REPUBLIC OF YEMEN MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS RURAL ACCESS PROGRAM CENTRAL MANAGEMENT OFFICE

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1 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized REPUBLIC OF YEMEN MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS RURAL ACCESS PROGRAM CENTRAL MANAGEMENT OFFICE Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal RURAL ROAD (11.89 Km) Al-Sowadiah District, Al Baidah Governorate, YEMEN ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT (ESIA) Prepared by: Arabtech-Jardaneh - Engineers and Architects Reviewed and updated by: RAPCMO Environmental and Social Unit Staff December, 2014

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3 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Version Revision History Revision Date Description or Reason for Change Discipline Review Initial Release First revision Comments addressed Second revision Comments addressed Third revision Forth revision Comments addressed Comments addressed Director Review Approval Quality Review by: Dariusz Kobus Reviewed and updated by: Eng. Helal Al-Raishi and Eng. Hassen Attyah Socio-Environmental Study Team Name Specialty 1 Ahmad Abu Hijleh Environment Specialist- Team Leader 2 Eng. Hayel Msharbash Senior Roads Engineer 3 Eng. Ashraf Al- Jafari Traffic Engineer 4 Ahmad Kuqash Environment Specialist 5 Eng. Ali Sa ad Hydrology Specialist 6 Abdul Nasser Almwudda Socio-Economic Specialist 7 Mrs. Souhad Noamman Mrs. Yassmin Al zubaidi Women Consultation Specialist Women Consultation specialist Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

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5 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS... 9 LIST OF NOMENCLATURE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION Introduction to the Project Description of the Project Objectives of the ESIA Environmental Screening Existing Alignment Proposed Works Land Acquisition and Compensation Land Donation LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK National Legal Framework Environmental Institutions Environmental Applications to the Road Sector Involved Authorities World Bank environmental and social safeguards and policies BASELINE DATA Land Resources (Physical Region, Geology and Land use) Climate and Rainfall Absorption and Runoff Zones Catchment Characteristics Groundwater Resources Population and Community Structure Waste Disposal Economic Activities and Poverty Status Agriculture Additional Income Sources Type and Volume of Exports and Dependency on Import Services and Facilities POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS Scoping of Impacts Potential Impacts Environmental and Social Impacts during Construction Phase A-1.5. Disposal of Cut Materials and Surplus Fill A-1.6 Borrow Pits and Quarry Area Hydrology and Water Resources A-2.1 Source of Construction Water A-2.2 Pollution from Wastewater, Diesel or Asphalt Spills from Site Compound and Machinery A-2.5 Cross drainage and Scour Effects on New Fills Air quality and Noise Nuisance A-3.1 Dust and Potential Pollution from Construction Machinery, Stored materials and Spoil Heaps A-3.2 Smoke from Burning of Waste materials A-3.3 Noise Nuisance Biological Resources Socio-Economic and Cultural Impacts A-5.4 Safety and Health Measures at Construction Site A-5.9 Gender considerations A-5.11 Employment Opportunities Environmental and Social Impacts during Maintenance and Operation Phase Land Resources: The impacts in these cases will be very limited Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

6 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Hydrology and Water Resources B-2.1 Affecting Water Harvesting Structures B-2.2 Blockage of Cross Drainage / Culverts from Uncontrolled Discharged B-2.3 Erosion of Road Platform from Drainage Discharge B-2.4 Pollution from Vehicle Leakage B-3.2 Noise Nusinance Socio-Economic Resources ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES No Action Alternative Improving the Existing Road Assessment of Alternatives ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) Mitigation of Impacts during Construction Phase Socio-Economic and Cultural (A-5.1) Public Health and Safety at construction site (A-5.2) Chance Finds of cultural resources or other socio-economic resources (A-5.3) Gender Considerations (A-5.4) Employment Mitigation of Impacts during Maintenance Phase Land Resources B-1.1 Maintenance of contractor site compounds, materials and equipment storage Hydrology and Water Resources Air Quality and Noise Socio-Economic Resources B-4.3 Chance finds of Cultural Resources or Other Socio-Economic Resources Monitoring Plan SOCIAL CONSULTATIONS Objectives of the Consultations Consultation Process Findings of the Consultations Men Consultations Women Consultations Annex 1: Update of the Social Framework Agreement (SFA) in Arabic..86 Annex 2: List of Beneficiary Committee Annex 3: List of Consulted People. Attendance Sheet..88 Annex 4: Findings of Social Consultations (Second Round).94 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

7 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Table No Table (1.1): Road Alignment Characteristics LIST OF TABLES PLEASE UPDATE LIST OF TABLES Table (1.2): Bill of Quantities for Attahiriahl / Al Ka Ka road Table (2.1): List of Major Laws/Decrees/Orders relevant to roads Projects Table (2.2): List of Conventions and International Agreements that were ratified by Yemen Table (2.3): World Bank Safeguard Policies Triggered in Attahriah Al Ka ka Rural Road Table (3.1): Climate in Al-Baydha Governorate Table (3.2): Catchment Characteristics of Road area Table (3.3): Cultivated Land by Type of Irrigation in Al-Baida Governorate Table (3.4): Population Dynamics within the Project Area. Table (3.5): Major Land Use Patterns Along and Close to the Project Route Table (3.6): Governorate and District Poverty Level in the Project Area Table (3.7): Educational Services within the Road Project area Table (4.1): Checklist of Potential Impacts Associated with Road Project Table (5.1): Alternatives Analysis for the Project Major Impacts Table (5.2): Comparative Evaluation of the project's alternatives Table (6.1): Clauses relevant to mitigation measures in the Standard Construction Contracts Table (6.2): Summary Environmental Management Plan (ESMP) during construction phase Table (6.3): Summary of Environmental Management Plan during Maintenance Table (7.1): Location and number of consulted Men Table (7.2): Location and number of consulted Women P.N Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

