Environmental Review Report 2017

Operational excellence for results that matter

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW REPORT

Rehabilitation of Maslakh Road and Makroyan New Bridge

Japan International Cooperation Agency – JICA

Program for the Kabul Metropolitan Area Development

2017

Japan Internation Cooperation The Islamic Republic of Kabul Municiaplity Agency Afghanistan

Operational excellence for results that matter

Contents 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 5 2. INTRODUCTION ...... 5 3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ...... 6 3.1. Description of the site / location ...... 6 4. Description of the works ...... 7 4.1. Maslakh Road ...... 7 4.2. Makroyan Bridge ...... 7 5. LEGISLATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS...... 8 6. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ...... 8 6.1. Climate ...... 8 6.2. Water Resource ...... 11 6.3. Topography ...... 11 6.3.1. Mkaroyan Bridge ...... 11 6.3.2. Maslakh Road ...... 11 6.4. Geology and Soil ...... 11 6.4.1. General Geology ...... 11 6.5. Description of the biological environment ...... 12 6.6. Description of the socio-economic environment ...... 12 6.6.1. Papulation ...... 12 6.6.2. Air Quality ...... 13 6.6.3. Transportation ...... 13 6.6.3.1. Road Networks ...... 13 6.6.3.2. Airports ...... 14 6.6.3.3. Railway ...... 14 7. POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROJET ...... 15 7.1. Soils and Geology ...... 15 7.2. Surface Water ...... 16 7.3. Solid Waste ...... 16

Operational excellence for results that matter

7.4. Air Quality ...... 17 7.5. Noise and Vibration ...... 17 7.6. Traffic ...... 17 7.7. Mines ...... 18 7.8. Land acquisition ...... 18 7.9. Ecological Environment ...... 18 7.10. Socio economic Environment ...... 19 7.10.1. Compensation Plan ...... 19 7.10.2. Employment Opportunities ...... 19 7.10.3. Resource Use ...... 19 7.10.4. Daily Living and Movement Patterns ...... 19 7.10.5. Health, Safety and Hygiene ...... 20 7.10.6. Socio economic Benefits ...... 20 8. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ...... 20 9. PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 20 9.1. Institutional Requirement for Environmental Management ...... 20 9.1.1. Institutional Framework ...... 20 9.1.2. Environmental Management ...... 21 9.1.3. Environmental Monitoring Program ...... 21 10. Annexes ...... 31

Operational excellence for results that matter

ABBREVIATIONS

UNOPS UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR PROJECT SERVICES

TSP TRANSPORT SECTOR PORTFOLIO

ADB ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

PMO PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE

EA EXECUTING AGENCY

EMMP ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITROING PLAN

O&M OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

KM KABUL MUNICIPALITY

Operational excellence for results that matter

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Findings of the Environmental Review report reveal that no major negative environmental impacts are likely to occur due to construction and operation of 1.7km Maslkh road and 50m Makroyan new Bridge. The potential negative environmental impacts associated with the construction activities are relatively minor in comparison to the significant environmental and social benefits resulting from project operation. The implementation of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) which details the mitigation measures, implementation responsibilities, and monitoring plan as defined in this report will result to minimal adverse impacts.

The project will have minor adverse impacts that include temporary effect on noise and air quality due to construction activities, disposition of solid wastes, and minor effects on plants, visual intrusion. The positive impacts including reduced health risk, development of small to medium sized enterprises, reduce traffic rush on adjacent roads, reduce in the air pollution. Each environmental problem area was investigated and the magnitude of the impacts on ecosystem determined. Wherever adverse impacts were identified, rational and comprehensive mitigation measures were specified. Further, the contractor will implement the mitigation measures identified in the Environmental Review Report while UNOPS-TSP Afghanistan as implementation and Supervision Consultants will conduct regular monitoring to ensure contractor’s compliance with applicable provisions of the EMP. The environmental management and monitoring will be considered for sustainability of the project. Potential environmental impacts have been identified and measures developed to mitigate impacts.

