Solomon Islands Road Improvement (Sector) Project
FEASIBILITY STUDY
Wainuri-Kirakira & Kirakira-Warihito
Makira Province
Initial Environmental Examination
June 2008
Report No. 8
In Association with
Solomon Islands Government Ministry of Infrastructure Development Solomon islands Road Improvement Project
Report Register
Inception Report 1 Training and Capacity Building Plan 2 Monitoring and Evaluation Framework 3 Quarterly Report - July 2007 4 Appraisal Summary & Environmental Scoping Report 5 Quarterly Progress Report – September 2007 6 Feasibility Study Report (3 Volumes) – Lata – Mbaengo Road (Temotu) 7 Engineering & Economic Assessment; Initial Poverty & Social Assessment; Initial Environmental Examination
Feasibility Study Report (4 Volumes) – Wainuri - Kirakira – Warihito Road 8 (Makira) Engineering Assessment; Economic Assessment; Initial Poverty & Social Assessment; Initial Environmental Examination
Feasibility Study Report (3 Volumes) – Kolombongara – Ghoe Road 9 (Choiseul) Engineering & Economic Assessment; Initial Poverty & Social Assessment; Initial Environmental Examination
Multi Criteria Sensitivity Analysis 10 Tender Documents Routine and Specific Maintenance of Roads on Guadalcanal 11 Sealed Roads Unsealed Roads Communications Plan 12 Labour Based Equipment Supported Maintenance Workshop 13 Quarterly Progress Report – December 2007 14 Makira Stream Crossing Relocation Study Report 15 Quarterly Progress Report – March 2008 16 Makira Topographic Survey Terms of Reference 17 Labour Based Training Report (March 2008) Guadalcanal 18 Feasibility Study Report (4 Volumes) – Lambi- Naro Hill 19 Engineering Assessment; Economic Assessment; Initial Poverty & Social Assessment; Initial Environmental Examination.
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Tender Documents - Routine and Specific Maintenance of Roads on Malaita 20 Section 1 Section 2 Town and Airport Roads Procurement Strategy for International Competitive Bidding 21 Training Report - Introduction Course To Road Maintenance For Contractors 22 And Work Supervisors (Malaita) Strategy for Ongoing Support of Labour Based Equipment Supported Road 23 Maintenance
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Project Number: TA 48-SOL April 2008
Solomon Islands Road Improvement Project
INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION UPDATE Wainuri-Kirakira & Kirakira-Warihito Road Makira
Loan / TA Amount Country Category
TA 48-SOL USD 3.75 million Solomon Islands Category B Infrastructure: Highways & Roads Mission Chief: Executing Agency: Prepared by: Robert Guild Ministry of Infrastructure & Jean Williams, Ursula Kaly, Development Salome Pita Major Project Components: • Rehabilitation of 79 km of existing unsealed roads in Makira Province • Rehabilitation of about 3.4 km of logging roads • Building of about 891 m of new roads as approaches to new bridges • Building of 27 crossings including engineered fords, causeways and low- and high- level bridges Need for EIA: ; Not needed. No further concern with environmental parameter EIA needed as described in IEE Comments: The Wainuri-Kirakira and Kirakira-Warihito Road already exists, does not traverse any primary forests, protected, ecologically sensitive or densely populated areas and will not create any conflicts in resource use or development. Of the 79 km of road to be included in the subproject 95% of the length will be covered by routine maintenance activities and construction of approximately 27 crossings. About 3.4 km will involve the rehabilitation of old logging roads and construction of some 890 m of new road (comprising five short sections) for bridge approaches. The proposed new crossings and approach roads are entirely located in areas already impacted by past land-use and logging. For three of these sections minor resettlement relating to land acquisition and loss of a maximum of two houses and areas of crops and trees will require the preparation of a short resettlement plan. Therefore, the recommendation is that this subproject should have an environmental categorization of Category B and does not require further investigation or a full EIA.
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Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1
1.1 THE PROJECT ...... 1 1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN SOLOMON ISLANDS ...... 2 1.2.1 Environment Act ...... 2 1.2.2 Other Relevant Legislation...... 3 1.2.3 International Agreements and Treaties...... 4 1.2.4 Environmental Management in the Transport Sector ...... 4 1.3 ENVIRONMENT POLICY OF ADB...... 5 1.4 RECOMMENDED CATEGORIZATION OF THE PROJECT ...... 6 1.5 PURPOSE AND METHODOLOGY OF IEE ...... 7 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT...... 9
2.1 SCREENING OF CANDIDATE ROADS ...... 9 2.2 PROJECT LOCATION...... 10 2.3 DESCRIPTION OF THE ROAD ...... 14 2.3.1 Existing Road Conditions...... 14 2.3.2 2.3.2 Existing & Forecast Traffic ...... 16 2.4 PROPOSED WORKS ...... 17 2.4.1 Rehabilitation of Existing Roads...... 17 2.4.2 Options for River Crossings ...... 18 2.4.3 Relocated Crossings...... 21 2.4.4 Construction Force and Equipment ...... 25 2.4.5 Gravel and Fill Materials ...... 26 2.5 NEED FOR THE PROJECT ...... 26 3. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT...... 28
3.1 PHYSICAL RESOURCES...... 28 3.1.1 Climate and Air Quality ...... 28 3.1.2 Geology, Topography and Soils ...... 29 3.1.3 Hydrology ...... 31 3.2 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES...... 32 3.2.1 Marine Habitats, Flora and Fauna ...... 32 3.2.2 Terrestrial Habitats, Flora and Fauna...... 32 3.2.3 Rare and Endangered Species ...... 36 3.2.4 Protected Areas and Areas of Conservation Value ...... 37 3.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESOURCES ...... 38 3.3.1 Context for Economic Development ...... 38 3.3.2 Economic Activity ...... 38 3.3.3 Infrastructure Development...... 41 3.3.4 Population and Human Development ...... 46 3.3.5 Income and Expenditure ...... 48 3.3.6 Livelihoods and Household Production...... 49 3.3.7 Land Use...... 50 3.3.8 Land Ownership ...... 51 3.3.9 Cultural Property Resources ...... 51 4. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & MITIGATION ...... 53
4.1 IMPACTS OF ROAD REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES ...... 53 4.2 PRE-CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS ...... 66 4.2.1 Vegetation Removal during Surveying and Demarcation ...... 66 4.2.2 Accidental Discovery of Archaeological Resources ...... 66 4.2.3 Restrictions on Use of Land ...... 67 4.3 CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS ON PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 68 4.3.1 Impacts on Air Quality and Risk of Climate Change...... 68 4.3.2 Impacts on River Structure...... 69 4.3.3 Impacts from Aggregate Extraction ...... 70 4.3.4 Impacts on Soils and Coastal Erosion ...... 72 4.3.5 Impacts on Water Quality...... 73 4.3.6 Emergency Response and Existing Infrastructure ...... 75 4.4 CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS ON THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 75 4.4.1 Impacts on Flora and Fauna ...... 75 4.4.2 Impacts on Protected or Sensitive Areas...... 77
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4.5 CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS ON SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT...... 77 4.5.1 Impacts on Noise Levels...... 77 4.5.2 Impacts on Access...... 78 4.5.3 Impacts on Health and Safety ...... 78 4.5.4 Risk of Spread of Communicable Diseases and Child Exploitation ...... 80 4.5.5 Impacts on Cultural Property...... 85 4.5.6 Other Social Impacts – Stress on Resources & Infrastructure...... 85 4.6 POVERTY REDUCTION & DISTRIBUTION OF BENEFITS...... 86 4.7 IMPACTS DURING OPERATION PHASE...... 87 4.7.1 Operation Impacts on Physical Environment ...... 87 4.7.2 Operation Impacts on the Biological Environment...... 88 4.7.3 Operation Impacts on the Social Environment ...... 89 4.7.4 Economic Benefits and Poverty Reduction ...... 90 4.8 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS ...... 91 5. INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS ...... 92
5.1 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES ...... 92 5.1.1 Organization Roles and Responsibilities ...... 92 5.1.2 Ministry of Infrastructure Development ...... 93 5.1.3 Other Agencies and Institutions ...... 93 5.2 MONITORING ...... 95 6. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING...... 97
6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 97 6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN ...... 97 7. CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE...... 117
7.1 CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN ...... 117 7.2 RESULTS OF THE CONSULTATION...... 118 7.2.1 Project Response to Issues Raised...... 119 7.3 DISCLOSURE...... 119 8. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 120
8.1 FINDINGS ...... 120 8.2 CONCLUSIONS ...... 120 8.3 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 121
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Treaties and Conventions Attachment 2 – Red List Categories and Species Identified on Red List Attachment 3 – Detailed Costs of HIV/STIs Awareness and Prevention Program Attachment 4 – people Consulted During IEE
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Figures and Tables
FIGURE 1: SOLOMON ISLANDS ...... 1 FIGURE 2: SUBPROJECT LOCATION MAP ...... 10 FIGURE 3: SUBPROJECT ROAD; WAINURI-PAMUA SECTION...... 11 FIGURE 4: SUBPROJECT ROAD: PAMUA-KIRAKIRA SECTION ...... 12 FIGURE 5: SUBPROJECT ROAD: KIRAKIRA-WARIHITO SECTION ...... 13 FIGURE 6: LOCATION OF EXISTING ROADS, LOGGING TRACKS AND CROSSING OPTIONS PROPOSED FOR MAGOHA RIVER CROSSING...... 22 FIGURE 7: MAEPUA RIVER CROSSING ...... 23 FIGURE 8: AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH OF MAEPUA RIVER BETWEEN THE EXISTING CROSSING AND MOUTH...... 24 FIGURE 9: WAIRAHA RIVER CROSSING ...... 25 FIGURE 10: LOCATION OF SOURCES OF RIVER AND CORONOUS GRAVEL IN THE SUBPROJECT AREA...... 26 FIGURE 11: WARDS ON SAN CRISTOBAL, THE MAIN ISLAND OF MAKIRA PROVINCE ...... 28 FIGURE 12: BAURO HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY CONSERVATION AREA...... 37 FIGURE 13: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ...... 92
PLATE 1: EXAMPLE OF SECTION ROAD REQUIRING IMPROVED DRAINAGE (WAIAMURA VILLAGE) ...... 17 PLATE 2: EXAMPLE OF SECTION ROAD REQUIRING IMPROVED DRAINAGE (MANAMA VILLAGE) ...... 18 PLATE 3: CROSSING OPTION – ENGINEERED FORD...... 19 PLATE 4: CROSSING OPTION - CAUSEWAY...... 19 PLATE 5: CROSSING OPTION – LOW-LEVEL BRIDGE ...... 20 PLATE 6: CROSSING OPTION – HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE ...... 21 PLATE 7: TYPICAL VEGETATION ALONG WAINURI – KIRAKIRA SECTION (WAINURI VILLAGE)...... 34 PLATE 8: TYPICAL VEGETATION ALONG WAINURI – KIRAKIRA SECTION (PAMUA VILLAGE)...... 34 PLATE 9: TYPICAL VEGETATION ALONG KIRAKIRA – WARIHITO SECTION (HAEGAHU VILLAGE) ...... 35 PLATE 10: TYPICAL VEGETATION ALONG KIRAKIRA – WARIHITO SECTION (KOPITO VILLAGE)...... 35 PLATE 11: END VIEW OF WHARF AT MANITAWANIUHI VILLAGE ...... 43 PLATE 12: SIDE VIEW OF WHARF AT MANITAWANIUHI VILLAGE...... 43
TABLE 1: RELEVANT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT LEGISLATION ...... 3 TABLE 2: CANDIDATE ROAD LIST ...... 9 TABLE 3: VILLAGE AND CROSSING LOCATIONS ALONG THE WAINURI-KIRAKIRA SECTION ...... 15 TABLE 4: VILLAGE AND CROSSING LOCATIONS ALONG KIRAKIRA – WARIHITOSECTION ...... 16 TABLE 5: EXISTING TRAFFIC VOLUME BY TYPE ...... 16 TABLE 6: GEOLOGICAL SUCCESSION ON SAN CRISTOBAL ...... 29 TABLE 7: DISASTER EVENTS IN MAKIRA 1950 – 2000...... 31 TABLE 8: AVAILABILITY OF SERVICES ALONG SUBPROJECT ROAD; WAINURI – KIRAKIRA SECTION ...... 45 TABLE 9: AVAILABILITY OF SERVICES ALONG SUBPROJECT ROAD; KIRAKIRA – WARIHITO SECTION...... 46 TABLE 10: POPULATION IN VILLAGES ALONG SUBPROJECT ROAD ...... 47 TABLE 11: EDUCATION LEVELS BY GENDER ON MAKIRA ...... 48 TABLE 12: PROPORTION OF INCOME BY SOURCES ...... 48 TABLE 13: AGRICULTURAL OPPORTUNITY AREAS IN MAKIRA ...... 51 TABLE 14: SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...... 55 TABLE 15: STI DATA FOR MAKIRA ...... 81 TABLE 16: ESTIMATED COST OF STIS/HIV AWARENESS & PREVENTION PROGRAM ON MAKIRA ...... 85 TABLE 17: RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT & MONITORING ...... 96 TABLE 18: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 97 TABLE 19: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN...... 105 TABLE 20: SUMMARY OF DATE, LOCATION AND ATTENDANCE AT VILLAGE CONSULTATION MEETINGS...... 117
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Abbreviations
ADB Asian Development Bank AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome AusAID Australian Agency for International Development CSP Country Strategy and Program ECD Environment and Conservation Division EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMO Environmental Management Officer EMP Environmental Management Plan FICs Forum Island Countries (14 Pacific Island countries) GDP Gross domestic product GPS Global Positioning System HIES Household Income and Expenditure Survey HIV Human Immuno-deficiency Virus ICB International Competitive Bid IEC Instruction, Education and Communication IEE Initial Environmental Examination IPSA Initial Poverty and Social Assessment ISMID Institutional Strengthening for Ministry of Infrastructure Development IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature & Natural Resources LO Liaison Officer MCA Multi-criteria analysis MDGs Millennium Development Goals M&E Monitoring and evaluation MID Ministry of Infrastructure Development MPA Marine protected area NAC National Aids Council NERRDP National Economic Reform, Recovery and Development Plan NGO Non-governmental organizations NTP National Transport Plan NZAID New Zealand’s International Aid and Development Agency PBM Programming and Budgeting Manual (developed under ISMID) PCERP Post Conflict Emergency Rehabilitation Project PICs Pacific Island Countries PIFCs Pacific Island Forum Countries PMCBU Project Management Capacity Building Unit (under MID) PNG Papua New Guinea PPTA Project Preparation Technical Assistance PRC People Republic of China PRHP Pacific Regional HIV/AIDS Project (funded by Australian Government) PSA Poverty Social Assessment PSC Project Steering Committee RRA Rapid Rural Assessment RP Resettlement Plan SBD Solomon Islands Dollar SIDT Solomon Islands Development Trust SIRIP Solomon Islands Road Improvement Project SPC South Pacific commission STI Sexually transmitted infection ToR Terms of Reference TPPU Transport Policy & Planning Unit (MID) RRP Report and Recommendations to the President (ADB document) WHS World heritage Site (under UNESCO program) WWF World Wildlife Fund UNDP United Nations Development Program
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Weights and Measures kg Kilogram mm Millimeter m, m2, m3 Meter, square meters, cubic meters km, km2 Kilometer, square kilometer ha Hectare dB(A) Noise measurements taken with an instrument set on the A weighting scale mg/l Milligrams per liter MPN/100ml Bacterial unit as most probable number per 100 milliliter
Currency Equivalents
Currency Unit At end August 2007 US $1.00 = 7.54 Solomon Island Dollars AUS$1.00 = 6.25 Solomon Island Dollars Note: Unless otherwise stated, in this report, "$" refers to US dollars.
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1. Introduction
1.1 The Project
1. The Solomon Islands is an archipelago of nine groups of islands (provinces) in the south-west Pacific, located between latitudes 5oS and 12oS and longitudes 152oE and 170oE and lies east of Papua New Guinea and north of Vanuatu Figure 1.
Figure 1: Solomon Islands Source: Google Earth 2007
2. The Government of Solomon Islands (the Government), with assistance from Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other international donors is improving the efficiency of the national and provincial road network. One such project is the Solomon Islands Road Improvement Project (SIRIP) – funded by ADB, AusAID, and NZAID - which seeks to upgrade 100 kilometres (km) of rural roads, establish a program for routine maintenance, and building the capacity of Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID). A more detailed description of SIRIP can be found in Section 2. 3. MID is the executing agency for the project and day-to-day management of the project is undertaken by the Project Management Capacity Building Unit (PMCBU). Cardno ACIL (Pty) Ltd (the Consultant) has been engaged by ADB and MID as the supervising consultant for SIRIP, and has formed the PMCBU which reports to the Permanent Secretary of Infrastructure Development. 4. Overall coordination of the project will be coordinated by Transport Policy and Planning Unit (TPPU) with oversight from the Project Steering Committee (PSC) - an inter- agency group including representatives of Government1.
1 Including the Permanent Secretaries of Ministries of Planning, Finance, Infrastructure Development, Forest and Environment & Conservation, as well as representatives of the international donor agencies AusAID and NZAID
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5. The RP states that SIRIP will upgrade or rehabilitate rural roads that are high development priorities (i) based on their contribution to the objectives of the National Economic Reform, Recovery and Development Plan (NERRDP), (ii) as projects identified in the National Transport Plan (NTP), and (iii) ensure connections between rural production and markets and improve access to health, education, and other services. 6. The project will contribute to the overarching goal of poverty reduction as the rehabilitation of rural roads is to be complemented by a long-term strategy to ensure connectivity between national, provincial, secondary, and rural feeder roads; cost-effective methods to ensure sustainable rehabilitation and maintenance; and, capacity building for MID. 7. This initial environmental examination (IEE) has been prepared for the Wainuri – Kirakira and Kirakira – Warihito Road subproject. 1.2 Environmental Protection in Solomon Islands
1.2.1 Environment Act
8. Environment policy of the Solomon Islands is anchored in the Environment Act 1998 which makes provision for the conservation and protection of the environment and establishes the Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) under the Ministry of Forestry, Environment and Conservation. 9. The Act provides for an integrated system of development control, environmental impact assessment (EIA) and pollution control including; i. Prevention, control and monitoring of pollution including regulating discharge of pollutants to air, water or land and reducing risks to human health and prevention of degradation of the environment; ii. Regulating the transport, collection, treatment, storage and disposal of waste and promoting recycling, re-use and recovery of materials in an economically viable manner; and iii. Complying with, and giving effect to, regional and international conventions and obligations relating to the environment. 10. The Environment Act has considerable power by virtue of article 4 (1) which states that in the event of conflict between the Act and other acts, the provisions of the Environment Act shall prevail. 11. Regulations under the Act are currently being drafted and will cover detailed requirements for EIA. The existing Solomon Islands EIA Guidelines for Planners and Developers (May 1996) pre-date the Environment Act and are not legally binding. 12. In the Second Schedule the Act lists prescribed developments for which consent accompanied by an EIA are required. All prescribed projects require a simple assessment through a “screening” or “scoping”, to see what form of additional assessment is required. Most prescribed projects require a public environmental report (PER), while many major projects such as logging, mining, large scale tourism developments, and infrastructure projects will also need a second stage of appraisal which include technical, economic, environmental and social investigations presented in an EIA or environmental impact statement (EIS) report. 13. In respect of road construction or rehabilitation, prescribed activities include; • (2) Non-metallic industries: (d) extraction of aggregates, stones or shingles; and • (9) Public works sector: (b) infrastructure development; and (d) soil erosion and silt control.
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14. Consultation with ECD has confirmed that this initial environmental examination (IEE) will be acceptable as the level of assessment for this subproject in respect of the requirements of the Environment Act.
1.2.2 Other Relevant Legislation
15. There is a raft of other legislation which has implications for resource development and management, as shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Relevant Resource Management Legislation Source: Commonwealth Secretariat (May 2007) Act Date Main Objectives River Waters 1973 Control of river waters for equitable and beneficial use; establishes activities for which permits are required National Parks 1978 Establishes national parks and prohibits fishing and hunting in same unless with permit; establishes restrictions on activities undertaken within national parks; provides for appointment of park rangers Wild Birds 1978 Lists scheduled birds (incl. eggs and nests) for protection from being Protection killed, wounded, taken or sold (including skin or plumage); establishes several bird sanctuaries; establishes strict hunting seasons for certain birds Town and 1979 Applies to urban areas (capital city and provincial towns); covers the Country Planning management of land incl. crown land; specifies urban and rural management and planning functions and incl. controlling development Agriculture and 1982 Provides for protection and advancement of agriculture and livestock Livestock industries; defines noxious weeds and provides for control of same Lands and Titles 1988 Covers the management of land, defines “customary” land, and sets out procedures for land acquisition. Act is being reviewed and a new draft bill is being circulated for consultation Forest Resource 1991 Governs licensing of felling of trees and mills, and timber agreements and Timber on customary land; deals with forest declares as State Forest and Utilization Forest Reserves and establishes restrictions in same. Forestry Bill 2004 seeks to replace the Act and various amendments. The Bill provides for conservation of forests and improved forest management including establishment of national forests Mines and 1996 Establishes system for mining applications and licensing; establishes Minerals Minerals Board; regulates and controls mining activities; includes alluvial mining Wildlife 1998 Provides for the protection, conservation and management of wildlife Management and by regulating the export and import of certain animals and plants; and Protection to comply with obligations under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Fisheries 1998 Framework for fisheries management and development incl. licensing of fishing vessels and processing plants, listing prohibited fishing methods; provides for establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and coastal management plans 16. Regulations have not been promulgated under many of the Acts and therefore their implementation is not entirely effective. The Fisheries Act is one of the few Acts under which regulations have been created. 17. The Fisheries Regulations establish protection for certain species (coconut crabs, pearl oyster, wild clams and coral and coral sand) and sets restrictions (breeding season prohibitions for crayfish and turtles) and minimum and maximum sizes for other species permitted to be caught (trochus and crayfish), establishes restrictions on seine, gill and trawl net fishing, establishes fishing license fees (including fish farming and aquaculture), and prohibits the use of machinery for extraction of coral gravels and coral sand, and prohibits the disposal of fish offal from fish processing plants within one nautical mile of land.
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18. There is also provincial regulation promulgated under the Provincial Government Act 1997 that provides for provinces to create their own legislation in respect of environment and conservation.2 Makira/Ulawa Provincial Government has enacted an ordinance relating to environmental protection; Makira Province Preservation of Culture and Wildlife (1984).
1.2.3 International Agreements and Treaties
19. The Solomon Islands is either a party, or adheres, to a number of multi-lateral environmental agreements that commit the country to various obligations for safeguarding the environment and sustainable resource use including; Convention on Biological Diversity; United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; The World Heritage Convention; Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES); Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants; and, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. 20. The status of Solomon Islands, as a Pacific Islands Forum country (PIFCs), in respect of various key regional conventions and treaties is provided in Attachment 1.3
1.2.4 Environmental Management in the Transport Sector
(a) National Transport Plan
21. The NTP prepared in November 2006 includes a section on the environment which notes that the environment is the key to the country’s economic development, and that the transport sector needs to be planned and implemented in such a way that minimises adverse environmental impacts. The NTP identifies a number of adverse transport related impacts: i. Marine pollution from shipping; ii. Land degradation and pollution of water courses resulting from poor infrastructure design; iii. Destruction of landscapes as a result of poor operating practices at quarries and construction sites; iv. Air pollution from both road traffic and air transport; and v. Land degradation as a result of inadequate facilities for the disposal of transport related waste. 22. The NTP adopts four policy interventions to minimise negative environmental impacts associated with development of the transport network as follows: i. Government agencies will review infrastructure design standards and contract specifications to ensure high standards of environmental protection measures including drainage design, management of water courses, slope stabilization, construction camp operation, and borrow pit management; ii. Government agencies will work with local businesses to identify appropriate mechanisms for the disposal of transport related waste including mechanisms for funding environmental clean-up programs; iii. Government agencies will work with ship owners to identify suitable facilities for the breaking of wrecks and unusable ships; and iv. Vehicle testing standards will be strengthened to incorporate more stringent emissions standards particularly targeting gross polluters4.
2 Provincial regulations are particularly effective where they provide for community based resource management and/or address any gaps or weaknesses in national legislation such as protected areas 3 Pacific Islands Forum is made up of 16 Pacific islands countries plus Australia and New Zealand. Solomon Islands is also one of the 14 Forum Island Countries (FICs) 4 Currently the Solomon Islands do not have air quality or emissions standards
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23. The NTP also notes that the record of Solomon Islands in respect of transport is generally poor. Therefore, one of the key objectives of the NTP is to improve safety and reduce accidents, injuries and deaths associated with the transport network.
(b) ISMID Programming and Budgeting Manual
24. One of the outputs of the Institutional Strengthening for Ministry of Infrastructure Development Project (ISMID) is the Programming and Budgeting Manual (PBM) for MID. This includes a section on Environmental and Land Issues. 25. In respect of environment, the PBM assumes that ECD will be involved in the screening of projects and also assist in the preparation of environmental assessments of projects, which ECD can not do as it is the government agency with the mandate to review and clear all such projects. MID is solely responsible - through either improved in-house capacity or the engagement of appropriate specialists - for environmental assessments. 26. The screening process as proposed in the PBM is essentially linked to one criterion – whether a project is located near or will have an impact on a “fragile” environment - and does not take into account a raft of other factors which should be included in an environmental screening. The PBM does not refer to the screening guideline prepared by ECD, or any of the substantial work on the types of parameters that can be included in environmental screening of projects undertaken by both ADB and World Bank. 27. The coverage and procedure for dealing with land issues in the PBM is thin and does not allow for sufficient consultation or link with the procedures for land acquisition and compensation as set out in the Land and Titles Act and the current process adopted by MID. 28. As it stands the PBM is lacking in both clarity and procedures for harmonization with existing processes adopted by MID for both assessment (environmental impact and land acquisition) and community consultation. It is proposed that the PBM will be updated as part of the capacity building component of SIRIP. 1.3 Environment Policy of ADB
29. The ADB’s Environment Policy was approved in 2002 and is supported by a set of procedural guidelines and various sections of the Operations Manual (OM) (ADB, 2002; ADB, 2003a; ADB, 2006a)5. All ADB investments are subject to categorization to determine the level of environmental assessment required. According to OM 20 – Environmental Categorization the ADB classifies projects as one of four categories based on generic locational characteristics and magnitude of impacts of projects: • Category A – projects with likely significant adverse impacts that are located in or near sensitive environments; cultural heritage sites; densely populated areas; regions subject to heavy development or create conflicts with natural resource allocation; and lands or waters containing valuable resources. These projects require an EIA and a summary EIA (SEIA) addressing the significant environmental impacts; • Category B – projects that will have impacts on environmentally important areas or people that are less adverse than Category A and mitigation measures can be designed more easily than for Category A projects. Category B projects deemed ‘sensitive’ are subject to the same disclosure requirements as Category A projects. Category B projects require an IEE and summary initial environmental examination (SIEE) to determine whether or not significant environmental impacts warranting an EIA are likely;
5 OM Section 20: Environmental Categorization, and OM Section F1/BP and OM Section F1/OP
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• Category C – projects that are likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. Category C projects do not require and EIA or IEE but need to be reviewed for identification of mitigation measures that can be incorporated directly into project design or could be subject to an environmental management plan; and • Category FI – these are projects that involve a line of credit through a financial intermediary or an equity investment in a financial intermediary. The financial intermediary must apply an environmental management system, unless all subprojects will result in insignificant impacts.
30. It should be noted that if a project with many components or subprojects has one component that is categorized as A, the entire project becomes a Category A project and an EIA must be prepared, full disclosure of which is required at least 120 days before ADB Board consideration. If a subproject will result in significant resettlement, this will mean the project is treated as a ‘Category B Sensitive’ project and is also subject to similar disclosure requirements. 31. The IEE and summary initial environmental examination (SIEE) of Category B projects are reviewed by ADB’s Regional Department Sector and Environment and Social Safeguards Divisions as well as by the executing agency and authorized government agency for environment, which in this case is ECD. 32. Following final review, MID will officially submit the IEE and SIEE to ADB for submission to the Board and the public. The SIEE will be circulated widely, including through the depository system on ADB’s website, through which the IEE can also be made available upon request. 1.4 Recommended Categorization of the Project
33. The Specific Assurances of Loan and Project Agreements/Covenants are Appendix 13 of the Project Administration Manual (PAM). In respect of environment the specific assurances are that: i. No project assessed as Category A (significant adverse impacts) will be approved under the project; and ii. The Government, through PMCBU, will ensure that (a) the IEE and preliminary environmental management plan (EMP) are reviewed and updated at the engineering design stage by the contractor; (b) the project complies with the updated EMP, all applicable national laws, regulations and guidelines, and ADB’s Environment Policy (2002); (c) the EMP is reflected in bidding documents and civil works contracts; (d) any adverse environmental impacts arising from the project are minimized by implementing the agreed mitigation measures; and, (e) environmental monitoring is done by PMCBU and contractors. 34. ADB’s system of environmental categorization is determined according to the likelihood and magnitude of risk associated with a project when it is implemented without mitigation. The overall risks associated with SIRIP, and the Wainuri-Kirakira and Kirakira- Warihito subproject, are considered low because the project includes limited new road construction in areas already impacted by farming and past logging and the construction of low impact river crossings. Most of the project is focused on ongoing maintenance, and initial rehabilitation works such as widening by 1-2 m, shaping of the formation including provision of drainage, repairing failed areas, providing a suitable overlay of base-course and compacting. Indeed, environmental improvements are expected as a result of the project, including improved drainage and reduced habitat disturbance and mobilisation of sediments during rain.
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35. While the rehabilitation works envisaged for the subproject are limited, there will be a small amount of widening (from 3 m to 5m) and works designed to improve drainage from the roads. In three of the project’s river locations, it is proposed that new crossings involving the construction of high-level bridges and short segments of new roads to connect them with existing logging roads or the main road will be required. All of these project components can be expected to lead to a range of potentially adverse, but not significant, environmental impacts if implemented without mitigation. 36. The Wainuri-Kirakira and Kirakira-Warihito Road already exists, does not traverse any primary forests, protected, ecologically sensitive or densely populated areas and will not create any conflicts in resource use or development. Of the 79 km of road to be included in the subproject 95% of the length will be covered by rehabilitation or routine maintenance activities. The remainder will include about 3.4 km of rehabilitation of old logging roads and construction of five new, short sections (a total of 890 m) for bridge approaches. The proposed new bridge crossings and approaches are entirely located in areas already impacted by past land-use activities and logging. For three of these sections minor resettlement is likely relating to the relocation of two houses and removal of limited areas of crops and trees, requiring preparation of a short resettlement plan. Therefore, the recommendation is that this subproject should have an environmental categorization of Category B and does not require a full EIA. 1.5 Purpose and Methodology of IEE
37. To meet the requirements of the ADB’s Environmental Assessment Guidelines an IEE has been prepared for the works proposed specifically for the Wainuri-Kirakira and Kirakira- Warihito Road. The purpose of the IEE is to assess the potential impacts of the road rehabilitation and maintenance activities on the surrounding biophysical, ecological, and social environment and to develop procedures to ensure that future activities take account of environmental considerations. 38. The project will involve upgrading works and maintenance and the typical impacts of the works have been identified, as have environmental mitigation measures and a monitoring program. The research for, and preparation of the IEE was undertaken over the period July and August 2007 with subsequent investigation and assessment for the proposed crossing types and locations being undertaken between January and during March 2008. It was supervised by the PMCBU’s national and international specialists working closely with a counterpart seconded from MID, and through consultation with the ECD. 39. The PMCBU has also conducted a village survey and social impact field work which are presented as the project’s Initial Poverty and Social Assessment (IPSA). Some of that work, where relevant, has been incorporated into this IEE. 40. The following methodology was employed for this IEE: i. Existing baseline data (including all available environmental legislation and guidelines) and relevant reports from previous similar projects were collected, reviewed, and analyzed; ii. Discussions were held with local experts from the ECD and MID, as well as other projects; iii. Informal interviews and participatory discussions (focus group meetings) were held with people living and working along the road and a village survey was undertaken; iv. Engineering data, designs, field notes and photographs produced for the studies were reviewed and discussed to identify the various environmental issues involved; v. Field trips were undertaken to examine existing environmental conditions and understand the type and magnitude of expected impacts.
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vi. Additional detailed fieldwork was carried out during January - March 2008 for the proposed crossings at Magoha, Maepua and Wairaha Rivers and the proposed ferry crossing at Hao River; vii. The possible environmental impacts and mitigation measures for each step of the planning, design, construction and operation processes were assessed; and viii. A preliminary EMP and monitoring program have been prepared. The EMP will be updated by the contractor, with support from PMCBU, during detailed engineering design.
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2. Description of the Project
2.1 Screening of Candidate Roads
41. The project has undertaken a three-stage assessment process; (i) a screening to reduce the list of candidate roads from over 200 km to about 100 km of subprojects; (ii) feasibility study of approximately 100 km; and (iii) additional study at four sites requiring more detailed investigations. The screening of candidate roads was undertaken through consultation and a simplified multi-criteria analysis (MCA) using a set of economic, technical, social and environmental criteria6. The list of candidate roads is shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Candidate Road List Province Road Section Length (km) Choiseul Kolombangara - Ghoe 9 Kolombangara – Ghoe (non-trafficable section) 14 Western Province Gizo roads (rural) 20 Moro – Munda 21 Isabel Buala Area roads 16 Guadalcanal Ruavatu 15 Doma 10 Tenaru - Hailalua (feeder road) 9 Malaita North Road (km 8 – km 24) 16 Kwaibaita 16 Atofi - Kwaibaita 7 Makira Kirakira - Warihito 18 Wainuri - Kirakira 20 Temotu Lata - Pala 6 Lata - Mbaengo 15 TOTAL 212 Source: SIRIP Inception Report (May 2007) 42. The ADB is also funding the Solomon Islands Emergency Assistance Project (SIEAP) in Western Province and Choiseul to address the damage caused by the April 2007 tsunami. As a result some candidate roads in Western Province, initially considered under SIRIP, were included in SIEAP meaning an additional 35 km of road sections identified in the NTDP could be included as candidates under SIRIP. Based on this, and further to a Project Steering Committee decision, additional length was included in the Makira subproject, and therefore the subproject that is the subject of this IEE is a total of 79 km in length (not 38 km as indicated in the table above). 43. The criteria used to identify subprojects took into account a range of considerations to meet the objectives of NERRDP, which include: i. Improved accessibility to social services among poor and rural households, including schools, health facilities, and Government extension services; ii. Increased opportunities for employment and income generation among poor and rural households; iii. Potential for increased private sector participation in provincial and national economic activities; iv. Potential to catalyze development in remote areas with poor access; v. Contribution to poverty reduction among poor and rural households; and
6 The criteria and process are set out in the Inception Report
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vi. A preferential focus on areas that have seen under-investment in recent years provided that subprojects remain economically and socially justifiable. 44. The screening identified roads to be rehabilitated and/or upgraded by the project, the selected projects include: • Wainuri-Kirakira (61 km) and Kirakira-Warihito (18 km) Road, Makira (79 km); • Kolombangara – Ghoe Road, Choiseul (23 km); • Lata – Mbaengo Road, Temotu (15 km); 45. Each of these subprojects has been subject to feasibility study including preliminary engineering, economic analysis, initial poverty and social assessment (IPSA), and IEE. This IEE covers both sections of the Wainuri – Warihito Road being the Wainuri-Kirakira section (61 km) and the Kirakira-Warihito section (18 km). 2.2 Project Location
46. Makira/Ulawa province is made up of nine islands. The subproject is located on Makira or San Cristobal Island, the largest island in the province, located between latitudes 10o and 11o South and longitudes 161o and 163o East. The general location of the road is shown in Figure 2, while more detailed maps are provided in Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5.
Figure 2: Subproject Location Map
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Figure 3: Subproject Road; Wainuri-Pamua Section
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Figure 4: Subproject Road: Pamua-Kirakira Section
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Figure 5: Subproject Road: Kirakira-Warihito Section
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2.3 Description of the Road
2.3.1 Existing Road Conditions
47. The subproject on Makira includes two sections of road; the Wainuri-Kirakira section and the Kirakira-Warihito section.
