Initial Environmental Examination

Project No. 53421-001 Status: Final Date: September 2020

Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project – Multitranche Financing Facility

Road Component

Prepared by Ministry of Infrastructure Development

This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to any particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Road Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Table of Contents Abbreviations iv Executive Summary v 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Background to the Project 1 1.2 Scope of the Environmental Assessment 5 2 Legal and Institutional Framework 6 2.1 Legal and Planning Framework 6 2.1.1 Country safeguard system 6 2.1.2 Other legislation supporting the CSS 7 2.1.3 Procedures for implementing the CSS 9 2.2 National Strategy and Plans 10 2.3 Safeguard Policy Statement 11 3 Description of the Subprojects 12 3.1 Location and Existing Conditions – SP-R1 12 3.1.1 Existing alignment 12 3.1.2 Identified issues and constraints 14 3.2 Location and Existing Conditions – SP-R3 15 3.2.1 Location and existing alignment 15 3.2.2 Identified issues and constraints 17 3.3 Location and Existing Conditions – SP-R8 19 3.3.1 Location and existing alignment 19 3.3.2 Identified constraints and issues 20 3.4 Proposed Works and Activities 21 3.5 Alternatives Considered 28 4 Description of Existing Environment (Baseline Conditions) 29 4.1 Physical Conditions 30 4.1.1 Topography, geology and soils 30 4.1.2 Air quality, climate and climate change 32 4.1.3 Marine hydrodynamics 38 4.1.4 Hydrology, water resources and quality 39 4.1.5 Hazards and disasters 41 4.2 Biological Conditions 44 4.2.1 Marine and coastal habitats, flora and fauna 44 4.2.2 Terrestrial habitats, flora and fauna 46

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4.2.3 Freshwater habitats, flora and fauna 49 4.2.4 Threatened and protected species 50 4.2.5 Biodiversity and protected areas 51 4.3 Socio-economic Conditions 53 4.3.1 Demography, land use, health and education status 53 4.3.2 Livelihoods and employment 56 4.3.3 Economy and infrastructure 57 4.3.4 Cultural and historic sites and resources 59 4.3.5 Noise 59 5 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 60 5.1 Impacts During Pre-Construction 60 5.2 Impacts During Construction 68 5.2.1 Construction impacts on physical conditions 68 5.2.2 Construction impacts on biological conditions 74 5.2.3 Construction impacts on socio-economic conditions 77 5.3 Operation Impacts 84 5.3.1 Operation impacts on physical conditions 84 5.3.2 Operation impacts on biological conditions 87 5.3.3 Operation impacts on socio-economic conditions 88 6 Consultation and Information Disclosure 90 6.1 Consultation 90 6.2 Information Disclosure 92 7 Environmental Management Plan 93 7.1 Institutional Arrangements 93 7.2 Grievance Redress Mechanism 98 7.3 Impact Mitigation and Management 99 7.4 Environmental Monitoring and Reporting 100 8 Findings and Conclusions 117 Bibliography 119 Annexes Annex 1: List of Ratified International and Regional Treaties and Agreements 1 Annex 2: Red List - Globally Threatened Avifauna in the Solomon Islands 3 Annex 3: Summary of Globally Threatened Species in East Melanesian Hotspot 4 Annex 4: List of Terrestrial Protected Areas within the Solomon Islands 5 Annex 5: Environmental Impact Screening for Pre-construction, Construction and Operation 8

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Abbreviations

ADB Asian Development Bank AEP Aggregate extraction plan BMP Building Material Permit BSI Biosecurity Solomon Islands (Department of MAL) CCP Communications and consultation plan (of the project) CEMP Construction environmental management plan (of the contractor) CLO Community liaison officer (of the contractor) CPIU Central Project Implementation Unit (within MID) CSS Country safeguards system CSC Construction supervision consultant DMM Department of Mines and Minerals (in MMERE) ECD Environment and Conservation Department (in MECDM) EHSG Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines (of World Bank Group) EHSO Environment, Health and Safety Officer (of the contractor) EIA Environment Impact Assessment EIS Environment Impact Statement EMP Environmental Management Plan ENSO El Nino Southern Oscillation HSP Health and Safety Plan ERP Emergency Response Plan GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism HCC Honiara City Council HSMP Hazardous Substances Management Plan IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources IEE Initial Environmental Examination MECDM Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology MOFT Ministry of Finance and Treasury MID Ministry of Infrastructure and Development MMERE Ministry of Mines, and Energy and Rural Electrification NTP National Transport Plan 2016 - 2036 PCCSP Pacific-Australia Climate Change Science and Adaptation Planning PER Public Environment Report PPE Personal Protective Equipment SECP Sedimentation and erosion control plan SIPA Solomon Island Ports Authority SPM Safeguards Procedures Manual (of MID) SPS Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (of ADB) TMP Traffic Management Plan TOR Terms of Reference WMP Waste Management Plan

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Executive Summary

1. Background. Recognizing that domestic transport connectivity is critical to social and economic development, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been assisting three Pacific countries—Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu—improve road and inter-island shipping transport to provide access to essential services, improve trade and tourism, and facilitate access to domestic and international markets. There are several common obstacles to the effective maintenance and resilience of transport assets including:

• Insufficient capacity of the institutions responsible for infrastructure delivery to implement sustainable routine and periodic maintenance programs; • Inadequate fiscal budgets to allocate required financial resources for recurrent maintenance and rehabilitation; • Vulnerability to natural disasters and anticipated climate change; and • Limited transport sector policy and legislation. 2. The project. To address these constraints, ADB provided technical assistance through TA 9331-REG: Strengthening Domestic Transport Connectivity in the Pacific and the Transport Sector Project Development Facility (TSPDF). The technical assistance supported preparation of projects in each of the three countries to improve national and regional connectivity through new investments. In Solomon Islands the project—Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP)— proposes to improve urban and rural roads on Guadalcanal, upgrade the Honiara port, and construct and/or upgrade and repair wharves at two locations in two provinces. The LMCP is proposed as a four-year, time sliced multi-tranche financing facility with a tentative amount of $171 million. The subprojects and components have been fully prepared, and this includes conducting and reporting safeguards due diligence. 3. Institutional arrangements. The executing agency will be Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) and the implementing agencies will be the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) through its Central Project Implementation Unit (CPIU) for the road and wharf subprojects and the Solomon Islands Port Authority (SIPA) for the two port subprojects. The Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) is responsible for implementing the country safeguard system (CSS). The CPIU and SIPA will be supported by a construction supervision consultant (CSC) which will include environmental specialist(s). 4. Legal and policy framework. The ECD has the mandate to implement the Environment Act 1998, Environmental Regulation 2008 and the Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines 2010 and issuing of development consent for project development. This environmental assessment will be reformatted as a public environment report (PER), forming the basis of the development consent application. The application will be prepared by, or on behalf of, the MID as the ‘developer’.

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5. The subprojects. The environmental assessment describes the baseline environmental conditions and results of the impact assessment of the four subprojects, which are effectively two urban sections and one rural section of the existing main Guadalcanal road which extends from Aola in the east to Lambi in the west. The sections, west to east, included are: Mendana Avenue: Town Ground to White River (SP-R1); Mendana Avenue: Honiara City Council (HCC) office to Town Ground (SP-R3); and Henderson to Mberande (SP-R8). The proposed upgrading works include drainage and culverts works (including repair and installation of new structures as required), sealing unsealed sections, and repair and/or replacement of bridges, sections of pavement rehabilitation and repair, laying concrete pavement where road inundation is understood to occur frequently, centre-line marking throughout and edge lines in village areas, speed reduction measures and signage in village areas, guardrails to culverts and bridges where safety issues have been identified, and installation of bus shelters and formalized bus stop areas in rural locations. 6. Screening and categorization. The subprojects have been screened based on the existing conditions and proposed scope of works and are categorized as B for environment, given they will have site-specific, largely temporary and intermittent impacts during construction and most impacts can be avoided or reduced through mitigation measures. The appropriate level of assessment for a category B project is an initial environmental examination (IEE). The IEE complies with requirements of the country safeguards system for environment and ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS). The IEE has been prepared to provide an account of the baseline environmental conditions and to describe and evaluate likely impacts caused by the proposed road and drainage infrastructure upgrade improvements and identify measures to avoid and/or mitigate the same. 7. Anticipated impacts. The potential environmental impacts arising from the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the subprojects will be relatively minor and localized. The main road has been in existence for some time and most of the impacts within the four sections will occur during the construction stage and provided that the mitigation measures set out in the environmental management plan (EMP) are implemented properly, will create few if any residual impacts. The proposed road and drainage system upgrading does not directly impact any terrestrial conservation and/or protected areas. No sites of cultural, customary or heritage significance are identified along the road sections. There are no impacts on critical or natural habitats. Potential social impacts are likely to be minor provided the MID and contractors follow standard health and safety practices and coordinate closely with adjacent communities, residences/business who themselves support the project, and the MID ensures the EMP are implemented by the contractors. This will include development of a worker code of conduct which will be appended to the worker’s contract. 8. The findings of the IEE suggests that improvements to road and drainage infrastructure systems will be greatly improved and provide improved public services and safety to all road users, including pedestrians, in the rural areas to the east of Honiara. Overall, few of the impacts are irreversible. Potential impacts can be managed and reduced to acceptable levels through the implementation of the measures identified in the EMP, which will be developed into a detailed site- specific construction EMP (CEMP) reflecting the approach and timing of the works and activities (including site-specific plans as identified) proposed by the contractors, and effective monitoring of the same, by the CSC, who will support the CPIU.

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9. Environmental management plan. An EMP has been prepared to identify, avoid and mitigate likely impacts caused by the upgrade improvements along the three sections of the road. The IEE and EMP, along with the development consent (and any conditions) will be incorporated into the bid documents for the civil works and construction contract. During pre-construction, support from the CSC to CPIU will ensure that: (i) bidding documents contain environmental requirements and any design measures specified for sensitive areas; and (ii) if required, environmental management criteria for the selection of qualified contractors are clearly defined and followed. The contractor will be required to recruit an experienced environmental specialist to develop the CEMP. The CSC will also include environmental specialists to work with the supervision engineer to review and approve the CEMP and to monitor the contractor’s implementation of the approved CEMP. 10. Consultation and disclosure. Consultations and meetings were conducted for communities and stakeholders for the subprojects during 2018, 2019 and early 2020. A project communication and consultation plan (CCP) will guide consultations and information disclosure during the design and implementation stages of the project. The civil works contractors will ensure that the public is notified of works and traffic control measures at least two weeks in advance. 11. Grievance redress mechanism. A grievance redress mechanism (GRM) will be established for the project, based on acceptable methods of conflict resolution in Solomon Islands and the GRM that is currently being implemented for ongoing projects. The GRM will be implemented for each of the subprojects through all stages of pre-construction, construction and operation. The community will be informed of the GRM, the process of lodging a concern or complaint and contact details of the contractor and CSC will be posted on a public notice board. There will be full and free access to the site-based GRM. The community is encouraged to voice any concerns or complaints, and during construction these are to be duly investigated and reported through to the contractor who will maintain a complaints/incident register. 12. Inspections, monitoring and reporting. When construction commences, inspections and audits will be undertaken to ensure measures set out in the EMP and CEMP are effective in mitigating impacts and protecting the environment (based on benchmarked conditions recorded prior to works commencing for parameters identified in the EMP) and that overall the contractor is working in compliance with the approved CEMP. Monitoring will provide information to determine whether critical factors are within acceptable environmental levels or being exceeded. It also helps to determine whether mitigation measures are effective or should be modified or improved to address the observed and measured change in impacts. Inspections and regular monitoring will be reported. Reporting will include contractor’s monthly reports to the CSC, quarterly progress reports (including summary of contractor’s reports and safeguards matters) prepared by the CPIU and CSC for submission to the executing agency and ADB, and semi-annual safeguards monitoring reports prepared by the CPIU and CSC and submitted to the executing agency and ADB. ADB will disclose the monitoring reports. 13. Conclusion. This IEE has identified the potential environmental impacts associated with the design, construction and operation of the three sections of the main arterial road upgrade and identifies the measures required to mitigate or minimize the impacts. The impacts and required measures to mitigate them are summarized in the EMP. As the works will be undertaken within the existing road corridor, overall, impacts are site-specific and few, if any, of the impacts are irreversible. The potential impacts can be managed and reduced to acceptable levels provided the EMP is properly developed into a site-specific CEMP to be prepared and implemented by the contractor. The contractor’s implementation of the CEMP will be monitored and reported.

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1 Introduction

1.1 Background to the Project

1. Country location. The Solomon Islands comprises a double chain of 992 islands (volcanic and coral atolls) that forms an archipelago stretching approximately 1,600 km across the South- western Pacific Ocean between the latitudes of 5 – 12 degrees south and longitude 152 – 170 degrees east (Figure 1.1). The total land area is approximated to be 28,000 km2 with an exclusive economic zone of 1.6 million km2 that represents the third largest archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean. The country is bordered to the west by Papua New Guinea, south by Vanuatu, east by Tuvalu, northeast by Nauru and north by the Federated States of Micronesia. The country’s unique geography and scattered islands has given rise to a heritage of considerable environmental and ecological diversity.

Figure 1.1: Solomon Islands indicating provincial groupings

2. Transport challenges. Recognizing that domestic transport connectivity is critical to social and economic development, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been assisting three Pacific countries—Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu—improve road and inter-island shipping transport to provide access to essential services, improve trade and tourism, and facilitate access to domestic and international markets. There are several common obstacles to the effective maintenance and resilience of transport assets including:

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• Insufficient capacity of the institutions responsible for infrastructure delivery to implement sustainable routine and periodic maintenance programs; • Inadequate fiscal budgets to allocate required financial resources for recurrent maintenance and rehabilitation; • Vulnerability to natural disasters and anticipated climate change; and • Limited transport sector policy and legislation. 3. Transport infrastructure in Solomon Islands is generally inadequate, in a poor state of repair, and lacking in many areas. In the road sector, out of the country’s 1,523 kilometers (km) road network, 67% is in maintainable condition while the rest needs substantial rehabilitation to become maintainable. In the maritime sector, out of the 91 domestic wharves, only 46 are in maintainable condition, and two international and associated domestic ports require major rehabilitation.1 The country’s main economic corridor, the 120km east-west Guadalcanal corridor is in deteriorating condition, critical urban road sections have capacity constraints leading to traffic congestion, and inadequate maritime facilities aggravating safety and efficiency of shipping services. 3. The project. To help address these constraints, ADB provided technical assistance through TA 9331-REG: Strengthening Domestic Transport Connectivity in the Pacific and the Transport Sector Project Development Facility (TSPDF). The technical assistance supported preparation of projects in each of the three countries to improve national and regional connectivity through new investments. In Solomon Islands the project—Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP)—proposes to improve urban and rural roads on Guadalcanal, upgrade the Honiara port, and construct wharves at two locations in Makira and Bellona. The LMCP is proposed as a four-year, time sliced multi-tranche financing facility2 with a tentative amount of $171 million. The subprojects and components have been fully prepared, and this includes conducting and reporting safeguards due diligence. The project includes three outputs:

• Output 1 - will support the rehabilitation or upgrading of about 35.85 kilometers (km) of existing urban and rural road network along east-west Guadalcanal corridor. The rural section will include resealing and repairing damaged infrastructure, including bridges and culverts, within the existing right of way. For the two urban sections, provision of paved footpath, signage and marking, and drainage improvements are included to ensure pedestrian safety. All designs include climate resilient features. • Output 2 - will support building a new domestic wharf at Noro port and reconstructing the old wharf at Honiara port. It will also support the construction of seven rural wharves in six of the nine provinces. This includes the construction of new piled reinforced concrete wharves in Kirakira (Makira-Uluwa province) and Ahanga (Renell- Bellona province).

1 Central Project Implementation Unit, MID. 2017. Solomon Islands Transport Asset Management System. Honiara. 2 The multi-tranche financing facility will be disbursed over three tranches. As all investments are known and have been fully prepared during preparation of tranche 1, the subsequent tranches will not include additional subprojects and will disburse funds only.

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• Output 3 will provide support to improving the transport infrastructure maintenance practices by providing funding to maintenance works programmed under the National Transport Fund for the project implementation period, reviewing the MID structure and provide advisory to strengthen institutional arrangement for maintenance, conducting further capacity strengthening to the MID in terms of planning, project preparation and works supervision, and further developing its asset management system. 4. Impact and outcome. Overall, the LMCP will contribute to the nations overarching goal of poverty reduction, thereby support one of the goals of the National Development Strategy (NDS). Further, the rehabilitation of urban and rural roads contributes to a long-term strategy articulated in the National Transport Plan 2017-2036 (NTP), to improve connectivity between main roads, feeder roads and access roads. The solutions delivered through the project will result in the following outcome: efficiency and safety of transportation in Solomon Islands improved. The project is aligned with the following impact: All Solomon Islanders have access to essential services and productive resources and markets. 5. Institutional arrangements. The executing agency will be Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) and the implementing agencies will be the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) through its Central Project Implementation Unit (CPIU) for the road and wharf subprojects and the Solomon Islands Port Authority (SIPA) for the port subproject. The Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) is responsible for implementing the country safeguard system (CSS). The CPIU and SIPA will be supported by a construction supervision consultant (CSC) which will include environmental specialist(s). 6. Road investments considered. Road improvement projects have been identified and feasibility studies undertaken. The projects will provide rehabilitation of key sections of the road network located within Honiara (three subprojects) with linkages to the west (two subprojects) and to the east (one subproject) of the national capital, Honiara, on Guadalcanal. The subjects are identified in Table 1.1 and shown on Figures 1.2 and 1.3. This is one of three environmental assessments prepared for the LMCP and covers the three road sections (as shown in Figures 1.2 and 1.3).3

3 One IEE covers the road component (three road sections), one covers the two wharves and another IEE has been prepared for Honiara port upgrade component.

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Table 1.1: Subproject identification

Previous TA ref. Length TA Description LMCP ref. Location 9331- TSPDF (km) REG SOL-1 B1 Mendana Ave: Town Ground to White River SP-R1 Urban 3.1 NA A2 Mendana Ave: Honiara City Council to Town Ground SP-R3 Urban 1.75 SOL-5 B5 Henderson to Mberande SP-R8 Rural 31 TOTAL 35.85

Figure 1.2: Location of urban road subprojects

Figure 1.3: Location of rural road subproject

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1.2 Scope of the Environmental Assessment

7. Screening and categorization. The subprojects have been screened based on the site conditions and proposed scope of works and have been determined as category B for environment given they will have site-specific, largely temporary and intermittent impacts during construction and most impacts can be avoided or reduced through mitigation measures. The appropriate level of assessment for a category B project is an initial environmental examination (IEE). The IEE complies with requirements of the country safeguards system (CSS) and ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS). 8. Scope and coverage. This IEE has been prepared in accordance with the Environment Act 1998 and Environment Regulations 2008 and following MID’s Safeguards Procedures Manual (SPM). The assessment also complies with the requirements for category B projects in accordance with ADB’s SPS. The IEE will be reformatted, as required, and submitted as public environmental report (PER) as part of the development consent application (see section 2.1.1). 9. The IEE describes the baseline environmental conditions and results of the impact assessment of the three subprojects, which are effectively three sections of the main Guadalcanal arterial road which extends from Aola in the east to Lambi in the west. The urban road sections– SP-R1 and SP-R3 (Figure 1.2)–will upgrade a key section of the road network located within Honiara with linkages to the west and the SP-R8 road sections pass through rural areas east of the airport (as shown on Figure 1.3). The IEE includes description and assessment of the existing institutional arrangements for environmental management. The impacts on the existing physical, biological and social environment are assessed, resulting in an environmental management plan (EMP) which will be further developed by the contractor.

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2 Legal and Institutional Framework

2.1 Legal and Planning Framework

2.1.1 Country safeguard system

10. The CSS for environment includes legislation (laws and regulations) governing management and protection of the environment, various supporting legislation, and procedures established to implement the CSS. The ECD within MECDM implements the Environment Act and Environment Regulations, which stipulate the type of activities for which development consent, must be sought and which propose developments require environmental assessment. The ECD is also the government agency responsible for reviewing and clearing development consent applications and environmental assessments on behalf of the government and is the agency responsible to manage the environmental compliance of all projects. 11. Environment Act. The Environment Act 1998 provides for the protection and conservation of the environment. The core objectives of the Act are to provide for and establish integrated systems of development control, environmental impact assessment (EIA) and pollution control, including:

• Prevention, control and monitor pollution; • Reducing risks to human health and prevent degradation of the environment by all practical means, including the following; • Regulating the discharge of pollution to the air, water and land; • Regulating the transport, collection, treatment, storage and disposal of wastes; • Promoting recycling, re-use and recovery of materials in an economically viable manner; and • To comply with and give effect to regional and international conventions and obligations relating to the environment. 12. The Act is divided into four sections. Part I provide the Act with considerable power and states that in the event of conflict between the Environment Act and other legislation, the Environment Act shall prevail. Part II establishes and defines the powers and role of the ECD. Part III establishes the requirements for environmental assessment, review and monitoring. This provides for an environmental assessment to consist of either a PER or if the development is shown to be of such a nature as to cause more serious impacts then the developer is required to prepare and submit an environmental impact statement (EIS). Part IV details requirements for pollution control and emissions (noise, odor and electromagnetic radiation) and requirements to permits for the discharge of waste. Noise (restrictions on emitting unreasonable noise) is covered in Article 51(1). 13. Environment Regulations. The Environment Regulations 2008 establish the procedures for undertaking the environmental assessment of any projects categorized as ‘prescribed activities’.

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14. The developer is required to first submit a “development application” which is reviewed by the ECD to determine the likely significance of impact and required level of environmental assessment. The decision resulting from the review may include that:

• No further assessment is required, as such the development application is accepted, and development consent is issued; • A PER is required; or • Where major projects are considered such as logging, large agricultural developments, mining and large-scale tourism developments and infrastructure projects, an EIS is required which includes technical, economic, environmental and social investigations. 15. Both the PER and EIS require public consultation. Following review and approval by the MECDM the development consent is issued either with or without conditions.

2.1.2 Other legislation supporting the CSS

16. Protected areas. The Protected Areas Act 2010 and Protected Areas Regulations 2012 establish procedures for the establishment and management of protected areas and to conserve and regulate biological diversity. Key objectives of the legislation are to:

• Establish a system of protected areas or areas where special measures need to be taken to conserve biological diversity; • Develop, where necessary, guidelines for the selection, establishment and management of protected areas or areas where special measures need to be taken to conserve biological diversity; • Regulate or manage biological resources important for the conservation of biological diversity whether within or outside protected areas, with a view to ensuring their conservation and sustainable use; • Promote the protection of ecosystems, natural habitats and the maintenance of viable populations of species in natural surroundings; • Promote environmentally sound and sustainable development in areas adjacent to protected areas with a view to furthering protection of the protected areas; and • Rehabilitate and restore degraded ecosystems and promote the recovery of threatened species, such as, through the development and implementation of plans or other management strategies. 17. Specifically, Part 3 of the Act allows for the declaration, registration and management of Protected Areas (PA), Part 5 of the Act prohibits any unauthorized bio-prospecting research in these areas except if given permission by the Advisory Committee and Part 6 provides for the appointment of inspectors to enforce the provision of the Act. 18. Wildlife protection. The Wildlife Protection and Management Act 1998 regulates the international trade of flora and fauna to protect and conserve the country’s biological diversity. The Act was developed to meet obligations under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) signed by the government in 2007.

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19. Section 26 of the Act deals with possession of illegally obtained species of animals, plants and individual from marine and terrestrial environment in the country. Schedule I (Section 11) lists prohibited exports. 20. The objective of the Wild Birds Act 1978 is to provide protection of selected bird species throughout by providing a mechanism for the establishment of bird sanctuaries and the management of hunting of several species. 21. Fisheries. The Fisheries Act 2015 provides the framework for marine, brackish and freshwater fisheries management, protection and development, including licensing of fishing vessels and fish processing plants. It lists prohibited fishing methods, provides for establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) and preparation of coastal management plans. The Act regulates the utilization and conservation of marine resource and includes resources associated with estuarine and freshwater coastal river systems. 22. Land. The Land and Titles Act 1988 manages and defines all lands and sets out the procedures for land acquisition, lease or purchase. The Land and Titles Amendment Act 2016 revises the Act to provide a right to resume certain fixed term estates. 23. Provincial government. The Provincial Government Act 1997 gives power to the provinces to make their own legislation and pass ordinances including for protection and conservation of environment, culture, wildlife and coastal and lagoon shipping. 24. Town and country planning. The Town and Country Planning Act 1979 applies to all urban areas (Honiara and provincial towns) and includes the management of land (all types of ownership) and management and planning functions for urban and rural areas including development. 25. Mines and minerals. The Mines and Minerals Act 1996 establishes the regulatory system for all mining applications and licensing and provides the system to regulate and manage mining activities including the management and permitting process required for all alluvial mining (rock, gravel and sand extraction). Construction materials must be sourced by the contractor, in accordance with the guidelines and processes outlined in this Act. For new sources, the contractor will be required to apply for a Building Material Permit (BMP) from Department of Mines and Minerals (DMM), see also section 2.1.3. The use of existing permitted quarries is preferred to the use of new locations. 26. Forest resources. The Forest Act 1999 provides for the sustainable harvesting and management of forest resources and repeals the Forest and Timber Utilization Act. A Forestry Bill to govern licensing of felling trees and sawmills, timber agreements on customary land, establishes State Forests and Forest Reserves and provides for the conservation of forest and its management was prepared in 2004 but has not been passed by Parliament. 27. Water resources. The River Waters Act 1973 provides the legal mechanism to manage and control river water for the equitable and benefit use for all and includes specific activities that manages (through acquisition of permits) construction (e.g. bridges) and the removal of key environmental habitats and biological resources. In addition, the act provides a specific order for the management of the use of water and activities associated with six specific rivers systems located on Guadalcanal including; the Mataniko, White, Mbalasuna, Ngalimbui, Lungga and Mamara rivers.

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28. Health and safety. The Safety at Work Act 1996 states that it is the duty of every employer to provide a safe workplace and to ensure the health and safety of employees under their control. This Act is linked to the Labor Act 1978 and the Safety at Work (Pesticide Regulations) 1983. 29. The Solomon Islands does not have emissions or water quality standards. While environmental standards are not provided in the regulations, the MECDM requires the use of World Health Organization standards to be used. Part IV of the Environment Act covers control of pollution and includes need to apply for licenses to discharge waste or emissions, the enforcement of these are problematic without defined national standards. 30. Biosecurity. The Bio-Security Act 2013 and Biosecurity Regulations 2015: i) prevent the entry of animal and plant pests and disease into Solomon Islands; ii) to control their establishment and spread; iii) to regulate the movement of animal, plant pest and diseases and of animals and plants and their products; and iv) to facilitate international cooperation in respect of animal and plant diseases and related matters. Duties and responsibilities under the legislation are performed by Biosecurity Solomon Islands (BSI), a Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. 31. International agreements. Solomon Islands are a signatory to a number of international environmental agreements, conventions and treaties including those for regional agreements on chemicals, waste, pollution, biodiversity and climate. The names, purpose and the date of ratification of these agreements are provided in Annex 1.

2.1.3 Procedures for implementing the CSS

32. EIA Guidelines. The Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines 2010 were developed by ECD to administer the second schedule of the Environment Act 1998. The guidelines comprise EIA procedural descriptions, stakeholders in the EIA process and fees required for development type and provide basic advice and guidance to government officers, planners, developers, resource owners on the environment impact assessment process. These guidelines conform with the proposed amendments to the Environment Act 1998 and the Environmental Regulations 2008. A review and suggested amendments to these guidelines have been undertaken and currently await endorsement and ratification by the nations parliament (expected to be undertaken in last quarter of 2018). The amended guidelines are currently used by ECD. 33. Safeguards Procedures Manual. MID is required to ensure that its activities meet both the legislative requirements of the Solomon Islands as well as the policy requirements of its development partners for all externally financed projects. MID has developed a Safeguard Procedures Manual (SPM) to guide the management of environmental and social impacts and risks from implementing the NTP, see also section 2.2.2. The SPM is based on the CSS and includes additional procedures for avoiding, minimizing, and offsetting the environmental and social impacts as required to also comply with safeguard requirements of development partners. 34. The NTP identifies the types of infrastructure required and prioritizes the area for financing which include in descending order: i) road and maintenance and rehabilitation; ii) wharf maintenance and repair; iii) new wharves; iv) maritime navigation aids and maintenance; and v) airfield maintenance. 35. In accordance with the SPM, the CPIU screens and scopes investments/projects and identifies which tier of activity it belongs to, each of the tiers creates different environmental and social impacts, the management of which requires different levels of due diligence and mitigations, as shown in Table 2.1.

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Table 2.1: SPM due diligence requirements for tiers of activity

Tier Activity type Likely impact Due diligence Community-based routine and Negligible or minor impact and Environmental, health and preventative maintenance through risk safety guidelines and 1 labor-based equipment supported checklists (developed by contracts, mainly for roads CPIU) included in the civil works contract Machine-based maintenance Localized impacts during Site-specific construction contracts for roads, wharves, and construction activities environmental management 2 airfields plan (CEMP) prepared by contractor Major rehabilitation, reconstruction More extensive works and larger Environmental assessment 3 and/or new construction contracts for footprint with potential to create (PER or EIS) and development roads, wharves, and airfields significant impacts consent

Source: Adapted from MID Safeguards Procedures Manual 36. Under the CSS for environment, Tier 1 and the majority of Tier 2 are not listed as ‘prescribed activities’ under the Environment Act 1988 and are waived from requiring a development consent. Tier 3 works comprise prescribed activities that require application for development consent and some level of environmental assessment. 37. The impacts of the Tier 3 activities (generally equivalent to SPS category B) are also generally well understood and in most cases do not require more detailed impact assessment or EIS. As the subprojects involve major road rehabilitation and new works, they are a Tier 3 activity.

2.2 National Strategy and Plans

38. National Development Strategy. The NDS provides a longer-term framework for planning. The NDS is a vision and plan for all the people of Solomon Islands. It sets out a framework for development policies, priorities and programs, providing a single reference point and common direction over the next twenty years. 39. The overarching theme of the NDS is to ‘build better lives for all Solomon Islanders’ and its mission is to: “create a modern, united and vibrant Solomon Islands founded on mutual respect, trust and peaceful co-existence in a diverse yet secure and prosperous community where tolerance and gender equality are encouraged and natural resources are sustainably managed; and enable all Solomon Islanders to achieve better quality of life and standard of living for themselves and their families through constructive partnership for social, economic, political and spiritual development”. Objective 7 of the NDS is to effectively respond to climate change and manage the environment and risks of natural disasters. 40. National Transport Plan. The NTP, finalized in 2010 and revised in 2016, provides the strategies and objectives for the national transport system until 2036. The plan provides direct reference to the long-term management of environment safeguards and 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 minimizes adverse environmental impacts. The NTP identifies adverse transport related impacts, which include:

• Marine pollution from shipping;

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• Land degradation and pollution of water courses resulting from poor infrastructure design; • Destruction of landscapes from poor operating practices at quarries and construction sites; • Air pollution from both road traffic and air transport; and • Land degradation due to inadequate facilities for the disposal of transport related waste. 41. The NTP adopts four policy interventions to minimize negative environmental impacts associated with development of the transport network and also notes that past transport activities have had less than satisfactory environmental outcomes. Therefore, one of the key objectives of the NTP is to improve safety and reduce accidents, injuries and deaths associated with the transport network.

2.3 Safeguard Policy Statement

42. The ADB’s SPS has the objectives to i) avoid adverse impacts of projects on the environment and affected people; ii) where possible; minimize, mitigate, and/or compensate for adverse project impacts on the environment and affected people when avoidance is not possible; and iii) help borrowers/clients to strengthen their safeguard systems and develop the capacity to manage environmental and social risks. 43. The environment safeguard requires due diligence which entails addressing environmental concerns, if any, of a proposed activity. This commences with screening a project to determine its category of impact. The SPS categorizes potential projects or activities into A (most significant), B or C (least significant) to determine the level and depth of environmental assessment required to address the potential impacts. 44. ADB’s SPS applies pollution prevention and control technologies and practices consistent with good practices as reflected in internationally recognized standards such as the World Bank Group’s Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines (EHSG). The EHSG provide the context of international best practice and contribute to establishing targets for environmental performance. Standards incorporated into the EHSG will be used in parallel with local Solomon Island environmental standards (where they exist) throughout this document with the principals of due diligence and a precautionary approach adopted. Application of occupational and community health and safety measures, as laid out in the EHSG is required under the SPS.

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3 Description of the Subprojects

45. The road component (Table 3.1) will upgrade and improve sections of the road network on Guadalcanal including the main road in Honiara city and the main east-west road. Two sections of Mendana Avenue will be upgraded, from Town ground to White River which will be widened to four-lanes (SP-R1) and the 1.75km section between HCC office building and Town Ground (SP- R3). The rural section is 31 km in length between Henderson and Mberande. This road provides access to service providers, private residences, many businesses (Honiara port, shops, hotels, restaurants, bars etc) and government buildings. In addition, the component will improve two western sections of the two-lane main road on Guadalcanal. The road runs west to east parallel to the northern coastline but does not directly transverse the coast. The road provides access to services, private/community residences, villages and businesses (farming, logging, gravel extraction and the oil palm plantations to the east).

