005 (Government of Lesotho 2001; 2005) ". Intercensal (exponential) growth rates for the periods 1976-86 and 1986-96 were 3.1% and 2.6% respectively (Mba 2003). The 1998 revision of the United Nation's World Population Prospects projected Lesotho's population to be 3.2 million in 2020 but recent projections for the country by the UN's Population Division are substantially lower.'' In 2001, 72% of the country's population lived in the Lowlands and Foothills regions (Table 16). The rugged mountain region, which comprises about two-thirds of the country, is sparsely populated, with people living in scattered villages and in a few regional centres. This region has more or less maintained its share (about one-fifth) of the national population over the last 30 years, while that of the Lowlands region increased by 9%. Of interest is the fact that between 1986 and 1996 the Foothills region experienced a drop of more than 10% in its share of the national population, pointing to relatively high levels of out-migration, mainly to the Lowlands, during this period.
TABLE 16. POPULATION DISTRIBUTION BY ECOLOGICAL ZONE
Ecological Zone 1976 1986 19% 2001 - Lowlands 46.6 49.0 58.6 55.5 Foothills 22.5 22.7 12.4 16.5 Mountains 20.7 16.8 22.8 2 1.3 Senqu River Valley 10.6 11.5 6 -2 6.7 Source: Government of Lesatho 2001 The Lesotho Demographic Survey of 2001 shows that the country's districts, with the exception of Maseru and Leribe Districts, experienced negative net lifetime migration rates (Table 17). Maseru District experienced the highest level of lifetime net-migration, with approximately 14% of the population enumerated in the Demographic Survey being recorded as lifetime migrants from other districts. Berea District, on the other hand, experienced a negative net rate of 2.1% (Govemment of Lesotho 2001).'~
" A population and housing census is conducted in Lesotho every ten years but the results from the most recent census (2006) are not yet available. An inter-censal survey of a representative sample of households is conducted five years after each census to update demographic data. The most recent demographic survey was undertaken in 2001 for a sample of 16,390 households. A demographic and health survey was also commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in 2004. This survey covered 8,592 households and provides the most up-to-date official demographic information.
l2 The population projections of the United Nations' Population Division are substantially lower than those of Lesotho's Bureau of Statistics. For instance, the Division's projections for the years 2000 and 2005 show Lesotho's population at 1.788 million and 1.795 million respectively (low, medium and high variant). By 2020, the country's population is projected to decrease to 1.635 million (low variant) or 1.718 million (medium variant), or to increase only slightly to 1.801 million (high variant). Amongst others, these estimates reflect the Division's projections of the impact of HIVIAIDS on population growth in Lesotho (http:lesa.un.orqlunp~),
" A lifetime migrant is a person living in a district other than the one helshe was born in. Lifetime migration is mainly driven by economic reasons (Government of Lestoho 2001).
Melolong Dam ESIA Funs1 February 2008 65 @%SMEC n &s~oc#af~or,wjth iMASSoc~aleS ilesolho, and Southern Walers ,South Africa) TABLE 17. INTER-DISTRICT LIFETIME MIGRATION AND POPULATION IN DISTRICTS
Source: Government of Lesotho 2001. These figures confirm the continued growth of urban areas in the Lowlands. This growth has often been unmanaged, with Maseru displaying the worst effects of urban sprawl. Such unplanned development has occupied former agricultural land, and buffer strips have been used for roads. Other areas experiencing rapid urbanisation can be found in the growing Lowlands commercial centres of Maputsoe, Teyateyaneng, Mafeteng and Mohale' s ~oek.'' The distribution of the country's population by district confirms the concentration of the country's population in the western, Lowlands Districts in general, and in Maseru District in particular. In 2001, two-thirds of Lesotho's population were living in Berea, Leribe, Mafeteng and Maseru Disricts, the four districts occupying most of the Lowlands and Foothills regions. More than one- third (36%) of the country's population were living in Maseru and Berea Districts (the two Project Districts), with Maseru District alone accounting for over one in five of the country's population- The four predominantly Lowlands districts (Berea, Leribe, Mafeteng and Maseru) also had the highest population densities in 2001, ranging from 135 persons/km2in Berea District to 112 persons/km2in Maseru District (Table 18)." TABLE 18. POPULATION DISTRIBUTION AND DENSITY IN THE PROJECT AREA DISTRICTS Percentage % of % Density Density Area of District of Total Population Population (per ~m') (per ~m~) (Km2) Area 1996 200 1 1996 2001 Berea 2,222 7.3 13.1 13.9 108 135 Maseru 4,279 14.2 20.9 22.1 90 112 Source: Government of Lesotho 2001. Settlement patterns at the Metolong Reservoir site reflect the historically rural nature of the area, with scattered villages surrounded by rangeland and agricultural fields. However, because of its topography and proximity to Maseru (approximately one hour by taxi/bus) the area is substantially more populated than the higher mountain areas. In 1996, an estimated 1,819 households, with a population of 9,130, lived in the 15 Enumeration Areas adjoining and immediately downstream of the proposed Metolong Reservoir site (see Table 19). These households were located in 48 villages, which ranged in size from as small as five households to villages with more than 100 households.
14 These centres can be described as regional commercial and service-related centres, with growing population thresholds that are part of a larger corridor of increasing activity along the length of the Lowlands. While Maputsoe's close ties to South Africa has given it the necessary impetus to attract growing levels of commercial and industrial activity, centres such as Teyateyaneng. Mafeteng and Mohale's Hoek have grown in importance due to their roles as service centres to surrounding lowland agricultural areas (Sechaba Consultants 2000; Government of Lesotho 2002).
'5 Overall, Lesotho's population density increased from 61 persons/km2in 1996 to 71 persons/km2in 2001 (Government of Lesotho 2001). - -~ .- . Melotons Dam ESIA: Final: February 2008 70 @bsMm,m Assocla~~onwnth FM Assoc~ales(Lesolhol and Southern Waters (South Alricai TABLE 19. POPULATION IN THE METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA, 1996
A household census was undertaken as part of the SIA in 25 of the 48 villages, 11 north and 14 south of the proposed Reservoir (see Figure 21). These villages were selected because of their proximity to the Reservoir site and the potential for direct impacts on villagers and social activities. The census enumerated 7,841 persons in 1,502 households (Table 20).
-. - ~ ~ -- Merolong Dam €-CIA Final February 2038 7 1 I &isMEc ,n Assoclatlon wlln CM AssoC!aleS fiesolho! and Southen Walers ;Soulh Alnca) As shown in Table 20, nearly 32% of the households enumerated in the census were headed by women. The socioeconomic survey recorded a similar percentage of female-headed households (35%). The socio-economic position of female-headed households is further discussed in the sections below.
5.3.4.2 Age and Gender Distribution The age-sex structure of a country's population is an important demographic characteristic, since it reflects past fertility, mortality and migration trends as well as current birth and death rates. Lesotho has a relatively young population. In 2001, nearly 36% of the country's population were younger than 15 years, 58% were in the 15-64 years age group while 6% were aged 65 years and older (Table 21). The country's age-sex structure for 2001 broadly conforms to the typical triangle- shaped population pyramid of a country with a relatively high population growth rate, except for a narrowing base (age groups 0-4 and 5-9). In 2001, the 0-9 age group accounted for 22.6% of the population, down from 23.3% in 1996. This decrease can be the result of HIVIAIDS deaths among children, possible under-reporting of the 0-9 age group or declining fertility rates.
TABLE 21. LESOTHO'S POPULATION BY BROAD AGE CATEGORY Age Group 1996 Census 2001 Demographic Survey
0-1 4 36.5 35.9 15-64 55.6 58.3 65+ 7.9 1 5.8 , Total 100.0 100.0 - 0-9 Age Croup 23.3 22.6 Soorce: Government of Lesotho 1996,2001. The age-sex distribution obtained in the socio-economic survey conducted at the site of the proposed Metolong Reservoir broadly corresponds to the national figures (Table 22 and Figure 11): 35.9% of the household population were in the 0-14 age group, 58.0% in the 15-64 age group and 6.1 % in the 65 years and older age group. Just over 22% of population were in the 0-9 age group. TABLE 22. AGE-SEX DISTRIBUTION OF THE HOUSEHOLD POPULATION, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA
Source: SMEC Socio-Economic Survey 2006. 'lhe survey enumerated 3205 persons but age information was unknown for 219 persons. According to Lesotho's 2001 Demographic Survey, the proportion of the population that was age dependent (i.e. in the 0-14 and 65 and older age groups) was nearly 42%. giving an age- dependency ratio of 0.72. This means that for every 100 persons in the non-dependent age group (15-64 years) there were an additional 72 persons dependent on them (Government of Lesotho
- - Me:oiong Dam ESIA. Final February 2008 7 2 @%SMEC I, Assoc~at~onw~th FM Assoc,8!eS ILezotho, and Southern Waters iSoutn Africa) 2001). The Metolong socio-economic survey recorded the same age-dependency ratio, with 42% of the household population in the age-dependent group.'6 The Metolong socio-economic survey recorded slightly more males (50.1 %) than females (49.9%), as opposed to the 2001 Demographic Survey, which recorded 49.4% males and 50.6% females for the country as a whole. Amongst households at the Metolong site. males are slightly more than females in the 15-64 age group, but slightly less in the 0-4 and 65 and older age groups (Figure 11). I Populat ion Pyramid, Metolong Area I
.1O.O -8.0 -6.0 -4.0 -2.0 0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 Percentage
Rgure 1 1. Populat~onPyramid. Metolong Reservo~rArea
5.3.4.3 Educational Attainment Although there is no requirement in Lesotho for a minimum level of educational attainment, school attendance in the country is relatively high. For instance, the 2001 Demogra hic Survey recorded schools attendance rates of 78% amongst males and 92% amongst females.lPAmongst the 10-14 age group, only 2% of girls and 11% of boys had never attended school. For older persons, however. school attendance was much lower: in the 65-69 age group, for instance, nearly one in two males and one in four males had never attended school. Due to factors such as long walking distances to primary schools (especially in rural areas), the proportion of children in the 6-9 age group who had never attended school was 16.3%. "higher than at any age before 35" (Government of Lesotho 2001). Overall, approximately 15% of the country's population aged six years and older had never attended school, with the proportion for males considerably higher than for females. The findings of the Demographic Survey also point to a high dropout rate, meaning that the level of education completed was low: only 37% of males and 52% of females 15 years and older had completed primary school (ibid:xxiii). The reported educational attainment of a sample of 2,449 persons five years and older enumerated in the Metolong socio-economic survey is surnrnarised in Table 23. Overall, 13.9% had never attended school, with the percentage of non-attendance increasing across the age groups, except for the 5-14 age group which had the highest percentage of non-attendance. This is mainly attributed to the influence of the 5 years old age group, most of whom were not yet enrolled at school (46 of the
l6 The 2004 Demographic and Health Survey, which enumerated a substantially smaller number of households than the 2001 Demographic Survey, obtained a slightly different age distribution: 43.4% in the 0- 14 age group, 51.2% in the 15-64 age group and 5.4% in 65 and older age group (Government of Lesotho 2005). This distribution gives a higher age-dependency ratio of 0.95. 17 These high attendance rates are reflected in the country's adult literacy rate, with the Demographic Survey recording a rate of 82.2% and the Core Welfare Indicator Survey (2002) a rate of 81.8% (Government of Lesotho 2002b).
Meto!ong Dam ESlA Final February 2OOE 73 msMEc8" Assoctaiton with FM Assoo~afe~(Lesotho) and Sou!hern VvalerF (Soulh AIrlCai 64 children enumerated in this age group were recorded as pre-school children, i.e. not yet attending school). In the 614 years age group, more than 90% were recorded as students, with only 8.5% not attending school. Across all age categories, 53.3% had attained some form of primary education (Std 1-6), 15.5% had completed primary school, 13.1% had attained some form of secondary education (Form 1-4) and 3.2% had completed their secondary education (Form 5). TABLE 23. EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT OF PERSONS 5 YEARS AND OLDER IN THE METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA
--. had completed pre-school education were allocated to thd no education cate$oj. The results from the Metolong survey underscore the observation of the 200 1 Demographic Survey that "although school attendance was high, the level of education completed was low." For instance, in the 25-34 age group (i.e. young people who would have completed their education), approximately two-thirds had attended primary school but only 27.9% completed their primary education. Furthermore. only 20.9% proceeded to secondary school and only 7.8% completed their secondary education. Overall, though, the Metolong survey results show a high level of school attendance amongst the population currently in the primay school-going age, with 80.8% of children in the 6- 18 age group recorded as students.
5.3.4.4 Household Composition
5.3.4.4.1 Household Relationships The lives of individuals are shaped within the context of households, the basic unit around which living arrangements are organised.I8Figure 12 shows that the four biggest relationship categories recorded in the Metolong socio-economic survey were the household head (18.1% of the surveyed population) and hisher spouse (10.2%). children (40.3%) and grandchildren (17.4%).19These four categories together accounted for 86% of the surveyed population. The relatively high percentage of household heads, spouses and children indicate that a majority of households are two-generational nuclear families. Multigenerational and extended family ties, nevertheless, remain important, as evidenced from the high percentage of grandchildren in the survey households, as well as the presence of related persons such as sons/daughters-in-law, brotherslsisters and other relatives.
A household in Lesotho is defined as "a group of persons who live together and share common housekeeping arrangements. A household is ... sometimes simply defined as a group of persons who 'eat from the same pot' .. . [and] may consist of a group of individuals, whether related ornot related, or one individual living by himself or herself (Government of Lesotho 2001). 19 The distribution of household relationship categories in the 2001 Demographic Survey was as follows: household head - 20.646, spouse - 11.5%, children - 43.7% and grandchildren - 12-28. The most significant difference is the larger number of grandchildren recorded in the Metolong survey.
lrlelolong Dam ESIA Final February 2iK)S 74 @PSMKI" ksoaalton with FM Assocales !Lesothol and Southern Waters (South AIrlCal Household Composition, Metolong Reselwir Area
Head Spouse Sonldaughter Sonldaughter-in-law .-n. CI Grandchild 2 Parent 0 .- Parent-in-law -m -w Brotherlsister [r Grandparent Adopedn osterlstep-child Other relative Non-relative 0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 Percentage
Figure 12. Household Composition, Metolong Reservoir Area Table 24 shows that nearly 78% of the household population were recorded as living at home, with most of the absent members being migrant workers in Lesotho (7.0%) or South Africa (5.6%), or students elsewhere in Lesotho (5.0%).
5.3.4.4.2 Household Headship Household heads largely determine the socio-economic circumstances of their households. Further analysis of the position of household heads - in terms of demographic features such as gender, age, educational attainment and residential status -therefore contributes to a better understanding of the socio-economic position of households and their members. As indicated in Table 19,68.3%of the households enumerated in the Metolong census were headed by males and 31.7% by females. The Metolong socio-economic survey recorded slightly less male-headed households (65.1%) and correspondingly more female-headed households (34.9%). Table 25 provides further details on the household heads enumerated in the socio-economic survey. Although 58% of the household heads were married, the most significant feature is that the vast majority of female household heads were widowed and had therefore become household head as a result of the death of their husbands. Very few household heads were single or separated/ divorced.
~ Meloiong Dam ESIA: Final. Fsbruary 200R 75 *~SMEc !n Asscc!alon with FM Assocla185 (Lesotho\ and Southern Waters !South Africa) More than 75% of the household heads were in the 40 years and older age group (50.0% in the 40- 64 age group and 25.2% in the 65 and older age group). This would suggest that many households are at relatively advanced stages in the domestic development cycle, with household members possibly not solely reliant on the econornic activities of the household head. On the other hand, nearly 36% of female household heads and 20% of male household heads were 65 years or older. This, together with the fact that nearly 27% of the household heads were reported to have a (physical or mental) disability, would also suggest that some household heads are fully dependent on other household members for their livelihoods. A very small percentage of household heads were younger than 20 years, all headed by males. It is probable that some of these households are headed by young persons whose parents had passed away. TABLE 25. MAIN DEMOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF HOUSEHOLD HEADS, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA Demographic Feature 1 Total Male Female Marital Slatus Single 3.7 4.6 2.0 Manied 57.6 84.4 7.6 1.8 0.8 3.5 Widowed
1 -Disabilitv .~. 1 Yes I 26.7 24.5 30.6 No 73.3 75.5 69.4 Source: SMEC Socio-Economic Survey 2006. The educational levels of a sample of 497 of the surveyed household heads are summarised in Table 26. Just over 73% had either no educational qualification or only some form of primary education. Only 15.3%had completed primary education and only 10.7% had progressed to secondary school. Overall, only 8.9% had completed secondary education. Significantly more male household heads had no education than female household heads. More female household heads had also progressed to and completed their primary education. However, most of the few household heads who had progressed to secondary school were males.
TABLE 26. EDUCATIONAL LEVELS OF HOUSEHOLD HEADS, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA
A final demographic feature to consider is the employment status of household heads. Although the 2001 Demographic Survey does not specifically cite the occupational status of household heads, it does make reference to the labour force participation rates of household heads in the context of factors that lead to women becoming household heads. The report notes that "when females got mamed their husband automatically assumed the role of household head. irrespective of whether or not they were present in the household, were employed, were the main breadwinners or contributed to the day-today running of the household" (Government of Lesotho 2001:58).
a**\ Melolong Darn ESIA Final: February 20D8 76 w&~~~~~in Ass,cfalmr wrth FM Associates (Lesothol and Southern Waters [Soutn Africa) Overall, just over 24% of the household heads were recorded as formally employed, with a further 4.8% recorded as informally employed. 27.6% were classified as homemakers, involved in home duties (including agricultural and livestock farming) or aged (Table 27). The only other income- earning category was being a recipient of a government pension (5.3%). Nearly 38% were classified as unemployed (and therefore seeking work). Substantially more male household heads were formally employed (32.8% of male heads) than female household heads (7.4%). Slightly more male household heads were involved in the informal employment sector, although more female household heads were the recipients of pensions. TABLE 27. EMPLOYMENT STATUS OF HOUSEHOLD HEADS, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA All Household Employment Status Male (%) Female (Oh) Heads Student 0.4 0.5 A Pensioner (receiving a pension) 5.3 4.0 7.9 Formal employment 24.3 32.8 7.4 Informal employment 4.8 4.8 4.7 Unemployed 37.7 34.9 43.2 Homemaker, home duties, aged 27.6 23.0 36.8 Total 100.0 100 -0 100.0 Source: SMEC Socio-EconomicSurvey 2006. Exclude nine household heads for whom employment status was not available.
5.3.5 Housing Residential dwellings in Lesotho (Figure 13) are generally classified as follows: a Traditional dwelling (also called rontabole and heisi). These are thatched structures constructed from stones, clay bricks and timber lacing, and occasionally cement bricks. The floor material is primarily mud and dung. a Modem dwelling @olata and optaka). These structures are mainly built with cement bricks with cormgated iron or tile roofs. The renting of property to tenants has also become an important form of income in many of the urban and pen-urban areas. Rental property is commonly called malaene or lilaene consisting of a single-level multi-roomed structure, the rooms of which are rented out totenants. The distribution of dwelling types in Berea and Maseru Districts in 2001 is summarised in Table 28.
TABLE 28. DWELLING TYPES IN BEREA AND MASERU DISTRICTS Dwelling Type Traditional Modern District Apartment (Rontabold (Polatid Lilaene Houses 0ther Heisi) Optaka) Berea 47.0 46.8 0.7 2.6 2.8 Maseru 26.1 52.5 18.7 1.7 1.O Source: Government of Lesotho 2001.
I I I F~gure13. Examples of Housrng in the Metolong Reservoir Area
. ------A 46- Meroloig Dam ESlA Flnal February 2We 77 I 4SMEC I" ASSOCralon w~lhFM Assocjales (Lesotho)and Southem Waters (Soulh Afrfca Houses in the Metolong Reservoir area are mainly traditional rontabole and heisi. Some polata and optaka are evident in the larger villages such as Ha Seeiso, Ha Makotoko and Ha Monarnoleli. In Ha Ramakhaba, a resettlement village that was established in 1997 to accommodate households that were relocated from the Mohale Dam (LHWP Phase lB), nearly all the dwellings are modem (polata/optaka) structures. The vast majority (97.5%) of the households enumerated in the Metolong socio-economic study owned their homesteads, with only a few occupying homesteads that belonged to other persons (Table 29).
TABLE 29. OWNERSHIP OF HOMESTEAD, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA I Ownership of Homestead District Households Non-relative Relative Household Head Berea 177 1 4 172 Maseru 392 1 8 383 Total 569 2 12 555 Percentage 100.0 0.4 2.1 97.5 Source: SMEC Socio-Economic Survey 2006. Excludes one household for whom ownership data was not available. Nearly all (91.3%) of the surveyed households reported that they had been living at their current homesteads sites for more than five years, with only 1.9% reporting that they had established their homesteads less than one year ago (Table 30). TABLE 30. LENGTH OF RESl DENCE AT HOMESTEAD SITE, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA Length of Residence District Households Lessthan Longer than 1-2y,, 2-5 Years 1 Year 5 Years Berea 177 6 8 9 154 Maseru 390 5 11 10 364 Total 567 11 19 19 518 Percentage 100.0 1.9 3.4 3.4 91.3 Source: SMEC Socio-Economic Survey 2006. Exclude three households for whom data was not available. 5.3.6 Water and Sanitation The survey results on water sources used by communities in the Metolong Reservoir area are shown by village in Table 31. A large majority (70.8%) obtained their water from public standpipes. The only other significant sources of water were springs (17.8% from unprotected springs and 10.4% from protected springs). Villages where unprotected springs appear to be a main source of domestic water include Ha Khabele, Ha Letela, Ha Masakale, Ha Mothomotsoana, Ha Tlele and Nkokomohi. These villages, in parlicular, would benefit from Project initiatives to improve access to safe water. TABLE 31. HOUSEHOLD WATER SOURCES, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA
... Metolong Dam ESIA: Fnal February 2008 76 *aSMm,n Assoc~al#onwlth FM Assoc~alesi~esorno! ald Southern Walerr (Sovlh Atrtsal Source: SMEC Soci+Economic Survey 2006. The figures on the sanitation facilities of the households surveyed in the Metolong Reservoir area mirror the findings of the 2001 Demographic Survey, with 53.1% using the bushlopen field and 46.9% having their own pitNIP latrine or access to another person's latrine (Table 32). TABLE 32. HOUSEHOLD SANITATION FACILITIES, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA Another Person's On-Site Pit District Househo'ds Open Field fit ~atrine~~~LatrineNIP Berea 177 4 60 113 Maseru 392 9 194 189 Total 569 13 254 302 Percentage 100.0 2.3 44.6 53.1 Source. SMEC Socio-Economic Survey 2006. Exclude one household for which data was not available.
5.3.7 Land Use
5.3.7.1 Agriculture The contribution of the agricultural sector to Lesotho's economy is relatively small (17%). However, subsistence agriculture is an important contributor to the livelihoods of as many as 80% of the country's households (FAOIWFP 2005). A range of crops and vegetables are cultivated on a mainly subsistence and rain-fed basis, with maize, sorghum and wheat being the most common crops. These crops occupy approximately 60% 20 % and 10% of the cropped area respectively. Sharecropping is often practiced "to offset the constraints related to access to land, labour and farm inputs" (ibid:4). Where possible, many households also maintain home gardens with summer and winter vegetables. Small-scale farming in Lesotho, however, faces harsh realities which are contributing to a growing inability of the country to feed itself and contributing to food security crises.20Constraints to rural crop and horticultural development include: generally harsh climatic conditions; poor returns on dry-land crop farming and hence, the importance of migrant and formal sector labour returns; the resultant shortage of able-bodied farm labour and healthy oxen at critical times; infertile/eroded soils, the high cost of chemical fertilisers and the use of manure for energy; the poor adoption of improved farming methods; the shortage and inefficient use of tools and traction;
20 CARE'S Livelihoods Recovery through Agriculture Programme &RAP) - often popularly referred as Lirapa, the Sesotho word meaning homestead gardens - was dcsigncd as a rapid response to the food security crisis in Lesotho in 2002.
.. ... ~ .-~ .- ~ ~ - ~ ------.. Metoiong Dam ESIA Final. February 2008 79 @BSMEC,n Assonal~on with FM Assoc~aiestlesolho) and Southern Vratsrr (Sodth Africa! storage losses; poor fencing and protection against grazing animals; poor water supply and storage (Sechaba Consultants 2000; Government of Lesotho 2002). Ownership of agricultural fields in the Metolong Reservoir area is high, with 83.9% of the households enumerated in the socio-economic survey reporting that they owned fields (Table 33). Agricultural fields are mostly situated on the plateau areas in the vicinity of the villages.21
Just under 25 % of the households with agricultural fields owned only one field, 31 % owned two fie1 ds, 22.4% had three fields and 21.8% had more than more than three fields (Table 34). Household agricultural landholdings are generally small and seldom exceed two hectares.
2' The Metolong census recorded 343 fields in the Phuthiatsana RiverIGorge and tributaries and 2,147 fields around the village areas away from the River. Nearly 33% of these fields were recorded in Ha Nqosa and Ha Makhale, two villages immediately downstream of the Metolong Reservoir. A further 29.4% were recorded in villages along the central and upper reaches of the Reservoir (e.g. Ha Monarnoleli, Ha Tsoaleli, Ha Tlele, Ha Ramatlama and Ha Ntsane).
~ ---.--~. . . ~ Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2008 @ksMmtn Associatbn wilr FM Assocla1~ILesathc) and Soutnern Vdaters (Soulh AfrlCal TABLE 34. SIZE OF AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS Number of Agricultural Fields Households Percentage One field 119 24.9 Two fields 148 31.0 Three fields 107 22.4 Four fields 52 10.9 Five fields 39 8.2 More than five fields 13 2.7 Total 478 100.0 J Source: SMEC Socio-Economic Survey 2006.
Ninety percent of the households with agricultural fields reported that they had cultivated all or some of heir fields in the 2004105 season. Nearly 62% of these households indicated that the maize they harvested was sufficient for their household needs until the following season. Sharecropping is an important livelihood activity in the area, especially for landless households. Of the 92 households with no agricultural land, 52 (56.5%) reported that they had a sharecropping arrangement and were cultivating other people's land.
5.3.7.2 Livestock Farming Livestock husbandry is an important component of local economic activities, particularly in the highlands and foothills~lowlandsareas. Livestock kept by households includes cattle, goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, pigs and fowls. Livestock provides meat, milk, eggs and a cash income. Cattle are an integral part of cropping activities, providing draught power and producing organic fertiliser. Horses and donkeys are important transport and pack animals. A number of constraints affect the development of animal husbandry. These include: overstocking and overgrazing despite a long history of range-management in Lesotho; constraints on animal care, and on improved breeding practices; high levels of stock theft in the country. Livestock ownership details obtained in the Metolong census for 1,489 households are shown in Table 35. A total of 3,281 cattle, 1,167 sheep, 1,627 goats, 389 horses and 73 1 donkeys were recorded. Interestingly, a majority of households owned no livestock. More than 53% of the households owned no cattle, while ownership of other livestock was even lower - 92.4% owned no sheep, 88.9% no goats, 84.2% no horses and 72.7% no sheep. Furthermore, herd sizes were small, with few households owning more than six head of any of the five livestock types.
TABLE 35. LIVESTOCK OWNERSHIP, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA
Source: SMEC Household Census 2006.
5.3.7.3 Trees Nearly 90% of the surveyed households reported owning trees. Trees are located at the homestead site, along agricultural fields and in the Phuthiatsana River gorge. Trees owned most often were peach, eucalyptus, pine, apple, willow, apricot, and poplar (Table 36).
~ ~. ~ ~ ~ --~ -- Metolorg Dar ESlA F~nslFebruary 200e t. 1 I @2SMEc,n ASsoc~at~On With FM Associales (Lesot!lo) and Soulhem Waters !South Alnca! TABLE 36. OWNERSHIP OF TREES, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA Tree Type ,Reported Number Owned Apricot 255 Eucalyptus/Bluegum 1023
Plump 90 Poplar 134 Wattle 69 Willow 276
Total 9435 Source: SMEC Socio-Economic Survey 2W.
5.3.8 Livelihoods
5.3.8.1 Occupation and Employment Status The 2001 Demographic Survey provides detailed information on the economic characteristics of Lesotho's population. In summary, a large number of the population in the 10 years and older age group were recorded as housewives or engaged in home duties (35- 1%) and as students (26.2%). Just over 18% were regular wagejsalary workers and 7.5% were own account workers (self- employed). A further 2.3% were casual workers, while 1.8% were regarded as unpaid family workers. At the Metolong Reservoir site, 954 (64.1%) of the households enumerated in the household census reported that they had no members in formal wagelsalary employment, 41 1 (27.6%) that they had one employed household member and 123 (8.3%) that they had more than one employed household member (Figure 14). Most (85.5%) of the households enumerated in the census also reported that they did not receive a government pension, with only 13.3% indicating that they have access to one government pension and 1.2%. to two government pensions. Disaggregation of the employment status of the household population enumerated in the socio- economic survey provides further insights into the economic status of households. More than 3 1 % of the surveyed population were classified as students and another 12.1% as pre-school children. Nearly 28% were recorded as unemployed (defined as actively seeking any kind of employment at least once of the past three months) and a further 11.8% as housewives, homemakers or aged. Only 12.6% of the surveyed population were recorded as regular salarylwage earners and 3.3% as involved in informal sector economic activities; only 1.5% were receiving government pensions.
F~gure14. Employment Status, hferolong Reservo~rArea
.- ~ ~ ~ Iderolong Dam ESlA Final F~oruary2DOP 22 *aSMmI" Assoclatlon wllh CM Assoc~ales(Lesolho~ snd Southern Waters (South Afrioa! The employment status of the surveyed population across male- and female-headed households is very similar, although the former had slightly more household members in formal and informal employment (Table 37). TABLE 37. EMPLOYMENT STATUS ACROSS MALE AND FEMALE-HEADED HOUSEHOLDS, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA Employment Status 1 Persons in Male-Headed Households Persons in Female-Headed Households 1
Source: SMEC Socio-Economic Survey 2006. Exclude 41 persons for whom information was not available.
5.3.8.2 Income and Expenditure Respondents in the socio-economic survey were asked to indicate their households' income sources. Within the limitations of the local economy, households use a range of sources to diversify their livelihood earning opportunities and to generate a cash income. As shown in Table 38, income resources reported most often were salaries (36.6% of male-headed and 25.3% of female-headed households), remittances from South Africa (32.3% and 18.1%respectively), income from the sale of beer (21.3% and 34.1%)income from the sale of own vegetable produce (25.1% and 18.7%), remittances from workers in Lesotho (17.3% and 14.8%)and pensions (1 1.5% and 20.3%). Income generating activities that may be affected by the creation of the Metolong Reservoir include the sale household timber resources, fish and handicrafts produced from riverine reeds/grasses. The sale of timber resources was reported by 10.4%of male-headed households and 9.3% of female- headed households, the sale of fish by 2.9%of male-headed households and 1.1 % of female- headed households, while income from the sale of handicrafts was reported by 1 1.2% and 9.9% of female-headed households. TABLE 38. HOUSEHOLD INCOME SOURCES, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA
-- ~ .. - Ue!olong Darn ESlA Final- February 2008 83 WSMECI, A5~0~8aoon wllh FN ASsacIa:eS ILeSolhc! an0 Southern Wate-E iSoulh Afr~ca, Respondents were also asked to give a broad indication of their household' s average monthly income. The importance of subsistence agriculture in the livelihoods of households in the Metolong Reservoir area is underscored by the low reported incomes. Figure 15 shows that many households (58.6%) had monthly incomes of M300 or less. As many as 70% reported monthly household incomes of M500 or less. Only 11.6% had reported monthly incomes above M 1,100. Without subsistence contributions from agriculture, these incomes alone cannot sustain the livelihoods of households. The reported incomes of households headed by women are consistently lower than those of male- headed households. Nearly 86% of fernale-headed households had monthly household incomes of M500 or less, compared to 62% of male-headed households. Only 3.6% of female-headed households had monthly incomes in excess of M1,100, as opposed to 15.6% of male-headed households.
Reported Monthly Income, Metolong Area
I-- lTotal
Ffgure 15. Reporled Monthly Household Income. Metolong Reservoir Area
5.3.8.3 Poverty Surveys undertaken by the Government and other agencies show that approximately 58% of the country's population is classified as poor. The number of poor people increased in rounded figures from 850,000 to 950,000 in the period between the .1986/1987 and 199411995 household income and expenditure survey, while the number of ultra-poor people grew from 500,000 to 600,000. According to Lesotho's Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) "the number of poor and extremely poor people in the country is growing- particularly among the one-third of the population living in the mountainous regions and among the approximately one-third of households that are headed by females (Government of Lesotho 2006). The PRS established poverty line which involved "converting expenditure on 30 items of food and 10 own-produced consumption items into quantities and calories. The minimum expenditure on food necessary to meet the internationally accepted threshold of 2,200 kilo-calories required for a healthy and active life was then calculated, based on the cost per calorie actually incurred by Basotho families. By including an amount based on actual expenditure incurred on non-food items by households from the more deprived segments of the population, a per capita "poverty line" (in constant 2002 prices) of M146 per person per month was calculated. Half this level was defined as the "ultra poverty line" (Government of Lesotho 2006). Based on an average household size of 5, a poverty line of M146/person/month gives a poverty line household income of M703 per month. Since the Metolong socio-economic survey established only broadlindicative household monthly incomes, it is not possible to make direct correlations with the PRS' poverty line. Nevertheless, it is clear that a substantial number of households in the Metolong Reservoir would fall below the poverty line and therefore be classified as poor.
lulslol@npDam ESIA Frnal' Eebruary 2008 t. 4 @%'ME;~ dn Cssociatlon with FM *ssocfaies liesotho) and Sautbern Waters rSoulh Africa, 5.3.9 Infrastructure, Services and Movement Patterns Education facilities in Lesotho are run by the Ministry of Education and various church and other non-governmental bodies. The Roman Catholic Church, the Lesotho Evangelical Church (LEC) and the Anglican Church of Lesotho (ACL) are by far the most important providers of primary educational facilities in the country. In 2001, there were 1,295 primary schools in Lesotho, of which 508 (39.2%) were governed by the Catholic Church, 480 (37.1 %) by the LEC and 176 (13.6%) by the ACL (Government of Lesotho 2001 b). Facilities such as schools are mainly located in the larger villages in the Metolong Reservoir area, and only a few villages therefore have schools (see Figure 22). Primary school children mainly attend schools located in villages on the same side of the Phuthiatsana River, although some do cross the River to attend school, especially in the upper reaches of the Reservoir. Some children on the southern side of the Phuthiatsana River in this area also cross the River to attend the Zenon and Sefikeng Secondary Schools in Sefikeng. Many secondary school children, however, attend schools in the peri-urban and urban areas, outside of the Metolong Reservoir area. Of the 570 surveyed households, 371 (65.1%) reported that they had school-going children who were sleeping at home every night (i.e. not attending school elsewhere in Lesotho or South Africa). A total of 748 resident school-going children were recorded in the 371 households, of whom 641 (85.7%)were attending a primary school located on the same side of the Phuthiatsana River and 55 (7.4%) a secondary school on the same side of the River. 42 (5.6%) were attending a primary school on the opposite side of the Phuthiatsana River and 10 (1.3%) a secondary schools on the opposite side of the River. Table 39 provides a further broad perspective on access to key servicedfacilities, based on results obtained from the socio-economic survey. Although most services and facilities are accessed on the same side of the Phuthiatsana River, the River is crossed by some households to access services. Servicesffacilitiesthat are located outside of the Reservoir area include mortuaries, clinicsf hospitals, secondary schools.22 TABLE 39. LOCATION OF SERVICES ACCESSED BY SURVEYED HOUSEHOLDS, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA
(Resident or Other
sour& SMEC Socio-Economic Survey 2006. It can be seen from Table 39 that the Phuthiatsana River (and tributaries) has to be crossed by some members of the local communities to access services. The River is also crossed for social reasons, for instance, to attend weddings and funerals and to visit relative and friends (nearly 76% of the households enumerated in the socioeconomic survey reported that they had relatives in the area who live across the River). In order to gain insights into the movement of people across the Phuthiatsana River and tributaries a movement survey was conducted at 12 crossing points, most of which would be inundated by the Reservoir. Each crossing point was surveyed once, from Friday to Monday, the days when people are most likely to cross the River. The 12 crossing points are (see Figure 23):
22 A village profile of 17 villages in the Metolong Reservoir area, which includes references to village services and facilities, is included in the Resettlement Plan. -- ~. ~-~---- Metolong Dam ESlA Final. February 2038 BJ ($4~~n Assoaatlen wlth iM Assccd81es ,Lesotho. and Southern Waters (South A+r~cei Ha Makhale - Ha Seeiso; Ha Makotoko - Ha Seeiso; Ha Seeiso - Ha RamakhabalHa Makirita; Ha Maimane - Ha Matjeke; Ha Matjeke - Ha Mosotho; Ha Masakale - Ha Tlele; Ha MasakaleMa Tlele - Ha Mosotho; Ha Letela - Ha Ntsane; Ha Monamoleli - HaNtsane; Ha Monamoleli - Ha Ramatlama; Ha Monamoleli - Ha Tsoaleli; and Ha Mothomotsoana - Ha Ntsane. The results of the survey are summarised in Table 40. A total of 2,344 people used the various crossing points during the survey period (48 days, four days at each crossing point), giving an average of 49 crossings per day, The Ha Monamoleli-Ha Ntsane crossing point was the busiest (406 people), as was the Ha Monamoleli-Ha Tsoaleli crossing (322) and the Ha Maimane-Ha Matjeke crossing (320). Sites that were used by the lowest number of people were Ha Masakale-Ha Tlele, Ha Seeiso-Ha RamakhabaIHa Makirita and Ha Makhale-Ha Seeiso. People crossed for a variety of reasons, including to attend public and cultural gatherings, funerals, soccer games, church and school, to access mills and transport, to visit relatives and for shopping (see the Resettlement Plan for the survey results).
TABLE 40. SURVEY OF CROSSING POINTS ON PHUTHIATSANA RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES Number of People Crossing River Crossing Point (Both Directions) Over Survey Period Ha Makhale - Ha Seeiso 82 Ha Masakale - Ha Mosotho 212 Ha LetelafHa Ntsane - Ha Tlcle 103 Ha Monamoleli - Ha Tsoaleli 322 Ha Matjeke - Ha Mosotho 222 Ha Makotoko - Ha Seeiso 115 Ha Maimane - Ha Matjeke 320 Ha Masakale - Ha Tlele 74 Ha Mothomotsoana - Ha Ntsane 153 Ha Seeiso -Ha Ramakhaba/Ha Makirita 79 Ha Monamoleli - Ha Ntsane 406 1 Ha Monamoleli - Ha Ramatlama 256 Total 2,344 Source: SMEC Survey of Crossing Points 2006.
5.3.10Use of the Phuthiatsana River and Riverine Resources Riverine resources are important to communities living along rivers. River water is commonly used for livestock watering and other household purposes, while riverine resources such as reeds and grasses fulfil important utilitarian functions. Respondents in the Metolong socio-economic survey were asked to indicate whether they or their household members ever made use of the Phuthiatsana River for a range of purposes (Figure 16). Water from the River is most often used for livestock watering (67.8% of the surveyed households), and for bathing (52.4%). The River is also fairly regularly used for traditional purposes (47.4%), the washing of clothes (46.7%), fishing (43.4%) and for cultural purposes (39.9%). Water from the River is seldom used for drinking purposes (1 1.5%).
- ~ ~ -~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ Melolong Dam ESIA: Finel February 2008 86 @asME'~,n Asssclation w1.h FM Assocnales (Lesotho) ano Soul!lem Waters (Soulh AIrlca, Use of Phuthiatsana Riwr
Religious Cultural
Washing Traditional
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Percentage
F~gure16. Use of Phulhiatsana River, Metolong Reservoir Area Although more than 43% of the surveyed households indicated that they do fish in the Phuthiatsana River, catch fish appears to be seldom consumed, as shown in Table 41. Just over 12% reported that they often consume fish from the River, with a further 17% reporting occasional consumption of fish. TABLE 41. FREQUENCY OF EATING FISH FROM PHUTHIATSANA RIVER, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA
Source: SMEC Socio-Economic Survey 2006. Exclude two households for whom information was not available. Households along the Phuthiatsana River utilise a wide range of riverine resources for their livelihoods. Thatching grass and river sand are used for building purposes. Women harvest natural resources to supplement household diets and supplies, or for craft production. Local herbalistsltraditional healers make use of riverine resources such as medicinal plants. Wood and shrubs (from private trees and the veld) are harvested for building and firewood. Cattle graze along the River, especially in summer along the upper reaches of the proposed Reservoir. Respondents in the socioeconomic survey were asked to list the three resources in the Phuthiatsana Gorge on which their households rely most heavily. The results (Table 42) show that for the majority of households thatching grass, medicinal plants and wood (for heatinglcooking and building) were considered to be the three most important riverine resources. TABLE 42. IMPORTANT RlVERlNE RESOURCES, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA District 15' Most Important 2ndMost Important 1 3d~ostImportant Resource Resource Resource Berea Thatching grass Medicinal plants Wood Maseru Thatching grass Medicinal plants Wood Source: SMEC Socio-Economic Survey 2006. Other resources in the Phuthiatsana Gorge that attracted substantial use were building sand, grazing land and water from the River (for livestock watering). Household respondents were also asked to rate the impact of the loss a range of natural resources in the Phuthiatsana Gorge on livelihoods. Table 43 shows that a 1 arge majority (more than 70%) of respondents indicated that the loss of the following natural resources would have significant .. -- . .- -- .. .. - -. -. - .- -.. ------.. .- .- .------.. -. -- -.------. . ,. Melolong Gam ESlA Final- February 2006 87 @&SM= ~nAssaclalion wlih FM Assocdales lLesolhoi an0 Soulherr Waters :South Africa, impacts on household livelihoods: thatching grass, medicinal plants, building sand, grazing land and water from the Phuthiatsana River (for livestock grazing). Just fewer than 70% recorded that the loss of wild vegetables would have a significant impact on livelihoods, while the loss of caves (used for traditional and social purposes), fish and sandstone rocks (for building purposes) was considered to be somewhat less significant.
TABLE 43. IMPACT OF NATURAL RESOURCE LOSS ON LIVELIHOODS
Source: SMEC Socio-EconomicSurvey 2006.
5.3.1 1Health
5.3.1 1.1 Overview The communities living in the vicinity of the proposed Metolong dam site are mostly rural in character except for a few small semi-urban agglomerations. About 75% of the study population is within 5 km of a health clinic. The entire study population, except for a few isolated villages in the extreme South-Eastem part of the area concerned, is within 7 to 8 km of a health clinic. This is a favourable situation taking into consideration what is usually encountered in rural Southern Africa. However, it would definitely be of great benefit if improvements in the quality of the services provided could be made in the form of supplementary training for the nurses, a wider range of the medical services provided, the upgrading of laboratory services and transportation means, as well as the availability of periodical consultations by qualified physicians. The population has also access to traditional healers that are familiar with the use of medicinal plants as well as a body of oral knowledge transmitted from generation to generation. The study area can be generally regarded as pristine in the sense that very little pollution of the air, water and soil is observed in this rural environment of small population density. Contaminants to water include chemical fertilizers and pesticides used for agriculture. Since the agriculture practiced in the area is mostly family size subsistence farming and no large commercial agricultural establishments are exploited, the level of contamination of the soil and water by these products is likely to be very small. One contaminant that can be regarded as threatening to the local populations is human excreta. Since 53% of the population defecates in open fields this practice poses a significant risk to the health of the residents especially in the villages with a higher population density. Further, a generally degraded local ecosystem can be observed. The scarcity of trees and vegetation in general, made worst by the common practice of annual fires to favour the production of new grass for the domestic animals, leaves the soil exposed to high levels oferosion. A total of 16,275 consultations performed in the 7 surveyed clinics were recorded over the one year period starting 1 July 2005 and ending 30 June 2006. St. Michael is by far the most frequented clinic in the area, followed by St. Magdalena and Bethany. Overall, 32% of the consultations performed in the surveyed clinics were for individuals from the study population, while the rest were for individuals from surrounding areas. The pressure of morbidity, i.e. the overall risk to become sick, has been measured on the basis of the number of consultations per inhabitant in accordance with the proportions shown in the official population projections. The risk is lowest at around age 15 and this has been taken as a reference point. The relative pressure of morbidity gradually declines from a value of about 8 at birth until the age of 12 to 15 when it starts rising again gradually as individuals advance in age. Male children have a slightly higher pressure of morbidity than females. At about 6 years of age, the pressure of morbidity becomes equal between
.~ -- ~ ~ ~ ~ .- ~ Melolong Dam ESlA Final FEbruary 2006 88 *$SMEC in nssoclallon with FM Assoc~alesILBsoIIw) and Southern Waters (South Alnca! the sexes and soon after establishes itself at higher values for females and remains so for the rest of life.