(a) Wainuri-Kirakira Section
48. The Wainuri-Kirakira section is approximately 61 km in length and comprises three road subsections consisting of coronous gravel surface in trafficable condition. 49. The first subsection is approximately 12 km in length, commencing at Kirakira provincial centre, for most of its length it is about 4.5 m wide. This subsection traverses the town and provides access to the airport. The pavement has failed in a number of places, and damage is obvious along the road as significant numbers of potholes are identified along the road. Travelling along this road section can be uncomfortable, slow and sometimes difficult. In addition, this section contains four wide rivers, which do not have any form of crossing. This makes accessibility difficult especially when the rivers are flooding. There have been previous attempts to provide engineered ford type structures across the rivers and in one case a bridge, but maintenance was not carried out, allowing the crossings to fall into disrepair. 50. A number of bridges and culverts are located along this section of the road. Most are in good condition and do not require any major rehabilitation work. Minor repair and cleaning is the only maintenance work required at the present time. 51. The second subsection begins at 12.1 km and ends at 29.9 km. This subsection is about 2.5 m wide and serves only low traffic volumes. However, there are some important social and agricultural developments along this stretch of the road, in addition to two national secondary schools. This section of the road is known for having major severance and access issues. A significant dislocation is noted at Wairaha River, which does not have a bridge and crossing the river is prohibitive, especially during flood conditions. A total of three bridges and fifteen culverts are located along this section of the road. All of the bridges are in poor condition and require intensive maintenance work to improve their condition. Most of the culverts found within this section of the road are in poor working condition. Extensive maintenance work is required to improve their performance (Table 3). 52. The third subsection of the road begins at 30.0 km and ends at 74.5 km (beyond the subproject). The road width is about 2m and its condition, is trafficable to reasonable speeds of 30 km/hr. However, dislocation caused by river crossings slows travel speeds throughout the subsection. There are some areas in poor condition and are overgrown by vegetation. 53. There are a number of bridges located along this subsection of the road, most of which are either in poor condition or at the verge of collapse. Logging companies have installed temporary crossings across some rivers. There are at least four logging companies operating within this section of the road. These logging companies tend to maintain sections of the road where they operate. This kind of selected maintenance work left a distinctive mark on the road, as there are sections of the road that are well maintained and properly aligned while other sections, beyond the interest of the logging companies, are narrow, with failed pavement and are overgrown.
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Table 3: Village and crossing locations along the Wainuri-Kirakira Section Source: SIRIP Feasibility Study investigations (July – August 2007) Chainage Village River / Stream Existing crossing Crossing / Structure required 0.3 Kirakira Town Puepue Concrete bridge 8 2.0 Kirakira Town, Huro Huro Stream/Kirakira Huro Bridge 8 Bay 4.0 Ngorangora Waimamura Stream Bridge 8 7.9 Tahitarau, Manibena Magoha River Engineered ford 9 10.3 Hao, Kaokaona Hao River Natural ford 9 12.7 Logging Maepua River Natural ford 9 15.9 Waimapuru, Waimapuru River Natural ford 9 Rongoejeni 16.3 Fox Poronahea Stream Natural ford 9 18.5 Ago Agho River Nunu Bridge 8 23.5 Taraniora, Waihaoru Wairuru River Natural ford 9 24.2 Varei, Rahurahu Varei/Mangana River Natural ford 9 27.9 Pamua NAP Waihoto Log Bridge 9 29.7 Pamua, Waioto, Wairaha River Steel 8 Rawake Girder/Timber Deck Bridge 30.6 Pamua, Waioto, Wairaha River Engineered ford 9 Rawake 33.9 Makirima Makirima River Natural ford 9 34.2 Waione River Log Bridge 35.2 Kaokaona Waita/Tarihata River Natural ford 9 37.0 Waimasi Mwanesughu Stream Natural ford 9 38.1 Logging crossing East Waimasi Natural ford 9 44.3 Waiae Piura River Natural ford 9 45.4 East Waiae Tarihu River Engineered ford 9 47.9 Manitawaniuhi, Waiapu/Middle Island Natural Ford 9 Middle Island Log Camp 48.8 Elite Logging Camp Mankiri Stream Natural ford 9 50.4 Macedonia, Mwaito Macedonia Stream Natural ford 9 52.2 Fagani Wirau River Natural ford 9 53.0 Manatangi Waimera River Natural ford 9 54.9 Kakaora’ana Kakaora’ana River Natural ford 9 57.2 Waita’a Aupare River Natural ford 9 58.5 Waita’a Waitaa River Bridge 9 59.0 Mwanewaro, Wanaraha River Natural ford 9 Rongoasi 59.8 Mwanewaro East River Natural ford 9 61.9 Borodao, Waiawa Borodao River Natural ford 9 62.4 Manihao Waiawa Natural ford 8
(b) Kirakira-Warihito Section 54. The Kirakira-Warihito road is about 18 km in length and is classified as single lane although it can accommodate traffic in both directions at a reduced speed. The average width of the road for the first 14 km is about 4 m, while for the last four km it reduces to a width of about 2.5 m. 55. The Kirakira-Warihito section of road is located on a flat terrain with general vegetation and coconut plantation spreading along the road. The road surface is gravel and the condition ranges from good to poor. Given this condition, some rehabilitation work is required to improve the road surface to a required standard of roughness.
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56. Logging companies have done some maintenance work; however, the quality of their maintenance work is poor and therefore does not sustain durability. It is always the case that these types of maintenance activities are a temporary measure. 57. There are about twenty culverts located on this section of the road; 14 of which are considered functional, while six are identified to have significant damage or blockage and are considered in poor condition. Unfavourable weather and over loadings were reported to be the main cause of the damage. 58. A total of nine rivers/streams are found on this section of the road, three of which have bailey bridges that are in satisfactory condition. The remaining rivers/streams along this section of the road do not have any form of engineered crossing (including the very wide Ravo and Warihito Rivers) and this makes access very difficult, especially during heavy flooding (Table 4).
Table 4: Village and crossing locations along Kirakira – WarihitoSection Source: SIRIP Feasibility Study investigations (July – August 2007) Chainage Village River/Stream Crossing/Structure 2.6 Pawa Un-named Bailey bridge 3.3 Tawaitara Taware Pt Bailey bridge 7.0 Arohane Hunahau River Bailey bridge 8.5 Bwaraba Tributary Natural Ford 8.9 Bwaraba, Ravo 2, Ravo River Crossing required 10.2 Mwaniwiriwiri B’araora River Crossing required 12.4 Hagaehu Waitaa River Natural Ford 16.2 Nahebe Onga River Crossing required 17.0 Nawote, Wahuki, Warihito River Crossing required Aparoro
2.3.2 2.3.2 Existing & Forecast Traffic 59. Traffic surveys were undertaken as part of the economic studies. The traffic counts show that traffic volumes, including non-motorised transport (NMT) and pedestrians, are higher on the Kirakira-Warihito section of the road, with the exception of four wheel-drive and small truck traffic which is higher on Wainuri-Kirakira section of the road. Pedestrians account for most trips (Table 5).
Table 5: Existing Traffic Volume by Type Source: SIRIP Economic Analysis; Feasibility Study (September 2007). Note these surveys were undertaken within the connected parts of the road and do not estimate traffic volumes on the eastern side of the Ravo River, or western side of the Magoha River. Traffic Type Wainuri – Kirakira Kirakira - Warihito Time period Time period 6am-6pm 6am-6pm AADT 6am-6pm 6am-6pm AADT Walker 151 151 181 253 183 262 Bicycle 6 4 32 27 35 Motor-cycle 2 24 16 0 Saloon car 0 0 4WD 41 47 53 10 17 16 Small Bus 0 0 Large Bus 0 0 Pick-up 0 0 Small Truck 36 49 51 14 11 15 (2 axles) Medium Truck 2 2 2 2 1 (3 axles) Large Truck 0 3 6 5 (>3 axles) NMT 157 151 185 285 210 297 MT 81 122 119 27 36 37 TOTAL 238 273 304 312 273 334
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60. The economic analysis suggests that future traffic growth will be generated through the transfer of sea traffic to the road, and through increases in employment and commerce. 2.4 Proposed Works
2.4.1 Rehabilitation of Existing Roads
61. The proposed treatment options considered in the feasibility study includes routine maintenance and full rehabilitation of the road. The full rehabilitation includes provision of a 3.5 m wide carriageway and 0.5 m wide shoulders for the full length. This will give a total pavement width of 4.5 m; and provision of up to a 150 mm thick gravel pavement layer. The economic study will be used to determine the most cost-effective option. 62. Longitudinal drains with appropriate turnouts will be provided along the road to provide adequate drainage to the carriageway. Careful attention to drainage problems will be need in a number of locations immediately west of Kirakira, where the road is regularly inundated due to its proximity to the shore and low-lying level of the road, as shown in Plates 1 and 2. 63. At locations where the road passes close to the coast, coastal protection works are likely to be required to protect the road and help stabilise the shoreline. These works could include gabion baskets or rip-rap.
Plate 1: Example of section road requiring improved drainage (Waiamura village)
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Plate 2: Example of section road requiring improved drainage (Manama village)
2.4.2 Options for River Crossings
64. There are a number of technical options being considered for selection of the crossing type including natural fords, engineered fords, causeways and low- and high- level bridges. The final arrangement and selection of crossing type will be dependent on detailed site characteristics, economic and social considerations. High-level bridges have been proposed for the larger rivers (Magoha, Maepua and Wairaha) for which it will be necessary to provide river training works in the form of gabion baskets and sheet piled retaining walls on braided and meandering streams. 65. A natural ford does not involve significant engineering works to improve the crossing, although cutting access roads through the river banks may be required. There may also be some minor reshaping of the ford and placement of rock to correct soft spots and to provide an even bed. Initial costs are low, but maintenance would be required to make the crossings safer, particularly after flooding that can change the banks, bed and distribution of rocks. Such fords can be closed for long periods if funding for maintenance is not available. Natural fords were considered as an option for each of the crossing locations, but only considered a ‘medium standard’ option at three sites (Mangana, Manitawanihui and Waitaa) (SIRIP, 2007a). The standard of this type of crossing is dictated by the characteristics of the stream and not all streams are suitable for this type of crossing.7 66. Engineered fords are used as an inexpensive method of improving a natural ford. They provide a hard sill across the stream channel so that vehicles can cross the river on part of the bed which is upstream of a series of gabion baskets (Plate 3). The gabions, and sometimes mattresses, are embedded into the river bed to stabilize the surface, limit scouring, and maintain a uniform bed and crossing (SIRIP, 2007a).
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67. Construction is difficult because the ford is normally submerged and requires the construction of temporary coffer dams as well as pumping in order that the works proceed in the dry. Maintenance requirements are high, with natural stream changes, large flood debris and vehicles causing damage to the gabions. Engineered fords were proposed as an option for 3 of the crossings at Makira.
Plate 3: Crossing option – Engineered Ford
68. Causeways are used to provide dry crossings through use of a concrete driveway suspended over box or pipe culverts (Plate 4). These are designed to pass the normal flow of the stream, and also allow larger flows to pass over the causeway’s surface about 2-3 times per year. For any significant stream the causeway should have continuous box culverts with an invert level to match the stream bed. The constriction caused by the structure results in an elevated river level upstream and increased energy downstream where there is a risk of scouring. Maintenance requirements are high because causeways are often damaged by floods, especially by large debris, and natural changes in the riverbed. Maintenance is also considered difficult because the foundations are usually submerged. A total of 10 of the river crossings included in the subproject are proposed as causeways.
Plate 4: Crossing option - Causeway
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69. Low-level bridges have superstructures installed at levels below the design flood level so that major floods pass over the bridge. They usually comprise concrete slabs to minimise deck thickness and render them more conducive to water flows. They are usually constructed with closely-spaced supports and without guardrails. Without discrete abutments, low-level bridges continue over the bank to provide some allowance for scouring and can be easily extended if required. They are typically not accompanied by scour protection or river training, even though these measures are considered part of maintaining river flow beneath the bridges. These bridges also need to be cleared of debris which collects on their upstream side, failure to do so can lead to blockage of the main channel, erosion of approaches and severe downstream erosion (e.g. Mbokokimbo River Bridge on the Ruavatu road, Guadalcanal, as shown in Plate 5).. They are not recommended for use on large streams in the country (see SIRIP, Appendix 5, p11, 2007a).
Plate 5: Crossing option – low-level bridge
70. High-level bridges are designed with the superstructure above flood level, using steel trusses or girders to maximise the span length and render the structure more conducive to stream flow (Plate 6). The bridges usually have kerbs, guardrails and footways and involve the use of discrete abutments. Scour protection and river training are usually provided where required. Two types of high-level bridges have been proposed for the project: (i) compact bailey bridges for spans < 32m; and (ii) 1-3 span steel truss bridges on piled substructures for spans > 32m. Although initially costly, this option is the standard in most countries. Maintenance includes the removal of debris collected behind bridge piers, and river training and scour protection as required. The main risks are related to stability of the stream crossed and confining the stream under the bridge. High- level steel truss bridges are proposed for the Magoha, Maepua and Wairaha Rivers (see below) and bailey or steel girder bridges for several other crossings within the subproject area.
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Plate 6: Crossing option – high level bridge
2.4.3 Relocated Crossings
71. The engineering and economic feasibility studies for the subproject (SIRIP, 2007a; SIRIP, 2008) found that some of the stream crossings within the existing road reserve were not suitable for the construction of commonly-used permanent structures. At their current location they would have been suitable only for engineered fords which would have provided only a limited improvement in connectivity. With public consultations also showing that fords were not socially acceptable, options outside of the current road reserve were considered as long as they did not lead to Category A environmental or resettlement impacts. Three crossings were identified for high-level bridges requiring new alignments for approach roads as described below.
(i) Magoha River Crossing
72. The existing crossing at Magoha River is an engineered ford, in poor condition with the top of the gabions and mattresses removed by abrasion or stream damage. During non-flood times, the depth of this crossing is around 50 cm. Two options have been proposed for this crossing under the project; an engineered ford and a high-level bridge. 73. An alternative upstream bridge site, 400m from the existing ford crossing was considered. This crossing would comprise a 64-88m two-span steel truss high-level bridge. Two new segments of approach road would be required. On the eastern bank, the new road would be about 240 m long, and on the west bank would be around 140m long (both of these measurements are subject to final locations and design). In addition, approximately 760 m of old logging road would be rehabilitated to connect the bridge and approaches to the main road (Figure 6). 74. The existing crossing location was not considered suitable for a bridge due to the length required to cross the two unstable channels and a low island (SIRIP, 2008). The segments of new road, old logging tracks and bridge form an upstream diversion from the existing main road and require a crossing of approximately 1.4 km, replacing the existing crossing and road of about 400 m. 75. The proposed crossing site, shown in Figure 6 has a stable basaltic rocky outcrop at the eastern bank. At its western bank, the site has an alluvial flood plain that erodes during large floods. There is a significant flood channel crossing the floodplain and the segment of new road leading to the bridge will require a floodway.
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76. The works at this site will require a scour-resistant surface for the floodway to resist damage if the river diverts through the floodway during a large flood.
Figure 6: Location of existing roads, logging tracks and crossing options proposed for Magoha River crossing. Source: Ministry Lands, Housing & Survey GIS; Aerial Photo 1970’s and data from this study
(ii) Maepua River Crossing
77. The existing crossing at Maepua river is a natural ford. That is, vehicles that are capable must cross the river through waters that reach over a meter in depth over an unpredictable riverbed surface. Two options have been proposed during the feasibility studies for this crossing: an engineered ford, or a high level bridge. 78. An option of providing an engineered ford at the existing crossing point was proposed in the earlier feasibility study report (Nov, 2007). Such a design would provide a shallower, more stable crossing for vehicles at the existing crossing location (Figure 7). 79. An upstream site was identified for a bridge because the existing crossing point was not stable enough for a permanent structure. The river at the existing crossing has two unstable channels and a dividing low island, is generally unstable and would require a long bridge length. The channel and bed in this part of the river has ranged by up to 200 m in the past 35 years (Figure 8). The proposed bridge site is shown in Figure 7 and is located 800 m in a straight line or just over 1 km upstream following the river channel. In this part of the river the channel has changed less over time and is bound on one side by rocky outcrop. 80. The bridge would be a high-level, two-span steel truss bridge 64-88 m long. The eastern bank is considered stable as it is formed by a rocky outcrop. Access to the bridge on this side would require about 220 m of new road and the rehabilitation of about 1.58 km of logging road.
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81. Close inspection of 1970s aerial photography suggest that the logging road may have entered the river in the vicinity of the proposed bridge, and extended beyond it on the western bank for a further 200 m in a south-western direction. If correct, the eastern approach to the proposed bridge would not require a new road. 82. The western bank is a low alluvial flood plain which is less stable. The access road would require about 215 m of new road and rehabilitation of about 800 m of logging road to meet the existing road.
Figure 7: Maepua River crossing Source: Ministry Lands, Housing & Survey GIS; Aerial Photo 1970s and data from this study
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Figure 8: Aerial photograph of Maepua River between the existing crossing and mouth The river bed and channel location in the 1970s is shown by the aerial photograph. Superimposed is the current channel visible on satellite image (1999) (shown in filled outline).
(iii) Wairaha River Crossing
83. Several crossings have been provided at Wairaha River, including an engineered ford and a bridge constructed in 1979 both of which quickly failed during a flood. The existing crossing is an engineered ford located about 1.85 km upstream from the river mouth. This crossing required a 1 km diversion from the existing coastal road to reach a part of the river suitable for this type of crossing (Figure 9). 84. During the feasibility studies, several options were considered for this crossing, including an engineered ford (SIRIP, 2007a), a river-driven steel pontoon ferry and a high- level bridge (SIRIP, 2008). Two of these, the ferry and bridge remained options after the study in January 2008. 85. Under one option a river-driven steel pontoon ferry would be located immediately downstream of the existing crossing to clear an island in the river. New access roads would be required on both banks to access the ferry site. This option would be vulnerable to high water velocity and debris during peak floods, with a high to very high risk of crossing failure. 86. The most feasible option involves building a high-level 3-span steel truss bridge in the order of 120 m long and crossing the river 600 m (along the river channel) downstream of the existing crossing (Figure 9). 87. On the western bank the new approach would almost immediately connect to the existing road and pass a small cluster of houses. The bank of the river at this site is formed by a rocky outcrop which is expected to provide a stable abutment area. On the eastern bank, a segment of new road, about 250 m long, would be required to connect the bridge with the existing road. This passes through a series of banks and a swampy area before joining the existing main road.
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Figure 9: Wairaha River Crossing Source: Ministry Lands, Housing & Survey GIS; Aerial Photo 1970’s and data from this study
2.4.4 Construction Force and Equipment
88. The Makira subproject will be part of an international competitive bidding (ICB) contract that will require construction workforces of bulldozer and grader drivers, re- gravelling or erosion control crews, pavement work crews, manager, and ancillary staff such as cooks and security guards. 89. For the road on Makira the main subproject office and base camp will likely be established at Kirakira, a camp could also be established at Kaonasughu where there is good boat moorage for working along the Wainuri-Kirakira. The camp for the Kirakira- Warihito (shorter) section will likely be based at Kirakira. 90. Consultation with the Post Conflict Emergency Rehabilitation Project (PCERP) team indicates that for PCERP, which also included 100 km of rehabilitation work with a total project budget of US$16 million, the rolling total construction force included between 49 and 52 expatriates and between 187 and 238 local labourers. A crew of between 30 and 50 people could be in a community for 2 to 3 months or 6 weeks with a concentrated effort to speed up certain construction activities. 91. Based on that information and the fact that SIRIP is a project half the value of PCERP (SIRIP will unlikely include sealing of roads); the assumption is that a construction force of in the order of between 118-145 could be required. The largest construction force will be associated with this subproject on Makira (as it includes the longest section and comprises up to 30 river and stream crossings). A construction force of between up to 75 can be anticipated for the subproject, and the construction workers would be in the area for 2 to 3 years.
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92. The equipment and plant to be used on the project includes; dump trucks (approximately 6.5 m3 capacity), grader, bulldozer, tracked excavator, front end loader, vibrating drum roller, water-truck and concrete mixer. 93. Workshops will be required to be constructed for the maintenance of equipment and vehicles. Staging areas for temporary storage of materials and machinery will also be required at or near each of the bridge construction sites.
2.4.5 Gravel and Fill Materials
94. The road rehabilitation, new road sections and bridges will require significant amounts of coronous and river gravel materials for road filling and topping, retaining structures and concrete production. Some of the new sections of road that will be required for bridge approaches may also require fill to raise the carriageway above swamp and frequent inundation levels close to the rivers they approach. 95. The existing sources of coronous and river gravel materials in the area of the proposed works were identified by Mr George Mere of the Kirakira Works Division (MID). There are seven existing areas for extraction of coronous materials and two existing areas for extraction of river gravels in the subproject area.8 These are all located between the Wairaha and Ravo rivers (Figure 10). Depending on the contractor’s approach, additional sites may be needed.
Figure 10: Location of sources of river and coronous gravel in the subproject area Data from George Maere, Kirakira Works Division
2.5 Need for the Project
96. The Solomon Islands is emerging from several years of conflict, and is one of the least developed member countries of ADB. The country is ranked second lowest among Pacific Island countries in the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Human Development Index, and is unlikely to meet most of its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 (ADB, 2006b).
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97. ADB’s Country Strategy and Program (CSP) update identifies the development of transport infrastructure and services as one of the two main areas for ADB assistance. The ADB funded ISMID project highlighted cross-sectoral infrastructure issues and technical capacity building within the road sector. SIRIP will focus on rehabilitation of key road infrastructure and implementation of the capacity-building programme. 98. The RRP notes that investment in the road network, which has never been adequate, has declined in recent years, leaving the sector badly under-funded. About 80 per cent of roads have deteriorated to such an extent that damage to vehicles is excessive, and the roads are impassable by cars and light trucks. Road surfaces are deformed and eroded, drainage is not working, and vegetation is over-grown. 99. Many log bridges have exceeded their design life, with only about a quarter remaining in good condition, about a third requiring minor repairs, 37 per cent requiring major repairs, and eight per cent not open to traffic. 100. Road access for rural areas has declined dramatically due to severe deterioration, road closures, and collapsed bridges (ADB, 2006b). 101. The disconnected roads in Makira prohibit travel to such an extent that people can’t get emergency medical assistance. Alternate travel arrangements (e.g. boats) are prohibitively expensive and there is negligible investment in vehicle transport due to the inaccessibility of villages beyond a few kilometres east and west of Kirakira. 102. Improving 100 km of rural roads, including bridges, will also require emphasis on a sustainable road network maintenance program, as well as road maintenance capacities and skills to achieve and sustain the benefits from the investment. A program will be put in place to ensure that the rural road network does not deteriorate further. Maintenance equipment should therefore be kept functional regardless of circumstances. Regular inspections of the road and implementation of corrective measures are essential. Proper maintenance of bridges, road signs, markings, guardrails and other safety equipment is also important. 103. SIRIP is expected to increase economic growth and reduce poverty in the project area by (i) improving the accessibility of rural communities to markets, as well as economic and social services; (ii) promoting private sector-led development; (iii) fostering market formation, and facilitating domestic and international trade; and, (iv) generating income and job opportunities. 104. In view of the foregoing, a “do nothing” or without project option is not feasible if access for remote rural communities is to be maintained and existing rural road networks, and investments therein, are not permitted to further deteriorate.
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3. Description of the Existing Environment
105. The Solomon Islands has a land area of approximately 28,000 km2 and comprises nine island provinces and somewhere in the order of 900 smaller islets and atolls. The country’s capital, Honiara, is located on Guadalcanal. 106. The land area of Makira/Ulawa province is 3,230 km2 and represents 11 per cent of the total land area of Solomon Islands. San Cristobal – where the subproject is located - is the largest island in the province and covers an area of 3,090 km2. The total area of San Cristobal, Santa Ana, Santa Catalina, Three Sisters, Ugi and Pio is around 3,160 km2. 107. In terms of administration of land, the country is divided into nine provinces which include a central island (larger land mass) and usually several smaller islets and atolls. Each province has a provincial town which includes representative Government agencies as departments and offices. Provinces are divided into wards which are further divided into villages. As shown in Figure 11, the subproject road passes through four wards.
Figure 11: Wards on San Cristobal, the main island of Makira Province
3.1 Physical Resources
3.1.1 Climate and Air Quality
(a) Climate
108. All of the Solomon Islands, with the exception of northern Guadalcanal to Nggelas and southern Isabel, can be described as continuously wet with 40 weeks or more per year of > 50 mm of rain per week. Rainfall varies considerably with topography, latitude and geographic orientation. Mean annual rainfall is between 3,000 mm and 5,000 mm.
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109. The country experiences the south-east trade winds between May and October, and between November and April the wind is from the north-west bringing heavy rains and cyclones. An average of one to two cyclones pass through the Solomon Islands per year but most do not cause damage, however, Makira is located at the “hub” of the active cyclone path between the eastern and southern regions, exposing it to heavy winds, storms and cyclones. Refer to Section 3.1.2. 110. The temperature in the Solomon Islands is relatively uniform ranging from 22oC to 31oC throughout the year. Daytime temperatures range from 26oC to 29oC with an average maximum of 31oC. While inland temperatures are higher than coastal temperatures, temperature also decreases with altitude. Relative humidity shows little seasonal variation but has marked diurnal fluctuation. Humidity is highest in the morning and frequently reaches 90 per cent. 111. The average annual rainfall in Makira is 3,600 – 4,000 mm, with no dry months. There is a tendency towards higher monthly rainfall from May to October in the southeast, and from November to April in the west, whereas the central region around Kirakira has high rainfall throughout the year. Up to 8,000 mm of annual rainfall is reported in the mountainous regions of the southeast.
(b) Air Quality
112. Air quality in Solomon Islands is very good, largely as a result of there being very few industries and a relatively small vehicle fleet generating emissions. There are no air quality or emissions standards in Solomon Islands and no monitoring is undertaken.
3.1.2 Geology, Topography and Soils
(a) Geology
113. The Solomon Islands form part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and lies at the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates. The uplift of the plates along with intermittent volcanic and seismic activity has contributed to the island masses which now form the Solomon Islands. The islands are, geologically speaking relatively young, and the larger islands are almost entirely volcanic in origin and consist of lava and basalt and surrounded by uplifted coral terraces. 114. The dominant geology of Makira/Ulawa province is igneous and (meta) sedimentary rocks. The geology of San Cristobal consists of pre-Miocene basaltic lavas with pillow- lavas predominating. Lenses of pelagic sedimentary rocks, principally limestones, occur at different depths within the basaltic pile. The northern and western regions of the island later became fringed with Pleistocene reef-limestones and their associated sediments (mudstones and conglomerates) deposited within mangrove swamps. The general geological succession, as adapted from (Jeffery, 1977), is summarised in Table 6.
Table 6: Geological Succession on San Cristobal Source: Geological Survey Division (1977) Age Rock Type Common Name Late Pleistocene Alluvium, colluvium, beach deposits, coral reef Arosi Beds to Recent Pleistocene Uplifted coral reef and associated sediments, incl. littoral conglomerates Middle Miocene Calcareous mudstones, wackes, micritic Ruawai Beds limestones, and volcaniclastic slump breccias Pelagic limestone at base Hutarau Limestones Waterlaid tuffs and agglomerates, basaltic breccias Waihada Volcanics Pre-Miocene Basic lavas and minor intrusions, lenses of pelagic San Cristobal limestone, ferriferous and magniferous sedimentary basement rocks
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(b) Topography and Soils 115. The largest island in the province, Makira (or San Cristobal), is 140 km long and between 12 and 40 km wide, and has a northwest–southeast orientation. 116. Makira consists of a narrow coastal plain leading up to undulating hills and occasional terraces and, ultimately, steep central ridges that run the length of the island with elevations of up to 1,200 m. The terrain of San Cristobal Island is largely mountainous, with hills and mountains rising to 1,040 m above sea level in places, with deeply-cut river valleys. The highest peaks are located in the central and western parts of the island. The island is divided into three physiographic units; mountain zone; plateau zone; and alluvial zone. The subproject area traverses all three. 117. The mountain zones are characterized by a pattern of closely-spaced, narrow, and steep sided valleys and ravines separated by razor-backed ridges (pre-Miocene basaltic rocks). From the sea, the summits of numerous groups of peaks can be seen, suggesting a series of small plateau, the surfaces bevelling at the sea level of slowly rising fault- blocks. There are two types of plateau zone; one developed over the calcareous rocks and showing little or no dissection, and the other over volcanic rocks which are down-cut by numerous streams. The alluvial zones are poorly developed and occupy river mouths and valleys. Their continuity along the coast is broken by bluffs of basalt or limestone. 118. The coastline is characterised by a series of promontories jutting into the sea, with the intervening bays being deep. The river valleys opening into these bays have alluvial floors which the rivers deposit and are down-cutting into. The narrow strip of coastal reef is partly uplifted and eroded. The northern coast is where the uplift has been greatest, although it has a slightly gentler profile than the western coast, produced by a series of terraces in reef limestones and protected by a fringing reef. 119. Along the north coast uplifted fossil coral reefs line part of the shore and are undergoing erosion. The reefs, located at mid-tide level (and low tide level in some places) form an intertidal platform between 10 m to 60 m wide (as wide as 200 m in some places). The platform is divided into two areas; an inner pool zone (exposed only at low tide), and an outer pavement zone (transacted by deep and narrow surge channels to the reef edge). 120. There are 27 soil groups in Solomon Islands. The soils are generally rich in nitrogen, phosphorous and organic carbon, but poor in potassium. The most fertile and agriculturally important of all soils found in Solomon Islands are the recent alluvial soils located on the north of the Guadalcanal Plains. 121. Soils are highly variable in depth and fertility. In the interior of the island, soils range from moderately fertile to fertile, and are of slightly acid to neutral pH, whereas coral- derived calcareous soils occur along the coastal terraces and plains. Smaller islands are coral atolls, sometimes with central volcanic uplifts. Freshwater swamps occur along the lower reaches of several of the major river systems. The Star Harbour region (to the east of the subproject area) has extensive areas of saltwater lagoons, with mangroves as the dominant vegetation. 122. Soils on San Cristobal include bauxitic soils and clays and sandy soils heavy in magnetite and ilmenite. In the fault plains soils are sticky and sulphuric. In the Arosi Beds (the north-western part of the subproject area) soils are more oxidised and include some volcanic ash and laterised weathered material. According to the Land Resource Study the soils in the subproject area include several very small deposits - associated with the promontories of the bays (Wango, Waimasi and Ngorangora) - of deep to shallow, poorly drained soil with pale stony sands and loams. The soils that predominate in the subproject area include deep, freely drained yellowish brown to red humus-rich clay interspersed with deep, freely drained strong brown to red loams and clays. Topsoil is in the order of 20 cm to 38 cm deep, and subsoil is in the order of 66 cm to 107 cm deep (LRD, 1975).
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123. Beach deposits include coralline and foraminiferal sands and rubbles and black sands and gravels. The raised beaches found at the mouths of some rivers consist of coarse-grained or granular, interspersed with finer-grained layers of detrital minerals.
(c) Sources of Coronus and River Gravels
124. The seven existing sites from where MID has sources coronus in the past are very similar to the sites in West Guadalcanal and include large scrapings in the ground that remove topsoil and trees. The sites have not been rehabilitated. 125. The river gravels will likely be sourced from the larger rivers in the subproject area including the Ravo and Warihito. 126. The Contractor will identify sources of coronus and river gravel to be used for the subproject, and will prepare an extraction plan in accordance with the aggregate extraction guidelines to be prepared for the project. The extraction plan will include a description of the existing environment, identification of the impacts of the extraction as well as the means of mitigating adverse impacts. The extraction plan will be reviewed and approved by the ECD and PMCBU.
(d) Seismology and Natural Hazards
127. The Solomon Islands is prone to natural hazards including cyclones, landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis. Due to the location of Solomon Islands at the junction of tectonic plates, there is constant seismic activity including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The most recent earthquake and tsunami, in April 2007, affected Western and Choiseul provinces. 128. Makira is one of the most disaster prone provinces in the country. It has been affected by 15 cyclones and 56 earthquakes in the last 50 years. The province has experienced some 46 different disaster events between 1950 and 2000, as shown in Table 7. The province is classified as “high vulnerability” to cyclones, river and coastal flooding, and tsunami, “medium vulnerability” to earthquakes and landslides, and a “low vulnerability” to droughts and volcanic eruptions (AusAID, 2006a).
Table 7: Disaster Events in Makira 1950 – 2000 Source: National Disaster Office reported in AusAID’s CSP Community Snapshot (2006) Event Period Total 1950-1960 1961-1971 1972-1982 1983-1993 1994-2000 Cyclone 0 7 2 3 3 15 Earthquake 2 16 38 … … 56 Tsunami 2 0 1 1 0 4 Flood 0 0 1 1 0 2 Volcanic 0 0 0 0 0 0 eruption Total 4 23 42 5 4 78
3.1.3 Hydrology 129. The hydrology of the subproject area includes approximately 40 major and minor river and stream systems, the majority and largest of which flow north. 130. Most of the larger river systems were defined by the end of the Pleistocene, and since that time, uplifts have caused the lower reaches to extend and in some cases change course altogether and empty into different bays. The Ravo River is known to frequently change its course. 131. Where the larger rivers flow into the sea, a beach bar develops which ponds up the river and diverts exiting water to one side. The rivers of the north coast of the island are deflected eastwards and south-eastwards, reflecting the two-season climate (with the seas being heavier along the north coast when backed by the north-westerly wind).
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132. Over areas of calcareous rock, depending on local conditions, the drainage may, or may not, go underground. Along the north coast of Arosi (western most part of subproject area), most of the streams have permanent underground courses, and a few have temporary ones. 3.2 Biological Resources
3.2.1 Marine Habitats, Flora and Fauna
(a) Marine Habitats and Flora
133. The marine and coastal ecosystems of Solomon Islands are part of the world’s largest centre of marine diversity of the Western Pacific. The coastal zones of Solomon Islands are highly biologically diverse and are characterised by estuaries, beaches, mangroves, coral reefs, sea grass beds, algal beds and small island ecosystems. 134. Coral reefs are narrow, fringing, and intermittently distributed around the islands. Long barrier reefs and expansive inter-tidal reefs are not common. The reefs are most often associated with either uplifted shores attached to volcanic coastlines or seaward elevated coral limestone beaches. Live corals and calcareous red algae are largely confined to seaward zones below the uplifted reefs or may occasionally be found in small pools in intertidal areas. None of the significant or largest coral reef systems are located in Makira. 135. Sea-grass beds are important feeding grounds for dugongs (sea cows) and turtles. The most important areas are located in Isabel Choiseul and Western provinces.
(b) Marine Fauna
136. Marine fauna are highly diverse. The survey undertaken by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in 2004 recorded 1,019 marine species, including 180 species of reef fishes. Marine fauna also include several species of lobsters, sharks, three species of pearl oysters, other types of oysters, mangroves, green snails, trochus, salt-water crocodiles, coconut crabs, mud crabs and land crabs, six species of giant clams, prawns, five species of turtles, and marine mammals including dugongs, whales and dolphins. 137. In respect of aquatic fauna, the streams and rivers along the subproject road were observed to contain species of freshwater fishes such as flagtails and gudgeons, freshwater prawns and a range of invertebrates such as hydrobiid snails. In low-lying areas of the riverbanks landcrab burrows were observed. In more estuarine areas such as the lower reaches of the Wairaha River, brackish fish species such as the crescent perch (Therapon jarbua) were observed. A crocodile and shark were also observed during field investigations in the Wairaha River. 138. There are no known studies of the river faunas of Makira. The potential aquatic fauna of the rivers in the subproject area includes reptiles, fishes, crustaceans and molluscs such as freshwater shells and limpets. The species likely to be present include the prawns (Macrobracium rosenbergii), eels (Anguilla marmorata, Gymnothorax polyuranodon and Muraenichthys macropterus), reptiles (Crocodilus porosus), and fishes such as mullets, juvenile snappers (Lutjanidae), grouper (Serranidae), and trevally (Carangidae) which are known to inhabit the larger rivers such as Wairaha and Ravo.
3.2.2 Terrestrial Habitats, Flora and Fauna
(a) Terrestrial Habitats and Flora
139. The terrestrial ecosystems of Solomon Islands include tropical moist forests, montane forest and secondary vegetation, grassland and savanna, swamps, lowland rain forest, and crop-land.
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140. Forest makes up 86 per cent of the country’s vegetation communities with low altitude forest accounting for the vast proportion of this, while crop land and bush account for ten per cent of the vegetation communities. 141. Solomon Islands is characterized by a high level of biodiversity of plants including 3,210 species of vascular plants, although this is believed to be an under-estimation and a more correct estimate is in the order of 4,500 when unrecorded species are included (SIG, 1991). While diversity is high, endemism is low, with no endemic families and only three endemic genera. Endemism of species is not accurately known but is thought to range from ten per cent of fern species to 80 per cent of pandan species. The islands with the highest rate of endemism are Santa Cruz (Temotu) and Guadalcanal. 142. The main groups of flora include 20 species of pandans, 33 species of palms, 277 species of orchids, seven species of ngali nuts, 19 species of other nuts (cut nut and alite nut), 11 species of shrubs, 14 species of Eleocarpacae trees and 340 species of ferns. 143. The subproject road, being located along the coast, traverses areas of what would have been lowland coastal forest, small pockets of freshwater swamp and even smaller pockets of saline swamp forest (mangroves). The subproject area is a continuous coastal strand that has been heavily the subject of village development, subsistence activities, as well as commercial activities such as coconut and teak plantations, cattle farming, and more recently commercial logging. 144. The vegetation of the subproject area is largely degraded coastal lowland forest now vegetated with coconut, cocoa, and teak plantations, and interspersed with subsistence gardens. Where there are no gardens or plantations, the coastal forest usually comprises Callophyllum sp, Barringtonia asiatica, Macaranga sp, Morinda citrifolia, Pometia, Ficus and Terminalia species. The subsistence gardens usually comprise stands of bananas (Musa sp), swamp taro (Cyrtosperma johnstonii), cassava (Manihot esculenta), pawpaw (Carica papaya) and species of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) and taro (Xanthosoma lindenii) plots. The immediate road sites are mostly dominated by smaller plants or herbs including Wolstonia biflora, Macaranga tanarius, Scaevola taccada, Alpinia purpurata and non-tree ferns. Typical vegetation along the subproject road and verges is shown on Plate 7, Plate 8, Plate 9, and Plate 10.