Table 3.1: Road subprojects

LMCP Existing Length Description of road section and works ref. condition (km)

SP-R1 Mendana Ave: Town Ground to White River Sealed 3.1 SP-R3 Mendana Avenue: HCC office to Town Ground Sealed 1.75 SP-R8 Henderson to Mberande Sealed 31

Source: TA 9331-REG Feasibility Study Report (2019)

3.1 Location and Existing Conditions – SP-R1

3.1.1 Existing alignment 14. SP-R1 comprises a section of the existing Mendana Avenue between Town Ground and White River, it is typically a linear, two-lane, two-way major road (Figure 3.1 and Plates 3.1 a and b). Town Ground is located at the western edge of the Honiara business district, adjacent to the most western roundabout in Honiara at approximate chainage 2 km west of Commonwealth Avenue. White River is a township, 3.1 km further to the west, near the western boundary of HCC. This section of road is the most prominent section of road in Honiara. It is central to the road network, including the freight network link to the Honiara International Port. 15. This section of the road is characterized as:

• The only road connecting the west of Guadalcanal to Honiara; • Possessing few and only minor variations in vertical geometry; • Parallel to the northern coastline of Guadalcanal. The road does not directly transverse the coast; and • Provides access to a diverse range of services and private residences, business and developments, some that generate high volumes of traffic, which are inadequately served by the existing road geometry.

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Figure 3.1: SP-R1 - Mendana Avenue: Town Ground to White River

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Plates 3.1 a and b: Existing two-lane corridor SP-R1

3.1.2 Identified issues and constraints 16. The Town Ground roundabout currently provides the transition between the existing four- lane main road configuration adopted throughout central Honiara City to the east, and the two- lane general highway configuration to the west. At times, the traffic volumes using this route significantly exceed the capacity of the road as currently configured (to be confirmed by more traffic counts during the detailed design phase). Observed issues include:

• Highly variable pavement cross section width and configuration which does not correlate strongly with either the demands of traffic or the safety of road users; • Faded or non-existent line markings to indicate lane edges and centerline, stop lines and give way priority; • High pedestrian activity at both ends of the road section: White River and Town Ground • Poor to non-existent pedestrian paths. Formed pedestrian tracks (desire lines) through grassed areas either side of the road demonstrate pedestrian preferences for separation from motor vehicles; • No formal pedestrian crossing facilities; • Walking environment is generally exposed to weather conditions, with some shade provided by roadside trees; • Schools and churches along the road generate high volume pedestrian movements by vulnerable road users, beyond typical peak times; • Demand for parking outside key land uses including shopping strips; and • Mini buses pick up and drop off passengers ‘on-demand’ along the road section, without adhering to the formal bus stops provided.

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3.2 Location and Existing Conditions – SP-R3

3.2.1 Location and existing alignment

17. This section of Mendana Avenue is a 1.75 km section of existing arterial road, from the HCC office building to Town Ground (Figure 3.2). This section of road is the most prominent section of road in Honiara. It is central to the road network, including the freight network link to the Honiara International Port. A pedestrian subway is located at Point Cruz; the structure has been closed for many years was not accessible during inspections. The road is typically a linear, sealed four-lane road that functions as the Honiara City’s main road running east and west, servicing all government offices, businesses and churches within the subproject area.

Figure 3.2: SP-R3 – Mendana Avenue: Honiara City Council office to Town Ground

18. Mendana Avenue is a dual carriageway road, with two lanes in each direction. The median width varies between 0.3 m and 2.4 m. The intersection facilities are roundabouts at Hibiscus Avenue, Mud Alley, and Lengakiki Road and right turn bays at the Port Access Road, Commonwealth Avenue, and Pt Cruz Yacht Club access road (Plate 3.2 a and b). The central median creates a situation where roundabouts are utilized for u-turns as well as for managing free-flowing turn movements (Plates 3.3 a – d). 19. The HCC roundabout is the intersection of several main roads in Honiara with Mendana Avenue – Mbokinavera Road and Chinatown Road. The roundabout has recently been increased in size and traffic operations altered, as part of a JICA-funded upgrade of the Kukum Highway.

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Plates 3.2 a and b: Mendana Avenue mid-section

Near Yacht Club access road, facing east Point Cruz area

Plates 3.3 a - d: Typical sections along existing road at the eastern (HCC office) end

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20. The western-most point of the Kukum Highway upgrade was the bus stop facility 100-200m west of the roundabout (Central Market). 21. The horizontal geometry is suitable for a 60 km/h speed limit, though 50 km/h is more appropriate, given the volume and nature of pedestrian movements. Sight distance at the Commonwealth Avenue (to the port) intersection can be limited at times due to parked vehicles. 22. There are paved footpaths on both sides, though with some irregularities in levels. The kerbs are rolltop style, and these are not suitable for wheelchair access. As part of the Kukum Highway upgrade, the pedestrian underpass at the Central Market was upgraded and re-opened. There is one cross-drainage box culvert structure along the section; this culvert is a single cell culvert 3.0m W x 1.7m H, approximately 30m long. From information available, the culvert achieves the minimum lane, footpath and load capacity criteria. There are no apparent significant defects in the structural components. There are eight drain outlets along the road section. A pipe- and-pit longitudinal drainage system is in place along the length of Mendana Avenue. However, these are typically undersized and blocked with limited capacity to accommodate the volume of water. 23. The road may be characterized as: the key road section in Honiara, through the central business district and Central Market; link road for access between east and west Honiara; and, economic in its function, servicing major business centres (such as the Central Market), shopping centres, churches, banks, police headquarters, restaurants and cafes, hotels, small entertainment venues and government and diplomatic premises.

3.2.2 Identified issues and constraints

24. The existing four-lane divided carriageway urban road, with a roundabout at Hot Bread Kitchen displays some areas of localized pavement failure, limited drainage capacity, poor pedestrian facilities. There is extensive use of the verge for parking. 25. The road experiences frequent congestion for two main reasons: (i) traffic turning left into the Central Market can queue out onto the eastbound lanes; this is particularly and issue on Saturday mornings; and (ii) management of busses at the Central Market bus bays for both east and westbound traffic. Busses tend to dwell for extended periods or simply park in these bus bays to await customers. This has the effect of blocking the bus bays, causing queuing into through traffic lanes and is as likely to occur outside of peak times as during peak times, in either direction. 26. Parking at some business houses is formalized, typically as nose-in at 45 degrees. Reversing vehicles onto Mendana Avenue is also a cause of some isolated congestion. Hyundai Mall and the Central Market provide off-street parking areas for customers. However, the majority of parking arrangements along Mendana Avenue are ad-hoc on gravel areas outside the shopping strips (though nose-in at 45 degrees is the convention). 27. Observed alignment and road safety issues include:

• Congestion created by queuing from the Central Market bus bays • Faded or non-existent line markings (except for Kukum Highway upgraded section) to indicate lane edges, lane lines and intersection priority • High pedestrian activity during daylight hours, which often includes crossing the road at-grade

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• Uneven pedestrian footpaths occur irregularly along the length of Mendana Avenue, leading to lack of universal access. This is exacerbated by the roll top kerbs which are difficult to traverse in a wheelchair. • The pedestrian environment is generally exposed to weather conditions, with some shelter provided by awnings and roadside trees • Demand for parking outside key land uses including shopping strips and government buildings • Parked vehicles reversing onto Mendana Avenue • Parking areas also used as loading bays for many shops, resulting in goods being transported across pedestrian paths and trucks blocking pedestrian movements • Several areas notorious with road pavement potholes • Possible sight distance deficiencies created by ad-hoc parking 28. Specific issues at the Central Market bus stops. The current utilization of the Central Market bus stops and its impact is as follows:

• The Central Market to White River or KGVI buses drop-off passengers randomly at the bus stops, and then drive off and ‘U’-turn at the respective roundabout (either the Hot Bread or HCC roundabouts), and proceed to the bus stops on the other side of Mendana Avenue to pick up passengers for the return journey; • For this return journey, mini-buses stop at entrance to bus stopping area, wait until full, and then proceed; • Mini-buses on ‘through-routes’ also stop at entrance to the bus stopping areas, wait to fill up, and then continue their journey; • Passengers tend to wait at the entrance to the bus stopping areas in order to board mini-buses, thus reinforcing the need for mini-buses to wait at these points; • The subsequent queuing that is created at the bus stopping area and the blocking- back onto the main carriageway effectively removes one lane of traffic, and thus reduces capacity, and leads to extensive delays and congestion; and • Also, the entrance to bus stopping area is restricted, and hence reduces its capacity and operational efficiency. 29. The effect of this situation leads to increases in emissions and reduction in air quality, impacts on fuel efficiency for mini-buses, and leads to widespread congestion on Mendana Avenue, in both directions. This situation is further exacerbated by Mendana Avenue being the only ‘through-route’ in central Honiara, for east to west movements. This means that the wider accessibility of the city centre is also impacted upon.

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3.3 Location and Existing Conditions – SP-R8

3.3.1 Location and existing alignment 46. The SP-R8 is a 31km section of the existing Guadalcanal eastern arterial road form the eastern end of Henderson Airport) and the Mberande River, excluding the existing bridge.

Figure 3.3: SP-R8 – Henderson to Mberande

47. 48. The SP-R8 section of the road is sealed and two-way; it provides access to the eastern villages, communities and oil palm plantations (Plates 3.4 a-d). Henderson is a township approximately 11 km east of Honiara and is the eastern boundary of Honiara City Council limits. Mberande village is named after the large Mberande River. The subproject section is the only road connecting the communities in east Guadalcanal to Honiara. The road traverses the rich, fertile Guadalcanal plains, dominated by the Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Ltd plantations, and provides access for private/community residences, villages, market gardens, Gold Ridge mine, and the new Tina River hydro-power project development.

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Plates 3.4 a - d: Typical sections along existing SP-R8 corridor

3.3.2 Identified constraints and issues

50. Road alignment and safety. The existing sealed road provides a two-lane, two-way carriageway for the length of the subproject. The surface condition is variable and in many sections is ridged, failing and potholed. The road is in a deteriorating condition, with no current maintenance contract in place since early 2018. Due to the oil palm plantations the road is well-used by trucks. Issues include: extended sections of pavement which are potholed and failing, with inadequate drainage, substandard sight distance across single-lane bridge structures, primarily due to the acute horizontal or vertical geometry of the road approaches, faded or non-existent line markings to indicate lane edges and center-line, medium level pedestrian activity at several villages, particularly at school closing times, inadequate warning and pavement area defined for key intersections, inadequate guardrails and guide posts for most bridges and culverts; and, mini- buses pick up and drop off passengers ‘on-demand’ along the road section rather than at formal bus stops. 51. Crossing structures: bridges and culverts. There are eight existing bridges at Tenaru, Ngalimbui, Metapona, Mblasuna and Mberande rivers and Alligator Creek. Six of the bridges (excepting the Alligator Creek bridges) are single lane. The bridges range in length from 12m to 110m and each has a footpath, including the Kovelau (‘Susu’) Bridge, which was replaced in 2-17 under the ADB-financed Transport Sector Flood Recovery Project.

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52. There are new bridges constructed in this section under the Transport Sector Flood Recovery Project, as well as some older bridges constructed by JICA. As of February 2018, the culverts and bridges along this section were observed to generally be in good condition. There are two areas identified as particularly susceptible to flooding: Gold Ridge intersection (Plate 3.5a) and a section of road near Metapona (Plate 3.5b).

Plate 3.5a: Gold Ridge intersection Plate 3.5b: Metapona

3.4 Proposed Works and Activities

53. Climate change adaptation. The climate change and disaster risk vulnerability assessment used ADB’s Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Guideline, along with the methodology set out in MID’s Climate Change Adaptation in the Transport Sector Guidance Manual (MID, 2014). The assessment identified the following issues and the climate change and disaster risk adaptation considerations that have been integrated into the concept design using both ‘hard’ infrastructure measures and ‘soft’ community adaptation measures.

• The subprojects are ‘high’ vulnerability risk from flash flood, river flood, tropical cyclone and earthquake; • Detailed design needs to include increased drainage redundancy and improved coastal/river protection at all larger rivers and streams, replacement culverts and where new culverts are proposed; and • A transport sector specific early warning system should be developed, to complement the National Disaster Management Office alert system. 54. The incremental cost of climate change adaptation is included in the economic analysis of the subprojects.

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55. Scope of works SP-R1 section. The scope of works for Mendana Avenue (Town Ground to White River) involves the duplication of the existing 3.1 km section of two-lane road, to widen it to a four-lane divided road. It includes all associated drainage and pedestrian infrastructure requirements These activities include: (i) reconstructing and expanding the existing Mendana Avenue road corridor from two to four lanes to a standard 20.4 m pavement width, kerbing and footpath; (ii) roadworks and excavation for the installation of new drainage infrastructure parallel to the road upgrade, including catch and sediment and pollution traps; and (iii) upgrading all access facilities including bus bays, parking areas, turn bays, pedestrian crossing points, road markings and signage. 56. The upgraded section will comprise a standard road width of 20.4 m is comprised of a flexible granular pavement with an asphaltic concrete wearing course, concrete median strips, kerb and gutter and footpaths (Figure 3.4). Two new roundabouts will be constructed. Concrete footpaths will be constructed on either side of the road to provide visual separation between vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Road line markings indicating lane edges, centerline between lanes, stop and give way priorities, speed limits and pedestrian markings will be installed. Roadside information, regulatory and warning signage and street lighting will be located where required. 57. Provisions are made for bus stops for pick-up and drop-off of passengers. Seating and shelters are also provided. Parking bays at regular intervals and for are also located for key land use activities (e.g. recreational parks). Locations of accesses to each property will be provided after residence/business consultation, commenced during feasibility study stage and continued during detailed design stage (by others). 58. Traffic counts were carried out on 05-Apr-18, showing 7400 vehicles over the 12-hour count, of which 3.8% were heavy vehicles. The resulting design traffic volumes adopted, lead to a typical pavement profile for concept design as follows: 50 mm thick asphaltic concrete AC14 wearing course; 200 mm thick basecourse; 300 mm thick subbase; and, 5% CBR subgrade. 59. For the roundabouts, concrete pavements are typically preferred due to the horizontal strains on the pavement. Thus, concrete pavements were adopted for the roundabout pavement design. Steel fiber reinforced or steel mesh reinforced pavements could be used, with steel fiber being preferred to control cracking in odd-shaped concrete slabs. The concept pavement design for roundabouts is: 200 mm thick concrete base (steel fiber reinforced); 125 mm subbase (5MPa lean mix concrete); and, 5% CBR subgrade. 60. The strategy for replacement of drainage structures is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency in transporting water through the structure, with minimal risk of debris blockage and afflux, and to increase the current capacity so that the level of service is improved. Road drainage systems will primarily consist of reinforced concrete pipe longitudinal drainage, connecting to larger cross drainage culverts. Gross pollutant traps are being considered for the cross drainage, and downstream of the road. All culverts that require repair will be undertaken in concrete. The design for longitudinal drainage uses reinforced concrete pipes up to 1200mm diameter and approximately 300m of reinforced concrete box culverts of width 600 mm and height 600mm, due to the relatively flat longitudinal road grade. MID advises that an additional drainage outlet may be possible in the vicinity of the Iron Bottom Sound hotel. 61. The upgrading works along this section will include:

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• Widening of the road within the road reserve to provide four lanes, footpaths and drainage. Flexible pavement with asphaltic concrete wearing course. Concrete pavement with asphaltic concrete wearing course at roundabouts only; • Roundabout at Tasahe Drive junction and Rifle Range Road junction. Basic priority intersections at Namoruka Road and SIBC/Botanic Gardens access road; • Speed limit signage, pavement numerals (50 km/h); • Priority intersection signage (e.g. Give Way) and lane and edge-line marking (thermoplastic); • Street lighting (median poles), street name signage and directional signage, where appropriate; • Formalized parking facilities in highest demand areas; • Recessed bus bays at major stops and/or as required to meet traffic management objectives and bus shelters at all stops, to include seating and effective shade structure; and • Additional cross-ducting, in consultation with utility service providers.

Figure 3.4: Typical cross-section SP-R1

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62. Scope of works SP-R3. The works are proposed as an upgrade of the existing road pavement and drainage structures, as well as urban road user enhancement. This includes attention to address the pavement design life and drainage capacity constraints, as well as improvements for parking and pedestrians. Landscape planting will improve the overall vista of Mendana Avenue. General works include:

• The standardized pavement cross section width and horizontal configuration will more adequately address the demands of traffic and the safety of all road users; • Discreet and distinct line markings to indicate lane edges, lane lines and intersection priority; • Concrete footpaths on each side of the carriageway will provide pedestrian separation from motor vehicles and capacity for the high volume of pedestrian movements by vulnerable road users. Kerb ramps will be introduced at side road crossings; • Demand for parking outside key land uses including shopping strips, addressed by the provision of dedicated, concrete (or bitumen sealed) parking bays at regular intervals along the subproject length; • Improved drainage capacity will reduce the likelihood of blockage and the resultant pavement damage. The drainage outlets (some of which have been built over) will be investigated for viability; and • An asphaltic concrete mill-and-fill wearing course will improve skid resistance as well as pavement life. 63. The solution to the Central Market bus stops and their impact on the critical economic and transport corridor in Honiara must be included as part of the Honiara transport master plan (being undertaken by others). A suggested medium-term solution is proposed below, which could be implemented in the absence of new physical infrastructure. The objectives are: (i) to better manage mini-buses and passengers; (ii) facilitate more efficient use of the bus stopping area; and (iii) regulate and enforce any infringements. Physical infrastructure solutions are also possible. The Honiara transport master plan may consider alternative sites for the main bus stop, with enhanced footpaths and shade to walk to it. Possible sites include the north side of the road opposite the HCC roundabout, vacant land behind HCC, or the centre of HCC roundabout (possibly as part of a grade separation of this roundabout, to significantly improve through traffic flow and reduce roundabout friction and queuing). No specific works to enhance the Central Market bus stops are included in this subproject. 64. There is one culvert structure, at approximate CH 500 which will be retained in current location but replaced and increased in size. It is proposed to provide longitudinal drainage by the use of pits and pipes, up to 900 mm diameter. As it is assumed that the new drainage network in Hibiscus Avenue will be connected to Mendana Avenue drainage, including the use of the outlets, it is unlikely that the existing Mendana Avenue drainage network will have sufficient capacity. Confirmation of existing pipe sizes is still being sought. 65. A typical cross-section of this section of Mendana Avenue is provided in Figure 3.5.

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Figure 3.5: Typical cross-section SP-R3

67. Scope of works SP-R8. The pavement works will consist of the repair and upgrading of the existing two-lane road for a typical road width of 8m in village areas and 7m in rural areas. The sealing will include flexible granular pavement with a sprayed seal surface and sealed verges as footpaths in village areas. Typical cross-sections for repair/replacement of existing damaged seal are shown in Figures 3.6a and 3.6b. Road-line markings indicating lane edges, centerline between lanes, stop and give way priorities, speed limits and pedestrian markings will be installed. Regulatory and warning signage (e.g. speed limits, villages, single lane bridges) will be installed. The adopted pavement for sections of heavy patching and reconstruction is: 10/7-14/7mm double bituminous surface treatment (DBST), 150mm thick basecourse and 170-350mm thick sub-base, and 3-5% CBR sub-grade.

Figure 3.6a: Typical cross-section SP-R8 – village areas

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Figure 3.6b: Typical cross-section SP-R8 – rural areas

68. Summary. The overall scope of works involves selected rehabilitation and/or sealing, safety works (including speed management), associated drainage and culvert and bridge repair and/or replacement. Pavement upgrading will include sprayed seal and some concrete causeways. To address safety and alignment issues, the designs include the features in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2: Proposed works and design features

Works and design features common to all subprojects Subproject specific works and design features Extensive sections of pavement rehabilitation and repair SP-R8 - rehabilitation of selected sections the Speed reduction measures and signage in all village areas existing road pavement as well as up to 10km of reseal lengths to a standard 7m cross section Sections of concrete pavement where road inundation is carriageway understood to occur frequently

Intersection treatments, including line marking, signage, pavement widening and drainage improvements Centre line marking throughout and edge lines in villages Speed reduction measures and signage in village areas Guardrails to culverts and bridges where safety issues identified Bus shelters and formalized bus stop areas in rural locations Replacement of pipe culverts in poor condition. Retro-fitting scour protection to existing structures Repaired road edges and sealed verge in village areas Road works and excavation for installation of concrete pipe or box culvert crossings of streams

Source: TA 9331-REG – Solomon Islands Feasibility Study Report (2018)

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69. Equipment and workforce. The construction activities will require site establishment facilities, road construction equipment (rollers, gravel delivery trucks, water cart, bitumen sealing trucks, asphalt pavers), excavation for drainage, concrete construction, utilities relocations, street lighting and guardrail installations. Specific equipment and workforce requirements are estimated to be:

• Excavation equipment (track mounted excavators, up to 35 tonne); • Mobile cranes; • Piling rig; • Concrete delivery, pumping and formwork; • Road construction equipment, such as rollers, water-trucks, haulage trucks, bitumen sealing equipment; and • Workforce is expected to peak at 80-100 workers for SP-R1 and SP-R3 and 25-30 workers for SP-R8. 70. Temporary areas. For SP-R1 temporary laydown areas could be established nearby for example, Tasahe Drive roundabout and Rifle Range Road roundabout. Temporary laydown areas will be established nearby to each location of major works; for example, Hell’s Point, Foxwood and Mbalasuna for SP-R8, or where new culverts will be constructed. These areas will be clearly identified in the site-specific CEMP to be prepared by the contractor. 71. Constructability. Construction activities will be occurring at several locations within each of subproject sections, at any one time. The major activities are construction of flexible and rigid pavements, adjacent to existing traffic operations. The major road works activities are construction of flexible and rigid pavements or where works will be adjacent to existing traffic operations. 72. The supply of bitumen and hard rock aggregate for asphaltic concrete and sealing will be sourced from overseas. Any locally sourced materials, as a priority, will be from existing already permitted and operating sources. If opening of a ne sources is required, the procedure will follow the guidelines set out in the SPM and good practice. Contractors will identify sites and discuss and agree with CPIU, CSC and the landowners/resource owners and compile the necessary documentation to support the building materials permit application. 73. One-lane traffic operations may be required for short, planned durations during construction works. However, given the current width of the existing road corridor and vehicle usage, it is expected that traffic flow can be typically maintained. The contractor(s) will be required to maintain access to houses, villages, businesses and other services along the subproject for the duration of construction; this approach will be detailed in the contractor’s traffic management/control plan for each subproject. 74. Timeframe. It is likely that the construction will be occurring at several locations along the subprojects, at any one time. Construction activities are estimated to take up to 24 months for SP-R1 and SP-R3 together, and six months for SP-R8. The timing of the works will be a factor with respect to wet weather delays. Some delays will be experienced if an above-average wet season is encountered during the construction. 75. Cost estimate. The cost estimates derived from the feasibility study are provided in Table 3.3. The unit rates used were provided by MID, sourced from its unit rates database plus recent tenders and contracts.

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Table 3.3: Cost estimates

Subproject Item SP-R1 SP-R3 SP-R8 General 2,840,012 12,870 473,267 Establishment 4,733,354 21,450 1,183,168 Clearing, grubbing, topsoil stripping 320,050 116,050 55,150 Earthworks 960,254 1,073,464 320,336 Base/sub-base pavement courses 1,022,792 1,464,968 1,007,258 Bituminous surfacing 3,775,062 1,384,207 2,281,498 Drainage 6,540,568 325,828 192,345 Road furniture and line marking 4,365,648 178,228 151,177 Concrete for structures 1,908,502 1,500,000 518,400 Channel, stream, river training and bank protection 40,541 2,269,133 206,507 Day works 800,000 1,300,000 200,000 Contingency @ 15% 2,840,012 21,450 988,366 Total 30,146,795 11,093,128 7,577,472

Source: TSPDF and TA 9331-REG – Feasibility Study Report (2019) and procurement plan (2020)

3.5 Alternatives Considered

76. Alignment. Alternatives to alignment could not be considered as the aim of the project is to improve and upgrade three section of the existing “main road” that traverses the area between Honiara city and the north-western most village Lambi. 77. Drainage. Options for improving drainage were considered in coordination with the findings of the climate change and vulnerability risk assessment. Culverts, additional drains and channel, swales have been included in the design to respond to the increasing impact of larger storm events and surges. All new drainage pipes and structures are designed to accommodate higher intensity rainfall. Sections of road to be raised was also identified through this process. 78. Other design measures. Scour protection at water crossing locations and coastal erosion protection requirements have also been identified and integrated into the design.

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4 Description of Existing Environment (Baseline Conditions)

79. Guadalcanal Province includes the largest island in Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal, and several small adjacent islands which together have a total land area of 5,340 km2 (accounting for 19% of the country’s land area). The national and provincial capital is Honiara, from which the national and provincial governments administer services. The province is divided into 22 wards, 193 enumeration areas and 1,493 recognized villages. 80. There are 12 wards in the HCC jurisdiction which comprises three constituencies; East Honiara, Central Honiara and West Honiara. Honiara contains the majority of the major government buildings, institutions, social services and infrastructure facilities. SP-R1 and SP-R3 are located in Rove-Lengakiki ward (Figure 4.1a). On the eastern side of the island, SP-R8 passes through the Malango, West Ghaobata, East Ghaobata and East Tasimboko wards (Figure 4.1b).

Figure 4.1a: Ward boundaries In Honiara City Council area

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Figure 4.1b: Provincial ward boundaries

4.1 Physical Conditions

4.1.1 Topography, geology and soils

81. Topography. The island of Guadalcanal is approximately 148 km long and 50 km wide with a northwest-southeast orientation. The island’s topography and physical environment is marked by extremes, with rugged mountainous terrain including the country’s two highest peaks; Mount Popomanaseu (2,335 m) at the eastern end of the island and Mount Makarakomburu (2,310 m) approximately 32 km south of Honiara, flanked by hills, narrow coastal terrace with interspersed swamps, valleys, significant river catchments and highly productive area in the north, known as the Guadalcanal Plains. 82. Geology. Solomon Islands lies at the boundary of three major tectonic plates which form part of the Solomon Islands Subduction Zone, which include the Pacific, Australian and the Woodlark plates. Northwest of the Solomon Islands is the Solomon Sea plate, which is the source of most of the volcanoes in the Solomon Islands (Figure 4.2). The uplift of the Pacific plate along with intermittent volcanic and seismic activity has contributed to the island masses that 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 basalt surrounded by uplifted coral terraces.

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Figure 4.2: Tectonic plates associated with the Solomon Islands

Source: www.walrus.wr.usgs.gov/tsunami/solomon07 83. The geology of Guadalcanal is dominated by extrusive igneous rocks generated by volcanism during the Oligocene to Pleistocene periods (as shown in Table 4.1). These mostly comprise basaltic and andesitic lavas and ash deposits, with the Tiaro tuff Breccias and Gallego Andesites the most common rocks within the project areas. The area also has significant alluvial deposits along the coast and along the river valleys. For most of its length, the main road is coastal, but the project sections also pass through alluvial areas, intersected with volcanic Breccias, older rocks, including lime- stones and basic volcanic outcrop further to the west and is dated to the Oligocene to Pleistocene periods.

Table 4.1: Geological succession associated with northern coastal area of Guadalcanal

Age Rock Type Thickness (m) Name Coral Reefs Recent Alluvial and littoral deposits 100 Volcaniclastic wackes, pyroclasts, lavas, lutite Upper 400-600 Lungga Beds and limestones Miocene- Lavas, pyroclasts including some wackes, Gellego Volcanics and Pliocene 1000 lutites and limestones; Vesicular augite basalt Tiaro Tuff Breccias Unknown Hornblende Microdiorite Unknown Vaturanga Microdiorite

Source: Geological Survey Division (1977) 84. The alluvial deposits are the predominant riverbed material with bed load sediment ranges in size from silts and sands in low flow areas, to large boulders in very high flow areas. The depth of alluvium varies between river systems and is estimated to be between 10 – 25 m thick within the river channel. It is these resources that are quarried and used for road and construction material. Alluvial terraces occur adjacent to most of the larger river systems and can vary from 1.5 m to 5m above the current river level. The structural geology of the area is dominated by three sets of major faults of Pliocene to Pleistocene age and trend northeast to southwest.

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85. Soils. There are 27 soil groups identified in Solomon Islands. Depending on parent material and land use, soils exhibit a range of fertility. The basalt volcanic derived soils are generally rich in nitrogen, phosphorous and organic carbon, but poor in potassium. The alluvially deposited soils are deep, freely drained yellowish brown to red humus-rich medium to coarse textured soils with limited profile development and reasonable natural fertility. The hill soils are older and have weathered to well-structured clays with somewhat poorer internal drainage. These soils have inclusions of limestone within their profiles and may overlie weathered coralline rock materials. Such soils have limited use and where they are retained in forests, are used for subsistence gardens, otherwise, these areas have reverted to extensive areas of grassland and have limited agricultural use. 86. The subprojects are situated on a narrow floodplain; SP-R8 is within 0.5km at its closest point and 4km at its farthest point from the coastline and the local topography includes valleys, swamps, and coastal landforms such as terraces and platforms and rivers. There are a variety of soils in the project area, reflecting the geology, different rock types and diversity of landforms. Soils in the subproject area in general are deep, intensely weathered and leached, free draining and relatively porous. The landscape associated with SP-R1 and SP-R3 has been highly altered for urban and light to heavy industrial usage and as such land and coastal area reclamation is extensive while for SP-R8 area has been highly altered for rural agriculture including conversion to oil palm plantation and/or semi-urban areas associated with villages. Commercial logging and land clearing during World War II have altered the natural environment. Aggregate mining from large rivers has occurred throughout the subproject sites previously.

4.1.2 Air quality, climate and climate change

87. Air quality. Air quality in Solomon Islands is very good, largely due to small and dispersed population, lack of heavy 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. Recent road rehabilitation and upgrading undertaken in Honiara has caused significant increases in airborne dust due to construction activities. These increased levels of dust will subside once sealing activities are undertaken. Elevated air quality parameters will need to be mitigated and closely monitored during the construction phase of this subprojects. 88. Climate. The Solomon Islands has a typical tropical oceanic climate (high temperature and high humidity) throughout the year with a pronounced wet season from November to March and a dry season from April to October. The nation is subjected to tropical cyclones that are associated with the southeasterly trade winds (November to March) and is also vulnerable to the effects of tsunamis generated from volcanic activity in the Asia-Pacific region. The most important driver of global climate is the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the ocean-atmosphere mechanisms of which impact the equatorial Pacific. 89. ENSO oscillates with a period of 2-7 years between El Nino, which brings lower than normal sea levels, weaker trade winds, cooler ocean temperatures and higher barometric pressures across the western equatorial Pacific, and La Nina, which brings the opposite conditions (Figure 4.3). Predominant trade winds and easterlies are shown with yellow arrows, convergence zones with rainfall are shown in blue. The warm pool of near surface water that oscillates in depth and extent across the equator during ENSO is shown in red along with high pressure systems indicated with ‘H’.

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Figure 4.3: El Nino Southern Oscillation

90. Temperature. Solomon Islands has a relatively uniform temperature ranging from 22 degrees Celsius (°C) to 31°C throughout the year. The monthly average maximum temperatures are 30-31oC and the monthly average minimum temperatures range from 22 to 23oC. Guadalcanal ranges from lows of 19oC Jul-Sep to 21oC Jan-Mar and highs of 29oC Nov-Dec. The monthly average maximum and minimum temperatures observed in Honiara are given in Figure 4.4.

Figure 4.4: 2016 average annual minimum and maximum temperature for Honiara

Source: www.weather-and-climate.com

91. Humidity. Relative humidity throughout the nation shows little seasonal variation however it does have a marked diurnal fluctuation. Humidity is highest in the morning and frequently reaches 90 percent.

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92. Precipitation. The average annual rainfall is mostly within the range 3000 to 5000 mm with most monthly rainfall amounts in excess of 200 mm. In most of the Solomon Islands, the wettest months are during the northwest monsoon season (January to March averaging 380 mm), with a tendency for reduced amounts during February when the equatorial trough is normally furthest south. Locations on the southern sides of the larger islands (e.g. Guadalcanal) tend to have rainfall maximums between June and September. In Honiara, on average, March has the most days with rain (23) followed by Jan, Feb, Apr and Dec which have about 18-20 days of rain. The months with the least number of days with rain are Jun, Aug and Sep with 10-12 days. The average monthly rainfall per month for 2016 for Honiara is given in Figure 4.5.

Figure 4.5: 2016 average annual monthly rainfall for Honiara

Source: www.weather-and-climate.com

93. Cyclones and extreme weather. Tropical low-pressure systems occur each year over the Solomon Islands at times when the equatorial trough is in the vicinity; few of these develop into cyclones. The average frequency of tropical cyclones is between one and two per year, tending to increase southwards (Figure 4.6). Tropical cyclones affecting Solomon Islands are usually relatively small but can result in serious damage due to strong winds and heavy rainfall. In addition, tropical cyclones will result in abnormally high ocean tides that may rise 3-6 m above the regular tide. This is due to the pooling of seawater by the frictional effect of very strong winds persistently gusting on shore as the cyclone approaches a shallow coastline. This can result in inundation of low-lying coastal plains and impacts on the shoreline and beach on beach profiles. 94. Honiara has been affected by an average of 13 tropical cyclones per decade, with most occurring between November and April13, the tropical cyclone season in the Solomon Islands. Only rarely are occurrences reported outside this period.