8 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) LIST OF FIGURES Names of Figures P.N Figure (1.1): General location of AlBaidah Governorate in the R.Y 2 Figure (1.2): Photo shows typical view from Section one. 3 Figure (1.3): Attahriah, Alk aka / Je wal road project start point 8 Figure (1.4): Attahriah, Al Ka Ka /Je wal road project end point Figure (1.5): Photo shows typical view from Section two. 9 Figure (1.6): Attahriah, Al Ka Ka / Je wal road project Location Map 10 Figure (1.7): Topographic map of Road Alignment. 11 Figure (3.1): Climatic Zones in the project area 22 Figure (3.2): Average temperature graph for Al-Baidah 22 Figure (3.3): Average annual rainfall in the Project Area 23 Figure (3.4): Sub- Catchments of the Road Project 24 Figure (3.5): Shows natural vegetation cover in the road project area 27 Figure (3.6): Under/ Upper Poverty Map 29 Figure (3.7): Food Poverty Map 29 Figure (3.8): Photo shows electric pole location. 31 Figure (3.9): Distribution of Educational Institutions within the Project Area 32 Figure (3.10): Distribution of the Health Services within the Project Area 33 Figure (3.11): Photos of Flora taken along the road 34 Figure (3.12): Photos of Fauna taken during site visit 34 Figure (4.1): Photo shows alignment road passing through Je wal village. 47 Figure (4.2): At km 8.8, photo shows the alignment road 47 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

9 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AASHTO BOQ BP CO CSO EHS EIA EMP EPA EPC FAO GALSUP GARWSP GOY GP HC IFC MoAI MoF MoWE MPWH MSL NEAP NGO NO NWRA OP RAP RAPCMO RMF ROW SEA SO 2 TSP WB American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Bill of Quantity Bank procedures Carbon Monoxide Central Statistical Organization Environment, Health and Safety Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Management Plan Environmental Protection Authority Environment Protection Council Food and Agriculture Organization General Authority for Land Survey and Urban Planning General Authority for Rural Water Supply Government of Yemen Good Practices Hydro Carbon International Finance Corporation Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry of Finance Ministry of Water and Environment Ministry of Public Works and Highways Mean Sea Level National Environmental Action Plan Non-Governmental Organization Nitrogen Oxides National Water Resources Authority Operational Procedure Rural Access Project Rural Access Project Central Management Office Road Maintenance Fund Right Of Way Sectoral Environmental Assessment Sulphur Oxide Total Suspended Particulates World Bank Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

10 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road LIST OF NOMENCLATURE % Percentage C Degree Celsius mm Millimeter cm Centimeter m Meter Km Kilometer US $ m 2 United States Dollar Square meter m 3 Cubic meter KW Kilo Watt No. Number Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

11 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Introduction Executive Summary The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was prepared for the Project " Attahriah Al Ka ka Je wal Rural Road" for the Rural Access Program (RAP) as a variation order under a contract signed between the Ministry of Public Works and Highways, Rural Access Program Central Management Office (RAPCMO) and Arabtech-Jardanah - Engineers and Architects. This Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study was prepared in conformance with category B requirements of the World Bank s Environmental Assessment Policy OP In addition, this ESIA complies with the Environment Protection Law No 26 of 1995 (EPL), and according to the guidelines set forth in the Sectoral Environmental Assessment (SEA) document prepared during phase 2 of the Rural Access Program (RAP 2) which was approved by the WB in November 2009, depending on the nature of road impacts. The ESIA study was reviewed and updated by the Environmental and Social Unit Staff at RAPCMO in December 2014 addressing all comments raised by the World Bank Safeguard Team. Description of the Project This road is located in the North West part of Al Baidah Governorate within the As- Sowadiah District; for a total length of Km, which starts at about 17.5 km from the As-Sowadiah town. The proposed road serves 10 villages directly and indirectly, among them Boukhor village at km 1.7, Al Ka ka village at km 4.5, Je wal village at Km 8.6, and Dhahebah village at Km 9.65 The overall objective of this road project is to connect the populated communities and areas located along Attahriah Al Ka ka Je wal road with the other parts of Al Baida Governorate, and the national roads network. In general, the design will follow the existing track and the work will comprise earthworks, mostly excavation, drainage works, protection works, and the provision of road pavement layers, including base course and bituminous surfacing. This road is classified as category (B) because the expected adverse environmental and social impacts will be limited and temporary in most cases, while it is reversible for the most part. Meetings were conducted with the local community s representatives and the women sector within the project area. It is estimated that the road will serve about 46,404 persons directly and indirectly. The main works that will be necessary for the construction of the road are: earthworks as a result of the re-profiling of the horizontal and vertical profiles of the road, filling, grading, and leveling of sub-grade, base course layer, asphalt layer, and the construction of several culverts for stream water crossings. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