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Plate 7: Typical vegetation along Wainuri – Kirakira section (Wainuri village)
Plate 8: Typical vegetation along Wainuri – Kirakira section (Pamua village)
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Plate 9: Typical vegetation along Kirakira – Warihito section (Haegahu village)
Plate 10: Typical vegetation along Kirakira – Warihito section (Kopito village)
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(b) Terrestrial Fauna
145. The terrestrial fauna of Solomon Islands is extremely diverse, probably with a greater diversity of land animals that any other Pacific island country and has a high level of endemism (UNDP et al., 2002). Fauna includes 223 species of birds (173 residential terrestrial species and 50 other species of shore/sea birds and visitors), 52 mammals9, 61 species of reptiles (25 are endemic), and 17 species of frogs. 146. In terms of distribution, there is a relatively high level of island endemism. While Western Province records the largest number of species (41), Choiseul and Guadalcanal Provinces have the highest rate of island endemism with six species being found on only one or two islands. Makira is known to have 17 mammal species of which three are found on only one island. 147. The forests of Makira are known to support very high levels of bird and vertebrate endemisim. Terrestrial fauna on San Cristobal includes a large number of birds (about 50 species) including the yellow-legged pigeon (Columba pallidiceps), thick-billed ground dove (Gallicolumba salamonis), white-headed fruit dove (Ptilinopus eugeniae), crested cuckoo dove (Reinwardtoena crassirostris), chestnut-bellied imperial pigeon (Ducula brenchleyi), as well as the abundant forest kingfishers. Reptiles include the large Discodeles frog and the San Cristobal frog (Rana kreffetii) which is common in the grasslands and lowlands. 148. Field observations do not show significant wildlife species within the subproject area except for pigeons (Ducula sp), and lorries (Eos cardinalis). No endemic species or endangered species were observed during field trips.
3.2.3 Rare and Endangered Species
149. There has been no assessment of rare or endangered plant species in Solomon Islands. 150. The International Union for Conservation of Nature & Natural Resources (IUCN) undertakes a global assessment to classify species at varying risk of global extinction. Excluding species of ‘least concern’ which are common and widespread species that are not dependent on conservation efforts and do not qualify for near threatened or threatened status, the 2006 Red List identifies 65 species of fauna in Solomon Islands which are endangered or threatened, including 35 of 44 bat species and all eight of the rat species. The definition for each category, as defined in the Red List, is provided in Attachment 2a. 151. Comparing a list of 20 bird species considered globally threatened in 1988 (SIG, 1991) and those listed as near threatened, vulnerable and endangered from the Red List for 2006, 26 more bird species have been considered threatened over the intervening period of 18 years. 152. The Red List includes two bird species, the Thick-billed ground dove (Galliolumba salamonis) and the Solomon Islands crowned pigeon (Microgoura meeki). There are also two species of giant rat and one species of frog which are listed as extinct. 153. Some 11 birds endemic to Solomon Islands and known to be found on San Cristobal and nine are classified on the Red List; one is listed as vulnerable, two are listed as near threatened, and six are listed as least concern (refer to Attachment 2b). 154. No endemic or endangered species were observed during the field investigations. The crocodile (Crocodilus porosus) is listed as least concern on the Red List.
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3.2.4 Protected Areas and Areas of Conservation Value
155. Very little of the Solomon Islands is under any form of legal protection as there is no national law or system for dealing with the establishment and management of protected areas. A profile of Solomon Islands stated there are seven protected areas with a total area of approximately 2,000 ha10. Currently protected areas are in the form of national parks or are gazetted under provincial ordinances. The 37,000 ha World Heritage Site (WHS) located at East Rennell was accepted 1996 and became the first WHS in the Pacific Islands. 156. There are no provincially protected areas or community based marine protected areas within the subproject area. 157. Since the mid 1970s there have been a number of reports by NGOs and civil society groups identifying sites with ecological value worthy of protection or conservation. There are as many as 30 such sites distributed across the country. Once site is in the Bauro Highlands, located five km inland from the northern coast, situated in central highlands of Makira. This site is a large area proposed for protection by Conservation International and Makira Community Conservation Foundation and a number of communities in the mountains of the highland area (Figure 12). The area is currently managed as a community conservation agreement (CCA) reserve and seeks to protect an extensive area of montane forest and habitat for endemic species that remains uncommitted to timber production. The overall management of the site includes an alternative livelihood program focused on ngali nut oil production. Currently several areas are being mapped for inclusion in the CCA reserve and it was hoped that an initial agreement would be in place by the end of 2007.
Figure 12: Bauro Highlands Community Conservation Area
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158. There are also a number of bird sanctuaries established under the Wild Birds Protection Act. Unfortunately many of the bird sanctuaries have been degraded by poachers and are considered defunct (UNDP et al., 2002). There are no bird sanctuaries on Makira. 3.3 Socio-Economic Resources
3.3.1 Context for Economic Development
159. The economy of the Solomon Islands comprises a mix of subsistence production - on which the majority of the population depends - and a monetised sector, including public services, dominated by large-scale commercial, and largely resource development based enterprises. In terms of nearly 100,000 tonnes of the major export commodities produced in 2000 fish accounts for the largest proportion at 47 per cent, copra accounts for 23 per cent, palm oil accounts for 13 per cent, coconut oil accounts for 4 per cent, and palm kernel and cocoa production account for 5 per cent. Log production was in the order of 536,000 m3 (SIG, 2001). 160. In 2000, the estimated GDP, including the value of subsistence production, amounted to US$57 million, showing a marked decrease from 1999 (US$68.9 million). GDP fluctuated in the 1990s but started to fall continuously from 1998. The fluctuations in national income are a result of dependence on a small number of primary export products such as copra, palm oil, fish catch and timber which are influenced by both market prices and climatic variations. 161. The report of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands shows that in real terms the value of primary production, which has a strong influence on both the level of, and changes in, national income, fell markedly over the period 1995-2000 while real GDP per capita fell from US$204 in 1997 to US$168 in 1999 and then fell further to US$136 in 2000 (SIG, 2001). 162. Since 2003, GDP growth has averaged between four and five per cent per year, and the International Monetary Fund and Central Bank of Solomon Islands estimated that economic recovery will take another 20 years to return to pre-conflict level of GDP per capita.
3.3.2 Economic Activity
(a) Copra
163. Copra was first produced in Solomon Islands over a hundred years ago. There are few surviving large scale copra plantations, except those managed by Russell Islands Plantation Estate Ltd (RIPEL), a statutory authority which failed in recent years. Current copra production is much smaller scale and feeds into both the subsistence and productive components of the agriculture sector. 164. On Makira, copra is the most important source of cash income for rural coastal villagers. In 1999, income from copra was SBD$346 per household, fourth after Choiseul, Western and Isabel Provinces (where income ranged from SBD $410 to SBD $570 per household). Over half of the copra was delivered by traditional canoes or canoes with outboard motors to Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) buying centres and points. The rest was transported by truck and ship. In 1999, nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) of households harvested coconut (mainly in the form of copra) for cash income. 165. Copra production in Makira stopped in 2001-2002 due to financial problems experienced by CEMA, and impacts of the ethnic tension. Production picked up again in 2003 after the government privatized the copra industry, and in 2003 was just over 1,000 tonnes, up from a record low of 112 tonnes in 2002 (AusAID, 2006b).
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166. Large commercial coconut plantations previously operated in Makira (San Cristobal at Waimamura, and Three Sisters Islands at Waimarae). In 2000, these plantations produced 12 tonnes of copra, but production ceased during the ethnic tension. All plantations were subsequently returned to control of local landowners, and all copra and cocoa is now produced by villagers. The only managed plantation in operation is the Diocese of Hanuato’o 72 ha plantation at Waimapuru, where both copra and cocoa are produced.
(b) Cocoa, Betelnut and Other Crops
167. Cocoa is another important source of cash income on Makira, mainly in west and east Bauro, Arosi and Wainoni areas. In 1999, around 84 tonnes of cocoa were produced accounting for 14 per cent of total national production. In 2000, cocoa production dropped to seven tonnes due to the low world market price, ethnic tension, and unreliable shipping. A price increase in 2002-2003 has resulted in increased production. Fermentaries have been built where cocoa production is high, and are generally owned by smallholders who buy cocoa wet beans (SBD$5 per kg) in addition to processing their own cocoa. The Smallholder Study notes that there is considerable interest in cocoa evidenced by new plantings being established in Wainoni, and east and west Bauro (AusAID, 2006b). 168. Although cash income from betel nut is lower than for copra and cocoa, betel nut is widely grown by households for both domestic use and sale at the domestic market. In 1999, just over half of households (52 per cent) were involved in production and marketing of betel nut. The domestic market for betel nut is also expanding, due to an increase in the number of people now chewing betel nut. Betel nut is sold at most informal and formal market outlets, the price at Kirakira market ranged from SBD$0.10 to $0.50 per fruit depending on supply and demand. Betel nut is occasionally sold into the Honiara market where a 20 kg bag can be sold for SBD$100-150. 169. Shelled ngali nut and cut-nut are sold at Kirakira market for SBD$1 per packet. When the Warihito nut press was operating, it purchased fresh ngali nut kernels for SBD$10 per kg from villagers in Bauro and Wainoni districts. The nut press stopped operation in 2002 because of lack of funds to purchase fresh kernels. Home tobacco (savusavu) is becoming popular, and is sold in most markets and amongst villagers. A bundle of dried and rolled tobacco can be sold at Kirakira market for SBD$50. 170. According to the Common Country Assessment between a third and 59 per cent of households are engaged in agriculture for trade; coconut (59 per cent), cocoa (30 per cent), betel nut (36 per cent) (UNDP et al., 2002).
(c) Livestock
171. The census suggests that 56 per cent of households on Makira keep pigs, the primary exceptions being households (concentrated along the north coast of Arosi) of Seventh Day Adventists who are forbidden to keep pigs. Elsewhere, numbers vary from village to village and range from 1 to 20, but are commonly 3-6 pigs per household. On the north coast, crossbred pigs are very common, but ‘native’ pigs are still kept on the weather coast. Wild pigs are common throughout Makira, and their presence limits the planting of root and other crops where surveillance is difficult. Traditionally, pigs are fed on coconuts (apple and white meat), food scraps and garden wastes. Their reproduction and growth rates are moderate at best. 172. An EU Micro Project has funded three small-scale piggeries on Makira. These consist of an iron-roofed shed over a concrete floor with pens and ten weaners to be fattened for early income generation, as well as six sows and a boar for medium-long-term production. The project also gives training in pig production systems. 173. There are several small herds of cattle on San Cristobal. Smallholder cattle herds of two to five head are generally tethered, whereas larger herds, owned by missions and schools, graze in fenced paddocks. TA 48-SOL IEE Wainuri-Kirakira & Kirakira-Warihito June 2008 Page 39
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174. Village chickens comprise the bulk of the poultry in the province, and half of households own chickens. These are raised in the typical zero-input village system as a source of occasional meat or cash. At least one broiler farm was established through the EU Micro Project program.
(d) Forest Resources
175. Timber has become an increasingly important resource in Solomon Islands in the last 40 years. During the 1990s timber became the largest export revenue earner accounting for between 20-35 per cent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings, logging operations currently provide closer to half of the country’s export revenue earnings. 176. The Solomon Islands has around 2.4 million ha of natural forest (86 per cent of total land area) and almost all is in customary ownership. About ten per cent is considered suitable for commercial exploitation. 177. At present, there is upwards of 90 logging licenses of which about a quarter are operating, this indicates a significant increase in concessions based on data provided in the State of Environment report which stated that in 1990 there were 15 logging licenses of which ten were operating. The largest of these are foreign owned. Where wood is for customary or domestic purposes and not for sale, no licence is required. If forest owners would like to sell timber, there are local timber harvesting licence and community timber harvesting licence available. A community may combine their efforts to cut up to 2,000 m3 per year under a community timber harvesting licence. 178. Large and commercial logging operations have been operating on San Cristobal for many years. There are six commercial logging companies, working predominantly in the Arosi area. Logging companies pay a licence fee to the Provincial Government of $15,000 per year, and pay small royalties to the owners of the logged land. In the subproject area there are least three commercial logging operations; two on the Wainuri- Kirakira section located at Manitawaniuhi village (Elite and Middle Island Logging Camps) and one located at Hageahu village (Kirakira-Warihito section). 179. The Smallholder Study notes that small-scale sawmilling, using chainsaw mills, have been common in most regions around Makira but are short-lived. For various reasons only rosewood (Pterocarpus indica) is purchased by buyers. The resource is limited, already fully exploited in some areas and sawn timber can only be cut within the immediate vicinity of transport links. Shipping of milled timber is also difficult from all but the best cargo loading sites.
(e) Fisheries Resources
180. Nationally, fisheries resources are a major contributor to export earnings through tuna. An industrial skipjack tuna fishery was established in 1971, and by the end of the 1990s some 116,438 tonnes was being fished by the domestic fleet. Exploitation of the resource is governed by the National Tuna Management and Development Plan known as Tuna 2000. Foreign fishing vessels also catch tuna from Solomon Islands exclusive economic zone (EEZ) from which the Government gains licence revenue. 181. Foreign fishing vessels were excluded from fishing in the area bound by the main archipelago group (the ‘slot’) which is designated a pole-and-line fishing preserve to protect the local fishery and sustain employment. The Department of Fisheries manages the inshore fishery in consultation with customary reef owners. Boundaries are set for bait fishing grounds and used as the basis for determining payment of royalties to the reef owners.
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182. Overall, about 40 per cent of households are engaged in fishing for trade (40 per cent fish and 39 per cent shellfish), and on Makira a third of households are engaged in the sale of fish products (19 per cent sell fish and 12 per cent sell seafood) (UNDP et al., 2002). Information given in the consultation meetings suggests that a number of the villages along the subproject road catch and sell trochus, beche-de-mer and fish.
(f) Mineral Resources
183. There are no existing or prospective mineral resource development activities on Makira.
(g) Commercial Activities
184. In Makira, licences are issued for a wide range of commercial and semi-commercial activities, including merchant shipping, trade stores, hawking, cooked-food stalls, copra buying, cocoa buying, bakeries and butcheries. 185. There are a range of commercial activities, in addition to government departments, in the provincial capital of Kirakira. This includes bottle shops, small grocery stores, a speciality spice store, used clothing stores, canteens, small café / food shop, and two guest houses. 186. Kirakira butchery was established in the 1990s by the provincial government. Since May 2004, Moses Oli, a young local entrepreneur, has leased the butchery, which had not been functioning for several years. During this period, there was no outlet for locally produced cattle, a factor contributing to the failure of the local beef industry.
3.3.3 Infrastructure Development
(a) Transport
187. The road network of Solomon Islands is sparse and does not reach about three quarters of the rural population11. About two thirds of the road network (including all sealed roads) is located on Malaita and Guadalcanal. In total, about 8 per cent of national roads are sealed, 61 per cent are gravel surface, and the remaining roads are earth. The main roads serve the densely populated areas (capital and provincial towns) linking the main centres with commercial centres, markets and main ports. The secondary roads are extensions to the main road network, or serve provincial centres and rural communities on the main islands. Provincial roads serve a similar function to secondary roads, and also connect agricultural areas and villages to wharves, and provide access to social services, including schools, clinics, and markets. 188. The roads on San Cristobal include the approximate 114 km long coastal road on the north coast between the Ravo River and Maro’o Bay at the north-western most tip of the island (although the last 25 km of this road is no more than a foot track), a section of road between the Ravo and Warihito Rivers, a small network of about six roads radiating out from the coastal road in Kirakira town, and some narrow earth roads/tracks in the area around Star Harbour. None of the roads, including those in Kirakira town, are sealed. 189. The main constraint with the coastal road is the number of river and stream crossings which need to be forded. Logging companies have put in additional roads between their camps and the main coastal road, as well as some roads on the south coast. These roads are maintained by the logging companies.
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190. A lack of bridges over large rivers on the Makira road has made it impossible to travel the length of the road. Importantly, the potentially productive lands of the Warihito basin, and other areas to the east of Kirakira, are not accessible, and the road to the west can only be followed as far as Pamua, which excludes access to the Arosi area. The return trip from Arosi to Kirakira by small boat costs around SBD$600, and the trip to Star Harbour is even more expensive. 191. Other forms of transportation include air and shipping services to all provinces which are accommodated through a network of wharves, jetties and landings and small airports or air strips. The main airport (Kirakira) receives three Solomon Airlines flights per week, while a passenger and freight shipping service is provided once per fortnight. 192. Commercial cargo vessels irregularly work the north coast of Makira, generally concentrating on the area from Arosi to Kirakira. Star Harbour and the weather coast are poorly serviced, as these routes are less commercially rewarding. The subsidised, provincial-owned, MV Bulawa was the most frequent and reliable vessel on the north coast until it was forced out of service in 2003 with hull damage. It is uncertain if, or when, the vessel will begin operating again. Timber buyers, and occasionally copra and cocoa buyers, charter boats to collect their cargo as required. 193. There are four airstrips and six wharves in the province, the majority of these are located on San Cristobal (two airports and five wharves). Some villages have smaller wharves or boat landings, some of which have been built by logging companies, and most of which are in a poor state of repair (see Plate 11 and Plate 12). Four wharves are located along the subproject road; Kirakira wharf is common to both sections, Kaonasughu Wharf and Manitawaniuhi Wharf are located on the Wainuri section and Maevo Wharf is located on the Warihito section. 194. There are approximately 11,000 vehicles in Solomon Islands, of which 90 per cent are on Guadalcanal (three-quarters in Honiara), eight per cent in Malaita, one per cent in Western Province, and the remainder spread throughout the other provinces (ADB, 2006b). Outside of Honiara traffic volumes are very low and the main form of transport is by small boat. 195. In the subproject area, there are only a few vehicles outside of Kirakira, and largely these are logging trucks. In Kirakira the vehicle fleet is largely owned by provincial government (Departments of works, forestry and health) and around five privately owned vehicles, the RAMSI office also has a 4-wheel drive. Based on the data from the social and poverty surveys undertaken in the first phase of the project, general ownership of transport mode can be derived from the sample of 13 villages along the subproject road. Nearly all land transport is bicycle (94 per cent) with two per cent being 4-wheel drive and three per cent truck, in terms of sea transport, most (96 per cent) is undertaken by paddle canoe, and four per cent by fibreglass canoe with a very small proportion including aluminium boat.
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Plate 11: End View of Wharf at Manitawaniuhi Village
Plate 12: Side View of Wharf at Manitawaniuhi Village
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(b) Water & Electricity Supply
196. According to the 1999 Census less than two-thirds of the population (60 per cent) had access to water supplied by the Solomon Islands Water Authority (SIWA) in urban areas or the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project in rural areas. About 69 per cent of the rural population has access to “clean” water in the form of gravity feed or rain water tanks. There is no form of water treatment in rural areas. On small islands the main source of water is wells or rain water tank. 197. In Makira 28 per cent of households have electricity (mostly located in Kirakira town); the main source of energy for cooking is an open fire (88 per cent) followed by wood stove (11 per cent) and the main source of energy for lighting is kerosene or spirit lamp (92 per cent) with a small proportion of households (two per cent) using electricity for lighting. Kirakira has 24-hour electricity provided by two generators, the switch over time between the two generators is 6am and 6pm. Middle Island logging camp at Manitawaniuhi Village provides electricity to three houses (occupied by management) and the worker’s quarters constructed by the wharf, no other houses or community facilities in this village have electricity. The logging camp at Hagaehu Village also provides electricity to the worker’s quarters. 198. Just over half (55 per cent) of households have a piped water supply, including water piped into the yard (27 per cent), neighbourhood (eight per cent) or outside the neighbourhood (20 per cent) while 26 per cent of households use water from river, stream or lake as their main source of drinking and cooking water. 199. Two-thirds of households on Makira use a closet over sea or water as their toilet followed by 28 per cent that use an “open” toilet (sea, forest or river). Five per cent of households have a pit latrine and three per cent have a flush toilet.
(c) Agriculture Support
200. The Department of Agriculture & Livestock (DAL) has 11 staff in the province; three are based at Kirakira, while the rest are stationed around the province. There is no support provided by government for DAL staff in the province, except for payment of their salaries. Currently staff are only involved in donor-funded activities, such as the Republic of China funded rice and vegetable program, EU Micro Project-funded agriculture projects and, recently, CPRF copra and cocoa dryers. Extension officers provide technical assistance to rice growers and monitor EU Micro Projects. 201. The buildings and grounds of the Agricultural Training Centre at Hauratarata are being maintained by the agriculture staff stationed there. Fruit and nut trees have not been maintained. No training has been conducted for some years, but the site remains a potentially valuable provincial resource centre. The Makira Provincial Assembly plans to develop this centre into a research and development centre. 202. There are four Rural Training Centers (RTCs) in the province and all are run by churches. These include St Stevens Pamua (COM), Nawote (South Seas Evangelical Church), Styvenburg at Nana (Catholic) and Manivovo (Catholic). Styvenburg is a mixed college with about 80 students. The Manivovo RTC, in the southeast, is for female students only, and there are currently 23 students enrolled in a three-year study program. 203. A number of NGOs are also operating in Makira, including Kastom Gaden Association (KGA), Save the Children Fund (Youth Outreach Program), World Vision and Makira Community Conservation Foundation in association with Conservation International. KGA is the organisation that is most directly involved with agriculture. KGA is assisting Manivovo RTC with the development and multiplication of a banana germ plasm collection comprising 106 varieties. KGA has also assisted the Aboru community in Arosi in micro-processing local foods.
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(d) Markets
204. There are three formal markets on Makira, all situated along the central part of the north coast. The major market is located at Kirakira; a second is at the national secondary school at Waimapuru, and the third is located at the RTC and secondary school at Pamua. 205. There are approximately 50 vendors at the Kirakira market which operates six days a week (not Sundays). Fishermen sell skipjack tuna, and occasionally reef fish, on most afternoons during the week. Chickens and pigs were reported to be sold irregularly. Waimapuru and Pamua markets operate on a weekly basis and rely on sales of produce to teachers and students at the Waimapuru and Pamua schools. 206. The primary products sold at the Kirakira market, in decreasing order of volume, were sweet potato (several varieties), cooked and ripe bananas (several varieties), bread (as buns), snake beans, shallots, ngali nuts and cut-nuts, tomatoes, aubergine and melons.
(e) Community Services and Facilities
207. Banking facilities are available at Kirakira through the National Bank of Solomon Islands (NBSI) operated by the Hanuato’o Diocese. There were previously a large number of small credit unions in Makira, but only one is currently operational. The Nurses Credit Union provides small loans to members for school fees and other urgent requirements. Several government and NGO offices in Kirakira have telephones and email, although no services are available to the public. Solomon Telekom has installed public phones in certain areas around Kirakira, and provides a fax service for the public at its office complex. A large number of two-way high-frequency radios operate at schools, churches and missions, RTCs and agriculture extension locations across the province. 208. The services and facilities available in the villages along the subproject road are shown in Table 8 and Table 9.
Table 8: Availability of Services along Subproject Road; Wainuri – Kirakira Section Source: SIRIP IEE consultation meetings (August 2007) Services Village a niuhi Pamua Kokana Wainuri Borodao Manihuki Nukukaisi Mwanitawa Kakaora’an Waimapuru Manibena &
Primary School 1 1 1 1 1 1 Secondary School 1 1 1 Health Centre 1 1 1 General shop 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Police Post Post office 1 Petrol depot 1 1 Market 1 1 1 1 Wharf HF Radio 1 1 1 1 1 1 Copra buyers 1 1 1 1 1 Cocoa buyers 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Timber buyer 1 Marine products 1 1 buyer
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Table 9: Availability of Services along Subproject Road; Kirakira – Warihito Section Source: SIRIP IEE consultation meetings (August 2007) Services Village Nawote Mwaniwiriwiri Arohane Tawani Mu’u & Risu Ngorangora Primary School 1 1 1 1 1 Secondary School Health Centre 1 1 General shop Police Post Post office Petrol depot Market 1 Wharf HF Radio 1 Copra buyers 1 Cocoa buyers 1 Timber buyer Marine products buyer
3.3.4 Population and Human Development
(a) Population
209. The population estimate for Solomon Islands reported in the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2005/06 (HIES) is 533,627. The most recent Census was 1999 which reported a population of 409,042 and an annual population growth at 4.4 per cent (over the period 1999-2005), which is among the highest in the world (SIG, 2006a). 210. According to the 1999 Census the population of Makira was 31,006 and had experienced a 2.7 per cent annual growth rate between 1986 and 1999. The HIES estimates the population as 50,026 and experiencing an eight per cent annual growth rate between 1999 and 2005. The population of Makira accounts for nine per cent of the country’s population. The number of households is estimated as 7,524, average household size is 6.7. 211. The average population density for the province is 10 people/km2, lower than the national average of 15/km2. Exceptions are the small islands of Santa Ana and Santa Catalina, where land area is under considerable pressure. Population density is generally highest in readily accessible locations where services are well provided. For example, density in the Central Bauro Ward, which includes the provincial capital of Kirakira, is 64/km2, whereas population density at Star Harbour South in the remote south-east is 0.2 people/km2. 212. The northern coast of San Cristobal, which includes provincial headquarters of Kirakira, has almost twice the population of the south coast. Approximately 28 per cent of the population live in Arosi ward (north-western end of subproject area). 213. The population of villages, excluding Kirakira, along the subproject road is provided in Table 10. This information is based on estimates of numbers of households and population provided during the meetings held for the IEE investigations.
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Table 10: Population in Villages along Subproject Road Source: SIRIP IEE consultation meetings (August 2007) Village Total No. Population1 No. Average Households Clan/Lines Household size Wainuri 34 240 5 7.1 Borodao 74 511 3 6.9 Mwanitawaniuhi 50 315 1 6.3 Kakaona 38 220 2 5.8 Nukukuaisi2 114 1000 4 8.8 Makirima2 46 300 4 6.5 Kakaorana 62 500 2 8.1 Kokana3 33 227 7 6.9 Pamua4 na 700 2 NA Waimapuru4 na 800 3 NA Mwanibena 36 200 2 5.6 Mu'u 20 140 2 7.0 Tawani 41 200 2 4.9 Arohane 50 350 2 7.0 Nawote5 137 850 2 6.2 Mwaniwiriwiri 60 500 2 8.3 Total 795 7,053 45 8.9 Notes: 1 Estimated during IEE meetings 2 Tikopian settlements 3 Reef Islands settlement 4 Secondary school villages, pop is mostly students and teacher's families 5 Including Maerognosia, Namagohigho, Goqe, Manasughu, Sughuasi and Warahinou 214. The population of the subproject road, including Kirakira, is estimated to be 13,817, based on the 1999 Census adjusted for population increase (SIRIP, 2007b). 215. The population of Makira/Ulawa Province is predominantly Melanesian, with a small population of Polynesians (two per cent of the population) that migrated from overpopulated Tikopia to West Bauro in the early 1970s. The ingress of people from other provinces is common along the north coast, and has occurred through intermarriage. Four languages are spoken on Makira. 216. The Christian faith is followed by most people in the province, with the Church of Melanesia (48 per cent), the South Seas Evangelical Church (a quarter) and the Roman Catholic Church (21 per cent) being the dominant churches. The Seventh Day Adventist Church is followed by several villages in the Arosi area. The churches provide significant services to their communities in the form of schools, RTCs, trade stores, two-way radio communications and other facilities. In some cases, the churches become regional centres of marketing.
(b) Human Development
217. Life expectancy in the Solomon Islands is 61 years for males and 62 years for females. The infant mortality rate is 66 per 1,000 live births and the maternal mortality ratio is 2.1 per 1,000 live births. Low birth weights affect 13 per cent of babies and 11 per cent of children under five years are considered to be under-weight. These and other factors give Solomon Islands a Human Development Index score of 0.371 and rank the country 13th out of the 15 Pacific Island countries ranked by UNDP. 218. The literacy rate in Makira is 81 per cent. Educational achievement does not vary as markedly according to gender as it does in other provinces, as shown in Table 11. Slightly more females (6 per cent) compared with males (4 per cent) have no education, and very similar proportions have graduated from secondary school or attained a certificate, diploma or degree.
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Table 11: Education Levels by Gender on Makira Source: HIES 2005/06 - Provincial Report Gender Education Level (%) None Primary Form 1-4 Form 5-7 Cert/Diploma Not stated or Degree Male 3.5 26.5 15.8 3.8 2.6 0.8 Female 6.1 26.0 10.4 2.3 1.6 0.6 219. According to Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2005/06, on Makira, some 73 per cent of households live in thatched or traditional “leaf” houses while the remainder live in houses constructed of timber (11 per cent), concrete/timber (two per cent) or other materials (11 per cent).
3.3.5 Income and Expenditure
(a) Income
220. Based on the results of the HIES 2005/06 the major source of income in Solomon Islands is derived from home production (37 per cent) followed by income from salary and wages (26 per cent) (SIG, 2006a). However these figures obscure marked differences between rural and urban households as shown in Table 12.
Table 12: Proportion of Income by Sources Source: (SIG, 2006a) Income Source Total Households Urban Households Rural Households (%) (%) (%) Salary and wages 25.9 48.3 12.8 Self 7.8 5.5 9.1 employment/business Home production 36.9 4.8 55.9 Benefits, welfare 8.8 10.3 7.9 Rent 5.5 12.4 1.5 221. Households can receive one or more incomes from small commercial activities, for urban households this includes self employment or small business activity (24 per cent) and production of root crops (19 per cent) and for rural households this includes production of root crops (27 per cent) and production of other vegetables and fruits (22 per cent). 222. Urban households receive higher annual incomes than rural households (SIG, 2006b). 223. In terms of income sources on Makira, 15 per cent of income is received from wages and salary, 56 per cent from home production, and 7 per cent from self-employment or small business activity. Home production and small business activity is very important to households; producing root crops (24 per cent), producing other vegetables and fruits (20 per cent), sale of fish or other seafood (13 per cent), sale of handicraft or shell products (6 per cent) while other small business accounts for 22 per cent of households.
(b) Expenditure
224. The HIES shows that average annual household expenditure is SBD $30,069 and expenditure by rural households (SBD $23,366) is less than half that of urban households (SBD $69,935). Food accounts for 54 per cent of annual expenditure, housing accounts for 16 per cent, and transport accounts for seven per cent (SIG, 2006a). 225. Some 55 per cent of households report expenditure between a quarter and one and a half times that of their corresponding income. 226. In Makira, average annual household expenditure is SBD $18,965, while half of all households have an annual expenditure of SBD $15,130.
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227. The distribution of total annual expenditure shows that the ten per cent of population with the lowest expenditure spend SBD$3.48 million per year while the ten per cent of the population with the highest expenditure spend SBD$45.9 million per year. Food accounts for 61 per cent of annual expenditure, housing accounts for 14 per cent, and transport accounts for 4 per cent (SIG, 2006b).
3.3.6 Livelihoods and Household Production
(a) Livelihoods
228. According to the Agriculture Smallholder Study (AusAID, 2006b), there are three major livelihood strategies adopted in Makira based on (i) sweet potato and bananas, (ii) remittance income and fish, and (iii) cash from wages. 229. The livelihood strategy for the predominant rural population of Makira is based on subsistence production of sweet potato and banana. Banana production reduces the risk of food shortages in very wet years when sweet potato crops fail. Crops such as slippery cabbage, shallots, peanuts, tomatoes and leafy vegetables are also grown for home consumption. Surplus foods are sold for cash at local markets. Copra production is the most widespread source of these, whereas other sources are situation specific. These include the sale of cocoa, chickens, pigs, micro-processed foods, sawn timber, ngali nut oil, coconut oil, betel nut, fish, bêche-de mer and trochus shell. 230. The second livelihood strategy is based primarily on remittances from family members working in Honiara, for the purchase of rice and other foods from trade stores. Rice is supplemented with locally caught fish and subsistence vegetables. Additional activities to augment remittance money are similar to those listed above for the sweet potato and banana livelihood group. 231. A third livelihood strategy is that of the wage-earning households based around the provincial capital and substations. These households buy root crops, fish, meats and other items from their local markets, and rice, tinned fish, biscuits and luxury foods from trade stores. Commonly, some production of root crops, bananas, vegetable and tree crops is undertaken in the home garden, or in land close to the town.
(b) Subsistence Production
232. Subsistence agriculture is the main livelihood for most of rural households in Solomon Islands. These rural households make up 85 per cent of the population. Complete subsistence, i.e. total self-reliance at household level, is rare and possibly may not occur at all, semi-subsistence is the norm and is probably a more accurate definition. Subsistence in the context of Solomon Islands includes consumption by the producers themselves (almost all are family based), as well as sharing, exchanging and selling food in the local area. 233. Subsistence food production involves cultivating, harvesting and managing foods from different environments, the most important being shifting cultivation gardens. In the subsistence food production system, food comes from gardens cultivated under shifting cultivation, as well as forest (primary forest), fallows (secondary forest), mangroves, reef, deep sea, rivers, plantations, nut groves, swamps, and agro-forests (planted tree crops of mixed usage, including food and timber) around the village and in the bush. 234. Both fisheries and agriculture have high importance as livelihoods and components of the subsistence base. Solomon Islanders consume in the order of 22 kg of fish and 12 kg of shellfish per year. There are few full-time fishers, most people who fish are also involved with agriculture. Overall about 80 per cent of the population is engaged in subsistence farming and fishing. In Makira three-quarters of households are engaged in subsistence fishing (83 per cent fish and 58 per cent shellfish) (UNDP et al., 2002).
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235. According to the 1999 Census nearly all households (96 per cent) produced sweet potato and banana/plantain, respectively, for home consumption. Minor staple food crops are cassava (Manihot esculenta), pana (Dioscorea esculenta) yam (D. alata), kongkong taro (Xanthosoma), swamp taro (Cyrtosperma chamissonis) and giant taro (Alocasia). Other important food sources are coconuts, fish, and other marine foods. The main green vegetable grown is slippery cabbage (Abelmoschus manihot), but it is being severely attacked by insect pests. Other leafy vegetables such as giant ferns, kasume and amau are harvested from the wild. The most common food-producing trees are ngali nut (Canarium sp), cut-nut (Barringtonia procera), pawpaw, mango, breadfruit and Malay apple when in season. Betel nut and betel pepper are widely grown and consumed, or sold at the domestic market. Imported rice and fl our-based foods are significant in the diets of some villagers. 236. Rice is becoming an important food in many rural households, and smallholder rice growing is being promoted on Makira under the Republic of China (Taiwan) Agriculture Mission. Production is, however, heavily subsidized with external inputs. Assistance to villagers takes the form of direct funds for technical support from agricultural extension staff, equipment, seed, fertiliser, chemicals and milling machinery. Three rice mills are currently operating in Makira. Substantial resources have been directed at rice production for the past six years. It is claimed that there are 30 hectares under rice cultivation, although the actual figure is likely to be much less, as many fields are fallow or producing rotational crops. 237. The Smallholder Agricultural Study ranked the provinces in terms of levels of stress of subsistence production and requirements for assistance to improve rural livelihoods. Makira is classified as an area under low to moderate stress.
3.3.7 Land Use
238. Throughout the nine islands of the province, the population is almost exclusively located on the coastal fringe. Exceptions occur on Makira, where a few isolated villages are established on the leeward side of the central area, where arable land does not exist on the coast. Population is also concentrated on the northern coast of San Cristobal. 239. Across the island settlements are largely small to medium sized villages located along the coastline, the exception being Kirakira which is a small town and the provincial capital. The movement from interior villages to coastal villages increased after World War II, encouraged by British administration and the advent of the Marching Rule, a nativistic cult that spread from Malaita to Makira. Inland villages only remain in the area between Ravo and Maghoha Rivers, along the Warihito River, and a couple of areas along the eastern coast (beyond the subproject area). 240. Land use is quite intensive in the vicinity of Kirakira Township in central Bauro, but is less intensive in other areas. The fallow vegetation is generally low, woody re-growth, with trees and shrubs growing to a maximum height of 4-5 m. Typically, people harvest two crops of sweet potato before land is fallowed. Sweet potato is often intercropped with banana, either on the garden edges or at random throughout the plot. In some cases, banana is planted as the sole crop. Fallow periods range from one year or less in villages around Kirakira to two to four years in Maro’o Bay and Tawaroga. Around Kirakira, and on outlying islands (Santa Ana, Santa Catalina), population growth has resulted in shortening of the fallow period and extension of the cropping period, with consequent declines in soil fertility and crop yield. Reasonable yields of sweet potato and other crops were being maintained in other areas in Makira. 241. Tikopean settlements in Makira are a result of overcrowding on Tikopia and Anuta (Temotu province). These could possibly be future flashpoints for land and resource disputes, because the Tikopean population is growing rapidly. Things are stable at present, because the settlements are within an area of low population density.