The local local authorities expressed support for the project during the consultations as they clearly realized the benefit to the Kabul roads’ condition and traffic system. Based on the results of the Environmental Review Report, the adverse environmental impact of the project can be minimized to acceptable levels by implementing mitigation measure. 2. INTRODUCTION

The project Outline Design has been approved by the Government of Japan thru JICA funding, while the implementation/ construction stage will be programmed for year 2017.

This program includes among many projects for the Kabul Municipality which are in the priority list of JICA. For the realization of the JICA’s Master Plan for Kabul Metropolitan Area, this project in Outline Design of Main Road and Bridges Improvement was incorporated as one under the sub-projects as comprehensive urban development effort in supporting and enhancing the capacity of Afghan municipal authorities, e.g., Kabul Municipality and the Dehsabz City Development Authority.

The plan to control the increasing traffic rush in Kabul streets is one of the major things to be considered in working for rehabilitation and reconstruction of the capital city Kabul. To make this plan into reality, JICA had considered the preparation of Outline Design of the Main Roads and

Operational excellence for results that matter

Bridges Improvement in Municipality of Kabul. Since the outline design is undertaken, the next step is to elevate the matter to the Japanese government for the future project funding and implementation through UNOPS and the Kabul Municipality as the recipient of the project.

The plan for further development of the city arterial road networks for the period up to year 2025 includes the completion of the mentioned road links such the widening from two lane into four- lane carriageway of Maslakh Road (Awali may Road), the construction and rehabilitation of the Sarak-e Balae Qalai Zaman Khan Road, the construction of two new bridges such as the New Makroyan Bridge, the construction of the New Guzargah Bridge and the traffic signalization of the Dispitury Intersection along the Jalalabad road intersecting the road going to Airport and Bagram new road.

This development stage also includes the realization of the new Sarak-e Balae Qalai Zaman Khan road which will be very beneficial to the Kabul commuters in connecting to other districts in a less travel distance than going around the city routes. This road links will probably imply a relevant increase of the diverted traffic from Macroyan side going to Ahmad Sha Baba Road. While the expansion and widening of the Maslakh road will ease the current traffic jams along the area while travelling from the Pastunistan side to the Abdul Haq Square. The end intersections will be improved by the introduction of median island strip as part of traffic distribution on each designated direction to minimize the mixing of vehicles along the roundabout.

According to the prioritized projects under this program, JICA and Kabul municipality have selected the two sub Projects (Maslakh Road and New Makroyan Bridge) as first priority to be implemented in the first phase of this program.

Project Id Project Type Location RFP No: Construction of 1.7 Maslkah Road and PD#9, Kabul, Afghanistan Makroyan Bridge

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

3.1. Description of the site / location The Awali May Road (Maslakh Road) is part of the Kabul road network which begins from the Pule Mahmood Khan Square and continues 1.70km towards the Makroyan Road and ends at Abdul Haq roundabout. The existing road is a two (2)-lane asphalted road that will be widened into a four (4)-lane road and will definitely function as part of the route linking southwest Kabul and east Kabul while avoiding the area of the City Centre.

Makroyan Bridge is one of the most important bridges in Kabul. The new expanded, 50- meter length new Makroyan Bridge will be constructed parallel to the existing old Makroyan Bridge. This new bridge will link a six-lane road between the roundabout (on the left bank side) and the Masood Circle (which is constructed by World Bank) and linking the roads P2-3 and P2-5 which were newly constructed roads by JICA with another Technical Cooperation Project.

Operational excellence for results that matter

Figure 1: Location and Topography

4. Description of the works

4.1. Maslakh Road The asphalt paved Maslakh road is not with fair condition also since the road will be widened, removal of the existing pavement will be the initial step to proceed with rehabilitation activity. Even in good weather the average travel time required to cover the 1.7Km correspond to less than 40km/h due to the bumper to bumper traffic flow. The road has an existing 6.0m two-lane carriageway with stone masonry sidewalk along the right side. There is an existing retaining wall which serves as a river protection wall on the right side of the road.