12 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Legal and administrative framework EIA in Yemen is enabled by the Environment Protection Law No 26 of 1995 (EPL), and implemented through Executive Regulations (By-Law ), issued by a decree of the Council of Ministers. Other major laws and By-Laws related to the road sector include: Construction Law No. 19/2002; Road safety Law No. 119/1976; Weights and Dimension of Transport Vehicles Law No. 23/1994 with its Executive Regulations no. 282/2002; The Road Maintenance Law (No.22/1995) with its two amendments n. 7 of 1997 and 27 of Yemen ratified also a number of International Environmental Agreements and Conventions. The central organization responsible for the coordination of decisions and actions related to the road project is the Ministry of Public Works and Highways (MoPWH) that administers among others, the Rural Access Program. Several organizations are also directly involved in road related projects such as, the Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE), the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MAI), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the General Authority for Land Survey and Urban Planning (GALSUP), the Local Councils and many existing Non Governmental Agencies (NGOs) As the Project was classified under Category B (following the World Bank OP 4.01), affected groups and local NGOs were consulted about the project's environmental aspects and their views were taken into account. In addition, temporary land use will be required for contractors camp s and storage of equipment. However, during field consultations, the beneficiary committee voluntary donated a community land for this purpose free of charge. Accordingly, the World Bank OP 4.12 is not triggered in this situation. Environmental Applications to the Road Sector The current Government Policy in the road sector is mainly related to road maintenance and development is reflected in the following projects and programs: The Rural Access Program (RAP) with the aim to improve livelihood for the rural population and reduce rural isolation. The creation of the Road Maintenance Fund (1995) with the aim to improve the maintenance of roads and to enhance cost recovery in the road sector. The Transport Rehabilitation Project (financed by the World Bank) to undertake urgent rehabilitation needs in the roads and civil aviation sectors; The Rural Access Program has established an Environmental & Social Management Unit within its Central Management Office (CMO). Through this Unit, the Program has put in place a standard environmental and social management process. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

13 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Environmental and Social Baseline Conditions Physical Environment Topography, Geology and Land Use The project is located within the central/southern highlands of Yemen, which is dominated by intrusive and metamorphic rocks of the Precambrian basement complex. The main rock types within the direct vicinity of the project route were gneissic granite, intruded by many mafic dikes, and some marble outcrops were also observed near Al Ka ka village. The project area is dominated by agricultural and residential land use pattern. Climate and Rainfall The general climatic pattern of the project area is sub-tropical and dry where the rainfalls are rather low to medium over the region, but at the mountains, by the aerographical effects, the rainfall amounts are getting little bit higher, especially in the western and northern parts of the catchments. The mean annual precipitation depends on the orientation of the topography towards the wind direction. The rainfall of the region varies from 150 mm in the lower catchment areas to about 250 mm in the higher hills. Monsoon rains come in rainy seasons, between Mar May and from July to Aug. Air Quality Unfortunately, no data exists on air quality in the project area. The lack of point pollution sources renders the air quality high. However, from the site visit one can note the high level of dust covering all the vegetation along the road (caused by traffic). Noise Typical existing noise levels near the project site are generally limited because the project site is located in a relatively underdeveloped area. Cars encountered were relatively old and slowly driven at low gear due to the rough terrain. Noise comes from the engines, transmission, exhaust and suspension of the vehicles and from frictional contact between the tires and the hard road. There are 2 schools at about 100m and 10m distance from the road and therefore are considered as potentially sensitive spots. Waste Disposal The common waste management practice is to discard the solid waste in pits near the houses and to burn it when it accumulates. Wind causes littering and smoke dispersion in the surrounding environment. Biological Resources Within the project area, major part has only very sparse natural vegetation. Scattered crops exist mostly near the wadi courses or at terraces. Fauna wise, the dominant types within Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

14 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road the project area are the reptiles and the domestic mammals. Furthermore, the project area doesn t include any biologically sensitive or protected areas or species. Socio-Economic and Cultural Aspects Population and Economic Activity The population served by the road belongs to As-Sowadiah district and is estimated at some 46,404 persons with a density of 62 person/km 2. Part of the population of the region work in farming and grazing of their domestic animals. However, the limited rainfall in the region led to the migration of many members of the population, specifically the adult males in order to work in other regions of the Yemen or even outside the Country. In general, the population along the road has very low level of income. Health and Education Facilities According to the socio-economic survey, there are no health facilities in the Project area. Most of the residents have to go to As-Sowadiah Hospital or to the town of Al-Baidah or even Sana`a for medical consultation. In the health district As-Sowadiah, there is 1 hospital, 1 health centre and 6 health units. There are 6 schools in the villages along the road. There is no telephone network (land line) in the area of the project; residents rely on mobile phones as 3 telecommunication companies cover the area. Employment Agriculture is the main source of income for the population served by the road, with the main agricultural crop being corn. Soils are fertile but agriculture is mainly rain fed and consequently, yields are very limited and almost nil in a dry year. The main water sources in the project area are wells and small springs. Runoff water is also collected mainly for irrigation. Residents rely sometimes on cisterns transporting water at a price ranging from 5 to 7 $ per m 3 of water. Archaeology and cultural heritage There are no sites of archaeological or cultural significance identified within the Project. Potential Environmental and Social Impacts Scoping matrix (adopted from the SEA-RAP2) was used to identify impacts that should be given attention. Input from the public consultation was considered and incorporated in the list of potential impacts. The key predicted impacts of the project during the construction phase include: Potential contamination of soil, ground and surface water by solid and liquid waste disposal, and handling of fuel and oil. Social impacts and littering caused by the constrution camp. Noise and erosion caused by borrow pits and local quarries. Dust emissions by earthworks and movement of vehicles. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