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242. In terms of potential land use, the Land Resources Study conducted in 1974 reported that Makira was lacking in significant areas of agricultural potential (Wall and Hansell 1974). The primary barrier to agricultural potential was the steep topography. The study identified approximately 250 km2 as being ‘agricultural opportunity areas’ (AOAs) suitable for agricultural development, which represents only seven per cent of the province’s total land area (shown in Table 13). The AOAs are the in the north-west and south-east of the island, the road can potentially provide improved access to three of these areas (Arosi, Bauro and Wainoni East).
Table 13: Agricultural Opportunity Areas in Makira Source: AusAID Agricultural Smallholder Study after Hansell & Wall 1974 Agricultural Area / Region Area Land Suitability (km2) Arosi (Heuru, Hada, Arosi plateau) 97 Onion, peanut, shallot, cucumber, melon Bauro (Aupere, Wairaha, Waihaoru, Maghone & 73 Vegetable and nut Ravo) Wainoni East (Wau and Warihito) 30 Vegetable and nut Star Harbour, Nanutu, Wairaha, Harigha, 30 Various Matangarighi Ulawa (Haraina plateau) 28 Coconut
3.3.8 Land Ownership 243. Traditional land and resource management in Solomon Islands is community based, some 87 per cent of land is under customary resource tenure and all natural resources i.e. forests, minerals, reefs, and islets belong to customary land owners.12 The remaining land is considered “alienated” and is subject to registration under the Land and Titles Act 1988. The Act covers customary land rights which include land owned, used or occupied by a person or community in accordance with current customary usage. 244. Access to land and resources is bound in social relationships and expressed as “rights” to exploit resources. Small kin-ship based groups living in villages manage their own resources and exercise the right to exploit them. The clan or kin group, known as a ‘line’, is made up of “primary right holders” - the leaders of the clan or group - who collectively have the authority to allocate use rights through the spokesman of the line. The rest of the line holds “secondary” rights. Such rights may be inherited or gained through marriage to a primary rights holder. 245. Transfer of rights differs with custom from island to island, some islands (Guadalcanal, Central and Western provinces) typically practice matrilineal inheritance and the remaining provinces practice patrilineal inheritance.13
3.3.9 Cultural Property Resources
246. Special, sacred or restricted sites, or “tambu” areas, including elements of the landscape as well as monuments, represent the history, lineage and society of different clans and lines and have local cultural as well as regional historical significance. It is known that bush and forest areas are important for traditional resources (including medicines). 247. The National Solomon Islands Museum keeps a National Tambu Site Register which records several thousand sites. Some provinces also maintain tambu site registers but a lack of funding means that the recording and registration is not systematic.
12 Exemptions being the lands of the federal capital area (Honiara) and provincial headquarters. 13 A small area on Guadalcanal, Marau, practices patrilineal inheritance due to influence of customs of Malaita through Malaitans which have relocated to Guadalcanal. TA 48-SOL IEE Wainuri-Kirakira & Kirakira-Warihito June 2008 Page 51
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248. Archeologically sensitive areas include behind beaches, headlands, low ridges, rock shelters and caves, saddles in hilly areas or along traditional walking routes (UNDP et al., 2002). 249. The Protection of Wrecks and War Relics Act (1980) provides for protection of cultural heritage associated with the war; prohibits tampering, damaging or removing any part of wreck or war relic unless granted a license. 250. During the PRA and consultation meetings held for the IEE, none of the villages along the two sections of road noted they had tambu sites in the vicinity of the subproject road or potential gravel extraction sites. One chief, John Ruanamae, indicated the presence of a tambu site in an area controlled by him, this site is located on a hill to the south-east of the eastern approach to the proposed bridge and is outside of the subproject area.
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4. Environmental Impacts & Mitigation
4.1 Impacts of Road Rehabilitation Activities
251. Each environmental factor which could be affected by implementation of the project has been addressed, and the scope and importance of each potential environmental impact assessed. The following definitions of significance of impact have been used in the environmental impact screening (ADB, 1997). • No impact - a potential impact is assessed as having no impact if the project activity is physically removed in space or time from the environmental component, or if the impact is so small as to be un-measurable (i.e. negligible). No mitigation measures are required for project activities that will create ‘no impact’; • Minor impact (positive or negative): For environmental resources: the project affects a specific group of localized individuals (plants and animals) within a population or a habitat over a short time period (one generation or less), but does not ultimately affect other trophic levels or the population itself; or For social values: activities of resource users or local communities in the project area are not affected measurably beyond a minor disturbance of resource use or local activities, from which recovery is relatively quick; • Moderate impact (positive or negative): For natural resources: The project affects a portion of a population or habitat and may bring about a change in abundance and/or distribution over one or more generations, but does not threaten the integrity of that population, or any population dependent upon it; or For social values: a short-term effect upon the social and economic well being of resource users or local communities using the project area may also constitute a moderate impact, but from which recovery is expected within 3-6 months. • Major impact (positive or negative): For natural resources - the project affects an entire population or species in sufficient magnitude to cause a decline in abundance and/or change in distribution beyond which natural recruitment (reproduction, immigration from unaffected areas) would not return that population or species, or any other populations or species dependent upon it, to its former level within several generations; or for social values - the project affects a subsistence or commercial resource use, business activity, or social behavior to the degree that the well being of the user or local community is affected over the long term. Determining the scale of impact depends on (i) spatial scale of the impact (site, local, regional, or national / international); (ii) time horizon of the impact (short, medium, or long term); (iii) magnitude of the change in the environmental component brought about by the project activities (small, moderate, large); (iv) importance to local human populations; (v) compliance with international, national, provincial, or district environmental protection laws, standards, and regulations; and (vi) compliance with guidelines, policies, and regulations. Where potential major negative impacts are identified, mitigation measures are developed to reduce them to acceptable levels. Where this is not possible, major negative impacts can act as a trigger for further detailed environmental impact assessment; and • Unknown impact - the potential impact of the project will be assessed as being unknown if the magnitude of the effect can not be predicted for any of the following reasons; (i) the nature and location of the project activity is uncertain; (ii) the occurrence of the environmental component within the study area is uncertain; (iii) the time scale of the effect is unknown; or (iv) the spatial scale over which the effect may occur is unknown. Where possible mitigation measures are identified for impacts categorized as ‘unknown impacts’.
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252. Mitigation measures have been developed according to the following hierarchy: i. The first priority is to make changes to the subproject design or location during the pre-construction phase to avoid the potential impact; ii. The second priority is to make changes to the subproject design or location, or to implement other measures to minimize the scale or magnitude of the impact, or confine it to less sensitive areas; iii. The third priority is to implement measures to mitigate any residual impacts to an acceptable level of impact; and iv. The fourth and final priority is to compensate any residual impacts through ‘in kind’ compensation or monetary compensation. 253. There are several types of impacts to be considered. Direct impacts are caused by a project activity, and occur at the same time and place and can be created during both project construction and operation. Direct impacts will occur in this project because the work will include new sections of road and bridges to be built outside the existing right-of- way defined by the existing road. Indirect impacts, which may include growth-inducing impacts, are caused by a project activity, or the overall project, and while they are later in time or farther removed in distance, they are still reasonably foreseeable. 254. Short-term impacts, like the noise and fumes associated with heavy equipment occur during road construction and are usually without long-lasting effects. Long-term impacts, on the other hand, could affect regional land use and development patterns and even mobility and migration. The project, however, is limited to relatively small-scale bridge and access road construction and the majority to rehabilitation works and maintenance of an existing road. In some cases past logging roads will be reclaimed and in all cases bridges designed to be as transparent as possible to river processes. There is little scope for long-term environmental impacts arising from these developments in the subproject area. 255. Impacts created during construction activities are dependent on a number of factors including the temporary use of land and its rehabilitation post-construction, ‘best practices’ being employed during construction activities, coordination and cooperation with local authorities in terms of impact management, and strict enforcement of environmental conditions included in project bid documents and specifications and adherence to a comprehensive EMP. 256. The environmental screening (Table 14) for the project identifies the range of potential environmental impacts that could occur from the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance activities proposed. Where the environmental impact is deemed to be major (or significant) mitigation measures are provided, generally to be incorporated into the project design documents. 257. A summary of the environmental impacts has been included as Table 14. The summary is based upon the Checklist of Environmental Parameters for Highway and Road Projects in (ADB, 1993). In the table the following abbreviations have been used in the cost column; IIC = Included in Contract (and specific means for mitigation to be identified and costed by Contractor) and TBA = To be advised.
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Table 14: Summary of Environmental Impacts Project activities Damage to the Recommended feasible IEE: Potential Effects if Unmitigated Responsibility Cost (US$) Supplemental affecting env. environment protection/mitigation measures No sig. Significant Effect Information resources and effect Minor Medium Major values (D1) (D2) (D3) (D4) PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE IMPACTS Surveying and • Some minor loss of • Minimize vegetation removal to 9 Contractor IIC demarcation of vegetation during immediate corridor of works centre-line demarcation of bridge approaches Site clearance, • Accidental discovery • Cease activity immediately; 9 Contractor; IIC Actual significance of digging, of archaeological assets, • Inform National Museum National Museum effect unknown excavations sites or resources (Tambu Register), Ministry of (Tambu Register) Culture and ECD and ECD • Undertake all actions required by above Mobilisation of • Social disruption • Implementation of awareness 9 Contractor & 2,400 Detailed in IPSA Contractor, • Spread of STIs and and prevention program – MOH/NGOs presence of HIV/AIDS contractor MID/MOH & 7,400 construction • Implementation of HIV/AIDS NGOs workers, awareness and prevention program associations with – community (villages) local people Restrictions on • Loss of land (9.9 ha) • Agreement to voluntary 9 MID No cost to MOUs for three bridge land use, land and • Removal of trees contribution by the community of project sites have already been resource • Relocation of 3 houses land and resources; obtained (signed by all acquisition for • Memorandum of Understanding parties with interest in bridge approaches (MOU) signed between parties; the land) • Project to relocate houses and provide in-kind contributions for trees etc CONSTRUCTION PHASE IMPACTS Operation of • Emission of exhaust • Maintain const. equipment 9 Contractor IIC Overall, environmental construction plant from vehicles and • Prohibition of use of equipment improvement expected and vehicles machinery that causes excessive pollution through reduction of generating • Dust from aggregate (e.g. generates smoke) dust emissions as a emissions crushing plant; generated • Vehicles transporting dust- result of proper by heavy vehicles producing material not overloaded, compaction and transporting materials on provided with tail-boards and side- gravelling of the road roads; uncovered loads on boards, and adequately covered surface trucks • Material stockpiles located in • Dust from exposed sheltered areas and to be covered stockpiles • Damping down of the road during the dry season
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Project activities Damage to the Recommended feasible IEE: Potential Effects if Unmitigated Responsibility Cost (US$) Supplemental affecting env. environment protection/mitigation measures No sig. Significant Effect Information resources and effect Minor Medium Major values (D1) (D2) (D3) (D4) Site clearance, • Accidental discovery • Cease activity immediately; 9 Contractor; IIC Actual significance of digging, of archaeological assets, • Inform National Museum National Museum effect unknown excavations sites or resources (Tambu Register), Ministry of (Tambu Register) Culture and ECD and ECD • Undertake all actions required by above Operation of • Noise in community • Construction vehicle exhaust 9 Contractor IIC Construction noise will construction plant • Impacts on systems and noisy equipment will be temporary and equipment construction workers be maintained to minimise noise creating noise • Contractor will develop a schedule of operations with village chiefs and PMCBU to identify days of no work and hours for certain activities • Limit noisy construction activities to day time hours, i.e. construction activities prohibited between 9pm and 6am • Agree works schedule with village leaders • Provide workers with noise abatement equipment (ear-muffs etc) • Complaints will be addressed by Contractor Potential for • Impacts on rainfall, • Good design to ensure flooding 9 Contractor IIC contribution to groundwater depletion, or effects and erosion not locally climate change carbon emissions not increased expected • The subproject will not affect risk of, or induce, climate change Works in, or • Effects on river • Construction works in areas of 9 Contractor IIC Measures clearly spelt adjacent to, rivers structure including (i) rivers, especially riverbanks, out in EMP. and streams and in changes to river water streams and the coast to be Compacting, gravelling, the vicinity of the flows, including levels and undertaken with extreme care drainage and other coast velocity; (ii) changes to • Use of silt control devices and improvements to the channel depth, structure & sediment traps/fences during roads will reduce silt location resulting from bridge works and extraction laden run-off. excavations, embedding activities. These to be cleaned and Bridges are expected to new structures; and (iii) dewatered reduce disturbance to changes to riverbanks • Good design to ensure river river ecosystems as caused by destabilising as flows are affected as little as vehicles will no longer a result of equipment and possible during construction drive through the traffic and construction of • Temporary structures to riverbed where they
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Project activities Damage to the Recommended feasible IEE: Potential Effects if Unmitigated Responsibility Cost (US$) Supplemental affecting env. environment protection/mitigation measures No sig. Significant Effect Information resources and effect Minor Medium Major values (D1) (D2) (D3) (D4) approaches to crossings minimize impacts on river flows resuspend sediments • Damage to floodplain • Temporary structures removed areas within meandering on completion of works and river systems affecting riverbed restored flood cycles, temporary • Side slopes of embankments flood storage, release of designed to reflect soil strength flood waters and loss of • River training and scour soil fertility through loss of protection as needed flood silt • Minimise size and duration of • Increased turbidity of cleared areas and undertake river waters due to gravel progressive re-vegetation of extraction and bridge cleared/work areas construction • Avoid clearing activities during • Increased siltation at rainy season where possible culverts and bridges • Incremental bank protection • Construction materials including structures and replanting are washed out into rivers to improve stability and other areas • Normal flood behaviours • Erosion and maintained as closely as possible sedimentation through careful use of temporary • Reduction in river and structures and stockpiles coastal water quality • Natural water flows in streams and rivers will not be interfered with • Use of heavy machinery in aquatic environments minimised • Good design used in all construction activities to minimise need for changes to natural gradients • Stones and rocks kept on hand and used in event of bank or channel erosion • Gabion baskets or rock rip-rap to be used for embankments, around bridge abutments and for coastal protection/stabilization • No discharges to rivers, surface waters, intertidal or coastal areas • No dumping of spoil in streams, rivers or coastal area • Spoils and stockpiles will not be located near the coast, on slopes or within 15m of rivers • Placement of diversion ditches around stockpiles
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Project activities Damage to the Recommended feasible IEE: Potential Effects if Unmitigated Responsibility Cost (US$) Supplemental affecting env. environment protection/mitigation measures No sig. Significant Effect Information resources and effect Minor Medium Major values (D1) (D2) (D3) (D4) • Abstraction from, or pollution of, water resources and coastal waters not permitted • Debris, spent fuel or oil, waste material not to be dumped along the coast or in or near streams or rivers • All waste materials (such as above) and chemicals will be stored in secure containers away from the coast, surface waters or rivers Aggregate • Removal of beach • Existing quarries will be used 9 MID, Contractor, IIC Extraction plans to be extraction gravels removes shoreline wherever possible and appropriate PMCBU prepared by contractors protection, changes littoral • Extraction of beach gravels not in compliance with drift & accelerates erosion permitted under project guidelines Project’s aggregate • Extraction of river • Extraction from ecologically extraction guidelines gravels from the beds or sensitive areas (inter-tidal, swamp, active channels of rivers or mangrove areas) or productive changes hydrology land is not permitted altering channel & erosion • Sites to be identified in • Extraction from consultation with MID, land owners quarries or borrow pits and communities leaves unusable land, • Alternative / upstream water exposed water table, sources must be arranged for rivers attracts rubbish dumping, currently used by communities for reduces visual values water supply • Sources from rivers and borrow pits to be identified during detailed design • Preparation and implementation of extraction plan (with limits to volumes extracted from any one source) in accordance with guidelines • Extraction from rivers will be identified by consultation with MID, Chiefs and communities and according to approved extraction plan • Approved machinery only to be used (dredges not permitted) • Materials not extracted from river bends or other sensitive areas • Permits obtained from ECD
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Project activities Damage to the Recommended feasible IEE: Potential Effects if Unmitigated Responsibility Cost (US$) Supplemental affecting env. environment protection/mitigation measures No sig. Significant Effect Information resources and effect Minor Medium Major values (D1) (D2) (D3) (D4) • All extractions sites to be rehabilitated after use • Topsoil is preserved and replaced during rehabilitation Clearing, grubbing, • Soil erosion & silt • Road will not be sealed with 9 Contractor IIC Compacting, terracing, cut and fill generation asphalt; will be gravel providing drainage and activities, • Increased runoff / • Stockpiles on un-used or non revegetation will reduce construction of erosion agricultural land soil erosion and embankments • Sediment • Gabions or riprap used to sedimentation. These contamination of rivers stablise shorelines, embankments are expected to result • Turbidity in near-shore and bridge abutments in long-term positive and reef environments • Erosion monitored and rapid effects. downstream stablilisation done as required for Replacing damaged • Gravel extraction from unexpected events culverts and drainage rivers leads to erosion • Slope areas revegetated as will reduce localised • Stockpile and staging quickly as possible flooding along roads. areas lead to loss of land • Uncontrolled tipping of soils or uses any other materials not permitted • Erosion on slopes, • Culverts to comply with deign embankments standards and to be installed and/or restored quickly Run-off, • Increased siltation at • Use of silt-control devices 9 Contractor IIC Longer term discharges, culverts and bridges • No discharges to rivers, surface environmental benefits generation of liquid • Construction materials waters, intertidal or coastal areas. are expected through wastes washed out into rivers or • Discharges to settling ponds or rehabilitation of earth coast discharge areas determined in sections of road • Coral reefs are consultation with land owners and affected by increased communities turbidity and • Natural water flows in streams sedimentation (from and rivers will not be interfered with rivers) • Abstraction from, and pollution • Soil contamination of, water resources not permitted from fuels, chemicals • Diversion ditches to be placed around stockpiles • No liquid wastes to be dumped in waterways or on coasts • Construction works in areas of rivers, especially riverbanks will be undertaken with extreme care. • Use of heavy machinery in aquatic environments minimised • Discharge zones for culverts and drains to be identified and protected • After completion of works all TA 48-SOL IEE Wainuri-Kirakira & Kirakira-Warihito June 2008 Page 59
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Project activities Damage to the Recommended feasible IEE: Potential Effects if Unmitigated Responsibility Cost (US$) Supplemental affecting env. environment protection/mitigation measures No sig. Significant Effect Information resources and effect Minor Medium Major values (D1) (D2) (D3) (D4) areas, especially streams to be restored to original condition as quickly as possible • Spoils and stockpiles will not be located near the coast, on slopes or within 15m rivers Accidental spills of • Oil and other • Detailed Emergency Response 9 Contractor, IIC hazardous hazardous chemicals are Plan (as part of EMP) prepared by PMCBU (to substances and spilled into the Contractor to cover hazardous approve plan) need for environment resulting in materials/oil storage, spills and emergency pollution accidents response • Hydrocarbon leakage / • Chemicals will be stored in spills from construction secure containers away from the camps / workshops coast, surface waters or rivers • Accidents placing • Chemicals stored in area or people at risk compound with concrete floor and weatherproof roof • Spills will be cleaned up as per emergency response plan • Ensure all construction vehicles and plant are well maintained • Accidents reported to police and MID within 24 hours Encroachment into • Impacts on fisheries • There are no significant 9 Contractor IIC Vegetation within precious ecology, • Direct impacts on coral fisheries within, or likely to be subproject area disturbance of reefs, mangroves & affected by, the subproject consists of gardens, marine and intertidal areas • Mangroves not to be felled, plantations and areas terrestrial habitats • Runoff and rivers carry removed or damaged of secondary forest, turbid waters to coral reefs • Vegetation clearance to be kept none are sensitive or offshore to minimum, avoid felling of road- have conservation • Terrestrial habitats side trees wherever possible significance become more fragmented • Contractor responsible for There are no primary • Loss of primary forests information and sanctions forests in subproject • Endemic, rare or regarding harm to wildlife and area. endangered species felling of trees (not requiring to be Rivers in the area affected cleared) already export large • Workers poach • Camp, equipment and amounts of materials animals stockpiles not to be located in offshore during floods – corals are to some • Low level crossings ecologically important or sensitive extent adapted to this may interfere with areas regime and unlikely to migration patterns of • Water depth to be maintained be significantly affected freshwater species at crossings and culverts to allow No significant new • Protected areas migrating species to move up and sections are to be built, affected down rivers • Progressive re-vegetation to be so no additional fragmentation expected TA 48-SOL IEE Wainuri-Kirakira & Kirakira-Warihito June 2008 Page 60
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Project activities Damage to the Recommended feasible IEE: Potential Effects if Unmitigated Responsibility Cost (US$) Supplemental affecting env. environment protection/mitigation measures No sig. Significant Effect Information resources and effect Minor Medium Major values (D1) (D2) (D3) (D4) carried out in all areas disturbed by the project with fast-growing, native species • Contractor to supply sufficient cooking fuel to avoid use of local timber or felling of trees Encroachment into • Effects on cultural • No tambu areas are located 9 Contractor; IIC Only 1 tambu area historical / cultural values within the subproject area or close National Museum identified (Maepua). sites • Tambu areas will be enough to be influenced by it. (Tambu Register) This was well outside affected by the subproject and ECD the area to be impacted by the project. Presence of • Traffic and access • Traffic management plan to be 9 Contractor, IIC Traffic management vehicles and disrupted during prepared by Contractor Villages (through plan to be prepared by equipment in construction • Notify villages in advance of CDS) Contractor as villages, use of • Traffic safety affected schedule and duration of works requirement of EMP. people’s land for • Consultations and care taken to Community awareness access to minimise disruptions to access to be facilitated by construction site, • Install temporary access to PMCBU and MID’s traffic and safety affected properties where required Community issues • Disposal sites and haulage Development routes identified in consultation Specialist, all • Signage used in vicinity of community awareness works to follow protocols in • Access through people’s land Communications Plan will be negotiated with landowners and restored after works completed • Safe access across work sites provided for the public • Community awareness ascertain village concerns regarding traffic management matters (e.g. to determine if they need speed bumps in villages which are close to the road) Construction • Interference with • Consult with Works & Telekom 9 Contractor IIC activities causing existing infrastructure staff to minimize physical impacts accidental damage • Water supplies on public infrastructure and to existing services contaminated or disrupted disruption to services through breaking of • Any water supply pipelines or pipelines or exposing other infrastructure services likely water table during to be affected by the project will be excavation for gravels re-routed and/or reinstated • If water tables are exposed during construction they must be rehabilitated
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Project activities Damage to the Recommended feasible IEE: Potential Effects if Unmitigated Responsibility Cost (US$) Supplemental affecting env. environment protection/mitigation measures No sig. Significant Effect Information resources and effect Minor Medium Major values (D1) (D2) (D3) (D4) Presence of Various social impacts • Village protocols discussed; 9 Contractor, IIC + costs The project is construction including: worker awareness as part of Chiefs, for implementing an HIV workers and • Social disruption mobilization MID/PMCBU; program awareness and construction • Possibility of conflicts • Contractor to ensure workers NGOs (already prevention campaign. camps or antagonism between actions outside camp/site are identified) The subproject can residents and Contractor controlled and village rules, code of contribute to local • Spread of conduct observed poverty reduction communicable diseases • Signage and security at camp through provision of including STIs and i.e. prohibition on unauthorised income generation HIV/AIDS people (esp. children) entering opportunities such as • Children are exposed camp construction to sexual exploitation in • Workers to respect village and employment and camps landowner boundaries provision of goods and • Impacts on general • STIs and HIV/AIDS awareness services to workers. health and safety program through NGO/Oxfam for construction force and villages • A communications and complaints plan will be used for liaison and correction among stakeholders • Contractor to recruit Environmental, Health & safety Officer • Contractor to provide health facilities and 1st Aid post in camps and to provide safety equipment for workers • Contractor to provide adequate and safe drinking water in camp • Protection for the public in vicinity of work sites and safe access across work sites provided for the public • Roads to be kept free of materials including rubbish • No damage to property and resources • Contract documents will include provisions for ensuring poor, local and women encouraged to participate in workforce and will receive fair wages. No child labour to be used in construction force
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Project activities Damage to the Recommended feasible IEE: Potential Effects if Unmitigated Responsibility Cost (US$) Supplemental affecting env. environment protection/mitigation measures No sig. Significant Effect Information resources and effect Minor Medium Major values (D1) (D2) (D3) (D4) Waste generated • Contamination of local • Contractor to prepare waste 9 Contractor, IIC Waste management at construction water supplies through management plan (as part of EMP) PMCBU (to plan to be prepared as camps waste • All wastes from work sites and approve plan) part of EMP • Discharges of waste- camps to be disposed of in waters / sewage from approved landfill / areas camps to rivers and • No site-specific landfills at smaller streams camps • No wastes to be dumped in waterways or close to the coast • Contractor ensures wastes not discharged to water bodies or rivers and that all wastes disposed of in proper areas • Adequate drainage and proper handling of sewage and other liquid wastes to prevent pools that could encourage disease vectors • Construction camps will have sanitary latrines • Contractor will provide sufficient training in appropriate waste disposal methods • Waste will be removed from camp (to approved dump site) on a regular basis Construction of • Stress on resources • Site camp and office located, if 9 Contractor IIC camps and offices and existing infrastructure possible, in areas better supplied and use of water with infrastructure and services and electricity • Contractor to supply temporary supplies facilities i.e. health post, accommodation, water and electricity, telecommunications, and sanitation Clearing of land • People lose houses or • Crops or trees to be 9 MID No cost to MOUs have been and removal of other buildings in areas compensated through in-kind project obtained, voluntary crops and trees at that are required for contributions from project/MID contributions agreed by bridge sites and bridge approaches • Structures to be relocated as all parties approaches as part • People lose gardens project in-kind contributions (i.e. of works or cash crops rebuilding/relocation with project assistance) • Works will be carried out as far as possible within existing road areas to minimise losses
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Project activities Damage to the Recommended feasible IEE: Potential Effects if Unmitigated Responsibility Cost (US$) Supplemental affecting env. environment protection/mitigation measures No sig. Significant Effect Information resources and effect Minor Medium Major values (D1) (D2) (D3) (D4) OPERATION PHASE IMPACTS Operation of • Hydrocarbons, Carbon • Forecasts of traffic growth 9 TPPU; routine IIC Dust and particulates vehicles creating Monoxide, Nitrous indicate that emissions will be low maintenance released into the emissions compounds, Sulphur and not have a noticeable effect on contractor atmosphere are likely to Dioxide and particulate air quality decrease as a result of matter increase through • Landscaping along roadside to properly compacting the increased traffic reduce dust impacts road Placement of • Alterations to river flow • Proper maintenance of 9 MID/TPPU; IIC Natural meandering of bridges and • Constriction of water structures to ensure river debris routine streams will be opposed crossings flows through use of fords, does not collect and result in maintenance by the project and cannot bridges, causeways and damage to banks and land contractor be mitigated. River other structures blocking • River training and scour training and scour water flow protection protection will be used to • Restriction of natural • Good design to ensure normal restrict the river to its meandering of streams flood behaviour maintained as present configuration. • Restriction of natural closely as possible through use of flood cycles by filled transparent structures and relief approaches to bridges culverts on bridge approaches. (including temporary storage of floodwaters and their release along floodplains) • Reduced top-dressing of floodplain agricultural areas through restricted flood plain movements Run-off from road • Use of the roads • Maintenance of erosion control 9 TPPU; routine IIC Existing erosion in some results in problems with structures, preventing debris build- maintenance areas is likely to be runoff, loss of soils and up and ensuring good vegetation contractor controlled through use of other forms of erosion cover gabions and riprap. • Water quality in rivers • Roads will be better Water quality may and nearshore areas is compacted, covered and provided improve due to reduced affected by use of the new with culverts and drains erosion, and stabilisation roads • Awareness of the value of of coasts and banks and maintaining vegetation cover will be revegetation undertaken Improved access • Hunting and poaching • Lack of through-route access 9 TPPU; routine IIC to previously increases and low traffic volumes means it is maintenance inaccessible, or unlikely there will be any impacts contractor difficult to reach, on flora and fauna areas • There are no rare or endangered species that could be affected by operation • There are no protected areas in or near the subproject area
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Project activities Damage to the Recommended feasible IEE: Potential Effects if Unmitigated Responsibility Cost (US$) Supplemental affecting env. environment protection/mitigation measures No sig. Significant Effect Information resources and effect Minor Medium Major values (D1) (D2) (D3) (D4) Spread of • Roads act as pathway • At expected traffic volumes risk 9 TPPU; routine IIC Awareness and communicable for spread of of spread of such diseases are not maintenance prevention program diseases communicable diseases expected contractor implemented at start of such as HIV and STIs project will have ongoing benefits during operations phase Increased traffic • Increases in noise • Low traffic forecasts and the 9 MID/TPPU; IIC The island transport nuisance for residents low population density means that Local police network will be improved. • Increased traffic ambient noise levels will not Flow of traffic, goods and volumes and higher significantly increase people will improve speeds leads to accidents • General safety will be improved Access to community through providing a shoulder and services will be improved widening within ROW by provision of river • Installation of road safety crossings signage • Work with police to carry out enforcement of traffic regulations once road is upgraded • Awareness raising through village meetings will be needed to create road safety programs • Ongoing community awareness ascertain village concerns regarding traffic calming & management matters Routine and • The need for gravel for • MID will negotiate with resource 9 TPPU; routine IIC MID has a policy on ongoing on-going road owners and prepare an MOU maintenance negotiation, and royalty maintenance maintenance leads to acceptable to all parties contractor payments for, gravel acquisition of new source • Drain and fill areas where water sources. areas affecting properties can pool as part of ongoing Positive impact with local • Standing water maintenance activities people being engaged in degrades road and maintenance activities surrounding environment
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4.2 Pre-Construction Impacts
258. Pre-construction impacts are limited to the following activities: vegetation removal during surveying and demarcation of bridge approaches; site clearance, digging and excavations; and, restrictions on land use associated with need for land and resources along bridge approaches. 259. It should be noted that while risk of spread of communicable diseases is a pre- construction issues that is associated with the mobilisation of the contractor. This is dealt with in Section 4.5.4 and has also been detailed in the subproject’s IPSA.
4.2.1 Vegetation Removal during Surveying and Demarcation
260. Minor impacts upon terrestrial habitats and flora of the subproject area are expected as a result of the surveying and demarcation of centre-line of the bridge approaches. These areas have already been subject to construction of logging roads and logging operations. The areas have been subject to low traffic volumes and as a result has been colonised by weeds, scrub, ground cover, invasive species, and in some cases planted with garden crops. Surveying and demarcation will cause minor degradation of local ecology through the clearance of small areas of this vegetation. 261. Plant species present within the impact area are either introduced species or ubiquitous native species, which are highly tolerant of disturbances. There is no vegetation that has any conservation significance nor is it representative of the original vegetative cover. There are some gardens, plantations and individual trees, including coconut, cocoa and betel nut on or very close to the road or in the area of new sections required for the bridge approaches that will require removal. 262. Measures to be included in the project to ensure minimization of impacts from vegetation removal include: i. Vegetation clearance during surveying and demarcation activities, especially of trees along the river banks and road-side, will be minimized; ii. Under no circumstances is the contractor permitted to fell or remove mangroves; iii. The contractor will be responsible for providing adequate knowledge to construction workers in relation to existing laws and regulations regarding illegal logging. Contract documents and technical specifications will include clauses expressly prohibiting the felling of trees, not requiring to be cleared by the project, by construction workers for the term of the project; and iv. Construction workers will be informed about general environmental protection and the need to avoid un-necessary felling of trees wherever possible.
4.2.2 Accidental Discovery of Archaeological Resources
263. Any site clearance, digging and excavation activities undertaken during pre- construction can un-earth archaeological sites or resources. In the event this occurs, work shall cease immediately and the authorities (National Museum Tambu Register, Ministry of Culture and ECD) shall be informed. 264. Activities shall not re-commence until the authorities have signed-off that the site/resources have been dealt with appropriately and that work may continue. 265. The Contractor shall be responsible for complying with the requirements of authorities, and the PMCBU shall monitor the same.
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4.2.3 Restrictions on Use of Land
266. Consultation with MID indicated that in some cases, where roads have been “gazetted” or “declared”, non-titled people are using road reserve land within an existing road corridor for growing crops or trees, and that it is standard practice for MID to compensate these land users for their crops and trees (or structures) if they are affected by road rehabilitation works. These people are not entitled to compensation for land. 267. During the screening of candidate roads, resettlement per se was not considered appropriate as an excluding criterion, rather the magnitude of resettlement was used to determine inclusion or exclusion of a candidate road, and any roads requiring “significant” resettlement, as defined in ADB’s policy would be excluded from the project.14 All remaining roads were anticipated to incur only minor resettlement impacts. The subproject will require a short resettlement plan. 268. Appendix 13 of the PAM also includes a specific assurance in respect of land acquisition and resettlement which include: i. The Government will ensure that all project rehabilitation works are undertaken as far as possible within existing rights-of-way; ii. In the event of any unforeseen land acquisition or resettlement needs, the Government will inform ADB and prepare a resettlement plan according to relevant laws and regulations and ADB’s Policy on Involuntary Resettlement (1995) (ADB, 1995; ADB, 1998; ADB, 2003b; ADB, 2003c).15 iii. The PMCBU will ensure that no construction activities begin until ADB has reviewed, and approved such resettlement plan. 269. For rehabilitation of the existing main road, gardens and structures are located well back and the field investigations and consultations undertaken do not indicate any locations where permanent or still used gardens, plantation trees and structures would be impacted by widening the road to 4.5-5 m (to accommodate a single lane and shoulders). There are some locations where single banana or coconut trees are planted close to the existing road, and these may have to be removed during the road works. Consultation indicates that people are willing to cut down trees, with advance notice, as part of community contribution to the project. 270. In the areas proposed to incorporate old logging roads and five short new sections as bridge approaches (at the Magoha and Maepua river crossings) there were identified areas in which structures and crops would be impacted by the project. Depending on the final alignment of the new section of road leading between Manibena and the bridge crossing at the Magoha river two houses are likely to be affected. Along the logging road on the eastern side of the Maepua River there is one house that was situated on the disused road itself. The owner of this house has already been relocated to a new residence, but some of the new buildings remain close to the road alignment. 271. In the proposed works, according to Chief Ben Wasmani, around the Magoha crossing about 10 owners of garden and cash crop resources are likely to be affected by the subproject with some losses of crops. In the Maepua area there is a small amount of registered land in the area of the project with the rest of the area under the stewardship of two chiefs, Charles Tautamai and John Ruanamai.
14 According to ADB’s Policy on Involuntary Resettlement (ADB, 1995), resettlement means all social and economic impacts that are permanent or temporary and are (i) caused by acquisition of land and other fixed assets, (ii) by change in the use of land, or (iii) restrictions imposed on land, as a result of a project. Significant means 200 people or more will experience major impacts, which are defined as; (i) being physically displaced from housing, or (ii) losing ten per cent or more of their productive assets (income generating). 15 (ADB, 2003c) Operations Manual Section F2/OP & F2/BP TA 48-SOL IEE Wainuri-Kirakira & Kirakira-Warihito June 2008 Page 67
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272. Based on a preliminary estimate (adopting a 20 m corridor for the existing logging roads and 30 m corridor for bridge approaches in the floodplain areas) about 10 ha of crops, gardens and barren/unproductive land could be required. In these areas in addition to the land owners (chiefs) around 13 owners of gardens, trees and crops are likely to be affected. Discussions with the chiefs and George Maere from the Kirakira Works Department (March 2008) indicated strong support for the road and a willingness to contribute these losses as the community contribution to the project. 273. The design solution adopted for the improvement through Kirakira town will determine whether land acquisition will be required. Provision for improved drainage could require slightly wider than the 4.5-5 m and would encroach into yard frontages and require the removal and/or moving back of fences and hedges in a number of cases, and if this is to be the proposal adopted, a short resettlement plan would be required. It should be noted that land is not held in customary ownership in the town, but is leased, by individuals, on a yearly basis from the Provincial Administration. 274. The IPSA prepared for the subproject, based on the findings of consultations and wishes of the community, proposed a process of voluntary contribution of land (held in customary ownership) and therefore concludes that ADB’s Policy on Involuntary Resettlement, does not apply. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been negotiated and agreed with all land owning/using parties at the three bridge sites. The IPSA should be consulted for details. 4.3 Construction Impacts on Physical Environment
4.3.1 Impacts on Air Quality and Risk of Climate Change
(a) Air Quality
275. As noted in Section 3.1, the air quality of the subproject area is very high due to lack of industry and a very small vehicle fleet. During the construction phase the rehabilitation works will have a minor and temporary impact on local air quality through emission of exhaust from vehicles and aggregate crushing plant, as well as through dust generation from vehicles transporting materials and from exposed stock-piles of material. 276. There are no air quality or emission standards in Solomon Islands, and as the project is not a ‘green-fields’ development nor is it highly polluting, preparing a baseline for subsequent monitoring is not considered warranted. 277. Overall, the improvement of the road will result in reduction of dust emissions as a result of proper compaction and gravelling of the road surface. 278. There are a number of good engineering practices that can be employed to ensure that any air quality impacts generated during construction are mitigated. These include: i. Construction equipment being maintained to a good standard. The equipment will be checked at regular intervals to ensure they are maintained in working order and the checks will be recorded by the contractor as part of environmental monitoring; ii. Prohibition of the use of equipment and machinery that causes excessive pollution (i.e. visible smoke) at the subproject site; iii. Ensuring that all vehicles transporting potentially dust-producing material are not overloaded, are provided with adequate tail-boards and side-boards, and are adequately covered with a tarpaulin (covering the entire load and secured at the sides and tail of the vehicle) during transportation. This is especially important as there are a number of villages along the road; iv. Material stockpiles being located in sheltered areas and be covered with tarpaulins or other such suitable covering to prevent material becoming airborne;
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v. Damping down of the road, especially in the vicinity of the villages along the road and any roads being used for haulage of materials, during the dry season; and vi. Periodic qualitative air quality monitoring (by observation rather than testing).