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Figure 4.6: Tropical cyclone pathway in the Solomon Islands

95. Tropical cyclones are most frequent in El Niño years and least frequent in La Niña years. The ENSO‐neutral average is nine cyclones per decade. Tropical cyclones result in flooding and wind damage in the Solomon Islands. There have been severe floods on Guadalcanal, Malaita, Makira and Isabel in recent years, with lives lost, and severe damage to agriculture and infrastructure. Tropical cyclones passing within 400 km of Honiara per season are shown in Figure 4.7. Figure 4.7: Tropical cyclones passing within 400 km of Honiara per season

Source: Pacific-Australia Climate Change Science and Adaptation Planning (2011)

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96. Climate change. Wave climate and climate change trends around the Solomon Islands are affected by processes occurring over large areas of the Pacific Ocean, from the northern to the southern subtropical zones (35° north to 35° south). Climate change projection scenarios are typically divided into four representative concentration pathways, based on a range of emissions output scenarios. These were developed by others and refined for the Pacific by the Pacific- Australia Climate Change Science and Adaptation Planning Science Program (PCCSP) supported by the Australian Government using global climate modeling experiments. 97. The climate change risk and vulnerability assessment for the Project, using PCCSP data and projections, concluded that by 2030, annual temperatures are projected to increase by approximately 0.7°C, irrespective of the emissions trajectory over the next decade and a half, while by 2090, a ‘business as usual’ high emissions scenario could result in as much as a 4.0°C annual temperature increase and that there is very high confidence that both sea surface and air temperatures will continue to increase across the Solomon Islands (PCCSP 2014). 98. Extreme rainfall events, however, are expected to increase in frequency and intensity, with a current 1‐in‐20-year daily rainfall event increasing by 9mm by 2030. This increases to an additional 43mm by 2090, under a worst‐case, very high emissions scenario. 99. It is projected that the intensity and frequency of days of extreme heat will increase over the course of the 21st century. As greenhouse gas concentrations increase, so will the intensity and frequency of days of extreme heat. Extreme rainfall, with lower drought incidence, and a decline in the number of tropical cyclones in the south‐west Pacific Ocean are the key weather projections. 100. Satellite data indicates the sea level has risen near the Solomon Islands by about 8 mm per year since 1993, more than double the global average of 2.8–3.6 mm per year and is expected to continue to rise (PCCSP 2013). The tide gauge at Honiara installed in 1994 records sea level and other meteorological data at hourly intervals. The ocean around the Solomon Islands is increasing in acidity, impacting corals and reef ecosystems (PCCSP 2013). Ocean acidification is projected to continue (very high confidence). Projections from all analyzed CMIP3 models indicate that the annual maximum aragonite saturation state will reach values below 3.5 by about 2045 and continue to decline thereafter. This will impact the coastal ecosystems, especially of reef ecosystems. It may be compounded by other stressors including coral bleaching, storm damage and fishing pressure. 101. The projected climate changes for some key variables are shown in Table 4.2. In summary the key projections suggest:

• Increase in average annual rainfall, intensity of extreme rainfall event and changes in average recurrence interval (ARI) for 24-hour rainfall event; • Sea level rise; • Storm surge; • Increased temperatures; and • Changes in wind and wave climate and increases in extreme wave heights and ocean acidity.

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Table 4.2: Projected changes in annual and seasonal mean climate for Solomon Islands

20-year period and emissions scenario Return or Variable 2020-2039 2046-2065 2080-2099 Confidence time period B1 A1B A2 B1 A1B A2 B1 A1B A2 Surface air 0.4- 0.4- 0.3- 0.4- 0.5- 0.4- 0.6- 0.8- 0.6- Annual High temp (oC) 0.6 0.8 0.7 1.1 1.4 1.4 1.5 2.3 2.7 1-in 20- 0.5- 0.6- 0.4- 0.6- 1.0- 1.2- Max. temp (oC) NA Low years 1.0 1.4 1.5 1.3 2.1 2.7 1-in 20- 1..2- 1.5- 1.6- 1.6- 1.9- 1.8- Min. temp (oC) NA Low years 1.8 1.9 1.7 1.7 2.2 2.5 Total rainfall Annual 1-9 2-9 2-6 4-8 5-10 4-9 6-9 9-11 9-12 Moderate (%) Wet season Nov-Apr 2-9 2-9 2-7 5-8 6-11 4-7 6-7 9-11 9-11 Moderate rainfall (%) Dry season May-Oct 0-11 2-13 2-9 3-11 4-12 5-15 6-14 9-16 10-18 Moderate rainfall (%) Sea surface 0.4- 0.3- 0.4- 0.3- 0.3- 0.5- 0.5- 0.6- 0.6- Annual High temp (oC) 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.9 1.2 1.3 1.3 2.0 2.5 Mean sea level Annual 4-14 5-14 4-15 10-26 8-30 8-30 17-45 19-58 29-60 Moderate (cm) Notes: B1 – low emissions scenario; A1B – medium emissions scenario; A2 – high emissions scenario Source: Pacific-Australia Climate Change Science and Adaptation Planning (2011) 102. The climate change risk and vulnerability assessment undertaken for the Project adopted the worst-case (business-as-usual) scenario. To include climate change and uncertainty in the design criteria the allowances presented in Table 4.3 were incorporated into the design. A 20% increase in rainfall intensity has been included in the hydrology calculations for the design of the subprojects.

Table 4.3: Climate change criteria for design consideration

Parameter Climate change impacts Reference Sea level rise 60 cm for 2090 MID, 2015 Wave setup 60 cm (severe wave condition) WACOP, 2014 Storm surge 1.5 m MID, 2015 Astronomical tide 57 cm (from Chart datum) IGOSS, 2017 Wind 100-year ARI, 2 - 11% increase in max. wind speed PACCSAP, 2014 Sea level fluctuations 0.25 m T+T, 2017 Temperature +2 – 8oC (RCP 8.5) PACCSAP, 2014 Rainfall 320 mm for 1 in 20 year-event (RCP 8.5) MID, 2017

Source: TA 9331-REG - Climate Change and Disaster Risk Vulnerability Assessment- (May 2018)

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4.1.3 Marine hydrodynamics

103. Reef systems. Offshore and inshore coral reefs associated with Guadalcanal dominate the coastal foreshore around the island with extensive lagoon reef systems located in the eastern end of the island whilst inshore fringing reef systems dominate the reminder of the islands coastlines. This, added to a general instability of the island, has resulted in an irregular, crenelated coastline of reefs, lagoons, estuaries, bays and promontories. Coral and terrigenous sand is found along most of the coastline, up to 5 m above sea level. 104. Tides. The basic tide parameters associated with the waters adjacent to Honiara include a maximum tidal variation of less than 1.1 meters (micro-tidal). They are diurnal with a relatively similar diurnal variability in tide amplitude. Inclement weather systems e.g. storms, can have a marked impact on the tidal height and can cause increased coastal erosion if they coincide with high water periods. Data sourced from the Integrated Global Ocean Services System demonstrate that the sea level for Honiara is usually higher from November to March. This is believed to be a seasonal effect due to fluctuations in temporal and spatial wind patterns from nearby cyclones. It is also understood that sea level variations occur annually depending on the strength of ENSO. 105. Waves. The wave climate in Solomon Islands are affected by processes occurring over large areas of the Pacific Ocean, from the northern to the southern subtropical zones and across the equator. The wave environment is generally made up of four major components: i) prevailing northeast to southeast seas and swell waves associated with prevailing easterly trade winds; ii) periods of westerly seas generated by westerly gales during the wet season in equatorial regions; iii) short-term, large seas and swell waves from variable directions generated by tropical storms and cyclones; and iv) seasonal north and south swell waves generated by mid-latitude storms in the north and south Pacific Ocean. On eastward facing coastlines, such as Honiara, local seas and swell waves generated by trade winds are generally persistent and form the dominant component of the local wave environment. Typical current strength is measured to be around 4 knots. Figure 4.8 shows mean annual wave height and direction for Honiara for 30 years.

Figure 4.8: Mean annual cycle of Honiara wave height in meters and direction 1979 – 2009

Source: Australian Aid Programme (2016)

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4.1.4 Hydrology, water resources and quality

106. Hydrology. The SP-R1 section from Town Ground to White River includes a number of cross drainage structures along this route, many of which appear to be undersized or have potential blockage issues from trash that is thrown into the drainage channels. The majority of these cross-drainage structures discharge into channels or swales through or between private properties, which may or may not have formal easements. Potential blockages exist as fencing is provided across these channels to block rubbish and debris. Any upgrade to existing cross drainage structures will have to ensure that there are no adverse impacts on downstream properties, through the introduction of additional flows. Longitudinal drainage is primarily through a swale that runs along the southern side of the road, which captures both runoff from the catchments to the south and the runoff from the southern half of the road. There is limited formal longitudinal drainage on the northern side of the road (coastal side). There are intersections with relatively steep gravel access roads entering from the south. Runoff appears to flow uncontrolled down these roads and there is evidence of gravel and sediments spilling across the main road pavement and blocking some of the drainage in that area. 30. SP-R3 comprises one cross drainage structure which is undersized for current design criteria. The culverts also appear to have potential blockage issues from rubbish that is discarded into the drainage channels. The cross-drainage structure discharges into channels or swales through or between private properties. Any upgrade to existing cross drainage structures will have to ensure that there are no adverse impacts on downstream properties, through the introduction of additional flows. Longitudinal drainage for SP-R3 is through a combination of swales and pipe networks that run along the northern side of the road, which captures both runoff from the catchments to the south and the runoff from the road. The drainage pits on SP-R3 are entirely blocked throughout this section. There are up to eight drainage outlets, at least two of which have been built over by developments – the Kokonut Café area and the Central Market. 107. Freshwater resources. Freshwater availability varies considerably across the archipelago; on the large volcanic islands like Guadalcanal, water resources derived from river systems are abundant due to the mountainous topography and weather conditions whilst (SIWA, 2013). The country’s longest river is the Lungga river is located on the north coast of Guadalcanal with a catchment area of 377 km². Aquifers are small and depend mainly on precipitation for recharge (Sullivan and Guglielmi, 2007). 108. On Guadalcanal, the major users of groundwater resources are Honiara commercial and household demand and the Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Limited (SP-R8). Approximately 20-30 percent of Honiara water supply is sourced from groundwater. The northeast coast of Guadalcanal has abundant potential for groundwater. Desalination of water is limited, except for private resorts and boats mainly for tourists. 109. Water quality. Freshwater quality throughout the country is generally of good quality, however water resource quality associated with the urban and village areas, especially Honiara is in decline. There is however a lack of adequate time series reliable hydrological data available to properly address historic and current water quality issue. Poor management of sanitation (e.g. sewage, rubbish) and waste from light industry (e.g. petrochemicals) are the main causes of pollution that has significantly decreased water quality in the urban and semi-rural locations. In addition, logging and the traditional slash and burn method of farming have gradually degraded rivers and streams, threatening key catchment areas. Mining activities on Guadalcanal (outside of the project areas) have also polluted nearby rivers and catchment areas.

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110. Commercial palm oil development on Guadalcanal plains (SP-R8) has high usage of chemicals and fertilizers that affect groundwater and surface water sources. Aquifers are also highly vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise and saltwater intrusion related to climate change. 111. In 2017 a surface water physic-chemical quality monitoring study was undertaken in coastal rivers and streams around Honiara. Data associated with nutrients and/or microbiological contaminants were not investigated during this study. Similarly, time series data recording levels of fecal coliform bacteria and other potential water borne human pathogens are all but absent in the literature. Table 4.4 provides a summary of data collected from this study and Figure 4.9 shows the location of the sampling sites referred to in the table.

Table 4.4: Summary of physic-chemical water quality data recorded at Honiara sites

EC ORP TDS DO DO Turbidity Site Description OC PH µS/c mV ppm ppm FNU m % WS01 Mataniko – river mouth 27.2 7.83 200.1 9798 4899 64.1 4.91 11.3 WS04 Small stream Kukum 30.5 7.74 197.0 543 272 47.3 3.52 1.7 WS05 Panatina 31.8 7.65 196.1 594 297 32.3 2.35 15.5 WS11 Tanavasa River 28.6 7.53 199.1 334 167 82.6 6.37 32.5 WS14 White River 29.5 7.67 201.4 326 163 63.9 4.85 6.7 WS15 Mataniko - upstream 29.2 8.23 199.8 314 157 110.7 8.43 0.6

Source: Axiomwater Technologies (2017)

Figure 4.9: Locations of water quality monitoring sites

Source: Axiomwater Technologies (2017)

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4.1.5 Hazards and disasters

112. The Solomon Islands is prone to natural hazards including cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides. Due to the location of Solomon Islands at the junction of the tectonic plates, there is constant seismic activity including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The World Bank’s Natural Disaster Hotspots study identifies the Solomon Islands as the number one Pacific nation subject to hazards risk, 10th in the world most exposed to three or more hazards and 25th country in the world for relatively high mortality risk for multiple hazards.4 113. Volcanic eruptions. The volcanoes of the Solomon Islands form a northwest-southwest trending island chain continuing along to the Bougainville Island chain (which forms part of Papua New Guinea). The islands belong to a volcanic arc caused by the subduction of the oceanic crust of the small Solomon Plate under the Pacific Plate (shown previously on Figure 4.2). New Georgia Sound constitutes the junction between the New Georgia-Kolombangara-Vella recent volcanic activity and the older Choiseul Cretaceous-Early Tertiary basaltic platform. 114. The main observed faulting is northwest-southeast. This area is tectonically complex, marked by the interaction of several closely spaced oceanic microplates separated by subduction zones and short spreading centers, such as one extending from southeast Papua New Guinea to Kavachi volcano. There are 11 volcanoes in the Solomon Islands of which four have been active in the recent past, Kavachi and Cook are submarine and Savo and Tinakula are islands (Figure 4.10). The closest volcano to Guadalcanal is Gallego (9’13 South and 159’.82 East), it is listed as dormant. The Solomon Islands are exposed during eruptions to impacts such as ash fall, ballistics, lahars and pyroclastic and lava flows from landmasses and neighboring islands.

Figure 4.10: Volcanoes in Solomon Islands known to have Holocene eruptions

Source: Siebert, Simkin and Kimberly (2010)

4 World Bank - Hazard Management Unit. 2005. Natural Disaster Hotspots: A Global Risk Analysis. (Washington D.C.)

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115. Earthquakes. Earthquakes are common in Solomon Islands with 66 earthquakes reported for the year 2017; as such they are a near-weekly event. The active seismicity is directly linked to the location of Solomon Islands at the junction of several tectonic plates that results in constant seismic activity including earthquakes and uplifting of land and reef areas. Solomon Islands remain vulnerable to future earthquakes. In 1977 a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Guadalcanal causing considerable destruction to villages on the Weather. An 8.1 magnitude earthquake occurred on April 2nd 2007, the epicenter was 10 km deep and 40 km south-southeast of Gizo town on New Georgia Islands in Western Province. There were numerous aftershocks, the largest of which had a magnitude of 6.2. 116. The most recent destructive earthquake was 06-Feb-13 when a magnitude 8 event struck the island of Santa Cruz in Temotu Province leading to a tsunami which generated a peak sea level change of about 1m. 117. Tsunami. Tsunamis are caused by the vertical displacement of seabed fault lines during earthquakes, or by other processes such as a volcanic eruption, volcanic collapse or submarine landslide. Tsunami-generating earthquakes tend to be shallow and of relatively large magnitude (i.e., > Richter Scale magnitude 7.0). The Solomon Islands has been impacted by 22 tsunami events between 1926 and 2016. Most tsunami resulted from earthquakes in, or close to, the Solomon Islands, two were caused by a distant earthquake and one by landslides on a volcano. At least four tsunamis caused loss of life, created increased sea wave heights of up to 6 m, while at least five tsunami caused significant damage to structures. The largest recent tsunami was April 2007, triggered by the earthquake, and resulted in death of 52 people and considerable damage. The tsunami generated a wave with a focus run of up to >12 m in some areas (Newman, et al., 2011). The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii provides tsunami warning advice for the Pacific Island countries, including the Solomon Islands. 118. Landslides. Landslides are frequent on Guadalcanal and predominantly occur on steep slopes associated with the inland mountainous areas where rainfall is high, and topography is the steepest. Landslide frequency increases considerably during high rainfall events and cyclonic weather. The greater Honiara landslide susceptibility map included in the risk and vulnerability assessment did not identify the coastal plains area, where the subprojects are located, as high risk from landslides. 119. Flooding. During Cyclone Namu in 1986 (1 in 100-year event), three quarters of the Guadalcanal Plains flooded and can, in the future, be expected to flood in similar low frequency and probability events. Frequent flooding is confined to river channels and adjacent low terraces. However poor drainage conditions make surface flooding an issue over much of the plain in Honiara.Rainfall and river flows can be highly variable with extended dry periods followed by periods of significant flooding and damage. Flooding in the high mountains can cause significant damage to road infrastructure and villages located close to the river. In logging areas, flooding can cause irreversible soil erosion and mass debris slides (Secretariat of the Pacific Community, 2012). In 2014, Tropical Cyclone Ita caused severe flooding in the Solomon Islands with Honiara being one of the worst hit areas. Twenty-two people were killed and over 50,000 affected, as food gardens were destroyed and 50% of drinking water became contaminated and undrinkable. The flood and coastal inundation exposure map for the greater Honiara area is shown in Figure 4.11. 120. Based on evaluation of various hazards, the risk and vulnerability assessment identified the following risk profile for the subprojects (Figure 4.12).

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Figure 4.11: Flood and coastal inundation exposure

Source: TA 9331-REG Solomon Islands Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (2018)

Figure 4.12: Subproject sites hazard risks and sensitivity

Subproject Component

Hazard

SP-R1 SP-R3 SP-R8

Road

Sealed

Bridges

corridor

Culverts

Unsealed

pavement pavement High High High Flash flood High High High River flood Low Low Medium Coastal erosion High High Low Tropical cyclone

Medium Medium Medium Extreme temperature Medium Medium Low Sea level rise Medium Low Low Landslide Low Low Low Tsunami High High High Earthquake

Key: Potential relationship (uncertain) No apparent relationship Strong relationship

Source: TA 9331-REG Solomon Islands Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (2018)

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4.2 Biological Conditions

4.2.1 Marine and coastal habitats, flora and fauna

121. Overview. The marine and coastal ecosystems of Solomon Islands are part of the Western Pacific center of marine biodiversity. The coastal zones are characterized by highly variable patchy ecosystems that include estuaries, lagoons, beaches, mangroves, coral reefs, sea grass beds, algal beds and small volcanic and atoll islands. Coral reefs are narrow, fringing, and intermittently distributed around the high islands, with barrier reefs and expansive inter-tidal reefs not common. The coral reefs are most often associated with either uplifted shores attached to volcanic coastlines or seaward elevated coral limestone beaches. 122. The dominant marine ecosystems of Guadalcanal adjacent to the project road sections include coastal foreshore beaches and extensive coastal fringing reef systems that vary in width, depth and resources it contains. Extensive areas of sea grass are recorded inshore, coral reefs further offshore and small patches of sandy lagoon habitats occur where the reef interacts with outflow from streams and small coastal lagoons have formed at the mouth of many of the rivers. 123. The reef systems adjacent to the subproject areas are associated with urban (Honiara end), semi-rural, rural activities and village communities. Human activities resulting in land and shoreline clearing have degraded the natural system impacting ecosystem functions in these areas. More recently the coastal foreshore areas, including the shallow intertidal reefs, have been reclaimed and backfilled further reducing coastal biodiversity. The subproject areas of influence area adjacent to but do directly impinger on coastal shoreline, coral reef or associated resources. 124. Coral reefs. The marine fauna and flora of the Solomon Islands is considered highly diverse. According to a 2007 study conducted by Coral Reef Initiatives for the Pacific, the Solomon Islands have one of the highest coral diversities in the world. 494 species were recorded (485 known species and nine unknown species which may be new species). These reef systems support one of the richest concentrations of reef fishes in the world with a total of 1,019 fish species identified. The coral reefs are mainly fringing and intermittent around islands and occur along mostly shallow coastlines where the water is clear and warm and maintains a constant level of salinity. Coral reefs support extraordinary diversity of species by providing food, shelter, nursery and feeding grounds for many fish species and crustaceans. The reefs protect coastal areas from storms and erosion by forming natural breakwaters, whilst providing a wide range of services to the nations citizens. 125. Fisheries. Solomon Islands has an open marine tenure system that allows anyone to fish the inshore waters (from high water mark to 12 nautical miles offshore) and which is managed by the national government, although both historically and currently, communities claim some authority over adjacent community marine and coastal areas with respect to resource ownership and extraction. Solomon Islands’ fisheries include five zones: i) freshwater streams and rivers and associated wet lands; ii) shallow fringing coastal reef or intertidal zone; iii) sub-tidal areas and reef slope including fissures or canyons in the reef slope (to about 25 m depth); iv) deep reef and near- shore deep-water areas below 25 m; and v) open ocean or pelagic fishery. All of which are of critical subsistence importance, as well as local income generation. zones i) to iv) are usually considered to be part of the “inshore fishery” whilst v) is referred to as the “offshore fishery”. Commercial fishing--foreign fishing licenses focusing on pelagic resources, tuna species specifically--is permitted between 12 nautical miles from the coast to 200 nautical miles from the shoreline.

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126. The first three zones (intertidal, sub tidal, and inshore reef areas) have been heavily exploited for subsistence and small-scale artisanal livelihood activities whilst the deeper water slope benthic fisheries are becoming increasingly targeted. These activities have used a wide range of traditional and modernized fishing gear and techniques targeting a wide range of resources. 127. Mangroves. Mangroves are important ecosystems for aquatic organisms and provide critical breeding habitats for a wide variety of reef and coastal invertebrate and vertebrate species. They provide structural protection to coastlines and act as a buffer between land and sea and act as a sink for sediments, nutrients and other contaminants to maintain coastal water quality, and promote the growth of coral reefs and sea grass. The Nature Conservancy reported 20 species and two hybrids of mangroves in the Solomon Islands. They include: Heritiera littoralis, Aegiceras corniculatum, Sonneratia alba, S. caseolaris, S. gulngai, Osbornia octodonata, Lumnitzera littorea, Rhizophora apiculata, R. stylosa, R. lamarckii, R mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, B. parviflora, B. sexangula, Ceriops tagal, Excoecaria agallocha, Xylocarpus granatum, X. mekongensis, Avicennia alba, A. marina, Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea and Nypa fruticans. 128. There are no mangrove forests or individual trees within the SP-R1, SP-R3 or SP-R8 subproject areas that will be directly or indirectly impacted by the subprojects scope of works. 129. Seagrass. Seagrass meadows are a significant coastal habitat and contain high biodiversity value and are the main diet for species such as the endangered green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and dugongs (Dugong dugon) and are found throughout the Solomon Islands. Seagrasses grow in soft bottom estuarine and marine environments and can be found extending from the intertidal zone to sub-tidal, along mangrove coastlines, estuaries, shallow bays, coral reefs, inter-reef and offshore islands. In Solomon Islands there are ten species of seagrass (in two families), which represents 80% of the known seagrass species in the Indo-Pacific Region. Malaita Province has the most extensive meadows within Solomon Islands (Table 4.5), including one that is more than 1,000 ha in size.

Table 4.5: Areas of seagrass by province

Province Area of seagrass (ha) No. of seagrass meadows Guadalcanal 101.3 31 Makira 229.1 52 Central 651.5 56 Western 754.4 134 Isabel 535.9 99 Choiseul 753.8 49 Malaita 3,607.6 59 Total 6,633.8 480

Source: The Nature Conservancy - Solomon Islands Marine Assessment (2006)

130. From a survey conducted in 2004, some 101 ha of seagrass were mapped in 31 meadows in Guadalcanal. Some 76 percent of seagrass meadows in the Province were of continuous cover and restricted to the calmer bays and fringing reefs along the northwestern shores and the extensive reef complexes at the island’s most easterly extent.

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131. Seagrasses were observed in four localities (Figure 4.13); in moderate wave action localities, such as Mamara and Kukum (west and east of Honiara respectively); Visale Village west of Cape Esperance (northwest Guadalcanal); Marau Sound and nearby islands e.g., Marapa, Beura, Henera Islands, on the eastern tip of Guadalcanal (the island’s largest expanse of fringing reef and seagrass meadows). There are no meadows or smaller patches of seagrass within the four subproject areas of influence that will be impacted by the proposed works or activities.

Figure 4.13: Location of seagrass meadows on Guadalcanal

4.2.2 Terrestrial habitats, flora and fauna

132. Overview. Solomon Islands has a high level of plant biodiversity including 3,210 species of vascular plants; it is likely that could be 4,500 plant species when those that are unrecorded are included. 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% of Pandanus species. The islands with the highest rate of endemism are Santa Cruz (Temotu) and Guadalcanal. 133. Flora. The main groups of flora include 340 species of ferns, 277 species of orchids, 33 species of palms, 26 species of other nuts (e.g. ngali nut, cut nut and alite nut), 20 species of pandanus, 14 species of Eleocarpacae trees, and 11 species of shrubs. 134. The vegetation associated with SP-R1 area of influence has been introduced and exists in a highly modified habitat (urban development) which resembles little of the original natural vegetation and terrestrial ecosystem. Vegetation adjacent to the road has been planted by neighboring land owners and/or government and mostly dominated by smaller plants or herbs including Wolstonia biflora, Macaranga tanarius, Scaevola taccada, Alpinia purpurata and non- tree ferns or non-native trees planted to provide shade. Other flora includes roadside primary colonizing grasses, weeds, shrubs and non-native trees (Delonix regia and Pulmeria sp.) and food plants (Musa sp., Cocos nusifera and Elaesis guinenesis. Examples of the trees and road-side vegetation are shown in Plates 4.1 a and b and Table 4.6 provides a list of all trees located within the margins of the SP-R1 road corridor.

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Plate 4.1 a and b: Trees located along the margins of SP-R1 corridor

Table 4.6: List of trees species within SP-R1 corridor

Southern side Northern side Common/local name Scientific name (total no.) (total no.) Decorative trees Christmas tree Delonix regia 29 11 Frangipani Pulmeria sp. 32 1 Milky Pine Alstonia scholaris 1 1 Fan Palms Pritchardia pacifica 6 0 Zaru/Naru tree Casuarina sp. 0 7 Bamboo Bambusa sp. 0 11 Earleaf acacia Acacia auriculiformis 0 1 Buni Calophyllum inophyllum 0 1 Beach Almond -Alite Terminalia catappa 0 1 Piraka - Inkori Spondias pinnata 0 2 Rain Tree Samanea saman 0 2 Angel Tree 0 1 Arovo Premna latifolia 0 1 Total: 68 40 Productive/food trees Banana Trees Musa sp. 5 0 Star Fruit Carambola sp. 1 0 Ngali nut Canarium indicum 1 0 Breadfruit Artocarpus sp. 1 1 Coconut Cocos nusifera 0 4 Palm Oil Elaesis guinensis 0 25 Noni Morinda citrifolia 0 1 Total: 8 31

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135. The SP-R3 section of Mendana Avenue contains only trees and shrubs that have been planted in the median or at the side of footpaths. 136. The rural subproject (SP-R8) traverses an area that naturally would have included lowland coastal forest, small pockets of freshwater swamp and even smaller pockets of mangroves near the mouth of rivers and small bays. The natural vegetation in the direct area of influence (road corridor) has been modified and completely cleared previously for the existing road and villages and as such resembles little of the original natural vegetation and terrestrial ecosystem. The road corridor does not comprise natural habitat. Plates 4.2 a and b show typical roadside vegetation. 137. Vegetation directly adjacent to the road corridor has either been planted or naturally recolonized. The vegetation includes ornamental and lager trees, smaller plants and food crops including; Pulmeria sp. (frangipani), Scaevola taccada (beach Naupaka), Alpinia sp. (Ginger), Macaranga tanarius (nasturtium tree), Terminalia catappa (Beach Almond), Pandanus sp., Cocos nusifera (coconut) Musa sp. (banana), Cyrtosperma johnstonii (swamp taro), Manihot esculenta (cassava), Carica papaya (pawpaw), Ipomea batatas (sweet potato), Xanthosoma lindenii (taro) and non-tree ferns or non-native trees some have been planted to provide shade for pedestrians. In addition, extensive non-native palm oil (Elaeis guineenisis) and in the past coconut (C. nusifera) commercial plantations operate in this area. Outside the road corridors and in areas where there are no gardens or plantations, the coastal forest usually comprises Callophyllum inophyllum, Barringtonia asiatica, Macaranga tanarius, Morinda citrifolia, Pometia pinnata, Ficus sp. and Terminalia catappa.

Plates 4.2 a and b: Typical vegetation located in the SP-R8 corridor

138. Fauna. 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) including 19 species that are globally threatened (Annex 2), 52 mammals, 61 species of reptiles (25 endemic), and 17 species of frog. 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 these islands. Most endemics species are restricted to montane forests or undisturbed natural areas of the largely untouched central mountainous areas and the Weather Coast.

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139. Common avifauna and wildlife were observed within the subproject areas of influence. Only wildlife adapted to highly disturbed urban habitats (e.g. rats) and domesticated animals (e.g. dog, pig, chicken) were located. None of the fauna identified, including the rats, are species listed by IUCN as threatened, endangered or critically endangered.

4.2.3 Freshwater habitats, flora and fauna

140. Overview. Most river systems discharging to the northern coastline of Guadalcanal appear to remain in relatively good condition, maintain natural flow and ecosystems functions. Increased anthropogenic disturbance associated with the lower reaches of river systems impacted by resource extraction (e.g. gravel for construction), agriculture (e.g. sedimentation, nutrient, pesticides) and household (e.g. sewage, grey water) runoff, and pollution (near village areas) is apparent throughout the subproject resulting in degraded water quality parameters. 141. SP-R5 and SP-R7 sections comprise several small streams and channels which discharge through swales or culverts into the surrounding environment and in some cases to the sea. The roads cross a number of streams and rivers by bridges, causeways or wet crossings (fords) that use the river/stream bed as the road base. The scope of works for SP-R1, SP-R3 and SP-R8 do not include the construction of new or upgrading of existing bridges. 142. River fauna. In Solomon Islands, Gobioid fishes are the dominant freshwater fauna and mainly represented by Gobiidae, Eleotridae and Rhyacichthidae families. Fauna includes 43 species of fish belonging to 26 genera and 14 families but no endemic species. Inland freshwater fish are migratory with a life cycle that alternates between ocean and river. Two main migration patterns are followed: catadromous and amphidromous. Eels are catadromous fish with adults migrating to the ocean to spawn, and juveniles migrating back into freshwater systems to grow to maturity. Most other aquatic species, such as Gobioids, are amphidromous. 143. Spawning occurs in rivers and larvae drift to the ocean before migrating back as juveniles to the freshwater system to mature. Visual observations undertaken identified no vertebrates in the streams and rivers crossed by the road. It is noted that due to the limited scope of works associated with freshwater systems detailed biodiversity surveying was not required. 144. Biodiversity. The freshwater resources of the Solomon Islands show a high level of biodiversity and endemism throughout the nation, especially among the aquatic insects. A countrywide assessment of freshwater river systems recorded 93 species of Heteroptera representing 28 genera in 12 families of which 60% are endemic at species level and at least 31 species being new to science (Polhemus et al 2008). Sixty-three species of Odonata representing 37 genera and 12 families were recorded of which 44% are endemic at species level and at least one new species was discovered. Nine species of Gyrinidae representing two genera and ten species of Simuliidae representing two genera were recorded of which 90% of both are endemic at species level.

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4.2.4 Threatened and protected species

145. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) undertakes a global assessment to classify species at risk of global extinction. The 2015 IUCN Solomon Islands Red List identifies 234 threatened species in total; 20 mammals, 21 bird species, five reptiles, two amphibians, 18 fishes, two mollusks, 149 other invertebrates and 17 plants. Two species of bird have been declared extinct in the Solomon Islands; the Thick-billed Ground Dove, Gallicolumba salamonis and the Choiseul Pigeon, Microgoura meeki. The IUCN’s Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) work has identified three critically endangered species and one endangered within the Guadalcanal Watersheds KBA; Pteralopex pulchra (Montane monkey- faced bat), Uromys imperator (emperor rat), Uromys porculus (Guadalcanal rat) and Tiradelphe schneideri (Schneider’s Surprise – butterfly), respectively. These are also Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE)5 trigger species. None of these species are recorded within the subprojects’ influence areas. 146. Five turtle species found in Solomon Islands are listed as protected on the Red List including: critically endangered Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate); endangered Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Loggerhead turtle (Caretta carreta); and vulnerable Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). None of these species are recorded as nesting on the beaches along the northern and western coastlines of Guadalcanal.6 Other protected species include cetacean (whales and dolphin species), dugong (Dugong dugon), crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) none of which will be impacted by the subproject works. 147. Of the 308 globally threatened species in the east Melanesian hotspot 225 (73 percent) occur in the Solomon Islands key biodiversity areas (KBA), including 40 not found elsewhere. Annex 3 is a summary of these species in classes by status for the whole hotspot and by country distribution. As part of the east Melanesian hotspot, Solomon Islands has a high level of endemism (Table 4.7), predominately associated with fauna. This includes 19 mammals (14 bats and 5 rats), 67 birds, 19 reptiles, three amphibians (frogs), two butterflies and one vascular plant.

Table 4.7: Endemism in East Melanesian Hotspot and Solomon Islands

East Melanesian Islands Hotspot Solomon Resident & Threatened Threatened Class Hotspot Endemism Islands breeding hotspot endemics endemics (%) KBA species endemics (%) Mammals 81 42 21 51 51 19 Birds 288 148 34 51 23 67 Amphibians 49 45 5 92 11 3 Total 418 235 60 65 28 89 Source: CEPF – Ecosystem Profile of East Melanesian Hotspot (2012)

5 Launched globally in 2005, the AZE engages 88 non-governmental biodiversity conservation organizations working to prevent species extinctions by identifying and safeguarding places that are habitat for species evaluated to be endangered or critically endangered under IUCN criteria. 6 Identified nesting sites include the following islands Arnavon (Isabel/Choiseul) Vacho, Sasamunga (Choiseul), Litoghahira (Isabel), Ramos (Malaita), Russell (Central) and Rendova, Tetepare Island (Western).