The construction works of Maslakh road is summarized with the removal of the existing pavement, widening of the road, construction of sub-grade, sub-base, base course and two asphaltic layers (binder course and wearing course) as well the construction of pedestrian.

The locally skilled and unskilled labours will be use for the construction works, as well the road construction machineries such loader, bulldozer, scraper, paver, roller, water tank, excavator and …etc are need to be used during the construction of 1.7KM Maslkah road

4.2. Makroyan Bridge This bridge is located at the centre and the busiest junction of Kabul which is near the Abdul Haq Roundabout. Makroyan Bridge is one of the most important bridges in Kabul which provides a north south crossing point over the Kabul River. This is a three span with total length of 50m Reinforced Concrete T-girder which allows 2 to 3 lane traffic while connecting four- lane

Operational excellence for results that matter

newly constructed approach roads which is the P2-6. Since the old bridge is narrow to connect to the widened roads, traffic had become an eyesore and had become the bottleneck of daily commuters.

The construction works of bridge summarized with the excavation of foundation, construction of abutments and piers, construction of RCC grids, construction of RCC slab and asphaltic layers.

The machineries which will be used for the construction of bridge are such as excavator, concrete mixer, water tank, vibrator, steel cutter…etc, and for the performing of construction works the contractor will use the local skilled and unskilled labours.

5. LEGISLATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The project is under taken in Afghanistan and the Environment and Social review will be In compliance with Afghanistan Environmental law.

6. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

In the environmental assessment study, it is imperative to study the existing environmental conditions not only to establish the present physical, biological and socio-economic scenario but also to predict future impacts owing to construction, operation and maintenance of the project. As such, particular emphasis has been laid in collection of data for land resources, air quality, noise, hydrology, terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna in the present study.

6.1. Climate The project site has different weather during the four season of the year; the climate here is classified as BSk by the Köppen-Geiger system. In Kabul, the average annual temperature is 11.4 °C. About 362 mm of precipitation falls annually. The difference in precipitation between the driest month and the wettest month is 87 mm. The average temperatures vary during the year by 26.1 °C.

Useful hints about reading the climate table:

For every month, you will find data about precipitation (mm), average, maximum and minimum temperature (degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit).

Meaning of the first line: (1) January, (2) February, (3) March, (4) April, (5) May, (6) June, (7) July, (8) August, (9) September, (10) October, (11) November, (12) December.

• The months May, June, September and October have nice weather with a good average temperature. • Hot season / summer is in June, July, August and September. • Kabul has dry periods in May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. • On average, the warmest month is August.

Operational excellence for results that matter

• On average, the coolest month is January. • April is the wettest month. This month should be avoided if you don't like too much rain. • June is the driest month. • AVERAGE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OVER THE YEA

AVERAGE MONTHLY HOURS OF SUNSHINE OVER THE YEAR

AVERAGE MONTHLY PRECIPITATION OVER THE YEAR (RAINFALL, SNOW)

Operational excellence for results that matter

AVERAGE MONTHLY RAINY DAYS OVER THE YEAR

AVERAGE HUMIDITY OVER THE YEAR

AVERAGE WIND SPEED OVER THE YEAR

Operational excellence for results that matter

6.2. Water Resource Kabul is surrounded by Koh-e-Paghman Mountain from the east, Koh-e-Qrough Mountain from the south-west and Koh-e-Shirdarwaza Mountain from the north-east. Kabul has only one river which is Kabul River. Kabul River rises at the Paghman Mountain toward South Pass about 70 km (43 mi) west of Kabul. It flows in an easterly direction, past Kabul, and through Jalalabad city, and then on to Dakka where it enters Pakistani territory and finally runs into the Indus at Attock. The only wetland is Qargha Lake which is located at the north-west of the Kabul city.

In general, the mountains of Afghanistan have always served as a natural storage facility and source of water. In fact, more than 80% of Afghanistan's water resources originate in the Hindu Kush Mountains. The snow accumulates in the winter, and melts in the spring. This, along with the melting of the glaciers in the summer feed Kabul River.