15 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Noise emissions by project machines and vehicles. Potential water shortage caused by constuction of water by the project. Damage to water harvesting and irrigation system. Disruption to amphibia and other small animals by blockage of culverts. None of the impacts identified were evaluated as major irreversible. Most impacts are considered minor or negligible. The impacts can be mitigated. Impacts of more significance are short-term and reversible. Impacts are listed below in order of importance starting from permanent reversible to temporary reversible. The baseline conditions do not indicate any possibility of significant cumulative impacts. Similarly, no other infrastructure projects, that could give rise to cumulative impacts, are expected during the road project implementation. Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) was prepared for the project. It aims at addressing the environmental and social impacts required during the project implementation. The ESMP is essentially a guidance document to be continually referred to during the construction and operation of the project. Mitigation Plan The majority of the proposed mitigation measures is part of the works contract and listed in the BOQ. In addition, the General Specifications and Regulations (attached as annex of the contract documents) contain specific environmental, health and safety requirements for proper management of construction waste, waste fuel, oil and lubricants, noise and dust, temporary storage of construction materials, and maintenance of equipment. The list of mitigation measures are presented in Table 1. The cost of mitigation measures (other then those already included in the BoQ) is expected to reach 20,793 USD. Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan The monitoring program will comprise site inspections and photographic documentation on weekly basis designed to determine contractor compliance or otherwise with the ESMP and other applicable regulations. It is also anticipated that additional inspections would be required in response to complaints by local communities. The costs of the monitoring program during the construction works include the costs of 1 part time environmental specialist and 1 part time social specialist with vehicle and camera. They are expected to reach 12,000 USD. The ESMP for the Project is summarized in the following tables 1 and 2 below. Social Consultations The aim of this consultation was to solicit the views and concerns of men and women on the construction of the road and incorporate them into this ESIA and the contract Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

16 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road documents of the project. The consultation with men was conducted by the Environmental and Social Unit Staff at RAPCMO on Feb, 2014 during review and update of this ESIA where 130 men were consulted in four villages. Findings of the Consultations with men During the consultation process the following information and opinions were gathered: 1. The road works do not require any land acquisition or destruction of any house. 2. All residents are convinced of the positive economic, social and health impacts of the road paving on their lives. 3. Transport is expensive especially for the sick. 4. Some resident showed lack of confidence in the implementation of the project as they were promised implementation several times long time ago. 5. Most residents showed their willingness to help during the implementation process. Most of the population did not express displeasure with the problems that accompany the implementation process such as the noise and dust. Findings of the Consultations with women Gender expert undertook the consultations on March, 2014 in four villages along the road and 117 interviewed women from different levels and discussed with them the expected impact and the appropriate mitigation measures with regard to daily activities. Women expressed their concern about the safety of the road especially in the area of Bakhor village, Alerk village, Jewal village, Dhahebah village and Attahriah villages Hammaz village & Alka'kavillag where they use the road to bring water and in the area of Attahriah villages where they use the road to get the firewood and they proposed to install bumps and signs in these 2 areas. In the village of Dhahebah and Attahriah villages, women expressed their concerns about the vicinity of the school, and their safety as they usually cross the road with their cattle and sheep when they take them grazing and they proposed to install bumps and signs to alert drivers to lower their speed. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

17 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impact A.1 Land Resources A-1.1 Temporary Land Use A-1.2Management of Construction site Compound A-1.3 Borrow Pits and Quarry Areas Summary Environmental Management Plan (ESMP) during construction phase Mitigation Responsibility Additional Cost US $ Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring -Voluntary land donation through beneficiary committee -Location of site offices and plants away from residential areas -Re-instatement of the used lot to its initial condition -Collection, temporary storage and disposal of all solid and -Location of camp away from residential area -Proper management of the construction site compound to keep the site clean -Get the base course from existing quarries and from nearby borrow area to prevent disruption of visual amenities - In case new borrow pits or local quarry needs to be opened, the contractor has to obtain permits from the governorate authorities, address land ownership issue and comply with environmental regulations of the Law 26/ A-2 Hydrology and Water Resources A-2.1 Sources of construction water -Contractor to negotiate access to water with the local Communities Contractor and Consultant Contractor Contractor Contractor, Consultant and Beneficiary Committee Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Indirect Cost included in the BoQ Part of contractor s responsibility Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist, car and camera Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist 7,619 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist Indirect Cost included in the BoQ Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

18 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impact A-2.2 Pollution from wastewater, diesel or asphalt spills from site compounds and machinery A-2.3 Flood protection in Wadi Mitigation Responsibility Additional Cost US $ Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring - Store fuel and oils in sealed containers - Refueling and small repairs to be conducted in sealed sites with sump -Do not use contaminated water for dust suppression -Do not keep the soil exposed in the rainy season - Locate stockpiles away from storm water -Limit the height & slope of stockpiles Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer -Install culverts as per the design Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Indirect Cost included in the BoQ Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist 3,000 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist A-2.4 Alteration of water harvesting patterns -Install irrigation steel pipes for encasing water pipes - Prevent damage by earth works to water harvesting and irrigation system -Avoid irreversible destruction of water patterns Contractor, Beneficiary Committee Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer 7,000 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist A-2.5 Cross drainage and scour effects -Install culverts at designated locations and sizes as per the hydrological study Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Added under A.2-3 Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist A-2.6 Discharge to Adjacent Lands: - Plain Terraces -Install irrigation steel pipes to accommodate channel flow Contractor, and Beneficiary Committee Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Added under A.2-4 Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