5.3.1 1.2 Existing Health Status of the Population General Morbidity Profile Each recorded diagnosis was coded in accordance with the WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). These ICD-10 codes are regrouped into categories of diseases, themselves distributed between the 21 chapters of the WHO classification. Symptoms and signs (e.g. fever, cough, etc.) are reported instead of true diagnoses in an important proportion of patients attended at the local clinics. For the rest, infectious and respiratory diseases are the most frequent pathologies for which consultation is sought in children and younger adults. Diseases of the circulatory and musculoskeletal systems become prominent at a more advanced age and are notably high among women after the age of 40. Diarrhoea and Gastroenteritis Diarrhoea1 diseases affect predominantly infants and small children. Male infants appear to consult more for this affection than female infants. The incidence of diarrhoea1 is related to existing water and sanitation facilities. The great majority of the study population access its water primarily from communal standpipes, but for 15% of the population the main source of water can be considered as unsafe (unprotected springs or stream). It was found that 54% of the study population spend less than 15 minutes to fetch water, which can be considered as a good access. However, 21% spend half an hour or more, and 6% over an hour for the same task. In terms of sanitation facilities, 47% of the study population uses a latrine, leaving 53% defecating in open fields. This practice poses a significant risk to health especially in the villages with a higher population density. Consequently, a programme for the promotion of the construction of ventilated improved pit latrines (VIP) would be a very adequate intervention in the study area, and should be focused on areas with lowest latrine use and highest population. Respiratory Disorders Nearly half of all consultations in small children, and about 30% of consultations for all ages, are concerned with diseases of the respiratory system. Acute pharyngitis (sore throat), influenza and other acute upper respiratory infections (including common cold) form the bulk of the pathologies of the respiratory system seen at the clinics. On the other hand, the number of cases identified as tuberculosis is relatively low in this study, with about only one diagnosis recorded per 1000 inhabitants and per year, including the repeated consultations that are usually needed for this affection. However, there appears to be an increased frequency in consultations related to this disease after the age of 40. Given that, in current times, a majority of tuberculosis cases are associated with HIVIAIDS, and given the high prevalence of HIVIAIDS in Lesotho, this relatively low consultation rate suggests that a significant proportion of cases in the study area may go undiagnosed. Infections with a Predominantly Sexual Mode of Transmission One can observe from statistics that diagnoses of syphilis and chlamydia1 diseases are rarely made, that gonorrhoea affects primarily individuals between 20 and 39 years of age, and that most of the diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections beside HIVIAIDS have been recorded simply as ST1 or STD, without specifying the disease in question. In accordance with Lesotho 2004 DHS, 24% of the population aged 15-49y in the country is HIV positive, being 26% for women and 19% for men. In view of these statistics, an HIVIAIDS reported consultation rate of 9.411000 inhabitants and per year for males aged 20-39y and 19.311000 for females in the same age group is certainly extremely low. As it is well known, HIVIAIDS still carries a strong stigma in Lesotho and this appears to influences even the frequency with which this diagnosis is reported in the clinic records. A few questions related to HIVIAIDS were asked to the respondents of the socioeconomic survey. A total of 101 respondents (21%) stated that they had never heard of HIVIAIDS. Respondents with knowledge of HIVIAIDS were requested to state three ways in which HIVIAIDS can be transmitted. Only 9 individuals out of the 380 questioned were able to state correctly the 3 main modes of transmission as being: (unprotected) sexual intercourse, contact with (infected) blood and
------. ------.------Metolong Dam ESIA Ftnal February 20133 FS '*%sM'c ,n Assoctalon wmth FM Arsoclales (Lesotho, and Soulhern Waters (Soulh Alntal mother-tochild transmission. A large majority <86%) of those who know about HIVIAIDS said that it is transmitted through (unprotected) sexual intercourse, about half (49%) said that contaminated blood is a risk, but very mentioned mother-to-child transmission. Incorrect perceptions are still highly prevalent, with 47% believing that sharing utensils with a person who is HIV positive is a risk and 29% feeling that they can get infected through ordinary social contacts. Consequently, lots of education is still needed in the study population with respect to HIVIAIDS. The last questions related to HIVIAIDS were about risk perception. There generally was a perception of higher risk for youth than for adults. Even so, 11% of respondents said that youth in their village were at no risk of contracting HIVIAIDS and 20% said that adults were at not risk. It should be remembered that most of the respondents were themselves adults. Nutritional Status Malnutrition was more frequently diagnosed in under-five children as expected, but reappeared in older adults in the clinic dataset probably in association with HIVIAIDS. The household food consumption, based on a three-day recall, was recorded during the socioeconomic survey. It was found that 93% of the households in the study population consume a medium or high consumption diet. A coping strategies index (CSI) developed by WFP was also used to measure food security. The categorization is only tentative since the CSI has not been standardized in the study area or in Lesotho. Overall, 25% reported not having used any of the stated coping strategies during the previous 30 days, 41% had a relatively low CSI and 10% had a high index indicating a higher level of food insecurity. Mental Health and Diseases of the Nervous System Women are represented four times more in these pathologies than men. Pathology groups in which women figure notably more than men include depressions, neuroses, headacheslmigraines, insomnia, as well as bereavement reaction and stress. Neuroses are consulted for with increasing frequency from adolescence to old age in both sexes but much more in women than men. Of note is the frequency of consultations for bereavement reaction and stress which affect particularly women between 15 and 39 years of age. Cardiovascular Disorders Hypertension (high blood pressure) increases dramatically after the age of 40 and women consult over 6 times more frequently than men for this pathology. Consultations for heart failure and strokes are 3 and 9 times more frequent respectively in women 60 years of age and above. These data consequently support the conclusion that the cardiovascular risk is much higher in women than in men in the population under study, a phenomenon that would well deserve being studied in more details. Affections of the Musculoskeletal System Arthritis figures prominently among the diseases of the musculoskeletal system in the population. While it can affect individuals of all ages, it is mostly after 40 that the disease load becomes heavier and continues to increase afterward. Women consult over twice more often than men for these affections after the age of 60. Another pathology group of importance is labelled 'soft tissue disorders' and is generally composed of older patients consulting for generalized musculoskeletal pains. Dorsopathies, mostly backache, also form a significant part of the complaints of older patients. Diseases of the Genitourinary System The two most prominent categories of diseases of the genitourinary system are urinary tract infections and inflammatory diseases of female pelvic organs, more commonly referred to as pelvic inflammatory diseases. Urinary tract infections in women are mostly due to cystitis, i.e. infection of the bladder, and affect women increasingly from adolescence to old age. Pelvic inflammatory diseases are mostly diagnosed in women 20-59 years of age. The majority of these cases are known to be complications from sexually transmitted infections.
.. ~ -- - .- Metolong Dam ESlA Final. February 2008 FiO asMEcom Association with FM Assoc~ates (Lesotho) and Southern W afen (South Alncaj 5.3.1 2Cultural Heritage
5.3.12.1 Cultural Heritage Sites The Maluti Mountain foothills, such as reflected within the southern Phuthiatsana river valley houses some of the finest cultural and natural heritage within the southern African sub-region. Cultural and Natural Heritage includes the rock art such as reflected in the San Rock paintings, artefacts which exhibit the artists' tool kit (Stone and iron age tools) and skeletal remains ranging from early to later forms of human, animal and plant remains, all of which are in various conservation condition representing the hidden treasure of which just a fraction has been documented to date. The documented features of this treasure include written and oral histories of societies and individuals of outstanding universal values. This heritage also contains the components of living heritage, often referred to as popular or active culture. There are no recorded cultural heritage sites and none were observed during the current survey, around the foundation area of the proposed dam wall. However 13 sites, some of which are of international importance, have been identified upstream within the proposed reservoir area and another site recorded nearby but not affected by inundation. Detailed information regarding these sites is shown inTable 44. TABLE 44. CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES RECORDED WITHIN THE METOLONG DAM FOOTPRINT Site Name Altitude Sheet' Six digit Site Type Conservation Status mas1 + coordinates 10m 2 Lehaha la 1659 2927BD 756460 late stone age shelter Threatened by inundation that ' Lihlola with late iron age warrants salvage 2927BD 756460
with faded rock recording & stoneage surface paintings collection recommended Grave Site 1630 2927BD 794454 Grave Threatened by inundation (grave of drowned man from Ha Ramatlama - 1956). Relocation recommended. Ha Latsi (11) 1643 2927BD 771458 Late stone age shelter Threatened by inundation. Digital with late iron age recording and surface collection recommended Ha Makotoko 1617 2927BD 768462 Late stone age shelter Threatened by inundation. Digital ('Maisaka) with late iron age. recording and surface collection recommended. Ha Likhomo 1619 2927BD 772459 Late stone age shelter Threatened by inundation. Digital with rock paintings and recording and surface collection late iron age. recommended. Ntloana 1639 2927BD 797449 Proper stone age cave Threatened by inundation. Full Ts'oana with late iron age. excavation recommended. Below ha 1625 2927BD 775458 Rock art shelter Threatened by inundation. Digital , Makrita I (faded) recording recommended. Lepoqong 1647 2927BD 782455 Proper late stone age Theatened by inundation. Full cave with late iron age. excavation recommended. Thapelong 1659 2927BD '166462 Boulder column This is a historical sacred site, that will not be accessible due to proximity to water Digital recording recommended Qebelechane 1666 2927BD 781454 Late stone age shelter Threatened by inundation. Digital with faded rock recording and surface collection paintings. recommended. Below ha 1662 k927BD 819428 Rock shelter richly Threatened by inundation. Digital Monamoleli painted with quickly recording recommended. fading rock art. Lithakong ha 1742 2927BD 773454 Late iron age open site Not threatened by inundation or Takalatsa other works. Presents opportunity for training.
. ..- - .--. ~ --- .~ .. -- Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2008 6 1 !n Assoclallon ~8thFM Assoc~ales (Lesotho, ana Southern Waleis (South Alrlca) 1. The map sheets refer to topographical maps at 150 000 scale. sheet number 2927, 1979 obtained from the Department of Lands, Surveys and Physical Planning (LSPP), Maseru. Lesotho. 2. Y (3 digit) and X (3 digit) grid reference coordinates from corresponding topographical map sheet. Within the Metolong Dam area, the rock formation in which fossils (fossilised heritage) can be expected as it weathers is the Elliot formation, lying below the Clarens, which is the main rock formation in which the proposed Metolong dam is situated. The field survey work undertaken in the current investigation included an assessment for signs of either plant or animal fossils. No sites were identified in this category. It should however be noted that major excavations from dam construction that penetrate the Clarens/Elliot transition, could potentially expose such fossil heritage.
5.3.1 2.2 Community Members Interviewed A few elderly people were interviewed as part of the survey methodology. It is envisaged that sites such as Ntloana Ts'oana and Thapelong have some significance that needs to be documented beyond digital images and or excavations. These types of values contribute to better understanding of pilgrimage and migration of groups of people form one place to another over great distances.
5.3.12.3 Opportunities and Constraints Archaeological and palaeontologic sites are essentially tourist attractions and major draw cards. They need to be maintained within specified carrying capacities to slow down deterioration. Many of the sites located within the proposed Metolong Dam footprint, will be available as data for research and to some extend tourism. It has however been noted that many of these sites undergo natural deterioration at the rate at which substantial sites e.g. rock art will have vanished within the corning century. The building of a dam, which requires revealing of these sites comes as an opportunity for the Sesotho society to know what is contained in this valley. The constraint however comes with organisation of such data for presentation. Currently Lesotho has not yet developed sound infrastructure for handling such data. It would be advantageous to fully salvage the data early on because of the time required to cany out archaeological digs. It would be a constraint to identify such data during construction when time would be limited.
5.3.13Attitudes Towards the Project The results from the stakeholder consultation programme showed that communities are generally positive about the Project and support its implementation. Over the past few years the Transformation Resource Centre (an NGO) has provided ongoing support and training to communities around the Metolong Reservoir, which has increased their awareness of the benefits and impacts that projects of this nature can bring. As a consequence, these communities anticipate proper and prompt compensation for lost assets and improved access to services. They expect Government to expedite access to services such as water supply, electricity and police and health services. As shown in Table 45, more than 70% of the respondents in the household socio-economic survey also approved of the Project, with respondents in Berea District (where asset losses are likely to be somewhat higher) recording a slightly lower approval percentage than those in Maseru District.
TABLE 45. OVERALL VIEW OF PROJECT
District Households Approves of Disapproves of Project Project Berea 177 65.5 34.5 Maseru 39 1 72.1 27.9 Total 568 70.1 29.9 Source: SMEC Socio-Economic Survey 2006. Excludes three households for whom information was not provided. Of the respondents who disapproved of the Project, most were concerned about its impact on livelihoods (e.g. loss of assets and an increase in poverty; 32.5%), or that the reservoir would bring
me loon^ Dam ESlA Flnal February 20M Iii *&sM';c ~nAssoc~at~on wllh KM Pssoclales !iesDlho) and Soulhern WalErs (South Atrca, cold weather (3 1.1%) or have adverse environmental impacts (21 -7%).Few (1.8%) were opposed to the transfer of water to Maseru/Teyateyaneng/Roma. The results from the consultation programme also point to the importance of involving both the traditional leadership and the new Local Government structures in the decision-making process. It is important to understand the duties and mandates of each and to work within the stipulated protocol.
5.3.14 Key Issues Raised Key issues that have been raised through the consultation process are summarised below. A detailed listing is presented in Appendix 4. Scope and Status of the Project The community consultations often elicited questions about the status of the Project, with many participants stating that the implementation of the Project - which they had helped to initiate, partly because of a believe that it would improve water supply to their villages and for their livestock - was taking too long. Loss of Agricultural Land Notwithstanding a high level of support for the Project, there was a concern about the loss of agricultural land in the Reservoir area and, in particular, over compensation for the loss of fields. It was commonly stated that the affected communities should be part of the decision-making body that will decide on the compensation package for acquired agricultural land, and that compensation payments should be made before the acquisition of any land. Some were of the opinion that poverty would increase, since compensation would not be the same as the natural asset which the household had. A piece of agricultural land will benefit future generations, unlike compensation that will get depleted. Loss of other lndividual and Communal Assets In addition to agricultural fields, participants in the community meetings stated that other affected assets such as trees and shrubs, thatching grass, medicinal plants and graves should also be properly compensated for. Concerns were also raised regarding the loss of rock rabbits and fish and the protection of medicinal plants. Regarding the latter, the establishment of nurserieslbotanical gardens were recommended. Movement across the Phuthiatsana River It was stated that people cross the Phuthiatsana River on a regular basis. The River is crossed to access services at Ha Seeiso and Sefikeng Ha Fako, to access transport to Maseru orTeyateyaneng, to visit friendslrelatives and to attend funerals, social functions and other festivities. There was a concern that the Reservoir would disruptJsever these activities and social networks. Bridges and a road for vehicles at strategic points were suggested to allow continued movement and interaction. Resettlement Concerns were raised over the possibility of households having to resettle for the development of the Reservoir. Some respondents also felt that households who will be close to the Reservoir water level should be given the choice to relocate if they feel they want to. In all instances, people want to be involved in the determination of compensation packages. They also stated that compensation should be paid before the implementation of the dam. having learned from the (perceivedlreported) experiences of people who were resettled for the construction of Katse and Mohale Dams. Provision of Infrastructure and Services There were concerns that construction of the Dam would lead to an increase in crime and communicable diseases. There was, consequently, a need for the establishment of a police station and medical facility to cater for construction workers and the local communities. These facilities should be permanent in order to meet the needs of the affected communities who c urrently travel long distances to access services.
~- ~~ . ~ -- ~ Metolong Dam ESIA Final- February 2038 Y? %&SM'C ,n Assoc,allon nlth FM Assocrales lL~solho~anO Southern Walsrs (South Airicaj Other services commonly demanded were improved water supplies for domestic and livestock purposes, and access to electricity.
Loss of Intangible Resources Respondents referred to intangible resources that were going to be lost with the construction of the Dam, which include places for performing cultural and traditional activities. The Phuthiatsana River is also used for different activities that will be affected by the Project. Traditional and spiritual healers were concerned about the loss of riverine areas where rituals are performed. hdigenous Rock Paintings Along the Phuthiatsana River, there are indigenous rock paintings on which the communities pride themselves. Some of these would be inundated creating a loss to the communities. Employment Opportunities Employment on construction works was seen as a major Project benefit. However, people were concerned that contractors would bring people from outside the area to take up employment, especially unskilled employment. It was suggested that the communities should form village committees that will register all employable labour and their skills so that the lists could be given to the employer to ensure that local people get priority access to construction jobs. Business Opportunities and Specialised Groups There was also a belief that the Project could lead to employment creation through the establishment of small businesses. This was considered a positive impact that would enhance people's livelihoods. The Project was seen as an avenue for opening up business opportunities and the formation of special pups that could take up opportunities associated with the Project. The issue of sand mining was also discussed, although licensing requirements for sand mining was acknowledged. It was also believed that irrigation would increase downstream of the Dam Wall. According to the concerned officials, people have been encouraged to take up this opportunity in order to increase food security and enhance livelihoods. HIVIAIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections There was a concern over the possibility of an increase in sexually transmitted diseases such as HIVlAIDs because of the presence of construction workers brought in from other areas. Community members recommended that people should be sensitized about the issue and that preventive measures such as awarenessltraining programmes should be put into place. Community Relations A concern was expressed that water has a potential to create conflicts between different communities. There were already some disagreements over the use of water by livestock from different communities. Impoundment of the Phuthiatsana Rive could increase disagreements over water use. To counteract this, small watering ponds for animals were suggested. Another area of potential conflict related to whether communities through whose land the transmission pipelines will pass would have access to the water. These communities are in equal need of the water (as affected communities they should be given access to the water) and the issue required serious consideration by the authorities.
*&b.sm M€:oion~Dm ESlA Final February 200P 99 In Assoc~atlonw~th FM Associates (Lesolhoi and Southern Walers rSouth Atrcal 6 Social and Environmental Impacts
The positive and adverse Project impacts have been assessed based on five impact criteria as described in Section 4.8. Table 47 provides a summary of the impacts which are described in the following Sections.
6.1 Project Benefits This Section provides a description of the positive or beneficial impacts arising from the Project. It provides the justification for the Project to be implemented.
6.1.1 Local Benefits Given local economic conditions in the Metolong Reservoir area, which is characterised by constrained access to cash incomes and relatively high levels of poverty, the Project has the potential to contribute to local economic development. If conceptualised as an infrastructure project with fairly substantial local development potential, the Project can assist with the diversification of local livelihood strategies (e.g. through the implementation of preferential employment strategies) and contribute to an increase in household incomes. Respondents in the Metolong socio-economic survey were aware of these potentials, and it is highly likely that their support of the Project ispartly influenced by a belief that Project benefits would accrue to local communities. For instance, 94% of respondents in the socio-economic survey agreed with the statement: We '11 be able to improve our livelihoods by earning money on constructionjobs. Statements with regard to other potential Project benefits (opportunities to sell crops and start a small business) elicited equally high agreement rates (Table 46). TABLE 46. PERCEPTIONS ABOUT PROJECT BENEFITS, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA Percentage of Statement Household Respondents Agreeing The project will provide opportunities for me to sell my 84.8 1 crops/vegetables The project will provide me the opportunity to start a small 85.0 business We'll be able to improve our livelihoods by earning money on 94.0 construction jobs Source: SMEC Socio-Economic Survey 2006. Provided that the Project is implemented with a focus on the maximisation of local development, local benefits could be high value, with some benefits accruing in the medium term, and others potentially extending into the long-term. These benefits are rated as moderate but of high significance.
6.1.2 Regional and National Benefits Maseru has experienced substantial population growth over the past five years, due in large part to immigration from other parts of the country. This increase has had a significant effect on water supply and demand and domestic connections increased by 270% (from 6,500 to 17,500 connections) between 1991 and 2001. Industrial developments, especially within the growing textile sector, also require increasing amounts of water. Water demand has outstripped the available supply, leading to water shortages, an increase in the proportion of the city's population without water supply services and the curtailing of planned new connections (Government of Lesotho 2004; Molapo 2005). The situation will deteriorate unless immediate effective steps are taken to procure additional supplies. Respondents in the socio-economic survey were generally aware of the water needs in Maseru, Teyateyaneng and Roma, and of the constraints placed on domestic water development because of insufficient water supply. As a result, more than 70% of respondents in the socio-economic survey supported the Project. Furthermore, 78.8% agreed with the statement: I supporr the project because the people of Maseru, 7Y and Rorna need the water. Me:olong Darn ESA Final Fsbruarv 2038 @RsMmI" Assoc:atton wllh EM Assw~ates(L~SOI~CI and S~ulhernWaters (South Airca. Project benefits to Maseru city, Teyateyaneng, Mazenod, Roma and Morija will be long-term and of very high value in terms of improved water security. National benefits will also accrue in the form of improved national economic variables such as production capacity and economic growth associated with sustaining of an increased urban and pen-urban population through more secure water supply. These benefits are moderate, long-term and of high significance.
TABLE 47. SUMMARY OF PREDICTED IMPACTS FOR METOLONG DAM
Environmental Issue Physical Environment 1 Climate 'OIL L L LB soils C.O~L /M-L L D N NO M Mineral Resources OILL- L P N NoiN. Surface and Groundwater Resources 1 1 I -" I Phuthiatsana River (21O/O reduction in flows at - Masianokeng) Caledon River ------Water Quality in Phuthiatsana
Biological Environment I - v.-7- ---<.--.--,- .- -- i I 1 Vegetation (inundate 260ha of i degraded land) ~c.o,I .-.--t--a--N L M D N ;Yes\ M L- -- i ii1 1 I ' Terrestrial Wildlife (loss of disturbed I j i i / habitat) Iic.0, L L i! L j D N [Yes1 L ! p - . .. -- --. ..Itr"- --+----.-+- ,--. 4- --/ I Fish COI R i L / L 1 D 1 N 1Yes1 H ; t------. --- .-..-.- +---+--j I Downstream Environment ----.. i c,o._N1-LLr-i"~ -.--. D I ---. N -.--.- 1 yes I --,- H 1 bcio-lconomic Environment i / Urban water supply (Maseru. 11 I Teyateyaneng Mazenod Roma and 1 0 N L H / D P Yes Morija) I I VH -- I 1 National economy 0 N L HID P yes H Local economlc benef~ts(r84O/0 of respondents to socio-economic survey expected to receive benefit) Land Resources Temporary loss (35ha) C L s 1 L 1 D 1 N (yes1 L Permanent loss (108ha cult~vationland) Number of households (253 affected) ' C, 0 j 1 M m1,400) C,Ol L I L I H i D N 77 I L I I Livestock Farming (reduced access to Phuthiatsana River for stock 0 L watering) I Graves (inundation of 7)
~ Metolong Dam ESIP. Final iebluary 2008 96 WWMEC jr Ass0c~a110'1wlrll FM ASSOCiales (Lesotho>and Soulhern Walcrs ,South Afrtca, I i~,
Environmental Issue---- EalAccess (impeded access for --j 16km along the Phuthiatsana River) I j Population Relocation (up to 10 ! I households) /O;LJLL~DIN/Y~SIL~1 t t i ------C----$-----L- I I I I L j Vulnerable Households MIDIN Y~SM? / Community safety L -- Downstream Irrigators 1 Sand Miners 1 Health 1 ! 1 Air Quality /c~Ls/MIDIN/Y~~IM\ I 1 Potable water supply O L L M D N /yes1 MI j- - Waste disposal jC,O / L !M D ~j~esj~i i ! 7 Noise (close to work sites, 5 year / I ! 1 construction period) I~i~/~iH/~iN;~esiHiI I I I 1 Increased insect nuisances...... /C~L;SL/LN'Y~S/L/ ..-.... .-.l------l-.--v-.- .-.l------l-.--v-.- +.-. j-. --.-A- ...... J. +I---.- &-4 Increased communicable I ! I ! ! 1- i i diseases (HIViAids, etc.. influx of C R L H j HL / N i Yes i H >200 workers) I I &- --- A !-.-- J i---- i....-.. -, i Technical disaster scenarios ..... !...... - i ...... , Dam failure 20: I Downstream flooding I -- i-10------+---.----- i R 1 s .+-- H~_HL~N- --t yes;-r ---.- H,
Fire, explosion, chemical spill i C, 0 1 L I S ! H . P N % Yes i H I ?---- a +--+ -"- .---- -.".A-. : Cultural Heritage(13 sites impacted) i C, 0 i I ! L H I D mes! VH i L L l-.-.-l-,."-~ L---i J Legend: Project Phase: Pre-construction. Construction or Operation Scale: Physical scale / area over which the impact will be felt: Local, Regional, National or International Duration: The length of time the impact is likely to occur: Short, Medium or Long Term Severity: The intensity of the impact: Low, Medium or High Certainty: The probability of the impact occurring: Possible, Likely, Highly Likely or Definite Direction: Whether the impact is Positive (beneficial) or Negative (adverse) Specialist Studywhether a specialist study is required or not Significance: Based on the above criteria, an overall rating of significance of the impact: Nil or Negligible, Low, Medium, High or Very High
..-...... - ...... -- k4e:olong Jam ESlA Flnal- February 2008 U! g%sMEC I. Assactatlon with iMAssociale~ ,Lesotho) and Southern Waters (South Ainca) 6.2 Description of Impacts Prior to Mitigation
6.2.1 Physical Environment
6.2.1.1 Climate Large bodies of water are known to cause changes to the surrounding micro-climate. Project affected communities raised this as an issue of concern but most believed that the reservoir would result in cooler temperatures in the area. In fact experience from other large storages suggests the opposite that in fact a large body of water results in raising the ambient (air) temperature in the immediate vicinity. Any change is likely to be long term but minor considering the size of the reservoir. The impact would be positive since the area is subject to extremely cold winter weather with frequent snow falls.
6.2.1.2 Soils Impacts from construction activities could lead to increased soil erosion in and around work sites including the quarry site and soil 1 sand borrow areas. These impacts are expected to be short term and of medium significance. Appropriate mitigation measures would reduce the impact significance to low. Metolong Dam would also permanently inundate some 260 ha of land. There will be a temporary increase in soil erosion as the vegetation cover in this area is destroyed through inundation, exposing the soil to the effects of fluctuating water levels from the new reservoir. The resultant sediments will most likely settle in the new reservoir rather than be passed downstream except in flood events when sediment loads in the Phuthiatsana River are "naturally" high so that the 2 downstream impact would be low. A foreshore management plan would reduce the significance of the impact by stabilising the land surface (construction of surface water flow structures) and promoting more sustainable land use practices.
6.2.1.3 Mineral Resources There are no known economic deposits of mineral resources which would be inundated by Metolong Dam. Although there was one reference to coal raised during the community consultation, the geological investigations undertaken during the Feasibility Study in 2003 makes no reference to coal reserves being affected by the dam proposal. Any impact would be long term but of nil or negligible significance.
6.2.1.4 Surface and Groundwater Resources The expected change in daily flows of the Phuthiatsana River, downstream of Metolong Dam has been estimated by comparing the catchment area and rainfall of the drainage catchments of both the Metolong dam and the Masianokeng gauging location. The analysis indicates that the construction of the Metolong dam will result in a reduction of 28% daily water flow in the :Phuthiatsana River at Masianokeng gauging station. Depending on irrigation status, this reduction may or may not be significant to irrigation downstream of the dam. Irrigation development along the Phuthiatsana is well below the level where it would cause conflict over water use. Farmers appear to be not very active over water use for inigation. This was noted at the Masianokeng scheme where the irrigated area has dropped by 86% since 1996 when the scheme was opened. Estimating the irrigation demand along the Phuthiatsana River is not an easy task due to several reasons, most obviously: The number of irrigators in the area keeps on changing from year to year. With reference to Masianokeng, the irrigation area has dropped from 350 ha in 1996 to 48ha last year Secondly, irrigation is undertaken on an individual basis by direct water pumping from the river- this gives no room for understanding the actual imgation water requirement. Even at
.-- ...... -- . .. ~ .- - . -- - .. .- -. .. -. . .- ...... - .. . Met olorg 3am ESlA Final February 2008 38 C@'SMEC an ASSOCI~!IO~w11h FM ASSOClaleS tLeSolhoi and Souiherrl Walsrs lSoulh AfrlCal Masianokeng where imgation is formal yet water is pumped by individuals from alluvial sand beds using submerged pumps installed 1996. The water requirement is therefore determined by the farmers themselves. In the case of imgation systems where there is no water fee, crops are likely to be over irrigated. This may be the case of Masianokeng. Imgation along the Phuthiatsana is mostly done during the summer time. The major limitation during the other period of the year (winter) is the river flow which ceases especially during dry years. The significant current irrigated area along the Phuthiatsana is located in Masianokeng. As far as the dam construction is concerned in relation to irrigation in this area, the water flow will decrease by about 28% after the dam construction. This decrease is not likely to threaten either the river flow or the irrigators' activities along that reach of river because most of the inigation water in this area is abstracted from groundwater sources in the alluvial sand. In this case, high volumetric flows in the river are not a requirement for irrigation in this area. Metolong Dam would in fact offer the opportunity for more reliable flows for development of imgation year round. Metolong Dam would also result in a reduction in flows reaching the Caledon River system, although the inflow from tributaries along the Phuthiatsana River downstream of the Metolong Dam site and the Caledon River itself would mitigate this effect. It is expected that impacts would be long term but of low significance. The implications of the reduction in flows on the riparian and aquatic environment are discussed in Section 6.5.2.2 which describes the instream flow requirements downstream of the dam site.
6.2.1.5 Water Quality
6.2.1 S.1 Predicted Water Quality in the Proposed Dam
6.2.1.5.1.1 Stratification in the dam and consequences for abstraction and treatment Temperature and dissolved oxygen stratification in dams affect water quality in the water column. When stratification occurs there are two distinct bands of water with different water quality characteristics. The epilimnion is the upper band where dissolved oxygen is present and metal ions such as iron and manganese are in their oxidised insoluble states and are not a problem for water treatment. In the lower band of water, the hypolimnion, dissolved oxygen concentrations are usually very low and reduced soluble species of iron and manganese exist, which are problematic for water treatment. Limnologists refer to an intermediate region between the epilimnion and the hypolimnion as the metalimnion where the temperature gradient is the steepest. Thermal stratification prevents circulation and mixing of water between the epilimnion and the lower hypolimnion, effectively preventing replenishment of dissolved oxygen to the lower region. As a result of bacterial consumption of oxygen in the decomposition of settling organic matter, the hypolimnion becomes anoxic. At the sedimentlwater interface chemically reducing conditions develop with a lowering of pH and oxidation-reduction potential leading to the release of hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, and the soluble forms of iron and manganese. The Metolong Dam will have a maximum depth of 68 m at the wall and a long sinuous reach to the headwaters of 18 krn. It is most likely that the dam will stratify in the warmer summer months. With the onset of lower temperatures in winter, the established thermocline is likely to fail with the equalization of temperatures between the epilimnion and hypolimnion barrier. Destratification or mixing of the water column, or 'turnover', of the dam will then take place. With the limited data available from this study one cannot be absolutely certain that such stratification and destratification will take place in the dam, but for the purpose of predicting potential water quality problems for water treatment, this sequence of events will be assumed. As an example of stratification in a fairly deep dam, typical temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles for the Inanda dam close to Durban in South Africa are shown in Figure 17.
. - - --.--- Melolong Dam ESIA' Final February 2000 39 mSMEcIn ASSOCIPIISTI wllh FM Aswc!at~s(Lesotho; and Sourham Walers (South Afrcai chlorophyll-a levels likely to develop. Based on these data, the predictions for chlorophyll-a concentrations are, at best, rough estimates, which could change if and when more water quality data is collected. In spite of this paucity of the water quality data, it has clearly shown that significant pollution and enrichment of phosphorus forms well above the natural levels for the rivers in the catchment is taking place, and this aspect should be urgently addressed in the interests of obtaining good water quality in the proposed Metolong dam with minimal water treatment problems. The exact stratification pattern that develops in the dam will also dictate available nutrients and hence algal blooms and associated likely water treatment problems. Stratification will be affected by amongst other things, ambient temperatures, inflows (volumes, timing and temperature), dam basin morphology, prevailing winds (including duration and strength of those winds), etc. Based on the limited data available, and previous experience with other systems in the same part of the subcontinent the likely stratification will occur for 5-6 months in summer, and be destratified for the rest of the year. The one saving grace with respect to algal bloom formation is that during the destratified winter period, ambient water temperatures are likely to be too low for a significant bloom formation, particularly by the more problematic blue-green algae which prefer more tropical temperatures. The most likely problem periods will typically be around Easter (MarchJApril) as the water column destratifies and nutrients from the hypolimnion are mobilized and reach the photic zone where water temperatures are still sufficiently high to cause algal blooms. Previous experience has also shown that as the dam fills there will be a flush of nutrients released into the water column from rotting vegetation and available soil nutrients. This nutrient spike will typically result in a significant algal bloom in the first year or two after filling. Thereafter the nutrient and algal dynamics and availability will settle down and be driven by the nutrients coming in from the inflow and dam stratification patterns.
6.2.1.5.2 Consideration of the Water Quality in the Phuthiatsana River Downstream of the Dam Wall Water flowing from the dam outlets may be of a better quality than that which enters the system. It will be sediment-poor and will have very much lower coliform counts. If releases are made from near the top of the water column, temperatures will be roughly similar and, depending on the state of mixing in the reservoir basin, nutrients will also probably be low at most times. For these reasons, the river below the dam will be in good condition providing that environmental water releases are sustained. The absence of sediment in water released from the dam will result in scouring of the channel but this is seen as being advantageous since the current ecological condition of the River has been degraded through excessive sedimentation. However, the foregoing will not apply if the water releases are from the base of the wall. The water from that area is likely to be nutrient rich, anaerobic, cold, and possibly with a high suspended solids load. Such water will severely degrade the ecological condition of the river and may even result in the system being virtually sterile for some distance below the wall. Under worst-case scenarios these conditions may well lead to kills of aquatic fauna (both vertebrate and invertebrate) although, if they persist, a specialised invertebrate fauna will come to dominate the system in a reach of river downstream of the wall. Irrespective of what water releases are made, it is probable that inputs from the Liphiring River will be of some significance. The small set of results which are available from this study suggests that the Phuthiatsana River undergoes some changes due to inputs from this tributary as it is large enough to cause some change in the water quality in the main channel. Should the latter be of high quality from rnid- to upper- dam releases, then the Liphiring will drop the overall quality. However, if the releases are from bottom scour valves, then the Liphiring may well improve the overall quality through dilution of nutrients and through increasing flows which will help to elevate temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. Overall, no single scenario will prevail, and there will be considerable dynamism in the river as the balances of inputs are varied.
Melolong Clam ESlA Final: February 2008 102 I, I, Assoc~allon wlh FM Assocales iLemlhoi and Southern Waters {South Africa1 6.2.2 Biological Environment
6.2.2.1 Vegetation and Terrestrial Wildlife The project area does not have unique flora and fauna of major significance. It will however permanently inundate an area of 260 ha although most of this area has been highly disturbed by intensive land use practices such as cropping, harvesting of medicinal plants and grazing and fire management. There are however some medicinal plants occurring as individual plants through parts of the Project area. Specifically Boophane disticha is classified as endangered, Dicoma anamola and Eucomis autumnalis are classified as vulnerable in Lesotho only, but are readily found regionally. Individuals of these plants will be inundated. All three are not endemic to Lesotho, but have a wide distribution in the Southern African region. These medicinal plants are also found in other areas outside the project area and still exist in large numbers. The loss of plants is expected to be long term, permanent and of medium significance. In terms of the native fauna very little remains as a result of extensive grazing, habitat destruction through fuelwood collection and indiscriminate burning and hunting. Some terrestrial animals will be drowned or their h?bitat destroyed. The new reservoir will however provide habitat for some waterbird species. The impact overall on wildlife is expected to be long term but of low significance.
6.2.2.2 Fish Any development in a natural or semi-natural system will impact on the environment, usually with adverse effects. This section assesses the significance of potential impacts of the proposed development on the fish of the study area, and is intended to achieve the following: Describe and assess the significance of impacts that may arise from the proposed Metolong Dam on the fish of the Phuthiatsana River; Recommend mitigation measures to address significant impacts; Identify aspects which may require further study. Construction Phase Impacts during construction will mainly be associated with accidental spills and impacts associated with construction activities such as blasting and drilling that will result in a local disturbance on the fish. This is however regarded as a localized impact and since the study area does not support any critical habitats, which are regarded as sensitive, the significance of such an impact is regarded as low. Another impact that should be considered is the increased workforce that will be imported into the region. Such an increase will result in a significant increase in the utilization of local natural resources through hunting and fishing activities. Operational Phase Operational phase impacts are expected to be more significant given the permanent nature of the development. The most significant impact of the proposed development is regarded as the loss of connectivity through the construction of a dam wall and thus preventing up and downstream migration of fish. Another localised impact that will serve as a cause for concern will be impingement and entrapment of fish in the pumps which will result in physical damage that may affect the fish locally. Habitat alteration will also affect the fish assemblage locally when the river is changed from a lotic to a lentic system. This impact may be detrimental to some of the indigenous species like the Chubbyhead Barb not adapted to large open water bodies without any cover. The impoundment itself may however be favourable to trout and yellowfish, which will threaten the Chubbyhead Barb. Another threat that should also be considered is the increase in habitat integrity downstream from the dam as a result of sediment entrapment in the dam. Such conditions will favour trout which in turn will eradicate all indigenous species. Overall, the impact on fish will be long term, regional and of high significance. The impact can be reduced with adoption of the mitigation measures outlined below.
.... .-~ .-.-. . -~ IYletolong Dav ESIA Final February 2008 1C'? g@sMEc In Assocalton vlfh FM Assocales :Lesotho, and Soutnern Wsters (South Afrtcal Mitigation Measures Design an appropriate environmental management plan to address site related construction activities such as spills, excavations, drilling and blasting. Monitor and evaluate the EMP. Design and implement a Biodiversity action plan to ensure that appropriate consideration is granted to important biodiversity attributes. Incorporate relevant actions in the inductions and on site training courses to promote environmental awareness, control hunting and fishing activities as well as the introduction of exotic species into the dam. Implement a fish monitoring program in the reservoir and downstream of the dam and implement further mitigation measures if warranted. Such measures could include the introduction of fish from the downstream reaches into the dam. The monitoring program could be integrated into the IFR monitoring program. Release the recommended IFR's Design off take structures to cue fish away from the drawdown cones.
6.2.2.3 Instream Flow Environment Predicting changes to riverine ecosystems is difficult because the actual trajectory and magnitude of the change is dependent on so many variables, e.g., climate, sediment supply, human use of the system, instream flows, etc. Thus, numerous assumptions must, per force, support any predictions. Should any of these assumptions prove to be invalid, the actual changes may not match the predicted changes. This does not make the predictions themselves incorrect or invalid, but simply means that the surrounding set of circumstances that support the predictions has changed, which would in tun change the predictions. The predictions presented in the IFR report (see Volume 3 Annex to the ESIA) are the best effort of specialists with a good knowledge of both the theory and data supporting their disciplines, and some understanding of Lesotho rivers. Nonetheless, the predictions are made on the basis of poor baseline data for the river system, lack of research data in Lesotho to guide or support predictions, and a short time-frame for the IFR study necessitated by the EIA process. It is unlikely that the specialists will have predicted the changes in the river accurately in every instance. Much of this uncertainty is accounted for by the fact that the outcomes of the study (DRIFT Category plots) are a combination of all the prediction. Thus, the impact of any one (or more) outlying prediction is considerably muted. It follows then that: predicted TRENDS, i.e. direction of change, is likely to be more accurate that the magnitude of that change; although specialists used rough estimates of change to populated the DRIFT model (e.g., King et al. 2005), the main focus was on using the relative scores to estimate changes in overall river condition; the data collection and time allocated to the study are insufficient to allow decision-making based on the estimated abundance changes in any one component or subcomponent, and; should, for any reason, a particular component or sub-compone nt become the subject of scrutiny, such scrutiny should be undertaken with a full knowledge of the limitations applicable to the data.
6.2.2.3.1 Major assumptions The following important major assumptions apply: The hydrological record supplied for the IFR study represents the true hydrological status of the river. Predictions are based on a 30-year horizon. Climatic conditions in the next 30 years would mirror those of the past 30 years.
There will be no major changes- in landuse in the catchment...... ~~ -p.p-.-.--.---..-.- ~ ~ &rib\ '\SMEC Melolon~Dam ESlk Final rebluarv 2008 iC!4 wry IV Assocla!lor wlth FM Assuc~aler(Lesotho, and Suulherl Waiers iSoulh Afrca Trout are present in the system. Water quality (apart from sediments) was not considered, and it is assumed that it will not constitute a significant contributor to reduced ecological condition with a reduction in flows.
6.2.2.3.2 Trapping sediments - general implications for the downstream river ecosystem The trapping of sediments by the dam, in the (hypothetical) absence of any changes in the flow regime would have result in a general move towards natural in the downstream river. This effect would gradually be reduced with distance from the dam wall and sediment contributions for the incremental catchment. The effect of reduced sediment loads would be offset by a reduction in flood events, meaning that the move towards a more natural condition would be smaller than would be the case if flood event were unchanged from present day.
6.2.2.3.3 Results Results are presented for two situations: 1. For a situation where the sediment supply to the site remained at present-day levels. If the assumption that the dam will trap sediment is correct, this second situation would apply to sections of the river > 30 km downstream of the dam. 2. For a situation where the proposed dam would trap the majority of the sediment supply to the IFR site. This would effectively reduced sediment supply to the river for c. 30 km downstream of the dam. The data and optimal flow regime were calculated for the first situation, and then the resultant flow regime was used to compute the river condition should the second situation arise. The DRET CATEGORY output provides a summary view of the predicted changes in the condition of the river under study with changes in the percentage of the MAR assigned to the river, assuming that there are no limitations on the distribution of that water, i.e., it can be distributed over the year in the way most beneficial to the river ecosystem. The DRIFT CATEGORY output was generated by calculating the maximised Overall Integrity Scores for different annual volumes of water, distributed in the least damaging manner. Figure 18 depicts the combined ratings for all specialists for the FR site, relative to the current state of the system, and the volume of water (MCM per annum) required to remain in the river to achieve each scenario. The combined scores are expressed as DRIFT Integrity ratings, and indicate a move towards target conditions (positive) or away from target conditions (negative). PRESENT CONDlTION = Overall Integrity Score of zero (0). The plot depicts river condition at the level of the whole ecosystem, relative to the current state of the system, and the volumes provided are the maximum annual volume linked to each scenario. Each of the red squares in Figure 3 represents an entire flow regime made up of a combination of: o One of five levels of change in the dry season lowflows (present day plus four changes); o One of five levels of change in the wet season low flows (present day plus four changes); o One of 4 levels of change in the Class 1 floods (present day plus 3 changes); o One of 4 levels of change in the Class 2 floods (present day plus 3 changes); o One of 4 levels of change in the Class 3 floods (present day plus 3 changes); o One of 3 levels of change in the Class 4 floods (present day plus 2 changes); - - ~. - ....- .. - ~.~.. .. Meiolang Dam ESA Final, February 2008 @BSMEc I" ASsoCml>onWIIP FN Assoc~ates(Lesot110) and Southern Waters !South Afncai o One of two levels of change in the 1:2 year flood (present day and historic). The remainder of the flow regime (I :5 return period floods and greater) are at present day levels. The reason for this is that in the case of a c. 1 MAR dam, such as the proposed Metolong Dam, many of these floods will overtop the dam. In Figure 16, the red solid line depicts the change in river condition with a reduction in flow to the Metolong IFR site, assuming unchanged sediment supply, i.e. over- supply of sediment. The current condition of the river at the IFR site is in the region of a CID (Section 1l), denoted by the orange line in Figure 16. The blue and green lines denote the approximate point at which the river condition would be expected to move from a C to a B condition, and from a D to an E condition, respectively. The purple, blue and light blue circles denote the expected condition, if the sediment supply to the site is curtailed by c. 50%, for 19,44 and 90% MAR, respectively. In effect, the light blue circle is indicating a return to relatively undisturbed conditions (i.e., c. B-category) if the catchment was improved to pre-development conditions.