The main water resources of the project area are:

• Kabul River and its branches • Seasonal melting of snows on the mountains and rainfall 6.3. Topography

6.3.1. Mkaroyan New Bridge The terrain of the Makroyan bridge projects site is flat in general. Sediments like gravels, silts and clays were observed in Makroyan Bridge project site, the agriculture land is near to Bridge site and residential houses are far from the bridge, so the proposed Makroyan bridge project does not affected residential house while a part of agriculture land will be used for bridge construction.

6.3.2. Maslakh Road The terrain of the Maslakh Road projects site is flat in general. The agriculture land will not be used for the construction of Maslakh Road, residential houses are far from the Maslkah Road project but there are shops and market near to the road, so the proposed Maslakh Road project does not affected residential house while a part of Market and some shops will be affected during the construction of Maslakh Road.

6.4. Geology and Soil

6.4.1. General Geology The proposed site is located within the Kabul Basin, which is a basin structure formed as a result of plate movement during the Late Palaeocene or Tertiary period. The basin is surrounded and underlain mainly by metamorphic rocks, which are intersected by several major fault systems. The basin is filled with various deposits of sediments. The total thickness of sediments is up to 150 m. Within the basin several ridges and hills protrude up. These ridges

Operational excellence for results that matter

and hills, formed mainly of metamorphic rocks, add surface relief to the otherwise flat and continuous upper surface of the basin sediments.

The basin sediments include talus slopes and debris fans at the basin margin and near ridge/hill slopes, and alluvial, loess and reworked deposits away from the basin margin and hill slopes. These deposits consist of gravel, sand, silt and clay. They are present as layers and lenses of well‐sorted or mixed materials. Deep in the basin some of these deposits have lithified (cemented) to form conglomerate, sandstone and siltstone etc. At the proposed project sites the soils are predominantly of recent alluvial origin with surface deposits of windblown soils.

For the detail report of soil type, condition of foundation and surface and subsurface and the detail of laboratory please refer to the geotechnical report (Annex1) of this report

6.5. Description of the biological environment

The project is located on Kabul River, the Kabul River is seasonal rivers which have water during the spring season and the water flow get reduce during the winter season.

The residential and business areas are located along both side of the river, the river has got pollution because all the sewerage of the residential and business area has directed to the river as well Kaubl river is used as dumping site for solid waste, the impact has been evaluated and it has been observed that the suspended load and other thrown in Kabul River accumulate on the river bed and effect the bottom feed and has negative impact on the quality of water and increase the river pollution

Kabul River has quite rich ecology in terms of biodiversity; Kabul River also provides a good habitat for local and migratory birds, in this way the pollution and decrease in water quantity will have negative impact.

Furthermore, there are no protected areas in the project site.

6.6. Description of the socio-economic environment

6.6.1. Papulation Kabul province which is further divided into 22 city districts or sectors. Each city district covers several neighbourhoods.

The population of Kabul has fluctuated since the early 1980s to the present period. It was believed to be around 500,000 in 2001 but then many Afghan expatriates began returning from Pakistan and Iran where they had taken refuge from the decades of wars. In 2009, the World Fact book estimated that Kabul's population was little over 3.5 million. According to Afghan government statistics, it was estimated around 3,289,000 in the year 2012 and now it is more

Operational excellence for results that matter

them 5millions. It should be noted that many Afghans from other provinces stay in Kabul on temporary bases, to spend time with relatives due to fighting or for other reasons.

The population of the city reflects the general multi-ethnic and multi-lingual characteristics of Afghanistan. There is no official government report on the precise ethnic make-over but according to a map of National Geographic; the population of the city was estimated at 45% Tajiks, 25% Hazaras, 25% Pashtuns, 3% Uzbeks, 1% Baloch, 1% Turkmen. Dari (Afghan Persian) and Pashto are the most widely used languages in the city, although Dari serves as the lingua franca. Nearly all the people of Kabul are Muslims, which includes the majority Sunnis and minority Shias. A small number of Sikhs, Hindus, and Christians are also found in the city.