(b) Climate Change
279. The project is localized and will provide three new bridge crossings, approach roads and upgrade and improve two sections of existing main and several old logging roads. Potential impacts on river water flows and flooding can be adequately mitigated through design measures and are unlikely to be affected by climate change. 280. The subproject will not create any impacts on rainfall, unexpected groundwater depletion, or carbon emissions, which in turn could affect the risk of, or induce, climate change.
4.3.2 Impacts on River Structure
281. During construction it will be necessary to carry out excavation, damming and pumping works on the beds, banks and floodplains of rivers located within the subproject area. Where engineered fords, causeways and bridges are to be built there will be a need to temporarily constrict water flows and dry out sections of the river bed in order to place structures and/or build foundations. These activities can destabilise the existing structure of a river, resulting in a higher risk of channel shifts and erosion, particularly of river banks that would lose their vegetation cover, and most particularly during floods. Stockpiled materials, if located within the floodplain, may be eroded and dispersed and patterns of water movements during ‘normal’ and flood flows affected. Movements of machinery, driving of piles and other activities can be expected to impact riverine fauna and flora, however because the rivers in Makira are high-disturbance ecosystems, impacts on these are likely to be minimal. 282. Potential impacts on the structure of river habitats, including their channels, banks and floodplains will be mitigated by: i. Material stock-piles and construction camps will not be located within riverbeds or the islands in the centre of rivers. Similarly, they will not be located within the current area of floodplain in areas subject to regular flooding (i.e. once per year or more). All land will be rehabilitated to its original or better condition upon completion of the project works; ii. Coffer dams and other temporary structures required to dry out areas of the river during construction will be removed completely after use and the original configuration of the river restored; iii. River training and scour protection will be used as temporary measures, as needed, to ensure temporary structures do not damage river configuration; iv. Movements of vehicles and machinery, and hence disturbance, within the riverine habitats will be minimised at all times; v. In the event that the contractor causes damage to the river bank or other structural parts of a river, the contractor is solely responsible for repairing the damage and/or paying compensation; vi. The side slopes of embankments, including the river bank areas surrounding bridges and approaches will be protected and designs used that protect soils as included in the project specifications in order to reduce erosion; vii. Embankments and in-stream/river activities will be monitored during construction for signs of erosion; viii. Revegetation of the slope areas with local fast growing species, or other plants in consultation with the land owners and village chiefs, will be carried out incrementally and as quickly as possible after work within any river habitat has been completed; and
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ix. Spoils, rubbish or any material will not be disposed of within any river system including riverbed, banks or floodplain areas. Suitable tip sites will be designated in consultation with land owners and village chiefs.
4.3.3 Impacts from Aggregate Extraction
283. Aggregate sources on Makira include existing areas from which river gravels and highly durable coronous materials are extracted for road works (as shown previously on Figure 10). For additional sources (see Section 3) there are a number of rivers and streams from which construction materials can be obtained. 284. The major potential river gravel sources in the subproject area include the Waitaha River and streams in the vicinity of Manitawaniuhi village for the western section and the Ravo and Warihito Rivers for the eastern section. 285. Removal of beach gravels can accelerate coastal erosion and can alter littoral drift, creating accretion or erosion in some areas and thereby changing the coastal geomorphology. While this is a practice undertaken by Provincial Infrastructure Development in the past (extracting materials from Togori beach for example), alternative sources have been used more recently. The project’s aggregate extraction guidelines, currently under preparation, will not permit beach gravels to be used as a source of construction material for the Makira subproject. 286. In order to reduce impacts associated with quarry activities and borrow pits, contract documents will specify that (i) sites must be identified in consultation with MID, local land owners and communities; (ii) the contractors will be responsible for setting up dedicated crusher plants at sites approved by PMCBU (iii) appropriate existing sites will be used in preference to establishing new extraction sites wherever possible; and (iv) for all sites, contractors will ensure that they acquire appropriate environmental permits from ECD, if required, before sourcing the material. 287. The contractor will be required to identify sources and prepare a sustainable extraction plan, in compliance with the project’s aggregate extraction guidelines, for all sources of material and spoil that will be used in road works. The aggregate extraction guidelines will include but not be limited to: i. Process for negotiation and consultation with land-owners (including the affected community and customary title-holders etc); ii. Environmental effects of extraction (sedimentation, ecological disturbances, slope stability); iii. Site safety and community protection; iv. Remediation of extraction sites; and v. Preparation of extraction plans and environmental assessments for projects. 288. The aggregate extraction plan will be submitted to ECD and PMCBU. The PMCBU which will monitor the plan implementation. The extraction plan will be prepared by the contractor (when quantities and type of materials etc are known with more certainty) and will identify sources of gravel and aggregate that adheres to the code of practice prepared by MID for gravel abstraction. The EMP will also be updated at this time. PMCBU will approve and monitor implementation of the extraction plan. 289. Removal of river gravel for construction materials has the potential to interfere with aquatic ecology and hydrological conditions. However, all of the rivers within the subproject area are subject to frequent flooding and naturally high disturbance regimes. This means that the ecosystems they contain have had to adapt to variable and high water flows, channel changes and high turbidity and are likely to be resilient to the disturbances associated with moderate gravel extraction. Depending on the size of the river, volume of material to be extracted, and where the material is to be obtained from, removal of gravels could have an effect on the river bed and/or channel morphology, including river widening and increased flow speeds, causing bank instability or erosion.
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290. Land-based borrow pits are often used for obtaining coronus materials, which in Makira in the subproject area are located close to the coast in areas considered valuable for human uses. Large-scale extraction of coronus materials can render the land unusable for other activities because its level has been lowered and topsoil removed. In some cases the water table may be exposed and/or the area used for rubbish. For these reasons rehabilitation of borrow pits is considered central to best practices. 291. To mitigate the impacts from river extraction sites, as well as from land-based borrow pits, it is recommended that in addition to the preparation of the site specific extraction plan by the contractor, that bid and contract documents specify that: i. Limits to volume of material extracted from any one source will be set in light of the ability of the source to regenerate and likely environmental impact as a result of the extraction. As with any extraction, there are limits after which localized or more extensive environmental impacts may occur. This might be due to facilitation of erosion or sedimentation which could alter the immediate environment or impact directly upon flora and fauna; ii. Access to gravel extraction sites will be negotiated with land owners and users, in the event that an access is purpose built, should the owner not want to keep the access, the contractor will be responsible for reinstating the land to its pre-project condition; iii. Any rivers or streams identified as being part of a protected area (including the buffer zone of a protected area), a proposed protected area, or having conservation value, being habitat for rare or endangered aquatic species or birds, comprising part of the intertidal zone, comprising swamp or wetland, or including mangroves, will not be permitted to be used as sources of gravel; iv. Any rivers or streams that are used as a fresh water source for villages should not be used as a materials source as gravel extraction will cause increased sedimentation and turbidity. In cases where such rivers or streams must be used, alternative water sources, such as drilled or dug wells, upstream of extraction sites and works, must be provided for the villages; v. Use of approved machinery for gravel extraction from rivers such as excavator or backhoe. Dredging or similar operations for the winning of construction material will not be permitted; vi. A number of sites for extraction are preferred over a large volume being taken from one location; vii. In respect of maximum volumes to be removed from any one source, any river gravel removal for the subproject will be managed in accordance with the aggregate extraction guidelines and conditions of approval for the extraction plan; viii. Gravel or material should not be extracted from river bends, and if required, river training be undertaken; ix. Any extraction sites and borrow areas close to roads will be located at least 15 m outside the right-of-way of roads, extraction from the sides of roads in a way that could undermine the roads will not be permitted; x. Site and pit restoration will follow the completion of works in full compliance with all applicable standards and specifications; xi. Any topsoil excavated from the top of sites and borrow pit areas will be saved and reused in re-vegetating the sites and pits to the satisfaction of the PMCBU; xii. Additional extraction sites and/or borrow pits will not be opened without the restoration of those areas no longer in use; and xiii. The excavation and restoration of sites and borrow areas, as well as their immediate surroundings, will be undertaken in an environmentally sound manner to the satisfaction of the PMCBU. Sign-off to this effect by PMCBU will be required before final acceptance and payment under the terms of the contract.
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292. During the consultation meetings undertaken for the IEE, people from the villages along the road expressed willingness to contribute gravel and aggregates to the subproject, they are eager for the road to be reconstructed as this is seen as an essential part of improving the accessibility to the basic services – hospital, schools and market sites.
4.3.4 Impacts on Soils and Coastal Erosion
293. Existing patterns of erosion, soil characteristics and topographic conditions will be taken into account in the detailed design of the subproject by the contractor. There will be alterations in alignment along the subproject road to utilise old logging roads and create small sections of new roads as approaches to three new high-level bridges. Certain types of road improvements, e.g. extensive road widening or road sealing, can result in increased runoff and/or increased velocities that could lead to loss of soil. Some 95% of subproject activities (by km of road length) will be confined to the existing right-of way and the surface treatment will be either gravel or crushed coronous, rather than asphalt. The remaining works of constructing new approach roads, including the rehabilitation of logging roads, will similarly involve the use of porous gravel and coronous materials. There will be no significant increase in the amount of impervious surface which could in turn affect the quantity or velocity of runoff. 294. The potential impacts on soil, or from erosion, during construction are from (i) sediment contamination of streams, rivers, and the in-shore area including turbidity impacts on the marine environment (including reefs) by construction activities; (ii) loss of agricultural soil or soils of productive value; (iii) extraction of materials from streams or rivers and/or borrow pits; (iv) conversion of the existing land uses such as agriculture and grassland for stockpiles of materials; (v) soil erosion and loss of protective vegetation in areas of slopes or uncompacted embankments; and (vi) soil contamination from fuel, chemicals and/or construction material spillage. 295. Earth embankments and material stockpiles will be susceptible to erosion, creating sediment laden run-off, particularly during rains and re-suspension of dust during the dry season. Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to sedimentation, and there are reefs located approximately 300-400 m from the shore in various places along the coast. Stockpiles will not permitted to be located on the coastal side of the road. Works on new sections of road and bridges are located between 1 - 1.7 km inland and will be required to limit losses of sediment into the rivers through the use of silt fences, progressing re- planting and setting staging areas well back from the sensitive river bank areas. It is not expected that run-off generated from the works will reach the fringing reef areas in sufficient and undiluted quantities to cause damage (refer to Section 4.4.1). 296. It is likely that streams, rivers and in-shore areas, which in some places include stands of mangroves, will require protection, through silt fences or similar, when construction activities are taking place in areas where the road passes close to the shore. 297. There will be some loss of soil of agricultural or productive value as there will be 5 sections of new road (890 m) and rehabilitation of old logging roads (a total of about 4.4 km) some of which cross lands currently being used for gardens and plantations. Most of the works will be confined to the existing road and immediate right-of-way. Excavation for materials or location of material stockpiles is not permitted on agricultural or potentially productive land (including land identified as garden land). 298. Construction materials where sourced from streams or rivers will be excavated from areas identified in consultation with land owners and as per the conditions of approved extraction plans. Similarly, material stockpiles will be permitted on areas identified as suitable in consultation with land owners and village chiefs. 299. Land between the coast and the subproject road will not be used for sourcing aggregates, or location of borrow pits, or stockpiles. Therefore no conversion of land from productive or livelihood uses will occur. TA 48-SOL IEE Wainuri-Kirakira & Kirakira-Warihito June 2008 Page 72
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300. Potential soil impacts and erosion will be mitigated by: i. All required materials will be sourced in strict accordance with Government guidelines, project provisions including the aggregate extraction guidelines, and the EMP; ii. Material stock-piles, borrow pits and construction camps will only be located on unused land or non-agricultural land following consultation with Provincial Development of Works, land owners and village chiefs. All land will be rehabilitated to its original or better condition upon completion of the project works. Excavated material will be re-used wherever possible; iii. In the event that the contractor causes damage to agricultural land, productive land or gardens, the contractor is solely responsible for repairing the damage and/or paying compensation; iv. The side slopes of embankments, including the river bank areas surrounding bridges and approaches will be protected and designs used that protect soils as included in the project specifications in order to reduce erosion. Gabion baskets or rip-rap should be used around bridge abutments to reduce scour and erosion; v. Embankments and in-stream/river activities will be monitored during construction for signs of erosion. Stones and rocks should be kept on hand for work in location of stream and river which can be used in the event that there is bank or channel erosion; vi. Gabion baskets or rip-rap will be used to both strengthen the road and to prevent coastal erosion where the road passes close to the shore. This will also need to be undertaken in consultation with villagers to ensure that accessibility to the shore and beach is maintained; vii. Revegetation of the slope areas with fast growing species, or other plants in consultation with the land owners and village chiefs, as quickly as possible after work in the slope areas has been completed; viii. Random and uncontrolled tipping of spoil, or any material, will not be permitted. Suitable tip sites will be designated in consultation with land owners and village chiefs. Tip sites will not be permitted on the coastal side of the subproject road or on garden land or in areas used for livelihood production by villagers; and ix. Acquisition of all necessary permits or approvals for location of construction camps, material extraction sites and sources of construction materials as per the aggregate extraction guidelines from MID and government agencies (such as Provincial Government and ECD) prior to any construction or erection of camps and extraction of material. 301. It should be noted that a number of the mitigation measures (compacting, terracing, drainage and re-vegetation) will provide long-term environmental benefits by reducing soil erosion and sedimentation of surface waters while replacing damaged culverts and providing well constructed drainage will reduce localized flooding.
4.3.5 Impacts on Water Quality
302. The subproject has the potential to create some temporary and minor adverse impacts on water quality including (i) increased turbidity and downstream siltation created during the removal of gravels and construction of bridges, (ii) an increase in silt loads at culverts and the bridges to be constructed, (iii) construction materials such as small gravels, coronous, sand, and fill, being ‘washed out’ into streams, rivers and to the coast during rain, (iv) hydro-carbon leakage and/or spills from vehicles and plant or workshop/storage locations, and, (v) discharge of waste-water and sewage from work camps to local streams and rivers.
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303. In addition to a number of the items outlined in 4.3.3 above employed to mitigate soil impacts and erosion effects that will also mitigate adverse effects on water quality, the following measures will be included in the engineering design and EMP: i. Sediment controls such as silt fences, or other sediment reducing devices (rock dams or silt barriers), to prevent both siltation and silt migration during works being undertaken in the vicinity of streams, rivers and the coast. Extra care and precautions will be taken in areas adjacent to mangrove stands and the inter-tidal zone; ii. Diversion ditches will be placed around material stockpiles; iii. Minimising interference with natural water flow in rivers, water courses or streams within or adjacent to work sites. Abstraction from and pollution of water resources will not be permitted; iv. Waterways, streams and intertidal areas will be protected from pollution, silting, flooding or erosion as a result of project activities; v. Sediment control devices will be cleaned and dewatered, discharges will not be to the rivers, sea or intertidal areas. Consultation with land owners and village chiefs will identify suitable land-based areas for settling ponds or discharge areas; vi. Discharge of sediment laden construction water or material (including dredged spoil) directly into the rivers, sea, inter-tidal area or surface waters will not be permitted. All such construction water will be discharged to settling ponds or tanks prior to final discharge; vii. Solid wastes, debris, spent oil or fuel from construction machinery or plant, construction material, or waste vegetation removed from work sites will not be dumped along the coast, or in or near streams, rivers or waterways; viii. Construction activities in the vicinity of streams or rivers, such as culvert placement and bridge reconstruction, will be undertaken with extreme care of the immediate environment, particularly of the riverbanks. The use of heavy equipment in the aquatic environment will be minimized as far as is practicable; ix. Culverts, including temporary culverts, bridges and crossings will comply with design specifications including the types of materials to be used and size; x. Culverts and crossings will be designed to follow the form and gradient of the stream or river bed rather than dredging or filling stream or river beds; xi. The time for installing culverts, including the need for placement of temporary culverts and associated work will be undertaken as quickly as possible; xii. Following completion of culvert or bridge works the stream or river bed will be returned to its original configuration; xiii. All culverts and storm drainage will be adequately contoured, sized and lined; xiv. Discharge zones from culverts and drainage structures will be carefully identified, and structures will be lined with rip-rap. Down-drains and chutes will be lined with rip-rap, masonry or concrete. Spillage ways will be lined with rip- rap to prevent under-cutting; xv. Under no circumstances is the contractor permitted to fell or remove mangroves; xvi. Spoil and material stock piles will not be located near the coast, on the coastal side of the subproject road, or within 15 m of waterways, streams or rivers, or on the edge of slopes or hills above rivers or stream or the coast; xvii. Rivers, streams, and the coastal side of the road, as well as villages, will be kept free from debris and any material or waste arising from project works; xviii. Hydro-carbons, fuel, and other chemicals as required for the works, will be stored in secure containers or tanks located away from the coast, surface waters, or streams. Any spills will be contained and immediately cleaned up as per the requirements of the emergency response plan prepared by the contractor (and approved by PMCBU). Any contaminated soil will be handled in consultation with Provincial Development of Works and land owners; TA 48-SOL IEE Wainuri-Kirakira & Kirakira-Warihito June 2008 Page 74
Solomon islands Road Improvement Project xix. Construction camps will be equipped with sanitary latrines that do not discharge directly to or pollute surface waters and waterways; and xx. All water, waste-water and other liquids used or generated by project works and activities will be collected and disposed of in an approved manner and in an approved location. Such disposal will not be permitted to cause either pollution or nuisance. 304. The subproject also has the potential to create some longer term environmental benefits through rehabilitation of the earth sections and overlaying with properly compacted coronus or other base material, reducing silt laden run-off from the earth or poorly compacted sections of the road in the rainy season. The construction of bridges is expected to lead to less disturbance to river ecosystems because vehicles will cease driving through the riverbed where they re-suspend sediments.
4.3.6 Emergency Response and Existing Infrastructure
305. The contractor will be responsible for preparation of an emergency response plan which will cover containment of hazardous materials, oil spills, and work-site accidents. The plan will detail the process for handling, and subsequently reporting, emergencies, and specify the organizational structure (including responsibilities of nominated personnel). 306. The plan will be submitted to PMCBU for approval. Implementation of the plan will be monitored by PMCBU. Any emergencies, and how they were handled, will be reported in the contractor’s monthly progress reports. 307. The PMCBU and Contractor will consult with all relevant authorities to ensure that they minimise any disruptions to existing infrastructure and services. This include village water supplies, telecommunications infrastructure and electricity supply wherever applicable. 4.4 Construction Impacts on the Biological Environment
4.4.1 Impacts on Flora and Fauna
308. There will be negligible, if any, impacts on marine habitat or flora, including coral reefs. As noted in Section 4.2.1 (b), the subproject does not entail any risk of climate change including localised increased sea temperatures; therefore there will be no risk of coral bleaching associated with the project.16 309. A potential impact of construction activities in respect of reefs is run-off or sedimentation and the re-suspension and transport of particulates by currents to reef areas. Reefs are naturally conditioned to tolerate variation in sedimentation from natural processes that are specific to their location. That is, corals of the same species growing in different areas are able to some extent to adapt to the prevailing sedimentation and turbidity regimes in their area (Stafford-Smith and Ormond, 1992). All of the rivers within the subproject area already go through cycles of floods and emit large plumes of sediments out into nearshore areas. It is considered that the relative effect of short-term increases in sedimentation will be both small and localised, due to the intermittent activity and the small amount of sediment that could be released as a result of the construction activity. 310. Minor impacts upon terrestrial habitats and flora of the subproject area are expected as a result of the road construction and rehabilitation.
16 Coral bleaching is the term applied to the influence of higher sea temperatures on a variety of coral reef organisms, which include sea anemones and giant clams as well as corals. TA 48-SOL IEE Wainuri-Kirakira & Kirakira-Warihito June 2008 Page 75
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311. Habitat fragmentation occurs when a road cuts through an ecosystem, the Wainuri- Warihito Road has existed for some time and if its original construction caused habitat fragmentation, ecosystems have re-established albeit as altered and /or smaller units around the road. The logging roads in the area are likely to have been part of the original fragmentation. The 5 new sections of road required as bridge approaches are very short (around 200-300 m each) and are unlikely to add significantly to any habitat fragmentation that has occurred in the past. 312. The main and logging road areas have been subject to low traffic volumes and as a result has been colonised by weeds, scrub, ground cover, invasive species, and in some cases planted with garden crops. Rehabilitation work will directly cause minor degradation of local ecology through the clearance of small areas of this vegetation at work sites and ancillary sites such as materials extraction sites, and material stockpiling areas. Construction activities will impact only a narrow band of vegetation at bridge sites and approaches and adjacent to the existing road. 313. Plant species present within the impact area are either introduced species or ubiquitous native species, which are highly tolerant of disturbances. There is no vegetation adjacent to the subproject road that has any conservation significance nor is it representative of the original vegetative cover. There are some gardens, plantations and individual trees, including coconut, cocoa and betel nut on or very close to the road or in the area of new sections required for the bridge approaches that will require removal. They are non-endemic, common and have no special characteristics to merit protection or re-alignment of the road. 314. Therefore, in light of the nature of the project and the types of works envisaged, there will be little, if any, loss of valuable flora or habitat. Rehabilitation activities will take place entirely within the existing main and logging road corridor or within areas already subject to clearing in the past. 315. In terms of impacts on fauna, there is the potential for construction workers to poach edible animals and birds of the locality in spite of prohibitions and poaching being regulated by Wild Birds Protection Act and Wildlife Management and Protection Act. The contractor will be responsible for providing adequate information to workers regarding the protection of fauna and imposing sanctions on workers trapping, killing or wounding birds or wildlife. 316. Placement of low-level crossings could interfere with the migratory pathways of any freshwater species that have part of their life cycle in the sea, although no such species were observed during the field investigations. Mattress-type crossings have been used on several rivers and streams within the subproject area and appear not to have acted as a barrier to the movement of aquatic wildlife. As long as a minimum water depth either through or over the crossing of at least 40 cm can be achieved, it is expected that fishes and invertebrates will be able to pass. The effects of gravel removal on freshwater ecosystems will be considered during identification and assessment of the impacts of extraction. 317. Field observations, research, and consultations indicate that the streams and rivers, particularly at the sites of the crossings (bridges and culverts) have some, but limited aquatic macrofauna. Reconstruction of the bridges and replacement of culverts will create minor, if any, impacts. Where possible, gravel extraction should be confined to the floodplain areas of rivers, rather than the river bed (especially through curves or bends in the river). 318. The endangered (IUCN Red List) fauna (birds) recorded on Makira will not be impacted by the subproject. 319. Measures to be included in the project to ensure protection of flora and fauna within the subproject area include:
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i. Sites for contractor’s camps, rock crushers, material storage, borrow pits, and quarries will all be approved by PMCBU and will not be permitted in any ecologically important sites or areas valuable for conservation; ii. Vegetation clearance during construction activities, especially of trees along the river banks and road-side, will be minimized; iii. Under no circumstances is the contractor permitted to fell or remove mangroves; iv. Vegetative cover cleared from the roadside during rehabilitation activities will be kept for slope protection and revegetation. Contractors will be responsible for re-vegetation in cleared areas; v. The contractor will be responsible for providing adequate knowledge to construction workers in relation to existing laws and regulations regarding illegal logging. Contract documents and technical specifications will include clauses expressly prohibiting the felling of trees, not requiring to be cleared by the project, by construction workers for the term of the project; vi. The contractor will be responsible for providing adequate knowledge to construction workers in respect of fauna. Contract documents and technical specifications will include clauses expressly prohibiting the poaching of fauna by construction workers and making the contractor responsible for imposing sanctions on any workers who are caught trapping, killing, poaching, or having poached fauna; vii. Contractor will be responsible for supplying appropriate and adequate cooking fuel in workers’ camps to prevent fuel-wood collection; and viii. Construction workers will be informed about general environmental protection and the need to avoid un-necessary felling of trees wherever possible.
4.4.2 Impacts on Protected or Sensitive Areas
320. There are no protected areas, including community marine managed areas, in the subproject area. 321. A proposed protected area (the central Bauro Highlands area) is located to the south of the subproject area. The area is currently managed as a CCA and proposals to expand the area have been proposed in recent months. Even though the site is without legal or formal status in terms of protection, it is an ecologically important area and any developments should be cognisant of its value. No sites within the boundary of the existing CCA area or proposed expanded conservation area will be identified as potential sources, or permitted to be used as sources, of construction material for the subproject. 4.5 Construction Impacts on Social Environment
4.5.1 Impacts on Noise Levels
322. There are no noise standards in Solomon Islands, and as any noise generated by the project will be temporary (i.e. during construction) and intermittent, preparing a baseline of ambient noise levels for subsequent monitoring is not considered warranted. 323. Construction noise is generally intermittent, attenuates quickly with distance, and depends on the type of operation, location and function of equipment. During construction, there will be a temporary adverse impact due to the noise of the construction equipment, especially heavy machinery, when construction activities are carried on in the vicinity of the villages. Clearing vegetation, bulldozing, compaction equipment, excavation of existing pavement materials, and grading will produce noise. 324. The most sensitive receptors along the subproject road include the villages (including village health clinics and schools) and the hospital in Kirakira.
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325. Cooperation between the contractor and the villagers is essential and it is the responsibility of the contractor to arrange meetings between these parties and arrange such matters as work schedules (hours of equipment operation etc.), locations of work camps and material storage areas, and the locations of rock crushers. 326. Measures to be included in the project to mitigate the effects of noise include: ix. Requirements in the EMP and contract documents that all vehicle exhaust systems and noise generating equipment be maintained in good working order and that regular equipment maintenance will be undertaken; x. Prohibition of any construction activities between 9pm and 6am in, or close to, villages; xi. The contractor will prepare a schedule of operations that will be approved by village chiefs and PMCBU. The schedule will establish the days, including identifying days on which there should be no work, and hours of work for each construction activity and identify the types of equipment to be used; xii. Workers will be provided with noise abatement equipment as may be required; and xiii. Any complaints regarding noise will be dealt with by the contractor in the first instance through the communications plan.
4.5.2 Impacts on Access
327. The project will cause temporary negative impacts, including inconvenience and minor disruptions to traffic using the road, on local access to and from the villages along the subproject road during the construction period. 328. Mitigation of impacts on access will include: i. Contract clause specifying that care must be taken during the construction period to ensure that disruptions to access and traffic are minimized and that access to villages along the subproject road is maintained at all times through the preparation of a traffic management plan (by the contractor) as part of the EMP; ii. Provincial Works and village officials will be consulted in the event that access to a village has to be disrupted for any time and temporary access arrangements made; iii. Signs and other appropriate safety features will be used to indicate construction works are being undertaken; iv. The road will kept free of debris, spoil, and any other material at all times; v. Disposal sites and haul routes will be identified and coordinated with local officials; and vi. Construction vehicles will use local access roads, or negotiate access with land owners, rather than drive across vegetation or agricultural land, to obtain access to material extraction sites. Where local roads are used, they will be reinstated to their original condition after the completion of work.
4.5.3 Impacts on Health and Safety
329. The subproject’s construction phase can cause a range of health and safety impacts. The main impacts on health and safety are associated with (i) contamination of local water supplies; (ii) risk of accidents at work sites, and (iii) traffic safety issues. The risk of spread of communicable disease is considered to be medium to high and is dealt with in the next section. 330. Potential impacts to local water supplies include water supply and wastewater disposal associated with construction camps. Contract provisions to ensure that these facilities are properly sited will be incorporated into project contract documents.
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331. During fieldwork water supply pipework was found across the logging road to be rehabilitated as part of the subproject at Maepua. It will be necessary to ensure that the project relocates and ensures the integrity of any piped water supplies to villages in the area. 332. The exposure to air of the water table through the extraction of coronus materials in borrow pits carries with it the risk of contamination of ground water supplies for any villages using wells. It will be necessary to ensure that borrow pits are sited well away from any areas in which wells and other forms of groundwater extraction are in use. During restoration of used borrow pits, the contractor will ensure that the groundwater table is covered and not exposed to contamination. 333. Observing general health and safety requirements, including provision of safety and protective gear and equipment to workers, will reduce the risk of accidents at the work sites. The construction camp will be equipped with a health post which will include first- aid and basic medical supplies. To reduce the risk of incidents at the camp, access to construction camps by other than those authorised will be prohibited. 334. As noted above the contractor is required to prepare a traffic management plan (as part of the EMP) that will specify how traffic and access, as well as safety issues, will be managed during the construction activities in villages. The traffic management plan will specify if detours are required, temporary signage to be used, provision of barriers, and movement of pedestrians and vehicles through areas where works are being undertaken. 335. Road improvement projects can also inadvertently cause adverse impacts on road and traffic safety as a result of higher vehicle speeds due to improved road conditions. The proposed rehabilitation works will unlikely be sealing the road, and do not include road realignments or other design improvements that could encourage higher speeds. Community awareness, facilitated through MID’s Community Development Specialist and PMCBU, will assist in identifying any village concerns regarding traffic calming or management measures such as speed bumps or pedestrian access on single lane bridges. All such measures will be incorporated into final design by the contractor. Similarly, during construction the contractor will need a traffic management plan. 336. Air pollution and noise, which also have a health and safety aspect, have already been discussed. 337. Mitigation measures for reducing and avoiding impacts on health and safety include: i. The contractor will recruit an Environmental, Health and Safety Officer (EMO) to address health and safety concerns and liaise with the PMCBU and villages; ii. The contractor will provide adequate health care facilities including a health post and first aid facilities within the construction camp. The contractor will provide construction workers training of all in basic sanitation, hygiene and health care issues, health and safety matters, and on the specific hazards of their work; iii. The contractor will provide workers with personal protection equipment, such as safety boots, reflector vests, helmets, gloves, and protective clothing and goggles if required; iv. Contractors will ensure that no wastewater is discharged to local water bodies; v. Contractor will ensure safe and clean facilities including sanitation and drinking water is provided to all workers vi. The contractor will ensure any borrow pits used for coronus extraction are properly restored to ensure groundwater resources are not contaminated. vii. No site-specific landfills will be established at the construction camps; viii. Septic tanks and garbage receptacles will be set up at construction camp sites camps, which will be regularly cleared by the contractors to prevent outbreak of diseases. The garbage will be dumped only at a site approved by Provincial Development of Works and local land owners;
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ix. Community awareness will be undertaken to address traffic safety in villages during construction (and through operation), any measures required by villagers to address safety concerns (such as speed bumps) will be incorporated into the final design by the contractor; x. Adequate signage and security provided at the work camp site and prevention of unauthorized people (including children) entering the work camp site or workshop area; xi. The contractor will prepare a traffic management plan that will address access and safety issues including provision of adequate protection to the general public in the vicinity of the work site, including advance notice of commencement of works, installing safety barriers if required by villagers, and signage or marking of the work areas; xii. Provision of safe access across the works site to people whose villages and access are temporarily affected during road rehabilitation activities; and xiii. The contractor will ensure that there is adequate drainage throughout the camp to ensure that disease vectors such as stagnant water bodies and puddles do not form.
4.5.4 Risk of Spread of Communicable Diseases and Child Exploitation
338. The transmission of communicable diseases such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) is a potential impact of the construction phase posed by construction workers engaging in either commercial sex or sexual relationships with local people. 339. There are also reports recording child exploitation associated with logging camps in parts of Makira.
(a) Status of HIV and STIs in Solomon Islands
340. HIV was first reported in a Pacific island country (PIC) in 1984, more than 11,000 cases have been detected (90 per cent are in PNG). Because of low levels of surveillance, actual prevalence rates are likely to be higher than official figures indicate. ADB considers it likely that under-reporting in the region is considerable, possibly by a factor of ten (ADB, 2005b). 341. Within PICs, Melanesia has the highest incidence of HIV with 44 per cent overall; 52 per cent of cases in the 15-24 year age group, and half of the cases in the 30-34 year age group (ADB, 2005a). 342. The first case of HIV in Solomon Islands was detected in 1994. Data shows, as at December 2004, five cases of HIV, two cases of Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and two deaths associated with AIDS. The number of HIV cases has since increased to eight 17. 343. As there are only five HIV/AIDS testing and counselling centres in the country, three in Honiara, and one each in Gizo and Auki, the number of cases is likely to be significantly under-reported. Conservative estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that the HIV infection rate in Solomon Islands could rise to 350 by 2010 (ADB, 2005b). 344. The prevalence of STIs in Solomon Islands is very high and is an indicator of those at risk of HIV. The incidence of STIs is a sensitive marker for behaviours that put people at increased risk of HIV infection, and genital ulcer disease has long been implicated as a co-factor in the transmission of HIV (SPC, 2005).
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345. The second generation surveillance survey of STIs was undertaken in 2004-05 by South Pacific Commission (SPC) in six PICs including Solomon Islands. Results show very high rates of STIs among women and young people, and there was a very high prevalence of STIs and in a number of cases multiple STIs in young, single females. The findings include: i. Youth was associated significantly with increased risk of STI; female youth under 25 years old were three times more likely to have an STI than older women, while nearly all of those who had Gonorrhea were 25 years old or younger and more than three-quarters had multiple STIs; ii. 58 per cent of teenage girls had an STI and a fifth had more than one infection. Single teenage mothers were at highest risk of having an STI; iii. Younger women had higher levels of STIs, and were more likely to have Chlamydia than older women. Chlamydia prevalence in female youth under 25 years old ranged from 7 per cent in Solomon Islands to 41 per cent in Samoa; and iv. The highest prevalence of Chlamydia found among seafarers was in the 25-29 year group (14 per cent) while the highest prevalence of Hepatitis B was found in seafarers in the 20-29 year group. Nearly all seafarers (95 per cent) tested positive for the herpes simplex virus (Kiribati). 346. The above trends prove true for Solomon Islands, the results of the second generation surveillance survey showed that pregnant women under the age of 25 years indicated a 15 per cent prevalence of Syphilis and 7 per cent prevalence of Chlamydia. 347. In respect of data for the subproject area, as there is no systematic reporting of suspected STIs and health posts are unable to undertake testing the actual number of cases is difficult to confirm. Positive cases are considered to be an under-estimation of the actual number of cases. Data provided by Kirakira Hospital are presented in Table 15.
Table 15: STI Data for Makira Source: SIRIP IEE Consultation - Kirakira Hospital (Aug 2007) STI 2003 2004 2005 2006 Jan 07 Gonorrhoea 313 301 257 293 34 Syphilis 47 52 46 46 5 Total 360 353 303 339 39 348. In addition to the data provided in Table 4.4.1, records from Kirakira Hospital reported that of the 36 province-wide cases of venereal disease reactive level (VDRL) in 2006, 32 were located in the north-coast zone, which includes the subproject area. 349. Oxfam International has been active in the province and is implementing the Choiseul Against STI, HIV and AIDS Project which focuses on awareness and prevention targeting youth and leaders. Oxfam has an office in Gizo and is working in the areas of general health awareness, water supply and sanitation, and construction of houses for health workers. 350. Through assistance from Australian Government via Pacific Regional HIV/AIDS Project (PRHP) Oxfam funds the STIs and HIV voluntary counselling and confidential testing site at Taro Hospital.
(b) High Risk Groups
351. HIV infection is concentrated in subpopulations with risk-taking behaviours that make them more susceptible to infection. Some subpopulations have been identified as engaging in risky behaviours that lend themselves to higher rates of HIV infection: (i) sex workers (including occasional sex workers) and their clients; (ii) mobile populations, such as loggers and seafarers; and (iii) Men who have sex with men. Estimating the prevalence within these subpopulations is difficult, as people in these groups typically do not attend clinics where HIV testing is undertaken (ADB, 2005b).