19 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impact A-3 Air Quality and Noise Nuisance A-3.1 Dust & Potential air pollutants from construction, Machinery, stored material and spoil heaps Mitigation Responsibility Additional Cost US $ Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring -Minimize the land disturbance by staging the work -Cover dusty vehicles -Restrict works to day time hours in and near residential areas -Regular spraying of water -Cover material stockpiles -Minimize excavation and transfer during windy days -Control drop height of excavated materials -Minimize the height & slope of stockpiles -Visually inspect dust generation -Efficient use of machinery -Regular maintenance and inspection of vehicles -Minimize the number of fuel & chemical storage places -Ensure sealed storage of volatile fuels Contractor and Consultant Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Indirect Cost included in the BoQ Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist A-3.2 Smoke from burning of waste materials A-3.3 Noise Nuisance from Construction Works -Do not burn waste material -Locate storage areas away from sensitive recipients -Regularly transfer project waste to designated dumpsites -Regular maintenance of construction equipment -Work in day time near settlements -Work outside of school hours near schools -Make sure all personnel have and use hearing protection -Prepare contingency plans to deal with noise complaints Contractor Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer No additional costs No additional costs Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

20 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impact A-4 Biological Resources A-4.1 Conversion of Degradation of a critical or noncritical Natural habitat. Mitigation Responsibility Additional Cost US $ Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring -The Contractor is not allowed to cut trees other than those necessary to conduct the works -Plant new bushes and provide necessary irrigation if bushes are destroyed during works - Unblocking of culverts to allow passage of small animals A-5 Expected Impacts on Socio-Economic Resources A-5.1Public health and safety at construction site Health and Safety for construction workers -Interaction between the workers and the Public A-5.2 Gender considerations A-5.3 Employment -Removable Barriers erected in high risk areas -Installation of warning signs - Locate workers camps away from settlements Installation of traffic signs and bumps for road safety near schools -Employ local residents when feasible -Contract local companies when feasible Contractor and Consultant Contractor in coordination with the Beneficiary Committee Contractor Contractor and Beneficiary Committee Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer No additional costs Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist 3,174 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist No additional costs Indirect cost included in the BOQ Cost included in salary of 1 part time social specialist Cost included in the salary of the part time social specialist TOTAL 20,793 USD 12,000 USD Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

21 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Summary of Environmental Management Plan during maintenance phase Potential Impact Mitigation Responsibility Additional Cost US $ Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring B-1 Land Resources B-1.1 Maintenance of contractor site compounds, materials and equipment storage B.2 Hydrology and Water Resources B-2.1 Water Harvesting B-2.2 Blockage of cross drains/culverts B-2.3 Erosion of road platform from drainage discharge B-2.4 Pollution from Vehicle leakage or accidents B-3 Socio-Economic Resources B-3.1 Increased Road Accidents B-3.2 Public Health and Safety during Maintenance B-3.3 Chance finds Cultural Resources or Other Socio- Economic Resources Follow Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations in particular: - Fire protection and prevention - Protection of the Environment - Air and water pollution - Solid Waste -Regular maintenance of water harvesting structures -Regular maintenance of the drainage structures Contractor Contractor and the Beneficiary Committee Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RMF Environment and Social Specialist of RMF Environment and Social Specialist of RMF -Regular maintenance of retaining walls, gabions and rip rap Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RMF -Timely clean up following spills or accidents Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RMF -Maintain speed reduction signs and bumps Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO - Safety rules maintained Contractor Environment and Social -Appointment of a safety officer Specialist of RMF -Health and safety regulations displayed in English and Arabic in the maintenance plant - If found during maintenance, the local Authority should be contacted GOAM Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RMF No additional cost Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ No additional cost No additional cost No additional cost No additional cost No additional cost No additional cost No additional cost No additional cost Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

22 1 Project Description 1.1 Introduction to the Project Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study has been prepared for the Project " Attahriah Al Ka ka Je wal Rural Road" for the Rural Access Program (RAP) as a variation order under a contract signed between the Ministry of Public Works and Highways, Rural Access Program Central Management Office (RAPCMO) and Arabtech- Jardanah - Engineers and Architects. This Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study was prepared in conformance with category B requirements of the World Bank s Environmental Assessment Policy OP In addition, this ESIA complies with the Environment Protection Law No 26 of 1995 (EPL), and according to the guidelines set forth in the Sectoral Environmental Assessment (SEA) document prepared during phase 2 of the Rural Access Program (RAP 2) which was approved by the WB in November 2009, depending on the nature of road impacts. The ESIA study reviewed and updated by the Environmental and Social Unit Staff at RAPCMO in November 2014 addressing all comments raised by the World Bank Safeguard Team. Figure 1.1 General location of Al-Baida Governorate in the R.Y Source: Screening Report: For ATTAHRIAH AL ka ka JE WAL - (RAPCMO) office, 2005 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