6.2.2.3.4 Feasibility Study Allocations to IFR The Feasibility allocations to IFR are summarised in Table 50. TABLE 50. FEASIBILITY ALLOCATIONSTO IFR Feasibility allocations to IFR Wet season 100 Ys Dry season 200 Ys Class 2 flood 4 Class 4 flood 1 Total 11% MAR
The flow at the Metolong IFR site is augmented by inflows from several tributaries, some of these fairly large. The MAR at the site is c. 1.75 of that at the proposed Metolong Dam site. The Feasibility Allocation of 11% of MAR IFR releases from Metolong Dam would thus translate into c. 19% MAR (c. 10-1 1 MCM) at the Metolong IFR site. These levels are indicated in Figure 18 by the red circle.
0.a
0.1
-0.1 -Class C to D
-0.3 -CL.ss D toE -0.1 Current position -0.1 with PES = Cm lk(fbrwltb reduced sediments 1 b 44% flow with redmced sediments SOX flow Witb reduced sedimcats
F~gure18. DRIFT CATEGORY Plot for the Metolong IFR S~te
...... -...... Mefolong Cam ESlA Final February 2008 105 eksMEc~n Asso.c~a1~on wlh FM Assocoafes (LesolhD1 and Soulhern Wa(err (South Alrica! 6.2.2.3.5 Expected outcome at the IFR site of Feasibility Study allocations to I FR The data indicate the following:
a The site is currently between a C and D category.
a The site is expected to be relatively insensitive to flow changes, i.e., a reduction from 100% present day MAR to 16% present day MAR is not expected to result in a change from a D-category. a The Feasibility Allocation IF3 run the risk of a drop from one category to another (D-E) in condition at the site. It is however expected that the effects of the flow changes will be mitigated to some extent by the proximity of the proposed dam wall, and a reduction in sediment supply to the site (shaded red area).
a Consequently, the predicted future condition for the IFR site, and the river reach it represents, is expected to remain somewhere between a C and a D condition if 1 1% of the MAR at the dam site is released from the dam PROVIDED that the releases adhere to the distribution of flows recommended in Appendix 7. Note: This presupposes no additional developments on the tributaries in the incremental catchment between the dam site and the IFR site.
6.2.3 Socio-Econom ic Environment This section provides an assessment of the potential socio-economic impacts that may arise as a result of the Project. It commences with a description of the likely land areas that will be required by the Project, followed by an assessment of the potential key socioeconomic impacts. Mitigation and development measures are presented in Section 6.6.3.
6.2.3.1 Land Acquisition Requirements The Project will require permanent acquisition of land as well as temporary occupation of land. Permanent land acquisition will occur for the construction of the Dam Wall, the creation of the Metolong Reservoir, as well as for other permanent infrastructure such as the access road to the Dam Wall, the Water Treatment Plant and Drying Bed, a permanent operations office, pump stations and new concrete reservoirs at Ha Nchela, Sefikeng (both in the vicinity of the Metolong Reservoir), and in Maseru. Temporary land occupation will be required for the construction of the transmission pipelines, temporary access mads, the operation of a quarry and for construction camps and offices. The Metolong Reservoir area is under consideration for declaration as a Selected Development Area (SDA), in terms of Section 44 of the Land Act, 1979. A Metolong SDA Master Plan has been commissioned, which will determine the most appropriate locationlalignment of infrastructure such as the Water Treatment Plant, construction camps, offices and the access road to the Dam Wall. With the exception of the Reservoir footprint, it is therefore not possible to give the final location of the associated infrastructure at the Reservoir site, although provisional areas for the Water Treatment Plant and access road to the Dam Wall have been identified (Figure 24 and Figure 25). The Project's anticipated land requirements are summarised below: Metolong Dam and Reservoir. The Project will require the permanent acquisition of land, and inundation of communal resources and activities, improvements on this land (agricultural fields, privately-owned trees and a small number of graves). hdacquisition is estimated at 260 ha. Treatment Plant and Drying Beds. The Treatment Plant and Drying Beds will require the permanent acquisition of land in the vicinity of the Reservoir, anticipated to consist mainly of agricultural fields, rangeland and communal forest areas. Land acquisition is estimuted at 14 ha. Access Road to Dam Wall. The new access road to the Dam Wall, which will veer off the current road to Ha Seeiso and link up with the existing Ha Makotoko-Nazareth gravel road
Melo~ongDan ESlA Fonal Cebruary 2008 i 07 *asMEc,n Assoc!a1!on w~thFM Associa(es /Lesotho, and Southern Waters lScuth Alrfcai after crossing the Dam Wall, will require the permanent acquisition of land, anticipated to consist mainly of agricultural fields and rangeland. Land acquisition is estimated at 6 ha. = Associated Infrastructure. This Project component includes the quarry, works areas, temporary roads, construction camps, offices that will be required during the construction period. Most of the land will be occupied on a temporary basis, although some permanent land acquisition will be necessary for an operational office complex in the vicinity of the Dam Wall. The Feasibility Study identified a potential quarry site south of the Reservoir, on rangeland along the Ha Makotoko-Nazareth road. A new site has recently been identified during the Feasibility update studies, located immediately to the west of Ha Seeiso. This site is considered to be unsuitable, since it will require relocation of two to three households and will be located close to other households on the western edge of Ha Seeiso (see Figure 25). Land required for the associated infrastructure is anticipated to consist of agricultural fields and rangeland. Land acquisition requirements are still to be determined but permanent acquisition is estimated at 20 ha and temporary occupation at 20 ha. Pumping Stations and Reservoirs. The four new pump stations and two new reservoirs will require permanent acquisition of land, ranging in size from approximately 0.1 ha to 0.5 ha. This infrastructure will as far as possible be located on public land, although some impacts on private property are anticipated. Land acquisition requirements are still to be determined but are estimated at 4 ha. Transmission Pipelines. Four transmission lines will be placed entirely within the reserves of existing roads and temporary occupation of private land is therefore not anticipated. These lines are Line 3 (Junction A in the vicinity of Thaba Bosiu to Junction B at Ha Makhalanyane), Line 4 (Junction B to Mazenod), Line 6 (Sefikeng to Teyateyaneng) and Line 7 (Junction B to Roma). A further line (Line 8 from Mazenod to Morija) currently under consideration will also be entirely within an existing road reserve. The transmission lines that are likely to cross private or communal land are Line 1 (Dam site to Ha Nchela), Line 2 (Ha Nchela to the High South Reservoir in Maseru) and Line 5 (Dam site to the new reservoir at Sefikeng). The estimated lengths of pipeline to be laid outside existing road reserves on private and communal land are as follows: Line 1 - 5 km, Line 2 - 1 km and Line 5 - 8.7 km. Temporary land occupation outside public road reserves, to be confirmed during final design, is currently estimated at 15 ha.
6-2.3.2 Affected Households Land use within the Metolong Reservoir is dominated by vegetation types such as Hyparrhenia sp., Heteropogon sp. and Helichrysum sp. (approximately 61 %), followed by planted forests/thickets of poplar, wattle and pine (approximately 15%), agricultural fields (approximately 11 %), indigenous trees (9%) and riverine features (4%). Option 1 (the smaller storage option) will directly affect an estimated 161 households, through the permanent acquisition of agricultural fields and trees. Option 2 (the higher storage option) will affect a further estimated 54 households. If implemented, Option 2 will therefore affect an estimated 215 households (a list of potentially affected households is provided in Appendix 5). TABLE 51. HOUSEHOLDS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED BY THE METOLONG RESERVOIR
-- -- - Mololong Cam ESIA. Final February 200e 10e @Bs~'~ I, Assoclarion with FV Assoclales (Les01hoi and Swlhern Waters iSo~lhAlrlca) As shown in Table 5 1, for Option 1 an estimated 66 households are anticipated to lose both fields and trees, 76 trees only and 19 fields only. Inundation of graves is not anticipated for Option 1. For Option 2 a further estimated 21 households stand to lose both fields and trees, 16 trees only and 14 fields only. Option 2 may also inundate seven graves. An estimated 22 households will be affected by the Treatment Plant site as provisionally identified, mainly through the loss of agricultural fields (Table 52). A further 16 households will be affected by the access road to the Dam Wall as provisionally aligned, also through the loss of agricultural fields.
TABLE 52. HOUSEHOLDS POTEN'TIALLY AFFECTED BY THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND ACCESS ROAD Households Affected by: Asset Loss ( Water Treatment Plant and 1 Access Road to Dam Wall 1 Drying Beds Fields 20 16
A total of 253 households are therefore anticipated to be affected through the permanent loss of assets such as fields, trees and graves for the construction of the Metolong Dam and Reservoir, the access road to the Dam Site and the Water Treatment Plant (Table 53). Nearly 36% will lose trees only, just over 34% trees and fields, nearly 27% fields only, with the remaining 2.8% losing a combination of fields, trees and graves.
TABLE 53. SUMMARY OF AFFECTED HOUSEHOLDS Households Asset Loss Water Treatment Access Road to Reservoir
Fields 32 20 16 68 26.9 Trees 9 1 9 1 35.9 Fields & Trees Fields & Graves 1 1 0.4 Trees & Graves 1 1 0.4 I Field, Trees & Graves 2 2 0.8 Graves 3 3 1.2 Total 215 22 16 253 100.0 Source: SMEC Asset Survey 2006. The affected households that had been interviewed at the time of report preparation consist of a total of 1,060 persons. It is estimated that some 1,240 persons will be directly affected (loss of private assets) by creation of the larger storage option, made up of the 1,060 enumerated persons and an estimated 176 persons in the 32 households not yet interviewed. A further 198 persons are estimated to be affected by the Water Treatment Plant and access road tothe Dam Wall (Table 54).
TABLE 54. AFFECTED POPULATION: METOLONG RESERVOIR, WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND ACCESS ROAD Project Component Affected Households Affected Population 1,240 Water Treatment Plant 22 114 Access Road to Dam Wall 16 84 Total 253 1,438 Information available from the socio-economic survey for 199 of the estimated 253 affected households shows that 65.3% are headed by males and 34.7% by females (Table 55).
~~~ .... -- ~ -- -. ---... --~- ~~ - - . ~ ... ..~ ~ fvlelolong Dam ESIA F~nalFebruary POW3 ? C'g 4" Assoclalion wftn FM AssoclaleS (Lesolho~and Southern Warers ;Soblh Afna; TABLE 55. AFFECTED HOUSEHOLDS BY GENDER OF HOUSEHOLD HEAD Asset Loss Male Fern a1 e Total Loss of agricultural land only 19 18 37 Loss of trees only 53 21 74 1 Loss ofagricultural land and trees 55 29 84 Loss of trees and graves 1 1 2 Loss of agricultural land, trees and graves 2 0 2 Total 130 69 199 Percentage 65.3 34.7 100.0 Source: SMEC Socio-Economic Survey 2006, information for 199 of the estimated 253 affected households.
6.2.3.3 Livelihood Impacts
6.2.3.3.1 Income Sources of Affected Households The reported income sources of 199 of the estimated 253 households affected by the Metolong Reservoir, the Treatment Plant and the access road to the Dam Wall are shown in Table 56. Although a wide range of income sources are used, only a few are accessed by a significant number of affected households. The income sources reported most frequently by male-headed households were sale of own fruit, wageslsalaries, remittances from South Africa, sale of own timber resources, sale of own vegetablelmaize crops, income from savingslstokvel associations and income from the sale of beer. A similar pattern was evident amongst female-headed households, although pensions were also a significant source of income.
TABLE 56. INCOME SOURCES OF AFFECTED HOUSEHOLDS
Source: SMEC Socio-Economic Survey 2006. Income sources that could be affected by the Project are the sale of fruit from own fruit trees (61.5% of male-headed households and 59.4% of female-headed households), the sale of own timber resources (24.6%and 17.4%), the sale of own vegetablelmaize produce (23.8%and 17.4%), the sale of livestock (I 2.3% and 2.9%)and the sale of handicrafts (10.0%and 8.7%). The sale of own timber resources is likely to be most heavily affected by the Project, since large numbers of timber trees are located in the Reservoir inundation area (see Table 59). Income from the sale of own vegetabldmaize produced is also like1y to be affected, but because agricultural fields and
. .~ ~ ~ ~ -~~ -- ~ ~ ~-.- Metolonp 3am ESIA: Final. February 2008 I1 0 '@%SMm ~r;Association wltn FM Assonales (Lesotho: and Southern Waters (South Alrlca) vegetable gardens in the area are mainly located outside the inundation area, the impact is likely to be less severe than in the case of lost timber resources. The Project is not anticipated to significantly affect other forms of income that rely on the exploitation of natural resources. For instance, the impact on income from the sale of fruit will be limited, since most fruit trees are located outside the Reservoir inundation area (see Table 59). Nevertheless, the Project could have significant livelihood impacts on a household that solely survives on the use/exploitation of a range of local natural resources.
6.2.3.3.2 Loss of Land and Natural Resources The asset survey shows that the smaller Metolong storage option (Option 1) will affect an estimated 37 ha of cultivation land, while Option 2 could affect an additional 27 ha of cultivation land. Permanent land losses associated with the other Project components are provisionally estimated at 44 ha, giving an estimated overall permanent loss of 108 ha of mainly cultivation land (Table 57).
TABLE 57. ESTIMATE OF PERMANENT LAND LOSSES Project Component Estimated Permanent Cultivation Land Loss 1 (ha). , I Metolong Reservoir (Option 2)
Access Road to Dam Wall Associated Infrastructure 20 Pumping stations and reservoirs 4 Total 108 Table 58 provides a summary of interviewed households affected by the Metolong Reservoir, the access mad to the Dam Site and the Water Trearnent Plant by their reported ownership of agricultural fields. Of the 120 interviewed households who stand to lose agricultural land, 12 (10%) reported owning only one field, 30 (25%) had two fields, 32 (27%) had three fields and 46 (38%) had four or more fields. Although the total landholdings of affected households and the percentage land loss will be determined only during the scheduled cadastral survey and valuation exercise, it is clear that some affected households (even if only a small percentage) are likely to be significantly affected by the loss of agricultural fields because of their already small landholdings.
TABLE 58. AFFECTED HOUSEHOLDS BY NUMBER OF AGRICULTURAL FIELDS
s of agricultural land, trees and
Source: SMEC Socio-EconomicSurvey 2006. Most (95%) of the 120 interviewed households who stand to lose agricultural land reported that they had planted maize on their fields in the previous (2004105) season. Of these, only 23% reported that the harvest was not sufficient for their households' maize needs until the next harvest. Although in most cases households facing the loss of agricultural land will only lose a portion of their agricultural landholding, the loss could be significant for those households who rely wholly or mainly on their agricultural endeavours for their subsistence. The loss of agricultural fields could also have an impact on the income-earning potential of some of these households, with 19% reporting that they had sold some of their 2004105 maize harvest. A reported 168 (50 kg) bags were sold, with most bags sold for M150. Land losses will also have impacts on forms of livelihood and income-generating activities that rely on access to common property and natural resources. A range of natural resources that are useful to
- - - - . ~ -.-.- ~- ~ . Melolong Dam ESIA Final February 2008 'i .: ~~SMECIn Assoclal~on wlth FM Associates ILesolho; and Scuthwn Walerz ,South Afrfca, ' local communities will be inundated by the creation of the Metolong Reservoir. These include thatching grass, medicinal plants, grazing land and building sand. These resources play an important role in the livelihoods of households and other resource user groups such as herbalists/traditional healers. The loss of useful natural resources will affect households in the vicinity of the Reservoir who rely on these resources, since their primary resource harvesting areas will be inundated. Harvesting of similar resources in other areas will create an added economic burden. Furthermore, the inundation of natural resources will lead to increased pressure on the surrounding natural resources. Construction of the Reservoir is also expected to lead to a reduction in the volume of river sand downstream of the Dam Wall, where a number of sand miners are operating.
6.2.3.4 Loss of Trees Table 59 shows that an estimated 1,143 individual trees could be affected by storage option 1 and a further 27 1 by storage option 2. In addition, large areas of poplar thicketslgroves will be affected, estimated at approximately 60 ha for Option 1 and a further 5 ha for Option 2.13 As indicated in the baseline description, trees are highly valuable household assets, used both at the homestead and sold to generate a cash income. The loss of timber resources in likely to have significant impacts on local income generation.
TABLE 59. ESTIMATE OF lNDlVlDUAL TREE LOSSES, METOLONG RESERVOIR AREA Option 1 (Lower Storage Level) 1 Option 2 (Higher Storage Level) 1
Tree Type. - Estimated Number I Estimated Number I Estimated Number 1 Estimated Number 1 Immature Mature Immature Mature Oak 2 Peach 4 26 8 5 I Pine 18 Poplar and wattle ( 17 43 I Wattle..- 812 63 Willow 68 133 130 85 Total 921 222 138 133 Source: SMEC Asset Survey 2006.
6.2.3.5 Impacts on Livestock Farming As indicated in the baseline description, livestock husbandry is an important component of local economic and social activities, even though many of the enumerated households do not own livestock. The community meetings revealed that livestock-owning households, especially those with cattle, were particularly concerned about the loss of grazing land, especially in the upper reaches of the Reservoir, and of access to water from the Phuthiatsana River for livestock watering. During the agricultural cultivation season, cattle are often taken to graze along the River to prevent them from damaging crops on the field. The River is, furthermore, an important source of livestock watering, particularly in the upper reaches of the Reservoir where the valley is less steep. Impact is expected to be long term and of medium significance.
6.2.3.6 Loss of Graves The larger Metolong Reservoir storage option (Option 2) will inundate seven graves. The exhumation and re-internment of graves is a sensitive matter that will be managed according to the wishes of the relatives of the deceased and with their full cooperation. A communal graveyard in Ha Masakale will be close to the water level (Option 2) and will be monitored for possible relocation further upslope. Impact is expected to be long term but of low significance.
23 These broad estimates will be confirmed during the detailed asset verification and valuation exercise.
Mia Melolong Dan ESlA Ftnal February 2008 11 2 sqe~@rSMEC!n AssoCiattcx wllh FM Assoc~alesrLesorh01 and Soulnern Warers iSoulh Pifrlcai 6.2.3.7 Severedlconstrained Access As a natural feature of the physical landscape, the Phuthiatsana River has always constrained the movement of people to some degree, and the location of social services such as schools partly reflects this reality. Nevertheless, the Reservoir will be a permanent bamer, as opposed to the River, which is crossed on a regular basis. Impeded access resulting from Reservoir inundation relate principally to the inundation of crossing points used to access facilities and services such as churches, schools and maize grinder operators, as well as relatives, friends and local authority structures. This is considered to be one of the most important Project impacts. Impacts are long term and of high significance.
6.2.3.8 Population Relocation A demarcation line of PMF + 2m, which incorporates safety factors, has been recommended for the Metolong Reservoir. Any households/structures below this line will have to be relocated. Since there are currently no ortho-photos on which to accurately plot the demarcation line, a provisional assessment of relocation requirements was made using the available aerial photography to identify households that may be located close/below the demarcation line. This shows that the Metolong Reservoir may result in up to -10 households (mainly in the villages of Ha Tlele and Ha Masakale) being required to relocate (see Figure 26). Additional field investigations will be undertaken during the final design stage once ortho-photos are available to (a) accurately locate the reservoir demarcation line and (b) identify any households located below this line. A possible alternative quarry site, identified at the end of the EIA study, would require relocation of two to three households. Consequently, the site is considered unsuitable. The final alignment/configuration of the transmission pipelines will be determined during the final design stage. It is likely that temporary relocation from existing road reserves of moveable facilities such as market stalls and informal taxi ranks will be required while the transmission pipelines are laid. Provision has been made in the Project's Entitlement Matrix for the proper compensation and rehabilitation of any households or businesses that may require relocation. Impact is expected to be long term but of low significance because of the relatively low number of involuntary resettlement required.
6.2.3.9 Vulnerable HouseholdslSocial Categories In the context of resettlement planning, in particular, vulnerability has come to refer to two socio- economic dynamics. At a general level it refers to the insecurity experienced by all project-affected persons because of the loss of private and communal property, severedlconstrained access to social services, etc. At a more specific level, it refers to those persons who, because of their socio- economic position, are especially vulnerable to project-induced impacts. Project support measures commonly designed for this latter group aim to improve their livelihoods so that they are better equipped to deal with project-induced changes. With respect to the Metolong Project, the following households/social categories could be considered as potentially vulnerable to the changes induced by the Project: Households where the household head has a disability. 64 of the 200 affected households that have been interviewed have a household head with a physical or mental disability. Household with an aged household head. 68 of the 200 affected households that have been interviewed have a household head that is older than 65 years. Female-headed households. 70 of the 200 affected households that have been interviewed are headed by females. Households with no or limited access to cash income. 34 of the 200 affected households that have been interviewed reported monthly incomes of less than M 100, and a further 52 reported monthly incomes of between MlOl and M300. Overall, 86 households (43%) reported monthly incomes of M300 or less.
~ ------~...... ,------.-p-.p----..-.------... ~ Metolong Dam ESIA. Flnal February 2008 ? 13 *asMz I, Assocation wIh FM Associates liasolhal and So~thernWalers South Arnca) Vulnerability is not a given or static condition. A household may become vulnerable when a household head becomes aged, falls ill or becomes disabled, destitute or poverty stricken; and hopefully less vulnerable as their health and economic circumstances improve. Because vulnerability is a dynamic concept, the identification, assessment (and monitoring) of vulnerable households will be an ongoing process throughout the compensation/livelihood restoration programme. The recommended procedure for the identification, assessment and monitoring of vulnerable households is surnmarised below: Assess vulnerability classification demographic information agricultural farming activities livestock farming activities employment and other off-farm activities support networks current nutritional intake and requirements medical examination, where required Establish and approve support and development measures short-term support measures long-term reestablishment measures Implement short-term support and long-term development measures vulnerable household allowance cultivation support other in-kind measures preferential employment on construction works skills traininglenhancement Monitor effectiveness of support and development measures establish register of vulnerable homesteads develop re-establishment indicators undertake monitoring of household reestablishment implement further remedial measures where necessary confirm re-establishment The community participation structure (Metolong Dam Committee) will play a key role in the process of identifying and assessing the needs of vulnerable households, and in monitoring the effectiveness of livelihood enhancement measures.
6.2.3.10 Construction Impacts Construction activities are likely to generate a range of impacts that may be adverse to the living and health (see Section 6.2.3.13) conditions of affected communities. These could include: an increase in dust levels and air pollution due to blasting and excavation, preparation of construction materials, increased vehicular traffic and stockpiling of material; an increase in noise levels due to drilling and blasting, quarrying, general earthworks and vehicular traffic; safety risks to communities proximate to the Dam site due to increased vehicular traffic, blasting and excavations;
- ~ .. - -- Merolong Dam ESlA Final: February 2006 114 damage to private property due to construction activities; for example, blasting operations and impact rollers; and impacts on livestock farming practices during the construction period (e.g. acquisition of grazing areas; injuries to livestock). Experience from other large-scale infrastructure projects also shows that the presence of a relatively large construction workforce drawn from outside the area may have a number of effects on the local social environment. These could include: greater demand for, and pressure on, social services and facilities (e.g. health, educational and water supply facilities and systems); increases in the incidence of diseases (e.g. alcoholism, sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis); clashes between the workforce and local communities over construction jobs; civil disturbances; and disturbances to the social practices and fabric of local communities (e.g. influx of job seekers; development of informal settlements; changes to the position of women and vulnerable groups; pressure on local authorities to maintain autonomy). The occurrence and significance of these impacts are a function of workforce size and composition: the larger and more foreign the workforce, the higher the anticipated social disturbances. The "development status" of local communities, similarly, determines the extent to which social disturbances may occur: the more isolated and underdeveloped the area, the higher the anticipated disturbances. The workforce that will be required at the Dam site is likely to be relative large and could, therefore, have significant effects on local communities. A strategy will be implemented to enhance the employment of local community members on the construction works. Nonetheless, the impacts referred to above will still occur and for individuals and households affected by them, the disturbances could be highly significant.
6.2.3.1 1 Operational Impacts The presence of a large body of water in the post-construction period will pose a danger to community members, particularly of drowning. Although the creation of the Metolong Reservoir will not require involuntary relocation, some households will be located close to the water level which could lead to safety concerns. The issue of proximity to the water body and associated safety impacts, especially for children and livestock, was frequently raised at community meetings. In all cases, communities demanded that either the entire Reservoir or village areas in close proximity to the Reservoir should be fenced. Water fluctuations of the Reservoir will also be problematic; for example, areas close to water levels will not be able to be used for cultivation, and any crossings will have to take water level changes into account. These potential safety impacts are rated as high, long-term and of high significance.
6.2.3.12 lmpacts on Downstream Users This impact is discussed in Section 6.3.3.2.9.
6.2.3.13 Health Now that a good understanding of the health status of the study population at baseline has been gained, it becomes possible to assess the impact that the project can be expected to have on this same population. The assessment will first examine the various biophysical stressors and exposures that may result from the project, followed by other determinants of health and the quality of life will be examined. The format for the matrix of health impacts used in this part of the report has been adapted from the Canadian Handbook on Health Impact Assessment (2004).
6.2.3.13.1 Biophysical stressors and exposures Biophysical stressors and exposures can be subdivided in a number of sub-categories including: emissions to air, emissions to water, emissions to soil and nuisance. Technical disaster scenaribs will also bediscussed under this section.
-- ~ ~ - - Melolong Dam ESiA Final February ?DQ ., .-c :. @@'ME ~nhssoc,al~cn with FM A550claiDS ILesotnoi and Soulhern Waters (Soulh Afrcai 6.2.3.13.1.1 Emissions to air During the construction phase of the project, emissions to air will be predominantly in the form of dust from the heavy traffic, excavation, blasting and crushing activities. There will also be combustion gas emissions from the construction machinery and vehicles. During the operation phase, emissions to air are expected to be minimal. The main potential source of concern to health is in relation to the chemicals used in the water treatment process, especially chlorine. Hazards are mostly in relation to the workers manipulating the chemicals. It is also known that the decomposition of the submerged vegetation in the reservoir area of large dams results in increased emission of carbon dioxide andlor methane. These greenhouse gases then contribute to climate change. Due to the relative scarcity of the vegetation below the maximum water level in the present case, this effect is expected tobe relatively small. Dust When a relatively large panicle (say 30 pn) is inhaled, it is usually deposited in the nose or upper airways. Finer particles may reach the gas-exchange region in the depths of the lungs, where removal mechanisms are less efficient. Certain substances, if deposited in this region, can cause serious disease, for example, free crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis. The smaller the aerodynamic diameter, the greater the probability that a particle will penetrate deep into the respiratory tract. In areas composed of "hard rock" (e.g. basalt), there is a need to involve more blasting, leading to a potential for exposure; and the dust generated is more toxic by virtue of its silica content as compared with areas where the excavation may be in limestone or other softer material. Exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust during construction activities can cause serious or fatal respiratory disease. Work involving machinery, such as road construction work, can generate substantial amounts of dust; such work generally produces gross particulate emissions. These dust particles range between 0.005 and 100 micrometres (p)in size, but only those with a diameter of less than 10 pm (known as PMIO) are inhalable and penetrate into the tracheobronchial area of the respiratory tract. Respirable particulates of 2-3 pm or less (PM2.5), however, can reach the alveoli of the distal portions of the lungs. PMlO and PM2.5 can cause various acute or chronic problems, such as initation, bronchial spasms, coughing, expectoration, infections, and cancer. Increases in hospitalization and mortality usually go hand in hand with higher atmospheric particulate concentrations. TABLE 60. DUST, MATRIX OF HEALTH IMPACT. - Nature of stressor: Dust from the circulation of vehicles and from excavation, blasting and crushing activities. - Impact on the environment: Unhealthy conditions. - Affected areas: Perimeter of dirt roads used for transit of material and personnel, construction and mining sites where excavation, blasting and crushing activities take place. - Control measures: Dust control through regular watering of access roads, use of respiratory protective equipment by workers closely involved in excavation, blasting and crushing activities. - Standards or recommendations: 25 for PMlo and 15 for PM2.5(in dm3).* - Effects on health: Issues related to hygiene; various respiratory problems, some of them severe (silicosis), which may result into increased hospitalization and mortality. - Population at risk: Communities in the perimeter of dirt roads used for transit, drivers and workers involved in excavation, blasting and crushing activities. - Probability of occurrence: Occasional to frequent. - BiologicaVenvironmental monitoring indicators: Complaints, levels of atmospheric
It was previously demonstrated that diseases of the respiratory system constitute one of the major pathology group in the study population. Consequently, particular attention should be given to the correct implementation of the control measures recommended in Table 60.
~ .-~---.-. - .~ ~ -- .. . Metolong Dam ESlA Final. February 2008 1 i E '%kSMEC ,n ASSoCallor, wllh FM Assoclales (Lesothoi and Soulhern Wafers 15odlh Africa, Combustion gases (Table 61) The principal pollutants generated by combustion engines are carbon dioxide (C02), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). CO is an odourless gas that, when inhaled, reduces our body's ability to use oxygen. Health effects associated with relatively low-level, short-term exposure to COinclude decreased athletic performance and aggravated cardiac symptoms. At the levels typically found in large cities, CO may increase hospital admissions for cardiac diseases, and there is also evidence of an association with premature deaths. NOx include a number of gases that are composed of oxygen and nitrogen. In the presence of sunlight these substances can transform into acidic air pollutants such as nitrate particles. Nitrogen oxides play a key role in the formation of smog (ground-level ozone). At elevated. levels, NOx can impair lung function, irritate the respiratory system, and, at very high levels, make breathing difficult, especially for people who already suffer from asthma or bronchitis. VOCs are a group of carbon-containing compounds that tend to evaporate quickly at ordinary temperatures. VOCs are present in our atmosphere at very low levels. Generally, VOCs are found in higher concentrations indoors than outdoors. VOCs can react with nitrogen oxides to form ground-level ozone. Thousands of natural and synthetic chemicals are VOCs, including benzene, which is a natural component of crude oil and petroleum products. Some VOCs are carcinogenic, such as formaldehyde and benzene, and some are initants as a group of precursors to ozone. TABLE 61. COMBUSTION GASES; MATRIX OF HEALTH I MPACT. - Nature of stressor: Combustion gases from heavy construction machinery and vehicles. - Impact on the environment: Air pollution in general. Specifically: - CO: negligible - C02: greenhouse effect - NO,: toxicity - VOCs: toxicity - Affected areas: Primarily the perimeter of the roads used for transit of material and personnel, construction and mining sites. Global effects. - Control measures: Limitation of exposure time in general. Specif cally: - CO: combustion control - C02: reduction of use of fossil fuels - NO,: antipollution systems (catalytic reduction) - VOCs: increase in combustion performance - Standards or recommendations:* - CO: 15 mg/m3 (8h maximum acceptable level) - C02: Kyoto commitments (1997) - NO,: 200 pg/m"or NO2 (24h maximum acceptable concentration) - VOCs: 15 mg/m3 for benzene - Effects on health: - CO: increase percentage of carboxyhemoglobin - C02: climate change - NO,: irritation of respiratory tract - VOCs: imtation of respiratory tract - Population at risk: Primarily the truck drivers, the workers spending long hours in the proximity of combustion engines and, to a small extent, the population living in the perimeter of the access roads. Global effects. - Probability of occurrence: Rare to frequent. - Biological/environmental monitoring indicators: Complaints, ambient air concentration, carboxyhemoglobinemia in the case of CO. *Recommendations based on Canadian environmental standards. Chlorine and Other Water Treatment Chemicals Various products and chemicals may be utilized during the water treatment process such as flocculants, coagulants, lime, algaecides, etc. However, the rnain product used for disinfection is chlorine and this is the one that has the highest hazard potential. Liquefied chlorine gas is supplied -- . ~ ~ Metolong Dam ESlA Final Februa:y 2008 1 15 @asMEcn Association iMlh FM Associares iLesothol and Southern Waters (South Alrlcai in large (900 kg) pressurized containers. The gas is withdrawn from the cylinder and isdosed into water by a chlorinator, which both controls and measures the gas flow rate. For reasons of security, most of the conduction system of the chlorinator usually functions under negative pressure in order to prevent leakages. Exposure may lead to eye and skin imtation, respiratory tract lesions, and impairment of lung function. While the main focus here is chlorine, the matrix of health impacts (Table 62) also applies to other chemicals used for water treatment. TABLE 62. HANDLING OF CHLORINE AND WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS: MATRIX OF HEALTH IMPACTS - Nature of stressor: Chlorine used for water disinfection. Other chemicals and products used for water treatment. - Impact on the environment: Toxic. - Affected areas: Storage area of chlorine gas cylinders and chlorinator area. Area of storage and use of chemicals and products used for water treatment. - Control measures: Use of gloves, safety goggles and protective clothing. Good ventilation of storage area. Good maintenance of storage facilities and distribution devices such as chlorinator. Safety measures to prevent access by unauthorised personnel. Installation of eye irrigators and showers in areas of storage and manipulation of chemicals. In case of accidental exposure: - Inhalation: Give fresh air, keep affected individual in half-upright position, refer for medical attention. - Eyes: First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention. - Skin: First rinse with plenty of water, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention. - Standards or recommendations: Chlorine: TDI=I 50 @kg of body weight; air emission limits= 0.1 ppm; IDLH=lO ppm.* - Effects on health: Chlorine: - Inhalation: Cough, headache, laboured breathing, nausea, shortness of breath - Eyes: Redness and pain - Skin: Redness and pain - Population at risk: Workers at the water treatment plant. - Probability of occurrence: Rare. I - ~iolo~icaI/environmenb~monitoring indicators: Smell, evidence of leakage. I *TDI=Tolerable daily intake as per WHO guidelines. Air emission limits and IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) values as per Canadian environmental standards.
6.2.3.13.2Emissions to water Emissions to water specific to the construction phase of the project will mostly involve the potential pollution of the underground and river waters through emissions to soils discussed in the next section of this report. During the operation phase, emissions to water are mainly concerned with the chemical and biological quality of the water distributed for consumption, as well as changes in the water impounded within the reservoir and released downstream of the dam. These may result in changes in the risk of water-borne, water-washed and vector-borne diseases including diarrhoea1 diseases, typhoid, hepatitis and toxic cyano-bacterial blooms. The potential for the emergence of malaria and schistosomiasis also need to be discussed. Drinking-water (Table 63) According to the water quality survey report, "the factors most likely to be affecting water quality in the stream are animal and human wastes and sediment inputs. It is unlikely that there will be other significant chemical inputs unless fertilisers or pesticides are used on the ploughed lands. Phosphorus loading could be boosted by the use of detergents used for washing clothes in the stream but the overall quantities will be small. Growths of filamentous algae in the water at one of the sampling sites suggest that some nutrient enrichment is taking place."
- ~ . ~ ~~- . ~ ~ - ~ - ~ ~ ... ". ~ .-- ~.~ ~- Mstoong Dam ESIA: F~nalFebruary 201)e ? 18 '1e(p6"'SMEctn ksoiiat~on with iMkssocfales (Lesolhor and boulhern Waters 'Soulll Afrlcal The same report states that "the water chemistry results show that the water entering the dam basin is of moderately good quality in most regards. Almost all of the determinants measured comply with the South African Department of Water Affairs and Forestry norms for domestic use and aquatic ecosystems (DWAF, 1996a and 1996b). the Lesotho draft water quality guidelines (Otieno, 1998), and the South African Bureau of Standards norms. Given that the water is flowing out of a mountainous area with essentially no industrial or formal urban development, this was to be expected. There are, however. a number of results which indicate chemical concentrations, or other parameters, that are not within the norms for domestic use." Total coliforms and E. coli counts were very significantly above all acceptable norms in the samples taken from the Phuthiatsana river, which indicates a risk of water-borne infectious diseases to consumers should the water treatment be ineffective. Infectious diseases that are potentially water-borne are numerous and include: bacterial and viral gastroenteritis from various agents including E. coli and rotaviruses, salmonellosis (typhoid), shigellosis, hepatitis A and E, amoebiasis, giardiasis, etc. While many bacteria are sensitive to standard chlorine disinfection, viruses tend to be moderately resistant, and protozoa highly resistant. However, the coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation and filtration processes also have the potential to remove the majority of these micro-organisms. TABLE 63. CONSUMPTION OF DRINKING-WATER CHEMICALS AND CONTAMINANTS: MATRIX OF HEALTH IMPACT. - Nature of stressor: Chlorine used for water disinfection. Other chemicals and products used for water treatment. Biological contaminants of drinking-water (viruses, bacteria, protozoa, toxins). - Impact on the environment: Toxicity and threat to health. - Affected areas: Water distribution network. - Control measures: Constant monitoring of concentration of chemicals used for water treatment and of potential biological contaminants. Maintenance of water distribution network to prevent leakages and recontamination of treated water. Restriction of access of the population and animals to the water in the reservoir. - Standards or recommendations:* - Chlorine: max. 100mgIl. For effective disinfection, there should be a residual concentration of free chlorine of 20.5mgA after at least 30 minute contact time at pH-S.0. - Total coliforms: 0-5/100ml - Faecal coliform: 0/100ml - Coliphages: 0-11100ml - Microcystin: 0-0.8pg/l - Iron:O-O.lmg/l - Effects on health: - Chlorine: Objectionable taste, nausea and vomiting (at very high concentrations) - Total coliform: If high, increased risk of infectious disease transmission - Faecal coliform: If high, increased risk of infectious disease transmission - Coliphages: If high, increased risk of viral infections (gastroenteritis, hepatitis, poliomyelitis and respiratory illness) - Microcystin: Gastroenteritis, hepatotoxicity - Iron: At the highest level detected in one of the sample, it could result in a slight alteration in the taste of the water and slight health effects in young children and sensitive individuals. - Population at risk: All consumers. - Probability of occurrence: Very rare to rare. - Biological/environmental monitoring indicators: Physical characteristics of drinking-water, water concentration of chemicals and biological contaminants, epidemiological surveillance. *Based on South African water quality guidelines. The water quality report also states that the concentration of phosphate at one of the sampling sites more than trebled after the rainfall event which indicates that the material was washed off the land. Phosphates form part of the chemical fertilisers used in agriculture. "While the levels would be considered low for some developed areas, there is some cause for concern in regard to the
-- ~ .- . - ~ - ~ ~ ~ -- ~ .~ ~~ &ib> Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2008 -: ! 5 x'F4&SMEC n Assocnalion wlh FM Associates iLesofho1 and Southern Waters !South Airtca) behaviour of the future water body as phosphorus can be a key nutrient for algal blooms." Cyanobacteria, a kind of algae, are known to produce toxins (i.e. cyanotoxins) a number of which are of concern for health. There is wide variation in their toxicity which may affect the liver (hepatotoxins), the nervous system (neurotoxins) or may act as irritants or inflammatory agents. The cyanotoxins occurring most frequently in elevated concentrations seem to be microcystins and cylindrospermopsin. The water quality report indicates that "the algal counts were generally low and that none of the species observed are considered to have any particular nuisance value and there would seem to be no cause for concern in relation to the algae observed". Considerations regarding the dynamics of the water in the reservoir also support the conclusion that blooms of cyanobacteria and other algae are unlikely, and suggest that "the water will, in effect, be largely purified by the time it reaches the off-take works at the wall and so should require little by way of sterilisation in the treatment process." Nonetheless, surveillance is still recommended as the situation may evolve over time. No analysis was made on the level of pesticides that could be present in the water, but these are not likely to be in high amounts due to the fact that there are no large commercial agricultural enterprises in the catchment area. Finally, the analysis indicates high level of iron in the water, as most of the samples were above the maximum recommended level of 0.1 mg/l, one of them as high as 1 -61mg/l. While this is a source of concern, the reason for this is not known and the fluctuations or not of these levels over time still has to be demonstrated. Besides the alteration of taste, serious effects to health are likely only at very high concentrations. Water in the reservoir and below the dam The expected characteristics of the water in the reservoir have already been discussed above. The risk for water-borne infectious diseases for anyone consuming that water untreated would be fairly high but probably no different than what is current is now at baseline. The quality of the water downstream of the dam is, however, likely to be significantly modified by the dam. In accordance with the water quality report, "it is likely that the water flowing from the dam outlets will be of a better quality than that which enters the system. It will be sediment-poor and will have very much lower coliform counts. Temperatures will be roughly similar and, depending on the state of mixing in the reservoir basin, nutrients will also probably be low at most times. For these reasons, the river below the dam will be in good condition providing that environmental water releases are sustained." On the other hand, "the foregoing will not apply if the water releases are from the base of the wall. The water from that area is likely to be nutrient rich, anaerobic, cold, and possibly with a high suspended solids load." Consequently, for the point of view of public health, it would be much preferable for the populations downstream of the dam if the environmental water releases were sustained and originating from the dam outlets. There is a need to consider here the impact the project is likely to have on vector-borne diseases. Those that are most often quoted in relation to dam construction are malaria, schistosomiasis. No malaria transmission has been reported in Lesotho to date. Lesotho finds itself outside the malaria endemic regions of Africa due both to its Southern latitude and its high altitude which is unsuitable to the malaria transmitting anopheles mosquitoes. Consequently, it is highly unlikely that the project under consideration could result in the disease being introduced in the area. Schistosomiasis is a blood fluke infection. The form transmitted in Southern Africa is Schistosomiasis haematobium through the intermediate snail host Bulinus africanus. The potential for this affection was studied in relation to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the establishment of the disease in the country was judged improbable- These findings were based on the Phase 1A Baseline Epidemiological Survey, the lack of historical evidence of schistosomiasis transmission in Lesotho, and the physiological indication that the intermediate snail hosts would not survive, nor the parasite develop, in the low temperatures in the water-resource development area.35 The conditions of the Metolong dam being similar and no case of schistosomiasis having been reported to date in Lesotho, even after the construction of the Mohale and Katse dam, the same conclusions are maintained.