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352. There are a range of significant risk factors for HIV, including the high prevalence of STIs; the low level of condom use; the high levels of inter-regional and intra-regional mobility; cultural practices such as taboos on frank discussion of sexual issues; the practices of tattooing, polygamy, and multiple sex partners; and the high rates of transactional sex. Pacific cultures are typically conservative, and intolerance and misunderstanding may marginalize affected or vulnerable individuals and isolate them from information and services that reduce risk and vulnerability (ADB, 2005b).
(c) Child Exploitation
353. A case study of risk factors in terms of spread of STIs, child sexual exploitation, and teenage pregnancy associated with logging camps in the Arosi region of Makira was undertaken in 2007 (Herbert, 2007). The findings can be summarised as follows: i. Children went regularly to logging camps although parents, village leaders and elders agreed that they were inappropriate places for children to visit; ii. Some 60 stories of child abuse and sexual exploitation were collected during the case study, including six interviews involved multiple children being abused by two different men on separate occasions, and abuse was reported in 12 different villages; iii. Findings are reported within the different types of sexual exploitation of children including child prostitution, ‘sale’ of children and early marriage, children involved in the production of pornography, and child trafficking for sexual purposes; and iv. There were nine stories of girls becoming pregnant, five of which involved early marriage, with the ages of the girls who became pregnant ranging from 12 to 17 years old. 354. It is clear from the above case study that the presence of camps can be associated with high risk activities.
(d) Awareness of STIs and HIV in the Subproject Area
355. In general in Solomon Islands, the knowledge of sexual and reproductive health within the community is poor. Discussions about reproductive and sexual health with young people in the family, educational, and health systems are limited due to cultural and religious barriers. Primary and high schools do not have a formal curriculum for sex education, and continuing training for health workers in the areas of STI, HIV infection, and AIDS has been lacking. Most notable is the absence of access to free or affordable condoms and ‘youth-friendly’ sexual health advice services, particularly in remote areas (SPC and Burnett Clinic, 2005). 356. It was noted during consultations for the IEE that in 2006 the villages along the subproject road had been visited by a health team from Kirakira Hospital, and people from UNICEF and Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), who, amongst other things, covered community awareness raising on STIs and HIV. The hospital also runs a Community Outreach Clinic which includes STI awareness raising, testing and counselling. 357. During the consultation for the IEE, every village expressed a concern about a low general knowledge about STIs and HIV, particularly methods of transmission and increasing safety from exposure. On this issue villagers stated clearly that more awareness is needed and a campaign that targets sub-groups within the community need to be held separately, i.e. separate sessions and discussions for boys and girls, youth and elders, women and men. 358. In the discussion about the possible benefits and impacts of the road improvement, “bad influences” associated with the construction workforce was cited as an adverse social impact, in particular increased alcohol consumption and risk of exposure to STIs and HIV were mentioned. TA 48-SOL IEE Wainuri-Kirakira & Kirakira-Warihito June 2008 Page 82
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359. It is clear from the foregoing that there is little knowledge of risk, and protection from, STIs and HIV in the villages along the subproject road, and therefore there needs to be a systematic approach to awareness raising and prevention adopted by the project. The fear of construction workers bringing STIs and even HIV into the area is a very real concern for the villages along the subproject road.
(e) Risk of Spread of STIs, HIV and Child Exploitation Associated with the Project
360. The risk of spread of STIs and HIV associated with the project is a function of a number of factors including (i) existing knowledge about the risk; (ii) the length of time large and relatively mobile populations will be located in the subproject area; and (iii) engagement in high-risk behaviours (such as increased alcohol consumption and multiple partners etc). 361. As noted above, the knowledge surrounding STIs and HIV in the villages along the subproject road is low. 362. The subproject includes 79 km of road reconstruction and bridge and culvert works, while culvert and pipe manufacture could be sub-contracted to national contractors, the overall work for the three subprojects will likely be as one contract package, with an international contractor. 363. The subproject will require a construction workforce of approximately 75 people (vegetation clearing, material sourcing, pipe and bridge crews, erosion control crews, base-course/sub-base crews, equipment and vehicle operators, manager, as well as ancillary staff such as cook, cleaners and security guards). The construction force could be located in the subproject area for 2 to 3 years. 364. Based on work undertaken by PCERP, with an international contractor, between 18 and 21 per cent of the construction force at any one time can be made up of foreigners, and while that provides for a large contingent of local Solomon Islander workers, out of necessity they will come from other provinces, as well as from the subproject area or other areas in Makira province. 365. The contractor will be required to establish a camp for the foreigners and Solomon Islanders that do not live locally or have wantoks (family or relatives) in the area they could live with. The construction force and establishment of the camp has the potential to generate income for some people to be employed i.e. as construction workers, cooks, cleaners, security guards, but also has the potential to foster “unequal”, and even abusive, relationships between foreign workers and local children and teenagers. 366. Foreigners and Solomon Islanders from other provinces and islands, employed by international contractors are considered as an ‘opportunity’ for young people to access money and goods which would normally be out of their reach. Village leaders, interviewed as part of a case study assessing the prevalence of exploitation of young people, expressed concern about children and teenagers spending time at logging camps, and particularly about some teenage girls who had become pregnant to loggers, or who were known to be receiving money or goods in return for sex with people working in logging camps (UNICEF and CCC, 2004). 367. The conclusions, from review of effects of establishment of camps (such as for logging) with large numbers of men (foreigners and Solomon Islanders) in remote areas, and a limited health awareness in villages along the subproject road as indicated through consultation meetings, are that the civil works phase of the project can pose risks for both the construction workforce and the communities along the road for the civil works / construction period.
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(f) Project Response to the Risks
368. In addition to the ongoing work by National AIDS Council (NAC) and Ministry of Health (MOH), there are a number of NGOs currently active in Solomon Islands in the sector of STIs and HIV/AIDS awareness raising and prevention funded through projects including: i. Australian Government’s PRHP to strengthen the capacity of Pacific Islands Governments, NGOs and communities to develop, and implement responses to HIV/AIDS; ii. National Aids Council Grants Scheme launched 2005 and managed by Oxfam Australia which has been appointed the Capacity Development Organization (CDO) for the PRHP in Solomon Islands; iii. ADB’s Fund Grant to the Secretariat of the Pacific Community for the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Capacity Development in the Pacific Project (runs to 2010); and iv. Franco-Australian Pacific Regional HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infection Initiative. 369. The project’s awareness and prevention measures should link in with existing initiatives wherever possible. In addition to its own HIV awareness program which aims at supporting stakeholders in the HIV sector, as noted above, Oxfam is CDO for the PHRP and in this capacity provides information and builds links with other organisations in the delivery of awareness and prevention. Consultation with Oxfam indicated that working more closely with the private sector is a gap it is trying to close. 370. Oxfam has developed a package of instruction, education, and communication (IEC) materials related to STIs and HIV and a module or standard workshop for delivery to institutions (including the prison service), which could be ideal for delivery to the contractor’s construction force prior to construction. 371. Oxfam has also developed relationships with Provincial Health and NGOs working in the project area (UNICEF and Save the Children), linking with an already established network in the area would be beneficial in terms of implementing the awareness and prevention aspects of the program aimed at the villages along the subproject road. 372. Mitigating the risk of spread of STIs and HIV/AIDS during the construction phase of the project will include implementation of the STIs and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention program which includes: i. Provision for the contractor to ensure the construction workforce attends STI and HIV/AIDS prevention workshops provided through Oxfam International. The workshops will be delivered to the contractor’s workforce prior to commencement of any civil works; ii. Village-based community awareness raising about transmission of STIs and HIV, reproductive health and safe sex. The program will be implemented prior to contractor mobilization; and iii. The contractor providing adequate health care facilities including an HIV/AIDS education post and first aid facilities within the construction campsite. 373. The IPSA contains a more detailed description of the components to be included in the awareness and prevention program. The estimated (and rounded) cost of the program as shown in Table 16 is in the order of SBD $81,200 (US $10,800). This assumes that all of the IEC materials required are provided by Oxfam under the provisions of the PRHP. A detailed breakdown is provided as Attachment 3.
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Table 16: Estimated Cost of STIs/HIV Awareness & Prevention Program on Makira Item Total (SBD$) Total (US$) A. Contractor Awareness Training (Oxfam) 17,800 2,400 B. Community awareness raising & prevention 56,000 7,400 B.1 Oxfam TOT to Facilitators 28,500 3,800 B.2 Delivery of Community A&P 28,000 3,700 C. Subtotal 73,800 9,800 Contingency (10%) 7,400 980 D. TOTAL 81,200 10,800
4.5.5 Impacts on Cultural Property
374. Consultation indicated that there are no tambu sites or cultural property resources in the vicinity of the subproject road. A single tambu site located to the south-east of the eastern approach road at Maepua under the stewardship of Chief John Ruanamai is located outside of the area to be affected by the project. 375. Depending on the specific locations of gravel and material extraction site, consultation with villagers as well as resource owners is required to ensure that there are no tambu sites, or other culturally important sites, in the locations to be proposed. 376. As noted in Section 4.2.2, should any tambu sites or other archaeologically important sites or resources be discovered accidentally during construction activities, work shall cease immediately and the authorities (National Museum Tambu Register, Ministry of Culture and ECD) shall be informed. 377. Activities shall not re-commence until the authorities have signed-off that the site/resources have been dealt with appropriately and that work may continue. The Contractor shall be responsible for complying with the requirements of authorities, and the PMCBU shall monitor the same.
4.5.6 Other Social Impacts – Stress on Resources & Infrastructure
378. Construction camps can place stress on resources and infrastructure of adjacent communities which could lead to antagonism between residents and the contractor. To prevent such problems occurring in the subproject area, the most suitable location for main camp and project office would be at Kirakira with a sub-station at Kaonasughu which is located approximately in the middle of the western section of the subproject. The contractor, along with a representative of Provincial Department of Works, should identify a suitable area of land and negotiate a lease with the land owner(s). 379. The contractor will provide temporary facilities in the camp such as health care, eating and sleeping areas (including a cook and provision of meals), water and electricity supply, telecommunications, so that existing facilities and services of the town are not over-burdened by additional people living in the area. The contractor will be responsible for removing all temporary structures and reinstating the land to its pre-project condition at the completion of the works. If a secondary camp or an alternative location is required for other reasons, the foregoing requirements for consultation and provision of facilities in the camp apply. 380. To avoid, or reduce the risk of, other social impacts, construction workers should be limited to subproject sites (immediate site of works on the road and camp site), and at all times workers should respect village and land owner’s boundaries and be cognisant of village rules and terms of conduct (especially addressing women and elders), avoiding damage to productive trees and gardens, and access to the beach, foreshore and freshwater springs.
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381. Prior to contractor mobilization to the site, PMCBU and the project’s Community Development Officer will inform the contractor of such, and establish the communications protocol between the project and community as per the project’s communications plan. The contractor will identify one member of their staff to be the liaison between the village chief and elders and contractor, as well as between the contractor and project (PMCBU). 382. Should construction workers be permitted to go into town or to the provincial capital (Kirakira) and visit bars etc the contractor will be responsible for their behaviour. In the event that there are complaints about the behaviour or conduct of construction workers, complaints will be dealt with immediately and seriously, by the contractor, and the method of addressing the grievance will be relayed to the complainant. 383. If the person making the complaint is not satisfied that the complaint has been resolved, the worker causing the complaint should be restricted to working on another site or be sent away from the island. The lodgement and resolution of complaints will be monitored. 384. The UNICEF and Christian Care Center case studies noted that children visited logging camps to watch movies, look at machinery, sell small goods or generally spend time “somewhere new”, as such, children viewed the camps as exciting places. In some cases children have been given gifts and sweets. The report concluded that village leaders agreed that the camps were inappropriate places for children to visit and had tried to prevent children visiting the camps by imposing bans (UNICEF and CCC, 2004). 385. This impact can be addressed through access to the construction camp being carefully monitored and only permitting authorized personnel entry into the construction camp. Children and teenagers should be expressly forbidden entry to the construction camp, and this would also assist in reducing the risk of coerced or transactional sex and other forms of child exploitation (UNICEF and CCC, 2004). 4.6 Poverty Reduction & Distribution of Benefits
386. An IPSA has been prepared for the project, which details the possible ways the project can contribute to poverty reduction and improve the livelihoods and well-being of the people in the subproject area. In short, the subproject has the potential to contribute to local poverty reduction through provision of income generation opportunities such as construction employment and provision of goods and services to workers. 387. To ensure benefits are afforded to local labourers, contract documents should include provisions for (i) setting aside for jobs for the poor (direct unskilled and semi- skilled labour); (ii) explicitly prohibiting the use of foreign unskilled and semi-skilled workers or unskilled and semi-skilled workers from elsewhere in the region unless there are no local unskilled and semi-skilled workers available from the province in the first instance and Solomon Islands in the second instance; (iii) payment of legal wages to workers; (iv) no use of child labour for construction activities; (v) inclusion of women as well as poor in local construction force; (vi) no differential wages being paid between men and women for work of equal value; and (vii) use of locally sourced materials used in the road rehabilitation to the maximum extent possible. 388. No additional mitigation measures are required.
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4.7 Impacts during Operation Phase
4.7.1 Operation Impacts on Physical Environment
(a) Air Quality
389. Following the rehabilitation of the road its use will create air pollution such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrous compounds, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter. The current volume of traffic and forecasted traffic growth are such that emissions will be low enough to not have a noticeable effect on ambient air quality. The anticipated levels of traffic (up to 100 vehicles per day in ten years), excessive capacity of the road network, and subsequent lack of congestion and concentration of traffic, are unlikely to result in adverse impacts on air quality. The conclusion in respect of air quality is that the subproject road is likely to continue to operate at well under its design capacity and no significant air quality impacts warranting mitigating actions are anticipated. 390. The subproject has the potential to reduce the volume of dust and particulates released into the atmosphere as a result of properly compacting the road.
(b) Climate Change
391. Although the subproject will have no effect on rainfall, groundwater or overall carbon emissions which could in turn affect climate change, there is a risk that the roads could themselves be affected by changes in rainfall, cyclone frequency and intensity, and sea- level rise. Changes in these climate and physical variables could lead to greater wear on river training, scour protection and water release structures such as drains and culverts used in roads. According to Douglas Billy (Chief Geologist in Mines & Energy, Ministry of Natural Resources) Makira is being uplifted at a rate of 0.7 cm per century, a rate too small to keep up with estimates of sea-level rise. 392. Risks of impacts on the roads and associated structures from climate change will be addressed through routine inspections of the roads as part of the tasks of the Routine maintenance Contractor. In addition to repairing damaged components, one of the responsibilities of the contractor will be to report on cases where drainage and erosion protection structures are failing and to recommend upgrades or additions as required. This approach is adaptive and encompassed a range of issues that might arise through complex interactions between climate and other variables to produce unpredictable changes in hydrology in the area.
(c) River Structure
393. Long term changes in river structure and flow could arise as a result of the project. Most of these are unlikely to be significant in terms of environmental effects because the river systems in the subproject area are already high-disturbance regimes often subject to flooding, variable water flows, changing channel beds and major shifts in structure. In general, the design of crossings will tend to oppose some of the natural changes that could be expected over decades through river training and scour protection designed to keep the main channel running through or under the structures. 394. Impacts of river crossings could arise because causeways and bridges are not properly maintained and debris collecting against them impeded water movement forcing the river to deviate around them (as in Mbokokimbo River in Guadalcanal). 395. Flood behaviours could also be affected if filled causeways are used to provide bridge approaches. Floodplains provide several functions that need to be maintained in the area: (i) temporary water ‘storage’ during floods relieving pressure at the channel(s); (ii) additional space for slowly conveying water downstream; and (iii) water clearing and soil fertilisation through unloading silt onto floodplains.
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396. These impacts and values can be maintained through good design as follows: i. MID will ensure that all crossing structures are adequately maintained so that debris does not build up causing waters to deviate around the structures stranding them and resulting in severe erosion and loss of land; ii. River training and scour protection is on-going and adaptive to changing river requirements; and iii. Approaches to bridges are designed to be as transparent to flood river flows as possible through use of piled or continuous box culvert structures.
(d) Soils and Coastal Erosion
397. There are unlikely to be any significant impacts on soil or coastal erosion during the operation phase of the subproject as long as the structures are properly maintained. Naturally occurring coastal erosion could in fact be reduced as a result of the subproject if gabion basket and rip-rap is used to stabilize the coastline and protect the road where it passes closes to the shore. Rip-rap or gabion baskets will also be used to reduce scour and erosion of river banks around bridge abutments. 398. Increasing awareness about then need to maintain vegetative cover of areas adjacent to the road in terms of both assisting in reducing silt laden run-off to waterways and the inter-tidal area and contributing to the stability of river banks and the foreshore area, can be included as a component of the project’s communication plan and identified as part of the maintenance activities.
(e) Water Quality
399. Potential impacts on water quality or availability of water for domestic or agricultural use are not expected to occur. During operation negative impacts on water quality could be caused by accidental spills, the road rehabilitation activities will not induce accidents and therefore there are unlikely to be any additional incidents over and above those that would occur without the project, hence no mitigation measures are proposed. 400. As noted in Section 4.5.1 (a) and (b), there will also be longer term environmental benefits for water quality created by the subproject through proper compacting of the road and surface and reduced silt laden run-off from the road to the coast, inter-tidal area and streams and rivers in the rainy season. 401. Water quality may show slight improvements after rehabilitation and maintenance due to reduced erosion from improved embankments on the slopes, coastal stabilization by rip-rap or gabion baskets, and re-vegetation to prevent soil erosion. 402. Replacing missing or damaged culverts will facilitate passage of high flows and reduce scouring and remove overland flows, ensuring the integrity of the surface of the road and removing a potential hazard from villages. 403. The area of impervious surface is not being increased by the project and therefore increased runoff due to rehabilitation activities (if any) will be negligible in the subproject area.
4.7.2 Operation Impacts on the Biological Environment
(a) Flora and Fauna
404. The lack of through-route access and low traffic volumes (being largely restricted to the people living in the villages along the subproject road) are not likely to induce people to the area to poach or hunt timber, flora or fauna. Deforestation is not an impact attributable to the subproject because (i) single selective logging for traditional and/or cultural purposes is permitted; and (ii) logging companies purchase licenses to fell trees within prescribed areas and construct their own roads to provide access to these areas.
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405. Whether the conditions of a license are adhered to by a logging company should be monitored by Department of Forests and any impact of logging outside of the conditions of a license is beyond the scope of the project. Therefore there will be no impacts on flora and fauna as a consequence of road rehabilitation during the operational phase. 406. There are no rare or endangered fauna that could be impacted by the operation of an upgraded road. Based on the assessment of types of existing fauna no instances in which potential impacts might have warranted consideration of design modifications (for example underpasses to provide for wildlife migration patterns) have been identified.
(b) Protected Areas
407. There are no protected or community managed marine areas in the subproject area. There will be no impacts on the proposed conservation area as a result of the road rehabilitation.
4.7.3 Operation Impacts on the Social Environment
(a) Noise
408. Even under the most optimistic scenario of increased traffic, the ambient noise level after the completion of rehabilitation activities along the road (operational period) will not be of sufficient magnitude to require mitigation. 409. As noise is a function of traffic volume, ambient noise levels will not be appreciably increased due to the low forecast traffic. 410. Maintenance of vehicles to maintain an acceptable level of, or to reduce, noise emissions is beyond the scope of the project.
(b) Access and Traffic
411. Following rehabilitation of the road, local access as well as the performance of a key route in the island transport network will be improved. This will facilitate the flow of traffic, goods, and passengers both internally (through the subproject area to the market in Kirakira), and between the subproject area and Honiara. 412. Access to social services and key community facilities in the substation will be improved as a result of the subproject. The implementation of the maintenance plan will ensure the sustainability of the road rehabilitation. 413. Currently people either walk, or occasionally travel by canoe (due to expense) to health and education services and the market in Kirakira, from the villages farthest along the road (Wainuri in the west and Nawote in the east) this can take up to three hours. 414. It is anticipated that the subproject, by improving the road, will encourage the reintroduction of vehicles into the subproject area, reduce travel times for both vehicles and pedestrians, as well as reducing costs associated with vehicle travel along the road (vehicle operating cost savings). 415. Issues of improved accessibility are dealt with in more detail in the project’s IPSA.
(c) Health and Safety
416. In general traffic safety will be improved following rehabilitation and routine maintenance of the project road, inclusion of the shoulder and minor widening of the road will allow for safe passing of vehicles. 417. An increased traffic volume and possibility of higher vehicle speeds can create the potential for accidents involving pedestrians and children (who are used to playing on the road). Awareness raising through village meetings and through road safety programs included in schools will help mitigate this.
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418. Ongoing community awareness will identify any village concerns regarding the success of traffic management matters and will determine if additional measures such as speed bumps are required. in villages which are close to the road, or perhaps there are dangers on long single lane bridges for pedestrians, etc). These could be incorporated into final design by the contractor. Similarly, during construction the contractor will need a traffic management plan.
(d) Risk of Spread of Communicable Disease
419. In terms of risk of transmission of communicable diseases during operation, roads have the potential to pose a risk as a pathway for disease transmission only if they carry a large volume of traffic, including high proportions of heavy traffic such as trucks, are routes that connect cities, towns or large numbers of villages, especially roads or highways with international borders where improved access to major markets can facilitate international trade, and there is a hospitality service industry established that is geared towards large numbers of truck drivers and mobile populations. 420. Makira is a remote island, is only connected with Honiara and other destinations within Solomon Islands by air or sea on a weekly to fortnightly basis. Within the island, the subproject road is not a through-route, and even in the event that it is connected with the roads and villages on the other side of the cliff at some point in the future, traffic volumes will remain low, the traffic forecast for the subproject road indicates that in ten years the road will carry in the order of 100 vehicles per day. Further, the cultural environment in the Solomon Islands, and particularly in the remote subproject location where villages are relatively small, is such that it is highly unlikely any hospitality service industries will establish in the subproject area. 421. Therefore the conclusion, in terms of risk of transmission of communicable diseases during operation, is that the subproject road has very little potential to pose a risk as a pathway for disease transmission. The risk during operation is considered negligible to low as a result of the remoteness of the subproject, the limited road network to which it connects, and the low forecast traffic volume. In any case, even this negligible risk is considered to be mitigated by implementation of the STIs and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign conducted during the construction phase.
(e) Restriction on Access to Land and Land Acquisition
422. Ongoing maintenance activities will include such activities as filling of pot-holes and ruts, minor vegetation clearance for the sides of the road in the event it becomes over- grown, and clearing of the culverts and bridge areas. None of these works are likely to require land acquisition or create resettlement impacts during operation. It may, however, be necessary to locate new sources of gravel for road maintenance which may involve resettlement impacts. 423. In compliance with the project’s loan covenants and specific assurances, in the event of any unforeseen land acquisition or resettlement needs, the Government will inform ADB and prepare a resettlement plan according to relevant laws and regulations and ADB’s Policy on Involuntary Resettlement. 424. The PMCBU will ensure that no maintenance activities are undertaken until ADB has reviewed, and approved, such resettlement plan.
4.7.4 Economic Benefits and Poverty Reduction
425. The project will contribute to poverty reduction through improving access, removing existing constraints on barriers to agricultural development and export, and ensuring connectivity between the villages along the subproject road and key social infrastructure in Kirakira provincial town, as well as potentially improving access to other parts of the country.
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426. The benefits and positive social impacts of the road rehabilitation and ongoing maintenance are derived from improvement in access of rural communities to social services and market opportunities. The potential economic benefits can be measured in terms of: i. Time savings from switching to motorized road transport from walking or boats; ii. Improved connectivity for ambulance and other emergency services; iii. Passenger and freight cost savings; iv. Vehicle operating cost savings; v. Generated traffic; vi. Induced agricultural production; and vii. Wages paid to local labor during road rehabilitation and for ongoing maintenance activities. 427. Longer terms benefits and the poverty reduction potential of the subproject are discussed in the project’s IPSA. 4.8 Summary of Impacts
428. A range of benefits is expected to arise from upgrading (and maintaining) the subproject road including increased accessibility to markets, improved opportunities for livelihood development, and local poverty reduction. The subproject will contribute to improvements in the livelihoods and living conditions of the villages along the road. 429. The overall level of negative environmental impacts during construction will be small, though there will be some moderate impacts relating to potential effects on river structure, the mining of aggregates and fill, risks of exploitation of children and spread of communicable diseases (including STIs and HIV/AIDS). During operations impacts on changes in river structure will be small, while for all other environmental concerns the risks are insignificant. 430. The majority of impacts will occur during the civil works (construction) phase, and will be temporary, localized, and readily controlled. Examples of such impacts include temporary impacts in the vicinity of gravel and materials sources, localized water quality deterioration, possible disruption to access to villages, and noise and dust generation. Some losses of gardens and crop trees are anticipated in two areas, and two houses may be affected by the subproject, requiring a short resettlement plan. These are considered minor by the residents who are willing to contribute to the project to see the road upgraded. 431. Impacts on the coral reef fauna and flora are considered to be minimal with regard to the influences of increased sedimentation, largely due to the nature of any suspended sediments which would be intermittent, diffuse and short- term. 432. The risk of altering the structure of rivers, including changes in water flows, channel location, banks and flood behaviour both during construction and during operations is moderate. The rivers are characterised by high-disturbance regimes already subject to changes in the order or 200 m in channel location over three decades and regularly flood, exporting materials out to sea. The construction works could affect the natural fluctuations in river structure, either constraining them or precipitating change. 433. The spread of STIs and HIV/AIDS during construction phase has been identified as a potential risk. This can be addressed through implementation of an STIs and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign aimed at (i) contractor’s employees, and (ii) villages along the subproject road. 434. Other than on-going risks related to river stability, it is anticipated that there will be no adverse impacts on the environment during operation stage.
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5. Institutional Requirements
435. The following section presents a discussion of the environmental management activities that will be undertaken as part of overall SIRIP implementation. 436. The roles and responsibilities of various agencies in undertaking these activities are then defined and the institutional strengthening activities that will be required to allow those organizations to fulfil their nominated roles and responsibilities are identified. 437. An environmental monitoring program has been prepared and the cost associated with its implementation has been identified. 5.1 Implementation Arrangements for Environmental Activities
5.1.1 Organization Roles and Responsibilities
438. The overall organizational structure for environmental management for the project is shown in Figure 13.
Figure 13: Organizational Structure for Environmental Management
Government of Solomon Islands
Asian Development Ministry of Bank Infrastructure
Project Steering Committee
Project Management Capacity Building Unit
Environment & Contractor Conservation Division (incl. EMO)
Province Ward/Village
Beneficiary community
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5.1.2 Ministry of Infrastructure Development
439. MID has overall responsibility for preparation, implementation and financing of environmental management and monitoring tasks as they pertain to the project and inter- agency coordination. MID will exercise its functions through the PMCBU which will be responsible for general project execution, and which will be tasked with day-to-day project management activities, as well as monitoring. Specialist staff has been assigned to the PMCBU to undertake environmental management and monitoring tasks.18 440. Until the commencement of SIRIP there was no staff, full-time or otherwise, in MID assigned to environmental assessment, management or monitoring, as this had been undertaken on an ad hoc project by project basis. 441. Consultation with MID indicates that at least one person should be assigned to environmental management capacity building in order to provide MID with in-house environmental expertise. 442. MID assigned one staff member (from TPPU) to this role in June 2007, this person is receiving training through attendance at workshops, day-to-day training through working with the international and national environmental specialists on the PMCBU, and participation in site visits (field data gathering, data entry and analysis, community consultation, and report writing). 443. SIRIP includes a specific capacity building component, and comments in the RRP suggest that institutional strengthening is also required for ECD; this is discussed further in Section 5.1.2. 444. In the implementation of environmental management and monitoring tasks specific technical assistance will be provided by environmental specialists that are part of the PMCBU. The specialists will assist in all aspects of implementation of environmental assessment and management, internal monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and training of MID and ECD and other relevant government agencies. 445. After completion of construction, the TPPU, on behalf of MID, will be responsible for operations and ongoing routine maintenance.
5.1.3 Other Agencies and Institutions
(a) The Contractor
446. The civil works contractors will be responsible for updating the EMP during detailed design or at construction stage, whenever further engineering information is available. The PMCBU will approve the updated EMP before implementation. Under the supervision of the PMCBU, the contractor will undertake its own monitoring. The contractor responsible will also be responsible for implementing all environmental, health and safety actions included in the EMP and relevant clauses in the bidding documents. The contractor will be required to assign an environmental management officer (EMO) whose responsibilities will include: i. Coordinating with PMCBU for updating the EMP; ii. Ensuring that the contractor prepares aggregate extraction management plans in line with the guidelines; iii. Ensuring that the contractor engages a suitable organization to undertake STIs and HIV/AIDS briefings and awareness raising amongst the contractor’s employees. Ensuring that the contractor complies with the clauses in the contract and bidding documents in respect of environment, health and safety;
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iv. Coordinating with MID and PMCBU in respect of community consultation; v. Participating in monitoring and coordinating with PMCBU to ensure that environmental management activities are reported as required; vi. Ensuring that the contractor does not commence construction activities until requisite approvals have been received from ECD, MID and/or PMCBU; and vii. Coordinating and communicating with the contractor’s Liaison Officer (LO), as required, to facilitate consultation with the affected villages, various stakeholders, and ensuring smooth implementation of the subproject.
(b) Environment & Conservation Division
447. The ECD was consulted at the outset of the IEE process, will be consulted on the confirmation of the categorization of the project, and will be requested to review the IEE. A Scoping Report (and request for first stage approval), outlining the process adopted for environmental assessment, the three subprojects, and likely project impacts was prepared and submitted to ECD on 21st August 2007. 448. Ongoing consultation with ECD will be required during the construction of the project and ECD will be asked to assist in the auditing of implementation of the EMPs and ensure that environmental management and mitigation of the project is undertaken to an acceptable standard. 449. Technical assistance and capacity building will be provided to ECD through the PMCBU. ECD is severely constrained by lack of staff and has been unable to participate in capacity building opportunities provided by PMCBU as yet. Currently, ECD comprises three staff, including the Director. Consultation with ECD reveals additional staff have been recruited, and that some of these staff will be placed in Provincial ECDs. Discussions with ECD indicate that capacity building and training, particularly in the areas of environmental assessment and review for the new recruits, project monitoring and evaluation, provided by PMCBU would be appreciated. ECD also noted that a major area in which it needs assistance is with the updating of the State of the Environment report; this is beyond the purview of SIRIP.
(c) Provincial Administration and Villages
450. The project is preparing a communications plan which will outline the types of stakeholder consultation required at various stages of the project, and which agency is responsible for undertaking the consultation, and which media is appropriate for the various types of consultation required. The communications plan is being prepared by the project’s Community Development Officer who will have overall responsible for implementation of the plan and facilitating inputs, as required, by the different stakeholders. The contractor will also be responsible for assigning the LO who will be the key point of contact for the contractor by the project (MID/PMCBU and Community Development Officer) and community (Provincial Administration and villages). 451. At this stage it is thought that coordinating through a small body representing the Provincial Administration, through a Provincial Liaison Committee or similar, with representatives from various departments and divisions taking the lead as required (i.e. Works for general contractor liaison and negotiation with land owners for access to resources and identification of a suitable location for construction camp, Health for STIs and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention program implementation). 452. Village leaders and organizations will assist in arranging meetings with, facilitating consultation with, and providing information about, affected communities and environmental impacts. An account of the process will be an integral part of the internal monitoring report prepared by PMCBU.
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(d) NGOs
453. The project’s awareness and prevention measures will link in with existing initiatives wherever possible. Oxfam provides information and builds links with other organisations in the delivery of awareness and prevention programmes for STIs and HIV and is actively seeking partnerships. The organisation has also developed a package of instruction, education, and communication materials related to STIs and HIV and a module or standard workshop for delivery to institutions which could be ideal for delivery to the contractor’s construction force prior to construction. Oxfam has also developed relationships with Provincial Health and other NGOs working in the project area, UNICEF and Save the Children who also deal with issues of child exploitation. Linking with an already established network in the area would be beneficial in terms of implementing the awareness and prevention aspects of the program aimed at the villages along the subproject road. 5.2 Monitoring
454. The contractor and MID, through the PMCBU, will be responsible for environmental monitoring during construction and post-construction. The PMCBU will also be responsible for verifying the monitoring undertaken by the contractor through audits and spot-checks. 455. The outcomes of monitoring will be included in the overall monthly progress reports to be submitted by the contractor to PMCBU and by the PMCBU to MID and ADB. These will also be consolidated and submitted to ADB for review on a 6-monthly basis. 456. After project completion, MID (through TPPU) will be in charge of the proper operation of the road through an ongoing routine maintenance plan. The ADB will also undertake monitoring as part of the mid-term and post-evaluation assessments. 457. Responsibilities for the implementation of the monitoring requirements of this IEE are shown in Table 17. Implementation of mitigation measures during the construction stage will be the responsibility of the contractor in compliance with the bid documents, contract clauses and technical specifications. 458. The environmental specialists of PMCBU will supervise the monitoring of implementation of mitigation measures during the construction stage. The PMCBU’s national environmental specialist will coordinate with the international environmental specialist for resolving complicated issues that arise in the field and to provide updated information in order to submit reports to MID and ADB. After project completion, MID will be in charge of the operation and maintenance of the project road. MID in cooperation with Makira Provincial Department of Works will undertake routine and random monitoring as scheduled in the monitoring plan.
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Table 17: Responsibilities for Environmental Management & Monitoring Project Stage Responsible Responsibilities Organization Feasibility PMCBU • Prepare IEE including outline EMP studies and • Prepare aggregate extraction guidelines appointment of • Incorporation of IEE mitigation measures into civil works engineering bid documents, detailed design and contractors technical specifications • Translation of mitigation measures into clauses in contract documentation • Preliminary design Detailed Contractor • Prepare detailed design Design • Update EMP based on specifics of detailed design • Identify aggregate extraction sites in line with guidelines and prepare extraction plans PMCBU • Assist contractors to update EMP and prepare aggregate extraction plans as per guidelines PMCBU and • Review and approve detailed environmental ECD mitigation and management measures Construction Contractor • Implementation of EMP • Implementation of aggregate extraction plans and required environmental protection measures PMCBU • Supervise contractor’s implementation of environmental measures • Enforce contractual requirements PMCBU • Audit construction phase through environmental inspections and review monitoring data • Submission of quarterly reports • Provision of awareness/training to workers and technology transfer to contractor ECD and • Ensure compliance with Government legal PMCBU requirements during construction • Review complicated issues arising from the project Operation MID • Provide budget to undertake environmental monitoring for 3 years TPPU, • Undertake environmental monitoring and prepare bi- maintenance annual reports for 3 years contractor • Prepare maintenance reports to adaptively manage environmental risks related to operations (per EMP) Environment • Review monitoring reports specialist from PMCBU; ECD; ADB
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6. Environmental Management and Monitoring
6.1 Environmental Management Plan
459. As noted in Section 4 it is the construction phase, including establishment of aggregate extraction sites, removal of existing road material, building / rebuilding of bridges, placement of crossings and culverts and road reconstruction that has the potential to cause the greatest number of adverse impacts. These can be mitigated and/or avoided. Several of the impacts during the construction period cannot be assessed at this moment, because sites for extraction of materials or temporary work activities have not been identified and/or information concerning the period and the duration of these activities is not available. 460. A specific EMP will be prepared by the Contractor and submitted to PMCBU for review and MID for approval prior to commencement of works. Table 18 includes a generic EMP which will be used as the basis for the Contractor’s EMP. Costs have been included where these are known. A number of mitigation measures will be the responsibility of the Contractor who will be required to identify the best means for mitigating an impact as per the EMP, therefore these costs will be borne by the Contractor as part of the construction cost. 6.2 Environmental Monitoring Plan
461. Environmental monitoring is a very important aspect of environmental management during construction and operation stages of the project to safeguard the environment. In response to the environmental impact preliminarily identified during the feasibility study, an environmental monitoring plan has been developed and is presented in Table 19. The contract documents will contain a list of all required mitigation measures (Section 4 and 6.1) and a time-frame for the compliance monitoring of these activities. The monitoring will comprise surveillance to check whether the contractor is meeting the provisions of the EMP and contract during construction. 462. The PMCBU during project implementation will be required to: i. Develop an environmental auditing protocol for the construction period, and formulate a detailed monitoring and management plan; ii. Supervise the environmental monitoring regularly, and submit quarterly reports, the main parameters to be monitored are outlined in Table 19; and iii. Supervise the project road regularly, and submit quarterly reports based on the monitoring data and laboratory analysis report. The main parameters to be monitored by the contractor are outlined in Table 19. 463. A budget for the monitoring is based on US$3000/month. The estimated cost of monitoring (for a period of 12 months) is US$36,000. It should be noted that there are no noise, air, water or emissions standards exist in Solomon Islands, therefore monitoring will be based on observation and consultation rather than on testing or modelling. The monitoring is the responsibility of MID/PMCBU and the contractor.