23 1.1 Description of the Project Arabtech-Jardanah - Engineers and Architects is commissioned to undertake the study of upgrading Attahriah Al Ka ka Je wal Road. This road section is located in the North West part of Al Baidah Governorate within the As-Sowadiah District; with a total length of Km, which starts at about 17.5 km from the As-Sowadiah town. The proposed road serves 10 villages directly and indirectly, among them Boukhor village at km 1.7, Al Ka ka village at km 4.5, Je wal village at Km 8.6, and Dhahebah village at Km The overall objective of this project is to connect the populated communities and areas located along Attahriah Al Ka ka Je wal road with the other parts of Al Baidah Governorate, and the national roads network. In general, the design will follow the existing track and the work will comprise earthworks, drainage works, protection works, relocation of existing utility services if necessary and the provision of road pavement layers, including base course and bituminous surfacing. This road is classified as category (B) because the expected adverse environmental and social impacts will be limited and temporary in most cases, while it is reversible for the most part. Meetings were conducted with the local community s representatives including the women within the project area. The design alignment is based on the existing alignment. Since the existing road has been excavated, the road works will not involve any widening as it has a current width varying from 6 to 8m consequently; no land acquisition or donation is needed. Figure 1.2: Typical view of the first part of Section 1 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

24 Figure 1.3: Attahriah Al Ka ka Je wal Road Rural Road Project starting point Figure 1.4 Attahriah Al Ka ka Je wal Rural Road Project ending point The main works that will be necessary for the construction of the road are: earthworks as a result of the re-profiling of the horizontal and vertical profiles of the road, filling, grading, and leveling of sub-grade, base course layer, asphalt layer, and the construction of several culverts for stream water crossings. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

25 1.1 Objectives of the ESIA The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is intended to identify and suggest mitigation measures for the potential environmental and social impacts associated with the project " Attahriah Al Ka ka Rural Road". It is also expected to assist the RAPCMO in addressing the potential environmental and social issues related to the road project and approve it to proceed. The measures to mitigate the potential impacts on the environment are identified in the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). ESMP provides guidance to contractors how to implement project in compliance with the ESMP. 1.4 Environmental Screening Arabtech-Jardanah - Engineers and Architects appointed in 2007 by RAPCMO to prepare an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Project followed the ESIA accordance with the World Bank Guidelines for Conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessment as per WB OP The proposed Project is classified under Category B. RAPCMO Environmental and Social Unit Staff reviewed this ESIA and updated it based on the recent field visit to the site to ensure that no land acquisition would occur as a result of project activities and in compliance with OP Existing Alignment The proposed road Attahriah Al Ka ka Je wal is located in the North West part of Al Baidah Governorate within the As-Sowadiah District, with a total length of Km, and its starting point is about 17.5 km from As-Sowadiah town. The proposed road serves 10 villages directly and indirectly, among them Boukhor village at km 1.7, Al Ka ka village at km 4.5, Je wal village at Km 8.6, and Dhahebah village at Km Geomorphology wise, the track can be divided into two sections: Section (1): : This section (Plate-1 & Plate-2) can be considered as a flat to simple rolling terrain with 6-9 m as it was prepared up to top sub-grade layer by a previous local contractor. The end point of this section is at the entrance of Al Ka ka village. Section (2): : This section (Plate-3 & Plate-4) can be considered as a smooth rolling terrain, with 6-8 variable track widths. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

26 The following table gives a description of the different sections of the road and the following figure shows its general road profile. Section Length (km) Width (m) Main Features 1 4, The existing alignment is an earth road and excavated before to variable widths. The alignment is considered as flat to rolling (in most of its part. Land use is vacant agricultural and houses The existing alignment is an earth alignment not excavated well. The alignment considered as flat with low and mild gradients. Land use in vacant, agricultural land and villages Total Table 1.1 Characteristics of the road alignment. Figure 1.5 Photo shows typical view from Section 1&2 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

27 Figure 1.6 Location Map Figure 1.7 Topographic map of Road Alignment Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

28 Plate -1: The Project Road s Entrance H Plate-2: St.1+325: Flat Plate-3: St , Smooth Rolling Terrain Figure 1.8 Road crossing flat to rolling terrain. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

29 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 1.1 Proposed Works In general, the design will follow the existing track and the work will comprise earthworks, mostly embankment construction, filling, grading, leveling of sub-grade, base course layer, asphalt layer, drainage works, installation of culverts, protection works, and the construction of base course and road pavement layers, including prime coat and wearing coarse surfacing. Table below is the summary Bill of Quantities (BOQ) developed for Attariah - Al ka ka rural road. It gives a brief overview of works that will be done during the execution stage. DESCRIPTION OF ITEMS UNIT QUANTITY ENGINEER'S FACILITIES Provide a rented site office, housing and accommodation for the Engineer staff as describe in Specific Specification Provide a rented three (2) vehicle for the Engineer staff including Operation cost such as, fuel, oil, lubricants, Driver, insurance, and maintenance. Etc. as describe in Specific Specification Provide a rented laboratory equipment for the Engineer staff including Operation cost as describe in Specific Specification Monthly Rate Monthly Rate / Vehicle Monthly Rate Provide a rented Survey Equipment for the Engineer staff including Operation cost describe in Specific Specification EARTH WORKS - EXCAVATION Monthly Rate Roadway Common excavation m 3 9,160 Roadway Rock excavation m Fill of suitable material from common excavation and/or rock excavation within all haulage distance. Fill of borrow material including excavation of the borrow pits and hauling the material to fill locations within all haulage distance 12 m m 3 16,820 EARTH WORKS - OTHERS Disposal of surplus and/or unsuitable excavated material outside the right- of- way to the locations approved by the engineer Reconstruct the existing layer to regain the compacted thickness (20 cm), the work shall include scarifying existing layer, mixing with new (borrow) suitable granular materials (new materials may reach 50 % of which the compacted layer suppose to composed of), watering and rolling and doing all what it needs to finish the work as per design and specifications. m 3 0 m PAVEMENT WORKS BASE COURSE AND SURFACING Granular Base Course layer 150mm thick compacted to specified m 3 9,700 AASHTO modified density as per Specification Provide and Spray Bitumen Prime Coat as per Specification m 2 89,500 Provide and Lay Asphalt Concrete Wearing Course 40mm thick m 3 5,920 Stone pavement (250mm thick) m Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