.- ..~ Metolong Dam ESlA Final February 2006 12a <@$SMEC In Assoc#atdor,stth FM 4ssoc1al~sIL~solhoi and Southern Wa1e.s ISouth Atnce! 6.2.3.13.3 Emissions to soil Emissions to soil relate mostly to the disposal of oils, chemicals, solid waste and waste water. These hazards will be most significant during the construction phase of the project. While those risks apply to a much lesser degree to the operation phase, the issue of the sludge drying beds will also be addressed. Non-biological wastes (Table 64) The machinery and vehicles used during the construction phase will result in the manipulation of a large amount of gasoline, diesel oil, oils and other petroleum products and chemicals. It is necessary that such products and waste products be disposed of in an appropriate manner so that they don't spill into the soil and contaminate the ground water and water courses. Managing issues related to used oil and hazardous waste in Lesotho is currently under the responsibility of the National Environment Secretariat in accordance with the Lesotho Environment Act No. 15.2001. The works will also result in a significant amount of construction debris that should be recovered. TABLE 64. NON-BIOLOGICAL WASTES: MATRIX OF HEALTH IMPACT. - Nature of stressor: Non-biological liquid and solid wastes mainly generated during the construction phase including oils, various petroleum products and other chemical, and construction debris. - Impact on the environment: Pollution, unhealthy conditions, loss of aesthetics. - Affected areas: Construction sites vicinity and access roads. - Control measures: Recovery of waste materials, restoration of site. - Standards or recommendations: None. - Effects on health: On contact: skin diseases/conditions (dermatitis, skin sensitisation, eczema, etc.) caused by chemicals (brake fluids, gasoline, diesel oils, oils, etc.). - Population at risk: Workers manipulating the petroleum products and other chemicals. Local population if wastes not recovered. - Probability of occurrence: Occasional. - BiologicaVenvironmental monitoring indicators: Complaints. Biological wastes The presence of over 200 workers on the project site will generate biological waste (solid waste and waste water). It is imperative that adequate sanitary facilities be installed and that the removal of solid waste and waste water be done in a way that does not risk to contaminate the environment. WHO recommends the following measures to ensure basic hygiene and sanitary workplace conditions: There are sufficient toilets for both men and women with complete sanitary fixtures; Safe and clean potable water is available for drinking and hand washing. Sanitary detergents are provided; r An adequate amount of water is available for washing facilities and sanitation; r Workplaces are regularly cleaned, with proper management of garbage disposal (liquid, solid and recyclable waste) according to health standards. Sludge disposal Water treatment sludge is defined as "the accumulated solids or precipitate removed from a sedimentation basin, settling tank, or clarifier in a water treatment plant". The accumulated solids are the result of chemical coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation of raw water. In the past, the sludges were discharged into a water source, like a river or a lake. Nowadays, the sludges are processed for ultimate disposal such as land filling or land application. In the current project, sludge drying beds of approximate surface area 20ha will be developed in the proximity of the water treatment plant. Sludge drying beds should not be allowed to degenerate and become an environmental risk. A well managed programme of disposal should be designed and implemented, including the possibility of spreading of the sludge over croplands on an annual basis where they could act as a fertilizer. - . - - - .. -. -- . - -- .- .- ... - .. - Meloionj Dam ESIA Final: Fsbruary 2008 '-$,L. @@SM'C I, Assoctal80n with Fhl Assoctales ILeSOthOi and So~lhernW eltrs (South Pirical 6.2.3.1 3.4 Nuisance This category includes primarily the noise generated at the quarry, crusher site, construction sites and on the access roads during the construction phase. During the operation phase, the main concern will be with respect to potential changes in the level of biting flies and mosquitoes. Noise (Table 65) The feasibility study describes well two major sources of noise: "There are two areas expected to generate a high level of noise, the crusher site and dam site. For the dam site, which is confined in the bottom of the river between riverbanks, there is a natural barrier (riverbanks) with a height of about 200-300m between project activities and the villages. In addition one of the reasons for selecting the chosen site has been to avoid the direct vicinity of villages. Therefore it is not anticipated that there will be a noise impact from the dam site on public health. The crusher site will however be a major noise-generating site. The crushers might generate around 120 dB(A) at source." Further to these two major sources, the circulation of traffic on access roads and the various construction and excavation sites outside the dam and crusher area also need to be taken into consideration. Noise is the environmental nuisance most likely to be harmful to public health.~oiseis generally defined as any acoustic energy capable of altering the physical or psychological well-being of individuals. The measurement rnost often used is the average equivalent sound pressure level (Leq) per unit time (e.g. 24 hours). A logarithmic decibel scale is used for this measurement; in other words, the noise intensity doubles with any increase of 3 decibels (dB). WHO recommends an outdoor noise limit of 55 dBA Leq during the day and 45 dBA Leq during the night. A nuisance sound level above 55 dBA in a residential area is considered to be seriously annoying. However, in industrial areas or work environments, a level of 75 dBA Leq (8 hours) is considered acceptable. TABLE 65. NOISE: MATRIX OF HEALTH IMPACT - Nature of stressor: Noise. - Impact on the environment: Health conditions. - Affected areas: Vicinity of crushing plant and construction sites, perimeter of access roads. - Control measures: Crushing plant to be located at least lOOOm from human agglomerations, use of hearing protection equipment for exposed workers, limitation of circulation of trucks between 7 h00 and 19h00. - Standards or recommendations: Leq 45 dBA (night) and 55 dBA (day). (WHO Guidelines) - Effects on health: Loss of quality of life and sleep, stress. Headache, hearing loss for workers. - Population at risk: Population in the vicinity of access roads, construction, excavation or crushing sites. Truck drivers, workers working in proximity of crushing plant and close to heavy machinery. - Probability of occurrence: Occasional to frequent. - BiologicaVenvironmental monitoring indicators: Complaints, ambient noise measurements, medical monitoring for workers. Noise and vibration overexposures are prevalent in the construction trades. It is not uncommon for task noise exposures (e.g., brealung concrete pavement with a pneumatic drill) to be well in excess of 100 decibels (dB) - i.e., levels that should preclude work durations (with unprotected ears) of more than a few minutes (or less) per day. For heavy truck drivers, exposure to prolonged engine noise of high amplitude (>80 dBA) and/or low frequency, can result in early (severe headache) or delayed (e.g., hearing loss) detrimental effects. For the public, excessive exposure to noise can lead to sleep interference, communication difficulties, effects on the performance and behaviour of students and a feeling of annoyance that undermines quality of life. Biting flies and mosquitoes Biting flies and mosquitoes were reported by 63% the local population as being highly or very highly imtant when in season. Fortunately, these insects are mostly only a nuisance since such diseases as West Nile fever and Rift Valley fever, while present on the African continent do not appear to bet yet a public health problem in Lesotho, and the country is free from malaria. It is important that the project does not exacerbate the already high prevalence of biting flies and . - .. . ,- .- - .. SM~ Metolong Darr ESIA Final. Feoruaiy 2008 122 (@a. ~nAssoc1a141 wlth FM Assoclales :Lesotho! and Soulhern Wale.$ (South Alnca) mosquitoes in the area. Strategies for the management of dams have been described that may reduce the breeding sites of these insects. The WHO recommends: use of a greater than standard diameter of off-takes to allow the rapid draw-down of the reservoir, allowing both a rapid drop in shoreline water levels (stranding and killing mosquito vectors, provided no pool formation occurs) and an artificial flood down stream that will flush out any vector breeding places in rock pools; minimising low flow zones in artificial channel networks to minimise habitats for the propagation of vectors; concrete lining of imgation canals to reduce seepage, save water and prevent pools of standing water where mosquito propagate. It should not be thought that because few villages are in the immediate vicinity of the reservoir, the population will be outside the range of biting insects that may develop on its margins or downstream of the dam. Simulid blackflies have been shown to have a local movement of up lOkm and Culicine mosquitoes of up to 8 km.
6.2.3.13.5 Technical disaster scenarios The first disaster scenario that is reviewed here is dam failure. The second scenario involved fire, explosion and chemical spill, and focus mainly on the storage area of water treatment chemical, particularly the gaseous chlorine. Dam failure (Table 66) Dam failure is defined by the International Commission on Large Dams as the "collapse or movement of part of a dam or its foundation, so that the dam cannot retain water." In general, a failure results in the release of large quantities of water, posing serious risks for the people or property downstream. The findings of a recent global compilation of information about the failure of dams by ICOLD are as follows: TABLE 66. DAM FAILURE: MATRIX OF HEALTH IMPACT. - Nature of stressor: Dam failure. - Impact on the environment: Destruction of terrestrial and aquatic habitats. - Affected areas: Downstream of the dam (up to tens of kilometres away). - Control measures: Regular dam inspection, preparation of emergency plan, access control. - Standards or recommendations: NIA. - Effects on health: Injury, trauma, death. - Population at risk: Communities downstream of the dam, particularly those on the banks. - Probability of occurrence: Very rare. I - Bialogic.Venvironmenh1monitoring indicators: Public safety reports, regular inspections. ( the failure rate of large dams built since 1951 is less than 0.5% most failures involve newly built dams (70% in the first 10 years of life) foundation problems are the most common cause of failure in concrete dams, with internal erosion and insufficient shear strength of the foundation each accounting for 21 % of failures. The main aspects that should be taken into consideration when monitoring dam safety are damage caused to dams by erosion, internal hydraulic leaks, and static pressure from earthquakes. In this day and age, issues of security and protection against individuals and organizations with malicious intents need also to be taken into consideration. Downstream Flooding (Table 67) The proposed large dam has the capacity to alter flood events downstream both in terms of duration and extent of flooding depending on how storage levels in the reservoir are managed and what flow releases are made. Experience from the LHWP (Katse and Mohale dams) suggests the need for flood management provision in dam operating procedures.
~ - ...... ~ . .- .-.... -. ~ ~etu~ong[jam ESIA Final February 2008 sns.-Q MEC 1- Assnc~al$onwith FM ASSOc#alEI(Lc3so:huJ and Southern Wa!ers i~outt,Africa! TABLE 67. DOWNSTREAM FLOODING: MATRIX OF HEALTH IMPACTS - Nature of stressor: Increased flooding downstream of Metolong Dam. - Impact on the environment: Increased channel scouring and loss of instreamlriparian habitat. - Affected areas: Downstream of the dam (up to tens of kilometres away). - Control measures: Flood management provision in dam operating procedures. - Standards or recommendations: NIA. - Effects on health: Injury, trauma, death. - Population at risk: Communities downstream of the dam, particularly those on the banks. - Probability of occurrence: Likely. - BiologicaUenvironmental monitoring indicators: Public safety reports, auditing of dam operating rules and flow releases. Fire, explosion and chemical spill While fire and explosions could possibly occur at several sites, it is the storage area of the water treatment chemical that poses the greatest possible threat, especially with respect to gaseous chlorine, which is the most toxic of the chemicals being used and is kept in large pressurized containers. It is important that safety measures be in place to prevent such accidents that could have serious consequence for the environment and for human lives. Table 68 summarizes the potential health impact. TABLE 68. FIRE, EXPLOSION, CHEMICAL SPILL: MATRIX OF HEALTH IMPACTS. - Nature of stressor: Fire, explosion, chemical spill of water treatment chemical, especially chlorine. - Impact on the environment: Smoke deposits, destruction, contamination. - Affected areas: Site and perimeter. - Control measures: Installation of automatic fire control devices in chemical storage areas, preparation of emergency plan, containment and collection measures. - Standards or recommendations: Emergency measures planning. - Effects on health: Respiratory irritation, asphyxia, bums, trauma, death. - Population at risk: Workers. - Probability of occurrence: Very rare. I - Biologieal/environmental monitoring indicators: Morbidity and mortality reports. 6.2.3.13.6Other determinants of health and quality of life This section examines other determinants of health and quality of life besides the biophysical stressors such as health and other relevant services, personal health practices, physical environment, child development and quality of life.
6.2.3.13.6.1 Health and other relevant services Access to safe drinking-water and sanitation Access to safe drinking-water is essential to health, a basic human right and a component of effective policy for health protection. The major health impact of this project is without any doubt the benefits that hundreds of thousands of people will enjoy as a consequence of the provision of an increased supply of safe drinking-water to the towns of Maseru, Teyateyaneng, Roma and Mazenod. Those at greatest risk of waterborne diseases, and who will consequently benefit most of a regular supply of safe drinking-water, include infants and young children, people who are debilitated or living in unsanitary conditions and the elderly. All the risks associated with the project should be weighted against this major positive health impact. Some of the benefits of the provision of safe drinking-water include:
r improved health, r direct expenditures to the health sector and to the individuals avoided due to less illness,
Metolong Dsrr ESlA Funst February 2OOe 124 @i%SM'C 4, Assoastlon w~thFM Assocfales (Lesotho1and Southern Waters (South Alrtcai income gained due to days lost from work avoided, days of school absenteeism avoided, productive parent days lost avoided due to less child illness, value of loss-of-life avoided, 'convenience' time savings due to shortened water collection time, productivity effect of improved health, costs avoided due to reduced reliance on expensive water sources (such as vendors) or on unsafe water purification methods, due to increased availability of cheaper water and phasing out of hazardous methods of water purification such as boiling, increased property value, economic benefits related to options for labour-saving devices and increased water access (e.g. washing machine, small business possibilities, etc.). This is not to say that the chemical treatment of the water is without any risk. Such risks are considered, however, to be greatly overweighed by the enormous benefits that safe drinking-water provides, as already mentioned above. As a mitigation measure to the populations on which the project will impact in several ways, it is proposed that the project assist in the installation, maintenance or upgrading of small gravity water system in the surrounding villages mostly through spring capture as has been widely practiced with success in Lesotho. This will permit the local population to enjoy the benefit of safe drinking- water and will compensate in some ways for the reduced access to the river that the project will entail. The primary target should be the 21% of the local population at 30 minutes or more from a water source. In addition to this, a programme for the promotion of VIP latrines should be implemented targeting the 53% in the local population that was found to be without adequate sanitation facilities. This will not only improve the living conditions of the population but will contribute to reduce the level of contamination of the water of the reservoir. Access to health services The current availability of health services in the project area has already been analysed in Section 4.2 of this report. It was demonstrated that about 75% of the local population has good access to health services, in terms of distance to the nearest primary care unit, while the remaining 25% can be considered to have moderately good access. Consequently, the building of new health clinics in the area was not recommended, but rather the upgrading of the services in terms of supplementary training for the local nurses, the provision of a wider range of the medical services, the enhancement of laboratory services and transportation means, as well as the availability of periodical consultations by qualified physicians. This can be considered a form of mitigation for the various health risks that the project will generate, especially during the construction phase. This obviously does not preclude the establishment of a first aid unit at the main construction site itself, a service which is necessary given the large size of the workforce. For health services that go beyond first aid, the managers of the project can make special arrangements with one of the already existing clinics and provide the needed upgrades. This will then benefit both the workforce and the local population.
6.2.3.1 3.6.2 Personal health practices One of the major health concerns related to the project is its potential to significantly increase the spread of HIVIAIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the local population and among the workers, There is no doubt that the mobilization of a large workforce over a period of about 30 months will bring about an intensification of sexual activity in the area and will see an increase in the number of active sex workers. This will happen in an environment where 24% of the population aged 1549 years has been shown to be HIV positive. The already high risk is compounded by insufficient knowledge and inadequate behaviours. As was previously analysed in Section 4.5.5 of this report, 21% of respondents during the socioeconomic survey said that they had no knowledge about HIVIAIDS. While 68% of respondents knew that HIVIAIDS is mostly spread
------.- - -- Hi%\ Melolong Dam ESlA Final Fsbruary PO08 i25 wwSMEC I, ASEDCI~~on a~tb FM Assoc~ales(Lesothoi and Soulhern Walrrs South Atr~cai through unprotected sexual intercourse, there was also a high prevalence of incorrect beliefs as 37% thought the virus could be transmitted through the use of utensils and 23% via ordinary social contacts. While a perception of higher risk for youth than for adults was expressed, 11% of respondents said that youth in their village were at no risk of contracting HIVIAIDS and 20% said that adults were at not risk. A positive note can however be found in the fact that 83% of the respondents knowing about HIVIAIDS stated that they believed the risk of HIVIAIDS transmission would be increased for youth during the construction phase of the project, and 66% believed it would be increased for adults too (see Table 69). TABLE 69. PERCEIVED CHANGE IN THE RISK OF CONTRACTING HlVlAlDS ONCE THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE OF THE PROJECT HAS STARTED. Level of perceived change in risk of Risk for youth Risk for adults contracting HIVIAIDS Very increased 74.2% 38.4% Somehow increased 9.0% 27.8% Same as current risk 0.8% 11.4% Reduced 0.0% 0.5% Nonexistent (no risk) 1.8% 7.4% Don't know 14.2% 14.6% *Data from 380 respondents in the reservoir area or slightly below the proposed site for the dam who stated having heard of HIV/AIDS. Respondents are mostly adult head of households or their spouses, 63% of which are women. It is proposed that mitigations for this increased HIVIAIDS and ST1 risk during the construction phase of the project include: The implementation of an extensive HIVlAIDS and ST1 education campaign among the local population, targeting not only youth but adults as well. Such a campaign should be initiated immediately, well before the start of the construction phase. It should be complemented by increased access to condoms in the area as well as to voluntary counselling and testing. The implementation of a comprehensive and on-going HIVIAIDS and ST1 education campaign targeting all workers hired for the project, both local and international. It should be complemented by easy access to condoms at the workplace as well as to voluntary counselling and testing. The implementation of a well thought and effective HIVIAIDS and ST1 education campaign among sex workers. Such a campaign should be initiated immediately and pursued throughout the construction phase of the project as a constant flux of individuals involved in this activity is expected. It should be complemented by increased access to condoms specifically targeted for this group as well as voluntary counselling and testing, together with improved access to medical services. The upgrading of all the local health clinics serving the local population in terms of training for the local nurses specifically focused on the diagnosis and treatment of ST1 and HIVIAIDS, the uninterrupted availability of Rapid HIV testing and of AIDS counsellors, the increased accessibility to complementary laboratory tests provided by central laboratories, as well as the availability of periodical consultations by qualified physicians. These measures should encompass both the public and private health sector. The establishment by the project managers of a strong, well publicized, effectively applied and closely monitored zero-tolerance policy in accordance with which workers and service providers seeking sexual favours in exchange for project related benefits will be banned for the remaining duration of the construction phase.
6.2.3.1 3.7Physical environment Workers will be exposed to a number of number of biophysical stressors (e.g. noise, dust, chemicals, construction material, solid waste, waste water), several of which have already been
-previously addressed in this report. While the majority-. of these stressors relate to the construction
~ Melolong Dam ESlA Final : February 20M 126 <@$'ME n Assoc~at~onwtth FM Assoclales LLesothoj and Southern Vl'sters !South Afrissi phase when they may put at risk a large number of individuals, some of them will continue into the operation phase of the project when the number of employees will be considerably reduced. It is essential that the official regulations regarding occupational health be applied by the managers of the project and monitored by the relevant public authorities in order to ensure the safety and well- being of the workers. Other issues relate to the increased risk to the residents of road accidents during the construction phase, as well as general issues of social disruption and public security, as well as the physical risk constituted by a large body of water, all of which were mentioned as concerns during consultations with representatives of the local population. Road signs need to be put in place and the speed of vehicles controlled. As already indicated, heavy traffic should be restricted to the day period for reasons of security and the restful sleep of the inhabitants. This implies an increased presence of the police who will also be required to control issues related to public security (assaults, theft, etc.) which are expected to become more prevalent during the construction period. It is consequently recommended that the project contributes to the improvement of the local police services in the area both in terms of personnel and equipment. As regards the concern of drowning, fences and warning signs will need to be put in place at strategic points around the reservoir. This will not only reduce the risk of water related accidents but will also reduce contamination of the water by humans and animals. Fencing could be supplemented by water safety training and education programs in schools and communities.
6.2.3.13.8Child development By reason of their increased susceptibilities, and because of the long term and profound effects that both noxious and beneficial exposures to the embryo and small child potentially have over the entire life of the individual, children deserve special attention during any health impact assessment. Consequently, the intent of this section is to summarize the positive and negative impacts that the project is expected to have on child development. The increased access to safe drinking-water will undoubtedly have an enormous beneficial influence on the foetus and the small child in the recipient population. The reduced number of illness episodes that will be experienced by pregnant women benefiting from this essential service, as well as the improve hygiene and reduced workload related to fetching water will all directly and indirectly contribute to a better development of the foetus. The use of safe drinking-water is also associated with fewer diarrhoea1 and other infectious episodes in small children, episodes that have been well demonstrated to be related to malnutrition. As regards the population living in the proposed area of the dam, possible impacts for children will be mostly experienced during the construction period. While the loss of agriculture land may result in a more limited diet for some households which could translate into higher levels of child malnutrition, it seems likely that the financial benefits of the project in terms of job creations and compensations will counterweight this negative impact and generally result in diet improvement for the majority of the population and its children. One condition for this to happen is for the local population to be given priority during the recruitment of workers, especially as regards the unskilled and semi-skilled jobs. As it is generally recognized that financial benefits to women often translate into more tangible benefits to the children than when men are employed, the recruitment of women should be given due emphasis by the managers of the project. Children have been shown to be highly vulnerable to respiratory diseases. Consequently, the risks associated with deterioration in air quality parameters during the construction phase will have a greater negative impact on small children than on the adults of the local population. The implementation of the recommended control measures with respect to dust and combustion gases are consequently of special importance to the small children which form 13% of this population. If such measures as well as those related to noise level are duly implemented, the potential negative impact of the project on the development of children will have been largely avoided.
6.2.3.13.9Quality of life This is another broad category to assess the general impacts of the project on the quality of life of the potentially affected populations, bringing together findings already considered under the previous categories and wider issues related to socioeconomic development.
-. ...- ~ Melolong Dam ESIA Final February 2WP 127 *&SMEC I" ASSOCI~~!~~mnithFM Asscclales lifsothb, and Southern Walers :South Atrlcai Once again, there is no doubt that increased access to safe drinking-water is a major contributor to the enhancement of the quality of life of the hundreds of thousand of individuals in the recipient populations. For those living in the vicinity of the dam, the situation is more complex, with a mixture of factors both positive and negative. Elements that will result in a deterioration of the quality of life during the construction phase include such stressors as dust, combustion gases, noise, the increased risk of road traffic accidents, a likely increase in the incidence of HIVIAIDS and STI, a probable deterioration of the general safety conditions in the area, as well as the loss of some resources such as agricultural land, trees, medicinal plants, etc. Negative factors will also exist during the operation phase of the project, such as a more restricted access to the river and an increased difficulty to cross the river and use the services available on the opposite side. Elements contributing positively to the quality of life of the local population are related to compensations that will be paid for the loss of resources, the temporary employment during the construction phase of the project, the expected boom in local businesses during the same period, as well as the long-term improvement of the local road infrastructure. It can be seen from this mixed set of positive and negative elements that the nature of the mitigations measures that will be implemented as well as their efficient application will be a major factor in the balance between an improved or worsened quality of life for the local population.
6.2.3.14 Cultural Heritage Impact on the heritage sites is two fold, the natural deterioration of the sites is something that is continuous and for which most of the rock art will vanish within the next hundred years or so, even under strict observation. The anthropomorphic impact, resulting from continuous occupation of the sites for any reason, part of which carries deliberate de-facing of the art, whether knowingly or otherwise, has accelerated deterioration to the extend that paintings recorded within the gorge in the early 1980s have literally disappeared from existence. Inundation will destroy most of these sites. Disturbance will be limited to the footprint of the development area, mainly at the proposed reservoir area where several important archaeological sites will be permanently inundated. The layout of the construction site will be done according to a Construction Management Plan (CMP) which will form part of the EMP. This will define the extent of the 'working footprint' as well as indicate the construction camp, site office, material storage sites, laydown areas, working area, stockpile sites and waste storage areas. The location of these ancillary works can be more easily changed to avoid impacting on recorded sites of archaeological significance unlike the dam site. Local contractors will be appointed to undertake the construction of the various facilities. These will in turn employ local craftsmen and labourers. It can be expected that at any given time numerous people will be engaged during the various construction phases. Many of the people who will come from far places as job seekers (camp followers) will find housing by squatting in the caves and shelters within the valley, to be close to jobs. This will increase impacts within the shelters by fires, which will further damage rock art which has largely faded naturally anyway. Since the final transmission routes will be determined during final design, it is recommended that the routes be surveyed for any archaeological remains, especially open sites where the routes will be laid across country. Similarly, the places where the pumping stations are proposed have not been surveyed for archaeological presence. It is recommended that these be surveyed once they have been determined. A few older people were interviewed during the archaeological survey and it was evident that sites such as Ntloana Ts'oana and Thapelong have some significance that needs to be documented beyond digital images and or excavations. These types of values contribute to better understanding of pilgrimage and migration of groups of people form one place to another over great distances. Table 44 provides details of the 13 sites affected by the Project. Eleven sites will be permanently lost through inundation. Qebelechane and Thapelong will be indirectly affected due to their precarious location on the edge of a gorge next to a deep body of water making access very dangerous. They will not be accessible to the community for the cultural value associated at the moment. This especially relates to Thapelong, which is visited as a sacred site to connect with
- . .. - . -. - - ~-.. - . . MeIolGng Dam ESA Final. February 2008 ' 2.E @@'ME on Assaclation with FM Associales (Lesotho, and Southern Weters iSoufl8 Africa! ancestors. Thapelong is the place for prayer, but proximity to a deep body of water will make it less accessible for community use. One further site, Lithakong ha Takalatsa, a late iron age open site, is not directly affected by the proposed storage, but it is available for documentation as it is proximal to the gorge and will receive attention as one of the precursors of development in the iron age closest to the dam. This is probably one of the sites preceding development of the current village of ha Seeiso. Its historical significance is similar to that of Ntloana-Tsoana, which is said to have been named after its occupation by the early anivals of the Rasotho in this area, prior to their development of the current villages. Proper documentation of the historical perspective still has to be undertaken when mitigation activities are engaged for rescue works. Significance of the rock art sites is not immediately open to evaluation as the rock art discourse is still debating significance of the art in terms of cultural and religious connotations, especially as the San, who created them, have long vanished from the region. Those descendants, who may still be alive, will not come to the fore, for fear of marginalisation. Every painting is therefore significant in as far as its conservation status, as its true meaning is still unclear in light of the ongoing debate and research on the subject. Significant stoneage sites are few that warrant full excavation. This is because they have already been extensively researched in the international domain, which has recommended further work in order to deepen understanding of behavioural patterns of the middle to late stoneage within the greater Caledon Valley. Ntloana-Tsoana is linked to the Rose Cottage in the eastern Freestate, near Ladybrand and should therefore not be erased from existence without further investigation. The rock shelters within which either stoneage or rock art are located, serve currently as herder refuges at various times during the year, either for winter shelter or during heavy rains. Some of them serve cultural initiation activities interchangeably. Elimination of such assets will deprive the locals of protection during inclement weather and for particular rituals. While these may be replicated elsewhere, the opportunity to house the earlier heritage will be lost permanently.
6.3 Mitigation Measures Mitigation is "the elimination, reduction, or control of a project's adverse environmental effects, including restitution for any damage to the environment caused by such effects through replacement, restoration, compensation, or any other means".
6.3.1 Physical Environment
6.3.1 .I Water Quality
6.3.1 .I .1 Operation Monitoring A water quality monitoring program is proposed: To provide information for optimal management of the dam with respect to the best draw off level to be used for abstraction to the Water Treatment Plant in order to ensure cost effective production of high quality potable water to consumers. To provide information of impending treatment problems such as algal blooms with attendant problems such as production of toxins and taste and odour compounds, as well as high iron and manganese concentrations at 'turnover'. To build up a database of dam water quality that can be used for predictive purposes for optimal management of the Water Treatment Plant. It is suggested that a site situated, preferably within the dam main basin, at a mid-point across the dam width, approximately 100 m from the wall be established by means of anchoring a buoy. If this is not possible, then the dam could be sampled from a midpoint on the wall. This is the least preferred option as water sampled close tothe wall could be compromised by local currents and lessens the value of the data collected.
.-.- - ~ -- -~ .- ~ . .. - - Metolong Dam ESA: Final February 2003 :20 g@asMm(r,Assocatlor- wllh FM Asswales :Lesothc) and Southern Wattrh (South Alrca) To achieve these objectives, the monthly monitoring program outlined in Table 70 is suggested for the Metolong Dam: TABLE 70. WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM
Determinand Purpose To choose the optimal abstraction level and Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen readings to follow stratification patterns. establish profiles at 2 m intervals from the To warn the WTP of impending turnover and surface to below the lowest abstraction point. associated potential iron and manganese ~roblems. Total algal count and genera. To detect algal blooms and identify If not possible, then minimally at least problematic genera for treatment.
pH Information for treatment. Turbidity Information for treatment. Total Iron and manganese Information for treatment. 1 Soluble Reactive Phosphate To follow pollution trends. I Total Phosphorus To follow pollution trends. To follow pollution trends and as a warning for treatment. Additionally, it is suggested that the South Phuthiatsana River inflow to the dam also be sampled on a monthly basis in order to follow pollution trends in the catchment that may be addressed and possibly remedied. The data could also be used for predictive purposes. The minimum analyses suggested for this sample point are: Turbidity Soluble Reactive Phosphate Total Phosphorus E. coli At present rates, the costs for the above monitoring tasks would be of the following order for the monthly programme: Water analyses for the dam = M450 Water analyses for the river = M200 Total M650 Labour/travelling costs are additional and would be in the order of M4,Oto M8,500 depending on whether the sampling could be undertaken by local (Lesotho) or South African based technicians.
6.3.1.1.2 Recom mendations Concerning Management of the Area Around the Dam Landscape Landuse pattern As is the case with any river, the South Phuthiatsana River is a product of its riparian zone and catchment. Observations made in the course of this study indicate that these areas are generally in very poor condition (Landscape Classes C or D) due to poor management practices and over exploitation of resources. At every sampling site, note was made of the degraded environment and the pattern of landuses in the landscape was found as mapped in Figure 19. It contains the following elements: Almost all of the land that is flat enough for cultivation has been used for this purpose. Given the structured topography of the landscape, this means that almost all of the land between the margins of the major drainage line valleys and the steep slopes of ridges at the top of the catchment area is under cultivation. Where there is flat land on the valley floors. it too is used for agriculture. This whole agrarian area is termed the Cultivation Zone.
Mernlong Darn €SIP F~nalFebruary ZOO0 eQSMEcon Assozlalwl wllll FM AYocale5 liesothi! en0 Souther, Water? (South Alrtcal The second zone is a strip between the rivers and streams, and the cultivated areas, in which the natural vegetation is partially intact. It is in this area that livestock is grazed and so it is termed the Grazing Zone. There is the additional advantage that the animals are relatively near to water although there are concomitant impacts in that animal wastes are dropped in or near the water and the riparian zone and any wetlands are badly trampled and eroded. The villages or other settlements are often in a strip near the edges of the valleys, usually within the Grazing Zone, and which is termed the Residential Zone. Presumably this distribution was linked in the past to the need to be close to the water supply. However, it has the downside that wastes from the sites are relatively easily washed into the drainage lines by rain water. There is a further band of settlements to the north of the dam site but it is primarily associated with a road which passes through that area. Each of the three zones indicated has the potential to impact upon the quality of the water in the dam and hence on the costs of treating the water prior to it being reticulated to the end users. In order to minimise the costs, certain actions may be undertaken in each zone and these are considered below. However, it is also to be noted that the actions usually have collateral benefits which are not necessarily related to water quality at all. Such benefits may include environmental (biodiversity) conservation, and an improvement in the living conditions of the people of the area. Recommendations The recommendations which follow are based on observations made during site visits whose purpose was primarily linked to collecting water samples and observing the state of the river and streams. While observations on the state of the catchment were also made, it is very probable that a specific study would bring further issues to light.
Figure 19. Land use patterns around the proposed reservo~r
Cultivation Zone: While there is a clear and obvious need for people to cultivate the land, the practices used are often environmentally unsound and contribute to land degradation evident throughout the catchment. The following list presents issues that need attention:
.~. ~ -- - Metolong Darn ESIA Final February 2006 !?? ~nASSOC~~~IO~ w!lh FM Assocjales lLesclhol and Southern Waters (South Afr~ca: Contour ridges. In many of the cultivated areas seen, there were either no contour ridges or else very few such ridges. As the function of the ridges is to control runoff of rain water and to hold back any soil that is being washed, it is immediately apparent that the preparation of more ridges would have the effect of reducing surface water runoff and, more so, of preventing soil from entering the river. The consequences will be beneficial to both the people using the land as well as to the water management agency. Cultivation on steep slopes. In places, cultivation is being practiced on slopes that are far too steep for the purpose. Usually the steeper slopes are those close to a drainage line and cultivation there leads to quick loss of soil to the stream or river. Ploughing at an incorrect angle. In some places it was observed that ploughed furrows run parallel to the slope ofthe land. This practice leads to rapid water runoff and hence to soil erosion. In other instances the angle of ploughing was not as drastically incorrect but was still too far from the contour line to be environmentally acceptable. Stream and river buffers. While the steep sides of many valleys usually preclude any form of agriculture there, it was observed that, in some places, ploughing takes place right to the stream banks. Given that the ploughing is often done incorrectly, the result is that surface water and dislodged soil are led directly into the waterways. Water control and retention structures. No water control and retention structures were seen. Given the hilly nature of the terrain, the absence of these structures, coupled with the poor practices referred to above, water and dislodged soil will rapidly make their way to the drainage lines. In order to improve the quality of water which is produced by the landscape it is recommended that the agricultural practices in the area be improved by implementation of a training programme on sustainable land use practices or, if one is in place, by accelerating and sustaining it. Emphasis must be put first on contour 1 ines and ploughing practices, which might include limited or zero tillage options, and then on the other issues. High amongst these is the establishment of vegetated buffer strips along streams and rivers. On the smaller streams these strips may be as narrow as ]Om on either side of the stream whereas on the South Phuthiatsana River they should be at least 20m. A further recommendation for the Agricultural Zone, as well as for the other zones, is that a programme of erosion control should be implemented. This is of critical importance to the working life span of the Metolong Dam and the issue cannot be overstated. The Cultivation Zone covers a large part of the Metolong Dam's catchment area and, even on the basis of limited and unquantified observation, it is apparent that sediment yields fmm the area are high. The presence of sediment bars, despite a moderately steep gradient and associated high water velocities, within the gorge where the dam would be, confirms this. Given that the proposed dam will trap virtually all sediment which enters it, soil erosion poses a major threat to the whole project. Both sheet and gully erosion sites should be tackled through a program of sustainable land use practices. Steps must be taken to quantify the location and extent of the problem and a system of prioritising sites established. While the criteria for determining priority may be varied according to the desired end point, it is recommended here that a site's potential for delivering contaminated water and sediment into the South Phuthiatsana River and its major tributaries should be the key factor. Money may be allocated on a ward, or other such area, basis and those wards that perform well may be rewarded by receiving further allocations in the following year. While a scheme which has this competitive element is not ideal, it has the advantage of linking performance to reward and so creates incentive which would otherwise be lacking. Grazing Zone: The keeping of livestock by rural people is not only a utilitarian economic or subsistence agricultural practice but is also one which has deep social and cultural connotations. Cattle and other livestock are considered to be a form of wealth and so it is desirable to own large numbers. This situation implies that any effort to reduce the numbers of livestock are likely to be met with resistance. However, the landscape, which was never highly productive, is now in a very poor condition and its long term ability to continue o support livestock is significantly reduced. With most of the potential grazing areas now under cultivation, the animals are compelled to forage in unsuitable areas which include steep slopes and riparian zones. Soil erosion is accelerated and the riparian zone is trampled. both with the result that additional sediment enters the stream or river
~ .----..--.--pp-p-....-.- ~ ...-....p--.--p--..----.-.-.------p-.p----p--- Metotong Dam ESlA Final February 2008 132 *&SMEc I" Assonaton unth FM kso~~alesiksolhoi and Southern Walers (South Africa, to compound the problem already present due to poor agricultural practices. Also, as referred to above, animal wastes are dropped in the water and nutrient levels and coliform counts are raised. A second suite of impacts which arise in the grazing zone are those associated with unwise veld burning practices. It is common practice to bum the veld every year in order to promote the rapid development of fresh new grass growth in spring. However, over-frequent burning, coupled with heavy grazing pressure, has led to the depletion of the vegetation cover and soil erosion is the inevitable consequence. In places the erosion is severe and large areas are affected. A further consequence of overgrazing of livestock is that the small wetlandlstream ecosystems in the area are being trampled and destroyed. Such systems are relatively uncommon in the area, but, where they do occur, they should be serving to trap sediments and slow surface water run-off. However, the few that were seen were in very poor condition and had lost virtually all capacity to provide their ecosystem services. The only way to address the impacts arising from animals is to reduce their numbers and this is recommended. The difficulty in implementing this recommendation is recognised but it still has validity and should be pursued. It is also recommended that means be found to control the indiscriminate and unwise burning of the veld and that a controlled burning regime be set in place. Residential Zone While there are obvious links between the Residential Zone and the other two landscape zones, the former has its own suite of impacts in relation to water quality. These impacts arise out of poor sanitation and out of other wastes, mainly in the form of garbage. The primary issue in relation to sanitation is that of proper toilets but washing and laundry facilities may be included here as well. The practice of washing vehicles in streams can lead to oils and fuels entering the system, albeit in small quantities, and should be discouraged. While the need to provide the best possible facilities is an obvious one, field observations made it apparent that further development of the villages in the Residential Zone could be done in a more sensitive fashion and that several actions could be taken. For example, new expansions to a village should be in a direction that is away from the local stream or river. However, within the existing areas, some upgrading could be done and it is recommended that the Lesotho Highlands Water Project WATSAN programme be used as a guideline. The relevant activities include: Reticulation of water from springs and streams to communal standpipes. Provision of hygienic toilet facilities. Provision of garbage disposal facilities Means of providing these services are discussed and are of relevance as the initiative was developed and tested in Lesotho. While the developments are desirable for all villages, it is recommended that the village of Ha Seeiso should take highest priority as it is close to the dam wall and so could deliver various pollutants to a point relatively close to the off-take works. From that start, a programme of expansion could work outwards through the other villages which are close to the dam or its feeder river and streams. Unification of management efforts. While recommendations have been put forward in regard to some of the problems seen in the catchment area of the South Phuthiatsana River and Metolong Dam, it would be more effective if a coordinated approach to land use management were adopted such as through an integrated catchment management (ICM) approach. The catchment as a whole should be seen as a unit and managed as such with a proper catchment management agency and this is strongly recommended. Such an agency must contain representatives from those authorities which have responsibility for, inter alia, the following: Water resources Environment Agriculture Housing Roads Power (electricity) Health Regional planning Education Universities and research institutes
-- -...... - ~ ~. - ~ Melolong Dam ESlA Final. Febrliarv 230P 75:. @&sMm I" Assoclatlon wllh FM Associales riesorhoi and Southerr. Walers (South Alr~ca' In addition, there must be good representation from all relevant communities and local government. Some useful information may be obtained from DWAF ( 1996~).It must be recognised that integrated catchment management is an involved and complex process but it is increasingly held to be of great practical value. If it, or some other form of regionally holistic administration and management, is not put into place as a matter of some urgency, then, not only will the cost of delivering water from the Metolong Dam be elevated, but the service life of the dam may also be compromised in the long term. The long term benefit to Metolong Dam from adopting an ICM approach is an improvement of the land management practices which would ultimately lead to a reduction in sediment and nutrient inflows into the dam. The Integrated Catchment Management program currently being implemented by LHDA in the Lesotho Highlands could serve as a model for developing a sustainable approach to management of the Metolong Dam catchment. Management of the area around the water body. Due to the steep terrain, access to much of the water body will restricted. For this reason the dam will have relatively little recreational potential and, given that the shoreline will be vertical in many places, such use should probably be discouraged anyway. There have been fatal accidents in such dams when people have been in the water and were unable to climb out. A further cause for concern is that livestock may be tempted to approach the water in order to drink. This is most likely to take place in winter when many streams are seasonally dry and the dam will represent the nearest water. However, there will probably have been draw-downs at such times and the animals may find themselves on slopes which are very steep and muddy. If they fall into the water they will probably drown before they can find a way out. It is therefore recommended that there should be restricted areas around the water body which are out of bounds to livestock. An awareness campaign should be instigated for livestock owners and land owners so they are aware of the potential problems.
6.3.2 Biological Environment
6.3.2.1 Vegetation and Terrestrial Wildlife Progressive rehabilitation should take place as earth works progress for all cut and fill areas. All alien vegetation in the road or transmission line reserves should be removed and disposed of properly before construction takes place. Contractors should take appropriate measures to ensure invasive species of plants are not introduced into the area through vehicle movements. For all work areas, after the topsoil has been replaced and worked, appropriate grass mixtures should be planted to initially stabilise the areas before they are landscaped with native plants common to the area. A nursery should be established for plants that will be removed from the work areas so that these can be used for rehabilitation to avoid introduction of exotic plants which in most cases tend to multiply aggressively and out-compete the native vegetation. Since important medicinal and ornamental plants will be inundated, it is therefore recommended to rescue sufficient plants from the storage area as seed stock to establish medicinal gardens around the Project area. Clearing of vegetation should be restricted to only those areas necessary for const~ction/accessactivities. Workers should not be allowed to harvest natural resources unless approved by local communities and the Project's environmental inspectors.
.-...... ~~ ~. .. ~ ...-...... ---p--- - . -- - - - .a,.. .a,.. Melolong Dam ESIR. Final. Februaw 200e !34 's%SMmin Assozla!ion with FM Associates liesotho) and Southern Waters (South Africa, The following are the requirements for the establishment and development of a nursery. They have been developed from establishment of a similar nursery for the Katse Dam Project in the Lesotho Highlands which has been operating successfully for a number of years. Suitable site (approximately lha) Water supply Accessibility Nursery starter pack with the estimated cost of M25,000 (shade nets, propagation consumables, green house etc.) Potting soil Fencing Garden for maintaining stock with an estimated cost of M30,000 Appointment of qualifiedlexperienced managerlcaretaker (M3,OOOImonth) Implementation stages of the nursery are as follows: Nursery site preparation- site plan and earth works (estimated cost M40,OOO). species selection - popularity as medicinal, food or ornamental Collection of propagation material Propagation - production of seedlings
6.3.2.2 InstreamIRiparian Environment lnstream flow requirements The volumes reported excluded the volumes of the 1 1:5 year return period flood: Mean annual volume required for the river at the JFR Site to maintain the river at an ecological category of "D" is approximately 1 1 -18 MCMlyear (representing about 21% of nMAR). The required monthly flows to reach this annual total are shown in Appendix 7. Note: This is the maximum annual volume linked (excl. 1:5 year return period flood). As a general rule, the volumes given in DRIFT Category are higher than the long-term average volumes that would be amved at through detailed calculations for a particular release from a dam, when floods are capped and/or are not cued by climatic events. The summary of flood flow requirements is shown in Table 71. TABLE 71. SUMMARY OF THE FLOOD REQUIREMENTS
The current ecological condition of the Phuthiatsana River is considerably removed from what it would have been under pre-development conditions. Major impacts on the river include: accelerated supply of sediments to the site, which appear to have resulted in a reduction in the depth of the pools and infilling of several key habitats;
Melolong Clam ESI~Fanal February 2008 125 @aSMEcAss3cia1#0n with FK Asso~ales(Lesotho) and Soulhern Waters (joufhAfrlcal human use of the system, such as removal of riparian vegetation and cultivation, which have impinged on the riparian buffer zone, and appear to have resulted in a considerable reduction in the integrity of the zone. The flow regime in the river is also llkely to have been affected by land use in the catchment. Tf Metolong Dam is constructed, the sections of the Phuthiatsana River closest to the dam are likely to be most affected by alterations to the flow regime. However, it is the opinion of the specialists on the IFR study that such flow impacts may be partly off-set by an amelioration of the accelerated supply of sediments to the site, possibly even resulting in an improvement in overall river condition in places. The predicted future condition for the IFR site, and the river reach it represents, is expected to remain somewhere between a C and a D condition if the Feasibility Allocation of 118 of the MAR at the dam site is released from the dam. Increased IFR allocations are expected to achieve a slightly better condition in the downstream river, but not necessarily considerably better. With distance downstream from the site, both the sediment supply and the flow regime will gradually move towards an approximation of present day conditions. Such conclusions are however dependent on adherence to the recommended distribution of flows.
6.3.3 Socio-Economic Environment
6.3.3.1 Guiding Principles for Compensation and Resettlement The Project, in particular the Metolong Reservoir, will acquire a range of private assets (fields and trees) and communal (natural) resources for which appropriate compensation and/or mitigation measures are required. Project-affected persons will be entitled to a combination of compensation and rehabilitation support measures based on factors such as ownership rights and type of loss. The following guiding principles will apply to the Project. The principles are consistent with international involuntary resettlement safeguards, while also incorporating local legislation and practices. Principle 1: Relocation and land acquisition will be avoided or minimised. Principle 2: Ongoing and meaningful consultation will occur with project-affected persons and communities. Principle 3: Affected persons will be assisted to improve their livelihoods. Principle 4: Vulnerable groups and severely project-affected persons will be specifically catered for. Principle 5: Land acquisition/relocation planning, budgeting and implementation will be an integral part of the project. Principle 6: A proper database of affected persons will be established for management and monitoring purposes. Principle 7: Grievance and monitoring procedures will be in place. Principle 8: Legal obligations will be complied with.
6.3.3.2 Entitlements The proposed demarcation line of the Metolong Reservoir (i.e. the line below which all assets will be permanently acquired) is PMF+2m. Since this demarcation line incorporates safety factors, any structures below this line will have to be permanently relocated. As previously indicated, up to about 10 households (mainly in the villages of Ha Tlele and Ha Masakale) may be located below the demarcation line, based on preliminary assessments with the available aerial photography. Additional field investigations will be undertaken during the final design stage once onho-photos are available to confirm the households to be relocated.