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4.2.5 Biodiversity and protected areas

148. Biodiversity areas. In July 2013 the IUCN launched the CEPF a $9 million, eight-year investment program to conserve globally important biodiversity found in 20 KBA, approximately 1.5 million ha within the east Melanesian hotspot in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and east Papua New Guinea. The hotspot is also part of the Coral Triangle, a region defined by areas with more than 500 coral species and high alpha diversity of fish and marine invertebrates. Notable endemic species include the Solomon’s sea eagle (Haliaeetus sanfordi) and many species of flying-fox (Pteropus sp.). 149. The east Melanesian hotspot also harbor a diverse and unique group of flora and fauna including: 3,000 endemic vascular plants species, 41 endemic mammals, 148 endemic birds, 54 endemic reptiles, 45 endemic amphibians and three endemic freshwater fishes. The hotspot is a conservation priority, and habitats include coastal vegetation, mangrove forests, freshwater swamp forests, lowland rainforests, seasonally dry forests and grasslands, and montane rainforests. Not only do species have importance at the global scale due to endemism and the threatened status of many species but also in the patterns and processes that have underpinned the development of theories of evolutionary biology. 150. Of the 36 KBA identified in Solomon Islands (Figure 4.15), two are on Guadalcanal; SLB 9 Guadalcanal Watersheds an expansive area of inland forest (376, 146 ha) and SLB 14 Mt Gallego (14, 763 ha) at the north-western end of the island. These KBA are well beyond the subproject’s area of influence. 151. Marine protected areas. There are in the order of 90 marine protected areas in the Solomon Islands and one designated marine conservation area (Arnavon Marine Conservation Area), a significant increase in the 63 marine protected areas recorded in 2008. Most are designated as no take zones and are managed as custom resource and three have a national designation. The marine protected areas account for 956 km2 or 0.06% of the exclusive economic zone. 152. Terrestrial protected areas. There are 17 terrestrial protected areas in the Solomon Islands, two of which are located on Guadalcanal (Table 4.8), Mt. Popomanaseu (30,000 ha) and Lake Lauvi (200 ha) both located on the Weather Coast and well outside the subprojects influenced areas. These are detailed in Annex 4.

Table 4.8: Terrestrial protected areas

Province No. of protected areas Guadalcanal 2 Western 4 Choiseul 3 Isabel 3 Makira 2 Malaita 2 Temotu 1 Total 17

Source: MECDM (2009)

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Figure 4.15: Priority Biodiversity Sites Identified by the CEPF

Source: CEPF – Ecosystem Profile of East Melanesian Hotspot (2012) 153. Presence of natural or critical habitat in the project area. Given what is already understood about the ecological importance of the area through which the road traverses based on previous road upgrading studies undertaken between 2007 and 2016 which document the flora and fauna of the road corridor and wider area, the assessment defined sub-project areas along SP-R1, SP-R3 and SP-R8 to determine the presence of natural or critical habitat. The project area does not contain natural habitat as per SPS and also does not include areas that are habitat for qualifying species or that meet any of the other criteria for definition as critical habitat.

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4.3 Socio-economic Conditions

4.3.1 Demography, land use, health and education status

154. Population and population growth. The total population estimated for the Solomon Islands for 2018 is 667,044 (National Statistics Office) with a sex ratio of 1.07 males to females, an annual population growth rate of 2.0%, a medium age of 19.9 years, a life expectancy average of 74.2 years (76.9 for females and 71.6 for males) and a density of 22 persons/km 2. This represents an increase from 17 persons/km2 recorded in the 2009 census. The 2018 population estimate for Guadalcanal is 145,000 with an estimated population in Honiara of 86,529 with the largest proportion of citizens aged less than 15 years. The data provided in the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2012/13 indicated fluctuating population growth rates for Guadalcanal over the past two decades. The population grew rapidly, at 4.3% per year, for the inter-census period 1976-86. For the next period (1986-99) the growth rate had dropped to 1.5% due to the 1998/1999 departure of many of the migrants from other provinces. There was a further large outflow of people in 2000, during the civil conflict, known as the ‘tensions’ (1999-2003). The annual growth rate for the period 1999-2005 was 5.6% and since then an average growth rate of 4.4%. 31. Served by S-R1 and SP-R3 there are several communities (mix of business and residential) in Rove/Lengakiki and Ngossi wards (Table 4.9). SP-R8 passes through the urban, semi-rural and rural communities located within Tandai, Malango, West and East Ghaobata and East Tasimboko wards (see Figures 4.1 a and b). Predominately these wards include rural residential and farming areas, small villages and associated small-scale infrastructure buildings (e.g. schools) and commercial operations (e.g. plantations - Oil Palm, aggregate/gravel extraction and crushing) and logging requiring heavily vehicle traffic utilizing the roads. 155. The total estimated beneficiary population considered to be served by SP-R1 and SP-R3 is 88,501; road users are considerably greater than the resident population. 156. The total estimated population considered to be served by SP-R8 is 41,870. It is noted that all communities that live to the east of Mberande River also utilize the main road as this is their only road access to Honiara. Thus, the beneficiary population (road users) is greater than the resident population.

Table 4.9: Population of wards and communities in subproject corridors

Subproject No. of No. of No. of HCC ward No. of males people females households SP-R1 and SP-R3 Rove-Lengakiki 2,613 1,464 1,149 334 Ngossi 10,062 5,240 4,822 1,430 Total 12,675 6,704 5,971 1,764 SP-R8 Tandai 14,806 7,707 7,009 2,463 Malango 10,374 5,426 4,948 1,749 West Ghaobata 4,962 2,573 2,389 976 East Ghaobata 4,340 2,242 2,242 807 East Tasimboko 7,388 3,894 3,494 1,419 Total 41,870 21,842 20,082 7,414

Source: SIG Census (2009)

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157. Land ownership and use. Land ownership in the Solomon Islands is complex and in general is described as, “land is held by a group or community who are linked by a combination of blood relationship, by residence or by contributing to a village enterprise” (Corrin, 2006). As such most land (83%) in the Solomon Islands is non-registered customary land. The remaining land—mostly in towns and urban centers—is alienated land being freehold and/or leased from government or private owners. Land ownership in Guadalcanal is matrilineal and inheritance is the main method of land transfer (Corrin, 2006). 158. Agriculture is the most important land-use and activity in the country. Most farming activities are for subsistence and/or small-scale semi-commercial activities undertaken by extended families with produce sold through local markets. The most important land use activities on Guadalcanal are undertaken in the northeast, north and northwest coasts, which include the GPPOL plantations (Palm Oil) and community and Gold Ridge mining development behind Honiara (which has been closed for the last several years). Production of cocoa and coconut declined during the 2000’s but renewed interest has rejuvenated these activities throughout coastal areas of Guadalcanal. 159. Honiara has 30 informal settlements located within the town boundary plus six others which have encroached into customary land. Approximately 35% of the total population of Honiara live in unplanned informal settlements which lack adequate water and electricity supply. 160. Communities in the subproject areas. The section of SP-R1—Mendana Avenue— between Town Ground and White River is a suburb in Honiara east of Rove. It accommodates business houses, hotels, government offices and residential areas from Central Honiara, facing north and along the coastline is business and commercial area. Stores, offices, hotels, government offices, social services and religious facilities are located along the section from the HCC office to Town Ground. The urban area associated with White River is a high-density urban suburb consisting of a mix of large residential properties on ridges and settlements on hillsides. 161. SP-R3 section includes urban communities from Central Honiara, facing north and along the coastline is business and commercial area. Stores, offices, hotels, government offices, social services and religious facilities are located along the section from the HCC office to Town Ground. The urban area associated with Central Honiara is a high-density urban suburb consisting of a mix of large residential properties on ridges and settlements on hillsides. 162. Notable features and sensitive receptors along the subproject roads are fairly similar including government buildings, commercial enterprises and buildings (hotels, shops, bars) and formal and informal markets. Features along Mednana Avenue between HCC office and Town Ground include: Coral Sea Resort and Iron Bottom Sound Hotel; Tasahe Drive intersection; Rove police station; St John’s School; Rove shops; Rove Children’s Park; Rifle Range intersection; White River market, New Zealand High Commission, Ministry of Finance and JICA offices, Kokonut Cafe, BSP building (including ADB and World Bank offices), Heritage Park Hotel, Breakwater Café, Kitano Mendana Hotel and many commercial and retail buildings on the section to the HCC offices. 163. Notable features within the SP-R8 section include the Henderson International Airport, Kukum and Henderson markets, many informal markets selling betel nut and fruit, and the GPPOL oil palm plantation area as shown in Figure 4.16.

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Figure 4.16: SP-R8 and GPPOL plantation area

164. Health status. Adult obesity and being over-weight affects 46% of women and 29% of men in the Solomon Islands. Higher rates are recorded for residents of Honiara (58% of women and 46% of men). Average life expectancy is 74.2 years (76.9 females, 71.6 males) and infant mortality rate is 22 per 1000 deliveries. Approximately 14% of the population is reported to have a disability. The proportion of population with a disability increases with age (more than half the population aged 55-59 years) but there is little difference in proportion of males and females with a disability. About 10% of children younger than 5-years have a disability. The most common disabilities reported as difficulty/inability to walk, amnesia, difficulties in concentrating, deafness and being blind. Health facilities in Guadalcanal include the National Referral Hospital (in Honiara), six area health centers, 13 rural health centers, nine clinics, and 23 nurse aid posts. Some health facilities are staffed with only a nurse aide and/or malaria diagnosis technician, locally known as micro-scopists. 165. Education status. National average school enrolment is 84% for 6-15-year-olds and 62.6% for 15-19-year-olds. School enrolment rates for Guadalcanal are lower than the national average, with 81% for 6-15-year-olds and 61% for 15 -19-year-olds. In contrast rates in Honiara for same age categories are higher (86% and 71% respectively). In 2016, students in grades 9 and 11 had dropout rates of more than 20 %, while year 12 students had a dropout rate of 76 %. Some 57% and 55% of the national and Guadalcanal population over the age of 12 have at least a primary education and 19% and 18% respectively have a secondary education. National and Guadalcanal population literacy rates for individuals 15 years and older are 84% and 83% respectively. There is a noticeable gender gap, females aged 15 to 24 are 10 % less literate than their male counterparts. When taking the population of adults 15 and older into consideration, 84 % of men and only 69 % of women in the Solomon Islands were literate.

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166. There are four national secondary schools and three provincial secondary schools on Guadalcanal. Junior secondary schools (also known as community high schools) are less accessible and entry depends on a good grade six result. There are 30 junior secondary schools that offer classes Form 1 - 3 only. Most villages within the Province have access to primary schools within an hour or so walking distance or less, there are 81 primary schools in total and are scattered throughout the Province. There is also one religious technical college – Suva Bible School – on the island. Both Solomon Islands National University and University of South Pacific have campuses in Honiara.

4.3.2 Livelihoods and employment

167. Overview. Solomon Islands economy is dominated by subsistence agriculture and fisheries related activities, which support around three-quarters of the total population, including almost the entire rural population. The Guadalcanal 2009 census documented that over 90% of households grow crops, 54% raised livestock and 58% were involved in fishing for both subsistence and small-scale commercial activities. 168. Fisheries. The Solomon Islands fisheries include commercial purse seine, long line and pole and line fishing activities of both local and foreign ownership. The commercial fishing fleet operates 12 nautical miles outside the exclusive economic zone. Fish products (fresh, frozen whole fish, frozen loins and canned products) are the second largest export and generated approximately 15% of national export revenue in 2016 (AusAID, 2017). This income is derived from license fees and onshore processing (two domestic facilities) generating approximately US$84 million 2011-2014 and employing around 3,100 people/year (half of which are women in tuna cannery facilities). 169. While there is no large-scale inshore commercial fishery there is considerable inshore resource exploitation for subsistence and small-scale commercial activities. A significant proportion of inshore fish resources are transported to the population centers for sale, Honiara being the largest market. Overall, 58% of households in Guadalcanal engage in subsistence or small-scale commercial fishing activities (SIG, 2009). 170. Forestry. Timber harvesting and export has been the dominant export product for several decades averaging 20-35% of foreign exchange earnings. The Solomon Islands has around 2.4 million ha of natural forest (86% of total land area) and almost all is held under customary ownership. About 10% is considered suitable for commercial exploitation. The timber industry has had a considerable number of logging concessions issued with most of the larger licenses being foreign owned. 171. Where wood is used for customary or domestic purposes and not for sale, no license is required. A community may combine their efforts to cut up to 2,000 m3 per year under a community timber harvesting license. Forests on Guadalcanal have been commercially logged, however large-scale logging even though much of the island is forested, has been restricted due to unsuitability of access to trees in areas of slopes above 400 m. 172. There are currently 17 forestry licenses currently permitted to operate in Guadalcanal for 2018. Six of these licenses operate in the western side of Guadalcanal whilst 11 operate in the eastern areas of the island (well outside the subproject area). These concessions transport logs along the existing road corridor. Impacts of transportation and storing logs have negatively impacted the road and surrounding environmental habitats.

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173. It is unlikely the road upgrading will facilitate further or contribute to an increase in commercial logging (legal or otherwise), logging companies have used the road in its poor condition and will likely continue to use to it once it is improved so the improvement to the existing road will not necessarily encourage further logging. Access to other areas has been a fact of the existing road since it was first cut through, upgrading the road on its existing alignment will not contribute to access to any other areas. . If the appropriate procedures are followed, the rate of logging, areas to be logged, and what type of trees may be logged is determined by Ministry of Forests and the custom owners and specified in the logging permit. 174. Markets and commercial activities. Guadalcanal’s largest formal food market is the Honiara Central Market, with two smaller and informal markets at Kukum (eastern Honiara) and White River (western Honiara - SP-R5). Fish and seafood products are also sold at these markets in additional to a number of smaller roadside markets located throughout Honiara. These markets receive produce from women from rural Guadalcanal, particularly those from Kongulai, northwest Guadalcanal and also from Savo Island, bring fresh vegetables, root crops, coconuts, fruits and raw meat (wild pig) and fish to sell to the public. 175. The people living in the SP-R1 and SP-R3 subproject areas access the Honiara Central Market and the White River market at Namoruka. There are also betel nut outlets where most residents from Honiara frequently visit to buy betel nuts to resell and also for consumption. The major betel nut outlets in the subproject area are found in Rove, adjacent to the Central Police Station Memorial Park, Karaina, just west of the ‘02’ bus stop at White River and at Savo Market, under the shade trees at Tanaggai. At the Karaina betel nut market, women from Malaita sells their betel nut, fruits, leaf (korokua), lime, cigarettes, tobacco and other fast-moving consumer goods. 176. People living within the SP-R8 subproject areas, visit the Honiara central market, Kukum Henderson and Tetere markets, as well as many small and informal markets selling taro, betel nutWhite Rive and baked goods. 177. The most common items for sale are betel nut, sweet potato, banana, coconuts, fruit (including pawpaw, mango and citrus), various green and other vegetables (including pumpkin and capsicum) and nuts, particularly ngali nuts, cut flowers, coconut oil, jewelry, processed foods (especially popcorn and baked or fried flour-based foods), chickens, fish and other seafood.

4.3.3 Economy and infrastructure

178. Economy. The economy comprises a mix of subsistence production—on which most people rely—and a monetized sector that includes the public service and commercial business, of which resource development-based enterprises are the largest. In 2016, Solomon Islands was the 108th exporter in the world and exported US$430 million of goods and imported US$450 million. The top export commodities in order of value include: rough wood ($248 million); processed fish ($26.4 million); palm oil ($25.8 million); wooden stakes ($23.6 million) and cocoa beans ($12.6 million). The 2016 estimated national gross domestic product (GDP), including the value of subsistence production, was US$1.2 billion, all most doubling since 2000 (US$57 million) showing positive annual net growth of around 3% over this time-period. Gross domestic income in 2016 was US$1,880 (WB, 2017), a small decrease from 2015 (US$1,920) with a gross domestic investment rate of 17.6 % of GDP and an inflation rate of 1.1%.

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179. Guadalcanal is a microcosm of the country and exhibits the extremes faced by rural and urban communities. The northern plains have the greatest opportunities for marketing and the greatest negative effects of urban living while the Weather Coast is perhaps the most disadvantaged area in the country. Although there are good soils, extremely high rainfall, steep land and lack of safe harbors and transportation routes and services make it difficult for development. 180. Transport. Guadalcanal is served by land, sea and air. The primary international airport (Henderson) receives daily international flights from Australia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Nauru via several airlines. The airport serves both international and domestic flights in separate terminals. The second international airport in Western Province at Munda has recently been upgraded. There are approximately 20 small domestic airports throughout the country. The airport at Marau Sound is the only domestic airport on Guadalcanal outside of Henderson. There are international wharf facilities in Honiara (Point Cruz) and Noro (Western Province) servicing general cargo, bulk fuel and the fishing industry. 181. All coastal communities along the northern coastline of Guadalcanal are connected by sea transport and include wharf facilities at Makina and Marau Sound. The Weather Coast communities have access to the sea but are restricted by tide and weather conditions. 182. There is no road that circumnavigates or crosses Guadalcanal. The only road network on the island is the Main Road located on the northern coastal side of the island that runs between Lambi in the west and Aola in the east. The main sections of this road include the East Road (79 km) between Honiara and Aola, and the West Road (69 km) from Honiara to Lambi. Most of the road surface is in poor condition and needs upgrading and repair. It is estimated that there is 320 km of road in North Guadalcanal in various condition. 183. There are approximately 18,000 vehicles in Solomon Islands, of which 90% are on Guadalcanal (three-quarters in Honiara), 8% in Malaita, and 1% in Western Province. Outside of Honiara traffic volumes remain very low and the main form of transport is by small outboard motorboats. 184. Public transport. Public transport in SP-R1 area includes: The White River ‘O1’ bus stop located east of White River bridge is part of the major public transport interchange for people travelling to and from Honiara and west Guadalcanal. Mini buses providing services to the city drops passengers at ‘O1’ so they can transfer to westbound buses at white River ‘O2’; the same buses often turn around at white River to pick up people dropped at ‘O2’ and headed for destinations within the city; buses also stop along the road, not using formal bus stops, picking up and dropping off passengers ‘on demand’; there are formal bus stops with seating and shelter. 185. Energy. Grid-connected electricity is diesel-generated and supplied by a state-owned electricity utility, Solomon Power. Electricity is provided to Honiara and currently installed generation capacity in Honiara is 26 megawatts (MW), with a peak load of 14.3 MW and combined installed capacity in the provincial centers is 4 MW. Through separate power generating plants, Solomon Power provides electricity to eight provincial centers (Auki, Buala, Gizo, Kirakira, Lata, Malu’u, Noro-Munda, and Tulagi). The government is increasing generation through renewable energy including both large-scale solar and hydropower sources and small-scale private solar systems.

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186. Access to electricity is extremely low in Solomon Islands, most rural areas do not have access. It is estimated that grid-connected electricity services about 12% of the population. The power tariffs in Solomon Islands are among the highest in the Pacific. The national electricity tariff varies depending on monthly usage in kilowatt hour (kWh), status of the metering system installation and customer activities (residential, commercial, industrial). For cash powered metered residential properties cost per kWh range from US$1.54 ($11.92 SBD) for less than 50 kWh a month and US$1.34 ($10.42 SBD) for a monthly usage above 6000 kWh.

4.3.4 Cultural and historic sites and resources

187. 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 throughout the Solomon Islands. Traditional medicines and resources derived from terrestrial (native and cultivated flora) and to a lesser extent marine resources play a significant role in the traditional and cultural lives of all communities. The National Solomon Islands Museum keeps a National Tambu Site Register, which records several thousand sites. Some provinces also maintain tambu site registers but due to insufficient funds and manpower the recording and registration of all sites is not systematic. 188. The earliest archaeological evidence of human settlement on Guadalcanal is at Vatuluma Posovi Poha Valley (west of Honiara) where people lived 6,400 years ago and used a cave beside the Poha River for occasional shelter (well beyond the subproject areas). Signs of cooking fires, broken stone and shell tools, and items of jewelry such as shell rings and beads remain. In addition, archeologically sensitive areas have been identified throughout the nations include behind beaches, headlands, low ridges, rock shelters and caves, saddles in hilly areas or along traditional walking routes (UNDP et al., 2002). 189. 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. 190. There are no cultural sites or historical sites in the SP-R1 and SP-R3 subproject areas as the land was developed, disturbed and already altered for development or township. There are wrecks from World War II at Iron Bottom Sound, west of Honiara City, containing numerous shipwrecks and airplane wrecks and is considered as a heritage site as it is regarded as the sacred waters. 191. Similarly, no tambu sites were identified during consultations along the SP-R8 section of road and associated influence area.

4.3.5 Noise

192. Sensitive receptors have been identified and noise baselines will be conducted at the sites identified in Figures 5.1 – 5.3 and as set out in Table 5.1. The baseline will be undertaken and reported prior to any activities commencing along any of the three subproject roads. The noise baseline report will be shared with ADB and disclosed. The contractor will use the baseline report as part of the development of the CEMP in order to ensure noise impacts are avoided and/or mitigated.

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5 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

193. Significance of impacts. This section provides an assessment of the subproject’s likely impacts on the physical, biological and socio-economic resources and identifies measures to ensure potential environment impacts will be avoided or managed/reduced to acceptable levels. Annex 5 summarizes the potential environmental impacts that could occur from the pre- construction, construction and operational activities. 194. The level of significance of potential impacts is based on impact screening which rates i) no or negligible impact; ii) minor impact; iii) moderate impact; iv) major impact; and v) unknown impact. The duration of impacts is assessed based on the current concept design of the scope of works and the conditions in the subproject influence area. Determination of the significance of the impacts is based on:

• Spatial scale of the impacts (site, local, regional or national/international); • Time horizon of the impact (short, medium or long term); • Magnitude of the change in the environmental component brought about by the project activities (small, moderate, large); • Importance to human populations; • Compliance with international, national, provincial or district environmental protection laws, standards and regulations; and • Compliance with policies and regulations of the Solomon Island and ADB. 195. Direct, indirect and cumulative impacts have been assessed and where required; mitigation measures proposed.

5.1 Impacts During Pre-Construction

196. The pre-construction phase will include the following activities:

• Ensuring design sufficiently accommodates climate change projections and effects; • Update of the assessment and EMP based on detailed design, formulation of PER and development consent application submission and compliance with conditions of development consent; • Contractor preparation of CEMP for review and clearance requirements; • Contractor identification of construction material sources and application for appropriate permits; • Vegetation removal during surveying and demarcation of road and drainage pathways if required; and • Site clearance, site preparation and excavations.

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197. Climate change adaptation. The climate change assessment identified the likely projected climate variables to be accommodated Climate change has been integrated into the road and drainage design. Maximum flood levels were taken into consideration including the hydrology of the coastal land area and associated natural waterways bisected by the road and existing causeways. 198. Potential impacts on stream and waterway flows and flooding will be accounted for and mitigated through design measures. No bridges will be replaced and as such limited if any impacts to stream/river vegetation are expected. No impacts are expected associated with marine and coastal habitats and their resources. Minor impacts may occur during the construction of drainage systems; these will be insignificant on habitats and resources. The subproject will not create any impacts on rainfall or groundwater or create carbon emissions, which induce climate change. 199. In addition to the specific design specifications identified in Table 4.3, climate change adaptation design measures include:

• All road surfaces to be sealed; • All road areas to discharge surface water directly into new road drainage systems incorporated into the new road and discharged into existing channel and natural stream systems; • Flood protection for all road and drainage systems; • All new drainage and causeway systems design to accommodate increased water flow; and • Scour protection associated with culverts and riverbanks associated with bridges. 200. Specifically for SP-R1, the climate change risk and vulnerability assessment identified the following issues and these climate change and disaster risk adaptation considerations have been integrated into the concept design using both ‘hard’ infrastructure measures and ‘soft’ community adaptation measures. This section of road is at‘high’vulnerability risk from flash flood. riverine flood, tropical cyclone and earthquake. The detailed design would benefit from ensuring increased drainage redundancy and improved coastal/river protection at White River. A transport sector specific early warning system should be developed, to compliment the NDMO alert system. 201. Residual impact. Provided the detailed design include the identified measures and adaptations, there will no residual impact. 202. Environmentally responsible procurement. The CSC will include an international (intermittent) and national environmental specialists to support the CPIU’s in-house safeguards specialists to undertake tasks associated with development consent application and inputs to the tender documentation and bid evaluation. Terms of Reference for the environmental specialists are included in the project administration manual. 203. The IEE and EMP will be formatted as a PER, checked for compliance with requirements of the Environment Act, and submitted to the ECD for clearance and issue of the development consent. The PER, along with any conditions of the development consent, will be incorporated into technical specifications and bid documents.

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204. Following contract award, the contractor, with support as required from the CPIU and CSC, will prepare the CEMP responding to the EMP and provide the site-specific drawings, work method statements, sub-plans (as detailed in next sections), details and construction methodologies, including specifics around construction method, impact mitigations and spoil disposal and site- specifc plans for particularly sensitive areas such as the Naro community MPA (SP-R7). 205. Residual impact. Provided the plans are prepared, reviewed, implemented and monitored for effectiveness, there should be little or no residual impact. 206. Mobilization of the contractor. The mobilization of the contractor and initial establishment of work sites will require the presence of construction workers and subsequent interactions with the local residential (urban and rural) and business communities. Prior to contractor mobilization to the site, based on the project’s communication and consultation plan (CCP), the CPIU and contractor will establish the communications protocol for the project. The relevant elements of the CCP and grievance redress mechanism (GRM) will be reflected in the contractor’s CEMP. The contractor will establish a code of conduct or protocols to govern the behavior of workers and will be agreed with community leaders. 207. Measures to minimize disturbance by construction workers and presence of the works site/area include:

• Code of conduct/protocols agreed with community leaders and disseminated to workers as part of awareness and mobilization training. The code is to ensure that workers’ actions at the work site and in the community are controlled and observed; • The contractor will identify a member of their staff to be the liaison between the communities and contractor, as well as between the contractor and CPIU. The contractor will facilitate establishment of community advisory committees and regular meetings to provide information to communities; • Adequate signage and security provided at the work sites and prevention of unauthorized people (including children) entering the work sites; • Provision of adequate protection to the public close to the work site, including notice of commencement of works, installing safety barriers if required by communities, and signage or marking of the work areas; • Provision of safe access across the works site to people and businesses whose access are temporarily affected during road rehabilitation activities; and • Recruitment of an approved service provider and delivery of the communicable diseases including Covid-19 and STIs/HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention program for contractor’s workers and adjacent communities. 208. Residual impact. Provided the worker code of conduct and relevant plans are prepared, reviewed, implemented and monitored for effectiveness, there should be little or no residual impact. 209. Establishment of construction camp and work sites. Utilizing existing and/or the establishment of new construction camp/s, office compound and work sites can create temporary impacts resulting from site clearance – flora, fauna and habitat alteration and/or removal and possible unearthing of archaeological resources (deemed to low due to the highly modified existing road corridor and rural farming area).

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210. It is unlikely a devoted construction camp will be required given the availability of accommodation in Honiara, work sites and yards will be sited on appropriate land, identified through consultation with village and landowners/users, as per the CCP. 211. The SP-R1 and SP-R3 subproject areas are within HCC limits and there are many existing accommodation facilities and opportunities that can be used by the contractor. The SP-R8 subproject area is located within a rural setting, it is expected that existing accommodation and previously cleared sites (including for previous road project construction camps) will be used for camps, equipment and materials storage. 212. Residual impact. Provided the measures are implemented and monitored for effectiveness, there should be little or no residual impact. 213. Sources of construction materials. The source of aggregate/gravels for sealing (SP- R1), re-graveling the road base and volcanic rocks for stone pitching and gabion baskets will be determined by the contractor, in accordance with the construction contract and subject to permit approvals. The closest material source to the subprojects that is operating (permitted) is the Tamboko River (Plates 5.1 a and b), located approximately 25 km west of Henderson.

Plates 5.1 a and b: Gravel extraction site at Tamboko River

214. Gravel extraction sites at river systems within the subproject areas maybe logistically more useful, and the permitting process will need to be followed. Materials for graveling and concrete sealing (drainage systems) will be crushed to required sizes according the engineering specification. The contractor is expected to extract fill materials from areas already permitted by the DMM (in MMERE) if not available the contractor will be required to apply for a BMP to open a new site/source. Removal of river gravel for construction materials has the potential to interfere with aquatic ecology and hydrological conditions. Depending on the size of the river, rate of recharge, volume of material to be extracted, and where the material is to be obtained from, removal of gravel could affect riverbed and/or channel morphology including river widening and increased flow speeds causing bank instability or erosion. 215. Land-based quarry sites can create dust, stability and health and safety issues. It is most likely that existing Guadalcanal quarry sites, stockpiled materials and crushing yards (Plates 5.2 a and b) will be used for the subproject. The contractor will be required to comply with BMP conditions and extraction plan provisions for any new and/or existing source.

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Plates 5.2 a and b: Existing aggregate crushing yards

216. To mitigate the impacts of any new river extraction or land-based quarries or borrow pits the following will be implemented:

• Any rivers or streams identified as being part of a marine, coastal or terrestrial 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 or terrestrial 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; • Any rivers or streams that are used as a fresh water source for villages should only be used as a materials source as gravel extraction when alternate sources are unavailable. 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; • Access to extraction sites will be negotiated with landowners and users, if an access is purposely built, should the owner not want to keep the access, the contractor will be responsible for reinstating the land to its pre-project condition; • Limits to the volume of material extracted from any one source will be set considering the ability of the source to regenerate and likely environmental impact as a result of the extraction; • Use of approved machinery for gravel extraction from rivers such as excavator or backhoe. Dredging or similar operations will not be permitted. • Extraction activities adjacent to rivers will be managed through installation of a sediment settling pond to avoid a plume of disturbed water dissipating into the river and/or the use of a bund to prevent direct runoff; • Maximum volumes and rates of extraction will be governed by the extraction plan approved as part of the BMP; • Material should not be extracted from river bends, and if required, river training be undertaken;

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• Any extraction sites and borrow pit areas close to roads will be located at least 20 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; • Any topsoil excavated from sites and borrow pit areas will be saved and reused in re-vegetating the sites and pits to the satisfaction of the DMM and CPIU; • Additional extraction sites and/or borrow pits will not be opened without the restoration of those areas no longer in use; • The excavation and restoration of sites and borrow pit areas, as well as their immediate surroundings, will be undertaken in an environmentally sound manner to the satisfaction of the DMM and CPIU. Sign-off to this effect by CPIU will be required before final acceptance and payment under the terms of the contract; and • Site and burrow pit restoration will follow the completion of works in full compliance with all applicable standards and specifications. 217. The contractor will be required to identify materials sources and for new sources apply for a BMP including preparation of an aggregate extraction plan (AEP), in compliance with the MID’s aggregate extraction guidelines (as set out in the MID’s SPM) which include:

• Process for negotiation and consultation with landowners (including the affected community and customary titleholders etc.); • Environmental assessment covering the effects of extraction (e.g. sedimentation, ecological disturbances, slope stability) from the site; • Site safety and community protection; • Remediation of extraction sites; and • Based on the above, preparation of extraction and rehabilitation plans. 218. The extraction plan(s) will be prepared by the contractor during the mobilization phase (when quantities and type of materials have been specified) and will identify sources of gravel and aggregate that adheres to the code of practice prepared by MID for gravel abstraction. The AEP is to be submitted to CPIU for review prior to submission as part of the BMP application to DMM. The CPIU and CSC will monitor implementation of the extraction plan(s). 219. Residual impact. Provided that either importing aggregate and materials or using existing (permitted) sources/quarry sites are prioritized, and if any new sources must be opened the above procedures are followed and implemented, the residual impact will be low-medium. 220. Vegetation removal during survey and site clearance. The road corridor throughout the subproject site is a highly modified environment. The surveying and demarcation of the extent of the physical works footprint for the subproject site is expected not to include the removal of vegetation and/or trees. Very minor removal of weeds and/or grass associated with the road footprint (edge) may occur in isolated sections, however their removal will have no impact on the terrestrial fauna and/or flora within the subproject areas. There is no vegetation expected to be removed during the upgrading of each of the projects drainage and/or causeway systems as all work will remain within the existing carriageway footprint.

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221. The subproject sites have considerable flora associated with adjacent land areas (all outside the projects influence area) and include roadside primary colonizing grasses, weeds, shrubs and non-native trees (most plantation trees/crops) and food crops. 222. SP-R1 will require removal of trees, currently 147 trees have been identified within the road reserve and may require removal. Mature and specimen trees should be protected and retained as far as possible. A survey will be conducted early in the pre-construction stage to further refine the design and to identify trees which can be retained. The final number and location of trees to be removed will be determined during the setting out process and effort must be made to limit the number required for removal. 223. All trees and other plant species present adjacent to the subprojects area of influence are either introduced species or ubiquitous native species, which are highly tolerant of disturbances. If the design of the road corridor changes, the below measures need to be included to ensure minimization of impacts from vegetation removal:

• Vegetation clearance during updated surveying and demarcation activities, especially of trees along the road corridor roadside to be minimized; • Contractor, in consultation with CPIU and CSC, prepare a site-specific plan for SP- R1, including showing trees and vegetation to be removed, CSC Engineer to approve the plan; • Under no circumstances is the contractor permitted to fell trees or remove vegetation not confirmed during design and shown on the approved plan; • Construction workers will be informed about general environmental protection and the need to avoid un-necessary felling of trees; and • Upon completion of the bridge works, mangroves will be replanted in consultation with landowners and ECD. 224. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented, the residual impact will be low-medium. 225. Alien and invasive species introduction. The mobilization of construction machinery/equipment and materials from a source country may result in the accidental introduction of soil-borne weeds, pests and pathogens becoming established on the island and adjacent river/stream and coastal environments. All construction machinery and equipment must be steam cleaned and all organic material must be removed in the source country prior to deployment with an appropriate approved phyto-sanitary certificate issued supported by any other documentation required under Solomon Islands legislation. 226. Residual impact. Provided the biosecurity procedures are followed and the above measures are implemented, the residual impact will be low. 227. Access to land. SP-R1 includes widening the road within the road reserve and this will require removal of structures (fences and walls, trees) and in some cases strip acquisition from property frontages. A resettlement plan has been prepared. There is a potential social impact in respect of the need to modify the parking arrangements in front of the New Zealand High Commission office. Currently the arrangement consists of angle parking, but the design has modified this to parallel parking to accommodate the 4-lanes with drainage.