30 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment STRUCTURAL WORKS Structural Excavation (Culverts, Retaining Walls, Irish Crossings ) m Concrete Class 110/25 (Blinding for Culverts, Retaining Walls & Irish m 3 32 Crossings etc...) Concrete Class 210/20 (Culvert Top Slab, Irish Crossings Cut off Wall & Slab etc...) m Cyclopean Concrete Class 210/20 (Culvert / Retaining Walls Beds, ton 930 barriers, Paving, etc.. ) High Tensile steel bar reinforcement (Grade - 40) for Irish Crossings and ton 0 pavement High Tensile steel bar reinforcement grade 60 (Culvert Top Slab, Road m 2 22 Pavement) Grouted Riprap at Irish crossing, roadside ditches, slope Protection, and m Culverts Inlet & Outlet. ( 25cm thick) Gabions for Irish crossings, Slope Protection & Mudarrajat complete as m 3 0 per Specification and shown on Drawings. Stone masonry Dressed Coursed as per Specification and shown on m Drawings (Retaining Walls, Culverts & Safety Barriers). Boulder Masonry for Retaining Walls, Culverts & Safety Barriers m INCIDENTAL CONSTRUCTION Project Name Board (Comprised of 7 reflected 3 mm thick Aluminum sheets with their support, fittings and concrete foundation). No. 2 Small Signs (not exceeding 1sqm area) No. 12 Single post sign support No. 12 Reflectorized Pavement Marking (Thermoplastic) m 28,000 Relocation of Existing walls m 0 Relocation of Existing fences m 0 Relocation of Existing Electric Pole No. 0 Relocation of Existing Telephone Pole No. 0 Removal of existing water pipe No. 0 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS Provide and lay Irrigation Pipes MS 300mm dia. Including Excavation and Backfilling Provide and lay Reinforced Concrete Pipe Culvert 120cm dia. including plain concrete for cradle & sand for fill as per typical drawings Random Dry Stone Masonry for agriculture Land as Retaining Walls With Thickness not less than 25cm for each Stone including excavation and filling Table 1.2 Bill of Quantities for the Attariah Al Ka Ka road project m 1300 m 1200 m Land Acquisition and Compensation In roads development project, the issue of land acquisition, especially in rural areas, is considered sensitive. Land acquisition is an easy issue when implemented in vacant and / or grazing lands. While it became a very sensitive issue when dealing with private lands Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

31 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment owned by people living below poverty level, whom using this land as a source for their income. With regard to this project, it is not expected that land acquisition would occur based on the following facts: The project depends on upgrading the current road alignment and status. The project designers will work on reducing the rate of encroachment upon private lands. No widening of the road design is required; accordingly no land acquisition is expected as a result of road implementation. The design alignment is based on the existing alignment. The road works will not involve any widening as it has a current width varying from 6 to 9m. As the proposed road will be constructed on the current gravel road, no disputes are anticipated due to the construction process. The local community have assured that there are no tribal conflicts in the area currently, especially around the road alignment. They appreciate the benefit of the proposed road. Also, the officials in the region assured that the locals have agreed to provide a temporary land for the contractor s camp and storage of equipment free of charge and all the required help and assistant towards successful execution of the road. 1.1 Land Donation No land acquisition or donation will be needed, as the road will not be widened. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Sowadiah District Al Baidah Governorate

32 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 2 Legal and administrative framework 2.1 National Legal Framework The most relevant national laws related to road projects and environmental management are presented in the tables below. Year Law No. Description Establishment of the Environment Protection Council 1990 Decree of the Prime Minister 94 (EPC) Adoption of the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) 1995 Law No.26 Protection of the Environment 2002 Law No.33 Water Law (9 chapters and 82 articles) 1991 Yemeni Constitution (articles 7, 18, 19 and 20) Land Acquisition and Private Property 2002 Civil Law (articles 118, 119 and 120) Land Acquisition and public ownership 1995 Law No. 21 State Land and Real Estate 1995 Law No.1 (Articles on temporary acquisition, Articles 21, 27 provisions for land acquisition Land acquisition for the public interest 1992 Waqf Law no 23 year 1992 and The Republican Decree 99, 1996) Waqf/Endowment Land 1991 Civil Law, Articles 761, 765, 770, 1159) Agriculture Land Table 2.1 List of Major Laws/Decrees/Orders relevant to roads Projects Also, following are the major laws and By-Laws related to the road sector policy: Construction Law No. 19/2002; Road safety Law No. 119/1976; Weights and Dimension of Transport Vehicles Law No. 23/1994 with its Executive Regulations no. 282/2002; The Road Maintenance Law (No.22/1995) with its two amendments n. 7 of 1997 and 27 of Yemen ratified a large number of International Environmental Agreements and Conventions; these are listed in table 3 below. Ratification Date Name 1980 Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage 1992 Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal 1995 Convention on Biological Diversity 1995 Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer 1995 Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer 1995 Convention on the Control of the Trans boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal 1995 Framework Convention on Climate Change 1995 Convention on Biological Diversity 1996 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification UNCCD 1997 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 2002 The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals 2004 Kyoto protocol (Framework Convention on Climate Change) Table 2.2: List of Conventions and International Agreements that were ratified by Yemen Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 32