Metolong Dam ESlA Final, February 20rX i 3 6 %aSMECID Ass0ila110n w~fhFM Assoc!~~~~(iesolho~ and Southern Waters (Sout? Afr~ml Because of the small number of household facing possible relocation, the preferred resettlement approach will be local relocation of displaced households within their existing villages. This has the benefit of allowing these households continued use of their remaining landholdings and the maintenance of their existing social support networks. It also avoids many of the psychological stresses associated with involuntary resettlement to new areas and communities. The relocation programme will entail assistance with the identification of new residential sites in the village, physical preparation of sites for residential occupation, provision of appropriate sanitation facilities, provision of replacement housing or cash compensation, and payment of evacuation and displacement allowances. The entitlements detailed here and sumrnarised in the Project's Entitlement Matrix (Appendix 6) are applicable to the entire Project. They are based on the guidelines of the World Bank, recent compensation developments in Lesotho and the results of meetings held with communities at the Metolong Dam site. Most of the requestslstatements of the affected communities have been accommodated in the Entitlement Mamx. The following sections provide further details on the key measures in the Entitlement Framework (refer also the Project's Resettlement Plan for further details).
6.3.3.2.1 Buildings and Improvements (a) Compensation for buildings and other improvements will entail the following: Cash compensation or provision of replacement housing at full replacement value.24 Cash compensation for the loss of other structures such as fencing and cattle kraals. Assistance with the identification and preparation of a new homestead site in the village/settlement area, or cash compensation (at replacement value) for the lost plot. (b) Households who are relocated will be allowed to salvage reusable materials with no deduction from their compensation entitlements. (c) Informal traders and squatters on public land required for the installation of transmission lines will be assisted to move their operations. They will be allowed to return to their old sites after completion of the civil works.
6.3.3.2.2 Cultivation Land (a) Land owners will be compensated for permanent cultivation land losses at replacement cost.'' This will be in the form of cash compensation or the provision of replacement land. Because of the scarcity of agricultural land, cash compensation is likely to be the preferred form of compensation. (b) An affected land owner may request the acquisition of hisfher entire landholding where the remaining landholding is less than 500m2. (c) Encroachers using public land for the cultivation of crops will not be entitled to compensation for land losses. They will, however, be compensated for any standing crops as detailed in Section 6.6.3.2.3, and paid a cultivation disruption allowance.
6.3.3.2.3 Standing Crops (a) Construction works will as far as possible be planned to allow for the harvesting of standing crops before land is acquired permanently or occupied temporarily. Where crops cannot be
24 ~e~lacementcost for buildings is defined as the market cost of the materials to build a replacement structure with an area and quality similar to or better than those of the affected structure, or to repair a partially affected structure; plus the cost of transponing building materials to the construction site; plus the cost of any labour and contractor's fees; plus the cost of any registration fees andlor transfer duties.
25 Replacement cost for cultivation land is defined as the pre-project or pre-displacement (whichever is higher) market value of land of equal productive potential or use located in the vicinity of the affected land; plus the cost of preparing the land to levels similar to those of the affected land; plus the cost of any registration fees andlor transfer duties.
Metolong Dam ESIA- Final February 2008 13.7 gSsMEc10Associat~m w'tn FM Assoctztes !~es01h0)and Soulheln Waters (South Atrlcaj harvested or the destruction of crops is unavoidable, cash compensation will be paid for the Ioss of crops to land owners and encroachers using public land prior to the cut-off date. Rates will be based on the loss of one season's production. (b) If the land in question was cultivated according to a sharecropping arrangement at the time of acquisition, compensation for the lost crops will be apportioned according to the arrangement. However, persons with secondary land rights (such as sharecroppers or renters) will not be entitled to any compensation for the loss of the land. A programme of capacity building will be implemented through which sharecroppers and other affected persons will be given advice on alternative livelihood strategies. They will also be provided with assistance through MOHSW, NGOs andlor other development agencies) to gain access to community development and poverty alleviation/social welfare programmes.
6.3.3.2.4 Trees (a) Owners of fruit and other trees located in areas required by the Project will be given advance notice to remove their trees. These trees will be compensated for as follows: Compensation will be paid for future production losses, calculated for the productive life of the various timber and fruit tree species. The owner will have the rights to all other resources (timber; firewood) from privately- owned trees that are felled. (b) Owners will be provided with replacement saplings, in addition to compensation for production losses as defined above. The Project will ensure that agencies such as the Department of Forestry provide technical assistance to affected owners with the planting of the replacement saplings.
6.3.3.2.5 Graves (a) Affected graves will be exhumed and reburied, with the costs being borne by the Project. Funds will also be made available to the family for reburial ceremonies.
6.3.3.2.6 Natural Resources (a) The Metolong Reservoir will inundate valuable communal resources such as thatching grass and medicinal plants. All losses will be properly recorded during the scheduled asset verification exercise and funds made available to the value of the lost resources as determined by the Compensation Determination Committee (on which affected communities will be represented) to implement mitigation programmes. The Project will, in cooperation with the Metolong Dam Committee and other government departments (e.g. the Department of Forestry and Rangeland), investigate and assist with the implementation of these programmes. Examples of possible mitigation programmes are: Social forestry programmes. Current land use patterns in the Metolong area preclude the establishment of large community forestry programmes. The emphasis must therefore be on smaller household-level schemes. Nurseries for the cultivation of medicinal and other useful plants. A nursery could be established in the vicinity of the Metolong Reservoir, following the example of the nursery established at Katse Dam. Initially, the nursery would be a temporary holding facility for rescued plants. In the longer-term, the nursery would become the focal point for propagation, use and conservation of plants. The nursery would be established to (i) supply medicinal plants to surrounding communities, (ii) act as a plant conservation measure, and (iii) serve as a reference centre on aspects of education, horticultural potential of indigenous plants and income generation for local communities (see the EIA for further details). Alternative sites for the mining of river sand. A possible mitigation measure for the generation of river sand is the construction of a small weir just upstream of the Metolong Reservoir. Sedimentation captured at the site can then be made available to sand miners and other households in the area.
- -. .. --- - ~ -~ ~. - -- ~. ~ .- ~ I.ii6~ Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2308 138 'q~&Shfm I" Assoc1a11on with FM Assoclales (Lesotho)and Soulhein Wafers (Soulh Afisa! (b) The Metolong Reservoir will result in impededlsevered access to livestock watering points located on the portion of the Metolong River that will be inundated. This impact is anticipated to occur especially in the upper reaches of the Reservoir where the River gorge is less steep. The Project will, in cooperation with affected communities and relevant ministryldepartments, ensure that suitable alternative watering points are identified and established.
6.3.3.2.7 Community and Government Buildingsllnfrastructure (a) It is not anticipated that community buildingslfacilities will be affected by the Project. However, should this occur they will be repaired to their previous condition or replaced in areas identified in consultation with affected communities and the relevant authorities. (b) Consultation and coordination will occur between government ministries regarding any impacts that the Project may have on government assets.
6.3.3.2.8 Restoration of Access (a) As a natural feature of the physical landscape, the Phuthiatsana River has always constrained the movement of people to some degree, and the location of social services such as schools (with children mainly attending schools on the same side of the River) partly reflects this reality. Nevertheless, the Reservoir will be a permanent barrier, as opposed to the River, which is crossed on a regular basis. Impeded access resulting from Reservoir inundation relate principally to the inundation of crossing points used to access services, facilities (e.g. schools, churches, mills) and kinship, social and support networks. (b) Access across the Metolong Reservoir will be restored through the provision of: a vehicular bridge across the Metolong dam wall; and footbridges at key crossing points agreed in consultation with affected communities. Figure 25 shows the bridges and access roads under consideration for construction or upgrading. The new access road over the Dam Wall, which will join the existing Ha Makotoko- Nazareth gravel load, will lead to a substantial improvement in access, especially for the population in the vicinity of the Dam Wall. An additional four footbridges are recommended in the middle and upper reaches of the Reservoir. One of these (no. 3) is already scheduled for construction under the LHWP. Footbridges 2 and 5 are intended to provide access across the main Reservoir, while footbridges 1 and 4 are located on submerged tributaries of the Phuthiatsana River. All of the gravel roadslearth tracks shown for upgrading north of the Metolong Reservoir are considered necessary since they will improve movement/mobility between the large villages (Ha Seeiso, Ha Masakale, Ha Monamoleli and Sefikeng) on this side of the Reservoir, as well as to Maseru and Teyateyaneng. Some of the gravel roads on the southern side of the Reservoir have already been upgraded under the LHWP (i.e. the gravel road from Nazareth to Ha Makotoko, onwards to Ha Ramakhaba and beyond). Roadsltracks under consideration for upgrading under the Metolong Project include the roads to Ha Maimane and Ha Mosotho (either side of Footbridge 3), the road between Ha Ntsane and Ha Ramatlama (between Footbridges 4 and 5) and the track leading from the main Ha Makotoko road to Ha Ntsane. (c) The possibility of establishing small boatlfeny services, to be run as income-earning activities by community members, will also be investigated in consultation with the affected communities.
6.3.3.2.9 Downstream Impacts (a) Reduced water flow in the Phuthiatsana River may have an impact on the activities of four operations that mine sand from the River some 5-7 km downstream of the Dam Wall. One option for mitigating the impact from Metolong Dam is to construct a weir upstream of the proposed Metolong Reservoir from where sand can be mined. (b) Changed flows in the Phuthiatsana River may also have an impact on the operations of a number of small irrigators downstream of the Dam Wall. However, the needs of these
-. - - - ~ ~ - ---. -.--- ~ &Zb\ Me!olong Darn ESIA. Rnal: Febr uarv 2008 134 x8?~SMECn Assozlat~onwith FM Associales (Lesolhol and Sourhe:" Waters (South Afnca! downstream imgators can be accommodated in the IFR releases recommended for the Reservoir. At present, downstream inigators do not rely on the Phuthiatsana River for irrigation year round because of the low river flows during winter.
6.3.3.2.10 Rehabilitation Assistance (a) Where the permanent loss of agricultural land exceeds fifty percent of the affected owner's total agricultural landholding, the owner will be paid a cultivation disruption allowance equal to two years agricultural production on the area of arable land that is lost. Any such households will be identified in consultation with the Metolong Dam Committee once a full cadastral survey of the landholdings of all land-losing households is undertaken and percentage loss can be determined. These households will also be registered for priority employment on the Project's civil works. Encroachers using public land for agricultural production prior to the cut- off date to entitlements will be eligible to a cultivation disruption allowance equal to one year's crop production on the area of public land used for cultivation. (b) Household who are required to relocate for Project developments will receive a housing displacement allowance to cover expenses incidental to the change of residence, as provided for in the Land Act (1979). The value of the allowance will be ten percent of the affected residential buildings and structures. Informal traders and squatters on public land will also qualify for this allowance. (c) The Project will be responsible for covering the costs of any persons required to be relocated as a result of the Project. This will be in the form of an evacuation allotvance or the provision of transport and physical re1 ocation by the Project. (d) Affected households that are particularly vulnerable to project implementation will be identified in conjunction with the Metolong Dam Committee. These households will be supported through the following measures:
a payment of a vulnerable household rehabilitation allowance, equivalent to three months poverty line income for a household of five (based on the monthly per capita income calculated by the PRS and adjusted for inflation); a priority registration for employment on the project civil works; advice regarding project impacts, compensation alternatives and risks, and resettlement options (where required); and a advice on alternative subsistence and livelihood strategies, and assistance (through MOHSW) to gain access to poverty alleviation/social welfare programs.
6.3.3.2.1 1 Compensation Determination A Compensation Determination Committee (CDC) will be established under the auspices of the implementing agency to: refine the principles and procedures detailed in the Entitlement Framework; and determine and negotiate compensation norms and principles. The compensation principles and norms determined by the CDC will form the basis for the establishment/ adjustment of compensation rates for the various items detailed in the Entitlement Framework. The CDC will be composed of representatives from: the implementing agency; affected communities at the Metolong Reservoir site; Thaba Bosiu and Mamathe Chiefdom; the Community Councils of Ratau A02 Senekane D02, Senekane DO8 and Motanasele DO7 LSPP (Valuation Section); Department of Agriculture; Department of Forestry; and Transformation Resource Centre.
...... ~~. - - .. - ~ - ...~ -. . Motolonc Dam €SIP, Final February 200e i L! C; GgSMEc n AssOciallcln wtlh FM Associates ;iesolhol and Soulkern Walers isourh Ainca) All rates determined by the CDC will be base-dated and indexed annually to allow for inflation adjustments.
6.3.3.3 Structured Consultation Programme A consultation programme will be implemented to ensure that affected communities are kept up to date with project developments. This will include advice on construction schedules and acquisition dates, valuation procedures, compensation and grievance resolution mechanisms, and construction employment procedures. A Metolong Dam Committee, which represents the villages surrounding the proposed Reservoir site, was established during the engineering feasibility studies. This committee is still functioning and was consulted extensively during the ESIA study. The committee will continue into the construction phase and will also be represented on a Compensation Determination Committee that will be established to finalise compensation approaches and rates for the various affected assets. Table 72 details the costs estimates for the implementation of the measures detailed in the RP. The total cost estimate amounts to M36,713,414.
TABLE 72. COST ESTIMATE FOR COMPENSATION AND ASSOCIATED MEASURES Item Unit Number1 Cost per Total Cost Unit (M) Size (MI 1 Private Buildings and Structures Houseslstmctures m2 loo0 5 265 5 265 000 Kraals sqm loo0 60 60 000 Outbuildings w" 500 401 200500 Fences h/h old I0 12036 120360 VIP toilets number 10 2 632 26 320 Graves number 7 8000 56 000 Sub-Total 5 728 180 2 Land Permanent (main1y arable land) - all ha 108 55 872 6 034 176 components Temporary occupation - all components ha 40 3611 144440 Sub-Total 6 178 616 3 Trees Fruit trees number 43 1 300 55 900 Timber trees number 1 100 464 510400 Poplar thickets ha 75 44000 3300000 Sub-Total 3 866 300 4 Natural Resources Rangeland ha 60 23 200 1 392000 Useful grasses ha 40 4 557 182280 Medicinal plants ha 40 4142 165680 Wild vegetables ha 40 8285 331400 Sub-Total 2 071 360 5 Allowances Cultivation disruption allowance household 71 12000 852000 Vulnerable household rehabilitation allowance household 100 3 087 308 700 Displacement allowance (permltemp household 40 12000 480000 relocation) Evacuation allowance (pedtemp relocation) household 40 2000 80 000 Sub-Total 1 720 700
.-. - ...-- ~ ~ Melolonc Cam ESlA Final' February 2008 7 4 ., tn ~saoifalionw~lh FM kssoclales !Lesothoi and Southern Walers (South Alrlcal Item Unit Number1 Cost per Totalcost Unit (M) Size (MI 6 Livelihood Res., Management and Monitoring Organisational development and training lump sum 1 OOOO00 Capacity building, alternative livelihoods lump sum 5000000 Contracted NGOs lump sum 2000000 Community participation lump sum 500 000 Information office (dam site) - O&M lump sum 1 800 000 Monitoring (incl. NGOs and PoE) 2 500 000 Sub-Total 12 800 000 7 Fencing of Village Areas m 6 500 400 2600000 8 Total (Item 1-7) 34 %5 156 9 Contingencies (5%) 1 748 258 10 GRAND TOTAL 36 713 414
As indicated in the notes below, the various unit rates are mainly based on those applied on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (which have set an internationally acceptable standard), and confirmed with the country's Chief Valuation Officer. Upon project approval, the unit rates will be retined by the project's Compensation Determination Committee as discussed in Section 8.4, on which affected communities will be represented. Notes: 1. The cost estimates are based on the larger Metolong storage option (Option 2). 2. Rates are mainly based on those used for the Lesotho Highland Water Project. The following LHWP rates have been adjusted based on the recommendation of the country's Chief Valuation Officer: (a) arable land - applied the average of the 2005106 and 2006107 lump sum rates used on the LHWP; (b) trees - increased 2006107 LHWP rate by 12%; (c) buildings - increased 2006107 LHWP rate by 3-5 % . 3. Poplar groves are based on average of 50 trees per hectare at the same cost asfor individual timber trees. 4. Broad estimates have been made of natural resource loss, based on botanical research undertaken for the EIA and LHWP rates for 2006107. The magnitude of loss will be confirmed during the scheduled cadastral survey and valuation exercise. 5. The allowance for vulnerable households is based on three months poverty line income for a household of five. The PRS poverty line income of M703 for a household of five in 2002 was adjusted to M1,029 for 2006, giving an allowance of M3.087 (M1,029 times three months). 6. The following mitigation and development measures detailed in the RP have not been included in Table 72 as they will be costed during final design: footbridges; road upgrading; livestock watering points; and improved water supplies. 7. Cadastral surveys and valuation exercises to confirm exact areas of private and communal land loss have been separately budgeted for by the LWSU.
6.3.3.4 Health and Safety
6.3.3.4.1 Construction Disturbances Because of the nature of construction works, these impacts indicated in Section 6.2.3.10 cannot be avoided. Nonetheless, they will be limited to the extent possible, by: limiting the extent of site clearance as far as possible; -- ~p~~.- ... ~ ~..~ - ~-- ~ ~ ddiiiitt Melolong Dam ES>A Fmal February 2006 i42 xy~SMECIP Assoc~al~on with FM Assoclales ILesotho: an0 Soulhern Waters :South Alrcaj keeping stockpiled materials moist; rehabilitating disturbed areas as soon as possible; keeping earth and gravel roads damp; imposing and controlling speed limits for all construction vehicles; fitting silencers to ventilation fans; maintaining vehicles in good order.
6.3.3.4.2 Construction Workforce Impacts The following measures will be introduced to minimise adverse workforce-induced impacts, and enhance potential benefits: Implementation of a preferential employment strategy. In consultation with local authorities and community representatives, construction camps will be located and designed to (i) maximise local service provision, (ii) minimise informal settlement development; and (iii) promote the use project infrastructure as community facilities in the post-construction phase. The LWSU will ensure that acceptable facilities are provided at construction camps (e.g. health services, water and sanitation facilities, recreational facilities and fair-price shops). The LWSU will ensure that f health programmes and measures are provided for the construction workforce (e.g. programmes on STDs and occupational health). In cooperation with other government agencies, LWSU will ensure that health programmes are made available to communities affected by construction activities (e.g. campaigns on STDs and general health improvement measures). A structured consultation programme will be implemented to ensure that there is regular liaison and interaction with community representatives, local authorities and NGOs. The consultation structure will be used to discuss workforce issues and community concerns, to agree on any corrective measures and to discuss ways to enhance the provision of basic services by local entrepreneurs.
6.3.3.4.3 Health and Safety The safety of communities in the Metolong Reservoir area may be compromised by construction activities (e.g. increased vehicular traffic, blasting and excavations) and project operation (e.g. risk of drowning). Construction and operation plans will include procedures for the management of these security risks, as well as for flooding and a dam-break flood wave. These will entail: regular liaison with local authorities and community representatives to discuss security and safety risks and management plans; fencing of high risk construction sites to prevent accidents; an early warning system at blasting areas; and an emergency preparedness plan for flooding and a darn-break event. In consultation with the concerned communities all areas close to the water levels of the Metolong Reservoir or considered to be dangerously located will be assessed and fenced if necessary. Dust Dust control through regular watering of access roads, use of respiratory protective equipment by workers closely involved in excavation, blasting and crushing activities. Combustion gases Reduction of use of fossil fuels, limitation of exposure time, use of antipollution systems, improved combustion performance of machinery and vehicles.
- - --- .- -- . ------A ...- -. .- .. . .-- .- .- .------. -. - . - - -. ------.------. . -. -- . - --. -. .- - -- - .-P -- -.-- - .. -. - . Melalong Dam ESIA Final Fsbruary 2WP :43 @asMEcIn Assoc~ation wlfh FM Assac~ales~LSSO~~CI and Soulhern Wa1e.s (South kfrfca) Handling of chlorine and water treatment chemicals Use of gloves, safety goggles and protective clothing. Good ventilation of storage area. Good maintenance of storage facilities and distribution devices such as chlorinator. Safety measures to prevent access by unauthorised personnel. Installation of eye irrigators and showers in areas of storage and manipulation of chemicals. Established procedures in case of accidental exposure. Drinking-water quality Constant monitoring of concentration of chemicals used for water treatment and of potential biological contaminants. Maintenance of water distribution network to prevent leakages and recontamination of treated water. Restriction of access of the population and animals to the water in the reservoir. Non-biological waste Recovery of waste materials, restoration of site. Hygiene and biological waste Ensure basic hygiene and sanitary workplace conditions by providing: sufficient toilets for both men and women with complete sanitary fixtures; safe and clean potable water for drinking and hand washing, including sanitary detergents; an adequate amount of water for washing facilities and sanitation; and ensure that workplaces are regularly cleaned, with proper management of garbage disposal (liquid, solid and recyclable waste) according to health standards. Sludge disposal Sludge drying beds should not be allowed to degenerate and become an environmental risk. A well managed programme of disposal should be designed and implemented, including the possibility of spreading of the sludge over croplands. Noise Crushing plant to be located at least 1000m from human agglomerations, use of hearing protection equipment for exposed workers, limitation of circulation of trucks between 0700hr and 1900hr. Biting flies and mosquitoes Use dam management strategies that can reduce the breeding sites of biting flies and mosquitoes, such as: greater than standard diameter of off-takes to allow the rapid draw-down of the reservoir, allowing both a Rapid drop in shoreline water levels (stranding and killing mosquito vectors, provided no pool formation occurs) and an artificial flood down stream that will flush out any vector breeding places in rock pools; minimising low flow zones in artificial channel networks to minimise habitats for the propagation of vectors; concrete lining of imgation canals to reduce seepage, save water and prevent pools of standing water where mosquito propagate. Dam failure Regular dam inspection, preparation of emergency plan, access control to the dam area. Downstream Flooding Prepare an emergency plan. Incorporate flood management into operating rules for dam releases.
.. .- .- - - -~ ~ .--- Metolong Uam ESlA Final. Febrlran, 2006 144 @&SMEC In Association wllll FM Associates (Lesothoi and Southern Waters (S~ulhAtrcal Fire, explosion and chemical spill Installation of automatic fire control devices in chemical storage areas, preparation of emergency plan, containment and collection measures. Access to safe dri nking-water and sanitation Installation, maintenance or upgrading of small gravity water system in the surrounding villages mostly through spring capture. Implement a programme for the promotion of VIP latrines targeting the 53% in the local population that was found to be without adequate sanitation facilities. Access to health services Upgrade the existing primary health care units through: supplementary training for the local nurses, assisting in the provision of a wider range of medical services, assisting in the enhancement of laboratory services, improving transportation means, assisting in making available periodical consultations by qualified physicians. Establish a first aid unit at the main construction site and make special arrangements with one of the already existing clinics to provide health services beyond first aid. HIVIAIDS and Sl'ls Implement an extensive HIVIAIDS and ST1 education campaign among the local population, targeting not only youth but adults as well. Such a campaign should be initiated immediately, well before the start of the construction phase. It should be complemented by increased access to condoms in the area as well as to voluntary counselling and testing. Implement a comprehensive and on-going HIVIAIDS and ST1 education campaign targeting all workers hired for the project, both local and international. It should be complemented by easy access to condoms at the workplace as well as to voluntary counselling and testing. Implement a well thought and effective HIVIAIDS and ST1 education campaign among sex workers. Such a campaign should be initiated immediately and pursued throughout the construction phase of the project as a constant flux of individuals involved in this activity is expected. It should be complemented by increased access to condoms specifically targeted for this group as well as voluntary counselling and testing, together with improved access to medical services. Upgrade all local health clinics serving the local population in terms of training for the local nurses specifically focused on the diagnosis and treatment of ST1 and HIVIAIDS, the uninterrupted availability of Rapid HIV testing and of AIDS counsellors, the increased accessibility to complementary laboratory tests provided by central laboratories, as well as the availability of periodical consultations by qualified physicians. These measures should encompass both the public and private health sector. Establish a strong, well publicized, effectively applied and closely monitored zero- tolerance policy in accordance with which workers and service providers seeking sexual favours in exchange for project related benefits will be banned for the remaining duration of the construction phase. Physical environment It is essential that the official regulations regarding occupational health be applied by the managers of the project and monitored by the relevant public authorities in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the workers.
...... -. ~ ~ .- Melclong Dam ESlk Final. Febrkary 2006 i 05 @&SMEC ,n Assoclaton wl;h FMAssociates lLesolnoi and souinern Waters !Sour Alr~ca, Road signs need to be put in place and the speed of vehicles controlled. Heavy traffic should be restricted to the day period for reasons of security and the restful sleep of the inhabitants. This implies an increased presence of the police who will also be required to control issues related to public security (assaults, theft, etc.) which are expected to become more prevalent during the construction period. It is consequently recommended that the project contributes to the improvement of the local police services in the area both in terms of personnel and equipment. As regards the concern of drowning, fences and warning signs will need to be put in place around the perimeter of the reservoir.
Child development As it is generally recognized that financial benefits to women often translate into more tangible benefits to the children than when men are employed, the recruitment of women should be given due emphasis by the managers of the project.
Table 73 provides an estimate of costs for implementing the health mitigation measures outlined above.
TABLE 73. COST ESTIMATES FOR HEALTH MITIGATION MEASLIRES I I I I I I METOLONG DAM ESIA Estimate of costs for the mitigation measures proposed in the Health Impact Assessment Note: Proposed mitigation measures that are considered to be par( of normal good practice have been considered as involving no extra costs. I 8 I Unit No. Description Quantity Unit cost Est. cost
-- ~~..-- .- -. ... -~ ~ ~ ~ . ... .- I4elolong Dam ESI4 Final Febrbary 2008 i46 g&sMEc ASsoCat#onwfh FM Associales jlesotl?ol ana Southern Waters (South Africa) 6.3.3.5 Cultural Heritage It is recommended that: 1. The archaeology reconnaissance has been undertaken to determine the extent to which the proposed dam development will impact on the rock art, the stone-age, historical and living heritage sites. It is recommended that detailed documentation be undertaken, to ensure that a proper database is established, which will record both rock art and stone-age sites using the state of the art technology. 2. Since the location of the quarry sites, construction establishment sites, pipelines and proposed transmission lines were not known at the time of the present survey work, the locations will need to be surveyed once identified during final design. 3. Although no palaeontological sites were identified in the present investigation, (they were highly unlikely in the Clarens geological formation), it is recommended that further site inspections be undertaken where dam excavation works penetrate below the Clarens and into the Elliot Formation. 4. It is recommended that for those sites with still good rock art imagery worth salvage, that a rescue operation be mounted, which will fully excavate the deep deposits of the two sites already piloted by Professor Mitchell. 5. That a review of the archaeology capability of the Department of Culture, under the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture be undertaken and measures be done to ensure sufficient resources, human and otherwise, are engaged not only for the immediate dam development period, but to be identified as improvements to the capacity of the Department of Culture, which is the key stakeholder and implementing agent from government. 6. An option in strengthening of the Department of Culture is one of outsourcing supervision and actual rescue team under the Department and attach counterparts for understudy. 7. That the appended costed plan, be considered for financing early on, to provide sufficient lead time to undertake archaeological rescue prior to engineering activities. Table 74 provides an outline of a costed program of archaeological work to ensure the rnitigati on measures outlined above are implemented. It is important that the program is implemented as early as possible before commencement of construction since the 5 year program requires a considerable lead time for its implementation. This would avoid any delays in Project start. It is therefore recommended that the program commence as soon as a decision is made to proceed with the Project and environmental approval has been gained from NES.
'' Melalon: Dam ESlk: Final February 2003 :. C94SMEcn kssoc!allon w~lhFM Assocrates (Lesotho, ana SyufhernWalers (SOuth Ainca' TABLE 74. PROPOSED METOLONG CULTURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN Project Cultural Resources Management & Development Application Metolong (Southern Phuthiatsana Catchment)
Background 8. Aspiration to achieve the national commitment to consenratin of globally. .. significant cultural heritage of the Southern ~huthiatsanacatchment within the Metolong sub-region. I Cultural and Natural Heritage includes remains of eady forms of human, animal and plant life in the following categories: 1) Bushman Paintings (Sen Rock Art) 2) Remains of their Tool Kit" (Stoneage Archaeology) 3) Remains of Iron age 'Tool Kit" 4) Historical Features 5) Remains of animal and plant fossils 6) Recordable aspects of living heritage
History Significant cultural and natural heritage exists within the country and across its political boundaries into South Africa. Very little of the heritage has been systematically documented. Out of these few sites, less than a handful have been developed to recognized levels of protection, preservation and tourism attraction. Natural deterioration and human adivities continue to pose threat and to even delete some of the sites out of existence. Immediate intervention that will raise awareness and promote 1 protective and preservation measures is required. Obiitives 1 Overall I To mitigate the negative impacts and promote protection and preservation of the southem Phuthiatsana sub- I - I I region of ~etolonglas a contribution t'o the national target of cultural heritage conservation and to undertake )
Specific / To undertake rescue works within the proposed Metolong dam basin and the periphery of the southem Phuthiatsana, to preserve heritage materials that will be seriously impacted by development of Metolong dam. - To raise awareness by providing incremental financing to develop teaching materials and displays. To undertake surveys within selected pilot areas where cultural heritage sites will be identified and 1 documented tocontribute to the national database. To undertake specific site plans that will facilitate protection and preservation of sites. To undertake selective development to promote some of the sites totourist attraction level. To enhance local expertise by provision of training to facilitate appreciation and documentation skills. To develop strategies that will involve the local community in order to trigger interest and education related to cultural heritage.
Staff involvement Cultural Heritage Specialist consumables Communitv Facilitators Field ~echhician MTEC extension personnel MoLG extension personnel Community Structures Private sector I Interested individuals Consultants Cultural Resources Management specialist / 1,260,000 1 2 .p years. Archaeological & ~ala&ntologicalfield technicians Field Assistants and materials 150.00) I 0.24 p years Labour (skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled) 756.00) 3.780 p days ' 180,000 , 0.12 p years 'There is a serious requirement of housing of the materials rescued + materials to be repatriated from international storage and displays. There will therefore be a financial 1.7 p years need for proper training, handling, displays and required for management planning &
One person year = 21 working daydmonth x 12 = 252 working days Capital Costs 1 Vehicles, replacement and maintenance / 2,025,000 Offices and Housing 1 1,200,000 Total Costs 9,148,500 (Maloti) Cash flow Year1 Year2 Year3 Year4 Year5 I Cf, ro'ections
Metolong Darn ESIA. Final. February 2008 46 @%SMEc I, Assoclatlon wtlb LU Assoclales iL esoth0, ana Soulhgrn Walerg .South Afrlca~ b. University of Ihe Wilwate rsrand (Drakensberg Archaeological research excursions). c. Reports on studies in archaeological conservation in the LHWP d. Historical records of Lesotho. e. Analysis of Rock Art Lesotho (ARAL) on the internet f. Reports by independent researchers. Date storage and Digital and hard copies of: --retrieval Expected results Outputs collection). b.Database (digital and hard formats) of cultural heritage sites for contribution to the database and sub-regional plans. I c. Strategies for management of threats and impacts on cultural resources. d. Specific Site Development and Management plans. 1 e. Developmenl of some ofthe cultural aspects into tourist attraction items. f. Review the capacity and capability of the agency (Department of Culture) that 1 I will imolement. I g. ~nefacisand other materials rescued from thc dam site. 1 Outcomes a. heritage resources conservation comp.emerrting achievement ol national conservation goals. I b. Increased accessibility and sustainable uiilizatiin of cultural resources with benefits Lo / the local communities: c. Enhanced awareness and conservation of cultural heritage on a national basis. d. Implementation and achievement on international conventions and protocol agreements for cuttural heritage conservation strategies. 1 e. Enhanced capacity on cultural resources management. I Parlici~atlon 1 Go1 involvement / a. Field based GoL ministries repuested to participate in the CRM activities. 1. 1 I b. MOU's between stakeholder ministries and concerned lodcommunity Forums signed to I 1 facilitate long-term management and guidance. - 1 , NGO ) All NGOs in the area to be informed and invited to participate in the technical advisory ( I involvement I working groups. I Community a. Communities mobilised into resource user groups in representative toturns for involvement managemenl and participation. b. Community Forums to be empowered and established as a recognised bodies and custodian of SDMPs. Verification Performance a. Appointment of the Cultural Resources Management Consultant. indicators for b. Establishment of the Cultural Resources Managemerd Working Gmup overall objective c. Establishment of the national heritage database d. Engagement of personnel and placement in training institutions.
.-.- ~~. ~ . . . ~ - Melolong Dam ESiA Final February 20CB '1 44 @k'sMEc I, Assoctatlon with FM Assoc~alis!Lesotho) and Southern Waters (South Afrlcai Project I Cultural Resources Management & Development Application I Metolong (Southern Phuthiatsana Catchment) I I Performance I a. Production of awareness materials. I indicators for b. Identification of medium term plan and budget for CRM incorporating implementing specHic agencies input. objectives c. Revision and implementation of the structure of cultural resources management site and monuments Unit within the Department of Culture. d.+ 6 people skilled to undertake reconnaissance surveys of cultural heritage sites and develop documentation system. e. Submission of reconnaissance survey data in soft and hard copies from the pilot areas (resource inventory reports). f. Pilot areas established. g. At least 3 Specific Site Development and Management Plans submitted. h. At least 3 Community Conservation Forums established. 1 i. Task reporls on implkmentationplan submitted. Cautions Constraints a. Eme allocated to the project will depend on major engineering activities and will inherently be biased to achievement of engineering activities of cultural heritage. b. There will be an initial bottleneck in storage of rescued artefacts prior to development of 1 display facility. c. Upfront financial requirement may meet resistance and delay achievement. Risks a. The national stakeholder body (Steering committee or working group) is not sustainable unless financial requirements are recognized and addressed ahead of time.
6.3.3.6 Future Consultation and Disclosure Program Consultation with stakeholders is an ongoing process, and will continue to occur throughout the Project cycle. It will form a key part of the further development, implementation and operation of the Project, and will be managed through a community liaison structure as detailed in Section 6.6.3.9 In brief, the implementing agency will provide sufficient personnel and resources to ensure that activities related to the social component of the Project (e.g. consultation and compensation) are properly implemented and managed. With regard to public consultation and disclosure, the following are important activities to be managed and coordinated by the implementing agency: the establishment of an information office in the Metolong area; institutional and process development; liaison and consultation with Project-affected stakeholders, and engagement protocols; ongoing involvement of NGOs such as TRC in awareness-raising, capacity-building and other aspects of the consultation and participation process; * dissemination of Project-related information; participatory planning; and management of a grievance resolution procedure. A plan for future public consultation is a valuable tool to continue the process initiated in earlier project phases. The following future activities will be undertaken as part of the public consultation and disclosure process: Public Consultation and Disclosure Review An evaluation of the current consultation and disclosure process will be undertaken, making adjustments for future implementation. This will be undertaken through a workshop with the Metolong Dam Committee, the TRC and the implementing agency. The review will consider institutional requirements for public consultation in further project phases, as well as possible risk factors (e.g. time delays affecting implementation; non-participation of specific stakeholders; inadequate or deferred disclosure of information). Development of Institutional Base Public consultation and participation will be dependent on the further development of an appropriate institutional base. This will, amongst others, involve: * finalising the TOR of all organisational structures, including the roles and responsibilities of members; and designing and implementing capacity building programmes for all participants as appropriate.
-- .- ~...... ~ .- ~ SM~ Melolong Dam ESlA Final: February 2308 :5F U?.& In Assoc~alonwlln FM Assacjaras (Lesothoi and Soulhern Waters iSouln Grtcai Implementation The following activities will be undertaken as a continuation of the current consultation process and forming the basis of the review referred to above: Disclosure. Current methods of disclosure will be extended to include: (a) a continuous distribution of updated information about the Project in the form of information sheets/pamphlets, posters, newsletters and workshops; and (b) the establishment of an information office in the Metolong area. Further consultation with stakeholders. This will include (a) further discussions with government officials at national, regional and local level, over legal and administrative issues; (b) consultation with government stakeholders specific to the provision of support services; (c) (d) further consultation and workshops with communities and the relevant officials to finalise land acquisition procedures; (e) ongoing consultation with affected households around compensation and livelihood restoration plans; and (f) consultation with NGOs who may be contracted to assist with the restomtion of livelihoods and social development plans, particularly of vulnerable groups.
6.3.3.7 Grievance Redress In order to ensure that grievances and complaints on any aspect of the Project including land acquisition, compensation, and relocation (if required) are addressed in a timely and satisfactory manner and that all possible avenues are available to affected persons to air their grievances, a grievance redress procedure will be established by the Project. In line with grievance redress procedures recommended/established for recent projects in Lesotho, the following approach will be adopted with regard to disputes over cornpensation awards: Step 1: Any person aggrieved by compensation payments made or not made by the LWSU in connection with the acquisition of hisher land, housing or other assets or rights by the project shall lodge a written grievance to the LWSU's Project Coordination Unit (PCU). Local authority representatives (e.g. Community Councillors and Chiefs) may be brought into the discussions to facilitate the process. The entire grievance resolution process will be recorded, and a copy made available to the aggrieved person. Step 2: Should the grievance not be resolved at this level, the aggrieved person may lodge an appeal with the Minister of Natural Resources. Step 3: If the aggrieved person is not satisfied with any determination by the Minister, the grievance may be brought to the High Court of Lesotho. Step 4: If the aggrieved person is not content with the ruling of the High Court the claim may be brought to the Appeal Court, whose decision will be final. Grievances over other matters will in the first instance be raised and solved with the relevant LWSU line official and the local government structures. If the grievance cannot be solved, it will be lodged in writing with the LWSU's PCU. The entire grievance resolution process will be recorded, and a copy made available to the aggrieved person.
-. . .. ~ - ~ - - ~- ~ Melolong Dam ESIA Final February 2008 !57 @%SM'C I, Assoz~atlor,tvltll FM Assoc~ater!l€.~othu! and Southern Wafers !South Atrlca, 7 Analysis of Alternatives
7.1 Project Alternatives A major water review undertaken in the mid 1990s (TAMS 1996) concluded that the water resources infrastructure for Maseru was inadequate. A pre-feasibility study by Consultant Lahmeyer International (Lahmeyer 1996) on Maseru Water Supply Phase III looked at three alternative water supply options for Maseru. These were the expansion of an existing off-bank storage, a new water supply dam referred to as the "Crushers Dam" proposal and the Metolong Dam proposal. The Crushers Dam proposal was rejected outright because of significant environmental concerns. A run of river abstraction as an alternative to Metolong Dam is not a viable option for a number of reasons. One of the key benefits for Metolong Dam is that it would provide a reliable water supply throughout the year. Direct pumping from the Phuthiatsana River would not provide a reliable supply since flows in the River would be insufficient to meet demand during the dry season. Abstraction during low flow periods would also have greater impacts on the instream environment since a greater proportion of natural flows would be abstracted. Metolong Dam provides greater flexibility in managing river flows to minirnise instream impacts. The Feasibility study in 2003 also found that although river abstraction downstream from Metolong Dam site has advantages in terms of increased yield (from other tributaries) and shorter transmission mains, these benefits are offset by the higher pumping costs due to the lower abstraction elevation and, more specifically, considerably higher water treatment costs. The more complex treatment process required for river abstraction downstream would also lead to greater raw water loss during the water treatment process and make this option even less favourable.
Alternative Sites for Metolong Dam The 2003 Feasibility Study investigated a number of sites for the location of a dam. Early investigations looked at one site near Qiloane, 8km downstream of the present site and a site at Metolong. The Qiolane site is located at a lower altitude in a wide U-shaped valley within the geologically weaker Ellion Formation with deeper overburden. In contrast, the Metolong site is located in a narrow V-shaped gorge with sound hard sandstone of the Clarens Formation favouring a concrete gravity dam. A preliminary assessment indicated that the Qiolane site would most likely have greater social impacts by affecting more agricultural land. A reservoir at Metolong is almost entirely within an incised gorge so that impacts on habitation and farming land would be less than for the Qiolane site. The Metolong site, because of its higher elevation also presented significantly lower pumping costs for water supply transmission to Maseru. Preliminary water supply yield estimates and cost comparisons also confirmed Metolong as the more favourable site (CEC et. al. 2003). A further 3 sites in the vicinity of Metolong were then investigated during the Feasibility Study before the current site was selected. One site was downstream of the current sjte with the possibility of flooding the rock paintings at Ha Baroana. This site would also capture flows from the Liphiring River since it was located downstream from the confluence of the Phuthiatsanaand Liphiring Rivers. From an instream flow perspective this is not a favourable situation in comparison to the current Metolong Dam site since flows from the Liphiring River lessen the impact a dam would have upstream of the confluence. The third site located upstream from the current site was located directly adjacent to the village of Ha Seeiso which would result in significant disturbance to the whole village during construction. From the public health point of view, the current proposed location of the dam appears to be the most suitable location because of the low density of the population of the area and the steep to vertical configuration of the banks of the river in the area of the reservoir resulting in less impact than if the bank gradient was smoother.
Metolmg Dam ESlA Flnel. February 2008 I" Assocat~onwllh FM Associates (Lesolhor aro Southern Waters (Soulh Afr~caj 7.3 Alternative Ancillary Facilities for Metolong In addition to the alternative dam sites considered previously the current Feasibility Update investigation funded through the MCC is looking at alternative transmission line routes, worker camp locations and quarry sites. These alternatives have been included as far as possible in this ESIA report to ensure social and environmental considerations are included in the investigation of these alternative Project components. However, further environmental assessment will need to be undertaken for the ancillary facilities during final design. The alternatives that have been considered include controlled releases of water from the dam at Metolong for abstraction with treatment downstream at Ha Mabitso or Mazenod. Besides the issues of costs and yield that led to the current choice, on the public health point of view the analysis indicates that the water quality will be better with the water treatment works located at Metolong and is consequently preferred. Further, the major health impacts are in relation to the location and construction of the dam, not somuch the treatment works.
7.4 Alternative Storage Options for the Metolong Dan1 Site The 2003 Feasibility Study for Metolong considered two storage size options. Option 1, a smaller reservoir size yielded 7OMLlday and Option 2 yielded 80MLld. Table 75 provides a comparison of the Project components for the two options as well as the environmental and social impacts. TABLE 75. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS FOR METOLONG DAM OPTIONS 1 AND 2 I I I Project Componenfflmpact 1 Option 1 / Option 2 I Comments 1 -- I Tor~Water Level (TWLI - includes flood surcharge I 1665 mas1 I 1673 mas1 I 1 I ~ull~upply ~evel (FSL) I 1663 mas1 ( 1671 mas1 I 1 1 Height of dam wall - - 1 Storaae volume at FSL 1 31 MCM 1 52MCM 1 I Flooded area of reservoir 21 0ha 260ha Extent of reservoir upstream from the dam wall 14km 16km
Permanent loss of cultivation land (storage area) 37ha 64ha Permanent loss of land - treatment plant and drying beds 14ha 14ha LanGsofland - associated infrastructure Permanent loss of land - pumping stations and new reservoirs 4ha 4ha Temporary loss of land during construction 35ha 35ha Permanent loss of individual household trees 1,143 1,414 Number of aGcted households through the permanent 161 21 5 acquisition of agricultural fields and trees National economic benefit in Lesotho by increased, reliable + ++ water supply Involuntary relocation within the same village (households) mainly in the villages of Ha Tlele and Ha Masakale) -- Involuntary relocation within the same village -quarry site south (households) -- - l"lOI- - ~- - I Involuntary relocation within the same village -quarry site north 2-3 2-3 (households) Sand miners The dam will reduce 1 sediment in the 1
. . --~---- - ~ -~ ~~;S:SMEC Melolong Dam ESlP Finsl February 2006 1 =? In Assoc1a1.10nwlth FM Assoclat es !Lesotho1 and Soulhern Waters ISouth Afr~car Project Componenfflmpact Option 1 Option 2 Comments I river downstream 1 Downstream irrigators t + Likely to benefit from IFR releases and improved water quality / Construction of temporary and permanent access roads to dam t Construction wall and works areas impacts minimised by EMP measures I Temporary Increased traffic due to transportation of construction EMP and operation personnel and machinery / Loss of cultural heritage sites within the reservoir area The most significant 1 sites would be lost under both options 1 Inundation of graves within reservoir area I Loss of protected plants - three Red Data Book species Loss of scattered impacted individual plants Loss of endemiclmigratory bird species Loss of highly modified terrestrial habitat, loss of riverine habitat, creation of lake , habitat Terrestrial wildlife Habitats are highly 1 1 modified Temporary Construction traffic leading to increased traffic and EMP safety issues for road users Air and dust emissions during construction EMP 1 Noise level during construction and operation phases 1 - I - I EMP ' Aesthetic impacts -- Cultural and interpersonal impacts of workers brought in during -- the construction phase Possibilitiesfor local employment during construction or operation + minor positive impact ++ medium positive impact +++ major positive impact - minor negative impact -- medium negative impact --- major negative impact
The yields above the larger Option 2 storage increase only very marginally, which has defined storage size limit for the Metolong site. The two storage options will satisfy the domestic demands and a "low" forecast industrial expansion (Feasibility Study 2003) up to years 2020 for the smaller storage and to 2024 for the larger Option 2. This would change to 2015 and 2017 respectively under a "medium" industrial expansion scenario. Option 2 also provides an improved security of supply which is one of the key objectives of building Metolong Dam. Any unforeseen increase in water demand above that predicted in the Feasibility Study would also be more easily accommodated with Option 2. Based on the above comparisons, the marginal increase in adverse environmental impacts from the larger storage (Option 2) is outweighed by the increase in water supply from 70 Wday to 80 ML/day generated by the larger storage.