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Table 18: Environmental Management Plan IIC=Included in Contract (and specific means for mitigation to be identified and costed by Contractor)
Project activities Environmental Impact Mitigation measures to be included in EMP Responsibility Cost (US$)
PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE Surveying and demarcation of • Some minor loss of vegetation • Minimize vegetation removal to immediate corridor of works Contractor IIC centre-line during demarcation of bridge approaches Site clearance, digging, • Accidental discovery of • Cease activity immediately; Contractor; IIC excavations archaeological assets, sites or • Inform National Museum (Tambu Register), Ministry of Culture and ECD National Museum resources • Undertake all actions required by above (Tambu Register) and ECD Mobilisation of Contractor, • Social disruption • Village protocols discussed; worker awareness as part of mobilization presence of construction • Spread of STIs and HIV/AIDS • Contractor to ensure workers actions outside camp/site are controlled workers, associations with local and village rules, code of conduct observed people • Signage and security at camp i.e. prohibition on unauthorised people (esp. children) entering camp Contractor & 2,400 • Implementation of awareness and prevention program – contractor MOH/NGOs • Implementation of HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention program – MID/MOH & 7,400 community (villages) NGOs Restrictions on land use, land • Loss of land (9.9 ha) • Agreement to voluntary contribution by the community of land and MID No cost to and resource acquisition for • Removal of trees resources; project bridge approaches • Relocation of 3 houses • Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between parties; • Project to relocate houses and provide in-kind contributions for trees etc CONSTRUCTION PHASE Operation of construction plant • Emission of exhaust from vehicles • Maintain const. equipment Contractor IIC and vehicles generating and machinery • Prohibition of use of equipment that causes excessive pollution (e.g. emissions • Dust from aggregate crushing generates smoke) plant; generated by heavy vehicles • Vehicles transporting dust-producing material not overloaded, provided transporting materials on roads; with tail-boards and side-boards, and adequately covered uncovered loads on trucks • Material stockpiles located in sheltered areas and to be covered • Dust from exposed stockpiles • Damping down of the road during the dry season Site clearance, digging, • Accidental discovery of • Cease activity immediately; Contractor; IIC excavations archaeological assets, sites or • Inform National Museum (Tambu Register), Ministry of Culture and ECD National Museum resources • Undertake all actions required by above (Tambu Register) and ECD Operation of construction plant • Noise in community • Construction vehicle exhaust systems and noisy equipment will be Contractor IIC and equipment creating noise • Impacts on construction workers maintained to minimise noise • Contractor will develop a schedule of operations with village chiefs and PMCBU to identify days of no work and hours for certain activities • Limit noisy construction activities to day time hours, i.e. construction activities prohibited between 9pm and 6am • Agree works schedule with village leaders
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Project activities Environmental Impact Mitigation measures to be included in EMP Responsibility Cost (US$)
• Provide workers with noise abatement equipment (ear-muffs etc) • Complaints will be addressed by Contractor Potential for contribution to • Impacts on rainfall, groundwater • Good design to ensure flooding effects and erosion not locally Contractor IIC climate change depletion, or carbon emissions not increased expected • The subproject will not affect risk of, or induce, climate change Works in, or adjacent to, rivers • Effects on river structure including • Construction works in areas of rivers, especially riverbanks, streams Contractor IIC and streams and in the vicinity of (i) changes to river water flows, and the coast to be undertaken with extreme care the coast including levels and velocity; (ii) • Use of silt control devices and sediment traps/fences during bridge changes to channel depth, structure & works and extraction activities. These to be cleaned and dewatered location resulting from excavations, • Good design to ensure river flows are affected as little as possible embedding new structures; and (iii) during construction changes to riverbanks caused by • Temporary structures to minimize impacts on river flows destabilising as a result of equipment • Temporary structures removed on completion of works and riverbed and traffic and construction of restored approaches to crossings • Side slopes of embankments designed to reflect soil strength • Damage to floodplain areas within • River training and scour protection as needed meandering river systems affecting • Minimise size and duration of cleared areas and undertake progressive flood cycles, temporary flood storage, re-vegetation of cleared/work areas release of flood waters and loss of soil • Avoid clearing activities during rainy season where possible fertility through loss of flood silt • Incremental bank protection including structures and replanting to • Increased turbidity of river waters improve stability due to gravel extraction and bridge • Normal flood behaviours maintained as closely as possible through construction careful use of temporary structures and stockpiles • Increased siltation at culverts and • Natural water flows in streams and rivers will not be interfered with bridges • Use of heavy machinery in aquatic environments minimised • Construction materials are washed • Good design used in all construction activities to minimise need for out into rivers and other areas changes to natural gradients • Erosion and sedimentation • Stones and rocks kept on hand and used in event of bank or channel • Reduction in river and coastal erosion water quality • Gabion baskets or rock rip-rap to be used for embankments, around bridge abutments and for coastal protection/stabilization • No discharges to rivers, surface waters, intertidal or coastal areas • No dumping of spoil in streams, rivers or coastal area • Spoils and stockpiles will not be located near the coast, on slopes or within 15m of rivers • Placement of diversion ditches around stockpiles • Abstraction from, or pollution of, water resources and coastal waters not permitted • Debris, spent fuel or oil, waste material not to be dumped along the coast or in or near streams or rivers • All waste materials (such as above) and chemicals will be stored in secure containers away from the coast, surface waters or rivers Aggregate extraction • Removal of beach gravels • Existing quarries will be used wherever possible and appropriate MID, Contractor, IIC
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Project activities Environmental Impact Mitigation measures to be included in EMP Responsibility Cost (US$)
removes shoreline protection, changes • Extraction of beach gravels not permitted under project guidelines PMCBU littoral drift & accelerates erosion • Extraction from ecologically sensitive areas (inter-tidal, swamp, or • Extraction of river gravels from the mangrove areas) or productive land is not permitted beds or active channels of rivers • Sites to be identified in consultation with MID, land owners and changes hydrology altering channel & communities erosion • Alternative / upstream water sources must be arranged for rivers • Extraction from quarries or borrow currently used by communities for water supply pits leaves unusable land, exposed • Sources from rivers and borrow pits to be identified during detailed water table, attracts rubbish dumping, design reduces visual values • Preparation and implementation of extraction plan (with limits to volumes extracted from any one source) in accordance with guidelines • Extraction from rivers will be identified by consultation with MID, Chiefs and communities and according to approved extraction plan • Approved machinery only to be used (dredges not permitted) • Materials not extracted from river bends or other sensitive areas • Permits obtained from ECD • All extractions sites to be rehabilitated after use • Topsoil is preserved and replaced during rehabilitation Clearing, grubbing, cut and fill • Soil erosion & silt generation • Road will not be sealed with asphalt; will be gravel Contractor IIC activities, construction of • Increased runoff / erosion • Stockpiles on un-used or non agricultural land embankments • Sediment contamination of rivers • Gabions or riprap used to stablise shorelines, embankments and bridge • Turbidity in near-shore and reef abutments environments downstream • Erosion monitored and rapid stablilisation done as required for • Gravel extraction from rivers leads unexpected events to erosion • Slope areas revegetated as quickly as possible • Stockpile and staging areas lead • Uncontrolled tipping of soils or any other materials not permitted to loss of land uses • Culverts to comply with deign standards and to be installed and/or • Erosion on slopes, embankments restored quickly Run-off, discharges, generation • Increased siltation at culverts and • Use of silt-control devices Contractor IIC of liquid wastes bridges • No discharges to rivers, surface waters, intertidal or coastal areas. • Construction materials washed out • Discharges to settling ponds or discharge areas determined in into rivers or coast consultation with land owners and communities • Coral reefs are affected by • Natural water flows in streams and rivers will not be interfered with increased turbidity and sedimentation • Abstraction from, and pollution of, water resources not permitted (from rivers) • Diversion ditches to be placed around stockpiles • Soil contamination from fuels, • No liquid wastes to be dumped in waterways or on coasts chemicals • Construction works in areas of rivers, especially riverbanks will be undertaken with extreme care. • Use of heavy machinery in aquatic environments minimised • Discharge zones for culverts and drains to be identified and protected • After completion of works all areas, especially streams to be restored to original condition as quickly as possible • Spoils and stockpiles will not be located near the coast, on slopes or within 15m rivers Accidental spills of hazardous • Oil and other hazardous chemicals • Detailed Emergency Response Plan (as part of EMP) prepared by Contractor, IIC
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Project activities Environmental Impact Mitigation measures to be included in EMP Responsibility Cost (US$)
substances and need for are spilled into the environment Contractor to cover hazardous materials/oil storage, spills and accidents PMCBU (to emergency response resulting in pollution • Chemicals will be stored in secure containers away from the coast, approve plan) • Hydrocarbon leakage / spills from surface waters or rivers construction camps / workshops • Chemicals stored in area or compound with concrete floor and • Accidents placing people at risk weatherproof roof • Spills will be cleaned up as per emergency response plan • Ensure all construction vehicles and plant are well maintained • Accidents reported to police and MID within 24 hours Encroachment into precious • Impacts on fisheries • There are no significant fisheries within, or likely to be affected by, the Contractor IIC ecology, disturbance of marine • Direct impacts on coral reefs, subproject and terrestrial habitats mangroves & intertidal areas • Mangroves not to be felled, removed or damaged • Runoff and rivers carry turbid • Vegetation clearance to be kept to minimum, avoid felling of road-side waters to coral reefs offshore trees wherever possible • Terrestrial habitats become more • Contractor responsible for information and sanctions regarding harm to fragmented wildlife and felling of trees (not requiring to be cleared) • Loss of primary forests • Camp, equipment and stockpiles not to be located in ecologically • Endemic, rare or endangered important or sensitive areas species affected • Water depth to be maintained at crossings and culverts to allow • Workers poach animals migrating species to move up and down rivers • Low level crossings may interfere • Progressive re-vegetation to be carried out in all areas disturbed by the with migration patterns of freshwater project with fast-growing, native species species • Contractor to supply sufficient cooking fuel to avoid use of local timber • Protected areas affected or felling of trees Encroachment into historical / • Effects on cultural values • No tambu areas are located within the subproject area or close enough Contractor; IIC cultural sites • Tambu areas will be affected by to be influenced by it. National Museum the subproject (Tambu Register) and ECD Presence of vehicles and • Traffic and access disrupted • Traffic management plan to be prepared by Contractor Contractor, IIC equipment in villages, use of during construction • Notify villages in advance of schedule and duration of works Villages (through people’s land for access to • Traffic safety affected • Consultations and care taken to minimise disruptions to access CDS) construction site, traffic and • Install temporary access to affected properties where required safety issues • Disposal sites and haulage routes identified in consultation • Signage used in vicinity of works • Access through people’s land will be negotiated with landowners and restored after works completed • Safe access across work sites provided for the public • Community awareness ascertain village concerns regarding traffic management matters (e.g. to determine if they need speed bumps in villages which are close to the road)
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Project activities Environmental Impact Mitigation measures to be included in EMP Responsibility Cost (US$)
Construction activities causing • Interference with existing • Consult with Works & Telekom staff to minimize physical impacts on Contractor IIC accidental damage to existing infrastructure public infrastructure and disruption to services services • Water supplies contaminated or • Any water supply pipelines or other infrastructure services likely to be disrupted through breaking of affected by the project will be re-routed and/or reinstated pipelines or exposing water table • If water tables are exposed during construction they must be during excavation for gravels rehabilitated Presence of construction workers Various social impacts including: • Village protocols discussed; worker awareness as part of mobilization Contractor, IIC + costs and construction camps • Social disruption • Contractor to ensure workers actions outside camp/site are controlled Chiefs, for program • Possibility of conflicts or and village rules, code of conduct observed MID/PMCBU; (already antagonism between residents and • Signage and security at camp i.e. prohibition on unauthorised people NGOs identified) Contractor (esp. children) entering camp • Spread of communicable diseases • Workers to respect village and landowner boundaries including STIs and HIV/AIDS • STIs and HIV/AIDS awareness program through NGO/Oxfam for • Children are exposed to sexual construction force and villages exploitation in camps • A communications and complaints plan will be used for liaison and • Impacts on general health and correction among stakeholders safety • Contractor to recruit Environmental, Health & safety Officer • Contractor to provide health facilities and 1st Aid post in camps and to provide safety equipment for workers • Contractor to provide adequate and safe drinking water in camp • Protection for the public in vicinity of work sites and safe access across work sites provided for the public • Roads to be kept free of materials including rubbish • No damage to property and resources • Contract documents will include provisions for ensuring poor, local and women encouraged to participate in workforce and will receive fair wages. No child labour to be used in construction force Waste generated at construction • Contamination of local water • Contractor to prepare waste management plan (as part of EMP) Contractor, IIC camps supplies through waste • All wastes from work sites and camps to be disposed of in approved PMCBU (to • Discharges of waste-waters / landfill / areas approve plan) sewage from camps to rivers and • No site-specific landfills at camps smaller streams • No wastes to be dumped in waterways or close to the coast • Contractor ensures wastes not discharged to water bodies or rivers and that all wastes disposed of in proper areas • Adequate drainage and proper handling of sewage and other liquid wastes to prevent pools that could encourage disease vectors • Construction camps will have sanitary latrines • Contractor will provide sufficient training in appropriate waste disposal methods • Waste will be removed from camp (to approved dump site) on a regular basis
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Project activities Environmental Impact Mitigation measures to be included in EMP Responsibility Cost (US$)
Construction of camps and • Stress on resources and existing • Site camp and office located, if possible, in areas better supplied with Contractor IIC offices and use of water and infrastructure infrastructure and services electricity supplies • Contractor to supply temporary facilities i.e. health post, accommodation, water and electricity, telecommunications, and sanitation
Clearing of land and removal of • People lose houses or other • Crops or trees to be compensated through in-kind contributions from MID No cost to crops and trees at bridge sites buildings in areas that are required for project/MID project and approaches as part of works bridge approaches • Structures to be relocated as project in-kind contributions (i.e. • People lose gardens or cash crops rebuilding/relocation with project assistance) • Works will be carried out as far as possible within existing road areas to minimise losses
OPERATION PHASE Operation of vehicles creating • Hydrocarbons, Carbon Monoxide, • Forecasts of traffic growth indicate that emissions will be low and not TPPU; routine IIC emissions Nitrous compounds, Sulphur Dioxide have a noticeable effect on air quality maintenance and particulate matter increase • Landscaping along roadside to reduce dust impacts contractor through increased traffic Placement of bridges and • Alterations to river flow • Proper maintenance of structures to ensure river debris does not collect MID/TPPU; IIC crossings • Constriction of water flows through and result in damage to banks and land routine use of fords, bridges, causeways and • River training and scour protection maintenance other structures blocking water flow • Good design to ensure normal flood behaviour maintained as closely as contractor • Restriction of natural meandering possible through use of transparent structures and relief culverts on bridge of streams approaches. • Restriction of natural flood cycles by filled approaches to bridges (including temporary storage of floodwaters and their release along floodplains) • Reduced top-dressing of floodplain agricultural areas through restricted flood plain movements Run-off from road • Use of the roads results in • Maintenance of erosion control structures, preventing debris build-up TPPU; routine IIC problems with runoff, loss of soils and and ensuring good vegetation cover maintenance other forms of erosion • Roads will be better compacted, covered and provided with culverts and contractor • Water quality in rivers and drains nearshore areas is affected by use of • Awareness of the value of maintaining vegetation cover will be the new roads undertaken Improved access to previously • Hunting and poaching increases • Lack of through-route access and low traffic volumes means it is TPPU; routine IIC inaccessible, or difficult to reach, unlikely there will be any impacts on flora and fauna maintenance areas • There are no rare or endangered species that could be affected by contractor operation
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Project activities Environmental Impact Mitigation measures to be included in EMP Responsibility Cost (US$)
• There are no protected areas in or near the subproject area Spread of communicable • Roads act as pathway for spread • At expected traffic volumes risk of spread of such diseases are not TPPU; routine IIC diseases of communicable diseases such as expected maintenance HIV and STIs contractor
Increased traffic • Increases in noise nuisance for • Low traffic forecasts and the low population density means that ambient MID/TPPU; IIC residents noise levels will not significantly increase Local police • Increased traffic volumes and • General safety will be improved through providing a shoulder and higher speeds leads to accidents widening within ROW • Installation of road safety signage • Work with police to carry out enforcement of traffic regulations once road is upgraded • Awareness raising through village meetings will be needed to create road safety programs • Ongoing community awareness ascertain village concerns regarding traffic calming & management matters Routine and ongoing • The need for gravel for on-going • MID will negotiate with resource owners and prepare an MOU TPPU; routine IIC maintenance road maintenance leads to acquisition acceptable to all parties maintenance of new source areas affecting • Drain and fill areas where water can pool as part of ongoing contractor properties maintenance activities • Standing water degrades road and surrounding environment
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Table 19: Environmental Monitoring Plan Project activity Impact Mitigation proposed Parameter to be Location Monitoring Frequency Responsibility monitored PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE Surveying and • Some minor loss of • Minimize vegetation removal to Area of vegetation; area Bridge approaches Visual inspection During Contractor; demarcation of vegetation during immediate corridor of works of felled trees/vegetation before, during and survey and PMCBU centre-line demarcation of bridge removal after activities approaches Site clearance, • Accidental discovery • Cease activity immediately; Sites and/or resources Wherever located Stop work order During Contractor; digging, excavations of archaeological assets, • Inform National Museum discovered and their issued; activities National Museum sites or resources (Tambu Register), Ministry of protection Site/resources dealt archaeologists/ Culture and ECD with appropriately ECD, PMCBU • Undertake all actions required by above Mobilisation of • Social disruption • Village protocols discussed; Complaints of incidents Villages Checking records for During PMCBU Contractor, worker awareness as part of between workers and complaints, activities presence of mobilization villagers; consultation with construction • Contractor to ensure workers No. of children entering workers about workers, actions outside camp/site are camp; protocols etc associations with controlled and village rules, code Number and Issues raised with CDS local people of conduct observed effectiveness of signs • Signage and security at camp i.e. prohibition on unauthorised people (esp. children) entering camp • Spread of STIs and • Implementation of awareness STI/HIV/AIDS prevalence Camp Check contractor Prior to PMCBU HIV/AIDS and prevention program – Increased awareness records, consultation construction contractor about transmission and with employees, prevention discussions with NGO • Spread of STIs and • Implementation of HIV/AIDS STI/HIV/AIDS prevalence Villages Check contractor Prior to PMCBU HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention Increased awareness records, consultation construction program – community (villages) about transmission and with employees, prevention discussions with NGO Restrictions on land • Loss of land (9.9 ha) • Agreement to voluntary Implementation of MOUs Land in vicinity of Consultation Prior to PMCBU use, land and • Removal of trees contribution by the community of Community satisfaction bridge approaches construction resource acquisition • Relocation of 3 land and resources; with project in-kind for bridge houses • Memorandum of contributions approaches Understanding (MOU) signed between parties; • Project to relocate houses and provide in-kind contributions for trees etc CONSTRUCTION PHASE Operation of • Emission of exhaust • Maintain const. equipment Air quality, emissions, Vicinity of road Periodic visual Monthly; Contractor; construction plant from vehicles and • Prohibition of use of dust, particulate matter; corridor inspection; After PMCBU and vehicles machinery equipment that causes excessive Use of tarpaulins and Any particulate matter complaint generating • Dust from aggregate pollution (e.g. generates smoke) loading of vehicles; and smoke managed emissions TA 48-SOL IEE Wainuri-Kirakira & Kirakira-Warihito June 2008 Page 105
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Project activity Impact Mitigation proposed Parameter to be Location Monitoring Frequency Responsibility monitored crushing plant; generated • Vehicles transporting dust- Stockpiles as per EMP by heavy vehicles producing material not overloaded, transporting materials on provided with tail-boards and side- roads; uncovered loads boards, and adequately covered on trucks • Material stockpiles located in • Dust from exposed sheltered areas and to be covered stockpiles • Damping down of the road during the dry season Site clearance, • Accidental discovery • Cease activity immediately; Sites and/or resources Wherever located Stop work order During Contractor; digging, excavations of archaeological assets, • Inform National Museum discovered and their issued; activities National Museum sites or resources (Tambu Register), Ministry of protection Site/resources dealt archaeologists/ Culture and ECD with appropriately ECD, PMCBU • Undertake all actions required by above Operation of • Noise in community • Construction vehicle exhaust Adherence to agreed Sensitive areas Review schedule Monthly; Contractor; construction plant • Impacts on systems and noisy equipment will schedule; Consultation (ensure After PMCBU and equipment construction workers be maintained to minimise noise Complaints (no. logged schedule being complaint creating noise • Contractor will develop a with resolution); adhered to) schedule of operations with village Workers safety chiefs and PMCBU to identify days equipment of no work and hours for certain activities • Limit noisy construction activities to day time hours, i.e. construction activities prohibited between 9pm and 6am • Agree works schedule with village leaders • Provide workers with noise abatement equipment (ear-muffs etc) • Complaints will be addressed by Contractor Potential for • Impacts on rainfall, • Good design to ensure Stream/river heights and Streams, rivers, Visual; As required Contractor; contribution to groundwater depletion, or flooding effects and erosion not velocities; floodplains and Review rainfall and PMCBU climate change carbon emissions not locally increased Flooding frequency; coastal areas flooding records expected Localised erosion • The subproject will not affect risk of, or induce, climate change Works in, or • Effects on river • Construction works in areas of Temporary structures Bridge and crossing Check designs; Monthly; Contractor; adjacent to, rivers structure including (i) rivers, especially riverbanks, removed; sites and areas Visual observation of As required; PMCBU and streams and in changes to river water streams and the coast to be River training/scour adjacent to coast; culverts, bridges and After event the vicinity of the flows, including levels undertaken with extreme care protection; Downstream of in-stream/river work coast and velocity; (ii) changes • Use of silt control devices and No stockpiling in pollution event areas; to channel depth, sediment traps/fences during riverbeds, river islands or Consultation with users structure & location bridge works and extraction floodplains; TA 48-SOL IEE Wainuri-Kirakira & Kirakira-Warihito June 2008 Page 106
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Project activity Impact Mitigation proposed Parameter to be Location Monitoring Frequency Responsibility monitored resulting from activities. These to be cleaned Flooding frequency; excavations, embedding and dewatered Localised erosion new structures; and (iii) • Good design to ensure river changes to riverbanks flows are affected as little as caused by destabilising possible during construction as a result of equipment • Temporary structures to and traffic and minimize impacts on river flows construction of • Temporary structures removed approaches to crossings on completion of works and • Damage to floodplain riverbed restored areas within meandering • Side slopes of embankments river systems affecting designed to reflect soil strength flood cycles, temporary • River training and scour flood storage, release of protection as needed flood waters and loss of • Minimise size and duration of soil fertility through loss cleared areas and undertake of flood silt progressive re-vegetation of • Increased turbidity of cleared/work areas river waters due to gravel • Avoid clearing activities during extraction and bridge rainy season where possible construction • Incremental bank protection • Increased siltation at including structures and replanting culverts and bridges to improve stability • Construction • Normal flood behaviours materials are washed out maintained as closely as possible into rivers and other through careful use of temporary areas structures and stockpiles • Erosion and • Natural water flows in streams sedimentation and rivers will not be interfered • Reduction in river with and coastal water quality • Use of heavy machinery in aquatic environments minimised • Good design used in all construction activities to minimise need for changes to natural gradients • Stones and rocks kept on hand and used in event of bank or channel erosion • Gabion baskets or rock rip-rap to be used for embankments, around bridge abutments and for coastal protection/stabilization • No discharges to rivers, surface waters, intertidal or coastal areas • No dumping of spoil in
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Project activity Impact Mitigation proposed Parameter to be Location Monitoring Frequency Responsibility monitored streams, rivers or coastal area • Spoils and stockpiles will not be located near the coast, on slopes or within 15m of rivers • Placement of diversion ditches around stockpiles • Abstraction from, or pollution of, water resources and coastal waters not permitted • Debris, spent fuel or oil, waste material not to be dumped along the coast or in or near streams or rivers • All waste materials (such as above) and chemicals will be stored in secure containers away from the coast, surface waters or rivers Aggregate extraction • Removal of beach • Existing quarries will be used Materials only obtained Extraction / quarry Visual inspection; Monthly Contractor; gravels removes wherever possible and appropriate from designated sites sites Review of extraction PMCBU shoreline protection, • Extraction of beach gravels not (locations and method) plan changes littoral drift & permitted under project guidelines as per extraction plan; accelerates erosion • Extraction from ecologically Rehabilitation is • Extraction of river sensitive areas (inter-tidal, swamp, conducted as per gravels from the beds or or mangrove areas) or productive extraction plan active channels of rivers land is not permitted changes hydrology • Sites to be identified in altering channel & consultation with MID, land owners erosion and communities • Extraction from • Alternative / upstream water quarries or borrow pits sources must be arranged for leaves unusable land, rivers currently used by exposed water table, communities for water supply attracts rubbish dumping, • Sources from rivers and reduces visual values borrow pits to be identified during detailed design • Preparation and implementation of extraction plan (with limits to volumes extracted from any one source) in accordance with guidelines • Extraction from rivers will be identified by consultation with MID, Chiefs and communities and according to approved extraction plan • Approved machinery only to be
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Project activity Impact Mitigation proposed Parameter to be Location Monitoring Frequency Responsibility monitored used (dredges not permitted) • Materials not extracted from river bends or other sensitive areas • Permits obtained from ECD • All extractions sites to be rehabilitated after use • Topsoil is preserved and replaced during rehabilitation Clearing, grubbing, • Soil erosion & silt • Road will not be sealed with Reduced soil erosion and Road corridor, Visual inspection Monthly Contractor; cut and fill activities, generation asphalt; will be gravel sedimentation; stream and rivers PMCBU construction of • Increased runoff / • Stockpiles on un-used or non Damaged culverts and embankments erosion agricultural land drainage replaced; • Sediment • Gabions or riprap used to Reduce localised contamination of rivers stablise shorelines, embankments flooding along roads • Turbidity in near- and bridge abutments Vegetation clearance shore and reef • Erosion monitored and rapid minimized; environments stablilisation done as required for No garden or agricultural downstream unexpected events land used; • Gravel extraction • Slope areas revegetated as No dump sites near from rivers leads to quickly as possible waterways or coast erosion • Uncontrolled tipping of soils or • Stockpile and staging any other materials not permitted areas lead to loss of land • Culverts to comply with deign uses standards and to be installed • Erosion on slopes, and/or restored quickly embankments Run-off, discharges, • Increased siltation at • Use of silt-control devices Discharge of waste as Streams and rivers Visual inspection of Monthly Contractor; generation of liquid culverts and bridges • No discharges to rivers, per waste management culverts, bridges and PMCBU wastes • Construction surface waters, intertidal or plan; in-stream/river work materials washed out into coastal areas. Occurrence of erosion areas rivers or coast • Discharges to settling ponds or • Coral reefs are discharge areas determined in affected by increased consultation with land owners and turbidity and communities sedimentation (from • Natural water flows in streams rivers) and rivers will not be interfered • Soil contamination with from fuels, chemicals • Abstraction from, and pollution of, water resources not permitted • Diversion ditches to be placed around stockpiles • No liquid wastes to be dumped in waterways or on coasts • Construction works in areas of rivers, especially riverbanks will be undertaken with extreme care.
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Project activity Impact Mitigation proposed Parameter to be Location Monitoring Frequency Responsibility monitored • Use of heavy machinery in aquatic environments minimised • Discharge zones for culverts and drains to be identified and protected • After completion of works all areas, especially streams to be restored to original condition as quickly as possible • Spoils and stockpiles will not be located near the coast, on slopes or within 15m rivers Accidental spills of • Oil and other • Detailed Emergency Response EMP and emergency Construction camp/ Review and approval Monthly; Contractor; hazardous hazardous chemicals are Plan (as part of EMP) prepared by response plan; workshop area; of emergency After event or PMCBU substances and spilled into the Contractor to cover hazardous Ensure storage sites are Area of spill or event response plan; as required need for emergency environment resulting in materials/oil storage, spills and using existing concrete Visual Inspection of response pollution accidents base; storage facilities; • Hydrocarbon leakage • Chemicals will be stored in Spills cleaned and area / spills from construction secure containers away from the rehabilitated camps / workshops coast, surface waters or rivers • Accidents placing • Chemicals stored in area or people at risk compound with concrete floor and weatherproof roof • Spills will be cleaned up as per emergency response plan • Ensure all construction vehicles and plant are well maintained • Accidents reported to police and MID within 24 hours Encroachment into • Impacts on fisheries • There are no significant Check for poaching and Camp/ work sites; Visual inspection of Spot PMCBU; precious ecology, • Direct impacts on fisheries within, or likely to be unnecessary vegetation Road corridor camp and work sites; inspections; Contactor & disturbance of coral reefs, mangroves & affected by, the subproject clearance; Re-vegetation Monthly PMCBU marine and intertidal areas • Mangroves not to be felled, Progress of re-vegetation activities as per EMP; terrestrial habitats • Runoff and rivers removed or damaged of work areas; Consultations with carry turbid waters to • Vegetation clearance to be Adequate fuel supplies in villagers and workers coral reefs offshore kept to minimum, avoid felling of camp; • Terrestrial habitats road-side trees wherever possible Training of workers in become more fragmented • Contractor responsible for information • Loss of primary information and sanctions forests regarding harm to wildlife and • Endemic, rare or felling of trees (not requiring to be endangered species cleared) affected • Camp, equipment and • Workers poach stockpiles not to be located in animals ecologically important or sensitive • Low level crossings areas
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Project activity Impact Mitigation proposed Parameter to be Location Monitoring Frequency Responsibility monitored may interfere with • Water depth to be maintained migration patterns of at crossings and culverts to allow freshwater species migrating species to move up and • Protected areas down rivers affected • Progressive re-vegetation to be carried out in all areas disturbed by the project with fast- growing, native species • Contractor to supply sufficient cooking fuel to avoid use of local timber or felling of trees Encroachment into • Effects on cultural • No tambu areas are located Sites and/or resources Wherever located Stop work order During Contractor; historical / cultural values within the subproject area or close discovered and their issued; activities National Museum sites • Tambu areas will be enough to be influenced by it. protection Site/resources dealt archaeologists/ affected by the with appropriately ECD, PMCBU subproject Presence of vehicles • Traffic and access • Traffic management plan to be No. of accidents/events; Villages and work Visual inspection; During Contractor and equipment in disrupted during prepared by Contractor Maintenance of access; areas Consultations; activities PMCBU villages, use of construction • Notify villages in advance of Signage; Review of traffic people’s land for • Traffic safety affected schedule and duration of works Road free of materials management plan access to • Consultations and care taken and debris; construction site, to minimise disruptions to access Haulage routes traffic and safety • Install temporary access to rehabilitated issues affected properties where required • Disposal sites and haulage routes identified in consultation • Signage used in vicinity of works • Access through people’s land will be negotiated with landowners and restored after works completed • Safe access across work sites provided for the public • Community awareness ascertain village concerns regarding traffic management matters (e.g. to determine if they need speed bumps in villages which are close to the road) Construction • Interference with • Consult with Works & Telekom Services damaged and Villages/ Visual inspection, As required Contractor; activities causing existing infrastructure staff to minimize physical impacts rehabilitated/reinstated; Kirakira town consultation with PMCBU accidental damage • Water supplies on public infrastructure and Services re-routed; service providers to existing services contaminated or disruption to services Service disruptions disrupted through • Any water supply pipelines or breaking of pipelines or other infrastructure services likely exposing water table to be affected by the project will be
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Project activity Impact Mitigation proposed Parameter to be Location Monitoring Frequency Responsibility monitored during excavation for re-routed and/or reinstated gravels • If water tables are exposed during construction they must be rehabilitated Presence of Various social impacts • Village protocols discussed; HIV/STIs awareness Contractor’s EMO recruited; As required; Contrcator; construction workers including: worker awareness as part of campaign implemented; workforce; Training records; Monthly; PMCBU; and construction • Social disruption mobilization EMO recruited; Staff records; After CDS as required camps • Possibility of conflicts • Contractor to ensure workers Training implemented; Visual inspection; complaint or antagonism between actions outside camp/site are Provision of safety and Consultations with residents and Contractor controlled and village rules, code protective equipment; villagers; • Spread of of conduct observed Signage and security Checking of communicable diseases • Signage and security at camp used to prevent complaints; including STIs and i.e. prohibition on unauthorised unauthorized people HIV/AIDS people (esp. children) entering Consultations with entering camps, including workers re training • Children are exposed camp children; to sexual exploitation in • Workers to respect village and Signage installed as camps landowner boundaries required; • Impacts on general • STIs and HIV/AIDS awareness health and safety program through NGO/Oxfam for construction force and villages • A communications and complaints plan will be used for liaison and correction among stakeholders • Contractor to recruit Environmental, Health & safety Officer • Contractor to provide health facilities and 1st Aid post in camps and to provide safety equipment for workers • Contractor to provide adequate and safe drinking water in camp • Protection for the public in vicinity of work sites and safe access across work sites provided for the public • Roads to be kept free of materials including rubbish • No damage to property and resources • Contract documents will include provisions for ensuring poor, local and women encouraged to participate in workforce and will receive fair wages. No child labour to be used
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Project activity Impact Mitigation proposed Parameter to be Location Monitoring Frequency Responsibility monitored in construction force Waste generated at • Contamination of • Contractor to prepare waste Waste management - Camp; Visual inspection; Monthly; Contractor; construction camps local water supplies management plan (as part of EMP) visual inspection that Work areas; Review of waste As required; PMCBU through waste • All wastes from work sites and solid waste is disposed Villages management plan Spot checks • Discharges of waste- camps to be disposed of in of as per EMP; waters / sewage from approved landfill / areas Provision of sanitary camps to rivers and • No site-specific landfills at facilities; smaller streams camps No direct discharges to • No wastes to be dumped in local streams or rivers; waterways or close to the coast Regularity of waste • Contractor ensures wastes not removal discharged to water bodies or rivers and that all wastes disposed of in proper areas • Adequate drainage and proper handling of sewage and other liquid wastes to prevent pools that could encourage disease vectors • Construction camps will have sanitary latrines • Contractor will provide sufficient training in appropriate waste disposal methods • Waste will be removed from camp (to approved dump site) on a regular basis Construction of • Stress on resources • Site camp and office located, if No. concerns raised and Road corridor Consult with villages Ongoing Contractor; camps and offices and existing possible, in areas better supplied resolution; along subproject road PMCBU and use of water infrastructure with infrastructure and services Service supply to camp to monitor and electricity • Contractor to supply temporary and office environmental supplies facilities i.e. health post, concerns accommodation, water and electricity, telecommunications, and sanitation Clearing of land and • People lose houses • Crops or trees to be Implementation of MOUs Review of MOUs; As required Contractor; removal of crops or other buildings in compensated through in-kind Community satisfaction Consultation with PMCBU; and trees at bridge areas that are required contributions from project/MID with project in-kind land owners/users NGO sites and for bridge approaches • Structures to be relocated as contributions approaches as part • People lose gardens project in-kind contributions (i.e. of works or cash crops rebuilding/relocation with project assistance) • Works will be carried out as far as possible within existing road areas to minimise losses
OPERATION PHASE
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Project activity Impact Mitigation proposed Parameter to be Location Monitoring Frequency Responsibility monitored Operation of • Hydrocarbons, • Forecasts of traffic growth Air quality; Villages along the Consultation and visual Monthly; Contractor; vehicles creating Carbon Monoxide, indicate that emissions will be low Particulates and smoke; subproject road observations; As required PMCBU emissions Nitrous compounds, and not have a noticeable effect No. complaints; incidents Complaints; Sulphur Dioxide and on air quality logged with resolution particulate matter • Landscaping along roadside to increase through reduce dust impacts increased traffic Placement of • Alterations to river • Proper maintenance of Erosion; Streams, rivers, Check designs; 2 x year for 3 MID/TPPU; ADB bridges and flow structures to ensure river debris Flooding patterns; floodplains Visual assessment; year, mid- crossings • Constriction of water does not collect and result in Culverts and bridge Review of flooding term and flows through use of damage to banks and land abutments cleared of patterns/records post-eval. fords, bridges, • River training and scour debris monitoring causeways and other protection structures blocking water • Good design to ensure normal flow flood behaviour maintained as • Restriction of natural closely as possible through use of meandering of streams transparent structures and relief • Restriction of natural culverts on bridge approaches. flood cycles by filled approaches to bridges (including temporary storage of floodwaters and their release along floodplains) • Reduced top- dressing of floodplain agricultural areas through restricted flood plain movements Run-off from road • Use of the roads • Maintenance of erosion control Water quality in streams Road corridor, Visual assessment; 2 x year for 3 MID/TPPU; ADB results in problems with structures, preventing debris build- and rivers; streams and rivers Consultations or year, mid- runoff, loss of soils and up and ensuring good vegetation Suspended solids from complaints term and other forms of erosion cover road or areas of erosion, post-eval. • Water quality in rivers • Roads will be better if identified monitoring and nearshore areas is compacted, covered and provided affected by use of the with culverts and drains new roads • Awareness of the value of maintaining vegetation cover will be undertaken Improved access to • Hunting and poaching • Lack of through-route access Increases in hunting Habitats in vicinity of Visual assessment; 2 x year for 3 MID/TPPU; ADB previously increases and low traffic volumes means it is activity; road corridor Consultations year, mid- inaccessible, or unlikely there will be any impacts Reduced sightings of term and difficult to reach, on flora and fauna fauna post-eval. areas • There are no rare or monitoring endangered species that could be affected by operation • There are no protected areas
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Project activity Impact Mitigation proposed Parameter to be Location Monitoring Frequency Responsibility monitored in or near the subproject area Spread of • Roads act as • At expected traffic volumes Health status of people; Consultations with 2 x year for 3 MID/TPPU; ADB communicable pathway for spread of risk of spread of such diseases are No. of cases of STIs etc villagers and road year, mid- diseases communicable diseases not expected users; term and such as HIV and STIs Review of health post-eval. records (STIs data etc) monitoring Increased traffic • Increases in noise • Low traffic forecasts and the Accidents and collisions; Villages along the Consultation and visual 2 x year for 3 MID/TPPU; ADB nuisance for residents low population density means that Safety issues discussed subproject road observations; year, mid- • Increased traffic ambient noise levels will not in schools; Complaints; term and volumes and higher significantly increase Effectiveness of traffic Collect road accident post-eval. speeds leads to • General safety will be claming measures data; monitoring accidents improved through providing a shoulder and widening within ROW • Installation of road safety signage • Work with police to carry out enforcement of traffic regulations once road is upgraded • Awareness raising through village meetings will be needed to create road safety programs • Ongoing community awareness ascertain village concerns regarding traffic calming & management matters Routine and ongoing • The need for gravel • MID will negotiate with Satisfaction with MOUs; Sites; MOUs; As required MID/TPPU; maintenance for on-going road resource owners and prepare an Condition of road Road corridor; Routine maintenance As per IPSA PMCBU maintenance leads to MOU acceptable to all parties Villages along the records; acquisition of new source • Drain and fill areas where subproject road Visual inspection; areas affecting properties water can pool as part of ongoing As per monitoring • Standing water maintenance activities framework included in degrades road and IPSA surrounding environment
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464. The following measures will be taken to provide an environmental compliance monitoring program during project implementation: i. The tender and contract documents will clearly set out the contractor’s obligations to undertake the environmental mitigation measures as set out in Section 4 and 6.1 of this IEE and to be appended to contract specifications; ii. Where a cost will be incurred i.e. STIs and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, the recommended environmental mitigation cost should be included as an item in the Bills of Quantities. This will ensure that there is specific environmental mitigation budget and that the measures will be implemented as required. During the procurement, contractors will be required to include these costs in their rates and present the mitigation cost as a line item in the Bill of Quantities. There will be an identified extra payment in the contract to ensure measures are costed and carried out; and iii. Each contractor will recruit an EMO and LO, who will be responsible for implementing the contractors’ environmental responsibilities, and liaising with district administration. The EMO will also be responsible for health and safety aspects of work sites. 465. The project’s environmental monitoring plan is provided in Table 19 (above). The EMP will require that all events, complaints and other issues are logged and resolved as soon as possible. All records are to be copied to PMCBU to ensure issues are being resolved.