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228. Discussions are ongoing to determine if the design can be further modified to accommodate the widening by moving to the Town Ground side of the road, if this is possible it will allow the angle parking to be retained while still providing for the 4-laning with drainage. 229. SP-R1 will require acquisition of 636m2 fixed term estate (FTE) privately leased land. The project will also require 568m2 of government land. Overall, 39 privately-owned affected properties under FTE lease arrangements will be affected under the project. These properties belong to 31 affected persons and corporations along the 3.1 km road. There are fewer lessees than properties affected because two lessees--Tamlan School and Solomon Airlines--lease more than one property, being two and eight parcels respectively along the project site.7 All 31 APs (majority businesses and six residential properties) are leasing from the Government of Solomon Islands, as indicated by the type of their FTE land title.8 The land in this road corridor became FTE when the road from Honiara to Aola (east) and to Lambi (west) was gazetted under Proclamation 7 of 1957 (261/213/57) under the Roads Act, creating a 30 meter legal road reserve from Honiara to Naro Hill, west Guadalcanal. 230. The design of the project will create a typical road cross section totaling 23.4m; this includes utility easement on either side of the roadway. Affected assets during detailed design phase are mostly fences (28 properties), eight one-story commercial or rental buildings, two ATM machines, and seven carparks. 231. Six of the eight FTE lands have their legal boundaries in the Right of Way (ROW) while two remaining lands are located outside the ROW. MID with assistance from the Ministry of Lands will buy-back these lands from the leaseholders instead of resuming the land. The process of resumption is generally known to have a long duration (years) and would be an impediment to the progress of the proposed project. The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey (MLHS), if requested by MID, will resume lands between the edge of the project construction area and the road reserve. Part of the road reserves had been leased or titled by some individuals. This was explained by the Ministry as partly due to limited coordination and awareness within the Ministry, and with MID, regarding changes in the legislation where the ROW begins. 232. Eight strips of FTE leased land measuring a total of 636m2 are to be acquired by MID prior to construction. Overall, the proposed scope of work is confined within the legal road reserve. However, four of the eight properties have legal boundaries within the road reserve thus MID will purchase them back from FTE holders to facilitate the road expansion. These properties belong to (i) John Szetu Ning (Outback building, 87m2); (ii) Collin Tekeha (Rove Fish and Chips shop, 67 sq. m); (iii) Andrew Wate & Abraham Eke, (vacant portion, 135m2); and (iv) Nelly & Sam Leung (Gao Ming car park and ATM location, 254m2). Meanwhile, two strips of FTE outside the ROW lands will also be purchased by MID from FTE holders. These lands belong to (i) the late Isa’ac Inoke/James Zhang (reclaimed land, 47m2); and (ii) Solomon Water, (sewage tank area, 12m2). There are also five government-owned parcels of land adjacent to the road (in addition to the privately-owned land parcels) identified to be potentially affected.

7 Tamlan School owners have eight separate connected parcels that have their fences along the ROW. These fences have to move back outside the proposed construction area. Solomon Airlines own two affected parcels along the proposed construction area. 8 There are three types of land in the Solomon Islands: customary land, fixed term estate (FTE) (land leased from the government), and perpetual estate, which is customary land that has been alienated.

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233. These include strips of land from the Police Housing at Rove, Rove Children’s Park, Police Memorial Park, and two vacant government lands (MWYCA and the land in front of the AOG compound at Rifle Range). 234. A resettlement plan has been prepared and the estimated resettlement budget for the land within the ROW to be acquired by the project and to pay for improvements (fences, driveway and others) is SBD 1,785,520 (US$218,279). However, this figure is still incomplete as property valuation for the eight affected commercial/residential buildings and eight car parks still need to be completed according to the Land Act provision for freehold/FTE lands. The property valuation will be carried out prior to issuance of the final design by MID or prior to construction. 235. For SP-R3 and SP-R8 there will be no requirement to formally acquire land for the upgrading of the road or drainage; improvements can be undertaken within the existing road reserve. There will, however, be the need to form Memorandum of Understanding with a range of stakeholders including leaseholders, villages, business owners (and state-owned enterprises) particularly on properties where the lease has no provision for mandatory access for drainage maintenance, to ensure support for the project. This process is documented in the due diligence report. 236. Residual impact. Provided the resettlement plan is updated and implemented and the , Memorandum of Understanding are agreed, the residual impact form land access will be low- medium.

5.2 Impacts During Construction

5.2.1 Construction impacts on physical conditions

237. All potential construction impacts and appropriate mitigations are to be managed by the contractor. Construction impacts will be caused by the following activities:

• Operation of construction plant and vehicles producing dust, noise and vibration; • Site/location clearing, earth movements, grubbing, excavations and stockpiling of materials; • Erosion and sedimentation – streams and waterways; • Sourcing construction materials and aggregation extraction; • Construction waste disposal, pollution for hazardous material and wastewater management; • Stockpiling of construction material such as sand, gravel and cement; • Road formation, reshaping, filing and sealing; • Creation of roadside drains and stormwater drainage; • Causeway and bridge approach rehabilitation and/or replacement; and • Transportation of construction materials.

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238. Air quality. The quality of air in the subproject areas is typical of a rural and semi urban village setting in the Solomon Island and is of high quality due to the limited and small-scale industry and relatively small vehicle fleet. Emissions from the vehicle fleet are generated by cars, small passenger vans and trucks, mini-buses and trucks (logging and construction vehicles). The dominant foreshore breeze and influx of southeasterly winds disperse locally polluted air. Dust levels vary throughout each subproject sites dependent on existing road condition, traffic usage and recent rainfall. During construction the subproject will have localized and intermittent impacts on air quality through emissions of dust and exhaust from machines and vehicles. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen dioxides (NO2) gases are expected from construction vehicles because of the petrochemical (diesel and petrol) fueled equipment including total suspended solids (TSS) from dust. 239. The contractor is required to maintain all construction equipment and avoid using machines emitting dark smoke. Dust generation will be minimized by regular water spraying of exposed sites in villages to prevent reduced visibility and dust generation. Mitigation measures include:

• Construction equipment and vehicles to be regularly maintained to a good standard and maintenance will be monitored and reported; • Prohibition on the use of equipment and machinery that causes excessive pollution (i.e. visible smoke); • Spraying and damping down of the road, works yard area and any haulage roads as required; • Ensuring that all vehicles transporting potentially dust-producing material are not overloaded, are provided with tail and sideboards 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 for SP-R1 as the subproject is located within the urban areas of Honiara and there are a number of villages along the road where trucks transporting machinery and road material will pass (e.g. from the quarry sites to subproject sites); and • Material stockpiles will be in designated areas that are sheltered and not located near the coast or watercourses and sediment traps are installed to prevent discharge into the neighboring environment. 240. Periodic qualitative air quality monitoring (by observation rather than testing) as per the EMP will be underaken. 241. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low. 242. Site clearance and chance finds. While discovery of physical cultural sites or resources is unlikely due to the road existing in an already highly modified and developed area, any site clearance and excavation activities undertaken during the pre-construction phase of the subproject can unearth archaeological sites or resources. In the event this occurs, work shall cease immediately and the authorities (National Museum Tambu Register, Ministry of Culture and MECDM) shall be informed of the find. 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.

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243. In addition to the chance finds proedcures, the contractor will be responsible for complying with the requirements of authorities, and the MID-CPIU will monitor the same. The CEMP will include chance find protocols in the event a find is made during earthworks or site clerance activities. 244. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low. 245. Soils and erosion. Contaminations of soil from hydrocarbon leakages or solid waste are common problems experienced by contractors. The contractor is required to prepare a sedimentation and erosion control plan (SECP) as part of the CEMP. Potential soil impacts and erosion will be mitigated by:

• Preparation of an SECP as part of the CEMP; • If the contractor causes damage to land or gardens, the contractor is responsible for repairing the damage and/or paying compensation; • As per the HSMP, all chemicals must be stored in an area or compound with a concrete floor and weatherproof roof. Spills will be cleaned up as per ERP; • Spill kits (oil/fuel remediation agents, oil pads, oil booms and geo-fabric cloths) will be available and workers will be trained in their use and deployment; • Refueling of construction vehicles must be carried out only at a designated area (concrete platform). Refueling adjacent to the coast or stream/channel will not be permitted; • Use of silt control devices and sediment traps/fences during all extraction activities, these to be cleaned and dewatered regularly; • Install temporary structures to minimize impacts on stream/river flows and removed on completion of works – restore natural stream/river flow; • Channel and streamside slopes and culvert approaches will be protected to reduce erosion. Gabion baskets or riprap will be used around abutments to reduce scour and erosion; • Embankments and in-stream/river activities will be monitored for signs of erosion; • Stones and rocks should be kept on hand for work in locations of streams and channels which can be used if there is bank or channel erosion; • Re-vegetation of the slope areas with fast growing species, or other plants in consultation with the landowners and village chiefs, as quickly as possible after work in the slope area has been completed; and • As per below, random and uncontrolled dumping of construction spoil, or any material, will not be permitted. 246. It should be noted that mitigation measures (compacting, terracing, drainage and re- vegetation) would provide long-term environmental benefits by reducing soil erosion and sedimentation of surface waters while replacing damaged culverts and providing well-constructed drainage to reduce localized flooding.

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247. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low-medium. 248. Waste management. The construction activities and procurement of materials and equipment will generate waste. The contractor will be responsible for ensuring waste is managed as per the projects waste management plan (WMP) included in the CEMP. All waste collected will be disposed of only at a site/s approved by HCC, ECD, local landowners and CPIU. 249. Waste management mitigation measures includes:

• The contractor will prepare a WMP as part of the CEMP. The WMP will seek to firstly avoid waste and secondly to reuse/recycle waste; • Suitable permitted waste disposal sites will be designated in consultation with landowners, village chiefs and government were required; • Waste disposal will not be permitted by roadside, streams/channels, garden land or in areas used for livelihood production; • No wastes will be dumped in waterways or close to the coast; • At all works sites and office compound, the contractor will ensure safe and clean facilities including sanitation. Work site(s) and office compound will have portable and sanitary latrines respectively; and • At all times, road sections will be kept free of material and rubbish. 250. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low-medium. 251. Use, storage and transportation of hazardous substances. Petrochemicals and other hazardous substances will be used and transported during the project. If not handled and stored properly these can cause harm to people and the environment. Mitigation measures include:

• Contractor to prepare a HSMP and ERP as part of the CEMP; • Locate storage areas for all petrochemical products including bitumen at least 500 m from coastline and 100 m from stream/rivers; • Fuel and oil stored in secured (lockable), weather proofed area including an impervious flooring and bund/containment wall to contain spillage. The bund shall be 110% of largest volume stored; • All other chemicals and hazardous substances will be stored in lockable and secure areas in clearly labeled containers; • Used oil, other toxic (e.g. bitumen) and hazardous materials shall be disposed of in an authorized facility off-site and any spill waste will be disposed at disposal sites approved by HCC and CPIU; • No smoking or fire of any kind permitted in vicinity of bitumen and kerosene blending tanks. Provide a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher at bitumen tank site for firefighting; • Road sealing including asphalting and/or concreting activities will be ceased during periods of heavy rainfall;

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• Spill kits will be provided at work sites and works yards and staff will be trained in their use and deployment. All spills cleaned as per emergency response plan; and • Ensure any spills or accidents are reported to CPIU/CSC and police within 24 hours. 252. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be medium. 253. In-stream works and temporary river structures. During construction it will be necessary to carry out excavation works on riverbank and floodplain of the stream crossings located within the subproject area. Where drainage and causeways are to be built close to streams/rivers, there will be a need to temporarily construct water flows and dry out sections of the riverbed in order to place structures and/or build foundations e.g. ford. 254. Such activities can destabilize the existing structure of a river, resulting in a higher risk of channel shifts and erosion, particularly of riverbanks that would lose their vegetation cover, and most particularly during floods. Stockpiled material, if located within the floodplain, may be eroded and dispersed altering patterns of water movements during normal and flood flows. Movements of machinery and other activities can be expected to impact riparian fauna and flora, however because the rivers in the area are high-disturbance ecosystems and all works restricted to the existing road carriageway, regularly subjected to flooding and channel shifts, impacts on these are likely to be minimal. 255. Potential impacts on the structure of river habitats, including their channels, banks and floodplains will be mitigated by:

• Material stockpiles and construction camps will not be located within riverbeds or the islands in the center 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); • Whenever necessary, temporary structures e.g. Coffer dams required to dry out areas of the river during construction will be removed completely after use and the original configuration of the river restored; • Prior to works commencing at any water crossing, the contractor will prepare a site and activity specific plan identifying the staging of works and necessary measures to protect the river environment; • Scour protection will be used as temporary measures, as needed, to ensure temporary structures do not damage river configuration; • Movements of vehicles and machinery, and hence disturbance, within the stream/river habitats will be minimized at all times; • If the contractor causes damage to the riverbank or other structural parts of a river, the contractor is solely responsible for repairing the damage and/or paying compensation; • The side slopes of embankments, including the riverbank 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; • Embankments and in-stream/river activities will be monitored during construction for signs of erosion;

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• Re-vegetation of the slope areas with local fast-growing species, or other plants in consultation with the landowners and village chiefs, will be carried out incrementally and as quickly as possible after work within any river habitat has been completed; • Spoils, rubbish or any material will not be disposed of within any river system including riverbed, banks or floodplain areas. Suitable dumpsites will be designated in consultation with landowners and village chiefs; and • All land will be rehabilitated to its original or better condition upon completion of the project works. 256. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low-medium. 257. Water quality. The work will involve excavation, compaction, filling, extraction, grading and haulage of construction materials that can generate silt-laden runoff to the coast, river/streams and channels. The waterways and streams within the subproject areas experience cycles of floods, sediment plumes and pollutant-laden run-off. Chemical spillages also have the potential to degrade water quality. Aggregate extraction will be managed as per the plan attached to the BMP. 258. For work in or adjacent to rivers and streams, the contractor will be required to use sediment controls (sediment ponds, bunds and silt fences) to contain plumes of disturbed water. Used oils and chemicals will be discharged to designated areas proposed by the ECD in consultation with local communities and not on the coast or in any waterway. Construction works in waterways and close to the coast will be undertaken with extreme care. 259. Many of the measures to manage extraction activities, avoid or manage soil contamination and erosion and manage waste will also address potential impacts on water quality. In addition, the following will be implemented:

• The contractor will prepare and implement an AEP, HSMP, WMP and SECP as part of the CEMP for the subproject; • Construction activities adjacent to or in waterways, streams/rivers and drainage channels will be undertaken with extreme care; • Minimize interference with natural water flow in rivers/streams or watercourses within or adjacent to the subprojects work sites. • Use of silt control devices and sediment traps/fences during all extraction and construction activities within and/or adjacent to streams and rivers, which are to be cleaned and dewatered regularly; and • Stockpiles of materials will be at designated areas and will be located at least 50 m from waterways or the coast. 260. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low-medium.

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5.2.2 Construction impacts on biological conditions

261. Terrestrial flora and fauna. The subproject road has been in operation for many decades and is associated with a highly disturbed and altered semi urban (village) and rural ecosystem. No significant vegetation is recorded within the impact areas at the subproject sites. Plant species located adjacent to the subproject influence areas (they are not impacted) are either introduced species or ubiquitous native species, which are highly tolerant of disturbances. 262. The flora or fauna located adjacent to the subproject road corridors do not have any conservation significance nor are they representative of the original vegetative cover. Fauna within the subproject road corridors is limited mainly to birds and invertebrates that are associated with the flora (trees, shrubs) and are dominated by insects. SP-R1 is the subproject with the likelihood of creating the most impact due to the need to remove trees from within the road reserve. 263. The road corridor through rural sections exists, and no additional habitat fragmentation or ecosystem disruption will occur. Preliminary surveying and road corridor demarcation for the subprojects show that the road works footprint will result in very minor degradation of the local ecology through the clearance of very small areas of road side vegetation, predominantly primary colonizing grass and weeds on the peripheral margins on both sides of the road corridor including existing and new drainage areas. Minor to moderate impacts can be expected from construction activities, including the possibility of removing some trees adjacent to the low level crossings. 264. Based on studies9 undertaken for previous road upgrading projects (2007 – 2016) as well as studies undertaken for other projects in more heavily forested and intact areas (Tine River Hydro-Power Development Project for example) it is clear that species of conservation importance are associated with steep and core forest habitat inland or on the Weather Coast (which is highly inaccessible). Therefore, it is extremely unlikely, that these species are present in any significant numbers, if at all, in the highly modified habitat through which the existing road traverses. 265. There is the potential for construction workers to hunt and catch animals and birds from the wider area. 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 other wildlife. Similarly, only vegetation and trees identified for removal are to be removed, mangroves and other trees will be protected and will not be used as timber or fuel wood at the subproject site. 266. As discussed in section 4, it is unlikely the road upgrading will facilitate further or contribute to an increase in commercial logging (legal or otherwise), logging companies have used the road in its poor condition and will likely continue to use to it once it is improved so the improvement to the existing road will not necessarily encourage further logging. Access to other areas has been a fact of the existing road since it was first cut through, upgrading the road on its existing alignment will not contribute to access to any other areas. . If the appropriate procedures are followed, the rate of logging, areas to be logged, and what type of trees may be logged is determined by Ministry of Forests and the custom owners and specified in the logging permit.

9 The studies also report the results of consultations which are clear there are no observations of species of conservation importance or significance.

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267. Residual impact. In light of the nature of the subproject conditions and works proposed, there will be few if any, additional impacts on the ecological environment. Standard requirements as outlined in the EMP and to be further addressed in the CEMP will manage impacts. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low-medium. 268. Marine flora and fauna. The subprojects will have no anticipated impacts on marine and coastal habitat, flora and fauna (coral reef, seagrass beds and mangrove ecosystems) provided that protection measures when working close to the coast are fully implemented. Potential impacts from road construction activities include effects on coastal and marine habitats from run-off or sedimentation and re-suspension and transport of particulates by currents in river systems discharging into these coastal ecosystems. Inshore coastal fringing reef systems can tolerate variation in sedimentation from natural processes. 269. Provided that the measures identified in the CEMP (including sub-plans) are implemented, any increases in sedimentation affecting marine environment will be very minor (if any) short-term, small in volume and localized. 270. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low-medium. 271. Freshwater flora and fauna. The subprojects will have minor impacts, if any, on freshwater river stream ecology, habitat, flora and fauna. Potential impacts from road construction, (road repair, drainage and bridge approaches) may potentially impacting riparian habitats and resources, include run-off or sedimentation and re-suspension and transport of particulates by currents within these ecosystems. 272. There are potential impacts from road upgrading activities from each of the rural road section possibly impacting riparian habitats and resources, include sediment-laden run-off or re- suspension, turbidity created by in-stream works and transport of particulates by currents within these ecosystems. There are no mangrove trees at either low level crossing sites but there are specimen/mature trees. These trees of varying sizes and ages have naturally recolonized and established on the riverbanks following removal of the original vegetation for the pushing through of the existing crossings and road construction. 273. Provided that the measures identified in the CEMP (including sub-plans) for both project sites are implemented, any increases in sedimentation affecting the marine and/or river/stream environments will be short-term, small in volume and localized. 274. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low-medium. 275. Protected areas. There are no marine or terrestrial protected areas within the subproject areas therefore construction activities will have no impact on the national protected area systems or protected flora and fauna species. 276. Mitigating ecological impacts. The subproject will create few, if any, adverse impacts on fauna, flora and habitat. Mitigation measures include:

• The subproject AEP will not permit extraction in areas of ecologically importance or areas valuable for resource or habitat conservation. Building permits (with requisite documentation) will be applied for prior to any materials extraction;

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• Vegetation clearance during all construction activities will be as per the approved plan and if trees to be removed they will be marked; • Vegetation cleared from the roadside during rehabilitation activities will be kept for slope protection, bio-engineering and re-vegetation. Contractors will be responsible for re-vegetation in cleared areas including mangrove replanting at the two low level crossing sites if supported by the community; • The contractor will implement the SECP as part of the CEMP; • The contractor will prepare a site-specific plan identifying works, timing and measures required to protect riparian habitat at water crossings. The plans will be reviewed and cleared by the CPIU and CSC prior to works commencing in this area. The plan will include, as a minimum, the following measures: o As per the HSMP, all chemicals must be stored in an area or compound with a concrete floor and weatherproof roof. Spills will be cleaned up as per ERP; o Spill kits (oil/fuel remediation agents, oil pads, oil booms and geo-fabric cloths) will be available and workers will be trained in their use and deployment; o Refueling of construction vehicles must be carried out only at a designated area (concrete platform). Refueling adjacent to the coast or stream/channel will not be permitted; o Use of silt control devices and sediment traps/fences during all extraction activities, these to be cleaned and dewatered regularly; o Install temporary structures to minimize impacts on stream/river flows and removed on completion of works – restore natural stream/river flow; o Channel and streamside slopes and culvert approaches will be protected to reduce erosion. Gabion baskets or riprap will be used around abutments to reduce scour and erosion; o Embankments and in-stream/river activities will be monitored for signs of erosion; o Stones and rocks should be kept on hand for work in locations of streams and channels which can be used if there is bank or channel erosion; o Re-vegetation of the slope areas with fast growing species, or other plants in consultation with the landowners and village chiefs, as quickly as possible after work in the slope area has been completed; and o Random and uncontrolled dumping of construction spoil, or any material, will not be permitted. • The contractor will be responsible for supplying appropriate and adequate cooking fuel in workers camps to prevent fuel-wood collection. Construction workers will be informed about general environmental protection and the need to avoid un- necessary felling of trees;

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• The contractor will be responsible for providing information to workers in respect of other flora and wildlife/fauna (including birds and bats). Contract documents and technical specifications will include clauses expressly prohibiting the poaching of fauna by construction workers and the contractor will be responsible for imposing sanctions on and/or dismissal of, any workers who are caught trapping, killing, poaching, or having poached fauna; and • The contractor will be responsible for providing information to workers about 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. 277. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low-medium.

5.2.3 Construction impacts on socio-economic conditions

278. Public access and traffic. The subprojects are sections of the Guadalcanal main east- west arterial road and during the rehabilitation and upgrading construction activities will cause negative impacts through presence of vehicles and equipment, disruptions to traffic and pedestrians using the road, as well as haulage routes even if staged construction is undertaken. Managing the traffic during works along Mendana Avenue (SP-R1 and SP-R3) will be critical given this is the main thoroughfare in Honiara town and central business district. The contractor will need undertake a survey to fully understand peak times and flows and consultations will be required with all stakeholders along Mendana Avenue and the adjacent routes (Hibiscus Avenue) which could be used as diversions during the works. Parking and access arrangements will need to be carefully planned, especially during the widening (double landing). 279. Pedestrian access through or around the work site(s) will be controlled and managed throughout the duration of the works, this is especially relevant when the works are within village boundaries (SP-R8). Traffic management and control, especially during peak traffic times, will be required to ensure safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians. Stakeholders and communities will be notified in advance of the schedule and duration of activities and the access and traffic control arrangements. 280. Mitigation of impacts will include:

• Prior to commencement of works, the contractor will prepare, and submit to CPIU for clearance, a traffic management plan (TMP) detailing controls, diversions and management/safety measures for works within the sections as well as associated sites, quarry/extraction areas, laydown areas and yards etc; • In accordance with the project’s communication and consultation plan (CCP), the contractor and CPIU will inform commuters, providers of transport services and adjacent villages/community/business of duration and scope of works and any alternative traffic arrangements. This will be especially important for adjacent users along SP-R1 during the widening works; • Clauses will be included in the contract specifying that i) care must be taken during the construction period to ensure that disruptions to access and traffic are minimized and ii) access to/from residences/villages/business along the road will always be maintained;

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• Stakeholders and potentially affected people will be consulted if access to specific areas will be disrupted for any time and temporary access arrangements made; • Use of signage, spotters, flaggers and safety barriers to control and regulate traffic flow whilst ensuring safety for workers and pedestrians; • Ensure public safety across and around work site(s) including barriers to prevent entry to high risk areas (e.g. excavations, area with heavy machinery being used) and ensure safe passages are provided through or around work sites; • Construction vehicles will use local access roads or negotiate access with landowners 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; • At all times, the road will be kept free of debris, spoil, and any other material; and • Disposal sites and haul routes will be identified and coordinated with CPIU, local government and community/village officials. This may mean undertaking haulage during specific times of the day to avoid further congesting periods of commuter and school traffic. 281. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be negligible, if any. 282. Worker health and safety. Construction activities include various hazards and risks including working with heavy equipment and machinery, working on roads/in traffic, working in confined spaces (excavations and culverts), working by waterways and working with particulates and hazardous substances. There are also risks associated with influx of labor such as spread of communicable diseases (including Covid-19, STIs and HIV/AIDS). 283. The contractor will provide: i) health facilities, first aid kits, appropriate safety equipment and procedures for medical evacuation; ii) adequate training and information to workers in relation to all health and safety issues, equipment and training; iii) an approved service provider to conduct an STI and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention program for workers and local community; and iv) access to safe drinking water (at least 2 L/day per worker), mosquito management, sun/shade management, portable, septic latrines and garbage receptacles at all work sites and office compound. Mitigation measures include:

• The contractor will prepare a health and safety plan (HSP) as part of their CEMP. The HSP is to include key components of the World Bank Group’s EHSG; • The contractor will appoint a full-time environment, Health and Safety Officer (EHSO) responsible for implementation and monitoring of the CEMP and in co junction with the community liaison officer (CLO) to communicate with the CPIU and residences/villages/businesses in the subproject areas; • The contractor will provide adequate health care facilities including a health post and first aid facilities at the office compound and mobile first aid kits in vehicles and at work sites; • The contractor will provide construction workers training on health and safety matters, specific hazards of their work, basic sanitation, hygiene and health care issues and awareness and prevention of communicable diseases (including COVID-19, STIs and HIV/AIDS);

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• The communicable diseases prevention plan will identify measures that are aligned with the planning guidance based on traditional infection prevention and industrial hygiene practices and which focuses on the need for employers to implement engineering, administrative, and work practice controls and PPE to avoid and control spread of COVID-19, prepared by WHO 2020 Considerations for public health and social measures in the workplace in the context of COVID-19;10 • The contractor will be responsible for providing safety equipment and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers, including instructions on how and when to use the equipment; • The contractor will ensure safe and clean facilities include sanitation and drinking water (at least 2 liters/day) is provided to all workers; • Septic tanks and garbage receptacles will be set up at work sites and office compound/s. The contractors to prevent outbreak of diseases will regularly clean these facilities. Garbage will be dumped only at a site approved by local authorities and CPIU; • “No smoking zone” signage will be posted throughout work sites and the office compound (e.g. fuel storage areas); • The contractor will ensure that there is adequate drainage throughout the camp to ensure that disease vectors such as stagnant water bodies do not form; • Contractor to educate and ensure worker’s actions are controlled codes of conduct are strictly observed (work sites and office compound); and • The use of wood for fuel will be prohibited to avoid fire hazards; the camps are to be provided with sufficient and proper cooking facilities such as propane gas and burners. 284. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low-medium. 285. Community health and safety. The contractor’s HSP will also address community health and safety impacts as follows:

• The contractor will implement relevant elements of the CCP and GRM; • Before construction commences the contractor will conduct training for all workers on their requirements to engage the local community and ensure national laws are complied with. The contractor will agree a worker code of conduct with village and community leaders which will govern the behavior of workers on and off-site and provide ‘rules’ for work in villages and behavior around women, elderly and children which are to be strictly followed;

10 https://www.who.int/publications-detail/considerations-for-public-health-and-social-measures-in-the- workplace-in-the-context-of-covid-19

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• The agreed code of conduct and protocols will be included in the worker’s contracts and will be discussed during awareness raising as well as part of the mobilization process; • Adequate signage and security will be provided at work sites for prevention of unauthorized people (including children) entering any work site(s) or the office compound; • The public will be adequately protected near work sites, including advanced notice of commencement of works, installation of safety barriers and fences and signage or marking areas where works will be carried out; • Provision of safe access across the works site(s) to people whose residential or business access is temporarily affected during road rehabilitation activities; • Signage and security i.e. prohibition on unauthorized people (especially children) entering site office, construction areas, works yard and camp all are in English and Solomon Island Pidgin; • STIs and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention program delivered through an approved service provider for workers and communities. First community sessions to be delivered prior to commencement of works or presence of workers in the area; • Child and/or trafficked labor will be strictly prohibited for any activities associated with the subproject; • Children will be prohibited from entering the worker’s accommodation, works area/construction zone and prohibited from playing on any equipment or machinery associated with the project; • The contractor will implement the TMP that will include traffic control and pedestrian safety measures; and • In consultation with CIPU, the contractor will clearly fence off ‘no go areas’ within work site(s) and erect boundary fences to prevent the public from entering during the construction period (or specific construction activities). 286. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low-medium. 287. Disruption to services and utilities. Along the SP-R1 and SP-R5 sections, earthworks and other construction activities may require relocation of and/or disruption or damage to services and utilities. Mitigation measures include:

• Consult infrastructure and services providers (e.g. telecom providers, Telecom, Digicel, Solomon Water, Solomon Power) before construction to identify on plans the location of utility lines and pipes; • Relocation plans, as required, to be agreed and implemented; and • Any other incidental damage to be immediately advised to the CPIU/CSC and repaired as agreed with the utility provider. 288. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be negligible, if any.

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289. Noise. There are no noise standards in Solomon Islands. Construction noise will be intermittent, quickly attenuates 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 during use to residences adjacent to the road works. Clearing road, bulldozing, compaction equipment, excavation of existing pavement materials, and grading will produce noise. 290. Ambient noise levels along the subproject road are typical of semi-rural and rural environment, however it is noted that elevated noise during specific time periods within villages and adjacent to plantations are common. 291. Noise levels generated during construction will affect the road corridors. Engine noise generated by construction machinery will be the major source of temporarily elevated noise levels. Construction noise is not expected to be a significant issue for most residences nor community/business activities at the subproject locations. For SP-R1, given the more densely populated nature of the area, during construction, there will be a temporary adverse impact due to the noise of the construction equipment, especially heavy machinery during use to residences adjacent to the road works. Clearing vegetation, bulldozing, compaction equipment, excavation of existing pavement materials, and grading will produce noise. Construction noise is not expected to be a significant issue for most residences nor community/business activities along the rural subproject locations. 292. The contractor will be required to undertake baseline noise monitoring as part of developing the CEMP, to clearly identify ambient levels for comparison with levels from activities/equipment etc. Proposed locations for noise level measurement and subsequent monitoring (list of identified sensitive receivers) for the subprojects are identified in Table 5.1 and shown on Figures 5.1 – 5.3.

Table 5.1: Location of proposed noise monitoring sites for subprojects

Road Site Location/sensitive receptor Longitude Latitude section No. SP-R1 NM1 Town Ground – centre of roundabout 9025’48.85” S 159057’00” E NM2 First road from Mendana Ave (land side) 9024’45.43” S 159056’40,96” E NM3 Second road from Mendana Ave (land side) 9025’41.57” S 159056’15.97” E NM4 Third road from Mendana Ave 9025’33.58” S 159055’55.33” E NM5 White River bridge – land-side east of bridge 9025’26.80” S 159055’22.96” E SP-R3 NM 1 LBS 9026'5.65"S 159057'46.8" E NM 2 South Pacific Oil (Mango Tree) 9025'54.89"S 159057'31.55" E NM 3 Central Police Station 9035'5.05"S 159057'2.31" E NM 4 Town Ground (MOFT carpark area) 9025'48.66" S 159057.138." E SP-R8 Site 1 Henderson - eastern end of Airport 9025’36.72”S 160004’00.90”E Site 2 Road intersection 9026’48.15”S 160008’05.82”E Site 3 Road intersection 9027’18.64”S 160012’33.05”E Site 4 Near Mberande River 9029’32.70”S 160016’08.78”E Site 5 Mberande – eastern end of project 9028’15.68”S 160021’32.065”E

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Figure 5.1: Location of proposed noise monitoring sites for SP-R1

Figure 5.2: Proposed noise monitoring sites SP-R3

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Figure 5.3: Location of proposed noise monitoring sites for SP-R8

293. Noise generated by construction activities should be restricted to the hours of 7 am to 5 pm weekdays (Monday – Friday). Permission from MID would be required to operate outside of these hours, which may be required for certain activities. It is a requirements of the CEMP that construction machinery and equipment incorporate standard noise mitigation measures. These measures will safeguard project workers and nearby residences, businesses and government officers (e.g. schools) against adverse noise impacts. The restriction of construction works to daylight hours will minimize annoyance to communities and schools. Co-operation between the contractor and the residents, villages and small business communities is essential. It is the responsibility of the contractor to arrange meetings between these parties and co-ordinate work schedules (hours of equipment operation etc.), locations of work camps and material storage areas, and the locations of rock crushers. 294. Noise incurred by construction workers from construction machinery is a safety hazard. All construction workers are to be provided with noise abatement personal protective equipment, to be outlined in the Contractor’s health and safety management plan (HSP). Measures to mitigate the effects of noise include:

• Construction vehicles and equipment to be maintained in good working order and regular equipment maintenance will be undertaken; • Construction vehicles and machinery be fitted with mufflers and other noise abatement equipment as necessary; • Limiting noisy construction activities to be between 7 am and 5 pm on weekdays;

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• As practicable, buffers to be established between work areas and nearby residences and business premises; • The contractor will prepare a schedule of operations to be approved by CPIU (and HCC and police, if required). The schedule will establish 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; • Workers will be provided with noise abatement equipment (PPE) as may be required; and • Any complaints regarding noise will be dealt with by the contractor in the first instance through the GRM. 295. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be negligible, if any. 296. Physical and cultural resources. During the pre-construction stage, the EHSO and CLO will check the Tambu Register with areas identified by the contractor (including laydown areas, temporary areas etc). The CEMP will contain a developed chance find procedure, based on the measures set out in the EMP. The chance find procedure will be elaborated following consultation with the National Museum. 297. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be negligible, if any.