* Melolong Dam ESIA F~nalFebruary 20% .5L *aSMm~n Assoc~al~on wrlh FN Assocales (Lasotho. and Southern Walfrs [Soulh Afrlcal "Do Nothing" Option This option would mean that the local and regionalJnationa1 benefits would not be realised. Maseru would not have a reliable water supply and other centres such as Roma would continue to experience water supply shortages which would become worse over time. Further development of waterdependent industries (such as textiles) would be constrained with subsequent loss of national income and employment flow-on effects to the economy of Lesotho. If the Project did not proceed there would not be a need to compensate project affected people however they would also potentially miss out on development opportunities that the Project could bring including access to water and power and economic opportunities through Project construction and operation including employment and small business opportunities. A "do nothing" option would also mean that a number of internationally important cultural heritage sites would not be permanently inundated. However this option would not stop the current deterioration of the sites from exposure to climate, vandalism and human use. Either way, development or no development, cultural heritage sites will deteriorate. The only difference is the rate and opportunity for salvage. In a "do nothing" option, the salvage opportunity is very low, only prompted by individual research interests, which come very sporadically. With the construction of Metolong Dam, salvage / detailed recording of sites is assured since it would be a mitigation component of the Project. It would ensure that the cultural heritage information would not be lost and that it would be collected in the shortest possible time. Given the projected needs for water of the Maseru population, together with the benefits that the project brings to the inhabitants of Teyateyaneng, Roma and Mazenod, and given as well the enormous public health importance of the provision of a sufficient amount of safe drinking-water to these populations, the no project scenario is likely to result in more adverse health impacts overall than those that have been related to the construction of the dam at Metolong. On the other hand, it would be of great present and future benefit if the current Metolong Project was implemented in conjunction with demand-side management of the water supply in the major towns of Lesotho, particularly Maseru. This could include the promotion of water efficient technologies (e.g. for toilet, showers, washing machines), the application of block tariff structures with low lifeline tariffs and progressively rising rates for high levels of consumption, the promotion of low-cost and alternative sanitation systems that have low water requirements, as well as education and information for a long-term commitment to more efficient use of water. Supply-side alternatives also include control of losses of water from leakage, illegal connections and measurement problems. It was stated that at the time of the Feasibility Study in 2003, WASA reported water supply losses in the order of 31%. Overall, it is considered that the advantages of proceeding with the Project outweigh the negative impacts and that with the adoption of the recommended safeguards the disadvantages can be minirnised and managed to acceptable levels.
... ~ - . . Metolong Dam ESR: Final February 2038 155 '3%~~'~,n ASSOCI~~IC~ with FM Associates iLfsolhoi and Soulhern Waters (South Africa! 8 Environmental and Social Management Plan
This Section addresses mitigation measures, monitoring and institutional arrangements for the environmental management of the Project. The purpose of the environmental monitoring program is to ensure that the envisaged outcome of the Project is achieved and results in the desired benefits to Lesotho. To ensure the effective implementation of the EMP it is essential that an effective monitoring program be designed and carried out. The environmental monitoring program provides such information on which management decisions may be taken during construction and operational phases. It provides the basis for evaluating the efficiency of mitigation and enhancement measures and suggests further actions that need to be taken to achieve the desired Project outcomes.
8.1 Proposed Environmental Management Measures An outline of the environmental mitigation measures during the various stages of the Project is provided in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) outlined in Table 76. It should also form the basis of the Construction Contractors EMP. The columns relating to "Contractual Clause" and "Unit Cost" can be completed during the final design stage when all works will be clearly defined and works contracts are prepared. Appendix 8 also includes a selection of "best practice" guidelines for construction activities which should also be included in all Construction Contracts and operation manuals.
*ii& Melolong Dan ESlA Final February 2008 ~EwSMEC1" Asscc~attoc w,, ,M Assoc,ates (Lesotho) ano Southern Walere !South Afr~ca Environmental Management Plan TABLE 76. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures Location Timing Issue
Monitoring
Pre-construdion Stage
Community Consultation Prepare and implement a Consultation Plan as per the Project Before the LWSU NES guidelines in the RP. Inform all communities affected commencement by the Project of schedule of implementation of Ploject of construction and their rights to compensation Introduce to reservoir foreshore communities a WATSAN program dealing with latrine, wastewater, refuse pit, water supply and health and hygiene education matters as implemented for LHWP. Undertake further consultation with affected communities on measures to miligate impeded access caused by the proposed storage.
--
Metolong Uam ESIA: Final: Fehrrraiy 2008 157 c@SMEC in Assonallon with FM Assoc~ales(Lesotho) and Southern Waters (South Alrical Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures Location Timing Responsible Organisation Contractual Unit Cost Clause
Monitoring
Complete final Project design Design outlet works to meet IFR release rules and to Project Before the LWSU meet water quali criteria regarding variable level off- commencement take structure of construction NES review and Complete environmental and social impact I approval of assessment of water treatment plant, water supply transmission lines and associated reservoirs, quarry ESlAs and sand sources, permanent operator's camp and temporary construction camps. Integrate mitigation measures from this assessment with the EMP from the ESlA into a stand alone document. Development of operating rules and decision support system for IFR. Design improvements to existing water supply collection and reticulation systems for villages adjacent the reservoir foreshores. Undertake feasibility Icost estimates for foot bridges across the storage to mitigate against impeded access.
Disaster Planning Prepare a disaster preparedness and response plan Project Before the LWSU NES IWorld dealing with flood management and dam failure. commencement 1 sank of construction Establish a Panel of Experts to oversee dam safety.
Catchment Management Establish a Catchment Management Authorrty and Project Before the structures and develop a catchment management plan commencement adopting ICM approach. of construction Complete declaration of the Metolong reservoir area as a Selected Development Area.
Metolong Dnm ESlA Final February 2008 15' 'esMEc~nAssoclalton wllh FM Assoclales (Lesolhol and Sovlhern Waters (Soulh Africa) I Environmental Impact I I Mitigation Measures Location Timing Responsible Organisation Contractual Issue Clause Implementation Supervision I Monitoring
Clearances, Approvals and Only licensed quarries and sand suppliers shall be Project Before the Contractor Engineer Permits used. commencement of construction
Obtain consent for bonow pit operation from the Project Before the Contractor Engineer landowner with prior approval of the rehabilitation commencement proposal of the borrow areas from the Engineer of construction
Provide a copy of all necessary permits to the Project Before the Contractor Engineer Engineer. commencement of construction
Adhere to all permit terms and conditions. Project Throughout Contractor Engineer contact period I -- Obtain written permission from private landholders to All work sites As required prior Contractor Engineer conduct activities on their land prior to commencing to commencing these activities, and provide copies to the Engineer. the intended activities
Acquisition of land, building Complete all necessary land and building acquisition Areas of Before the LWSU LWSU and other assets in accordance with RP and Entitlement Framework impact commencement prior to the commencement of any construction works. of construction
Provide copies of land acquisition details to the Area of Before the LWSU I Engineer Engineer and Contractor. 1 impact I commencement 1 of construction
Acquisition of land, building Provide a list of affected property owners to the RE Area of Before the LWSU LWSU and other assets and Contractor. lmpact commencement of construction
u- .- Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 200R ' ' '@$sM'c rn Assoclallon wllh FM Asso~~ales(iesolfal and Southern Walprs ,South Alrlca) Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures Location Timing Responsible Organisstion Contractual Unit Cost 1 issue 7Clause Supervision I Monitoring
1 Training Organise environmental management and safety On site At least 1 month Supervision LWSU training. prior to Consultant 1 commencement Contractor All Contractors and Supervising Consultant Field of construction Supervisorls shall anend the training.
Implementation of Preparation of Contractor Environmental Management All work sites Before Contractor Engineer Environmental Management Plan and activities commencement 1 Requirements of construction
Project LWSU / NESI World I Establish Panel of Experts to oversee social and environmental management issues.
I Health and Safety Issues Preparation of a Health and Safety Plan for workers I All work siies Before and impacted communities addressing issues commencement including: of construction I Measures to prevent the spread of HIVIAiis such as free condoms, awareness campaign Education of workers and impacted communities Provision of safety equipment for workers Use of child labour to be prohibited I
Construction Plants, Tr~alrun of Contractor's plants, machinery and Construction Before Machinery and vehicles vehicles lor ascertaining that their emission and noise Camp 1 Commencement levels conform to the standards stipulated by NES. Vehicle depot of construction
.... .~. . .~. . . . -. .... -- . . . - . . .. , ...... -.. .. - . , .- - Melolong Dam EStA F~ndFebruary 2008 ' 1 ' IZC~~SMEC ln Assoc~atla-8wrlh FM A9sociates (Lesotho) and Southern Waters (South Alrical Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures Location Timing Contractual Unit Cost Issue Clause Implementation Supervision I Monitoring
Work site Survey, Pegging Survey the proposed work sitest with a level and peg All work sites Before Contractor Engineer and Approval the area. commencement t of constructin
Jointly inspect the surveyed alignment. All work sites Before Contractor / Engineer commencement Engineer of construction
Locate, peg out and seek approval from the Engineer All work sites Before Contractor Engineer for each ancillary site prior to the commencement of commencement related activities. of construction
Inspect and approve, if correct, all pegged ancillary All work sites Before Engineer Engineer sites. commencement of construction
.- Protection/preservation Commence Cultural Resources Management Programi Project Before LWSU Department of Cultural Heritage construction Culture Undertake assessment of downstream and ancillary All work sites works sites including construction sites, work camps, water treatment plant, water supply transmission lines.
Construction Stage
Maintenance of river flows for Complete temporary river diversion works to be used Dam wall site Before Contractor Engineer the downstream environment during the construction of the dam. construction of and water users. dam wall Maintain downstream flows in the Phuthiatsana River Engineer in accordance with the IFR rules.
- Melolong Dam ESlA F~nalFebruary 2008 ''7 $@sM~~n Assoc~allnnw!lli FM Asoclales (Lesolho) and Saulkm Walers (Saulh Alrlca) Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures Location Timing Responsible Organisation Contractual Unit Cost Issue -. Clause Implementation Supervision I Monitoring
Vegetation Clearance Clearly mark out the extent of clearing within the All work site Before clearing Contractor Engineer approved worksite areas with pegs at 50-m intervals the vegetation or less. Identify and mark individual trees for retention within the marked extent of clearing. Seek approval for clearing from the Engineer at least 1 week priir to any proposed clearing.
Vegetation Clearance Inspect and approve all correctly located and pegged All work sites Before clearing Engineer LWSU clearing sites. Vegetation clearance shall only be the vegetation undertaken once consent to dear strip plantation I individual trees along the alignment has been obtained from each owner. Instruct all construction workers to restrict clearing to the marked areas and not to harvest any forest products for personal consumption.
Ensure that all clearing is undertaken with minimal All work sites Before clearing Contractor Engineer disturbance to the sunounding environment, within the the vegetation extent of approved sites only.
Stockpile cleared shrub foliage where possible for All work sites Throughout Contractor Engineer later use as a brush layer. construction period
Construction Traffic Management
Construction lraffii causing Contractor and subcontractors, to use approprite Throughout Throughout Contractor Engineer damage to local roads due to vehicles, and to comply with legal gross vehicle and Project area Construction overbading, increase in axle load limits. period rmps'onl Cmtractor n repair damage at own eqense. road safety hazards --
~ - ...... ~~ . .- ...... -. .~ .. . .- - -- Melolong Dam ESIA: Final February 2008 15; *ldsMec in Associatior with FM kWa,es(Lesotho) and South. WIICS (South Africa) Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures Location Timing Responsible Organisation Contractual lswe Clause
Monitoring
Road safety hazards Contractors to minimise road safety hazards and All traffic Throughout Contractor Engineer associated with temporary inconvenience to other road users by taking all diversion Construction traffic diversions appropriate measures stretches period
- - - - - Erosion Clearly mark the areas to be cleared of vegetation All work sites Prior to Contractor Engineer before clearing commences. No clearing of vegetation commencement shall occur outside of these areas. of vegetation clearing
Wherever possible avoid locating construction areas, All Project Prior to Contractor Engineer access tracks and constnrction camps on steep slopes area commencement I productive agricultural land. of construction
Identify vehicle access tracks and parking areas prior All Project Prior to Contractor Engineer to commencement of construction. Ensure areas commencement construction workers are aware of the locations of of construction these areas and that vehicles are restricted to these areas.
Prior to commencement of works construct necessary All Project Prior to Contractor Engineer temporary1 permanent erosion and sedimentation areas commencement control structures. I of wok Ensure topsoil is left in a noncompacted condition At all work Immediately following completion of works. Ensure re-vegetation at sites following the earliest time. aconstruction
- . . ~~. - - ~ .. .- .. . . . - ~~ .. .. .- ~..-. ~.- .. ------Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2008 1 f ' q!iisMEc111 Assocmtmn wllh FM Assoc~ales{Lesolho) and Snulhern W~te!s (South Alrtcal Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures Location Timing Responsible Organisation Contractual Unit Cost Issue Clause implementation Supervision I Monitoring
Erosion Following completion of works prepare areas for At all work Immediately Contractor Engineer rehabilitation by revegetation or engage local sites following community to plant vegetation. completion of works
Erosion Where culverts or pipes have been installed, line At cross- During Contractor Engineer waterflow exit points with stone or cement riirap for a drainage construction length of two metres. structure with erosion potential
Sedimentation Identify and map all areas where soil disturbance will Throughout Prior to , Contractor Engineer occur. For each of these areas, identify appropriate alignment of commencement sediment control structures and install structures prior transmission of construction to commencement of work. mains work
If possible, schedule works requiring large areas of Throughout Prior to Contractor Engineer soil disturbance or newly formed embankments to alignment of commencement avoid the rainy season. transmission of construction I mains
Where possible a bund or trench shall be constructed At proposed Prior to Contractor Engineer on the down slope of the construction areas to divert cross- commencement run-off to sediment control structures. drainage of work structure The bund or trench shall be removed upon completion Immediately locations of construction works. folbwmg completion of construction
.. .. .- ... .. - .. -. . . . ~ . .. - . .. - . ~.. - .~...... --. . - . ... ~ . - ~.~~ . - - .~ - - .- Metolong Dam ESIA: Final: February 2008 16,! rl:@sMw in Assoclarion wilh FM Asscctates (lesolho) and Soulhern Walers lSouli7 Alrlca) Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures Location Timing Responsible Organisation Contractual Unit Cost Issue Clause Implementation Supervision I Monitoring Ensure that potential sources of petroxhemical Water pollution work Prior to Contractor Engineer (including bituminous materials) pollution are commencement handled in such a way to reduce chances of spills of construction and leaks. Train work crews in safe handling of petro- chemicals. Minimise soil sedimentation as outlined under sediment control. Contractor to make suitable arrangements for water requirements and to provide alternative supply to any users affected by contractor's abstraction of local water source. Management of stockpiles, Consult with nearby landholders and community At potential Prior to Contractor Engineer spoil heaps and batters about suitable locations for stockpiles and spoil locations for cornmencement heaps. stockpiling of work Site plans shall include all drainage provisions for Prior to construction sites. commencement of work Locate stockpiles or spoil heaps so there is no Prior to blocking of drainage lines. If stockpile locations stockpiling are not level, the base shall be leveled and contained. ti a spoil heap or stockpile containing fine Immediately sediments is to remain bare during high rainfall following periis, it shall be covered to prevent erosion stockpiling and sediment run-off.
. .. ~.. . . .- ...... -- . ~ - ...... - ..~ ...~... -.- - . . .. Melalong Dam ESIA- Final February 2008 16.. 11, AsSac!alion with FM Assaciales (Lesotho) and Southern Walers (South Atrra) e(I) (I)3
4r .-0
'3sH 3 Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures Location Timing Responsible Organisation Contractual Unit Cost Issue Clause Implementation Supervision I Monitoring
Waste management Contain all solid wastes at designated location All work sites Throughout Contractor Engineer within construction sites. construction During site clean-up, bum all spilled fuel oils and 1 During site bituminous waste materials. clean-up Crush, bum and bury all inorganic solid waste in During site clean an approved disposal area. UP Remove disabled equipment, including 1 Throughout machinery from the area. construction Use above-watertable p'i latrines at major Throughout 1 construction sites. construction Compost all green or biodegradable waste. Throughout construction
Protection of environmentally Identify natural areas in Me plans, especially All work sites Prior to Contractor Engineer sensitive areas environmentally sensitive or ecologmlly fraglle I commencement areas. , of works Locate construction siteslactivitiis away from ' Throughout sensitive areas. construction Ensure those involved in construction are aware of these areas and the usage limits of such areas. Provide training to construction teams to ensure an understanding of the requirements regarding environmental protection of s~tes. Protectton vegetation Identify vegetation that will need to be work siies During Contractor of removed/protected. All 1 sie preparation Remove identified trees in such a way as to Prior to minimise damage to surrounding vegetation. construction Ensure the construction crew is aware remaining Prior to vegetation must not be touched or damaged. Commencement Establish community nurseries for medicinal of construction plants and thatching grasses. - - - - .- . ------. .-. - -.. - ..- .. - Melolong Dam ESIA: Final: February 2008 '@'ME' '@'ME' rn Asscc,a~,cu.wth FM Ass~~ates~Lesolho~and Soulhem Waters (South Afncal Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures Location Timing Responsible Organisation Contractual Unit Cost Issue Clause Implementation Supervision 1 Monitoring
Worker's Camp Contractors to prepare for approval detailed site Before Throughout Contractor Engineer environmental plans for the base camps and other work construction construction sites, which make adequate provision for safe disposal starts of all wastes, and prevention of spillages, leakage of polluting materials etc. Post-use of Contractor to be required to pay all costs associated the site with cleaning up any pollution caused by his activities and to pay full compensation to those affected.
If necessary, solid waste from the camp shall be Camp sites Throughout Contractor Engineer disposed off in a 'sanitary' landlill area. The process construction will involve three stages: + burning non-recyclable wastes in a pit + crushing all un-bumed residues; and + burial of the crushed residues in a pit dug to avoid contamination of the water table. The pit will be covered regularly with a layer of soil or sediment. pp Socioenvironmentalissues Advise the local community of project plans in For the whole Prior to Contractor Engineer advance of construction, and involve them in the Project commencement site Iconstruction planning process. of works
Avoid disturbances near residential areas where contractor Engineer possible. construction Identify cultural heritage sites recorded during Project sites Prior to the Contractor Archaeologist culural heritage assessment undertaken during commencement the ESlA and protect them (e.g. use of fencing) of, and from disturbance while the recording Irecovery throughout program is in progress. construction
- -- ~. .. , - .. ..-.. . - - . . ---- -. -- .- . .~ . . . . . -...... - - ~ . - ~.~ . -- . -.. ,... Metolong Dam ESIA: Final: February 2008 lFir *aSMECin Assoxtion wth FM Assoeates (Lesolho\ and Southern Waters (South Alrsa) Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures Location Timing Responsible Organisation Contractual Unit Cost Issue Clause Implementation Supe~sionl Monitoring Throughout residential areas.
Arrange for local people to be employed and Prior to trained. commencement of, and throughout construction Include women, poor & vulnerable groups in the For the whole Priior to implementation of the Project activities. Project commencement of, and throughout construction Negotiate and agree on with community about Priior to soil disposal areas and stockpile sites. commencement of, and throughout construction
Melolong Dam ESlA Fmal Februery 2008 '@sMEc 1, Assonallon wlh FM Assoclales (Lesotho)and Soultiern Waters (Sovlh Afrlcal
EnvironmentalImpact I Mitigation Measures Location Timing Responsible Organisation Contractual Unit Cost Issue Clause
Monitoring
Reinstatement of Services Inventory all services to be reinstated. All work sites Priir to Contractor Engineer interruption of any services Liaise and reach agreement with affected Contractor Engineer landowners, bcal authorities, public undertakings and local people regarding services to be maintained, temporarily cut and reinstated, I including the timing and location of cuts and reinstatements. Obtain written permission from 1 affected landowners IIml people regarding the temporary cessation of services.
Maintain or provide temporary services during Contractor Engineer 1 construction, including temporary water supplies. I Progressively reinstate or repair all interrupted ' services to their previous capacity.
, Inspect and certify the adequate reinstatement of Following services. construction
- ~ ~ ~ ...... ~...... -. .. .~ . .. .~ . . . .- ...... ~ .. ~ ..~ ------..- - - - - 4. Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2008 17 3@SMEC in Associal~onwllh FM Assonat~s(Lesolho) and Soulhem Waters (Soulh Alrica) Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures Timing I Responsible Organisation Issue I
Monitoring
Borrow Pits (access road Equitable agreements for borrow pldevelopment Throughout Whenever Contractor Engineer construction) to be reached by contractors and landowners, Alignment encountered with post-use restoration for agriculture. during Temporary lease arrangements to include an construction Loss of productive land for element which fully reflects post-use rehabilitation barrow pits and adverse actions and costs. financial effects associated Remove top soil and retain in a protected heap 1 Contractor Engineer with exploitation of naive for post-use rehabilitation of the borrow area. landowners by Contractors Ensure aquifers are not penetrated. Fill excavation site with appropriate fill or Contractor 1 Engineer incinerate construction waste in it, top and finally cover with stored topsoil. Discuss with community possible use of excavation site for aquaculture uses. Locate and peg borrow pits outside the ROW, estimate the quantity of material required and the Contractor Engineer period of extraction and seek approval from the I Engineer. Before opening addiinal pits, operating pits shall be closed as per relevant Specifications. No borrow area shall be located in I sensitive areas such as forests, wetland etc. Inspect and approve all correctly located borrow Engineer pits. Ensure that each quarry or borrow pit drains into a sediment trap before runoff is discharged off Contractor Engineer the site.
Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2008 1 .' flRSMEc III Assmelon w~lhFM Assooales (Lesotho) and Souli~ernWaters (South Aha) Environmental Impact I Midgation Measures Location Timing Responsible Organisation Contractual Unit Cost Issue Clause Implementation Supervision 1 Monitoring
Stockpiling Locate, peg and seek approval from the Engineer All work sites Whenever Contractor Engineer for the use of stockpile sites. encountered Contractor Engineer Obtain written permission from landowners for during stockpiling on their temporarily acquired land. construction Engineer LWSU lnspect and approve all correctly located stockpile sites. Seed topsoil stockpiles with a cover crop where Contractor Engineer they are to be retained for more than one month. Contractor Engineer Site plans shall include all drainage provisions for construction sites. Locate stockpiles or spoil heaps so there is no Contractor Engineer blocking of drainage lines. If stockpile locations are not level, the base shall be leveled and contained. Contractor Engineer If a spoil heap or stockpile containing fine sediments is to remain bare during high rainfall periods, it shall be covered to prevent erosion and sediment run-off. Workforce Camps Locate, peg and seek approval from the Engineer Construction Throughout Contractor Engineer camp lease mnstnxlin for workforce camp sites. Engineer LWSU Inspect and approve all conectly located camp area
Provide and maintain proper drinking water, Contractor Engineer worker's health check-up, and sewage and waste disposal facilities at the camps. recycle or dispose of solid waste as directed by Contractor Engineer
...... - ~ .. . ..~~... . ~ ~ ~.. - ...... - ...... -.. .. - .- . -- ~ .- - Melolong Dam ESIA: Final February 2008 17 3 KtM'' ~nASSOCI~IIM w!rh FM Associates (Lesotho) and Soulhern Waters (Soulh Alrlca) ---
Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures Location Timing Responsible Organisation Contractual Unit Cost Issue Clause Implementation Supervision I Monitoring - Workforce Management Liaise with affected communities regarding Near Before and Contractor Engineer 1 proposed construction activities. Construction during building LWSU Contractor Ensure workers act in a responsible manner to camp sites of construction local people and do not harvest or take personal camps resources, forest products or wildlife. Ensure that no or minimal wood is burnt by any construction workers on or off site. Contractor Provide kerosene or gas for all workforce cooking Contractor needs. Restrict working hours near habitations to Contractor between 06.00-18.00 hrs.
Vehicles delivering materials shall be coverdto Dust Nuisance Beginning CmVacmr Engineer reduce spills and dust blowing off the load. mroughout ,,,,* Alignment and continuing Use of water tankers to control dust at throughout construction sites adjacent villageshouses construction Vehicles and machinery will be regularly Gaseous Air Pollution Throughout Beginning with Contractor Engineer maintained so that emissions conform lo Nabnal and con~nuing Standards. throughout construction Workers in vicinity of strong noise will wear Wise Throughout Beginning wrth Contractor Engineer earplugs and their working time should be limited. Alignment and continuing Construction would be stopped from 21:00 to throughwt 06:OO hrs at construction sites located within 150 construction rn of residential areas. Machinery and vehicles will be maintained to keep noise at a minimum.
~ ... ~~ ~ -. .. ,.. ,... .- .. . ~. - - -- ~.~ - -- - ~ -- . - Melolong Dam ESIA: Final. February 2008 174 @aSMmin Assoctatan wi(h FM Assoclares (Lesorho) and Southern Walers (Soulh Africa) Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures 1 Location 1 Timing Issue
Construction materials containing fine particles Near cross- Throughout e.g. aggregates, limestone etc, will be stored in drainage construction an enclosure away from water bodies to ensure structures that sediment laden water does not drain into and water bodies
Trees and grass will be planted on slopes and Whenever other suitable places along the alignment to encountered completion of stabilise works areas. during construction construction activif es at these sites
- - - -- Alleration of Drainage In sections along water courses, eartt, and Near cross Whenever construction waste will be properly disposed of so drainage encountered as to not block rivers and streams, resulting in structures during adverse impact on water quality. construction
All necessary measures will be taken to prevent Near cross Whenever earthworks from impeding cross drainage at drainage encountered rivers/ streams, canavexisting irrigation and structures during drainage systems. construction All justifiable measures will be taken to prevent Contamination from Wastes Near camps Throughout the wastewater produced at construction camps 1 drainage construction from entering directly into rivers and irrigation structures systems. A minimum distance of any sewage and rived source or toilet facility should be lOOm from water streams sources. I
.. .-- . ~ . -...... - - .. -. Melolong Dam ESIA: Final. February 2008 1 i !- 'i@SMEc I" Azsoctallon wilh FM Assoctales(LesO1ho) and Soulhem Walers(Soulh Alncal Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures [ Location ( Timing Responsible Organisation Contractual Issue I Clause Implementation Supervision I I Monitoring Contamination from fuel and Vehicle maintenance and refuelling will be Constructin Throughout Contractor Engineer lubricants confined to areas in construction camps designed camp lease construction to contain spilled lubricants and fuels. Waste area petroleum products must be collected, stored and taken to approved disposal sites, according to
Sanitation and Waste Camps shall be located at a minimum distance of At all Before and Contractor Engineer Disposal in Construction 100 m from water sources. construction during building Camps Sufticient measures will be taken in the and camp of construction construction camps, i.e. provision of garbage sites camps tanks and sanitation facilities including septic tank Throughout and soak pits. Waste in septic tanks will be construction cleared periidically. period drinking water will meet National Standards. Garbage will be collected in bins and disposed of Throughout daily. construction Special attention shall be paid to the sanitary Throughout condition of camps. 1 construction
Increase in Water-borne, Make certain that there is good drainage at all During Insect-borne Communicable construction areas, to avoid creation of stagnant Diseases water bodies especially in urbanlindustrial areas, and camD including water in old tires. Provide adequate sanitation and waste disposal at constructin camps. Provide adequate health care for workers and locate camps away from vulnerable groups
Melalo~igOam ESlA Final February 2008 1 ", gBSMm~nAssoctatlon wlth FM Assoclales (Lesotho) and Southern Waters ISoulh Alr~ca) Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures Location Timing Responsible Organisation Contractual Unlt Cost Issue Clause Implementation Supervision I Monitoring
Cultural Resources If archaeological relics or remains are Wherever Throughout Contractor with Engineer I discovered, the appropriate authority should be such construction Department of LWSU notified immediately. The construction should be archaeologic Cutture stopped until the authorised organisation a1 remains assesses the remains and approves continuation are of work after appropriate measures are discovered implemented. (along Archaeologists will supervise any necessary transmission excavation to avoid any damage to the relics, lines) - Hazards and Hazardous Safely handle and store hazardous materials. All work sites Throughout Contractor Engineer Materials construction as Seek dlrectins from the Engineer for the Contractor Engineer disposal of hazardous materials. and when Provide disposal directions to the Contractor required Engineer LWSU when requested. Contractor Engineer Clean up spills of hazardous materials immed~ately, Engineer Suppress fires on or adjacent to construction or Contractor Engineer l ancillary s~tes. LWSU In case of spill of hazardous materials, relevant departments will be lnformed at once and will deal with it in accordance with the spill contingency plan. Soil Erosion On slopes and other suitable places along the Primarily at Upon Contractor Engineer alignment, trees and grass shall be planted cross cornplet~onof drainage construction structures activities at these sRes
On sections with high filling and deep cutting, Contractor Englneer slopes shall be covered by mulch walls and -with grass. - ...... -.- . - , . Metolong Dam ESlA Flnal February 2008 (11 Assoctnt!on w~lhFM Assoclales (LesotM) and Southern Walerb (Soulh Afrlcal
Environmental Impact I Mitigation Measures Issue
Monitoring
POST-CONSTRUCTION (OPERATION) STAGE
Re-vegetation Progressively sow all disturbed construction and Throughout Continuous Contractor Engineer ancillary site surfaces with a cover crop mix Alignment immediately following final use of each ancillary site. Progressively implement re-vegetation works, Continuous Contractor Engineer commencing in the correct planting season. Regularly monitor the effectiveness of re- Every six months for two vegetation measures. Contractor LWSU years after re- vegetation
- Hazardous Waste Prepare a program to dispose of oil and other Pump Prior to Plant Operator LWSU Management Plan lubricants resulting from routine maintenance of stations, operation pumps and other operating equipment. treatment plant, dam wall
Design and implement an IFR monitoring Environmental Monitoring Project Parallel with LWSU NES program (as identified in the IFR Report for the Programs commencement ESIA) to establish a baseline data set and for of operations routine monitoring to refine IFR rules. Implement a fish monitoring program in the reservoir and downstream in the Phuthiatsana River (could be integrated with IFR monitoring). Implement the Monthly Water Quality Monitoring dote: Reference to Engineer refers to the Supervision Consultant of the Contractors.
-- ...... -...... -- ...... -...... -...... Metolong Dsrn ESIA. Final February 2WB i'.: ; #nAssocialion wilh FM AsSociales (Lesotho) and Southern Walers (South Alnca) 8.2 Institutional Arrangements It has not yet been decided which agency will have the overall responsibility for the coordination, planning and implementation of the Project. The actual implementation of the environmental monitoring and management and land acquisition and resettlement components will most likely be canied by LWSU. It is anticipated that construction will involve a Supervision (Management) Consultant with responsibilities under the direction of LWSU of directly supervising the Contractor implementing the works. The World Bank requires the establishment of a Panel of Experts under its Dam Safety and Environmental Assessment safeguard policies. Given the complex nature of the Project and the need to adequately manage the social and environmental impacts, such a measure is endorsed. A representative from SADC should be included in any such arrangement.
8.3 Training Table 77 outlines the proposed training for LWSU staff and dam operating staff as well as employees of the Contractor. The training is aimed at the practical aspects of environmental monitoring and management. TABLE 77. TRAINING FOR LWSU AND CONTRACTOR STAFF
I 1 Environmental and social I overview , Environmental and social regulations & acts ' Environmental, social and Environmental Lecture System ,I health issues associated and Social I LWSU Environmental Workshops ' with water supply dam Specialists, ! Staff Group Discussion projects Supervision 1 Visit to case study Environmental : Consultant i Management Plans j Requirements of the i Resettlement Plan I 1 Environmentally sound i construction management i ! ! -~.--l----.-.----..-----...~....-.....---.L.-.--.------.--.-...-.,..-.-.-..-..-. - '1 i Environmental and social 1 : overview ' Environmental impact I , assessment ' Environmental I Environmental ' ' Management Plan ' implementation and Social Specialists, Requiremems of the Seminar Supervision ! Resettlement Plan 2 Contractor's Staff Workshop Consultant Lectures Environmental and social regulations & Acts LWSU I , Environmental pollution Environmental associated with water Staff supply dam projects Environmentally sound construction management Water supply dam projects
-' --and environmental-. issues -- --
Melolong Lam ESlA Flnal February 2008 ' 8C @&s~ECAsSoctaRor, wiln iMASSoClales lLes0th3~and So~thernWaletl (South A1rl:al .. .------. ------Environmental Management Plan Environmental implementation and Social I Specialists, , *IFR Dam Senunar Supervision ' 3 OperationfMaintenance Workshop Environmental pollution Consultant associated with water Staff Lectures LWSU I ! supply projects Environmental I Best environmental I ! staff, IFR 1 i practices Specialist L--L i - -. ..------
8.4 Monitoring Environmental monitoring is an essential component of project implementation. Tt facilitates and ensures the follow-up of the imp1 ementation of the proposed mitigation measure, as they are required. It helps to anticipate possible environmental hazards and/or detect unpredicted impacts over time. Monitoring includes: Visual observations; Selection of environmental parameters at specific locations; Sampling and regular testing of these parameters. Monitoring should be undertaken at a number of levels. Firstly, it should be undertaken by the Contractor at work sites during construction, under the direction and guidance of the Supervision Consultant who is responsible for reporting the monitoring to the implementing agency, LWSU. It is not the Contractor's responsibility to monitor land acquisition and compensation issues. It is recommended that the Contractor employ two local full time qualified environmental inspectors for the duration of the Contract capable of undertaking the required monitoring or to supervise an external monitoring group (such as a university) to undertake the monitoring on behalf of the Contractor. The Supervision Consultant should include the services of an international environmental and monitoring specialist on a part time basis as part of their team. LWSU should in turn undertake independent monitoring of selected parameters to verify the results of the Contractor and to audit direct implementation of environmental mitigation measures contained in the EMP and construction contract clauses for the Project. LWSU also has the direct responsibility to implement and monitor land acquisition and compensation issues as outlined in the RP. The Project team should include an environmental monitoring and management specialist as well as a sociologist experienced in land acquisition and compensation issues. A total of 6 person months per year should be allocated to the Project during the pre-construction and construction stages for social and environmental management issues. Periodic ongoing monitoring will be required during the life of the Project and the level can be determined once the Project is operational. Lesotho has a National Environment organisation (NES) that has the overall responsibility for issuing approval for the Project and ensuring that their environmental guidelines are followed during Project implementation. NES's role therefore is to review environmental monitoring and environmental compliance documentation submitted by the implementing authority and they would not normally be directly involved in monitoring the Project unless some specific major environmental issue arose. Environmental monitoring of the following parameters (and outlined in Table 78) is recommended as a minimum for the Project.
8.4.1 Water Quality Monitoring Construction camps are often a source of significant surface and groundwater pollution if not managed and sited properly. It is recommended therefore that the Contractor undertake monitoring of any effluent, waste water, or rainfall runoff discharged from campsites. This would encourage the Contractor to implement proper wastewater treatment facilities on site through the use of settling and treatment ponds.
...... -, -. .. -- ~ . - ~ . - .. .- ~ ---- . ~- @pi\ Me!olcng Dam ESlA Final February 2008 1 Z 1 R)SM~,n Assoaalicn wtm FV Assottal~siLes01h0! and Southern Waters ISOU!~Nnca! The parameters to be analysed should include the following: pH EC SS Turbidity Colour NH4+ N03- Total P Fe Al DO BOD Grease and oil Total coliform If the discharged effluent does not meet the National Standards for Lesotho then the Contractor must take further treatment measures or refrain from discharging effluent directly into nearby watercourses. Section 6.3.1.1 outlines a water quality monitoring program for the operation phase of the Project. It recommends a monthly monitoring program with two sampling sites, one site in the reservoir near the dam wall and one site upstream of the reservoir in the South Phuthiatsana River.
8.4.2 Noise Levels Monitoring Periodic sampling of Contractor equipment and at work sites should be undertaken to confirm that noise levels are within approved standards (see Table 65). Noise level monitoring could be supplemented by consulting with Project Affected People in the first instance to identify the level of monitoring required. The quarry site and dam wall site are the main sources of noise pollution.
8.4.3 Soil Erosion Monitoring The excavation of earth for the establishment of the dam wall, temporary and permanent access roads, work camps and storage facilities will exacerbate soil erosion. It will, therefore, be the responsibility of the Contractor's environmental inspectors to ensure the implementation and effectiveness of erosion control measures. Focus should begiven to work sites where soil is disturbed and its immediate environ.
8.4.4 Monitoring of Vegetation Clearing Unique stands of indigenous trees should not be removed for the establishment of temporary worklstorage sites. The Contractor's environmental inspectors should make sure that the unique tree stands are not removed.
8.4.5 Monitoring Rehabilitation of Work Sites The Contractor's environmental inspectors should ensure that areas used as temporary campsites for workers are progressively rehabilitated as they are no longer required. Once a site is rehabilitated it should be "signed off' by LWSU environmental staff.
8.4.6 Monitoring of AccidentsIHealth The Contractor's environmental inspectors must make sure that appropriate signs are posted at work sites to minimise/eliminate risk of accidents, particularly from movement of heavy vehicles. In addition the environmental inspectors should make sure that: Measures to create awareness regarding sexually transmitted diseases, primarily HIV/AIDS, and other diseases such as STIs;
.. - .. - . -- ~ . - &%is\ Melolon? Dam ESIA Final: February 2006 iEZ wt~~~~I, Assoc,a,m~wit> Fhn Associales iLescthoi and Southern Waten (South Atnca! Periodic health surveys are carried out around the dam site; LWSU will have overall responsibility to oversee that all environmental measures are put in place and that regulations are enforced. The construction supervision consultant should assist LWSU in this process in order to make sure that contractors fulfil the environmental requirements. The following parameters could be used as indicators: Presence of posted visible signs at work sites, etc.; Presence of sanitary facilities at campsites; Level of awareness of communities pertaining to dangerslrisks associated with Project construction activities; Accident reports. Records on actual accidents associated with the dam construction could be compiled with the help of local community officials, teacherslstudents of local schools.
TABLE 78. MONITORING PLAN
; ~c~ulsition re- i compensation ' I 1 I LWSU i NES : and construction i paid as per i RP :&omPF- ...... -+ _i---L .J .. _i...... --.: .... ---;...... : ; pH, EC, SS, ' National ! Constructon ' Monthly turbidity, guidelines ' Camps durlng 1 ! dour. NH&, for owration of I Waer Quality ' Constructon NO3-' P' Lesotho camp Fe, 4, BOD, grease 8 oil, total
: cdiforrn ---- _ ... __ ..... >.__ j...... _~..7_-...... Temp., W, National , Man storage Monthly Algal counts, guidelines basin ( : pH, turbidity, : for ' Lie of Water Quality ; Operation total Fe 8 Mn, , Lesotho ; : LWSU NES sol. Reactive project
/ ... *~ ~!!!!C.E.& .- ..-- .... - L ...... - ...... Refer to IFR - Yearly Review after ' LWSU , IFWF.sheries Operation , report NES report i 5 wars ...... Noise levels . National : All work sites . Monthly as I on dB (A) . guidelines required by contraclor ' Sl'pelvision Scale ! for Su~e~sion Consultant
L------r~~s!tho __~&lsullant .------.- _ ' Noise levels National Nose level As directed Readinas to Noise Levels Construction ; on dB (A) guidehes readlngs by the be take;; at scale for takenat Supervision , 15 second Lesotho nearest Consultant lnte~alfor Contractor , ConsunantSlpelvisiar , residenbal 15mheq ' house to hr and then I worksite -_ . 2 . - aE-!P!i ; Turbiityin , National i As identified Pre- I i storm water , guidehes i by LWSU monsoan j Contmclor ; Supelvision : Soil Erosion Construction : for t and post : ! Consultrvlt i Lesotho : m~lSoOn 1 1 . =aXns ! L --- -. + 1 -.--____. _.-_ ... ----'-I-.-- '. .. .: : VegetaM , Constrwh Monitor EMP ; All worksites . As required Contractor j Supewlsion j Clearing dearing to , i Consultant ensure I consistent wilh -_ ------. - EMP- - -- .------.- -- Rehabilitation Construction Monitoring to EMP Work camps, As required Contractor LWSU ' d Work Sis ensure all material , work sites are storage , prcgress~eiy ) sites,alug i ROW I . -,__.--1 rehaYtaed ~..;.. J i Health Construction : Sans. vosters ' EMP ' AN work ; Monthlv ; Contractor I LWSU diSp~a);ed, ' sites,mxk : heah camps and I awareness , surrounding lechrres.. ' areas i I !...... !?.altLCher:'!.._!.. --- :_. ... .- .- ...... -. -- ...... - --...... lvletolong Dam ES!A Final February 2006 :EC. I G&SM'C 1, A~s0iief10nwith FW AASsOClaleS !LesOlhoj anrl Souihem Werers (Soulh Afnczi I c + 4 -- :---1 ~ Safety training i I I for workers, i 1 I i 1 Accidents Consbucbn ; reporb, : EMP AYworksiies ; Monlhly I : Contractor j LWSU I I I i community i I I ! ! ...... ' L.... *tio_n_i 1.... 1 1
Table 79 provides a preliminary budget estimate for the monitoring outlined previously. TABLE 79. BUDGET ESTIMATE FOR MONITORING
i ! At locations : Water Quality ' i ! specified in 50 j 500 samples 25,000 : (construction) 1 1 j monitoring plan I
I ' Main storage basln Water Quality For the life of the near wall and 1,000lmonth , I (Operation) hoject upstream limit
, IFR (include Establish baseline I m Initial1y 5 years , fisheries & IFR release 12,000 then review 60,000 monitoring) records
At equipment Noise Levels 15 100 samples 1,500 yards, work sites
Measurement of ' Soil Erosion 10 100 samples I 1,000 turbidity
...... -. ... .J .... _. ... --a...... ; ...... 2 full time equivalent staff for Environmental 3,000 I person I Contractor Staff Inspectors duration of 142,000 month Construction (20
i months) ' . L .... 2...... : 1 full time : Environmental equivalent staff for I LWSU Staff 150,000 monitoring staff : "OM I month duration of Project ; ! ! ; (30 months) 1 ..--.A.....- ...... ---- .... +-,.. ..+ ...... -. As per training Transport, , Training 20,000 , program equipment etc. ,
Metoionp Dsm ESIA F~nalFebruary 2036 184 @!$SMEc I" Assooatton Wlrh FM Asso~ates1LesolI10) an0 Southern Waiers !South Afrocai 9 Recommendations 1 Conclusions
Based on field work investigations and consultations with Project affected people, local, regional and national government agencies and other organisations it is unlikely that the Project will have major adverse social and environmental impacts. Many adverse impacts will be of a temporary nature during the construction phase. Other long term impacts from Project operation such as the instream environment of the Phuthiatsana River or loss of cultural heritage sites can be managed to acceptable levels with implementation of the recommended mitigation measures in the EMP for the Project such that the overall benefits from the Project will greatly outweigh the adverse impacts. The fact that involuntary resettlement is not large scale and the impacts can be adequately mitigated for the Project unlike many other large water supply dams is a direct result of the location of the dam site. It is unlikely to be the case if an alternative site were chosen. However, the Project involves construction of a large dam and it is essential that the recommended mitigation measures from the ESIA and RP are carefully managed and implemented in a timely manner to ensure potentially significant adverse impacts do not eventuate. The LHWP provides a good example of problems that can arise if adequate resources and commitment are not applied during the construction and operation of large projects such as the proposed Metolong Dam Project. Section 9.1 provides a summary of the key actions required to ensure the social and environmental impacts associated with the Project are kept to acceptable levels and that communities directly affected by the Project also share in its benefits. The need for the Project is clearly demonstrated in the urgency for expanding Maseru's water supply. Maseru's water demand in the domestic and industrial sectors has outstripped the available supply, leading to water shortages, an increase in the proportion of the city's population without water supply services and the curtailing of planned new connections. The situation will deteriorate unless immediate effective steps are taken to procure additional supplies. Roma is in a similar predicament. Its present water supply is not sufficient to meet present demand and it experiences serious shortages. Project benefits to Maseru city, Teyateyaneng, Mazenod, Roma, Morija and the International Airport will be long-term and of very high value in ternis of improved water security. National benefits will also accrue in the form of improved national economic variables such as production capacity and economic growth associated with sustaining of an increased urban and peri-urban population through more secure water supply. This will lead to increased employment opportunities which are much needed in the country. The Project also has the potential to provide local benefits. Given local economic conditions in the Metolong Reservoir area, which is characterised by constrained access to cash incomes and relatively high levels of poverty, the Project has the potential to contribute to local economic development. If conceptualised as an infrastructure project with fairly substantial local development potential, the Project can assist with the diversification of local livelihood strategies and contribute to an increase in household incomes. There are also potentially catchment wide benefits for the South Phuthiatsana River upstream of Metolong Dam with the proposed implementation of an integrated catchment management (ICM) program to promote sustainable land use practices as part of the Project's mitigation measures. It is recommended therefore that the Project proceed.