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7. Consultation and Information Disclosure
7.1 Consultation Activities Undertaken
466. The outcomes of the following public consultation activities have been integrated into the preparation of the IEE: i. Consultation with MID, including consultants working on projects in the transport sector, on activities and practices in respect of environmental and social assessment, consultation and disclosure on other and similar projects; ii. Consultation with ECD and local authorities during field visits to project site to identify issues related to subproject environmental assessment and approval procedures; iii. Consultation with the communities through focus group meetings in various villages along the road and informal interviews and discussions with stakeholders in the area; and iv. In addition an RRA was carried out in the communities along the subproject road for the IPSA. The outcomes of that process have been integrated into the sections of the IEE where relevant.19 467. Consultation has been undertaken with stakeholders including government agencies, the Project Steering Committee, communities likely to be affected by subproject as well as potential beneficiaries. Subproject areas have been visited a number of times including for the RRA and for the IEE. A summary of the consultation outcomes is provided in the following sections and the record of public consultation is provided in Attachment 4. Excluding the participants in the RRA, some 421 people have been consulted about the subproject, as shown in Table 20. Additional consultations concerning the relocated crossings were undertaken with the chiefs in the Magoha, Maepua and Wairaha areas between 6th and 10th March 2008.
Table 20: Summary of date, location and attendance at Village Consultation Meetings Date: Village: No. of People Various General 22 15th August 2007 Nawote 21 10th August 2007 Mwaniwiriwiri 27 11th August 2007 Arohane 24 12th August 2007 Tawani, Bauro, Togori 37 15th August 2007 Mu’u 3 14th August 2007 Ngorangora & Matanangoa 27 13th August 2007 Manibena & Manihuki 48 8th August 2007 Pamua 74 8th August 2007 Borodao & Waita 33 8th August 2007 Kakaorana 36 11th August 2007 Manitwaniuhi 30 13th August 2007 Nukuaisi, Kakaraona, Makirima 17 16th August 2007 Kokana 22 Total 21 villages 421
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7.2 Results of the Consultation
468. During preparation of the IEE consultations were held with villages along the subproject road, the meetings were “open” in that anybody with an interest in the subproject was invited to participate, for smaller villages, a group of villages was invited to attend a meeting. The meetings were well attended and some interesting information was provided, which has been incorporated into the description of the existing environment and assessment of impact sections of the IEE. 469. The main issues raised during the village meetings can be distilled into common themes: i. The people in the village rely heavily on market produce, cocoa bean products, and copra for their livelihood. The villagers mostly sell their garden produce at the Kirakira market. Other means of earning money in the community include sale of local bakery products such ring cakes, and banana chips, sawn timber and betel nut; ii. The main problems experienced in villages along the road include: (i) access to school, especially when children cannot easily cross streams and rivers during flood conditions. Out of fear of previous drownings sometimes children are kept home from school when it is raining; (ii) people have to carry heavy loads such as copra, cocoa for some distances; (iii) long distances for women to walk to take their children for immunization or check ups; (iv) difficulties getting to the market to sell produce; (v) irregular shipping affects ability to buy and sell goods; (vi) lack of adequate sanitation; and, (vii) lack of vehicles; iii. The anticipated benefits from the road improvement include; (i) encouragement for households/villages to obtain vehicles and replace the ones that were sent away when the road became non-trafficable; (ii) improved travel, increased comfort, reduced travel time, and improved transport services; (iii) less dust and mud; (iv) improved access markets and resources (especially those on the other side of Ravo, Warihito and Wairaha Rivers); (v) opportunities for the poor or disadvantaged; (vi) reduced need to walk with heavy loads; and (vii) employment on the project during construction and possibly ongoing maintenance; iv. The negative impacts identified included; (i) dust and nuisance during construction; (ii) bad influences from outside including increased alcohol consumption, risk of exposure to STIs and HIV, and risk of increased criminal activities; (iii) the possibility of village girls and women having relationships with construction workers, especially based on the known instances of similar occurring in relation to the logging camps; (iv) general environmental pollution similar to a previous project where waste and old or broken machinery were simply left by the side of the road to rust; (v) increased traffic noise; (vi) increased speeding and possibility of traffic accidents; (vii) outsiders coming into the village and increased competition for land; v. In terms of community contributions the villages along the subproject road, while reluctant at first, were willing to contribute sand and gravel for the road re-construction. In some cases caveats were included such as gravel being used for reconstruction only in the vicinity of the village contributing the gravel; and vi. Further views gathered from the villagers relate to the need to prioritize the river crossings over road reconstruction, access across the rivers, especially during flood events was seen as their main issue. Villagers noted that deaths (drownings) occur each year (especially crossing wide rivers such as the Ravo) and that community resources on the other side of the rivers are difficult for them to reach when the rivers flood. They also raised the need to improve the feeder roads.
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7.2.1 Project Response to Issues Raised
470. Some measures to minimize negative impacts were discussed during the meetings, these included: i. Restricting access of the workers to the immediate road through construction of gates and/or fences along the villages; ii. The village committee creating additional village by-laws and rules (including bans) to try and minimize the negative social impacts; iii. Establishing a police post in the area to provide reinforcements to elders and chiefs for dealing with issues of law and order; iv. Making sure the construction workers know the village rules and codes of conduct and obey them; v. The project running a health (including STIs and HIV) and traffic awareness program in conjunction with the responsible village authority; vi. Banning children from going into the construction camp; vii. Imposition fines (or sanctions) on workers who break village rules; viii. Enforcing a ban on workers drinking alcohol in the villages; and ix. Insisting that the contractor remove all machinery and plant, waste, and purpose-built structures, and re-instate lands to original condition at the completion of the project. 7.3 Disclosure
471. The IEE documenting the mitigation measures and consultation process will be submitted to MID, ECD and ADB and will be available for public review. The affected people and the local communities expressed support for the project during the consultations as they clearly saw the benefit to the villages along the road, but have not yet signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) of willingness to contribute material for construction. Further consultation and disclosure will be done during implementation through: i. The project’s Communications Plan; ii. Disclosure of a summary of the resettlement plan; iii. The preparation and dissemination of a brochure in English and Pidgin (and other languages as required), explaining the project, works required and anticipated timing of the works; and iv. Setting up a formal grievance redress committee with a representation from the affected people. The contractor will be responsible for managing the grievance redress program. 472. Information regarding the approved subproject and the proposed environmental management measures will be posted at suitable locations at the project site. 473. Disclosure will conform to the Public Communications Policy of the ADB: Disclosure and Exchange of Information (March 2005) which requires that environmental assessment reports for ADB projects be accessible to interested parties and the general public. The project’s SIEE as part of ADB project documents will be uploaded onto the ADB website while the IEE will be available to the public upon request.
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8. Findings and Recommendations
8.1 Findings
474. The project road does not traverse any protected areas or areas of conservation value, including primary forests, terrestrial reserves or community managed marine protected areas. A proposed protected area (central Bauro Highlands) is located to the south of the subproject road but will not be affected by the subproject’s works. The subproject will not create any impacts on cultural or heritage (tambu) sites and neither does it pass through densely populated areas or an area subject to heavy development. The proposed subproject will not create conflicts with natural resource allocation. The effects of the subproject are spatially limited and therefore will not have any impacts on the rare or endangered species thought to inhabit the proposed conservation area or other parts San Cristobal. 475. A screening has been undertaken (summary presented in Table 14) and has not identified any significant negative or adverse environmental impacts. 8.2 Conclusions
476. During construction the project will create some moderate and temporary adverse environmental impacts. No impacts have been identified that can not be mitigated; a preliminary EMP has been prepared. The spread of communicable disease during construction (such as STIs and HIV/AIDS) and child exploitation are significant potential risks; this can be mitigated by an awareness and prevention program aimed at (i) contractor’s construction workers and camps, and (ii) villages along the subproject road, implemented with assistance from Oxfam and Provincial Health. The program has been given a cost estimate and will be included as a line item in the contract bill of quantities while the community awareness will be a cost directly to the project. 477. Implementation of appropriate mitigation measures during the design, construction, and operation phases will minimize the negative impacts of the project to acceptable levels. To ensure that these mitigation measures are implemented and negative impacts avoided, the measures will be included in the contract specification of the project. Environmental monitoring of the project will be undertaken regularly through the first three years of its operation to ensure that the measures are being implemented properly. 478. Contractors’ conformity with contract procedures and specifications during construction will be carefully monitored. The contractor will be required to follow standard construction practices and comply with a series of contractual requirements which will be monitored and supervised by PMCBU. 479. A major benefit of the subproject is the accessibility to the social services being provided. The subproject is welcomed by the people in villages along the road and contribution of construction materials is considered to be more than fair exchange for re- instatement of a key piece of infrastructure. 480. The project will have an overall beneficial impact, reducing coastal erosion, reducing dust, reducing travel time and travel costs, while improving socio-economic conditions along the subproject road. It will have insignificant negative impacts that will nevertheless be carefully monitored and adequately mitigated. 481. The overall conclusion is that the subproject complies with environmental categorization B, and therefore, the completion of this IEE fully meets the ADB and Government standards and no further environmental study is required for the Wainuri – Kirakira and Kirakira – Warihito Road subproject.
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8.3 Recommendations
482. The recommendations of this IEE are: (i) the IEE be accepted by ADB and ECD as the statement of subproject’s environmental effects and how they will be mitigated; (ii) Contractor be assisted by PMCBU to prepare an EMP based on the generic model included in this IEE; and, (iii) the subprojects impacts and mitigation thereof, be monitored as per the monitoring plan.
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Attachments
Attachment 1 – Key Regional Conventions and Treaties
Convention or Treaty Overall Status Solomon Island Status South Pacific Nuclear Free Treaty Entry into force: December 1986; Ratified 1985 Signed, ratified and in force in 11 of 14 FICs and 13 of 16 PIFCs South Pacific Forum Fisheries Signed Agency Convention 1979 Convention for the Protection of Entry into force: August 1990 Signed Natural Resources & Environment of South Pacific Region Protocol on Dumping Entry into force: August 1990 Protocol on Pollution Entry into force: August 1998 Emergencies Waigani Convention on Hazardous Not in force; Signed by 14 PIFCs Signed & Radioactive Wastes 1995 and ratified by 10 UN Convention on the Law of the Entry into force: November 1994; Ratified June Sea Ratified by 13 of 16 PIFCs 1997; Solomon Agreement for the Islands is the implementation of the only PI country provisions of the Party to the Convention relating to Agreement (Feb conservation and 1997) management of straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish stocks Convention for the Conservation Not yet ratified; Signed by 15 of 16 Signed and Management of Highly PIFCs Migratory Fish Stocks in Western and Central Pacific Ocean 2000 Kyoto Protocol on Limiting Not in force; Ratified by most FICs Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1992 UN Framework Convention on Entry into force: March 1994 Ratified Climate Change 1992
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Attachment 2a – Categories in IUCN Red List
Category Definition Least concern Common and widespread species not dependent on conservation efforts and not assessed to be near threatened or threatened. Low risk A species is dependent on conservation efforts to prevent it becoming threatened with extinction. Near threatened A species does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future. Vulnerable Same definition as previous category of “threatened”. Species is likely to become endangered unless circumstances threatening its survival are improved or a species is considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Endangered A species with few in number or its habitat is threatened and evidence indicates that the species is considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Critically A species is considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction endangered in the wild. Extinct in the wild When it is known that a species can only survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population (or populations) well outside the past range. Extinct When there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. A species is presumed extinct when exhaustive surveys in known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual), and through out its historic range have failed to record an individual. Data deficient When there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population status. A species in this category may be well studied, and its biology well known, but appropriate data on abundance and/or distribution are lacking. Data Deficient is therefore not a category of threat but does not discount that the habitat of a species could be threatened; investigation and assessment is required.
Attachment 2b – Red List Species found on San Cristobal
Scientific Name Common Name Red List Classification Zoothera margaretae Waisure ground thrush Near threatened Ducula brenchleyi Chestnut-bellied pigeon Vulnerable Monarcha barbata Pied monarch Near threatened Monarcha castaneiventris Chestnut-bellied monarch Least concern Myiagra ferrocyanea Solomons’ broad-billed Least concern flycatcher Aplonis dichroa Banue-Makira starling Least concern Lorius chlorocercus Yellow-bibbed lory Least concern Myzomela tristrami Tristram’s honey-eater Least concern Diacaeum tristrami Waimisimisi midget Least concern Meliarchus sclateri Ghakou honey-eater Not listed Vini margarathae Duchess lorakeet Not listed Source: IUCN Red List 2006
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Attachment 3 – Detailed Cost Estimate: STIs and HIV/AIDS Awareness & Prevention Program – Makira
Item Basis Rate No. Total Total (SBD$) (SBD$) (US$) A. Contractor Awareness Training (Oxfam) 17,780 2,358 IEC materials gratis 0 0 Airfare pax 1,168 4 4,672 620 Food pax/day 100*5.5 4 2,200 292 Accommodation pax/day 200*5 4 4,000 530 Torch and batteries pax 20 4 80 11 Lifejacket hire day 3.50 4*2 28 4 Transport: boat hire day 500 8 4,000 530 Transport: fuel LS 2,800 1 2,800 371 B. Community awareness raising & prevention 55,946 7,418 B.1 Oxfam TOT to Facilitators 28,400 3,766 Airfare for Oxfam TOT pax 1,168 4 4,672 620 Stationary (pens, clip LS 150 2 300 40 files, notebooks, flipcharts, paper roll) Transport: boat hire day 500 2 1,000 133 Transport: fuel LS 1,400 1 1,400 186 Lifejacket hire day 3.50 2*12 84 11 Food pax/day 100*3.5 22 7,700 1,021 Torch and batteries pax 22 2 44 6 Accommodation pax/day 200*3 22 13,200 1,750 B.2 Delivery of Community A&P 27,546 3,653 IEC materials gratis 0 0 Stationary (pens, clip team 150 9 1,350 179 files, notebooks, flipcharts, paper roll) Venue hire day 35 5 175 23 Accommodation for pax/day 18*30 4 2,160 286 facilitators Food for facilitators pax/day 18*100 5 9,000 1,193 Per diem pax/day 18*50 6 4,500 597 Transport: boat hire day 500 2 1,000 133 Transport: fuel LS 1,875 1 1,875 249 Lifejacket hire day 3.50 18*2 126 17 Village meeting LS 6,500 1 6,500 862 provisions Generator fuel (diesel) can 150 1 150 20 Communications team 50 7 350 46 Torch and batteries pax 20 18 360 48 C. Subtotal 73,726 9,776 Contingency (10%) 7,373 978 D. TOTAL 81,099 10,754
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Notes: • Assumes no venue rental for contractor workshops as conducted at the camp (two sessions; Kirakira and Koanasughu) • Transport = Kirakira (to west and east) • LS transport fuel based on 70 litres/trip @ $100/10 litre • TOT provided to volunteers/facilitators for community A&P by 4 Oxfam trainers • Accommodation incl. for facilitators (Kirakira) • Assumes 25 villages (incl. Kirakira), 9 groups of villages • Facilitators in 9 teams of two people • Teams need to be transported to village groups, can be done in 1 day • Fuel = $12.50/litre in the villages • Provisions to cover food for attendees (assumes 7 sessions) • $5/call, assumes 1 call per day/facilitator
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Attachment 4 – Record of Public Consultation
General Consultation and Interviews with government and NGOs SIG=Solomon Islands Government; Date Agency Type Name Designation 24.05.07 Ministry of Infrastructure SIG Moses Under Secretary Development Virivolomo 26.05.07 Asian Development Bank Donor Robert Guild Senior Transport Specialist 31 05.07 Post Conflict Emergency Project Ken Munro Team Leader Rehabilitation Project Mike Qaqara Deputy Team Leader 01.06.07 Solomon Islands NGO Jennifer Wate Acting Team Development Trust Leader Leonard de Community Marzyano Development Walter Turasi Community Media Programmer Wren Chadwick AFAP Technical Assistance 04.06.07 Environment and SIG Fred Siho Principal Conservation Division Environment Officer 07.06.07 Ministry of Land, SIG Alfred Sowaki Land and Housing Housing & Survey Project 07.06.07 Forest Division – SIG Margaret Salini Marketing Officer Commercial Section 07.06.07 Ministry of Infrastructure SIG Moses Under Secretary Development Virivolomo 12.06.07 AusAID Community Project Val Stanley Acting Team Sector Programme Leader 13.08.07 Makira: Provincial SIG John Mamafe Premier Administration 13.08.07 Makira: Provincial SIG Hunter Provincial Planner Administration Masuguria 14.08.07 Makira: Provincial SIG Andrew Provincial Administration Nanuaoha Secretary 14.08.07 Administration SIG Hon. Alfred Infrastructure Penufinana Dev. Various RAMSI Project David Kelly RAMSI Officer Niusila Tanimo RAMSI Officer 06.09.07 Oxfam International NGO Alfred Kiva HIV Program Officer Julia Fationo HIV Program Officer 19.3.08 Kirakira Works Division SIG George Maere Head of Works 4.4.08 Mines & Energy, Ministry SIG Douglas Billy Chief Geologist of Natural resources
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IEE Village Consultation Meetings Location of Date Participants Designation Meeting Nawote: 15/08/2007 Nemesio Migioga Farmer Philip Marauhu Farmer Nawote RTC, Lawrence Wang Chief Namakohigho, Mathias Raroi Chief Goqe, Milikiore Mae Farmer Maerongosia, Claudius Chief Manasughu, Moses Kangia Chief Sughuasi and Warohinou Michael Mamaru Chief Donasiano Maesiuna Chief Frank Rahiru Chief Moffat Tahina Farmer Andonasio Warere Chief Joshua Ngagigahi Chief Michael Woto Chief Severino Weo Chief Hon. Benedict Tahi MPA Mr. David Raukiki Teacher Mr. Ezekiel Bii Teacher Mr. Philemon Rarie Teacher Simon Nungi Chief Michael Giro Chief Mwaniwiriwiri: 10/08/2007 Joseph R. Sirai Retired teacher Samson Haga Farmer Mwaniwiriwiri, Peter Tora Land Owner Bwaro, Nanamu Gad Kawo Farmer and Joida Miri Land Owner Pwarapwaraora Jennifer Haga Housewife Unice Kauto Housewife Magrette Mea Farmer Moses Wabivo Land Owner Janet Bania Housewife Abbie Sirai Housewife William Tohea Land Owner John Tauni Farmer Adriel Hare Farmer Edwin Ragon Land Owner Saue Kelly Farmer Jackson Haga Land Owner Unice Kelly Housewife Annie Kaisuka Farmer Mathew Tawori Land Owner John Roni Farmer Max Norman Farmer Joyma Bare Land Owner Jeffery Koukou Farmer John Rahe Chief Alick Raro Land Owner Sam Kelly Farmer Arohane 11/08/2007 Romano Haga Teacher Godfrey Waisi Elder Nelson Nawani Carpenter Thomas Tauni Chief Alfred Gari Elder TA 48-SOL IEE Wainuri-Kirakira & Kirakira-Warihito June 2008 Page 127
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Dominic Wataka Chief Paul Francis Waisi Catechist Michael Pini Farmer Calisto Maesi Chief Isaac Waisi Chief Henry Haga Chief Ruth Haga Teacher Agnes Waisi Secretary Women Lawrence Harumae Elder George Mara Farmer Peter Haga Farmer Jack Muri Farmer Israel Nahu Farmer Henry Wapu Farmer Sam Tagi Farmer James Haga Farmer Thomas Tauni Farmer James Haruharu Farmer Mathew Tauni Farmer Tawani: 12/08/2007 Luke Haga Farmer David Fredener Save the children officer Tawani, Toghori, James Salia Farmer Pawa & Bauro Martin Mauriasi Shopkeeper Gray Nako Public Health Officer James Michael Farmer Suzie Wateoa Housewife Participants Designation Matilda Tohea Housewife Freda Bwagi Housewife Agnes Tareriu Health Promotion Officer Judith Tauni Housewife Roselyn Bae Housewife Martin Bwau MUP employer Claudius Take Farmer Philip Tareriu Church Committee Member Ben Nanau Catechist David Haga Teacher Jack Fauga Farmer Joseph Rikisi Farmer Alex Bwagi Farmer Mathew Koko Farmer Regina Katoto Housewife Mildina Taromane Housewife Matilda Moremae Housewife Nelly Bina Housewife Rosemary Pali Sunday School Teacher John Towo Catechist Jackson Tara Carpenter Tony Nugimu’u Farmer Hilmon Woimea Farmer Silvester Noisi Farmer Festus Tauni Student Nelly Kamagau Housewife Unic Kaharai Housewife Anna Silai Housewife Bodai Florence Housewife Philip Tauni Chief/catechist
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Mu'u: 15/08/2007 Andrew Wahinua Chief Alice Vuon Member-RC Group Mu’u and Risu Eddie Maka’a Fisherman Ngorangora: 14/08/2007 Hugo Bwagi Farmer Serah Bwagi Housewife Ngorangora & Hudson Muri Farmer Matanagoa M. Kaisura Housewife Edith Kakagamahe Housewife Zephaniah Mae Farmer Nester Mae Housewife Mary Kawake Student Hilda Maea Housewife Participants Designation Sam Tawakesa Farmer Selina Cambell Housewife Paul Wadewga Farmer Ezabeth Kagadua Housewife Rebecca Kawaki Housewife Paul Wadunamwane Farmer Emmily Bwagi Housewife Philip Haga Farmer Jeffrey Tonia Farmer Johnson Mae Farmer Joyce Mae Housewife Beverlyn Waoha Housewife Tresa Adu Housewife Gravis Wasi Farmer Annie Mae Housewife Nolex Wamea Farmer Willson Wainun Farmer Robert Taemwane Farmer Manibena: 13/08/2007 John Kirimaoma Farmer Emma Pwahe Teacher Manibena & Elizabeth Momore Housewife Mwanihuki Benardetta Rubasioha Housewife Alice Paia Housewife Belinda Taupini Youth Jesinta Karite Housewife Mary Ngereghapi Housewife Edie Waogha Farmer Patrick Ramoru (Jr) Youth Nijol Taro Youth Matildas Maetahi Housewife Andrew Ngereghapi Chief Chrislle Awasi Youth Michael Taghai Farmer Henry Watea Farmer Seraphino Mautoro Farmer Kevin Tare Farmer Marino Hahaetangia Farmer Stephen Tawaitangi Youth Mathew Waitau Youth Edie Ramo Youth Ephrain Wamwea Youth John Bwaghamamu Chief Georgina Rumu Housewife Margaret Bwaurai Housewife
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Humphrey Rumu Farmer Erasmus Tono Farmer Stephen Tawaitangi Farmer Participants Designation Ishmael Maka Farmer Edie Taro Farmer Ester Murisia Housewife Loreta Murisi Youth Casper Awasi Farmer Pancrasio Uramao Youth Enock Raha Youth Godfrey Bwau Youth Sighapu Youth Anna Taku Housewife Philothea Piria Housewife Selwyn Takua Youth Hubert Waena Farmer Domenic Taro Farmer Severino Vusia Farmer Albert Wote Farmer Marthur Ka’ataha Housewife Emmanuel Rumu Farmer Bartholomew Farmer Wamwea 6/03/08 Ben Wasmani Chief Kokana: 14/08/2007 Cecil Peter Village Chairman Edward Sewia Village rep Kokona, Maepua, Shedrach Sewia Village Chief Rongodeni & Riri Martin Chris Village rep Brian K’io Village rep Duddley Vaka Village rep David Lau Village rep Baphet Bavolo Village Elder Patterson. N. Village Elder Emma Sewia House wife Clera Leinga House wife Margaret Dita House wife Margaret Mugua House wife Joan Ngingalo House wife Mary Manu House wife Danny Dix Village Vice Chairman Phyllis Sa’a House wife Thomas Temoa Village rep Emily Mungale Village rep Alice Melive House wife Christian Sute Village rep Trevor Tamoli Village rep 8/03/08 John Ruanamae Chief Pamua: 13/08/2007 Jackson Vaka F5 prefect Jeroboam Sasarau F5 prefect Pamua, Rahurahu Arthur Purunga F6 student & Rawake C Jay Higgs F5 student Onesmu l F6 student Henry H F6 student Smith Kalisanau F6 student John Mark Nalbaki F5 student George Iniomea F6 student
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Leslie Bualea Student Clint Rex F5 prefect Hudson Sulu F5 prefect Kennedy Riuta F5 captain Jeffrey Ravin F6 student Nicolas Fiula F6 student Paul Gaviro F5 student Macklyn Bua F5 student Suah Hamilton F5 student Job Tawa F5 student Chriss Ossie F6 student Wykes Huori F6 student Tropa F5 student George Muri F5 student Tamasi Alex F6 student Leslie Qarenaone F6 student Manson Tare F5 student Tomson Havilegu F5 student Nelson Lonely F5 student Babra Ngahumwara F5 student William Namoriu F6 student Thompson Ori Jr F6 senior prefect Johnson Pupura F6 senior prefect Webster Hio Head Boy Dominic Pitu F6 student Barnabas Blem F6 student Huston Ray F6 student Morris Roaiy F6 student Timothy Hagu Student Goergehill Timothy F5 student Faifu Donald Gwao F5 student Simon Peter Tonia Teacher Zachariah Tala Teacher Norman Titiri Microscopist Cornelius Lau Teacher Monogari Ham Teacher Philistus Polokeni Lau Teacher John Sotamana Teacher Castro Muaki Teacher Loretta Matawa Teacher Janet Vickers School matron George Kwarea HOD science Mathew Bwau Deputy Principal Johnstill sahumane Teacher Participants Designation Norma Matawasau F6 student Suesta Ngelea F6 student Serander Kariamae F6 student Jerolyn Bosa F6 student Esther Aitora F6 student Edith Ului F6 student Ireen Serah F6 student Prisca Brina F5 student May Boime F6 student Joyce Gregory F5 student Barbara Awao F6 student
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Ellah Roroi F6 student Anika Awa F6 student Marilyn Tinoli F5 student Lovinta Nawi F5 student Joycelyn Mahoniha’a F5 student Sanix Hyla F6 student Mary Dara F5 student Roselyn Mapuru F5 student Jessie Malau F5 student Gillian Niminima F5 student 7/03/08 Ham ramone Chief Nukuakaisi: 13/08/2007 Ronney Sengasu Fisher man Robert Wawaikiki Chief Nukukaisi, Godfrey Ariki Farmer Kaokaona & Faretasi Fisher man Makirima Tongi Adu Farmer Alick Sulu Farmer David Riumano Farmer Morgan Sukirakira Farmer Tom Hagausu Farmer Tony Maitonga Farmer Graig H Farmer Lazarus W Farmer Lawrence Rawgi Farmer Mansugu Farmer James Teacher Rowgo Farmer Rotu Farmer Manitawaniuhi: 11/08/2007 Andrew Waforomae Chief Robert Taua Catechist Manitawaniuhi & Freda Campbell Teacher Waita Edmond Taro Teacher Participants Designation James Pilei Fisher man John Manu Village vice Chairman Peter Waitasu Village Elder Johnson Wari Elder Joseph Tarau Teacher Gabriel Matai Wages earner Barnabas Rau Elder Mary watehau M.S.S. Leader Susie Sau Companion member Regina Tohe Teacher Naphtalie Kita Farmer Patricia House wife Anne Lua House wife Silon Mae House wife Veronica House wife Robert .M. Youth leader Margaret Sau Assist. Youth leader Ellen House wife Dorah Rau House wife Joycelyn Tama House wife Esther Saumamali Student Noel Mamau Parish Youth Coordinator Bartholomew Saurosi Chief Meadows Sunaone Teacher
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Mary Ranikeni Village member Joycelyn Sunakani House wife Kakaora’ana: 10/08/2007 Walter Taraharu Chief Jacob Nunusi Catechist Kakaora’ana & Jack Tony Raeri School teacher Fagani Bartholomew Ramo Farmer Alison Uta Catechist Walter Pinihi Farmer Sarah Aosi House wife Emily Putu House wife Norman Manu Farmer Alice Solomoni Farmer Nelson Hugo Farmer Rebecca Waiau House wife Sarah Filosi Farmer Reuben Tako Farmer John Patterson Farmer Everlyn Jack Farmer Margaret Tahisi Farmer Rhoda Aosi House wife Julia Taro House wife Emily Watehinua House wife Matthew Matai Farmer Participants Designation Pepetua Farmer Rose Rua Farmer Rose Rapasia House wife Edna Manu House wife Manasseh Ruma Farmer Susan Katairiu Farmer Leonard Farmer Burunganitoro Albert Take Farmer Calwin Iri Farmer Meshach Sinatau Farmer George Kita Farmer Daisy kawawaru House wife Silas Maesirima Farmer Fred Taro Farmer Matthew Gege Farmer Borodao: 9/08/2007 Wesley Farmer David Baau Farmer Borodao & Waita Peter M School committee member Michael Harara Vestry chairman Luke Abotaimae Priest John Taki Farmer Peter Lui Farmer Joseph Ungani Farmer John Watoto Farmer Rueben Mwaruru Catechist John Mwaruruiabu Farmer Jeoffrey Mae Farmer Charles Asuha’a Farmer Catherine Asuha’a House wife Veronica Harara World Vision Committee member Ellen Mamu Village youth committee member Hellen .F. Mwaruru Mother’s Union Committee
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member Douglas Waura Mother’s Union Leader Hellen Au Companion Committee member Noelyne Kaukui Mother’s Union Committee member Hannah Ngau Farmer Margaret Katoto House wife Margaret Orioma House wife Mayble Kaisi House wife Mirrian Iairobo House wife Mary Taro Village representative Richard Mono Village representative Bazil Tararu Village representative Participants Designation Yancy Village representative Elton Bua Village representative Reginald Nanasi Village representative Collensa .M. Village representative Vaelyne .B. Village representative Wainuri: 9/08/2007 Richard T Business Man Doal F Primary School Chairman Wainuri, Tadahadi Elma F Kindergarten Teacher & Takira Rose Basu Community member Angie J Fititei Community Resource Person Friday Fisherman Albert Mahoroi Community Elder Frazer Miller Community Chairman Peter Heia Community Catechist Dudley Raheimae Community Member Abotai Community Member Joseph Losa Community Member
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References
ADB, 1993. Environmental Guidelines for Selected Infrastructure Projects. ADB, 1995. Policy on Involuntary Resettlement. Asian Development Bank. ADB, 1997. Environmental Impact Assessment for Developing Countries. Asian Development Bank. ADB, 1998. Handbook on Resettlement: A Guide to Good Practice. Asian Development Bank. ADB, 2002. Environment Policy of the Asian Development Bank. 1-54, ADB. ADB, 2003a. Environmental Assessment Guidelines. 1-175, Asian Development Bank. ADB, 2003b. Gender Checklist: Resettlement. Asian Development Bank. ADB, 2003c. Operations Manual. Asian Development Bank. ADB, 2005a. HIV/AIDS in the Pacific. Rep October 2005, Asian Development Bank. ADB, 2005b. Report and Recommendations of the President: Proposed Asian Development Fund Grant To The Secretariat Of The Pacific Community For The HIV/AIDS Prevention And Capacity Development In The Pacific Project. Rep October 2005, Asian Development Bank. ADB, 2006a. Environmental Assessment Guidelines in ADB Operations. 1-175, Asian Development Bank. ADB, 2006b. Report and Recommendations of the President: Proposed Asian Development Find Grant - Solomon Islands: Road Improvement (Sector) Project. Rep Project No. 39581 (July 2006). AusAID, 2006a. CSP Community Snapshot. Rep Volume 1 - Provincial Profiles, CSP. AusAID, 2006b. Solomon Islands Smallholder Agricultural Study. Rep Volume 4 Provincial Reports. Herbert,T., 2007. Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Solomon Islands: A Report Focusing on the Presence of the Logging Industry in a Remote Region. Rep July 2007, Christian Care Center. Jeffery,D., 1977. Geology of San Cristobal, Uki ni Masi and Pio and the Three Sisters. Geological Survey Division. LRD, 1975. Land Resources of the Solomon Islands: Volume 7 - San Cristobal and Adjacent Islands. Rep Land Resource Study 18, Solomon Islands Land resources Division / Ministry of Overseas Development. SIG, 1991. State of the Environment Report, ECD. Solomon Islands Government. SIG, 2001. Annual Report 2000. Central Bank of Solomon Islands. SIG, 2006a. Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2005/06 National Report (Part One). Rep September 2006, Statistics Office, Department of Treasury and Finance. SIG, 2006b. Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2005/06 Provincial Report (Part Two). Rep September 2006, Statistics Office, Department of Treasury and Finance. SIRIP, 2007a. Engineering & Economic Assessment: Feasibility Study Wainuri-Kirakira & Kirakira-Warihito, Makira Province. Rep 8 (October 2007), Solomon Islands Road Improvement Project. SIRIP, 2007b. Solomon Islands Road improvement Project: Social and Poverty Assessment. Cardno-Acil. SIRIP, 2008. Makira Stream Crossing Relation Study report. Rep 15 (February 2008), Solomon Islands Road Improvement Project. SPC, 2005. Review of United Nations STI/HIV/AIDS and Development Program. Rep September 2005, Secretariat of the Pacific Community. SPC, Burnett Clinic, 2005. PHRP Project Monitoring and Evaluation Report. Rep June 2005. Stafford-Smith,M.G., Ormond,R.F.G., 1992. Sediment-rejection mechanisms of 42 species of Australian Scleractinian corals. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res 43, 683-705. UNDP, FAO, ILO, WHO, 2002. Common Country Assessment. UNICEF, CCC, 2004. Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse in the Solomon Islands: A Situational Analysis. UNICEF / Christian Care Center, Regional Rights Resource Team.
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