5.3 Operation Impacts

5.3.1 Operation impacts on physical conditions

298. Operation impacts are likely to result from the following activities:

• Increase number of vehicles resulting in increased traffic and associated increases in vehicle emissions at both subproject sites; • Labor and machine-based maintenance to road and drainage assets; • Increased water runoff, siltation and possible degrading of nearby natural water systems and coast; and • Increased settlements, developments and potential spread of communicable disease and law and order. 299. Climate change and adaptation. Risks of impacts on the road, drainage and associated structures from climate change will be addressed through routine inspections of the roads as part of the tasks of the 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 encompasses a range of issues that might arise through complex interactions between climate and other weather variables to produce unpredictable changes in hydrology in the area.

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300. Extreme weather events may cause unexpected damage to the road and drainage structures and their repair will need to be factored into the road/drainage maintenance program. 301. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be negligible, if any. 302. Air quality. An increase in traffic volume during the operational phase of the road is expected. It is envisaged the current volume of traffic and future forecast traffic volumes will increase and will have insignificant and no noticeable impact on ambient air quality, due in part to better emission standards associated with all new and used imported vehicles, the implementation and enforcing transport law which allows for monthly inspections to enforce emission standards and granted pass when fit to travel the road, and dispersal of emissions due to the roads coastal location receiving daily sea breezes. Likely emission sources that would affect air quality will be from vehicles that have ineffective and or damaged emission controllers include hardware (mufflers). Impacts are to be insignificant and as such no significant air quality impacts warranting mitigating actions are anticipated. 303. The subproject will reduce the past and current volume of suspended dust and particulates released into the atmosphere through the use of the existing road surface. 304. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be negligible, if any. 305. Routine and ongoing maintenance. It is expected that it will be unlikely to be any impacts in the future associated with the road and drainage project if routine maintenance works are carried out effectively by the MID. Impacts on the infrastructure associated with subproject could arise when roadways, causeways, and drainages are not properly maintained and debris/sediment collecting against the projects infrastructure impedes water movement resulting in flooding of the road and blockage of drainage systems. 306. These impacts and values can be maintained through good design and the long-term implementation of a road and drainage waste management plan that includes MID undertaking the following:

• The road will be inspected and cleaned regularly to reduce levels of airborne dust and contaminants through workers physically cleaning the road, especially of debris; • All drainage system, road culverts and wet causeways are inspected, cleared of any debris and cleaned, when required; • All waste materials and debris disposed of at designated and permitted locations; • All maintenance work conducted according to pre-announced time schedule in consultation with key stakeholders, preferable outside peak business hours to limit inconvenience to business and community; and • Increased community (residence, business entities) awareness about then need to re-establish and maintain vegetative cover of areas adjacent to the road and drainage corridor. To assist to reduce road accumulated silt laden run-off entering adjacent freshwater sources, airborne dust and to improve the aesthetic of the area.

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307. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be negligible, if any. 308. Soil and erosion. There are unlikely to be any significant impacts on soil or stream/coastal erosion during the operation phase of the road and drainage project if routine maintenance works are carried out effectively by the MID. Impacts to the environment could arise when roadway, culverts, and drainages systems are not properly maintained and debris/sediment collecting within the projects infrastructure impedes water movement forcing flooding of road and blockage of drainage systems. 309. MID’s maintenance works program includes de-silting of road drainage systems including culverts, vegetation control and removal of debris collecting along the road corridor and associated drainage –culvert systems will effectively eliminate siltation issues. 310. The bitumen sealing of the roads and associated concrete drainage systems will assist in stabilizing the area and further reduce potential silt-laden run-off entering the environment. Similarly, riprap or gabion baskets associated with culverts, streams and bridge abutments to reduce scour and erosion adjacent to road will be used. 311. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be negligible, if any. 312. Hydrology and river structure. Long term changes in stream/river structure and flow could arise as a result of the subproject wet causeways. Most of these are unlikely to be significant in terms of environmental effects due 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 wet crossings will tend to oppose some of the natural changes that could be expected over decades through scour protection designed to keep the main channel running over the structures. 313. Impacts of river/stream crossings could arise because crossings are not properly maintained and debris collecting against them impeded water movement forcing the river to deviate around them. These actions could be increased during flood events. 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 fertilization through unloading silt onto floodplains. These impacts and values can be maintained through good design, as follows:

• MID to 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;

• Scour protection is on-going and adaptive to changing river requirements; and

• Approaches to bridges are designed to be as transparent to flood river flows as possible through use of clear span structures. 314. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be negligible, if any.

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315. Water quality. Potential impacts on surface water quality or availability of water throughout the subproject area for domestic or agricultural use will be negligible. Potential negative impacts during the operations phase to surface water results from the spillage of hydrocarbons from maintenance vehicles and work activities (refueling, leakage, accidental spill). These may flow or leach into the water system. 316. There is a risk of minor impacts on sedimentation and water quality through improving drainage from the road and areas landward of it. Most water discharged through the drainage system will be channeled into natural waterways (small streams) that discharge eventually on the coast. 317. It is expected that the project will lead to longer term environmental benefits for water quality created by the subproject through proper compacting and sealing of the road surface and greatly reduce the mobilization of sediments during rain events. Those sediments that are mobilized will be captured where required within the new drainage system utilizing sediment traps. The maintenance contractor will be responsible for regular clearing of the traps to keep them effective. Additional vegetative plantings around drains and traps where appropriate will help to trap sediments on land. Water quality may show improvements after the program of works due to improve road wet causeways, drainage and associate culverts that facilitate the passage of high flows of water greatly reducing over land flows and flooding. 318. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low-medium.

5.3.2 Operation impacts on biological conditions

319. Flora and fauna. Negligible to minor environmental impacts are envisaged on the flora and fauna within and directly adjacent to the road corridor within the subproject due to the potential increase in traffic noise, increased vehicle movement (numbers and speed), accidental spills from hydrocarbons (all vehicles) and solid waste and rubbish from all users. In anticipation of these impacts national, provincial and city council legislation, regulations and ordnances should govern activities associated with the operation of the road. Otherwise no significant impacts are expected. There are no rare or endangered flora and fauna associated with the sub project road corridors and as such there will be no impacts during the operational phase. 320. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be negligible, if any. 321. Protected areas. There are no terrestrial, freshwater, coastal or marine protected or conservation areas within or adjacent to SP-R1, SP-R3 or SP-R8. Therefore, the operation of the upgraded roads and associated drainage systems will have no impacts. 322. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be negligible, if any.

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5.3.3 Operation impacts on socio-economic conditions

323. Access and traffic. Following rehabilitation of the road, local access as well as the performance of a key route in the island transport network will be greatly improved. This will facilitate the increased flow of traffic, goods, and passengers throughout the eastern side of Guadalcanal and greatly improve the rural communities’ road connections to Honiara. Access to business, social services and key community facilities will be improved due to the road project. 324. The improvement of the road will reduce travel times for both vehicles and pedestrians, as well as reducing costs associated with travel along the road (vehicle operating cost savings). This will result in improved access to Honiara commercial district for rural communities enhancing livelihood and general lifestyle opportunities. 325. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low. 326. Health and safety. Traffic and pedestrian safety will be significantly improved following rehabilitation and routine maintenance of the project road. The inclusion of pedestrian access and safety, sealing the road, improved shoulders and drainage systems will allow for safe passing of vehicles and pedestrians. 327. An increased traffic volume and possibility of higher vehicle speeds can create the potential for accidents involving pedestrians and children. Safety signs showing speed limits and pedestrian crossing need to be clearly marked and maintained to avoid accidents. Awareness raising through community meetings and through road safety programs included in schools will help mitigate this. 328. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low-medium. 329. Risk of spread of communicable disease. Roads 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. 330. Guadalcanal is a populous island and connected to other destinations within Solomon Islands by air or sea on a weekly to fortnightly basis, as well as to other destinations within the Pacific through the international airport and port. The project road is located on the eastern side of Honiara, the national capital, and as such has served the communities east of Honiara. The road in terms of a pathway for the transmission of communicable diseases during operation remains the same as pre-project, the upgrading works will not further increase the risk of communicable disease transmission. In any case, even this small risk will be mitigated by implementation of project’s the STIs/HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention program. 331. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low.

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332. Noise. The expected increase in traffic utilizing the road and resulting ambient noise levels after the completion of the road rehabilitation activities will not be of sufficient magnitude to require mitigation. Furthermore, the road rehabilitation improvements will ensure ease of vehicle movement reducing current levels of brake and gear change usage required to navigate the existing road thus decreasing engine noise due to changing of speed. 333. As required under the national transport law, public vehicles are liable for inspection monthly and granted a pass when fit to travel the road. Maintenance of vehicles to maintain an acceptable level of, or to reduce noise emissions is beyond the scope of the project. 334. Residual impact. Provided the above measures are implemented the residual impact will be low.

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6 Consultation and Information Disclosure

6.1 Consultation

335. Following general good practice and the requirements of the SPS and Access to Information Policy 2018, public consultations were undertaken during the course of the feasibility studies and specifically for development of the IEE and land due diligence reports and resettlement plan preparation (2018 - 2020) to determine community attitudes to the project and elicit information relevant to establishing baseline conditions and understanding potential environmental and social effects (Table 6.1).

Table 6.1: Consultations undertaken during feasibility study

Meeting Date Location Participants ECD 13-Feb-18 MECDM office MECDM EIA officer Jerry T, Fr Stephen, Adrian Tukahi, Mathew Luli, Silverio Volo, Severo Community consultations – 05-Mar-18 Bisivotu, Kakabona Marisi, Andy F, Basil Tavake, Daniel White River and Kakabona Donua, Mark Tova, Mary Tama, Maria Tuza (10 male and 2 female) Honiara Public Transport 07-Mar-18 HCC Eddie Ngava (Chairman) Taskforce Chamber of Commerce 07-Mar-18 SICCI Denis Meone (CEO) Chinese Association SI 07-Mar-18 Heritage Park Hotel David Quan David Ono, Andrew Rayboy, John Guadalcanal Province 07-Mar-18 LBS Office Nano, Bartholomew Vavanga , Brian Tuva - Solomon Power Office, Hemant Kumar, Rollins Suluia, Kellyson Solomon Power 07-Mar-18 Ranadi Kwakwala, Jeremy Maneipuri Telekom 08-Mar-18 Telekom Office, Ranadi Simon Walegerea, Robert Seni Solomon Water 20-Mar-18 Solomon Water Office Ray Anderson, Benji Land ownership 04-Apr-18 MLHS Lizzy Tegu Land ownership 16-Apr-18 MLHS Nelson Noapu Land ownership 26-Apr-18 MLHS Reginald Poroiwai Land ownership 30-Apr-18 MID Mike Qaqara Guadalcanal Province 17-May-19 Guadalcanal Province Office, Mesach Suia – Provincial rep and Honiara CEO – Education, Guadalcanal; Alfred Lazarus – Provincial rep and Minister for Education New Zealand High 26-Mar-19 NZHC Office Sean Buckley, Bapon Fakhruddin Commission Solomon Islands 26-Mar-19 SIMS Office David Hiba Hiriasia, Bapon Fakhruddin Meteorological Service World Vision 29-Mar-19 WV Office Julia Smith-Brake, Bapon Fakhruddin

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Meeting Date Location Participants Residents, businesses 15-May-19 Rock Haven conf. room Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce; Solomon Islands Chinese Association (David Kwan); United Church (Donald Kundu); Anglican Church (Simon); Rock Haven Inn (Edwin Ero); Honiara City Council (Cindy Bunagi) Community stakeholders 02-Dec-19 Rock Haven conf. room 15 community participants New Zealand High Feb-20 NZHC Office NZHC, MID, ADB Commission Coral Sea Feb-20 Cora Sea MID, ADB Breakwater Cafe 05-Mar-20 Honiara Hon. Bodo Detke

Source: TA 9331-REG: Strengthening Domestic Transport Connectivity in the Pacific (2018-2020)

336. Guided by the communications and consultation plan (CCP), consultations with stakeholders, government agencies, civil society and communities, including women’s groups, chiefs and businesses operators were conducted. These consultations with communities and stakeholders were undertaken during the feasibility studies during 2018, March to August 2019 and again with some stakeholders with particular concerns or issues in February and March 2020. The purpose of community consultations at this stage are to:

• Foster partnerships with beneficiary and stakeholder communities; • Share information on the proposed project and its components and activities; • Communicate with stakeholders that their co-operation (and possible participation) in project activities including surveys, site investigations, planning, feasibility and potentially future design, construction, monitoring, and maintenance is key to achieving a high quality strategy that most benefits their concerns; and • Develop and inform the site options analysis, to help develop the recommendation of an overall project scope. 337. The preliminary communications consultations of affected people and the local communities have expressed support for the project as they clearly seen the benefit to their communities with improved road and drainage services (refer the social safeguard reports). Additional consultations are required to be held with project stakeholders and communities in respect to finalizing the project design and will incorporate community feedback as well as continued community awareness associated with the projects implementation timing of activities and help to resolve complaints and grievances. Information regarding the approved subprojects and the proposed environmental management measures will be posted at suitable locations within the subproject sites. 338. The CCP will be updated early in implementation. During implementation, MID through the CPIU (supported by the CSC) will ensure that meaningful public consultations, particularly with project affected persons, if any, continue to be undertaken.

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339. The contractor will include relevant elements of the CCP and GRM in the CEMP so that any concerns raised during construction can be addressed. Further consultation and disclosure will be undertaken during implementation through:

• The project’s CCP and GRM; • Disclosure of a summary of the project documents including the preparation and dissemination of a brochure in English and Pidgin, explaining the project, works required and anticipated timing of the works; • The contractor’s CEMP outlining how they will comply with the CCP and GRM; and • Setting up a community advisory committee(s) and grievance redress committee(s) with a representation from affected people.

6.2 Information Disclosure

340. All safeguard documents, including semi-annual monitoring reports, are subject to public disclosure, and therefore will be made available to the public. Following clearance of the IEE by ADB and updating as PER, the document will be posted on government and ADB websites as per the Access to Information Policy. Provided it does not contain any commercially sensitive information, the approved CEMP developed for each subproject will also be disclosed. 341. The semi-annual safeguards monitoring reports, prepared by CPIU, will be disclosed locally and on the AB website.

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7 Environmental Management Plan

342. The EMP contains the components crucial to effective environmental management of the project including: i) organizational responsibilities (for various aspects of EMP implementation); ii) consultation and information disclosure (explained in Section 6 and reflected in the EMP); iii) GRM; iv) plan for mitigation of impacts (during pre-construction, construction and operation); and, v) monitoring and reporting. 343. An EMP is developed to achieve the following objectives:

• To reflect the environmental and social issues and impacts identified during project preparation; • To implement and monitor mitigation measures within the construction areas; and • To comply with the laws and regulations of the country and with international standards and best practice guidelines.

7.1 Institutional Arrangements

344. Overview. Implementation of environmental safeguards including environmental management provisions and requirements for the roads and wharves components is a joint responsibility between the MID-CPIU, CSC, and contractor(s), and for the ports components a joint responsibility between SIPA, CSC and contract(s). The MOFT will be the executing agency and will have the overall responsibility for ensuring that the project activities comply with the project agreements and covenants. For the roads and wharves components, the CPIU, on behalf of MOFT, will implement the project, and for the ports components a project management unit will be established in SIPA including managing consultants and the contractor, according to the requirements. The CSC will include environmental specialists to support the CPIU and SIPA. 345. The overall organizational structure for environmental management for the LMCP is shown in Figure 7.1. 346. Ministry of Infrastructure Development. The MID, through its CPIU, will be the implementing agency for the roads and wharves components and will have responsibility for subproject related activities including inter-ministry coordination. MID retains responsibly for the environmental management and monitoring tasks of the project. MID will exercise its functions through the CPIU and is responsible for the project delivery and day-to-day project management activities. It is expected that the CSC will be appointed for the project implementation, to undertake environmental monitoring. MID will be responsible for ensuring that the contractors do not start construction activities until requisite approvals have been received from MECDM, MID and MMERE, as required by the contract and by law. 347. After the completion of construction, MID will be responsible for operations and ongoing maintenance of all assets.

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Figure 7.1: Organizational Structure for Environmental Management

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348. Central Project Implementation Unit. The CPIU will undertake environmental management and oversee inspections and monitoring tasks during the development and delivery of the project. The CPIU specialist’s will assist in all aspects of implementation of the environmental assessment and permits as required. The CPIU, supported by the CPIU, will:

• Update the IEE as PER as required to meet the requirements of the Environment Act 1988 and prepare the applications for development consent; • Ensure the updated EMP and any conditions of the development consent are integrated into the subproject’s bid and contract documents; • Participate and facilitate, as per the project’s CCP, consultations to advise affected communities of the scope and scheduling of the work; • Depending on the environmental management experience of the contractor, prior to the preparation and submission of the CEMP, provide induction whereby the details of the CEMP are confirmed, and the contractor informs the community of the schedule of works; • Review the CEMP prepared by the contractor and provide recommendations for revision or strengthening as required. Upon receipt of the CEMP that can be approved, advise the CSC Engineer that approval for commencement of works can be issued; • Undertake regular site visits to independently inspect and audit the contractor’s compliance with the approved CEMP and the CSC’s monitoring; • Should non-compliant work or activities be identified, this will be raised to the CSC Engineer who will issue a defect notice or corrective action request. All notices and requests will be recorded and reported; and • Prepare and submit i) inputs to quarterly progress reports and ii) semi-annual safeguards monitoring reports. 349. Construction supervision consultant. The CSC will include environmental specialists to work closely with safeguards officers of the CPIU. The CSC will support the CPIU to deliver the subprojects and assist in undertaking all tasks identified above. 350. The contractors. The civil works contractors will be responsible for translating the EMP in the bid documents into their construction CEMP that reflects the methodology they will use to deliver the works. The CEMP will include all site specific and sub-plans as required. The contractor will engage a full-time EHSO who will be responsible for implementing, and reporting implementation of, the approved CEMP. The CSC will approve the CEMP, upon advice from the CPIU before any physical works are undertaken. 351. The environmental management responsibilities of the contractor include:

• Preparing and submitting for review and approval the CEMP. Coordinating with CPIU and CSC for updating the CEMP as/when required; • Implementing the approved CEMP including addressing and resolving corrective action requests issued by the CSC Engineer; • Undertake noise measurements and establish the noise baseline for subsequent monitoring;

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• Recruiting an approved service provider to deliver the STI/HIV/AIDS briefings and awareness and prevention program; • Coordinating with CPIU and CSC in respect of continued community consultation, implementation of the GRM and information disclosure; • Applying to DMM for BMPs for new materials sources as required and preparing and submitting extraction plans; • Ensuring that all imported material and equipment is subject to quarantine clearance and receives appropriate phyto-sanitary certificates; • Participating in joint inspections with CPIU and CSC as required; • The EHSO will maintain a site diary and GRM register (including actions taken to resolve the issue and close-out dates); and • Including status of CEMP (including issue and response to corrective action requests), consultation activities and GRM implementation in the monthly reports. 352. Environment and Conservation Department. The ECD, under the requirements of the Environment Act 1998, is required to review the PER and development consent application and assist in monitoring construction activities against development consent conditions. 353. The ECD has been provided with several capacity building and technical assistance programs over the past decade, which have provided extensive policy and legislative improvements, practical training, mentoring and capacity building in all aspects of environmental assessment, monitoring and compliance. This has resulted in considerable improved staff capacity to manage the roles and responsibilities and implement the CSS. Nevertheless, insufficient staff numbers (in the EIA section) and resources hamper capacity for enforcement and monitoring. It is therefore recommended that the CSC provide mentoring and capacity building to the ECD as opportunities arise. 354. Department of Mines and Minerals. The DMM is responsible for issuing BMP for the extraction of sand and gravel. The contractors will comply with the Mines and Minerals Act 2008 regarding sourcing materials from either existing or new sites. A potential source of alluvial gravel has been identified at Tamboko River (located approximately 20 km west of Honiara). The sources of construction material can only be finalized when the contractor for each of the contract packages is appointed. A copy of an approved BMP will need to be provided by the contractor and attached to the CEMP. 355. Summary. A summary of various parties’ responsibilities for environmental management in the project is provided in Table 7.1.

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Table 7.1: Responsibilities for environmental management

Responsible Project stage Responsibilities agency Feasibility CPIU Review designs prepared as part of ongoing project and complete studies, detailed detailed design. design review Update feasibility study including safeguards due diligence as and project required. approval ADB Review all feasibility study documentation (incl. IEE). Prepare documents package for Board review (incl. TOR in PAM and covenants in loan agreement). Board approval of project. Assist government to recruit CSC. Pre-construction CPIU, CSC Include environmental specialist as part of CSC team. Elaborate the stakeholder engagement strategy in the PAM as the CCP. Update IEE as PER and submit development consent applications (need for separate consent applications will need to be discussed with ECD). Ensure updated EMP and any conditions of development consent are included in the bid and contract documents. Prior to works commencing ensure the baseline conditions are benchmarked and recorded—including noise—as required by the EMP for subsequent monitoring. Provide inputs to the bid evaluation in respect of contractor’s response to the EMP requirements including the suitability of the EHSO proposed as part of the contractor’s team. Provide induction training to the contractor prior to the preparation and submission of the contractor’s CEMP and as required work with the contractor’s EHSO to identify appropriate construction methodologies and detailed site-specific mitigations. Review and approve the contractor’s CEMP and advise CSC Engineer of approval to trigger “no objection” to commencement of activities/works. ADB Review and clear updated safeguards documents. Provide comments on the CEMP and proposed monitoring checklists. Contractor Recruit suitably qualified EHSO. Prior to any works commencing, prepare CEMP including the site- specific plans, work method statements and construction methodologies and GRM. Submit CEMP to CPIU and CSC for review and approval (revising as necessary if required). Identify materials and equipment sources and apply for BMP for new sources and clearance consents and compliance certificates for imported materials and equipment. Provide pre-mobilization induction on CEMP (incl. OHS) to employees. Recruit approved service provider to provide STI/HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention training for workers and community. Construction Contractor Inclusion of EHSO as part of core team. Provide ongoing training, awareness and “tool box” sessions for workers. Implementation of CEMP. Implementation of CCP and GRM as pertains to construction. Reporting of CEMP and GRM implementation in monthly reports. Implementation of corrective actions as requested by Engineer. CPIU, CSC Supervise, monitor and report on contractor’s implementation of CEMP and all other contractual obligations.

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Responsible Project stage Responsibilities agency Enforce contractual requirements. Audit construction phase through environmental inspections and review monitoring reports and data. Submission of quarterly progress reports and semi-annual monitoring reports. Work with contractor EHSO for provision of awareness/training to workers and information transfer to contractor as required. ADB Undertake regular review missions. Review monitoring reports. Disclose project information as required. ECD Ensure compliance with government requirements. Review complicated issues, if any, arising from the project. Participate in monitoring. Operation MOFT/MID Provide budget to undertake maintenance activities and operation stage environmental monitoring as required by EMP. Maintenance Undertake environmental monitoring and prepare bi-annual reports. contractor Prepare maintenance reports to adaptively manage environmental risks related to operations (per EMP).

7.2 Grievance Redress Mechanism

356. During subproject construction, it is possible that people may have concerns with the environmental management, including the implementation of the approved CEMP. Issues may occur during construction and again during operation. Any concerns will need to be addressed quickly and transparently, and without retribution to the complainant. 357. Based on GRM established and implemented for other infrastructure projects and as established in the MID’s SPM, the following process is to be used. The first step is to attempt to sort out the problem directly at local level. If it cannot be resolved at this level, then the grievance will be addressed by being referred to the CSC and CPIU, who will then involve MID management and other agencies, if required. 358. GRM during construction. Most complaints arising during construction are expected to be minor, concerning dust or noise that should be able to be resolved at the site management level. All complaints arriving at the site office are to be entered in a register that is kept at the site by: date, name, contact address and reason for the complaint. A duplicate copy of the entry is given to the complainant for their record at the time of registering the complaint. The register will show who has been directed to deal with the complaint and the date when the complaint was made together with the date when the complainant was informed of the decision and how the decision was conveyed to the complainant. The register is then signed off by the person who is responsible for the decision (action taken to resolve the grievance) and date of closeout. 359. The register is to be kept at the front desk of the site office and is a public document. The duplicate copy given to the complainant will also show the procedure that will be followed in assessing the complaint, together with a statement affirming the rights of the complainant to make a complaint. For anybody making a complaint, no costs will be charged to the complainant.

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360. In the first instance, the complainant will raise the issue or grievance with the contractor and, if required, community advisory or grievance redress committee or local council whomever is the preferred party by the complainant. 361. If the contractor cannot resolve the issue or the response is not to the satisfaction of the complainant, the grievance will be raised to the CSC Engineer who will copy the CPIU. For straightforward complaints, the Engineer can make an on-the-spot determination to resolve the issue at the agreement of all. 362. For more complicated complaints, the Engineer will forward the complaint to the CPIU (which will get MID involved as necessary). The CPIU will respond and resolve the complaint within five days and convey the action or decision to the complainant. The complainant and committee representative (or community Chief) may, if so desired, discuss the complaint directly with the Engineer and contractor. If the grievance of the complainant is dismissed, the complainant will be informed of their rights in taking it to the next step. A copy of the decision is to be sent to the ECD. 363. Should the complainant not be satisfied, the complainant may take the grievance to the Permanent Secretary of MID, MECDM or MLHS (depending on the nature of the complaint) who will appoint a Director to review the complaint. The Permanent Secretary will have 15 days to make a determination. The MID Permanent Secretary is to be copied in on any complaint made to MECDM or MLHS and is to be informed of the decision made. 364. If the complainant is dissatisfied with the determination from the Permanent Secretary, the complainant may appeal to the National Court. This will be at the complainant’s cost but if the court shows that the Permanent Secretary, MID and/or CPIU have been negligent in making their determination the complainant will be able to seek costs. 365. GRM during operation. The GRM implemented by the contractor ceases to operate once the construction activities are completed. However, the same procedure is followed except that the complaint is now directed to the CPIU or MID. During operation, the same conditions apply; i.e., there are no fees attached to the complainant for making a grievance, the complainant is free to make the complaint, which will be treated in a transparent manner and the complainant will not be subject to retribution for making the complaint.

7.3 Impact Mitigation and Management

366. The EMP includes the description of the environmental impact of project activities during the pre-construction, construction and operation phases, with mitigation measures and responsibility for implementing the measures. 367. The EMP matrix (Table 7.2) describes in general terms how the contractor will meet the specified contractual, regulatory and statutory requirements during construction phase and how MID/CPIU and CSC will meet requirements during pre-construction and operation phases of the project. The contractor will respond to the EMP and provide a detailed and site-specific methodology and risk assessment in their CEMP.

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7.4 Environmental Monitoring and Reporting

368. Environmental monitoring is an integral component of an environmental impact assessment to, i) combat uncertainties pertaining to unanticipated impacts; ii) ensure mitigation measures are working; and iii) reassure the public on the progress of the development. Progressive monitoring must accompany various stages of the subproject activities (pre- construction, construction and operational phase). 369. The environmental monitoring plan is based on the potential impacts, significance of the impacts and mitigation approaches identified during the environmental assessment. 370. The plan comprises parameters to be monitored, frequency of monitoring, responsible authorities and cost estimates. The contractor will be required to prepare a detailed environmental monitoring plan based on the EMP and as set out in the contract documents. 371. Quarterly progress reports will be issued by the CSC to MOFT, MID and ADB. These will report on all aspects of the project, including those documented in the contractor’s monthly reports and environmental monitoring reports prepared by the CSC and contractor. 372. The monitoring and reporting required under the project includes:

• Review of the contractor’s monitoring plan as part of their CEMP, based on contract documents and grant approval when requirements are met; • Contractor’s monthly reports including status of implementation of the approved CEMP (completed checklists) and corrective action requests; • CSC and CPIU inspection and audit reports reflecting on compliance of the contractor with the approved CEMP; • Preparation of quarterly progress reports by CSC and CPIU for submission to MID, MOFT and ADB; • Preparation of semi-annual safeguards monitoring reports rolling up the information contained in the reports listed above.

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Table 7.2: Road component - environmental management and monitoring plan

ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE Climate change Climate change ▪ Ensure climate proofing incorporated MID, CSC Incl. in CSC Stream and After rainfall event. CPIU, CSC adaptation in design. accommodated in into design. services and channel heights Visual - rainfall and designs. contract. and discharge localized flooding data. ▪ Design modified to accommodate velocities rates. extreme whether events – increased flooding frequency. rainfall, run off and coastal erosion. Localized erosion. Land access and Acquisition of land for ▪ Completion of valuation, update and MID, CSC MID budget As per RP and As per RP and DDR CPIU, CSC acquisition existing leases, fences implementation of the resettlement DDR and walls moved back, plan for SP-R1; trees removed ▪ Implementation of the land due diligence report Update of EMP, bid and Environmentally ▪ Updated EMP and development CPIU, CSC, Incl. in CSC Bid documents, Prior to construction CPIU, CSC contract documentation, responsible procurement consent conditions included in bid ECD, services and development activities commencing. bid evaluation etc. and compliance with documentation. contractor contract. consent, CEMP CSS. and approval. ▪ Develop PER and development consent application submitted. ▪ Contractor prepares and submits CEMP. ▪ CPIU and CSC reviews and approves CEMP. ▪ Clearance issued to contractor for commencement of works. Import of materials and Introduction and/or ▪ All imported materials and equipment Contractor, Incl. in Certificates and Prior to materials and CPIU, CSC, equipment. spread of invasive and subject to quarantine inspection and Biosecurity SL. contract. clearances. equipment transported Biosecurity SL. alien species. clearance. to site. ▪ Phyto-sanitary certificates issued. Mobilization of Social disruption. ▪ Code of conduct (community Contractor Incl. in GRM register. During works program CPIU, CSC contractor, presence of protocols) agreed and workers’ contract. Number of children – monitoring records for construction workers awareness provided. entering camp, and complaints, (influx of labor). Number and consultation with ▪ Contractor to ensure workers’ actions effectiveness of workers about comply with the code. signage. protocols, issues raised ▪ Signage and security at work site(s) with CDS. and office compound – i.e. prohibition on unauthorized people (especially children) entering work site(s) etc and workers’ accommodation. ▪ Maximization of local labor.

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ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification Mobilization of Spread of ▪ Implementation of awareness and Contractor, Incl. in Covid-19 testing Prior to construction – CPIU, CSC, contractor, presence of communicable diseases prevention program – workers. approved contract. and tracing; contractor records. Contractor construction workers (incl. Covid-19, STIs and service STI/HIV/AIDS ▪ Implementation of STI and HIV/AIDS (influx of labor). HIV/AIDS). provider. prevalence. awareness and prevention program – Awareness about community. transmission and prevention. Aggregate extraction, River destabilization, ▪ BMP application and extraction plan Contractor, Incl. in BPM(s) issued. Prior to and during CPIU, CSC, DMM, construction materials. river resource submitted for review and permit issue. DMM. contract. Extraction plan extraction activities. Contractor abundance alteration, Extraction governed by rate and implemented. and land/resource specific locations in river as per Agreements and owner issues. approved plan. payments to owners. ▪ Agreements with, and royalty payments to, resource owner(s). ▪ Any rivers or streams identified as 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. ▪ Any rivers or streams used as fresh water source for villages should only be used as a materials source when alternate sources are unavailable. 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. ▪ Limits to volume of material extracted from any one source will be set considering the ability of the source to regenerate and likely environmental impact due to extraction. ▪ Use of approved machinery for gravel extraction from rivers such as excavator or backhoe. ▪ Dredging or similar operational machinery will not be permitted.

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ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification ▪ Extraction activities adjacent to rivers will be managed through installation of a sediment settling pond to avoid a plume of disturbed water dissipating into the river and/or the use of a bund to prevent direct runoff. ▪ Maximum volumes and rates of extraction will be governed by the extraction plan approved as part of the BMP. ▪ Material should not be extracted from river bends, and if required, river training is undertaken. ▪ Any extraction sites and borrow areas close to roads will be located at least 20 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. ▪ Any topsoil excavated from sites and borrow pit areas will be saved and reused in re-vegetating the sites and pits to the satisfaction of the DMM and CPIU. ▪ Additional extraction sites and/or borrow pits will not be opened without the restoration of those areas no longer in use. ▪ 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 DMM and CPIU. Sign-off to this effect by CPIU will be required before final acceptance and payment under the terms of the contract. ▪ Site and pit restoration will follow the completion of works in full compliance with all applicable standards and specifications. Surveying, demarcation Loss of vegetation, tree ▪ Detailed design modified as required Contractor. Incl. in Modified detailed During survey and CPIU, CSC of centerline, clearing of removal not expected. to minimize impacts on vegetation. contract. design. activities - visual corridor, establishment Approved plan. inspection before, of works yards etc. during and after works.