6.6.2. Air Quality Bases on preliminary assessment which prepared by Da Afghansitan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) at 2014, Kabul ranks near the top in terms of worldwide rankings of hazardous airborne contaminants. Measured levels in Kabul was worse than Beijing and even Lahore, Pakistan, considered by atmospheric scientists to have some of the worst pollution in the world. In fact, Kabul sits in valley at high altitude. Physically it is an environment where pollutants can't disperse quickly.

Kabul's lack of infrastructure, sanitation problems, and recent population boom has resulted in dangerously high airborne contaminant levels. Levels of individual hazardous compounds, such as carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxide, and ozone are all significantly above EPA primary and secondary standards, and levels of particulate matter are more than 100 percent higher than World Health Organization recommended levels. The NEPA of Afghanistan has advised the Kabul residents to wear masks to protect them from particulate matter, and Afghan sources estimate over 3,000 deaths in Kabul annually can be attributed directly to hazardous air quality.

Further, to date, the Government has not compiled a comprehensive updated inventory of air pollutant emissions or not even an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions for the Kabul city. Likewise, no source apportionment has ever been conducted to evaluate how much of the various sources contribute to particulate matter (PM) air pollution. However, no record of air quality was found to have high levels of dust and polyromantic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The WHO average values for urban areas range from 1 to 10 ng/m3. The potential risk to human health of PAH is increased by the presence of dust in the air, which binds hydrocarbon particles and prevents them from escaping in to the atmosphere5. It is necessary to mention that, a comprehensive inventory of emissions from different sources in Kabul and two outlying provinces, however, is being compiled through the ADB Project in Kabul6. However, within the project areas there are no industries, so air quality is considered relatively clean.

6.6.3. Transportation

6.6.3.1. Road Networks Long distance road journeys are made by private Mercedes-Benz coach buses or various types of vans, trucks and cars. Although a nationwide bus service is available from Kabul, flying is safer especially for foreigners. The city's public bus service (Milli Bus / "National Bus") was

Operational excellence for results that matter established in the 1960s to take commuters on daily routes to many destinations. The service currently has about 800 buses, but it is gradually expanding and upgrading the fleet.

Private vehicles are on the rise in Kabul, with several dealerships in the city. It has been reported that up to 90% of cars in Kabul are Corollas. Gas stations are mainly private-owned. Bicycles on the road are a common sight in the city as are white and yellow older model Toyota Corolla taxicab used cars

6.6.3.2. Airports The Kabul International Airport is located approximately 5 km from the centre of Kabul, is the country's main airport. It is a hub to Ariana Afghan Airlines, the national airlines carrier of Afghanistan, as well as private airlines such as Kam Air and Safi Airways. Regional airlines such as Turkish Airways, Gulf Air, Indian Airlines, Pakistan International Airways, Iranian Airlines and others also make frequent stops at Kabul International Airport. A new international terminal was built by the government of Japan and began operation since 2008, thus the first of three new international terminals is now fully open, whilst the old terminal is now used for domestic flights. The other two terminals will open once air traffic to the city increases. Passengers coming from most foreign nations use mostly Dubai for flights to Kabul. Kabul Airport also has a military terminal and a section of airport is used by the Unites States armed forces and the Afghan National Air Force. NATO also uses the Kabul Airport, but most military traffic is based at Bagram Airfield, situated north of Kabul. The Afghan Border Police and the Afghan National Police are in charge of the airport security.

International carriers and destinations include:

• Ariana Afghan Airlines – to Ankara, Baku, Delhi, Dubai, Dushanbe, Frankfurt, Islamabad, Istanbul-Atatürk, Jeddah, Moscow-Sheremetyevo, Riyadh, Sharjah, Tehran-Imam Khomeini, & Ürümqi. • Safi Airways – flies to Delhi, Dubai, Frankfurt, & Kuwait City. • Kam Air– to Almaty, Delhi, Dubai, Dushanbe, Islamabad, Mashhad, Peshawar, & Urumqi • Air India-to Delhi. • Pakistan International Airways– to Islamabad & Peshawar. • Fly Dubai – to Dubai & Delhi • Air Arabia– to Sharjah • Gulf Air-to Bahrain • Turkish Airlines- Daily flights to Istanbul and most convenient connections to Europe. • Spice Jet-to New Delhi

6.6.3.3. Railway Kabul has no train service yet but for better transportation services, the government plans to build 111Km motorbus inside of Kabul city.