9.1 Key Actions to be Implemented Implementation of the relocation and compensation program as outlined in the Resettlement Plan for this Project. This must commence before construction. Improved water supply for villages around the reservoir foreshore areas through improvement in the existing collection and reticulation systems through the introduction of a WATSAN program dealing with latrine, wastewater, refuse pit, water supply and health and hygiene education matters as implemented for the LHWP. r Establishment of community nurseries for medicinal plants and thatching grasses.
Melolong Dam ESIA. Final Fe'sruary 20CB e-PaSMECI, A~socat~on wjlh FM Assoc~alas!issotho! and Southern Waters (South Alricai During final design, investigate the feasibility and cost of footbridges recommended to mitigate impeded access by the proposed storage and consult with local communities on their location. Also as part of the ongoing community consultation program, investigate the feasibility of establishing a small boat ferry service across the storage as an alternative or supplement to the footbridges. HIVIAids awareness campaign for communities and workers. Final dam design to allow for provision of multi-level intake structure to accommodate IFRs and for water quality issues downstream of the dam. Development of IFR operating rules and decision support system during final design of the dam with input from an IFR specialist to guide operation of the off take structure from the reservoir Establishment of a monitoring program for the river downstream of the proposed Metolong Dam to establish a baseline data set and for routine monitoring following construction of the dam to refine instream flow release rules. Preparation of a disaster preparedness and response plan dealing with flood management as well as dam failure. Establishment of a catchment management authority and structures and development of a catchment management plan. Establishment of a Panel of Experts to oversee both dam safety and social and environmental management issues. A continued program of public consultation and disclosure based on the program introduced during the ESIA study. Implement a fish monitoring program in the reservoir and downstream of the dam and implement further mitigation measures if warranted. Such measures could include the introduction of fish from the downstream reaches into the dam. The monitoring program could be integrated into the IFR monitoring program. Complete declaration of the Metolong reservoir area as a Selected Development Area (SDA). Determine the most appropriate location/alignment of infrastructure such as the Water Treatment Plant, construction camps, offices and the access road to the Dam Wall. Implementation, well in advance of construction, of the Cultural Resources Management Plan outlined in this ESIA. Undertake environmental and social impact assessment of the downstream (water treatment plant, transmission lines and associated reservoirs) and ancillary infrastructure, quarry and sand sources during detailed Project design. Integrate mitigation measures from this assessment with the EMP from the ESIA into a stand alone document to be used during Project implementation. Implement the Water Quality Monitoring Program in the Metolong reservoir and upstream in the South Phuthiatsana River as outlined in the Water Quality Report in Volume 3 Annex to the ESIA.
9.2 Summary of Compensation and Monitoring Costs Table 80 provides a summary of the estimated compensation and monitoring costs required to address the social and environmental impacts associated with the Project.
-.--...... p-...... ~ .- - - - ~. -. ~.. &p\ Metdong Dan) ESA Final February 21308 186 U?d(SMEC ~nASsOCat~cn wth FM Associates (Lesotho. an0 Southern Walers iSoUth Alr~caj TABLE 80. COMPENSATION AND MONITORING COSTS I Item Cost RP compensation for temporary and permanent M36,7 13,414 loss of assets Cultural Heritage M9,148,500 Establishment of Plant Nursery M95,000 Environmental Monitorinflraining (USD449,500) Total M49.106914
Melolong Dam ESlA Final: Februery 2W8 ' 87 @gSMEcon AssOCial~on with FM &somales tLes0th~iani Southern Walers (Soulh Afncal 10 Reference Material
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Melolong Dam ESIA Final February 2008 '@SM'C n As50~tal~onwith FM Assoclales (iesothoi and Sou!nerr Wa:Ers (South Africa) Gay, John (Ed.), (2006). The Best of Work for Justice, Articlesji-om the Newsletter of the Transformation Resource Centre Lesotho 1983-2004, Transformation Resource Centre (TRC), Lesotho. Government of Lesotho (1979). The Land Act, 1979. Act No. 170f 1979. Supplement No. 1 to Gazette No. 41 of 14 December 1979. Government of Lesotho (1997). 1996 Lesotho Population Census Village List. Bureau of Statistics; Ministry of Economic Planning. Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho (1998). Proposed Water Quality Guidelines for Lesotho - Domestic (Drinking) Water Guidelines. Second Draft prepared by Prof. FA0 Otieno, University of Durban-Westville, South Africa, 15 April, 1998, Maseru, Lesotho. Document adopted after discussions at a National Workshop to prepare National Guidelines for the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho. Government of Lesotho (2000). Report of the Land Policy Review Commission. 29 September 2000. Government of Lesotho (2000b). Household Population 1996. Volume IIlD (a).Bureau of Statistics; Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (assisted by United Nations Population Fund). Government of Lesotho (200 1). Lesotho Demographic Survey, 2001. Volume 1: Analytical Report. Bureau of Statistics; Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. Government of Lesotho (200 lb). Education Statistics, 2001. Ministry of Education; Planning Unit. Government of Lesotho (2002). Compensation and Resettlement Policy Framework for the Transport Sector. Ministry of Public Works and Transport, September 2002. Government of Lesotho (2002b). Core Welfare Indicator Survey. Bureau of Statistics; Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. Government of Lesotho (2004). Water Sector lmprovement Project. Maseru Bulk Water Supply Augmentation. Environmental Assessment (Revised).Water and Sewerage Authority; Ministry of Natural Resources, February 2004 Government of Lesotho (2004b). Water Sector Improvement Project. APL Phase 1. Policy Framework for Land Acquisition and Compensation. Water and Sewerage Authority; Ministry of Natural Resources. March 2004. Government of Lesotho (2005). Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey, 2004. Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (Lesotho), Bureau of Statistics (Lesotho) and ORC Marco (Calverton, Maryland). Government of Lesotho (2006). Poverty Reduction Strategy 2004/2005 - 200642007. Hoover, Ryan (2001). Pipe Dreams - The World Bank's Failed Eflorts to Restore Lives and Livelihoods of Dam-Aflected People in Lesotho, International Rivers Network. IDA 8r IMF (2005). Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. Joint StaffAdvisory Note. International Development Association and International Monetary Fund; Kingdom Of Lesotho. King, J.M., Brown, C.A. and Sabet, H. (2003). A scenario-based holistic approach to environmentalflow assessments for regulated rivers. Rivers Research and Applications 19 (5-6), 6 19-640. King, J.M., Sabet, H., Brown, C.A. & Hirst, S. (2000). Final Report: Summary ofMain Findings. Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Contract LHDA 648: Consulting services for the establishment and monitoring of instreamflow requirements for river courses downstream of LHWP dams. Report No. LHDA 648-F-02.75 pp. Kleynhans, C. J. (1996). A qualitative procedure for the assessment of the habitat integrity status of the Luvuvhu River (Limpopo System, South Africa). Journal of Aquatic Ecosystem Health 5:41-54.
~ ~ ~ ~ .... ifi;P SMm Melolong Dam ESlA F~nalFebruary 2008 1 e? w!.& Ir Assnclalion w!h FM Associates iLeso!hci ano Southern Waters ISoufh Afrlcaj Kleynhans, C. J. (1999). The development of afish index to assess the biological integrity of South African rivers. Water SA 25(3):265-278 Lesotho Environment Authority (2003). Guidelinesfor Environmental Impact Assessment, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, 1 1June 2003. Lahmeyer International (1996). Pre-Feasibility Study for the Maseru Water Supply Phase 111 Project. Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (1997). Lesotho Highlands Water Project, Compensation Policy, Kingdom of Lesotho, 20 November 1997. Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (1997). Environmental Impact Assessment Phase IB, Main Report, Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, February 8, 1997. Loxton, Venn and Associates (1993) "Final report Contract LHDA Contract No. 75 Baseline Survey of Phase 1A of the Lesotho Highlands Water project". Lynch, C. D. (1994). The Mammals of Lesotho. Mabutsetsa Lenka Thamae and Lori Pottinger. Eds. (2006). On the Wrong Side of Development, Lessons Learnt from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, Transformation Resource Centre, Maseru, Lesotho. Mbetu, R. & M. Tshabalala (2006). Concept Paper: Lesotho Local Development Programme. UNDPIUNCDF, 5 June 2006. Metsi Consultants (1998). Consulting Services for the Establishment and Monitoring of the Instream Flow Requirements for River Courses Downstream of LHWP Dams - Working Documents for IFR Phnning Meeting 6-7Apri1, 2998. Report No. 648-03, April 1998, Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Ministry of Mines, Environment and Tourism, Zimbabwe (1997). Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines, Version A, August 1997. Mitchell P. (1994). The archeology of the Phuthiatsana- ea-Thba Bosiu Basin, Lesotho, southern Africa: changes in Later Stone Age regional demography. Antiquity 68: 83-96. Mitchell, P. (2001). Recent archaeological work in Lesotho: an overview of fieldwork 1988-2001. National University of Lesotho Journal of Research 9: 1-24. Molapo, L (2005). Urban Water Provision in Maseru (Lesotho):A Geographical Analysis. MA Thesis; University of Bloemfontien, Free State, South Afiica. National Environment Secretariat (200). Biological Diversity in Lesotho. Office of the Ombudsman, Lesotho (2003). Special Report in the Matter of Complaints by the Resettled People Against the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority. Report prepared by S. S. Mafisa, Ombudsman, April 3,2003. Otieno, F.A.O. (1998). Proposed Water Quality Guidelinesfor Lesotho - Domestic (Drinking)Water Guidelines. Second Draft, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Durban - Westville. Parkman Ltd (Consultant, UK), (2003). Potential Impacts of Water Supply Schemes - Environmental Impact Background Information Document, English Summary, 5th June 2003, Lesotho Lowlands Water Supply Scheme Feasibility Study. Sechaba Consultants (2000). Poverty and Livelihoods in Lesotho, 2000. More than a Mapping Exercise. Chronic Poverty Research Centre. Maseru. Shale, V (2005). Demarcating Local Authorities' Boundaries for Good Governance versus the People-to-People Relations: The Case Study of Lesotho. EISA Occasional Paper No. 28, January 2005. htt~://www.eisa.orq.za/PDF/OP28.pdf. SMEC International Pty Ltd in Association with FM Associates (2004). Water Sector Improvement Project - Maseru Bulk Water Supply Augmentation Environmental Assessment, February 2004, WASA.
-~-~ ..-- -.- ~ ~ Mdolong Dam ESA Final, February 2008 1 4; @asMmI" kSsoC!allon with FM Assoclales iLesofhol and Soulhe-n Walerr :Soulh Afrlcel SMEC International Pty Ltd (2004). Water Sector Improvement Project - Final Report, Water Sector Advisor for the Ministry of Natural Resources (Contract PPF 4-274-0). SMEC International Pty Ltd (2005). Technical Proposal for Consultancy Services for Metolong Dam Environmental Impact Assessment, Water Commission, Ministry of Natural Resources, Government of the fingdom of Lesotho. SMEC (2006). Metolong Dam ESIA Inception Report Workshop Proceedings, June 2006. Report to the Department of Water Affairs, Lowlands Water Supply Unit, Lesotho. Srnits, L. G. A. (1983). Rock Paintings in Lesotho: Site Characteristics. South African Archaeological Bulletin 38: 62-76. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network (2002). Report No. 14-Southern African Plunt Red Data List. TAMS Consultants (1996). Water Resources Management: Policy and Strategies. Government of Lesotho. Transformation Resource Centre (undated). The Lives of Resettled Communities Six Years After Resettlement - A survey on the Lives of Communities Aflected by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, Transformation Resource Centre, Lesotho. Transformation Resource Centre (Reprint 2004). Since the Water Came ... Kids in I~sothoTalk About Katse Dam, Save the Children and Transformation Resource Centre, Lesotho. Transformation Resource Centre (2004). The Irony of the "White Gold", Editors: Professor Femi Akindele and Relebohile Senyane, Lesotho. Tuner, S (2006). The State, Legal Reform and Decentralisation: Consequencesfor the Commons in Lesotho. Paper presented at the 11 " IASCP Conference; Bali, 19-23 June 2006. Witzsch, G. (1992). Lesotho Environment and Environment Law. NUL, Roma. World Bank (1994a). Environmental Assessment Sourcebook, Volume I: Policies, Procedures and Cross-Sectoral Issues, Environment Department, World Bank Technical Paper No. 139, Washington, D.C. (1994b). Environmental Assessment Sourcebook, Volume II: Sectoral GuidelLnes, Environment Department, World Bank Technical Paper No. 140, Washington, D.C. (1994~).Environmental Assessment Sourcebook, Volume 111: Guidelines for Environmental Assessment of Energy and Industry Projects, Environment Department, World Bank Technical Paper No. 154, Washington, D.C. (2001). Operational Policy on Involuntary Resettlement (OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement), December 2001. (2001). Operational Policy on Involuntary Resettlement (OP 4.12 Annex A - Involuntary Resettlement Instruments), December 2001.
Websites htt~://www.saiea.com- Calabash web site established by the Southern African Institute for Environmental Assessment (SAIEA) and the Calabash Project Team. http://www.fao.orq - Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. ~//www.ifc.or~,The International Finance Corporation. htt~://www.lesotho.aov.ls Lesotho Government On-line. htt~://www.worldbank.orq- World Bank Environmental Guidelines and Operational Directives. http://www.sadc.int~en~lish/documents/leqal/Drotocols/sharedwatercourse revised.ohp - Southern African Development Community.
~~ --.. .- -- -- ~ .. . ---- . ~ .--.. .- - .. - -. . . Metolong Dam tSA : F~nal Februely ?OW :91 :@a SMEC tn Assoc~al~olwllh FM Assoc~alss!Lesotho) snb Outharn Waters iSaulh Afrml MappingIAerial Photography The following maps were obtained from the Department of Lands, Surveys and Physical Planning (LSPP), Maseru, Lesotho. Lesotho 1:50,000 (Masem), Sheet No. 2927 AD, 1979 Lesotho 1:50,000, Sheet No. 2927 BC, 1979 Lesotho 1:50,000, Sheet No. 2927 BD, 1979 (dam site location) In addition to the available mapping, black and white aerial photography is also available for the dam site, storage area, catchment and downstream areas, although it is dated from 1979 and 1980. It is at a scale of approximately 1:24,000. Colour aerial photography of Metolong Dam site and upper catchment flown in December 2005 was also obtained from LSPP.
Metolong Dam ESiA Final. Feo:uary 2008 195 @aS~Ec!n AssoC1at1on ~4th Fl.4 AS~OCIS~~S(issotho) and Slulhern Waters . -m I % 1 a I r rg ? 1I g'Y : C '2' i a 'LO i 2 -APPENDIX 1 : List of Consulting Staff Environmental Team Team LeaderEnvironmental Assessment Specialist (Int .) Michael Holics Fish and Wildlife Specialist (Int.) Johan Rall Botanist I Ecologist (Doms.) Tau Mahlelebe Water Quality Specialist (Int.) Michael Waters Environmental Hydrologist (Int.) Hossein Sabet General Ecologist (Int.) Cate Brown Public Health Specialist (Int.) Pierre Martel Archaeologist (Doms.) Taole Tesele Archaeological Assistant (Doms.) Mamoluoane Seliane GIs Specialist (Int.) Magayane Machibya Land Surveyor (Doms.) Martin Ntsihlele Social Team Sociologist/Anthropologist (Int.) Eddie B arendse Public Consultation Specialist (Doms.) Thope Matobo Public Consultation Assistant (Doms.) Moelo S ehlabaka-Ramahlele Public Consultation Assistant (Doms.) Ben van Tonder (LEJAC) Questionniare Survey Supervisor (Doms.) Sebolelo Khojane Questionniare Survey Supervisor (Doms.) Palesa Mosoeu Asset Survey Supervisor (Doms.) Tsepo Ramorakane Enumerators and Fieldworkers (14) (Doms.) From local villages lnstream Flow Requirements (IFR) Team IFR Specialist (Int.) Cate Brown Public Health Specialist (Int.) Pierre Maael Geomorphologist (Int.) Evan Dollar Fish and Wildlife Specialist (Int.) Johan Rall Hydraulic Specialist (Int.) Andrew Birkhead Environmental Hydrologist (Int.) Hossein Sabet Invertebrate Biologist (Int.) Rembuluwani Magoba Water Quality Modeller (Int.) Dr Mark Graham Water Quality Specialist (Int.) Jake Alletson Botanist I Ecologist (Doms.) Tau Mahlelebe Int. - International Doms. - Domestic Malolong Dam ESlA Final Februarv 2M18 @%SMEC 10Assoclat!on wtlh FM Assoc~ales!Lesotncl and Soulheir Waters ,South Alnal APPENDIX 2 : Consultant Terms of Reference Terms of Reference for Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Metolong Dam Project 1. Objectives 1.1 Main Objective To prepare a social and environmental impact assessment of the Metolong Dam Project that identifies the probable positive and negative impacts on the physical and social environment prior to, during and post construction. Development of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) will be part of this assignment and will include both impacts and their mitigation measures for both the physical and social environment, i.e. people affected by the project. 1.2 Specific Objectives (i) To identify probable biophysical, socio-economic and health and sanitation impacts that the project will have on aspects of the physical (receiving) and social environment, and to analyze and determine the significance of these impacts; (ii) To identify, analyze, discuss and compare the proposed project with feasible alternatives (including the "Without Project" situation), and justify the selected alternative; (iii) To identify measures requi~dto prevent, minimize, mitigate or compensate for adverse impacts and for social and environmental enhancement; (iv) Prepare an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) that describes in detail mitigative measures to be carried out, costing, scheduling and assigning responsibility for such measures, a detailed monitoring process and schedule and a description of any training support that may be required; (v) Conduct public consultation with affected stakeholders thought the ESIA process; 2. Environmental and Social Assessment Requirements The ESIA content and level of rigor will follow the Lesotho ESIA procedure with alignment to World Bank procedures and other international protocol requirements to which Lesotho is a signatory. The ESIA will also address World Bank Safeguard Policies that have been formulated to ensure adequate attention is given to environmental, natural resource and social issues. The following Safeguard Policies and Guidelines may be applicable to the Project: Environmental Assessment OP 4.01 Natural Habitats OP 4.04 Cultural Property OP 1 1.03 Involuntary Resettlement OP 4.12 Safety of Dams OP 4.37 Pest Management Safeguard Policy OP 4.09 Projects on International Waterways OP 7.50 Guidelines from the Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook Environmental, Health and Safely Guidelines for Occupational Health and Safety 3. Study Area In general the study area will include the following areas which will benefit from the Project, or which may be affected in a negative way, by any of the components of the Project. Specifically, the study area will include: Melolong Dam ESIA Ftnal cebruary 20(18 +gSMEcAssoc~at~o? wllh FM Assoc~aresiLesolhc) and Southern Waters :South Air~oa, The catchment that affects the Metolong Dam and its reservoir that will be flooded as a result of the construction of the darn wall specifically the upstream reservoir area and its adjacent lands; The area downstream of the dam including the predicted flood lands and the area, if any, that could be affected by a dam burst, impacts on fish habitats, fish migration upstream, and water quality; The areas and adjacent areas that will be required for the new water treatment plant including the sludge drying beds; The areas and adjacent areas that will be required for water storage reservoirs; The land resources and the people who may be affected by construction activities as these relate to the construction of the dam, water mains, access roads, pumping stations and other ancillary works; Farmlands and other users (Lesotho and South Africa) downstream of the Metolong Dam which could be affected by increased water abstraction from the South Phuthiatsana River; and The entire country as this relates tothe policy and strategy input component of the Project. Finalizing the study area will be negotiated between the Commissioner of Water and the consultant, following the latter's Inception Report. 4. Scope of Work The following describes the specific tasks that the consultant will undertake. In some cases the tasks are described in a comprehensive matter, in others they are only briefly outlined, requiring that the consultant provide additional detail as the ESIA proceeds. As the list of tasks is not exhaustive, the consultants may identify other relevant environmental and social impacts that will need to be addressed in their proposal. Task 1: Inception Report Including a Detailed Work Plan. The consultant will examine all aspects of the Project and in an inception report will review the tasks to be carried out and agree with the client, any modifications and additions that may be required. The consultant will prepare a detailed work plan indicating schedules and inputs required to complete each of the tasks. During this inception period the consultant will refer tothe scoping and bounding exercise already done during the Project Feasibility Study as well as lessons learned from the Lesotho Highlands Water project. These lessons should include the considerable information and "best" practice established with respect to social assessment, resettlement, and compensation to those affected. This information will provide a basis for the report and the detailed work plan. The Inception report shall be workshopped by all stakeholders and, following any revisions consequent on stakeholder input, will be submitted to the World Bank for a "No Objection" process. Task 2: Description of the Proposed Project. The aim and motivation for the project should be stated. This should include process diagram of the entire project with its identified aspects. A brief description of the relevant parts of the Project including maps (at appropriate scales) where should be provided where necessary. The following information should be included: location; general layout; size; capacity, etc.; facilities and services; operation and maintenance activities; and areas of probable Project influence (the Project study area). Task 3: Public Consultation Process. The purpose of the public consultation process is to solicit public concerns on the project, explore ways of avoiding or minimizing identified concerns, and reach consensus that all residual concerns have been minimized as far as is practicable. The Consultant will be expected to identify the various public groups (e.g. people affected by the flooding of the area upstream of the dam or those who will be living adjacent to any of the new structures [e.g. new water treatment plant]) that should be involved in the ESIA. As well, NGOs and government departments and agencies that may have a stake in the Project and its effects should also be consulted. Since involuntary resettlement, if required, is invariably a major impact, an early requirement is to determine the extent of involuntary resettlement. This being the case, the consultative program would place a major focus on groups and individuals that will be directly affected; downstream communities will also be included. Describe a schedule for public ~ ~ ~ - ~~ Melolong Dsm ES'A Final February 2008 ii; 2 g@&sMEc I, AsSOClallon with FM Assoclale5 ILeSolhoi and Soulhern Waters iSou!h Alr~cai consultation with these different groups, including number and timing of public input, and the methods to be employed (e.g. media announcements, town hall meetings, questionnaires, one-on- one meetings, public ESIA steering committees). Public consultation should occur throughout the ESIA process and conclude with draft report consultations. Task 4: Communications Strategy: As a result of the public consultations and as a way to include all stakeholders, consultants should design and be prepared to cany out, in conjunction with the appropriate Government officials, a communication strategy. The strategy will include the development of a communications programme and identify the most effective channels of communications. Specific tools that are to be developed include: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs); press release formats, talking points on major issues, etc. Communication tools should be developed in both English and Sesotho. Task 5: Legal and Administrative Framework. Describe the pertinent polices, regulations, and standards governing environmental quality, health and safety, protection of sensitive areas, protection of endangered species, siting, land use control, land acquisition, rights to land, compensation, resettlement, etc., at international, national, regional and local levels. Key will be the Lesotho Environment Act 2001, Local Government Act 1997, the Forestry Act 1998 and the water quality standards currently in use in Lesotho. Lesotho is signatory to a number of international Conventions/Protocolswhich include the following being the most relevant to this project: LrN-Convention on Bio-Diversity, Ramsar and SADC Protocol on shared water courses. Describe the current administrative arrangements for environmental regulation, enforcement and management in Lesotho, and more specifically, within WASA. Indicate weaknesses and strengths of the legal and administrative system and provide a strategy and process that will ensure that the environmental management plan will be effectively implemented. Task 6: Description of the Physical and Social Environment. Assemble, evaluate and present baseline data on the relevant environmental and social characteristics of the study areas. In addition to this data being used for determining and assessing impacts it will also be used as a baseline against which future changes caused by the project can be measured and monitored. The data should include any information on any changes anticipated before the Project commences. The description should contain relevant descriptions of the following: Physical environment: geology, topography, soils, climate and meteorology; groundwater and surface hydrology (including the South Phuthiatsana River) of all areas affected by the Project; quality and quantity of probable inflows to the reservoir. There should be investigations on erosion downstream and potential bank erosion. Biological environment: flora; fauna; rare or endangered species; sensitive habitats including parks or preserves, significant natural sites, etc.; species of commercial importance; and species with potential to become nuisances, vectors or dangerous. The above information will also be considered as it relates to the World Bank Natural Habitat Safeguard Policy. Socio-cultural environment: (include both present and projected where appropriate): population affected ( percentage (%) of population to be serviced vs. those without services); land use where appropriate (e.g. housing around reservoir); planned development activities; community structure (of communities to be affected); employment; distribution of income; goods and services; recreation; public health; cultural properties; tribal peoples (if relevant); and customs, aspirations and attitudes. Of particular importance will be those households that will be required to re-locate elsewhere as well as assets to be lost and for which compensation will be required. Social and cultural analysis of these households and the communities to which they belong will be required, as well as of the host community to which they will be moving. The World Bank's safeguard policies on resettlement will be addressed if this policy is triggered by any relocation requirement. Health, sanitation and safety - Compile information and make appropriate recommendations on the following: Existing baseline information on communicable and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Describe the expected communicable disease increase as a result of the project ~ ~ -- - - Melolong Dam ESIA Final February 2008 127-5 @asMmI" Assoclat~onwlln FM Assoc~ates(Lesolnoi and Southern WalErS iSoulh Afncal implementation, with emphasis on HIV/ AIDS and policies to be adopted to control its spread within the project area. Consequences arising from any increases in water borne diseases Interaction of project work force with the local people, including HIV impacts on construction and operational phases Health services in the area Community nutritional status in the area Profiling of Public Health status of the area using data from public health clinics within a radius of 40km of the main dam area. Determine the Health and Safety issues associated with this kind of project. Task 7: ArchaeologicaVPalaeontologic Reconnaissance Surveys a) Archaeological Survey: As a chapter of the ESIA, or preferably as a separate report the consultant will be required to conduct an Archaeological Reconnaissance study of the area. The Metolong area is known for its richness of archaeological sites of the Mesolithic period including Bushmen paintings. There will be a need to determine if some of the rock paintings can be relocated or professionally traced for archiving. The various studies that were done under ARAL will need to be consulted to appreciate the situation at hand. Consultations have been made with a Professor Peter Mitchell of the University of Oxford, who is an authority on Metolong Archaeology. He demonstrated keen interest to be part of the archaeology program component. The Consultant will also be expected to establish a protocol for chance find of archaeological or cultural heritage/ property during construction. (b) Palaeontologic Survey: Although the geology of the Southern Phuthiatsana River, especially the Metolong Sub-region is largely the Clarens sandstone, it is important that some palaeontologic survey be done to ascertain the significance of any fossil bearing profiles, and what may need to be done to conserve them. Task 8: Methodology. As a chapter of the ESIA report the consultant will describe in detail the methods to be used for conducting the ESIA. Methods applied for scoping and bounding, impact analysis and the public consultation process will be clearly described. In the latter, the consultant will include a public participation plan to include the stakeholder identification process, stakeholders identified, stages within the ESIA process where stakeholders have participated, and the different levels of participation used. Identification of impacts will include the identification of the important environmental and social components, and the selection of criteria used for identifying the significance of impacts. Significance levels may be determined through the application of a scoring system if the consultant feels that such an approach is warranted. Such an approach should weigh the impacts according to their significance, reversibility and duration of impact. The consultant will employ social impact analysis, environmental economic analysis and other techniques where applicable, to justify significant impacts to be mitigated. Task 9: Determination of Potential Impacts of the Proposed Projects. In addition to the impacts to be identified, which will include an Instream Flow Requirements (IFR) analysis, the consultant will also identify the environmental benefits of the Project as well as any environmental enhancement that may occur (e.g. improved access for the local people both to and from arable areas). The study will also review negative downstream impacts such as impacts on people's livelihoods such as loss of fish, wild vegetables, woody growth, etc. Compensation and public consultation with respect to downstream impacts will be included. Impacts can be classed as both direct and indirect and the consultant will identify these (with input from the consultative process). Stages of planningtsurveying, construction, and operations and maintenance will be addressed. For each potential impact the consultant should determine the impact's level of significance, describe the potential impact, the consequences of the impact (who it will affect and how), the probability of reversing the impact, and the probability that the impact can be avoided and the effects of proposed mitigation measures. The consultant shall recommend strategies of avoidance primarily, and will propose optimized alternatives otherwise. lblulolong Dan€3 A Ftnal February 2008 A2 4 %BSMm~nAssoctalt~n vnth FM Assoc~aleaIlssorho) and Southern Waters (South Afnca) The consultant will address cumulative impacts and as best as possible describe the contribution that the impact will have to the overall cumulative effect. To determine these, the consultant will require general knowledge of other activities contributing to the cumulative impacts and activities and projects planned for the future that could also contribute to the cumulative effect. The consultant will describe the overall residual impacts that can be expected following mitigation as described in the Social and Environmental Management Plan. Task 10: Analysis of Alternatives to the Proposed Project. Describe the alternatives that were examined in the course of developing the proposed project and identify other alternatives that would achieve the same objectives. Include the alternative of 'no project'. The concept of alternatives extends to siting, design, technology selection, construction techniques and phasing, and operating and maintenance procedures. Compare alternatives in terms of potential environmental impacts; costs; suitability under local conditions; and institutional, training and monitoring requirements. When describing the impacts, indicate which are irreversible or unavoidable and which can be mitigated. To the extent possible, quantify the costs and benefits of each alternative, incorporating the estimated costs of any associated mitigating measures. Since the major demand for the Project water is the textile industry that may be impacted upon by changes in the US - trading quotas, an analysis should be made of alternative scenarios where industrialization does not increase in order to determine the extend to which local industry as well as domestic water demand can be able to absorb the increased water. Task 11: Social and Environmental Management Plan. The plan will comprise four main sections: mitigation measures, institutional strengthening and training, budget and monitoring. (a) Mitigation of social and environmental impacts: Recommend feasible and cost-effective measures to prevent or reduce significant negative impacts to acceptable levels. Estimate the impacts and costs of those measures. Estimate the costs of any residual impacts. Consider compensation to affected parties for impacts that can not be mitigated. The plan should include proposed work programs, budget estimates, schedules, responsibilities for implementation, and other necessary support services to implement the mitigating measures. Two specific areas are highlighted. The current feasibility study for the Metolong Dam indicated that there will be very little involuntary resettlement of people, however there will be land acquisition and loss of productive assets and income sources. The Project will require a resettlement program as mitigation for those forced to move or who have their land and productive assets taken away as a result of land required for the reservoir expansion or for other land needs to meet the objectives of the Project. The definition of affected people is not limited only to those who have to move but would cover people who access to their assets (eg. field or grazing) is temporary or permanently affected by any works (submergence zone, access roads, treatment plants, burrow pits, contractor camps, public infrastructure, etc.)As a result a resettlement and compensation plan will be required according to the World Bank safeguard policies on Resettlement. The ESIA will to need to take into account the increased flow of water into the system in Maseru and elsewhere. Plans for wastewater management, particularly with regard to industries as they are the largest producers of wastewater need to reviewed and evaluated with respect to meeting environmental standards. Another area of impacts that could contribute substantially to the cumulative effect is those that can arise from the construction and operational phases of the Project. Most of these, if not all, can be avoided through the following of a set of best practices that the consultant will prepare (e.g. construction workers not littering, soil stockpiled in such a way as to prevent erosion and waterway sedimentation, only working day time shifts to avoid unnecessary noise to adjacent households). There will be a need to prepare a programme of action for the minimization of HIV and AIDS transmission. This program will incorporate the findings of the Health Baseline Study in Task 6. The EMP should make provisions for the minimum flow requirements in the river (amenity or environmental) at all times during pre-impoundment, impoundment, commissioning and operation. These flows will be determined through IFR studies mentioned in Task 9. --A --- .. -- - -- ,, .. . -- , .. .- Metolong Dam ESIA- Final. Februarv 2006 5';.- - - %aSMEc 1, ASSOClallOn wlh FM Asso~at8s(Le~otnoi and Soulhem Waters (South Alrlcal The SEMP should have specific instructions to contractors on environmental management requirements. These may include the requirement for a contractor to prepare their own Environment Management System in response to the SEMP (b) Institutional strengthening and training: Identification of institutional needs to implement social and environmental assessment recommendations. Review the authority and capability of the Office of the Commissioner of Water, WASA and other relevant institutions, in particular the National Environment Secretariat (NES) and recommend steps to strengthen or expand these institutions to ensure that effective social assessment environmental management and monitoring will occur. The analysis of institutional needs should specifically include plans for capacity to implement social management plans, including resettlement impacts. The recommendations may extend to modification I new laws and regulations, new agencies or agency functions, inter-sectoral arrangements, management procedures and training, staffing, operation and maintenance training, budgeting, and financial support. (c) Budget: All the various costs related to the implementation and management of the SEMP are to be detailed, including institutional development, capacity building and training. This is essential for future planning purposes of the project. (d) Monitoring: Describe detailed arrangements required for monitoring implementation of mitigating measures and the impacts of the project during construction and operation. This will include a description of monitoring methodology, specific operations and features to be monitored, monitoring reporting relationships, and arrangements to ensure that monitoring is effective and leads to modifications where required to ensure minimal impact on the environment. Include in the plan an estimate of costs and a description of other inputs such as training and institutional strengthening (with emphasis on the role of the civil society organizations) to ensure effective monitoring. Emphasis for monitoring will probably be placed on construction activities and the monitoring of any resettlement that may be required. Task 12: Environmental and Social Assessment Report. The environmental report should be concise and limited to significant environmental and social issues- Not withstanding the fact that the identification of all aspects and effects be done and significance of rating be applied with in line with Task 9. The main text should focus on methodology, analysis, findings, conclusions and recommended actions, supported by summaries of the data collected and citations for any references used in interpreting those data. Detailed or uninterrupted data are not appropriate in the main text and should be presented in appendices or a separate volume. Unpublished documents used in the assessment should also be assembled in an appendix. The ESA assessment report should be organized as follows: 1. Executive Summary 2. Introduction 3. Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework 4. Description of the Proposed Project 5. Methodology (to include environmental and social assessment team) 6. Description of the Physical and Social Environment (including baseline data) 7. Significant Social and Physical Environmental Impacts (including sections on environmental benefits, cumulative impacts and residual impacts) 8. Analysis of Alternatives 9. Environmental and Social Management Plan (if a resettlement plan is necessitated this must be a separate volume; the section should also consider environmental enhancement). 10. Appendices (to include references record, of interagency/forum/consultation meetings, and maps) 1 1. References Task 13: Stand Alone Executive Summary. A stand alone Executive Summary of the ESIA, in English and Sesotho will be required and will cover the salient sections of the main document. This . -. ~ Merolong Dam ESIA Final: February 2008 Ai~6 as^= I" Association with Fl4 Assoclalcs (Lesofhc) and Southern \hialers (South Alnca) version of the ESIA will probably be of the order of 25 pages and will be used primarily by senior management to familiarize themselves with the environmental situation vis-a-vis the Project. It will be the main document, along with the Project Appraisal document; upon which funding agenciesldonors would make a decision for project support. 5. Outputs Expected The consultant will prepare and present to the client a brief but comprehensive inception report that will contain a detailed work plan (approval will depend on a consensus reached with project stakeholders). The main output will be an ESIA report that will be prepared and presented in draft, draft final and final versions to the client and others to be determined. Number of copies of each will be determined during negotiations with the client. A resettlement plan is required if the World Bank's safeguard policies on resettlement are triggered, and will in such case be provided as a separate stand alone document. The consultant will also provide a stand alone executive summary at the draft final and final stage. Number of copies will be decided upon between the consultant and the client. It would be expected that the Reports will be in both hard copy and electronic (soft) formats. The consultant will also provide brief, but comprehensive progress reports on a bi-monthly basis to the office of the Commissioner of Water through his appointed representative. These will indicate the progress of the ESIA in terms of tasks accomplished; difficulties encountered, adherence to schedule and budgets, and suggested recommendations for modifications that would be discussed with management. Copies of the progress report will be forwarded to several parties, a final list to be determined during negotiations. The consultant will also prepare reports and other materials as required to meet the public consultation needs of the ESIA. 6. Reporting Relationships The agency responsible for the implementation of the Project will be the Commissioner of Water (COW) represented by the Director of the Lesotho Lowlands Water Supply Project Unit. Day to day activities of the consultants will be supervised and monitored by the environment desk of the Lesotho Lowlands Water Supply Scheme Unit. The consultant will report directly to the officer duly delegated by the COW. The consultant will not report directly to the World Bank although discussions regarding technical aspects (only) of the ESIA can be discussed with the designated World Bank environmental officer. 7. Inputs Required To conduct a comprehensive ESIA the consultant will be required to provide a number of specialists in different disciplines. These could include, but may not necessarily be exclusive of, the following. Core team: (i) Team LeaderIEnvironmental Assessment Specialist with at least 15 years of progressively senior experience in managing EIA studies for large and complex dams, preferably in Southern Africa. (ii) Sociologist/Anthropologist with 10-15 years progressively senior experience in preparing and implementing resettlement and compensation plans for large projects, preferably in Southern Africa. (iii) Environmental HydrologistJEngineer with at least 15 years of progressively senior experience in the hydrologic and aquatic environment aspects of large water resource development projects, and especially in determining instream flow requirements, preferably in Southern Africa. (iv) Public Consultation Specialist with at least 15 years of progressively senior experience in designing and implementing public/stakeholder consultation processes, especially for large water resource development projects, preferably in Southern Africa. Probable additional team members used on short term basis: (i) General ecologist - . - . - .~ .-- . .- . .. - ~ - . .. . Melolong Dam ESlA F~nalFebruary 2008 I. .-' -I e@asMEc1" ASSOCI~~IOP inlh Assocjates (Lssolhoi and Soulhem Walers (Soulh A1r~ca; (ii) Soil Scientist (iii) Archaeologist with an understanding of Lesotho Archaeology (iv) IFR specialist (v) Public health specialist (vi) Hydrologist (vii) Aquatic ecologist (viii) Ornithologist (ix) Palaeontologist (x) Public participation specialist (xi) others as identified and required The consultant will use the client's personnel in a constructive manner as part of the ESA process in o~derto meet 'hands on' training needs. The use of these Ministry staff will be negotiated between the consultant and the client. 8. Scheduling The ESTA preparation should be camed out on a schedule to be agreed with the Commissione~of Water which will probably extend for a period of between 9 and 12 months. 9. Other Information The consultant's attention should be directed to the following data sources, project background reports and studies, relevant publications and other relevant items. World Bank OP 4.01 : Environmental Assessment Environmental Assessment Sourcebook and all relevant regulatory texts published by the World Bank AFTES 'Environmental Assessment and Review in Sub-Saharan Africa', 1995. AFTES 'Managing the Environment Locally in Sub-Saharan Africa (MELISSA)', 1995. Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 1A & 1B Environmental Impacts Assessments Reports World Bank Safeguard Policies. IFC Environmental Guidelines For Occupational Health And Safety, June 24,2003 Guidelines for ESIA. Draft. July 1999. (Government of Lesotho). Environmental assessment guidelines for EIB and EU projects 1996 WASA Corporate Plan - Vol. 3: Infrastructure Master Plan 1996 Maseru Bulk Water Supply and Sanitation Study. BKS Incorporated. 1996 Maseru Water Supply Phase I11 Pre-feasibility Study. Lahmeyer International 1991 Maseru Water Supply Project Phase I1 Stage I1 - Master Plan Study. Lavalin International 1996 Water Resources Management Study: Policy and Strategies. TAMS Consultants 2003 Metolong Final Feasibility Report: Consulting Engineering Centre (CEC ~ ~. - . Melolong Dam ESIA Final February 2056 J'.?