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ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification ▪ Contractor to prepare plan clearly Area of vegetation showing vegetation to be removed; and number of Engineer to approve plan. trees removed. ▪ Trees to be removed marked with hi- Compensation viz tape or paint. payments made. ▪ Minimize vegetation removal to immediate corridor of works as shown on approved plan. ▪ Compensation for vegetation and/or trees removed. CONSTRUCTION PHASE Operation of Emissions of exhaust ▪ Construction equipment and vehicles Contractor. Incl. in Air quality, Daily/weekly during Contractor; construction plant and from vehicles and to be regularly maintained in good contract. emissions, dust, dust generating CPIU/CSC vehicles generating machinery, dust from: standard, check emissions. particulate matter. activities. emissions – dust and aggregate crushing Use of tarpaulins After complaint – ▪ Prohibition on use of equipment and pollution. plants; generated by and loading of periodic visual machinery that causes excessive heavy vehicle Vehicles. inspection. pollution (smoke). transporting material on Stockpiles. Any particulate matter roads; uncovered loads ▪ Spraying and damping of road, works and smoke on trucks; yard and haulage routes according to managed as per EMP. Dust from exposed approved schedule. stockpiles. ▪ Ensure that vehicles hauling dust- producing materials are not overloaded, are provided with side and tailboards and adequately secured at all sides. ▪ Material stockpiles will be in designated areas that are sheltered and not located near the coast or watercourses. ▪ Inform nearby business/residents about the duration of dust generating operations. ▪ Dust removal (cleaning/sweeping) on road, frequency allocated to prevailing conditions. Site clearance, site Impacts on physical ▪ Chance finds procedures included in Contractor. Incl. in Approved CEMP Prior to and during site Contractor; preparation, earthworks cultural resources and/or CEMP. contract. (incl. ‘chance find’ clearance and CPIU/CSC, and excavations. sites. procedures). earthworks activities – Museum ▪ Consultations as required with visual inspection. archaeologists/ National Museum. MECCDM ▪ Cease activities immediately. ▪ Inform National Museum (Tambu register), Ministry of Culture, MECDM.

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ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification ▪ Recommence works upon instruction. Works associated with Erosion and ▪ Preparation of sedimentation and Contractor. Incl. in Implementation of Weekly or following Contractor; stream and waterways sedimentation of stream erosion control plan as part of CEMP. contract. CEMP incl. site- rainfall. CPIU/CSC within the road corridors and downstream specific plan for As required following ▪ All construction in areas of streams, and associated river foreshore areas. works in streams complaint. rivers and coast to be undertaken with systems used by the Increased turbidity of and rivers; Visual inspections of extreme care. project. stream water due to Temporary drainage, culverts and construction. ▪ Use of silt control devices and structures removed entry points to streams. sediment traps/fences during all and land reverted Consultation with extraction activities, these to be to original community and users. cleaned and dewatered regularly. condition. ▪ Install temporary structures to Scouring protection minimize impacts on stream/river inspected. flows and removed on completion of No stockpiling in works – restore natural stream/river riverbeds, or close flow. to stream/river. ▪ Embankment side slopes designed to Localized flooding reflect soil strength. and erosion over ▪ Minimize size and duration of cleared time. areas and undertake progressive re- vegetation of area. ▪ Avoid clearing areas during wet (rainy) season where possible. ▪ Natural stream/river water flows in river will not be interfered with. ▪ Use of heavy machinery in aquatic environments minimized (used only if no other alternative). ▪ Rocks/stones kept on hand to use in event of erosion caused by construction in stream and rivers. ▪ Gabion baskets, rock riprap or bio- engineering measures to be used for all stream and river embankments for stabilization. ▪ No discharge to rivers, surface water, intertidal or coastal areas. ▪ No dumping, disposal or storage of spoils in or close to streams and rivers. ▪ Placement of diversion ditches around stockpiles. Materials sourcing incl. Extraction of river All requirements as per pre-construction Contractor. Incl. in Materials only Daily, weekly visual Contractor; aggregate extraction. gravels from beds or stage (above). contract. obtained from inspection. CPIU/CSC

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ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification active channels of rivers designated – Review of BMP changes hydrology permitted sites conditions and altering channel and (locations and extraction plan. erosion. method) as per Extraction from quarries extraction plan. or burrow pits results in Rehabilitation is unusable land, exposed conducted as per water table, attracts extraction plan. rubbish dumping and reduces visual values. Construction waste Construction material ▪ Preparation of waste management Contractor. Incl. in Sediment and Daily/weekly, after Contractor; disposal and wastewater washed out of plan as part of CEMP. contract. erosion control rainfall. CPIU/CSC run-off. stream/rivers into plan implemented. Visual inspection of ▪ Suitable permitted waste disposal coastal waters. Disposal of waste culverts, drainage sites will be designated in consultation Ground contamination. as per waste systems, extraction with HCC and landowners. management plan. sites, bridges and in- ▪ Waste disposal will not be permitted stream work areas. by roadside, streams, channels, gardens or close to the coast. ▪ All solid waste removed immediately from the project site/s to designated off site locations, including; ▪ All non- hazardous wastes to be disposed of at the projects approved waste management site. ▪ At all times, road sections will be kept free of material, debris and rubbish. Use, storage and Pollution from use, ▪ Contractor to prepare hazardous Contractor. Incl. in CEMP. Weekly or after Contractor; transportation of storage and accidental substances management plan contract. Ensure storage event or as required CPIU/CSC petrochemicals (oil, fuel, spills of hazardous (HSMP) and emergency response sites are using - review and bitumen) and other substances. plan (ERP) (as part of the CEMP). concrete base and approval of hazardous substances. Accidents placing bunds. emergency ▪ Spill kits to be provided at work sites people and environment Spill areas cleaned response plan. and works yards and staff trained in at risk. and rehabilitated. Visual inspection of their deployment. Record of spills storage facilities. ▪ Locate storage areas for all and accidents. petrochemical products including bitumen at least 500 m from coastline and 100 m from stream/rivers. ▪ Chemicals including fuel stored in secured (lockable), weather proofed area including an impervious flooring and bund/containment walls (110% of largest volume) to contain spillage.

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ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification ▪ Used oil and other hazardous materials will be disposed of in an authorized facility off-site. ▪ Spill waste will be disposed at disposal sites approved by local authorities. ▪ Stop road asphalting and/or concreting activities during periods of heavy rainfall. ▪ All spills cleaned as per emergency response plan. ▪ Ensure any spills or accidents reported to CPIU/CSC and police and recorded in register. Earthworks, construction Impacts on water ▪ Implementation of CEMP incl sub- Contractor. Incl. in Implementation of Daily/weekly or after Contractor; activities near streams, quality, pollution of plans mentioned above. contract. CEMP. rain events or spills. CPIU/CSC rivers and coast, streams and rivers. Low level crossings Visual observation. ▪ Prior to works commencing adjacent activities in works yard. site specific plans. Register of spills and to or at water low level crossings the Quality of accidents. contractor will prepare a site specific waterways and GRM. plan setting out works, timing and coast/foreshore. protection measures. Plan to be Storage of approved by CPIU and CSC. hazardous ▪ Use of silt control devices (e.g. substances and booms, curtains, fences, nets). pollutants. ▪ No discharge into stream/river, surface waters or coastal areas. ▪ Discharge into agreed settling ponds or discharge areas in consultation with landowners, communities. ▪ No liquid wastes to be dumped in water ways or on coast. ▪ Pollution of all water resources not permitted. ▪ Diversion ditches to be placed around stockpiles. ▪ Use of heavy machine in aquatic environments to be minimized. ▪ Discharge zones for drains and culverts identified and protected (e.g. for erosion control). ▪ Spoil and stockpiles will not be located near the coast (50m minimum), on slopes or within 15m of riverbanks.

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ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification ▪ Completion of works - all areas especially streams to be restored to original condition as quickly as possible. Earthworks. Vegetation and tree ▪ As per any aggregate extraction plan, Contractor. Incl. in Tree/vegetation As per CEMP. Contractor; Construction activities. removal - minor extraction activities will not be contract. removal as per GRM. CPIU/CSC Presence of workers. ecosystem disruption. permitted in areas of ecologically approved plan. Spot inspections. important sites or areas valuable for CEMP Fines or sanctions Poaching and hunting of conservation. implemented. imposed on workers. wildlife. Training to ▪ Vegetation clearance during workers. construction activities, especially of

trees along the roadside corridor, will be minimized and trees removed will be as per the approved plan. Trees to be removed will be marked. ▪ Under no circumstances is the contractor permitted to fell or remove mangroves. ▪ Vegetative cover cleared from the roadside during rehabilitation activities will be kept for slope protection and re-vegetation. ▪ Contractors will be responsible for re- vegetation of all cleared areas. ▪ Contractor will be responsible for supplying appropriate and adequate cooking fuel in workers camps to prevent fuel-wood collection. ▪ Construction workers will be informed about general environmental protection and the need to avoid un- necessary felling of trees. ▪ The contractor will be responsible for providing information to workers in respect of fauna. ▪ Contract documents and technical specifications will include clauses expressly prohibiting the poaching of fauna by construction workers and the contractor will be responsible for imposing sanctions on any workers who are caught trapping, killing, poaching, or having poached fauna.

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ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification ▪ The contractor will be responsible for providing information to workers about 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. Construction activities Impacts on marine & ▪ Implement measures and controls Contractor. Incl. in Quality of marine & As per CEMP. Contractor; close to, and sediment freshwater flora and specified in sub-plans and other contract. freshwater water. Visual observation and CPIU/CSC laden run-off discharges fauna. elements of CEMP. Marine & spot site inspections. to marine – coastal river freshwater fauna. environment. As per sub-plans and CEMP.

Construction activities Public access affected ▪ Prior to commencement of works, the Contractor. Incl. in TMP approved as During activities - visual Contractor; affect road use and/or and traffic disruption contractor will prepare, and submit to contract. part of CEMP. inspection. CPIU/CSC access to properties etc. during construction. CPIU for clearance, a traffic Number of Consultations with management plan (TMP) detailing accidents communities. controls, diversions and or events recorded. Review of traffic management/safety measures. Maintenance of management plan. access for ▪ In accordance with the project’s CCP, residence. the contractor and CPIU will inform Signage. commuters, providers of transport Road free of services and adjacent materials and community/business of duration and debris. scope of works and any alternative Haulage routes arrangements. rehabilitated. ▪ Clauses will be included in the contract specifying that; (i) care must be taken during the construction period to ensure that disruptions to access and traffic are minimized and (ii) access to residences/business along the road will always be maintained. ▪ Stakeholders and potentially affected people will be consulted if access to specific areas will be disrupted for any time and temporary access arrangements made. ▪ Use of signage, spotters and flaggers, safety barriers to control and regulate traffic flow and ensure safety for workers and pedestrians.

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ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification ▪ Ensure public safety across and around work site(s) including barriers to prevent entry to high risk areas (e.g. excavations, area with heavy machinery being used) and ensure safe passages are provided through work sites. ▪ Construction vehicles will use local access roads or negotiate access with landowners to obtain access to material extraction sites. Where local roads are used, they will be reinstated to pre-project condition after the completion of work. ▪ At all times, the road will be kept free of debris, spoil, and any other material. ▪ Disposal sites and haul routes will be identified and coordinated with local officials. General construction Risk of hazards to or ▪ Contractor will provide: (i) health Contractor. Incl. in Approved HSP Ongoing during Contractor; activities, working at accidents of workers, facilities, first aid kits, appropriate contract. being activities – visual CPIU/CSC height, working on road risk of spread of safety equipment and procedures for implemented. inspection and spot etc. communicable diseases. medical evacuation; (ii) adequate Provisions of PPE checks. training and information to workers in to all workers. Training records. relation to all health and safety issues, Training delivered PPE provided. equipment and training; (iii) an on safety and work Record books, accident approved service provider to conduct protocols. register and a Covid-1911, STI and HIV/AIDS Barriers erected complaints. awareness and prevention program managing worksite. Job site inspections for for workers and local community; and Potable water OH&S requirements. (iv) access to safe drinking water, (drinking) and GRM. mosquito management, sun/shade lavatory service management, portable, septic latrines provided at all job and garbage receptacles at all work sites. sites and office compound. Frist aid kit provided. ▪ The contractor will prepare a health GRM processes and safety plan (HSP) as part of their understood and CEMP. The HSP is to include key worker’s

11 https://www.who.int/publications-detail/considerations-for-public-health-and-social-measures-in-the-workplace-in-the-context-of-covid-19

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ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification components of the World Bank obligations with Environmental, Health and Safety communities. Guidelines (EHSG). ▪ The contractor will appoint a full-time environment, health and safety officer (EHSO) responsible for implementation of the CEMP and to liaise with the CPIU and residences/businesses in the subproject area. ▪ The contractor will provide adequate health care facilities including a health post and first aid facilities at the office compound and mobile first aid kits in vehicles and at work sites. ▪ The contractor will provide construction workers training on health and safety matters, specific hazards of their work, basic sanitation, hygiene and health care issues and awareness and prevention of communicable diseases (including Covid-19 and STIs, HIV/AIDS). ▪ The contractor will be responsible for providing safety equipment and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers, including instructions on how and when to use the equipment. ▪ The contractor will ensure safe and clean facilities include sanitation and drinking water (at least 2 liters/day) is provided to all workers. ▪ Septic tanks and garbage receptacles will be set up at work sites and office compound. These facilities to be regularly cleaned by the contractors to prevent outbreak of diseases. Garbage will be dumped only at a site approved by HCC and CPIU. ▪ “No smoking zone” signage will be posted throughout work sites and the office compound (e.g. fuel storage areas).

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ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification ▪ The contractor will ensure there is adequate drainage throughout the camp to ensure that disease vectors such as stagnant water bodies do not form. ▪ Contractor to educate and ensure worker’s actions are controlled codes of conduct are strictly observed (work sites and office compound). ▪ The use of wood for fuel will be prohibited to avoid fire hazards; the camps are to be provided with sufficient and proper cooking facilities such as propane gas and burners. ▪ Posting “no smoking zone” signage throughout the work camps and construction site are required (e.g. fuel storage areas). General construction Risk of hazards to or ▪ The contractor will implement relevant Contractor. Incl. in Approved HSP Ongoing during Contractor; activities, presence of accidents of members of elements of the CCP and GRM. contract. being activities – visual CPIU/CSC workers in communities. community, risk of implemented. inspection and spot ▪ Contractor will agree worker code of spread of communicable Worker code of checks. conduct and protocols with village and diseases. conduct. Training records. community leaders. Code of conduct Provisions of PPE Safety and other will be included as part of workers’ to all workers. equipment provided. contract and will be discussed during Approved service Record books, accident awareness raising as well as part of provider engaged register and mobilization process. to provide complaints. ▪ Before construction commences the HIV/AIDS etc Job site inspections for contractor will conduct training for all awareness and HSP requirements. workers on their requirements to prevention. GRM. engage the local community and Training delivered ensure national laws are respected, on safety and work special consideration and respect for protocols. women, elderly and children (including Barriers erected the school) are to be strictly followed. managing worksite. ▪ Adequate signage and security will be Potable water provided at work sites for prevention (drinking) and of unauthorized people (including lavatory service children) entering any work site(s) or provided at all job the office compound. sites. ▪ The public will be adequately Frist aid kit protected near work sites, including provided. advanced notice of commencement of GRM processes works, installation of safety barriers understood and worker’s

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ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification and fences and signage or marking obligations with areas where works will be carried out. communities. ▪ Provision of safe access across the works site(s) to people whose residential or business access is temporarily affected during road rehabilitation activities. ▪ Signage and security i.e. prohibition on unauthorized people (especially children) entering site office, construction areas, works yard and camp all in English and Pidgin. ▪ STIs and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention program delivered through an approved service provider for workers and communities. First community sessions to be delivered prior to commencement of works or presence of workers in the area. ▪ Child and/or trafficked labor will be strictly prohibited for any project activities. ▪ Children will be prohibited from entering the worker’s accommodation, works area/construction zone and prohibited from playing on any equipment or machinery associated with the project. ▪ The contractor will implement the traffic management plan that will include traffic control and pedestrian safety measures. ▪ In consultation with CIPU, the contractor will clearly fence off ‘no go areas’ within work site(s) and erect boundary fences to prevent the public from entering during the construction period (or specific construction activities). Relocation of or damage Disruption of, ▪ Consult infrastructure and services Contractor. Incl. in Services relocated As per agreed plans. Contractor; to existing utilities and interference with and/or providers (e.g. telecom providers, contract. as per agreed Visual inspection, CPIU/CSC services. damage to existing Solomon Water, Solomon Power) plans. consultation with infrastructure and/or before construction to identify on Damaged and service providers. services. plans the location of utility lines and rehabilitated pipes. utilities repaired.

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ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification ▪ Relocation plans, as required, to be Service disruption agreed and implemented. minimized. ▪ Any other incidental damage to be immediately advised to the CPIU/CSC and repaired as agreed with the utility provider. Operation of Noise and vibration in ▪ Prior to activities commencing, Contractor. Incl. in Implementation of During noisy activities Contractor; construction plant and community (residential contractor to establish baseline noise contract. CEMP. or after complaint. CPIU/CSC equipment. and commercial). levels for sites identified. Baseline of Consultation ambient noise (ensure schedule being ▪ Construction vehicles and equipment Impact on construction levels as per adhered to). to maintained in good working order workers. agreed table and GRM. and regular equipment maintenance plans. will be undertaken. Adherence to ▪ Construction vehicles and agreed schedule. machineries will be fitted with mufflers Complaints (no. and other noise abatement equipment logged with as necessary. resolution). ▪ Limiting noisy construction activities to Barriers/buffer be between 7am and 5pm on installed. weekdays. Workers’ PPE. ▪ As practicable, barriers or buffers to be established between work areas and nearby residences and business premises. ▪ The contractor will prepare a schedule of operations to be approved by CPIU (and HCC and police if required). The schedule will establish 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. ▪ Workers will be provided with noise abatement equipment as may be required. ▪ Any complaints regarding noise will be dealt with by the contractor in the first instance through the GRM. Construction activities – SP-R7 Tambu site ▪ Ahead of the works, the CLO will Contractor Incl. in Site protection During activities in the National Museum, PCR impacts Vathchachapaphu Hill discuss with the communities the best Marumbo and contract implemented area. CPIU, ECD, CSC way to protect the site and during Hulavu villages Observations. works, the contractor will protect the GRM or if issues raised area from further impact as much as by communities possible.

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ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification ▪ Implement procedures of chance finds protocols along the section. OPERATION PHASE Operation of vehicles Increase particulate ▪ Forecasts of traffic growth indicate CPIU; routine Maintenance Air quality, Monthly or as required. Contractor and creating emissions. matter and toxic gasses that emissions will be low and not maintenance contract or particulates and Consultations and CPIU (e.g. hydrocarbons, contractor. MID budget. smoke. visual inspection. have a noticeable effect on air quality. Carbon Monoxide, Number of Complaints. Nitrous compounds, ▪ Landscaping along roadside to reduce complaints. Sulphur Dioxide) due to dust impacts. Incidents logged increased traffic. with resolution. Routine and ongoing Increased accumulation ▪ Roads inspected and cleaned to CPIU; routine Maintenance Satisfaction of As required by the Contractor and maintenance. of dirt on road surface. reduce levels of airborne dust and maintenance contract or MOUs. MOU’s. CPIU Increased accumulation contaminants through mechanical contractor. MID budget. Condition of road. Routine maintenance of dirt and garbage (e.g. street sweeper) or workers records. (plastics, cans organic physically cleaning the road. Visual inspections. material) in drainage ▪ All drainage system inspected, systems resulting in cleared of any debris and cleaned. failure of the system. ▪ All material disposed at permitted location. ▪ All maintenance work conducted according to pre-announced time schedule in consultation with key stakeholders, preferable outside peak business hours to limit inconvenience to business and community. Run-off from road. Use of the road results ▪ Maintenance of erosion mitigation CPIU; routine Maintenance Erosion. Half yearly for 3 years, MID-CPIU; in problems with runoff, control structures. maintenance contract or Flooding patterns. mid-term and post ADB loss of soils and other contractor. MID budget. Drainage and evaluation monitoring. ▪ Roads sealed (bitumen) with improved forms of erosion. culverts cleared of Visual assessments. culverts and drainage systems. Water quality in rivers debris. Review of flooding and nearshore areas ▪ Improved vegetation along road and Water quality in patterns/records. may be affected by use green zone prevent run –off and streams/rivers. of the new roads. siltation load in drainage and Sedimentation in subsequent streams. drainage and culvert areas. Increased traffic. Increases in noise ▪ Increased traffic forecasts and MID-CPIU. Maintenance Accidents and Half yearly for 3 years, MID-CPIU; nuisance for residents. corresponding population density Local Police. contract or collisions. mid-term and post ADB Increased traffic growth indicates increased ambient MID budget. Safety issues evaluation monitoring. volumes and higher noise levels will increase. discussed in Visual assessments. speeds leading to more schools. Complaints. ▪ Improved vehicle maintenance and frequent and server Effectiveness of Collect road accident decreased age of vehicles will reduce accidents. traffic calming data. noise. measures (e.g. speed signs).

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ACTIVITIES, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MONITORING Parameter to be Frequency and means Project activities Environmental impacts Mitigation measures Responsibility Costs (US$) Responsibility monitored of verification ▪ General safety will be improved through providing a shoulder and sealed road. ▪ Installation of road safety signage. ▪ Work with police to carry out enforcement of traffic regulations once road is upgraded. ▪ Awareness raising of stakeholder through meetings will be needed to create road safety programs. ▪ Ongoing urban/community awareness ascertaining village concerns regarding traffic management. Spread of communicable Road acts as an ▪ Expected traffic volume and current MID-CPIU. Maintenance Health status of Half yearly for 3 years, MID-CPIU; diseases. accessible pathway for access to communities either side of Local Police. contract or people in the mid-term and post ADB the spread of the road project will remain similar and MID budget. community. evaluation monitoring. communicable diseases as such increase spread of disease Number of new Consultation with such as STIs. not expected. cases of STI etc. villagers and road users. Review of health ▪ Ongoing community awareness. records (STI data).

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8 Findings and Conclusions

373. Project benefits. The upgrading of the four sections of the main east-west arterial road and associated drainage imposes minimal adverse environmental impacts and will result in an increase in the efficiency and safety of the road network on Guadalcanal. This will include improved inbound and outbound movement of east-west traffic and overall improved access and safety for traffic, pedestrians and other road users. 374. Findings of impact assessment. The subprojects will not directly traverse any protected areas, areas of conservation value, including primary forests, terrestrial reserves, marine and coastal protected areas or nay tambu or culturally important sites. Key findings of the assessment of the subprojects include:

• The proposed road, drainage and pedestrian facility upgrades are located in, and adjacent to the east of, the capital (Honiara) in an existing road corridor on urban, semi-rural and rural land that has been highly modified and does not support any endemic, endangered or significant biodiversity. The ecological value of the road corridor is low and none of the sections traverse areas of natural or critical habitat. • The subproject areas do not include any native forests or mangroves. Commercial (palm oil, coconut) and village based (betel nut, small scale food crops) agricultural activities are undertaken in adjacent environments and are outside of the subprojects influenced area. • The subprojects traverse a number of natural streams and rivers, however direct impacts to these systems will be limited drainage systems from the road. • Impacts on the ecosystem (flora or fauna) from the subproject are expected to be minor due to improved sediment and pollution management systems incorporated into the projects design. The subproject’s area of influence does not impact any coral reefs, sea grass systems nor does it support marine or riparian ecological or biological (flora or fauna) that is endemic, endangered or of significant biodiversity. • Solomon Islands laws and regulations associated with labor, employment, occupational health and safety and ADB’s environmental safeguards will be complied with and monitored during all construction activities. • Due diligence and proactive management of all construction aspects of the road and drainage upgrade will ensure limited disturbance to the daily business activities undertaken in Honiara (e.g. traffic, noise, dust), and the collection, storage and correct disposal of waste material generated during construction. • The subprojects will not create adverse social impacts through land acquisition, a separate due diligence report has been prepared. • Other social impacts – access, health and safety, noise, relocation of utilities and services - are manageable through the actions and controls identified in the EMP.

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• Climate change adaptation measures to build resilience have been included in the project planning and design phases. This includes measures to mitigate the project and its nearby environment from the effects of such hazards and the affects from the project on the environment due to such prevailing hazards. 375. Conclusions. The IEE concludes that there are no significant adverse environmental impacts nor is the subproject deemed environmentally sensitive. The upgrading of the CBD road system and western arterial road network and associated drainage and pedestrian walkways will result in a marked improvement to the environment and infrastructure services for the communities in this area whilst greatly improving road services to the islands capital city, Honiara. 376. Impacts arising from the subproject are minor, localized/site specific, largely temporary during the construction phase, and are manageable providing that the mitigation measures set out in the EMP are incorporated in the design, implemented, and monitored properly. 377. An EMP has been prepared and will be implemented during all phases of project implementation. The EMP identifies potential environmental impacts arising from the project along with a corresponding schedule and monitoring of mitigation measures to ensure potential impacts are maintained at insignificant levels and that international best practice is applied. It also includes the institutional arrangements for implementing the EMP to ensure its effectiveness. 378. The Director of ECD will grant development consent in writing to MID after reviewing and accepting the IEE, when presented as a PER with a development consent application. Provision for a detailed CEMP will be included as a line item in the BOQ and the contractor will be required to provide this, based on the impacts set out in this evaluation, as a minimum. Monitoring the contractor’s compliance to their CEMP will be undertaken by the supervision consultant, CPIU and ECD. Monitoring reports will be submitted to MID, ECD and ADB. 379. When the CEMP is prepared, approved and implemented for each subproject, it is considered sufficient to meet government’s environmental safeguard requirements. No further or additional impact assessment is considered necessary at this stage. 380. Therefore, the recommendation of this IEE is that the IEE be accepted by ADB as the statement of project’s environmental impacts and how they will be mitigated 381. Future tasks related to this IEE are for, (i) MID to use this IEE as a PER, for submission and approval of development consent by ECD; (ii) the contractors to prepare a CEMP based on EMP included in this IEE; and (iii) the subproject’s impacts and mitigation thereof, be monitored as per the monitoring plan.

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Bibliography

GLOSS data, 2017, http://www.gloss-sealevel.org/data Jenkin, A.P, Allan, G.R and Boseto, D., 2008, Lentipes solomonensis, a new species of freshwater goby (Teleostei: Gobioidei: Sicydiinae) from the Solomon Islands, Aqua International Journal of Ichthyology, pp165-174, 14:4 MECDM, 2012, National Climate Change Policy, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology MID, 2015, MID (2015). Climate Change Adaptation in the Transport Sector-Guidance Manual (DRAFT). Ministry of Infrastructure Development Newman, A., Feng, L., Fritz, H. M., Lifton, Z. M., Kalligeris, N., and Wei, Y., 2011, The energetic 2010. MW 7.1 Solomon Islands tsunami earthquake. Geophysical Journal International, 186(2), 775‐781 PACCSAP, 2014, Climate Variability, Extremes and Change in the Western Tropical Pacific: New Science and Updated Country Reports 2014, Solomon Islands Pacific Island Forum, 2015, 2015 Pacific Regional Millennium Development Goals Tracking Report Polhemus, D.A; Englund, R.A., Allen, G.R., Baseto, D., and Polhemus, J.T, 2008, Freshwater Biotas of the Solomon Islands – Analysis of Richness, Endemism and Threats, Bishop Museum Technical Report 45 SIG, 2009, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for the Solomon Islands, p 67. SIG, 2009, Provincial Profile of the 2009 Population and Housing Census – Guadalcanal, p 64 SIG, 2010, National Transport Sector Plan 2011 -2030 SIG, 2015, Solomon Islands 2012/2013 Householder Income and Expenditure Survey Provincial Analytical Report, Volume II, National Statistics Office SIWA, 2013, The Solomon water development plan, 2013-2015. The “Two-Year Plan”, Solomon Islands Water Authority SOPAC, 2007, National integrated water resource management diagnostic report. Solomon Islands, The Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission SPC, 2017, SPC Fisheries Address Book, SPC publication, p80 Sullivan, C.A. and Guglielmi, F., 2007, Pacific Islands water resources: An overview of East Timor, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, AWFR working paper, Pacific Water Resources: An overview T+T, 2017, Coastal Erosion Hazard Zone Assessment for Selected Northland Sites, New Zealand UNDP, FAO, ILO, WHO, 2002, Common Country Assessment WACOP (2014). Wave Climate Report Honiara. Wave and Coast in the Pacific, http://wacop.gsd.spc.int/Atlas/Regional/Pdf/SO/Honiara.pdf World Bank, 2017. Country Profile – Solomon Islands World Development Indicators, World Bank publication

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Annex 1: List of Ratified International and Regional Treaties and Agreements

Name Status Purpose/Aim Solomon Island Agency Responsible International and Regional Agreements Pollution Protocol for Ratified Prevention of pollution of the South Pacific MFMR and ECD Dumping at sea. 10/9/98 region by dumping. Pollution Protocol for Ratified Cooperation in combating pollution MFMR and ECD Emergencies. 10/9/98 emergencies in the South Pacific region. Natural Resources and Ratified Protection of natural resources and ECD Environment of South 10/9/98 environment of the South Pacific Region in Pacific Region (South terms of management and development of Pacific Regional the marine and coastal environment in the Environment Program - South Pacific Region. SPREP Convention). Waigani Convention on Ratified Bans the importation of hazardous and ECD Hazardous and 7/10/98 radioactive wastes into Forum Island Radioactive Wastes countries and to control the trans-boundary (1995). movement and management of hazardous wastes within the South Pacific region. Chemicals, Wastes and Pollution Liability for Oil Pollution Ratified Strict liability of ship owner for pollution MFMR Damage. damage to a coastal state within a certain amount. Marine Pollution Ratified Prevention of marine pollution by dumping of ECD and Foreign Affairs Convention (London). wastes and other matter. Desertification (UN Acceded Agreement to combat desertification and Agriculture Division Convention to Combat 16/4/99 mitigate the effects of drought in countries Desertification). experiencing drought or desertification. POP’s Convention Acceded Protection of human health and environment ECD and EHD (Stockholm). 28/7/04 from persistent organic pollutants. Biodiversity CITES. Ratification Regulations and restriction of trade in wild ECD underway animals and plants through a certification system of imports and exports. World Heritage Ratified Protection of sites of Outstanding Universal ECD and National Museum Convention. 10/6/92 Values. Solomon Islands currently has East Rennell Island as a World Heritage site. UN Convention on Acceded Conserve biological diversity through the ECD Biological Diversity. 3/10/95 sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of utilizing genetic resources. Cartagena Protocol on Acceded Protection of human health and the ECD Biosafety. 26/10/04 environment from possible adverse effects of the products of modern biotechnology, especially living modified organisms while maximizing its benefits. Climate Change Montreal Protocol. Acceded Allows phase out of substances that deplete ECD and Energy Division 17/6/93 the ozone layer according to a fixed implementation schedule. Ozone Layer Convention. Acceded Protection of the ozone layer through ECD and Energy Division 17/6/93 intergovernmental cooperation on research, systematic observation of the ozone layer and monitoring of chlorofluorocarbons production.

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Name Status Purpose/Aim Solomon Island Agency Responsible Climate Change (UN Ratified Sets an overall framework for Climate Change Division Framework Convention 28/12/94 intergovernmental efforts to tackle the on Climate Change). challenge posed by climate change. Kyoto Protocol. Ratified Reduce greenhouse gases especially CO2 Meteorology Division 13/3/03 for the 39 industrial/developed countries by MECDM an average of 5.2% by 2012. MFMR = Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. MECDM = Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology. ECD = Environment and Conservation Division – MECDM. EHD = Environmental Health Division – MECDM.