The security situation remains volatile and unpredictable, with insurgents actively plotting high- profile attacks against international and private sector institutions/personnel. It is often difficult to

Operational excellence for results that matter

differentiate between politically-motivated criminal behaviour, terrorism, and/or traditional illegal activity.

There are many hospitals which offer health service for the people of Kabul as well the people of other provinces which come to come for their treatments.

The following hospitals are serving in Kabul

• Kabul City Hospital • Indira Gandhi Childrens Hospital • Jamhuriat Hospital • Sardar Mohammad Daud Khan Hospital • Jinnah Hospital (under construction) • Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital • Malalai Maternity Hospital • Rabia-I-Balki Maternity Hospital • Maywand Hospital • Afshar Hospital • Noor Eye Hospital • Atatürk Children's Hospital • American Medical Center Afghanistan • DK-German Medical Diagnostic Center • CURE International Hospital • KIA ISAF Role 3 Hospital

7. POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROJET

7.1. Soils and Geology The construction of Maslakh Road and Makoryan Bridge require the construction of foundations to increase the stability of structures. The depth and type of foundation will be determined by the local soil properties and geology. The greatest impact of construction on the soil and geology is in terms of soil erosion. The extent of impact depends upon the erosion potential of the soil. The detailed soil properties will be known only after soil testing but based on the preliminary studies, regional information on soil type and the condition of existing Maslakh Road and new Makroyan Bridge the potential of erosion is very negligible.

The areas that will be subjected to disturbance will be very small and with less impacts. However, implementation of appropriate mitigation measures will prevent or minimize the impacts.

Recommendation: In order to minimize the potential of soil erosion, following mitigation measures are recommended:

- Areas disturbed during construction (eg. excavation for foundation, materials etc) should be appropriately rehabilitated and, if necessary, re-vegetated.

Operational excellence for results that matter

- Spoils from the cut areas and removed rocks should be used for in‐filling of erosion gulleys or rehabilitation of excavation pits - Rehabilitation of areas susceptible to erosion will be undertaken and will be adequately protected by soil conservation measures. - Proper maintenance of vehicles and equipment is recommended to avoid any leakage. Kits to clean up any spillage should be made available at all construction sites and the contaminated material should be disposed appropriately. - A detailed EMP should be compiled by the contractor, outlining site specific measures to be implemented to minimize impacts on soil and topography. 7.2. Surface Water Waste water will be generated during the construction phase near the housing or camping facilities provided to workers. No discharge of untreated sewage will be permitted and septic tanks will be constructed at each of the work camps.

Recommendation: In order to minimize the potential increase of surface water turbidity, pollution and disturbance to natural stream flow from mountains, the following mitigation measures are recommended:

- Exposed area should be re‐vegetated as soon as possible on completion of construction within each area. - Provide sanitary latrines at the construction, work site and camps to avoid any pollution of ground water and surface water from sewage and maintain hygienic environment. Also, septic tanks shall be constructed for treating the waste water from the camps. - Prohibiting washing of vehicles from driving in the surface water. - A detailed EMP should be compiled by the contractor, out lining site specific measures to be implemented to minimize impacts on surface water. 7.3. Solid Waste Two types of wastes will be generated during the construction phase including debris and domestic refuse from construction camps. Earth work can produce large amounts of soil and unmanaged domestic waste and litter can create unhygienic conditions for workers and communities in the vicinity.

Recommendations: To minimize the potential of unhygienic and un-scenic sights in and around construction area, the following mitigation measures are recommended:

- Any spoil generated by the construction activities should be disposed of at an approved location. For the temporary storage of excavated earth should be done in a manner to avoid any inconvenience to the daily activities of the community. - Littering should be prevented by providing adequate number of containers which shall be emptied on regular basis. - Domestic waste should be collected and disposed of in an appropriate manner. - After completion of construction the site shall be properly cleaned of any construction wastes, litter etc, and properly rehabilitated or re‐vegetated. - - Small amounts of discarded material during maintenance work should be disposed of as per the work place guidelines.