-? %?aSMECtn Assooalion wilh FM Assoctates ILesolhol and Southern Waters !South Africa1 APPENDIX 3 : Record of Consultation - Date - NarneKitle or - Organisation l - Contact Details Pur~oseof Location mn&ting - 16 February - Mr E. M. Lesoma, - Water Commission, - Tel: (266 22) 260 Commissioner of I (Project Proponent) 1596-7 I 2006 - I Water - Fax: (266 22) 260 - 16 February - Mr Graeme - Water Commission 2006 Monro, Technical Advisor to Commissioner of Water - 16 February - Mr Noam - Water Commission - Tel: (266 22) 3 17 988 2006 Lachovitzki, Water - Email: Sector Policy [email protected] Advisor - 17 February - Ms Lintle Maliehe, - Department of - Tel: (266 22) 327 4 13 2006 Director, Lowlands Water Affairs - Fax: (266 22) 3 10 465 Water Supply Unit - Email: Iwsu Q iIesotho.com - 17 February - Mr Seboka - Department of - Tel: (266 22) 320 723 Tharnae, Chief Water Affairs - Fax: (266 22) 3 10 465 Environment Officer, Lowlands Water Supply Unit r- 17 February - Mr Maieane - Department of - Tel: (266 22) 320 722 Khaketla Chief Water Affairs Public Relations Officer, Lowlands Water Supply Unit I-- Department of -lTel: (266 22) 323 067 - Ms Lisebo - - Mahlasti, Chief ' Water Affairs Development Officer, Lowlands Water Supply Unit P 1 - 24 February - Chief, Ha Sseiso - Ha Seeiso Village Village - Ms Bernice 1 - National - Tel: (266 22) 32 1 274 Khoachele EIA & Environment - Fax: (266 22) 3 10 506 Pollution Control Secretariat, Lesotho - Email: Division Bernice@ ilesotho.co m - 22 March - Mr Seboka - Department of - Tel: (266 22) 320 723 2006 Thamae, Chief Water Affairs - Fax: (266 22) 3 10 465 Environment Officer, Lowlands Water Supply Unit - 22 March - Mr Noam - Water Commission, - Tel: (266 22) 3 17 988 2006 Lachovitki Water Maseru - Email: Sector Policy [email protected] Advisor, Umbrella TA C onsultancy - 27 March - Mr M. Lesupi, - Department of 2006 AIDirector Water Affairs, (Principal Maseru Hydrologist) - 28 March - MI Seboka - Department of 2006 Thamae, Chief Water Affairs I SMm Metolong Dam ESlA Final February 2098 \8!r@ ~nAssoc~al - Ms Tracy Irvine - Lesotho Council of - Tel: (+266) 2231 7205 1 2006 NGOs - 3 1 March. 3, I - Mr. Khaba, - Department of - Tel: (+266) 223 1 5849 5 April 2006 I - Mr Mefi. Chief Water Affairs, - Ernail: I Technical Officer Maseru - meetinghlonthly Committee - 1 1 April - TRC organised - Ha Seeiso Village 2006 Pitso - 11 April - Sand miners along - Alfa Ready Mix - Tel: (+266) 2233 5296 2006 the Phuthiatsana PL, Maseru River downstream of the dam site - 13 April - Ms Lintle Maliehe, - Department of - Tel: (266 22) 327 413 2006 Director, Lowlands Water Affairs - Fax: (266 22) 310 465 Water Supply - Email: Scheme Unit, Mr lwsu @ ilesotho.com Seboka Thamae, Chief Environment Officer - 18 April - Dam Committee - Ha Seeiso - 2006 and community meeting to discuss I project and scheduled consultation and fieldwork activities. - 26 April - Draft Inception - Lesotho Sun - 2006 Report Workshop Conference Centre, with Stakeholders Maseru - 15 May 2006 - Community - Ha Seeiso meeting to discuss project impacts and mitigation measures - 9 June 2006 - Field investigation , - Dam site with members of I the Metolong Dam Committee to , show Reservoir FSL beacons - 19 June 2006 - Mr Seboka - Department of - Tel: (+266) 2232 0723 . ..~~ ~ - fipb~ME Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2008 i;' 7 V_.& 'n Assmlallon wllh FK Assoclales 1Lesolhoi and Soulhem lNatsrs iSouih Afrlcat - Date - NameKitle or - Organisation 1 - Contact Details Purpose of Location ~eetin~ I Thamae, Chief Water Affairs - Fax: (+266) 2231 0465 Environment 1 Officer, Lowlands 1 Water Supply Unit - 29 June 2006 - Meeting with Dam - Ha Seeiso Committee members to discuss reservoir FSL beacons, asset recording forms 1and procedure and recruitment of enumerators and field workers - Meeting with Dam - Ha Monamoleli Committee members to discuss reservoir FSL beacons, asset recording forms and procedure and recruitment of enumerators and fieldworkers - 3 July 2006 - Metolong Dam community Committee Monthly Meeting, Ha Seeiso I - 5 July 2006 - Community ( - Ha Makhale meeting to discuss project impacts and mitigation measures 1 - Ha Makotoko - 5 July 2006 - Community I--- meeting to discuss project impacts and mitigation measures - 7 July 2006 - Meeting with - Ha Seeiso members of Metolong Dam Committee to agree criteria for selection of enumerators - - 7 July 2006 - Meeting with - Teyateyaneng District Administrator, Berea District - 12 July 2006 - Community - Ha Monamoleli meeting to discuss project impacts and mitigation measures - 13 July 2006 ( - Mr E. M. Lesoma, - Water Commission - Tel: (+266) 2232 01 27 Commissioner of - Fax: (+266) 22324529 I water - 13 July 2006 1 - Community J - Ha Masakale -~ ~~ ~~ -- -~ . - .. - . ------Meroloig Uam ESIA Fonal Cebruarv 2008 A,: 3 3asMECom &soc~af!on wth FM Assoaates Ilesotho) and Southern Waters (South Afncai Date ( -N;;im~~o~ I - Organisation 1 1 - Contact Details Location ~eetin~ meeting to discuss project impacts and mitigation measures - 19 July 2006 - Preliminary visit to - health clinics at Thaba Bosiu and 1 - 27 July 2006 - Feasibility Update - MCC Consultant - Tel: (+266) 223 1 0322 Consullanl Mr Wagnermr Rushton - 27 July 2006 - Mr E. M. Lesoma, - Water Commission - Tel: (+266) 2232 0127 Commissioner of - Fax: (+266) 22324529 Water - 2 August - Mr L. Mohosho, - WASA, Maseru - Tel: (+266) 2231 2449 2006 Director WASA - Email: [email protected]~ - 3 August - Feasibility Update - MCC Consultant - Tel: (+266) 2231 0322 Consultant - 4 August - Mr Mabusetsa - Transformation - Tel: (+266) 2231 4463 2006 Lenka, Resource Centre - Fax: (+266) 2232 279 1 - Book Launch - (NGO), Maseru - Email: Lesotho Highlands [email protected] Water Project - 7 August - Metolong Dam - Ha Seeiso 2006 Community Committee Monthly Meeting, Ha Seeiso - 8 August I - Public consultation - Ha Seeiso 2006 meetinghlonthly 1 Meeting of Metolong Dam Committee - 14 August - Mrs Agnes - Maseru Water - Tel: (+266) 223 1 3943 2006 Masen yetse, Plant Treatment Plant. Manager WASA - Mr Peter Makoetje, Production Superintendent - 14 August - Community - Ha Khabele 2006 meeting to discuss project impacts and mitigation measures - 14 August - Community - Ha Ramakabatane 2006 meeting to discuss project impacts and mitigation measures - 2 October - Meeting with - Ha Seeiso 2006 Metolong Dam I - Committee to discuss compensation and mitigation measures - -~ ~ ~ Melolong Dam iSlA Final Febr~iarv2008 "-4 G?3SMECI" ASSOCIBIIO'I wth FM Assocales (Lesotho) and Southern Walers iSoulh Afrlcar - Date - NamelTitle or - Organisation I - Contact Details Purpose of Location Meeting - 10 October - Meeting with 2006 or 16 District Crop October Production Officer 2006??????? and Dishict Irrigation Officer to discuss project impacts and benefits - 17 October - Community - Ha Ntsane 1 2006 meeting to discuss compensation and mitigation measures - 18 October - Attendance of - Maseru - 1 2006 irrigation ~ workshop at Mejametalana (Lithabaneng Maseru) to discuss project impacts and benefits -- - 20 October - Community - Ha Masakale meeting to discuss I - compensation and mitigation r measures - 20 October - Community - Ha Seeiso meeting to discuss compensation and mitigation s measures r- 30 October - Community - Ha Matjeke 2006 meeting to discuss compensation and mitigation measures - 6 November - Meeting with - Ha Seeiso 1 2006 Metolong Dam Committee to discuss compensation and mitigation measures - Stakeholder - Maseru November Workshop on Draft Final ESIARP 4- - 4 December - Final meeting with - Ha Seeiso Metolong Dam - Committee I . - -. .. --- -. . -...- - .------... -~. - -. .. - .. ... Melolong Dam ESIA- Final. February 2006 &-:5 @asMEcI, Ass!~csaI~on wllh FM Assoc~ales(Lesotho, and Southern Wa:efs (South Atricai APPENDIX 4 : Communitv and Other Stakeholder Issues Community Issues Raised As part of the stakeholder consultation, a Pitso (community meeting) was held at the dam site in the village of Ha Seeiso on 18" April, 2006 to inform the local people of the Consultant's activities and to allow participants to raise issues/concerns with respect to Metolong Dam proposal. The Pitso was attended by 178 people consisting of 119 male adults, 41 female adults and a number of youths. A total of 19 villages in the area were represented including downstream and upstream areas. Issues that were frequently raised included provision or improvement of services such as water and power to villages directly affected by the project. Concerns were also raised with respect to health issues from construction workers and construction activities, safety around the reservoir area both for children and people's livestock and access across the riverJreservoir if the dam is constructed. The information obtained from the Pitso was used to further refine the scoping of environmental and social issues addressed in the present EIA process. The issues and comments raised by community representatives were as follows: Compensation prior to construction of the dam either individually or in a group. Provision of toilets to communities along the dam foreshore. Protection of natural resources such as sand-rnining areas. Compensation on the loss of fish from the river, destruction of Bushmen's paintings etc. Compensation on the loss of grazing land, medicinal herbs etc. Water taps to be installed in the villages. Fields, woodlots, bushmen's paintings, grazing land, pastures, indigenous grass and graveyards are going to be affected. Hence proper arrangements should be made to either salvage items or relocate them. There should be proper fencing around the dam to protect children and animals. There is going to be loss of sand-mining areas, sandstone quanies and indigenous plants Employment opportunities and improved infrastructure such as roads; access to water; electricity; bridges for easy access to the areas on the other side of the river; irrigation facilities; tourism facilities etc. Blasting of rocks during the construction may affect nearby houses Increasing noise during the construction Air pollution from the dust generated from the construction site Poverty increase due to loss of fields and grazing land Increase in diseases in affected areas The construction of the dam will submerge the following: o Wells and springs therefore water taps need be provided prior to commencement of dam construction o Woodlots and bushes, thus depriving people of fuel for the rest of their lives o Thatching grass, leaving people without roofing material o Fields, which people depend on for food for survival o Sand-mines for building, and also o Medicinal herbs Me'olooa Dam ESlA F~nelFebruary 20De e%SMEc of? Associal~alwith FM 4550~1ales(L~solho! and Soulhem Walers (South Africa! Loss of access to villages across the reservoir to attend funerals and for children to go to school. The dam will make the local area colder. There may also be an increase in crime hence a need for a police station. There is also going to be an increase in diseases such as HIV/AIDS Some people expressed that they want the construction of the dam to go ahead. Each and every village that will be affected by the dam should receive water Each transmission pipe that passes through a village that has no water should somehow be diverted to supply that village with water as well. Expect the construction of the dam to bring about developments to the Metolong area such as a clinic, a primary school, a high school, a sealed road, a bridge to connect villages on either side of the river, a police station and electricity supply to the affected areas. A survey of skills the people around the dame area should be done before construction commences. Relocation of indigenous plants should be done prior to construction of the dam. A game park for wild animals should also be made prior to the construction. Major concern for loss of wood for construction of houses. The dam is going to change the climate in the areafit is going to be much colder than usual. Our area is going to be polluted by the construction, which will make people around the dam ill. Medication and safety precautions should be in place to lessen illness that may be caused by construction. A tarred road will also make life easier The dam area should be protected; there should also be an area where animals can drink water. Owners of livestock accidentally falling into the dam should be compensated Caves used for shelter for livestock during heavy rain seasons will be completely covered by the water. Areas that have coal in the river are going to be covered by the water. Provision of a post office, police station, health centre, communication tower Loss of reptiles found around the dam area Woodlots for fuel Stakeholder Workshop A Workshop on the Draft Inception Report was held at the Lesotho Sun Conference Centre in Maseru on 26' April, 2006. A number of organisations from the public and private sectors in addition to NGO's and local community representatives were invited to participate in the Workshop. Workshop participants were divided into three work groups to discuss environmental issues and concerns as well as other matters arising from the Draft Inception Report. The following lists the groups' findings and participants' concerns. Group 1 - Downstream StakeholdersIStorage Reservoir Use Downstream Stakeholders . ..~ - - - -- .- - Melolong Dam ESIA. Finsl February 2008 &4 2 %BsMm,n Assoc!at~on wnrh FM Assoaales (L~esolholand Southern Waters (South Africa! Downstream Users Domestic users - livestock, washing Irrigators Brickhlock makers Sand miners SpirituaVTraditional healers Recreational users Aquatic life Environment How Will They be Affected? Change in flows downstream of the dam Change in silt load in the South Phuthiatsana River downstream of the dam Releases from the dam The dam wall will prevent migration of aquatic life Change in channel size and direction (morphology) Stagnation of water downstream of the dam in pools during the dry season creating potential health hazards Uses of Reservoir Industrial and domestic water supply Agriculture o Livestock o Irrigation o Fisheries Recreation o Boating o Fishing Business Tourism Group 2 - Foreshore SafetyIAccess Around the Reservoir Community Access DeterrnindDefine the impact Access services including health clinics, shops, traditional healers, grinding mills Education Religious purposes Labour movement during harvesting SociaVsupport networks - attend funerals, visit relatives and friends, feasts Access transport to Maseru and neighbouring areas Attend local government/administrationmeetingstfunctions Recommendations ~. -- ~ ~- ~ .~------. - -~------~ Melolorig Dam EBIA: Final. February 2008 46 -? *$SMEC 1, Assoct~tlonLVIIII FM Associales (Lesollio: and Soufllern Walere \South kfrlcal a Establish the current exact pattern of crossing the Phuthiatsana River (where, why, when, frequency, how do they cross the River) a Determine significance of impact with communities a Determine practical mitigation measures with communities a Instream Flow Requirement Releases o Can impact on access downstream of the dam o Need to determine how far downstream Community Safety Around the Dam and Reservoir a Provide basic services on both sides of the Reservoir to minimise the need to cross and minimise services near the River such as sanitation a Provide safety education about the dam and its use in general a Log of human movements around the dam in terms of water usage. There should be alternatives in place to cater for restricted movement around the dam area. a Clear safety guidelines and safety education in relation to the dam e.g. safety warning signs, demarcation lines around the dam and no go areas a Community policing and preventative strategy for villagers and users on safety a Early warning system should be in place Group 3 - Foreshore and Upper Catchment Management The group identified poverty at the community level as a major problem that has to be controlled. They identified areas that are a result of poverty that have to be managed in order to conserve the foreshore and upper catchments. Three important areas were identified: a Soil erosion a Water pollution a Communal natural resources Soil Erosion Soil erosion is caused by poor range management practices such as: a Rampant burning of grass a Livestock grazing at one place for a long time a Overstocking and overgrazing a Poor agricultural practices such as ploughing in the gullies Water Pollution Water pollution could be a result of: a Use of chemical fertilizers a Poor sanitation facilities a Poor garbage disposal a Use of pesticides and herbicides Communal Natural Resources The following communal natural resources were identified for management: Harvesting of natural resources Forests .-. .. -~ --- ~~.~--.-- .~ ~ Melolong Dam ESlA F~nalFebruary 200E ;'? 4 @asMm4, Associallon wllh FM AssoCla!es (Les01hoi and Sou:hern Waters (Sourh Afrlcal Bushes Thatch grasses Traditional medicinal plants Prevention and Conservation Strategies The following strategies were identified for the management of the foreshore and upper catchment: Declaration of the catchment as a Selected Development Area (SDA) Catchment and foreshore zoning for different land uses Legalising community working committees under Local Government Gazette Committees should be given executive powers to enforce the law Formulation of laws and regulations that will guide project implementation Introduction of community training programmes. APPENDIX 5 : List of Potentially Affected Households Melolong Dam ESlA Final Februaty 2008 Level* Name Household Interviewed hi 08.12.06 1 Raloti Lepono V81016 Ha Monamoleli Trees 4 4 Fusi Matli VW017 Ha Monamoleli Weld & Trees Mathabo Sefali VW018 Ha Monamoleli Trees Mpopelle 'Matli VW021 Ha Monamoleli Field & Tms J 4 Molefi Masupha 1 VW028 1 Ha Monamoleli I Field &Trees 4 Makoanyane Monamoleli 1 V81042 1 Ha Monamoleli I Field &Trees 1-4 I 4 ( Moramang Tlou I Val043 ( Ha Monamoleli I Weld &Trees 141 4 Mamotsokosi Motsokotsi 1 Val044 1 Ha Monamoleli I Trees 141 4 1 Malisebo Thlafelo I Val045 1 Ha Monamoleli 1 Field & Trees 141 J 1 Mahlomola Chorela I VW145 I Ha Monamoleli 1 Field & Tms J I Bolae Molise I VlWOOl 1 Ha Ntsane 1 Trees 1.11 4 Hlapalimane Phoka I V10f003 1 Ha Ntsane I rave I.( 1 Mokhalinyane Lesibe I V101004 1 HaNtsane 1 rave 14 I 1 I Paseka Mokose 4 4 Matela Tjeketjane I VI W009 1 Ha Ntsane I Field & Grave 14 I 1 Moferefae Tanks 1 V111030 1 Ha Ramatlama I Field. Tm&Grave 1 4 1 Mceketsi Tanka I V111034 1 Ha Ramatlama 1 Field, Trees & Grave 1 14 1 J 1 Lehlohonolo Pule I V111036 1 Ha Ramatlama ) Field 14 I 4 -. . . - -. -. . ~ .. -. ~ t&!olong Dam ESlA Final- February 2008 -'> @8SMECin Assoc!at1on wtlh FM Associale5 ILesolnol and Southern Waters (South Alrim) I i I I Reservoir I I Housebold Name Seabane Ramatlama V11IO42 Ha Ramatlama Trees J 4 J V111049 Ha Ramatlama Field & Trees 4 4 p~asuphzthealiraSeeiso V12001 Ha Seeiso Field & Trees 4 1 Mpiti Makotoko V 1WOO4 Ha Seeiso Trees J 4 Ramosooanyane Tsoeu V12013 Ha Seeiso Trea 4 4 V12l020 Ha Seeiso Thabang Nthunya V121101 Ha Seeiso Trees 4 4 V12f117 Ha Seeiso Tnes 4 J Lebese Mandoro Trees 4 7 Motsoari Mandoro V12127 Ha Seeiso Trees 4 4 , I Rapontso Tahlo 1 V12137 I HaSeeiso I Trecs 14) 4 1 Mapaballo Nthunya ( VlW141 1 HaSeeiso 1 Trees Kolobe Chakale 1 V131086 ( Ha Tlele / Field & Trees 4 , Lenka Lenka 1 V131088 1 Ha Tlele I Reld &Trees 14) J I I Phuthi Lebona V 14/0 16 Ha Tsoaleli Field & Trees 4 4 Mosa Cheche V141033 Ha Tsoaleli Trees J 4 Hlomelang Makotoko V 16'002 Ha Makotoko Trees 4 4 1 ~esoma~efu 1 VlW036 1 Ha Makotoko ( Field &Trees IJ/ J Mokoteli Thamae 1 V161044 1 Ha Makotoko ( field &Trees \ I 1 - Sefike Lenka V17/024 Nkokomohi Weld & Trees J I -4 Thabo Mothomotsoana V19/001 Mothomotsoana Field & Trees IJ Mamatseliso Tharnae 1 V2W038 I HaMatjeke 3' I Seabata Sehlabaka I V2W045 1 Ha Matjeke I Weld & Trees Id( 4 ...... -~ . ~ Metolmg Dam ESlA Final. Februpry 2008 ;.L 4 @%SMEC !n Associaton wlltl FM Asjoclaies (Lesotho; and Scuthern Waters (South AlrlcaI Assets Affected * Reservoir level indicates the households that will be affected by Option I and the additional households to be affected by Option 2. ~ ---~ - ~ ~ -. .Mlolong Dam ESlA Final Febrdary 2008 L F 5 @&SM'C ,n Asso~~atilinwtlh FM Assnc1at25lLesothCi and Southern Wafers (South Alrica) APPENDtX 6 : Entittement Framework Replacement cost for cultivation land is defined as the pre I. I Permanent loss of (a) Cash compensation at full replacement cost, or assistance Ropeity owner with the identification and aliocation of suitable replacement project or pre-displacement (whichever is higher) market value cultivation land cultivation land if available. of land of equal productive potential or use located in the vicinity of the affected land; plus the cost of preparing the land to levels similar to those of the affected land; plus the cost of any regisMon fees and/or transfer duties. Notice to vacate will be served at least 120 days prior to acquisition date. Compensation for all losses payable prior to acquisition Any hansfer costs~taxeswill be the responsibility of the project. Compensation for aop losses for the duration of temporary A temporary occupation contrad will be signed with the 1.2 Temporary loss of (a) occupation. atidlandowner, qm5fying: cultivation land (b) Compensation for other disturbances and damages caused to o pesiod of occupation; Property. o formula for the calculation of production losses (the marl& value of crops normally produced on the land) and annual inflation adjustments; o frequency of compensation payment; and o land proteaion and rehabilitation measures. - (a) Ill~occusof public land do not qualify for 8 Where projed and local authorities consider the impact on an I Encmher (using public land compensation for land losses. encroacher to be severe. helshe will qualify for rehabilitation for cultivation) (b) Encroachers using plblic land for agricultural production assistance as specified in Section 6.4. I prior to the at-off date to entitlekts will be eligible to a cultivation disruption allowance equal to one year's crop production on the amof public land used for cultivation.. -- Loss (a) Cash compensation, at replacement value f& loss of Replacement cost for land is delined as the prepmjed or pre- 2.1 of residential/ hpelty owner residcmtial or business plot, or provision of suitable displacement (whichever is higher) market value of land of business plots replacement plot in the vicinity. equal productive potential or use located in the vicinity of the affected land; plus the cost of preparing the land to levels similar to those of the affected land; plus the cost of any registration fees andlor transfer duties. Melolong Dam ESlA Final February 2008 ~RsM~n Assouailan win FM Assooales (LesolMi ano ~oulhnwalers (Soul11 Alrlcal (eo!~,Vulnas) s:eleM uaqlnog pue (oqlosai) selelmssv r(j q11m uqleoossv UI . .I:, 8ooc "lenlqaj ~su!jVIS~ rue0 G~iolo~eyy 332vs4B ...... - ~. . . - ~ ... .~ . - ...... -. .. . -...... - ...... -- .. . . - . . - .~... . - . . .~ . . .. . - - ...... ~lds!P~omUMO 't'9 uo!W3 u! Paqmse aJmolTe .suog& J!* aAom 01 ms!sse 1uwaseldsp Su!snoq e ar\!mJ Il!m qqoltasnoq pa~e~dsw . aq lllm pq 'Sass01 anl3NlS JOJ PW-W 3 PUII!M .w~lllcx,qq way au!lad!d uo!ssysueq q JO uogmosucx,aw mj sahlasar pm way aAom q p!nh are oqm slaaenbspaprrq wjul (e) *solpyed 10 ny IOJ %m ~mldaP 'uopsudum Auk? jo 1sra arg snld :WJ s,io~~er]ucnpue Jnoqel Lue JO ~2 q-33'uoslad JarBoue UrWJ palm plq uo alr43ws SU!Snq aw snld !alts UO~~PU~ZI01 spgm Su!pl!nq Su~odsuw w, Su~noqumo wys!q ppwsucx, sqluerra, e (e) jo PO^ aw snld farq2mls papas Ap.de J+ 01 .(Zu!mj %'a)s]uacua~oldw! JO 'am2mls pa3aye avjo asoql uew gaaq w, a m~~!sA~l@nb JaQOJOSSOl p@ JO 114 104 u0~uadu1~qSQ (q) SaJIWNlS SsaU!Sllq pue rwe ue q$? aJmmls ~-3elda e pI!nq 01 sppaew q .sa~wwsssau!snq pue %u!sqjossol pue FP"aP!=" 30 ssq [.b jo 1~03wpm q se pyaps! sSu!pl!nq mj pw luaumeldax . ~egredJO IIY w,j ?so2 IW~I~s 'uouesuadlum wm (el 73aCo.U aln.40 asne3eq PBaJ 10 plqxlnu! ale slp saarl pauMeLlaPA~uroy (poomalg '3qup) WnmaJW ~[e 01 sl@uaw aheq nrm mwno au (p) .sa@s aas snope~qjo ~JY alr~npcud aw JOJ welrnp 'anTeA luasd 1au a sassof uo~npcudamry mj uo~leslpduro2 :uopdmnsuw umo JOJAruv paswn I!W (2) 's!&s aarl SnO!lEA am jo aj!l a~lpnpdam JOJ pa~lmp ~uxudrau s sassol uopwda~q y JOJ uopsuadwo2 :saau ~aqus(q) .a~!ssodIOU s! 3ugsalueq araw sbjoanp 1aN (e) ~slwpguawlad JOJ5pnb IOU op aw gem aq$ ~ayesme Mu! 13a[ad Adrum oqm ~gqmq. .a~q!ssodpu s! Sugsamq amp (sdau JOanpA w) sdm aj uo~s~~mar\vlip alepgelro puel 2!1qd awn J~=UZ JadQlaareqsw, 'w!I!s!n~Jo q le l~~u~au!ddOJ~s *w,~elsr\glmsu~ojaqaqm sdan e 01 SupmePWA~I~ sem uopmb u! puel q JI (9) puel at11 bpmj uosq p.mad-uoujo ssq I .E .alq!rsod pu sr %urlsahleumum sdau lo anw IaN (E) ENTlTLED PERSON DFSCRIPIlON OF IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES --- (b) Squatters whooocupy the pmject impact area after the cut-off commercial establishments will receive a business displacement date do not qualify for pmoject entitlements. allowance as described in Section 6.3. Loss of structures other than houses and commercial establishments does not entail payment of a displacement allowance. Notie to vacate will be med at least 120 days prior to acquisition date. Compensation for all losses payablc prior to acquisition. Where displacement mrs,payments to be made in accordance with mlement schedule to allow displaced households sufficient time to make relocation arrangements. To ensure fair compensation, determination of rates will be done not more than 6 months prior to pmperty acquisition. -- Any transfer cnsts/taxes will be the responsibility of the pmject!ct (a) Rental allowance defined in Section 6.2 An enumerated Compensation for building/structure payable to owner. 4.2 Loss of rented Tenant tenant who voluntarily vacates hislher rented accommodation accommodation more than two months prior to the implementatiol~of the physical relocation programme will not qualify for a rental allowance, while one who occupies rented accommodation in the project displacement area after the census, but not less than three months prior to the implementation of the relocation programme, will be eligible. (a) Affeaed graves will be treated in accordance with the wishes 4.3 Graves Affected family of the relatives of the deceased. The cost of exhumation of with the affected communities and families. The intention to k graves will be borne by the Project in accordance with limits proceed with the Project will also be announced publicly (radio established by Ruject Compensation Detmnination and newspaper) at an appropriate time in advance of actual CommiUee. 5. PUBLICAND COMMUNAL FACIUTIES AND RESOURCIS Community buildings and smcturescould include: schools, and (a) Affected community buildings and strudures to be repaired 5.1 Buildings structures Local community I to at least previous condition, a replaced in areas identified in churches, community halls, water points, LraiWfootpaths and Government depattments consultatik with affected comm&ties and relevant bridgg. authorities (b) Inter-ministerial coordination regarding impacts on government assets. (a) The loss of natural resources such a medicinal plants, wing- 5.2 Land and other natural Local community or user groups and and thatching grass will be mitigated through the- lrsouTCeS inlplementation o~&eed pmm-es to the Gueof the lost I mourn as calculated by the Ruiectec[sComvensatim Determination Commit& and agreed by affked communities.. Pmgrammes will be implemented with the full involvement of the concerned communities and appropriate Melolong Dam ESlA Flnal February 2M)8 '0 @i8SMm IN, Assoc~allonwllh FM Assoctales (Lesotho) and Southern Walels (South Afrlcai Xl~numrmpue uopggn mnosal a~pagaSloddns 'sA~~!JN! luauIdo[a~aplejol p~ :s;unpamd 01 SJUXI~~~&~pue Q9S.w 109 Jaqo Wfi uo!W*3 ~~Xoldtuauol)3nqsuo~ tswsyqmu uogn[osa ~mtudlcuduogmpsum paml3nqs e pue sraaqs uo!~w~u! aoue~a* pue uonesuadluo3 'uo!lenp fswpuo!lp!nLm DaroJd suosrad s~zdru!uard [w1.~ JOuopnqgs!~ 3!M av lfanon~auop aq nlm su pue sqnpq3s uo~prulsucxl:spedm! lzo@d uo aq~pv(e) .uop3gdnp p!o~e01 pm s,~*ard av uo ~uauXold~ua[e!guaxyard iojuo!msPa~ (9) sdm mnpdl~d~[a~ap Xl~nunuo:, 40 h~!lapaAp3aga ansua .aAg JO ploqasmqe mjmcxlu! aug Xua~odsquau sq @uos algeragnA 01 h-lsssa~au9 [[pUO!lW[nSUm IQU~W@~~~S!U~-~]~ . 01 luap~!nba %uemop p[oqasnoq a[qmgnA e jo ]uau~X&q (e) 'laefwd Lq mop aq a %'upom lo's8upuolqjo poluar mjam~ol@ uopweq (9 -mxA l=w!lqe]Q 01 aqou aql 8uw JOarug zq@ pdaq [[wsaJuemo[p rn . pp.rawo3~0ssol ioj=uemol[e ~wz[dsqssau!sna (e) 1-J 'UO!lepOunUO33~WUa JO SO1 JOJ aweMOp p'JUaH (E) xg@d Kq auop aq 01 8u!~om m %@uo[aqjo plrourai aqiq aomol[e uopnmalrt( (q) .sim3~sspe au!p[!nq @puap!sa Puel?Iqd ww VJJoludual~oan[e~alll a '(6~61) PV M UO ~nbspaperlWJq PloqaSnoll alme~ aql u! JOJpap!~ard SJ 'a3uap!=~o S~q301 puappu! -0 Xvddrud JO1uawa3e[ds!a t.9 01 mpuaq Puwasjo arup aqle pyd aq [wsa3mfiop rn . sasuadxa BA~01 a3uemolp ~uaum[ds!p8uymq y (e) '1~01s! @w a[- JOem aq, uo uorunpd pw[m@e I 'spew %ups~ajo~uxua~o~dtu!ppem I s-e maujo uopwum(!!!) pue :slu!od pa& 'w"f'u @? pue b9drrad '~!l!I!XJ01 S-mJe le &PI.IWJ (!!) unrp ~UOIWMI at11 dpuq ='- J~N= aq u! sase~!~ paUWuo3/papedmlES re~mqa~e (!)Jo uo!sfiwd aq@naq ssame JO uogaasa~ (e) '(w~m@vjoLUSN!L~ %.a) sapuaze aug 1 APPENDIX 7 : IFR Monthlv Flow Releases at IFR Site - II 'OL OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JON JUL AUG SEP nMAR% (MCM) A N MAR = 53.67 MCM (estimated). - EWR Ecostatus Category = D. MAINTENANCE FLOOD Class 2: 3.73: m3s-' I Inter-annual floods 7 Not included in IFR volume I Annualm 1 11.18 1 21 I MAINTENmCETmAL(Volume) I one-term averam" I 9.79 I 18 I 26 50% percentile given for each month. 27 Daily average peak 28 Calculated as the volume of water required to meet the full requirements. 29 Calculated using the historical flow sequence, and only 'releasing' requirements in response to 'natural' cues. Metolong Dan1 ESlA Final February 20W !@&'IMEC ~nAssocjat~m wilh iM Assoc~ates(Lesotho) and Soulhern Waters (South Alnca) APPENDIX 8 : Best Practice Environmental Guidelines ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT GUIDE Public Awareness and Community Relations Objectives To ensure an awareness of the project exists in the community. To minimise negative impacts and maximise benefits of the proposal on the local community. Control Measures The Construction Contractor shall: 1. Advise the local community of project plans in advance of construction, explain safety precautions where necessary and where possible involve them in planning; 2. Avoid disturbances near living areas where possible; 3. Identify culturally sensitive areas and avoid disturbing them; 4. Control runoff and manage sediments especially near privately owned areas; 5. Arrange for local people to be employed and trained; 6. Include women's and other community groups in project activities; and 7. Advise community about approved disposal areas and stockpiles. Monitoring The Construction Contractor shall maintain regular contact with the local community to minimize the potential for any problems arising. Corrective Action The Construction Contractor shall ensure that the local community has been kept informed about project issues and the above issues resolved prior to commencement of construction works. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT GUIDE Workforce Training Objectives To ensure the construction workforce has a practical understanding of the management measures so that activities are performed in accordance with those measures. To ensure the construction workforce understands the occupational health and safety requirements and that these are implemented at all times. Control Measures The Construction Contractor shall implement the following control measures prior to the construction of the works, as indicated below. 1. The Construction Contractor shall organise and conduct induction training for all employed workers covering the following issues: - site hygiene and health issues, in particular nutrition awareness and the sexually transmitted diseases, HIVIAIDS and hepatitis. This instruction will ideally be provided by local community health centres; - gender and other social issues relevant to each community (as identified by the project's Social Scientist and local authorities); - occupational health and safety requirements, including hazard awareness training, materials handling, industrial deafness, industrial diseases such as silicosis etc; and - waste management, including use of garbage bins and toilet facilities. 2. No worker shall be allowed to work on the project unless they have received the above induction training. 3. The Construction Contractor shall keep a written and signed attendance record of all workers who have been inducted. 4. The Construction Contractor shall ensure all occupational health and safety requirements are in place on construction sites and in work camps. 5. The Construction Contractor shall establish a project hazard awareness and hazard reduction plan. Monitoring The Construction Contractor shall ensure that all workers have been inducted. The Construction Contractor shall regularly monitor that occupational health and safety requirements are implemented. The Client Representative shall audit that all requirements are met. Corrective Action Where occupational health and safety requirements are not being implemented relevant workers shall immediately be trained and instructed to implement these requirements. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT GUIDE Erosion and Sediment Control Objectives To minimise on-site erosion. To prevent off-site sedimentation. Control Measures The Designer shall. 1. Ensure pipeline routes do not follow gully lines or drainage paths. 2. Include the requirement for a site rehabilitation plan is included in contract documentation. The Construction Contractor shall implement the following control measures prior to, during and following the construction of the works, as indicated below. 1. Restrict vehicle access ontolfrom the site to sealed surfaces and designated earth access tracks. 2. Schedule construction so that ground disturbance does not occur during the highest rainfall months. 3. Schedule construction work so that the river intake work is done in a period of minimum flow. 4. Minimise the area of site clearance and ground disturbance by surveying and marking out work sites prior to site disturbance. 5. Instruct workers involved in site clearance and earthworks to restrict construction activities to the marked out sites. 6. Minimise the period of site disturbance by staging site clearance. Do not clear a site before two weeks of the scheduled bulk earthworks. 7. Strip and stockpile all available topsoil as per EMG 5 prior to landforming earthworks. 8. Control runoff onto, through and from the site via stable temporary and/or permanent drains and/or banks installed early in the construction programme. Drains shall collect and convey clean water around the site, and direct on-site runoff into sediment traps. 9. Install sediment controls prior to earthworks, including sediment fences, traps and basins as necessary. Locate controls in order to divide each site into manageable sub-catchments. 10. Clean out sediment fences/traps/basins when 60% or more of the capacity is full. 11. Maintain erosion and sediment controls during the period of soil disturbance and until the site is stable (i.e. equal to or greater than 70% ground cover). 12. Progressively revegetate disturbed areas as soon as construction is completed. 13. Backfill and compact pipeline trenches as soon as possible after pipes have . ~ ~ ....~ .. ~ ~ ~. ~ - ~ ., , ::'%*sMFx. . - .. Melolong Dam E51A Final February 230E - . :. been bedded. Avoid long lengths of exposed trenching. 14. Undertake restorationlrevegetation of pipeline routes as soon as pipelines have passed pressure and compliance tests.(see also EMG 4 and 10) 15. Maintain records of locations where excess spoil has been disposed of. Monitoring The Construction Contractor shall monitor erosion and sediment controls until the site is stable and the temporary controls are removed. Controls shall be monitored every fortnight and after each significant storm event, to check that they are in place and working effectively, with sufficient sediment trapping capacity available. The Construction Contractor shall retain photographic records of the condition of all the controls. Corrective Action If erosion and sediment controls are inadequate, the Construction Contactor shall redesign and install additional controls in accordance with the EMP measures and the Supervising Engineer instructions. If off-site sedimentation occurs, the Construction Contractor shall immediately make good the damage and improve sediment controls by cleaning out existing controls and/or installing additional controls. The Construction Contractor shall then notify the Supervising Engineer, then review the effectiveness of on-site drains and sediment controls. .. .~ . . .~ ~. . - .~-~.~.--- - .- . . .. ~~ ~ . - ~... . ~ -- - -~--~ - . . ~ a=&\ Melolon~iDam ESlA Final: February 2008 .' F. 4 WWASMEC;.. ._--..-..-...... ,...... - -.,-..,-.-.,_~__,, -...,-.-,, ...*.. .,_. ... ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT GUIDE Topsoil Removal and Stockpiling 0bject ives To save all available topsoil for reuse in site revegetation. To minimise the decline in topsoil fertility and seed and vegetation viability during stockpiling. To minimise impacts from topsoil stockpiling. Control Measures The Construction Contractor shall save all available topsoil for reuse in site revegetation and minimise impacts from topsoil stockpiling by: 1. striping all available topsoil from earthwork sites prior to the commencement of earthworks. If the site is only vegetated with ground cover grasses, grass shall be stripped with the topsoil; 2. stockpiling topsoil on existing cleared sites on flat land and located at least 10 m away from open drains, watercourses and waterbodies; 3. if the stockpile is to remain bare for long in a high rainfall area or during a high rainfall period, it should be covered to prevent erosion and sediment runoff; and 4. installing a sediment fence or low earth bank on the downslope side of the stockpile to retain sediment where a grass filter strip does not exist, or where the site is over 3% grade. The establishment of weeds in topsoil stockpiles shall be managed by engaging members of the local community to hand weed topsoil stockpiles. No herbicides or other chemicals shall be used to control weeds. Where excess topsoil results from the works, topsoil should be used to backfill waste disposal sites. Monitoring The Construction Contractor shall inspect topsoil stockpiles after each significant rainfall event to check for erosion and downslope sedimentation. Corrective Action If sediment is eroding from stockpiles, the Construction Contractor shall install a sediment fence or earth bank along the downslope toe of the stockpile to retain sediment. . . .. ~. . . .---. ~ . . .- - ~ -. . .. ~- ... - ~ ~ . ~ ...... ~ . . . .. ~ .. .~ ... Melolong Dam ESlA Final: Februa y 2006 ..i 5 ~BSMEC. .-...... &. .. .--- , ---.-. -. .-...... -.-- *. .- .. ~~. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT GUIDE Air Quality Protection Objectives To minimize the deterioration of air quality from project activities. Control Measures The Designer shall: 1. Review designs to ensure that structural foot prints are of minimal area 2. Ensure that haul distances between sites/structures are minimised The Construction Contractor shall minimise the deterioration of air quality by: 1. Spraying water on exposed surfaces, including earth access roads and exposed rock surfaces, if conditions are dry and windy work may have to cease as large volumes of dust may be generated; 2. Earth or soil being transported in trucks is to either be covered or wetted to prevent loss during transit. 3. Establish wind speed monitoring: stop all excavation work when wind speed exceeds agreed threshold. 4. Installing wind breaks or fences around cement-batching plants; 5. Ensure all construction machinery used on site is running efficiently and not producing excessive exhaust emissions. 6. Ensure no burning-off of waste is undertaken. Monitoring The Construction Contractor shall monitor wind velocity and site dust levels during earthmoving activities. The Construction Contractor shall also monitor emissions from vehicles and plant. Corrective Action If excessive dust is generated, the Construction Contractor shall immediately water down areas generating dust or, if this is not effective, cease the activities generating dust. Stop all excavation work if wind threshold velocity has been exceeded. . -.. .. -. . -~~ ...... ~ ~. . ~ . ~ ~-...... ~ .~ .~ ~ ~ ~ .. - .. . --ldr"ir\ --.. QMp" Melolonc: Dam ESIA Final February 2008 r '. F ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT GUIDE Waste Management Objective To reuse suitable waste materials generated from the proposed works for productive and non-pollutingpurposes. Control Measures The following measures shall be implemented: 1. All stores waste shall be contained within construction sites; 2. Solid waste: all site waste is to be collected and disposed of in an approved registered landfill. Where possible segregation of waste (paper,glass,metal) should be undertaken and recycling opportunities identified. 3. Compost or use as animal food all green or organic wastes; and 4. Sewage shall be disposed of into sealed pit latrines or into a septic tank system, or other approved sanitation devices. ~ ~ -- Monitoring The Construction Contractor shall regularly monitor the management of wastes to ensure that the above measures are being complied with. Corrective Action If it is found that waste is not being managed in accordance with the above measures the situation shall be remedied immediately. ~ -~ . . ~ ..-. -- - . tr(ero1on; Dam ES!A Final Februarv 20E !p. -/ ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT GUIDE Noise Control Objectives To minimise noise impacts on neighbouring communities. Control Measures The Designer shall: 1. Select and specify only equipment that (in addition to satisfying all other technical requirements) minimizes sound output. 2. Incorporate acoustic bafflers in all structures housing noise generating machinery. The Construction Contractor shall minimise construction noise levels and associated impacts by: 1. Undertaking all construction activities strictly within approved hours of operation. Where night-time activities are required, the Construction Contractor shall notify local residents at least three days in advance. 2. Ensuring that all machinery and vehicles used are modern and well maintained, and have mufflers correctly fitted. 3. If generators are used, located them as far as possible from residential dwellings. Where these are near residential dwellings, noise reduction barriers such as soil bundslstockpiles or sandbags shall be installed to minimise the level of noise emitted. Monitoring The Construction Contractor shall monitor noise levels at dwellings closest to the work sites during the range of noise-generating construction activities. Corrective Action If local people complain about noise levels or they are deemed to be excessive by the Supervising Engineer, the Construction Contractor shall undertake mitigative measures as directed. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT GUIDE Site Decommissioningl Stabilization 0 bjectives To clean up work areas so there is no construction debris left at the sites. To facilitate rapid re-establishment of a grass cover over work areas. Control Measures The Construction Contractor shall prepare and implement a site rehabilitationlrestorationplan for all areas disturbed by the work. The Contractor shall rapidly stabilize sites and provide long-tern surface stability by progressively revegetating discrete areas of each work site as they are completed. The sites shall be revegetated by: 1. Raking or loosening any over-compacted ground surface areas identified for vegetation cover; 2. Re-spreading stockpiled topsoil evenly across completed, disturbed sites (including over any permanent fill stockpiles) immediately following construction works. As the vegetation cover of all areas to be stabilised will be grass there will be no need to undertake any planting or weeding. Regular mowing of stabilised areas should ensure that only grasses become established. Sites shall be cleaned-up by: 1. Removing all disabled machinery and construction debris from the works area; and 2. Disposing of any oils in an approved manner. Monitoring The Construction Contractor shall visit all work areas following completion of works to ensure that no construction material is left there and to check that topsoil has been re-spread as specified above. Corrective Action If any construction debris is found at the work sites this will be removed from site immediately. . - - . .. .- . . - - . - - . . - - .- .. - .. - .- - . -...... - -. . - .. - .-. .. .- - . - .. ... -.- -...... - . - . .... - - . ... - *LSMF~: Melolong Dam ESiA' Final February 2008 A. .;- ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT GUIDE Vegetation Clearance and Protection Objectives To restrict vegetation clearance to the minimal area necessary, and thereby prevent damage to vegetation outside the work site. To properly dispose of cleared vegetation. Control Measures The Construction Contractor shall restrict vegetation clearance to the minimal area necessary and prevent damage to vegetation outside this area. This shall be achieved by surveying and pegging each work site before the commencement of clearing. Where earthworks are proposed, site clearance shall be staged so that no site is cleared more than two weeks before the earthworks to minimize the time that cleared areas are exposed and vulnerable to soil erosion. Monitoring The Construction Contractor shall monitor vegetation clearance daily to ensure that it is restricted to the designated work sitels and that no damage occurs to vegetation outside of works areas. Corrective Action If clearance occurs outside the marked area, the Construction Contractor shall notify the Project Manager and facilitate re-vegetation of the cleared area by immediately re-spreading the cleared vegetation over the area. ~~ ...... ~.~~.. ~~ . -. .. .~~-. . . .- ... .- .. .-~~~ ~ ~ . .~ . .. .- ...... ~ ~ . &&SMEC . . . . .-. ... - .... Melolong Dam ESIA- Final. Feoruary 2008 .'* ?, 1 i> ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT GUIDE Excess Fill Disposal Objectives To utilize excess fill material for productive purposes where possible, and thereby avoid the double handling of material. To minimize environmental impacts from fill disposal. To prevent the creation of obstacles or the future removal of disposed fill to install other developments. Control Measures 'The Construction Contractor shall: 1. Dispose of excess fill in approved areas. Sites shall generally be at least 10 m from watercourses, not excessively steep (i.e. usually less than 10% grade) and free of trees and any other significant vegetation. 2. Mark the boundary of the fill disposal site with pegs at 1Om intervals. 3. Install erosion and sediment controls as required. 4. Clear vegetation and strip topsoil off the disposal site and stockpile as per EMG 4 for reuse for site revegetation. 5. Landform the fill by placing it in horizontal layers with a maximum depth of 200mm, then compacting each layer to the degree required for the proposed land use, as directed bythe Supervising Engineer, creating a free draining profile. 6. Revegetate the filled landform by ripping the final compacted layer of fill to a depth of 150-300mm along the contour to create a slightly roughened surface and re-spread stockpiled topsoil. Monitoring The Construction Contractor shall monitor the fill disposal activities to ensure that the specified process is correctly followed. Corrective Action If the Construction Contractor discovers that the above process has not been properly followed actions will be taken to ensure that fill disposal is in accordance with the specified process. .~- . .. - ~ . .. ~~~ .. .~ . - ...... ~~ ~ ~~...~ . -- - ~ fir..,, (3% SMEC . . . -. . . ,, . - . .. . - . . . . Nelolong Dam ESlA Final February 2We