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Annex 2: Red List - Globally Threatened Avifauna in the Solomon Islands

Avifauna Common Name Avifauna Species Name IUCN RED List Category Becks Petrel Pseudobulweria becki CR Makira Moorhen Gallinula silvestris CR Santa Cruz Ground dove Gallicolumba sanctaecrucis EN Santa Cruz Shrikebill Clytorhynchus sanctaecrucis EN Splendid White eye Zosterops liteirostris EN White-eyed Starling Aplonis brunneicapillus EN Heinroth’s Shearwater Puffinus heinrothi VU Sanford’s Sea eagle Haliaeetus sanfordi VU Imitator Sparrow hawk Accipiter imitator VU Bristle-thighed Curlew Numenius tahitiensis VU Yellow-legged Pigeon Columba pallidiceps VU Chestnut-bellied Imperial pigeon Ducula brenchleyi VU Palm Lorikeet Charmosyna palmarum VU Fearful Owl Nesasio solomonensis VU Black Faced Pitta Pitta anerythra VU Malaita Fantail Rhipidura malaitae VU Sombre Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus amoenus VU Ranonga White Eye Zosterops splendidus VU Guadalcanal Thrush Zoothera turipavae VU

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Annex 3: Summary of Globally Threatened Species in East Melanesian Hotspot

Global threat status (no.) Distribution by country (no.) Taxonomic Solomon group CR EN VU Total PNG Vanuatu Islands Mammals 6 14 9 29 20 10 8 Birds 2 5 34 41 21 22 10 Reptiles 2 4 4 10 6 5 5 Amphibians 0 0 5 5 2 5 0 Fishes 1 3 21 25 16 21 15 Insects 0 2 5 7 4 5 0 Bivalves 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 Anthozoans 0 5 145 150 134 146 79 Plants 2 7 30 39 20 20 10 Total 13 40 255 308 235 236 129 % 4 13 83 100 73 77

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Annex 4: List of Terrestrial Protected Areas within the Solomon Islands

Province Protected Area Size Flora Biodiversity Fauna Biodiversity Guadalcanal Lauvi Lake 200 ha Floating meadows include Outstanding habitat for crocodiles. three species of Cyperaceae. Wetland birds and the Australian Extensive areas of dabchick which was a new record pandanus, beach side for the Solomon Islands. About 40 dominated with fu’u bird sp. are found (nine endemic Barringtonia asiatica. Other to the Solomon Islands) species are also common in the community e.g. Hibiscus tiliaceus. Thus, there are also many other species growing around the areas (Less, 1990). Itina 30,000 6 species (sp) of pioneer Habitat for many animals incl. four Popomanaseu ha trees located on gravel beds bird species endemic to of braided river sites e.g. Guadalcanal and the Guadalcanal salu; Casuarina equisetifolia. endemic giant rat (Uromys On slightly higher ground, 5 imperator). 1990 mammal survey sp. of trees are common e.g. of Mt Makarakomburu found a Akwa. Evident at the ultra- new sp. of bat along with nine basics are mudi; (Dillenia other bat sp., four frog and eight crennata). Common in reptile sp. Thirteen bird sp. were montane forest are trees of recorded incl. rare Guadalcanal non-flowering plant family, Honeyeater (Guadalcanaria Podocarpaceae including 3 inexpectata). Mt Popomanaseu is sp and 5 sp of the Myrtle only place in the Solomon Islands family. The four epiphytic where terrestrial molluscs have rhododendrons that are generated endemic montane uniqiue to Solomon islands species. Restricted to these are all found on peaks of the mountains include arboreal proposed protected area and Placostyllus selleersi and the endemic mountain shrub, undescribed sp. Helixarion and Vaccinium (Less, 1990) Trochomorpha. Birds of the Tina River proposal area recorded 44 bird sp., 13 are known to be endemic sp. in the Solomon islands (Less, 1990). Western Marovo Lagoon 70,000 5 principle forest types. 52 sp. of land and fresh water ha Lowland forest, small island birds and 9 species are endemic and barrier island forest, to the lagoon. 10 species of Sea mangrove forest, montane and shorebirds. forest and heaths. Kolombangara All forest 12 principle species of Richest avifauana with 80 species above forest trees and moss recoded. 2 species are confined to 460m covered montane forest caps montane forest and are unique to (70,000 (Less, 1990) the island. (Less, 1990). ha is the island Rendova The Common Montane forest Support unique white eye species island trees species are Casuarina Zosterops rendova. Crocodiles 40,000 papuana, lower altitude forest are evident in lakes and lagoon. ha predominance of Two species of frogs have been Camnosperma recorded from Rendova (Less, revipetiolatum, Others 1990). include mosses, palms, pometia pinnata, pterocarpus indicus. (Less, 1990).

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Province Protected Area Size Flora Biodiversity Fauna Biodiversity Faroro Islands - ? Dominated by akwa Pometia Best nesting sites for turtles. Shortlands pinnata, Vasa Vitex cofassus Presence of Skink Triblonotus and Canarium salomonense. ponceleti known from only tree Smaller trees include specimen, two from Shorthlands Myristica sp., laelae Celtis and one from Bougainville (Less, phillippnensis, Crytocarya 1990). Litsea sp (Less, 1990). Choiseul Mt. Maetambe 22,500 Dominate tree species akwa Seven sp. of frogs, one endemic ha and Vasa. These two trees sp., two rare butterfly sp. and Laelae are Presence of three giant rats, two characteristics of valley of which are new record, 26 bird bottoms, on ridge crest species with 6 are endemic (Less, Eugenia sp., buni and 1990). kaumau Calophyllum sp. are common. (Less, 1990). South Choiseul 30,000 Different forest composition Crocodiles are evident. Has ha from Ysabel and Guadacanal significant nesting beach for growing on ultra-basic rock. turtles. Forest growing on ultra- Forest is species poor with basic rock noticeably has low bird an open canopy and numbers. 35 bird sp., 11 are straggling emergent trees endemic (Less, 1990). over dense undergrowth of pandanus, gingers, ferns and climbers. Mangrove forest found Ologholata in the north of the proposed reserve (Less, 1990). Mt Televodo ? The features are closely The features are closely similar to similar to the description the description given for the given for the limestone forest limestone forest cover occurring in cover occurring in Mt Mt Maetabe (Less, 1990). Maetabe (Less, 1990). Isabel North western 120,000 Peninsula dominated with Crocodiles were evident. It Isabel ha kekete (Campnosperma contains 65% of nesting sites of brevipetiolata) indicating green andhawksbill turtles. Sea exposed to prevailing high eagles, Brahminy kite, osprey and winds and cyclones. Akwa, terns are also evident. Migratory vasa, andoa, lu usi are also birds use the islands and tidal flats found on ridges that run as resting and feeding area during through the peninsula. Where November to January e.g., slopes are fa alo, bamboo, whimbrel Numenius phaeopus gingers and Macaranga sp. (Less, 1990). Akwa is common in lowland forest. Smaller trees include Agaia spp, ai aasila (Neoscortchhinia forbesii), laelae, Myristica sp, palms and pandanus. Patches of beach forest containing 5 species of trees (Less, 1990). Mt Kubonitu ? Supports montane forest Meeks Iory Charmomosyna with ailumu Dacrydium meeki, white rumped swiftlet xanthandrum, akiri Ochrosia Collocalisa spodiopygia, pigmy sp, koadila pemphis acidula parot Micorspitta finschii, and Eugenia spp. (Less, Melanisian gray bird Coracina 1990). caledonica and the golden whistler Pachycephala pectoralis.(Less, 1990).

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Province Protected Area Size Flora Biodiversity Fauna Biodiversity Casuarina 2,500 ha Dominated with hardy Is designed for the forest. swamp malasalu Casuarina papuana and Dacryduim xanthadrum. On swapy grounds Calophyllum vexans, bou Fagrea gracilipes and gwarogwaro Calophyllum vitiense. Ferns and Savanna (Less, 1990). Makira Central – Bauro 350,000 Akwa dominate lowland Several of Makira’s endemic sp highlands ha forest and lower hill slopes. 8 are restricted to the mossy cloud sp of trees are also common forest of the highest ridges eg in this zone e.g Rosswood. Keea (Makira mountain tail), Above the zone where akwa waisure (Makira ground trash), is predominant 6 sp of trees ghoghoharighi (shade warbler) are common e.g. abalolo. and the dusky fantail are found in Common small trees are these forest and nowhere else in Myritica sp. and aisubu the world. 49 Birds recorded, 5 Pimeliodendron amboinicum. endemic to Solomon and 5 Above 700 m 5 sp. of trees endemic to Makira (Less, 1990). are common eg aitootoo (surukakahu) Weinmannia blumei, Cyathea tree ferns and palms are also common. At highest altitude montane forest is found with 8 different spp of trees. Forest floor is covered with moss (Less, 1990). Western 2,50 ha A tall mixed swamp forest No information provided. wetlands featuring dafa Terminalia brassii and rufa Eugenia tierneyana on wet land edges. In the wetted parts of the swamps pandanus, bamboo and ferns form a complete cover one to three meters high (Less, 1990). Malaita Central 12,500 Common in the lowland 57 bird sp are recorded, 9 Highlands ha forests are 4 sp. of trees eg endemic to Solomon islands, 13 akwa, rosswood and vasa. endemic to Malaita (Less, 1990). On lower riverine terraces 3 sp. are alsocommon e.g., lamilami, liki and akwa (Less, 1990). Maramasike 150,000 Large figs and 11 tree sp e.g. Excellent habitat for crocodiles. Ar’are ha akwa are common at the end About 60 bird sp. are recorded, 7 of the maramasike passage. endemic to Solomon islands and The hill forest behind both 10 endemic to Malaita (Less, Maramasike and Are’are 1990). commonly features 7 of the species mention above together with 5 other sp e.g. Cryptocarya sp. (Less, 1990). Temotu Kauir Reserve 200 ha Kauri Agathis macrophylla in the Solomon islands is found only in Temotu Province (Less, 1990).

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Annex 5: Environmental Impact Screening for Pre-construction, Construction and Operation

Project activities affecting Environmental Impacts Recommended mitigation measures Potential effects if unmitigated Supplemental environment information No sig. Significance of effect effect Minor Moderate Major

PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE Design of roads, drainage and If design not including climate ▪ Ensure climate proofing incorporated Subproject will not

other works to be adaptive to change/adaptation could result in; into design to ensure flooding effects affect risk or climate change. ▪ Unexpected failure of road and and erosion not locally increased. induce climate change. drainage works. ▪ Design modified to accommodate ▪ Increased risk of risk erosion and extreme whether events – increased damage to road infrastructure. rainfall, run off and coastal erosion. ▪ Ensure drainage and creek/river training works accommodate increased rainfall and flows. Surveying and demarcation of ▪ Some minor loss of vegetation ▪ Minimise vegetation removal to No tree expected

road centerline. during demarcation of road and immediate corridor of works. to be removed at drainage. either subproject within the road corridor. Some vegetation clearing is required. Site clearance, digging, Existing road ▪ Accidental discovery of ▪ Cease activities immediately. excavations. corridor cleared archaeological assets, sites or ▪ Inform National Museum (Tambu and in use for a resources. register), Ministry of Culture, MECDM. long time - urban ▪ Undertake all actions required by above. and rural areas – not expected. ▪ Restriction on use of land. ▪ Consultation with Owners/users. Project within the road regulated ▪ Compensation for vegetation and or corridor. building cleared/removed. ▪ Erosion and contamination of nearby ▪ All measures as identified and described Due diligence will

water bodies due to clearing and in Section 6. greatly reduce excavation works. potential impacts. Mobilization of contractor, ▪ Social disruption. ▪ Community protocols agreed and Due diligence and

presence of construction workers disseminated to workers’ awareness community and associations with community provided. engagement/infor mation sharing will ▪ Contractor to ensure workers actions reduce impacts. outside work hours (e.g. camp) are controlled and code of conduct observed.

September 2020 Annexes Page 8 Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Road Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Project activities affecting Environmental Impacts Recommended mitigation measures Potential effects if unmitigated Supplemental environment information No sig. Significance of effect effect Minor Moderate Major ▪ Signage and security at work site and camp – i.e. prohibition on unauthorized people (especially children) entering worksite and camps. ▪ Spread of STIs and HIV/AIDS. ▪ Implementation of awareness and Workers education

prevention program – Contractor. and compliance to guidelines. ▪ Implementation of HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention program – Community. Establishment of construction ▪ Some minor loss of vegetation. ▪ Minimize vegetation removal to Unsure if additional

camp and work sites. immediate corridor of works. camps required – may use existing ▪ Consultations with landowners/users. ▪ Restriction on use and access of permitted locations land. ▪ Compensation for vegetation /building – contractor to cleared/removed. inform project. ▪ Accidental discovery of ▪ Cease activities immediately. archaeological assets, sites or ▪ Inform National Museum (Tambu resources. register), Ministry of Culture, MCEM. ▪ Undertake all actions required by above. CONSTRUCTION PHASE ▪ Impact on air quality. ▪ Inform nearby business/residents about Overall Operation of construction plant environmental ▪ Emissions of exhaust from vehicles the duration of dust generating and vehicles generating improvement and machinery. operations. emissions – dust and pollution. expected through ▪ Maintain construction equipment. ▪ Dust from; aggregate crushing reduction of dust plants; generated by heavy vehicle ▪ Prohibit use of equipment that causes due to compaction transporting material on roads; excessive pollution (e.g. generates and road surface uncovered loads on trucks. smoke emissions). bitumen sealing. ▪ Dust from exposed stockpiles. ▪ Vehicles carrying dust producing ▪ Possible contamination of nearby material not overloaded, use of tail water bodies. boards, side boards and fully covered. ▪ Material stockpiles covered and located in sheltered areas. ▪ Damping of road during dry periods, frequency allocated to prevailing conditions. ▪ Dust removal (cleaning/sweeping) on road, frequency allocated to prevailing conditions. ▪ Removal of some trees within the ▪ Minimize vegetation removal to No trees expected Site clearance, digging and road corridor. immediate corridor of works. to be removed excavations. within the road corridor.

September 2020 Annexes Page 9 Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Road Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Project activities affecting Environmental Impacts Recommended mitigation measures Potential effects if unmitigated Supplemental environment information No sig. Significance of effect effect Minor Moderate Major ▪ Accidental discovery of ▪ Compensation for trees removed if Impacts very low – archaeological assets, sites or required. re-vegetation resources. ▪ Archaeological Discovery. programs would be useful. ▪ Cease activities immediately. ▪ Inform National Museum (Tambu register), Ministry of Culture, MCEM. ▪ Undertake all actions required by above. ▪ Erosion and sedimentation of stream ▪ All construction in areas of streams, Due diligence and Erosion and sedimentation. and downstream foreshore areas. rivers and coast to be undertaken with implementation Works associated with stream and and monitoring will ▪ Effects on stream structure including extreme care. waterways within the road corridor reduce impacts. i) water flow (velocity and level) ii) ▪ Use of silt control devices and sediment and associated river systems Long term changes to stream depth, structure traps/fences during all extraction used by the project. improvements and location resulting from activities, these to be cleaned and (decrease) in excavations, embedding new dewatered regularity. stream turbidity structures, iii) changes to the stream ▪ Install temporary structures to minimize and siltation. bank caused by destabilization impacts on stream/river flows and during construction. removed on completion of works – ▪ Increased turbidity of stream water restore natural stream/river flow. due to construction. ▪ Embankment side slopes designed to ▪ Alteration of floodplain in areas reflect soil strength. within the river system affecting ▪ Minimize size and duration of cleared flood cycles, temporary flood areas and undertake progressive re- storage, release of flood waters and vegetation of area. loss of soil fertility through loss of ▪ Avoid clearing areas during wet (rainy) flood silt. season where possible. Increased turbidity of river waters ▪ ▪ Natural stream/river water flows in river due to gravel extraction. will not be interfered with. Increased levels of siltation at ▪ ▪ Use of heavy machinery in aquatic culverts and bridges downstream of environments minimized. gravel extraction. ▪ Rocks/stones kept on hand to use in Construction material are washed ▪ event of erosion caused by construction into stream, rivers and other areas. in stream and rivers. Reduction in river and coastal water ▪ ▪ Gabion baskets, rock rip-rap or bio- quality. engineering measures to be used for all stream and river embankments for stabilization. ▪ No discharge to rivers, surface water, intertidal or coastal areas. ▪ No dumping, disposal or storage of spoils in or in close proximity to streams and rivers.

September 2020 Annexes Page 10 Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Road Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Project activities affecting Environmental Impacts Recommended mitigation measures Potential effects if unmitigated Supplemental environment information No sig. Significance of effect effect Minor Moderate Major ▪ Placement of diversion ditches around stockpiles. Sourcing construction materials ▪ Extraction of river gravels from beds ▪ Extraction from ecologically sensitive Extraction plans to

and aggregate extraction. or active channels of rivers changes areas (beach, intertidal, swamp, be prepared by hydrology altering channel and wetlands, mangrove areas) or productive contractor in erosion. land not permitted. compliances with projects and SIG ▪ Extraction from quarries or burrow ▪ Sites to be identified in consultation with aggregate pits results in unusable land, MID, landowners and communities. extraction exposed water table, attracts rubbish ▪ Sources from rivers to be identified guidelines. dumping and reduces visual values. during the detailed design phase and Existing gravel existing permitting areas to be used areas to be used. wherever possible and appropriate (with permits). ▪ Preparation and implementation of extraction plan (with volume limits) in accordance with SIG guidelines. ▪ Approved machinery only to be used (dredges no permitted). ▪ Material not permitted to be extracted form river bends or other sensitive areas. ▪ All extraction sites are to be permitted form MECDM. ▪ All extraction sites to be rehabilitated after use. ▪ Soil erosion and silt generation. ▪ Stockpile on un-used or non-agricultural Improved Land clearing, grubbing, cut and drainage, ▪ Increased runoff and/or erosion. land. fill activities and construction of compaction and re- ▪ Gabions, riprap or bio-engineering embankments. ▪ Sediment contamination and siltation vegetation methods used to stabilize shoreline, of streams/rivers. expected long term embankments and causeway/bridge ▪ Increased turbidity in streams, near positive outcomes abutments. shore coastal areas (including – reducing soil fringing reefs) downstream. ▪ Erosion monitored and rapid response erosion and stabilized undertaken as required for ▪ Erosion derived from gravel sedimentation. unexpected events (tropical rainfall extraction from rivers. Replacement/repai event). ▪ Stockpiles and staging areas lead to r culverts and ▪ Uncontrolled dumping of spoils not loss of land uses. drainage will permitted. reduce localized ▪ Culverts and drainage (repair/new) to flooding along road comply with design standards and and neighboring installed/replaced quickly. properties.

September 2020 Annexes Page 11 Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Road Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Project activities affecting Environmental Impacts Recommended mitigation measures Potential effects if unmitigated Supplemental environment information No sig. Significance of effect effect Minor Moderate Major

Construction waste disposal and ▪ Increased siltation at culverts and ▪ Preparation and implementation of Rehabilitation of

wastewater run-off, discharges bridges. Waste Management Plan (WMP) before earth sections of and generation of liquid wastes. the road will have ▪ Construction material washed out of start of work. long term positive stream/rivers into coastal waters. ▪ No waste to be dumped within project or environmental surrounding areas. ▪ Increased turbidity detrimental to benefits. coastal fringing coral reef systems. ▪ All solid waste removed immediately Improved ▪ Soil contamination from from the project site to designated off compaction, petrochemicals (fuels, oils). site locations, including. gravelling, ▪ Segregation of wastes shall be drainage and other undertaken, and provisions supplied improvements to (e.g. waste collection bins). roads will reduce ▪ Organic (bio-degradable) waste material silt run off. collected and disposed of off-site by composting (burning allowed in designated land fill site in accordance to local regulations). ▪ All non- hazardous wastes to be disposed of at the projects approved waste management site. ▪ Use of silt control devices (e.g. curtains, fences, nets). ▪ No discharge into stream/river, surface waters or coastal areas. ▪ Discharge into agreed settling ponds or discharge areas in consultation with landowners, communities. ▪ Natural water flows in rivers not to be changed. ▪ No liquid wastes to be dumped in water ways or on coast. ▪ Pollution of all water resources not permitted. ▪ Diversion ditches to be placed around stockpiles. ▪ Construction associated with stream/river banks undertaken with extreme care. ▪ Use of heavy machine in aquatic environments minimized.

September 2020 Annexes Page 12 Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Road Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Project activities affecting Environmental Impacts Recommended mitigation measures Potential effects if unmitigated Supplemental environment information No sig. Significance of effect effect Minor Moderate Major ▪ Discharge zones for drains and culverts identified and protected (e.g. for erosion control). ▪ Spoil and stockpiles will not be located near the coast (50 m minimum), on slopes or within 15 m of riverbanks. ▪ Completion of works all areas especially streams to be restored to original condition as quickly as possible. ▪ Construction camps and portable road crews supplied with sanitary latrines - no direct discharge. ▪ Petrochemical (oil, fuel, bitumen) ▪ Detailed Emergency Response Plan (as Due diligence will Pollution from use, storage and and other hazardous chemicals are part of the EMP) prepared by Contractor prevent possible accidental spills of hazardous spillage and substances and need for spilled into the environment from to cover hazardous materials/oil/fuel road construction and/or associated storage, spills and accidents. resulting pollution. emergency response. facilities (camps, transport) resulting ▪ Locate storage areas for all in pollution and environmental petrochemical products including damage. bitumen at least 500 m from coastline ▪ Accidents placing people at risk. and 100 m from stream/rivers. ▪ Chemicals including fuel stored in secured (lockable), weather proofed area including an impervious flooring and bund/containment wall to container spillage. ▪ Used oil and other toxic (e.g. Bitumen) and hazardous materials shall be disposed of in an authorized facility off- site. ▪ Spill waste will be disposed at disposal sites approved by local authorities. ▪ Employ safe practices in filling bitumen distributor tanks and in heating bitumen. Do not allow smoking or fire of any kind in the vicinity of bitumen and kerosene blending tanks. Provide a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher at the bitumen tank site for firefighting. ▪ Stop road asphalting and/or concreting activities during periods of heavy rainfall. ▪ Adequate precaution to be taken to prevent oil/lubricant/ hydrocarbon

September 2020 Annexes Page 13 Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Road Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Project activities affecting Environmental Impacts Recommended mitigation measures Potential effects if unmitigated Supplemental environment information No sig. Significance of effect effect Minor Moderate Major contamination of the drainage systems. Spillage, if any, will be immediately cleared with utmost caution to leave no traces. ▪ Bitumen storage and mixing areas shall be protected against spills and all contaminated soil must be properly handled according to applicable national and local laws and regulation. As a minimum, these areas must be contained, such that any spills can be immediately contained and cleaned up. Any petroleum products used in the preparation of the bitumen mixture must also be carefully managed to avoid spills and contamination of the local water table. ▪ All spills cleaned as per emergency response plan. ▪ Ensure all vehicles and plant machinery are well maintained, accidents reported to police and MID within 24 hours. Construction activities causing ▪ Interference and/or damage to ▪ Consult infrastructure and services Due diligence will accidental damage to existing existing infrastructure and/or providers before construction to services. prevent possible services. minimize physical impacts to services accidental during works. ▪ Water supplies contaminated or damage. disrupted through breakage of ▪ Any services likely to be impacts need to pipelines or exposed water table have mitigation actions in place to during excavation for gravel. prevent disruption. ▪ If water table exposed during construction, must be rehabilitated. Encroachment into precious ▪ Impacts on flora and fauna ▪ There are no significant fisheries within No trees expected

ecology, disturbance of terrestrial, (terrestrial, coastal) forest and or likely to be affected by the to be removed coastal and marine habitats. agricultural habitats. subprojects. within the current road corridor. ▪ Impacts on flora and fauna (marine ▪ There are no sea grass beds, Project area of and freshwater) coral reefs, mangroves within or likely to be affected influence outside seagrass, mangrove and riparian by the project. of coastal marine habitats. ▪ Inshore coral reefs well outside flora and fauna. ▪ Impacts on fisheries. subproject areas and likely no impacts Terrestrial habitat ▪ Runoff and streams/rivers carrying by the subproject. urban and rural increased sediments (increased ▪ Contractor responsible for educating locations. workers, imposing sanctions regarding

September 2020 Annexes Page 14 Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Road Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Project activities affecting Environmental Impacts Recommended mitigation measures Potential effects if unmitigated Supplemental environment information No sig. Significance of effect effect Minor Moderate Major turbidity) siltation into coastal and harm to wildlife and/or use or felling of inshore marine areas. vegetation (except trees required by the ▪ Fragmentation of terrestrial habitats. project). ▪ Endemic or other species affected. ▪ Equipment, stockpiles, storage areas and camp not to be located within or ▪ Workers impacting flora and fauna. close to ecologically important and ▪ Protected areas affected. sensitive areas. ▪ Natural water depth to be maintained at all culverts to allow migration of species. ▪ Progressive re-vegetation to be undertaken in all areas disturbed by the project with fast growing native species. Encroachment into historical ▪ Effects on cultural values. ▪ Tambu site identified in SP-R7. Discuss The subprojects and/or cultural sites and X area of influence ▪ Tambu and preservation areas with two villages associated with site resources. are within exiting affected by the subproject. protection measures required. road corridor as ▪ No Tambu, cultural, historical or such no impacts preservation areas are located within the on these systems road corridors SP-R5, SP-R6 and SP-R8 expected. nor adjacent subproject areas that will be adversely affected by the works. ▪ Any accidental discovery handled as per provision outlined in EMP. Operation of construction plant ▪ Noise and vibration in community ▪ Inform business/residents about duration Assistance to be

and equipment creating noise and (residential and commercial). of noise and possible vibration provided to vibration. Contractor in ▪ Impact on construction workers. generating operations, including traffic movement. coordinating with business/residents ▪ Construction vehicle and machinery to along road be fitted with mufflers and other noise corridor. abatement equipment to ensure minimal noise generated. ▪ Undertaken baseline noise levels and construction monitoring. ▪ Limit noisy construction activities to daytime hours (e.g. construction activities prohibited between 6pm and 6 am). ▪ Provide all workers with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). ▪ Buffers to be established between work areas and nearby business/residential areas were practical.

September 2020 Annexes Page 15 Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Road Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Project activities affecting Environmental Impacts Recommended mitigation measures Potential effects if unmitigated Supplemental environment information No sig. Significance of effect effect Minor Moderate Major ▪ Complaints will be addressed by Contractor. ▪ Traffic and access disrupted during ▪ Traffic management plan (TMP) to be Contractor to liaise Traffic disruption and land access construction. prepared by Contractor. with during construction. business/residents ▪ Traffic safety affected. ▪ Inform nearby business/residents about along road corridor the duration of the traffic disruptions, to ensure traffic describe operations and how it will be management is managed. understood and ▪ Consultation required with usable. business/residents to minimise disruption to access and install temporary access to affected properties where required. ▪ Vehicle haulage routes and timing identified through consultation. ▪ Signage used in vicinity of works and to include “flag persons” to regulate traffic flow and ensure traffic safety to workers, pedestrians and general public. ▪ Ensure public safety across all work sites are maintained including i) barriers to prevent entry in high risk areas (e.g. excavation sites, area with heavy machinery being used) and ensure safety passage are erected through work sites. ▪ Roads to be kept free of material and rubbish at all times. Presence of construction workers. Various social impacts including: ▪ Community (business/resident) protocols Workers need to

▪ Social disruption. discussed and worker awareness as part be aware of what is required of their ▪ Possibility of conflict or antagonism of mobilization process. behavior at all between business/residents and ▪ Contractor to ensure workers’ actions times (at work and workers. and work site/camp are controlled and outside working community rules and code of conduct is ▪ Spread of communicable diseases hours). observed. including STIs and HIV/AIDS. Respect of the ▪ Children are potentially exposed to ▪ Signage and security i.e. prohibition on community is exploitation. unauthorized people (especially required. children) entering site office, ▪ Impacts on general health and construction areas, works yard and safety. camp. ▪ Workers to respect landowner (business/resident) boundaries.

September 2020 Annexes Page 16 Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Road Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Project activities affecting Environmental Impacts Recommended mitigation measures Potential effects if unmitigated Supplemental environment information No sig. Significance of effect effect Minor Moderate Major ▪ STIs and HIV/AIDS awareness program through approved service provider for workers and communities (refer projects social safeguard documents). ▪ A communications and complaints plan will be used for liaison and correction among stakeholders. ▪ Contractor to appoint Environmental Safety Officer (ESO). ▪ Contractor to provide health facilities and 1st Aid post in site office and if require mobile unit to provide safety equipment for workers. ▪ Contractor to provide adequate and safe drinking water access in all work areas. ▪ Protection for the public in vicinity of work sites and safe access across work sites provided for the public. ▪ 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 or trafficked labor to be used. Workers’ Occupational Health and ▪ Safety at work for all workers and ▪ Workers shall be provided with Workers provided

Safety (OH&S). associated contractors. appropriate personal protective with safety gear, equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, knowledge and hard hats, safety glasses, earplugs, skills to ensure gloves, etc. safe work place. ▪ The contractor shall orient workers on health and safety issues related to their activities as well as on the proper use of PPE. ▪ Install channelling devices (e.g., traffic cones and barrels) or fence to delineate the work zone. ▪ Workers shall be provided with potable water supply. ▪ Provision of distinguishing clothing or reflective devices or otherwise conspicuously visible material when

September 2020 Annexes Page 17 Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Road Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Project activities affecting Environmental Impacts Recommended mitigation measures Potential effects if unmitigated Supplemental environment information No sig. Significance of effect effect Minor Moderate Major there is regular exposure of workers to danger from moving vehicles. ▪ Monitoring and control of the working environment and planning of safety and health precautions should be performed as prescribed by national laws and regulations. This includes; ▪ Workers who have received appropriate training in accordance with national laws and regulations shall operate construction equipment. ▪ The drivers and operators of vehicles and materials handling equipment shall be medically fit, trained and tested and of a prescribed minimum age as required by the government rules and regulation. ▪ Safety provisions shall be brought to the notice of all concerned by displaying or notice board at a prominent place at the work locations. ▪ The contractor shall be responsible for observance, by his sub-contractors, of all health and safety provisions. ▪ The contractor should take adequate measures for the control of malaria and other mosquito vector diseases. ▪ All vehicles used in the construction yard should have reverse horns. ▪ There should be proper demarcation of work areas with signage boards showing the work areas. The signboards should be in English and Pidgin. ▪ Suitable warning should be displayed at all places where contact with or proximity to electrical equipment can cause danger. ▪ Persons having to operate electrical equipment should be fully instructed as to any possible danger of the equipment concerned. All the electrical equipment should be inspected before it is taken

September 2020 Annexes Page 18 Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Road Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Project activities affecting Environmental Impacts Recommended mitigation measures Potential effects if unmitigated Supplemental environment information No sig. Significance of effect effect Minor Moderate Major into use to ensure that it is suitable for its purpose. ▪ Water transport tanks, storage tanks and dispensing container should be designed, used, cleaned and disinfected at suitable intervals in a manner approved by the competent authority. ▪ Water that is unfit to drink should be conspicuously indicated by notices prohibiting workers from drinking it. ▪ Secure storage areas should be provided for flammable liquids, solids and gases such as liquefied petroleum gas cylinder, paints and other such materials in order to deter trespassers. ▪ Smoking should be strictly prohibited and no smoking notices be predominantly displayed in all places containing readily combustible or flammable materials. ▪ Only suitably protected electrical installations and equipment, including portable lamps, should be used. ▪ Oil rags, waste and clothes or other substances liable to spontaneous ignition should be removed without delay to a safe place. ▪ Fire-extinguishing equipment should be provided at construction camps, asphalt plants, storage areas for combustible materials and other areas where fire hazards are found. Such equipment shall be properly maintained and inspected at suitable intervals. OPERATION PHASE Operation of vehicles creating ▪ Increase particulate matter and toxic ▪ Forecasts of traffic growth indicate that Long term impacts

emissions. gasses (hydrocarbons, Carbon emissions will be low and not have a to community health will improve Monoxide, Nitrous compounds, noticeable effect on air quality. Sulphur Dioxide) due to increased due to sealed road ▪ Landscaping along roadside to reduce traffic. (considerable dust dust impacts. reduction) and

September 2020 Annexes Page 19 Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Road Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Project activities affecting Environmental Impacts Recommended mitigation measures Potential effects if unmitigated Supplemental environment information No sig. Significance of effect effect Minor Moderate Major improvement in vehicle condition. Routine and ongoing ▪ Increased accumulation of dirt on ▪ Continue implementation of waste Essential activity to

maintenance. road surface. management plan. ensure functionality and ▪ Increased accumulation of dirt and ▪ Roads inspected and cleaned to reduce longevity of roads garbage (plastics, cans organic levels of airborne dust and contaminants and drainage material) in drainage systems through mechanical (e.g. street systems. resulting in failure of the system. sweeper) or workers physically cleaning the road. ▪ All drainage system inspected, cleared of any debris and cleaned. ▪ All material disposed at permitted location. ▪ All maintenance work conducted according to pre-announced time schedule in consultation with key stakeholders, preferable outside peak business hours to limit inconvenience to business and community. ▪ Use of the road results in problems ▪ Maintenance of erosion control structure Implementation of Run-off from road. with runoff, loss of soils and other (see above). regular maintenance forms of erosion. ▪ Roads sealed (bitumen) with improved program will ▪ Water quality in rivers and nearshore culverts and drainage systems. greatly reduce areas may be affected by use of the ▪ Improved vegetation along road and siltation of streams new roads. green zone prevent run –off and siltation and downstream load in drainage and subsequent environments. streams. Increased traffic. ▪ Increases in noise nuisance for ▪ Increased traffic forecasts and Increased

residents. corresponding population density growth maintenance of vehicles and ▪ Increased traffic volumes and higher indicates increased ambient noise levels improved safety speeds leading to more frequent and will increase. driving will server accidents. ▪ Improved vehicle maintenance and increase vehicle decreased age of vehicles will reduce movements and noise. volumes whilst ▪ General safety will be improved through decreasing noise providing a shoulder and widening within and accidents. road. ▪ Installation of road safety signage. ▪ Work with police to carry out enforcement of traffic regulations once road is upgraded.

September 2020 Annexes Page 20 Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Road Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Project activities affecting Environmental Impacts Recommended mitigation measures Potential effects if unmitigated Supplemental environment information No sig. Significance of effect effect Minor Moderate Major ▪ Awareness raising of stakeholder through meetings will be needed to create road safety programs. ▪ Ongoing urban/community awareness ascertaining village concerns regarding traffic management. Spread of communicable ▪ Road acts as an accessible pathway ▪ Expected traffic volume and current Transport and

diseases. for the spread of communicable access to communities either side of the traffic flow/speed diseases such as HIV and STIs. road subprojects will remain similar and will be improved, as such increase spread of disease not goods and people expected. movement improved. Access ▪ Ongoing community awareness. to community services will be improved.

September 2020 Annexes Page 21