Operational excellence for results that matter

- A detailed EMP should be compiled by the contractor, out lining site specific measures to be implemented to minimize impacts on Solid waste. 7.4. Air Quality During construction, air quality is likely to be degraded by exhaust emissions from the operation of construction machinery; and dust generated from earth works, approach roads, exposed soil sand material stockpiles. The air pollution will be short‐term and of low impact.

Recommendations: In order to mitigate the negative impacts on air quality, the following shall be implemented:

- Construction equipment shall be maintained to a good standard and idling of engines discouraged. - Machinery causing excessive pollution (e.g., visible smoke) shall be banned from construction sites. - Spray water on access roads if dust is being generated in location close to human settlement. - Cover the loads, construction material with tarpaulins while being transported and while also cover the stockpiles with tarpaulins. - A detailed EMP should be compiled by the contractor, out lining site specific measures to be implemented to minimize impacts on air pollution. 7.5. Noise and Vibration The noise and vibration sources for the construction phase only as operation of heavy machinery can generate high noise levels.

Recommendations: In order to avoid any significant disturbance due to noise and vibration, to local communities during construction, the following shall be implemented:

During the operation the engine of machinery shall be closed and to reduce the noise the machineries should be repaired properly.

7.6. Traffic During the construction phase the traffic will be avoided from the project area and it will impact to traffic rush to adjacent roads the impact of traffic rush to the adjacent roads will be low.

Recommendation: In order to avoid any significant disturbance due to traffic rush in adjacent roads, the following shall be implemented:

- Prior to commencement of construction works a proper traffic control plan must be prepared by contractor. - During the peak hour contractor will work on half width of the road. - With consultation of Kabul Traffic deportment, extra traffic personal shall be assigned to the adjacent road to control the traffic.

Operational excellence for results that matter

7.7. Mines The project is located in developed and urban area so no needs for mine clearance.

7.8. Land acquisition Based on the final design (Attached Drawings), the construction of Maslakh Road and Makroyan bridge projects needs land acquisition and the area which needs acquisition summarized in bellow table.

S/N Station Type of Land Area Remarks 1 0+020 to 0+040 Commercial Area Left Side of road 2 0+167 to 0+210 Commercial Area (Shops) Left Side of road 3 0+275 to 0+400 Commercial Area (Shops) Left Side of road 4 0+447 to 0+460 Commercial Area (two Story Logar Left Side of road Brishna Market) 5 0+530 to 0+575 Commercial Area (Shops) Left Side of road 6 0+620 to 0+675 Commercial Area (two Story Hamid Zai Left Side of road Group Market) 7 0+680 to 0+750 Commercial Area (Shops) Left Side of road 8 0+760 to 0+925 Khani Noor Private School Left Side of road 9 1+260 to 1+283 Fence boundary Left Side of road 10 1+340 to 1+380 Boundary Wall (Governmental Area) Left Side of road 11 1+475 to 1+490 Boundary Wall (Governmental Area) Left Side of road 12 From ST 1+560 Agriculture Land Right Side of of Maslakh Road and Road to Roundabout Makroyan Bridge

According to the project Scope the land acquisition issue is the responsibility of Kabul Municipality. (See attached letters)

7.9. Ecological Environment The impact of the construction of Maslkah road and Makroyan Bridge will be includes:

Removal of vegetation (if any)

Disturbance of natural vegetation along the side of the road through trampling, compaction by vehicles, noise and air pollution etc.

Although majority of these impacts are likely to occur, they will be localized and not significant. Also, no forests or protected areas are located near the Project site. Through implementation of mitigation measures, the impacts can be effectively removed or minimized.

Recommendations:

Operational excellence for results that matter

- Measures should be implemented to prevent spillage of concrete or other substances that can permanently destroy vegetation - Removal of all excavated material and construction rubble after construction is completed Movement of construction vehicles soon after heavy rains should be avoided till the surface has dried - After completion of construction, all access roads which will not be used in future should be rehabilitated and re‐vegetated - Construction around trees shall be performed carefully to avoid the damage of tree “drip‐ line”. - Workers shall be trained in correct techniques of tree trimming without damage to the trunk or roots.

7.10. Socio economic Environment

7.10.1. Compensation Plan The minor land acquisitions will be required for the construction of Maslakh Road and Makroyan Bridge; Land acquisition will be minimized through avoiding the proximity to existing settlements and minimizing the need to acquire land during the construction stage followed by design.

Subject to requirement, the compensation plan and policy guideline will be formulated by the Kabul municipality.

7.10.2. Employment Opportunities Due to the nature of the work to be undertaken during the construction of Maslakh road and Makroyan Bridge, it is anticipated that many employment opportunities will occur and the local communities will possess the skills required for such work. Also for Also for manual labour and non‐technical work, the contractor will be required to hire local people and wherever possible provide the training and use the local manpower.

7.10.3. Resource Use Construction sites may place stresses on resources and infrastructure of nearby communities. The project duration is not very long and hence these stresses will be temporary and negligible. But contractor will be responsible and should work to avoid any conflict between residents and workers. It is advised to use of the local labour during the construction which will increase benefits to the local community and resolve such conflicts.

7.10.4. Daily Living and Movement Patterns The traffic in Kabul city may face temporary problems due to the excavation and construction processes of Makroyan Bridge and Maslakh road. The access to shops and houses near such construction sites will also be hampered temporarily. The contractor will be required to maintain access and cover exposed soil during wind to prevent dust. These measures shall provide some relief to people in the vicinity. In addition the contractor will ensure that any excavated material is placed off the road wherever possible, to limit the width restriction.

Operational excellence for results that matter

7.10.5. Health, Safety and Hygiene Construction sites are likely to have public health impacts and to reduce any such impact contractors shall ensure that waste water and solid waste are disposed of as per the guidelines above. There might be a potential for diseases and accidents due to inappropriate of health and safety practices on site and hence contractor shall be required to recruit a health and safety manager during the construction phase.

Following are some of the mitigation measure that shall be implemented by the contractor:

- Provision of adequate health care, first‐aid facilities at construction sites - Training all construction workers in basic sanitation and health care issues (e.g., how to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS), general health and safety matters, and on the specific hazards of their work - Providing personal protection equipment for workers, such as safety boots, helmets, gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and ear protection; - Providing clean drinking water to all workers; - Providing protection to the general public, including safety barriers and marking of hazardous areas; - Provide safe access across the construction site to people whose settlements and access are temporarily severed by the construction; - Ensuring drainage throughout the camps to ensure that disease vectors such as stagnant water bodies and puddles do not form; and - Activities like using heavy machinery and/or hammers for digging pole holes, installation of cable etc. can cause accidents if not managed properly. Proper training, instruction and supervision are required to ensure workforce safety during construction activities.

7.10.6. Socio economic Benefits During the construction phase and later on the operation phase the project will generate some employment opportunities for the local populations. Moreover, after the completion of the project it will contribute in the improvement of Kabul traffic system.

8. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

No action alternative

9. PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

9.1. Institutional Requirement for Environmental Management

9.1.1. Institutional Framework Project management office (PMO): The Project’s management will comprise an executive committee, an interagency working group at UNOPS Afghanistan in Kabul.

Executing Agency (EA): The TSP-UNOPS will be responsible for the overall technical supervision and execution of the project. The staffing of TSP-UNOPS will include expertise in project management, road construction, bridge construction, institution and finance,

Operational excellence for results that matter

environment, socioeconomic. The mitigation measures that are incorporated into the design will be verified by the KM before providing technical approvals.

The contractor will provide the TSP-UNOPS with monthly reports on the implementation of mitigation measures.

During the operation stage of the Project, the responsibility of monitoring environmental performance of Project components should be delegated to the Kabul Municipality.

9.1.