33 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment The Environment Protection Law consists of five chapters and 95 articles. The law's objectives are to protect the environment, to combat pollution, and to protect natural resources, society, human health, and living beings from activities that damage the environment. In addition, the law is designed to protect the national environment from activities practiced beyond the national boundaries and to implement international commitments ratified by the Republic of Yemen in relation to environmental protection, control of pollution, conservation of natural resources, and the protection of such globally important environmental elements as the ozone layer and climatic changes. Also, the law specify the incorporation of environmental considerations in economic development plans at all levels and stages of planning for all sectors. It also, requires the preparation of environmental assessment for all projects proposed by government, public, private, and cooperative agencies, and foreign companies. No licenses are to be issued for projects that degrade the environment. However, there is as yet no regulatory framework to support the implementation of the Environment Protection Law and the provision of undertaking environmental assessment for projects is not enforced. The competent bodies for EIA defined in the EPL are those government bodies with powers under other legislation to approve development activities. The Environment Protection Council (EPC) was given the responsibility of coordinating the activities of the competent bodies, and providing advice to them. In 2001 the Government transformed the EPC into the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Environmental standards and specifications have been prepared by the former EPC as annexes to the Executive Regulations, covering potable water quality, wastewater quality for agriculture, and ambient air quality, emissions, noise, biodiversity and protected areas. 2.2 Environmental Institutions Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), established by Decree 329/2001, (derives from the Environment Protection Council (EPC), established in 1990) is the official and specialized governmental agency for environmental protection and natural resources conservation according to the EPL and other legislation in force, with statutory planning, licensing, monitoring and auditing functions. The headquarters of the Authority is in Sana a and it has the authority to establish branches in the governorates if prescribed by a Decree from the Minister based on a proposal approved by the Minister of Civil Services and Insurance. The EPA is lead by a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman managing 3 Directorates (Natural Resource; Control and Monitoring; Planning and Environmental Data) and 4 units (Climate Change; Ozone Unit; Women and Environment; Local Environment Issues). The Authority has also 2 departments: one for Legal Affairs and one for Awareness Raising, NGOs and Information. The new EPA has a clear mandate to implement the environmental legislation and to execute projects with the following objectives: Protect the environment and conserve its balance and maintaining the ecosystems; Combat the different kinds of pollution and avoiding any damage or negative impacts of various development projects, Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 33

34 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Protect and develop the natural resources and conserve the life qualities in national environment from the damages coming from outside the national environment; Protect the society, human health and other organisms from the different nonenvironmentally activities; Eliminate air pollution and the impacts of climate changes. 2.3 Environmental Applications to the Road Sector The current Government Policy in the road sector is mainly related to road maintenance and development occurs in the following projects and programs: The Rural Access Program (RAP) with the aim to improve livelihood for the rural population and reduce rural isolation. The creation of the Road Maintenance Fund (1995) with the aim to improve the maintenance of roads and to enhance cost recovery in the road sector. The Transport Rehabilitation Project (financed by the World Bank) to undertake urgent rehabilitation needs in the roads and civil aviation sectors; 2.4 Involved Authorities The central organization responsible for the coordination of decisions and actions related to the road projects is the Ministry of Public Works and Highways (MoPWH) that administers among others, the Rural Access Program. Several organizations are directly involved in road related projects: The Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE) is responsible for water supply and sanitation. o The National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) manages water resources on a sustainable basis, ensures satisfaction of basic water needs and establishes a system of water allocation o The National Water and Sewerage Authority (NWSA) manages urban water supply, o The General Authority for Rural Water Supply (GARWSP) manages rural water supply, and o The Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MAI): is responsible for the sustainable water management in the irrigation sector and the setting up of operation and maintenance of irrigation structures. Moreover, MAI should provide protection from floods, and erosion of soil, maintain agricultural terraces and prevent the uncontrolled expansion of industrial or other infrastructure. The Ministry of Finance (MoF), and within it the Department of Public Domain, maintains urban land records such as registers of transactions, sales, and purchase leases. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 34

35 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment The General Authority for Land Survey and Urban Planning (GALSUP) is responsible for all land related tasks such as planning, preparation, concession/ownership contracts, notarization and the execution of expropriation processes. Local Councils, represent executive authority on the level of governorates (local Administration Law number 4/2002). They play a role in the control and the solving of land donation issues. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play roles in increasing public awareness on environmental or health matters; others support people in need. 2.5 World Bank environmental and social safeguards and policies The World Bank has ten operational safeguard policies, which apply to various development projects that the Bank is either implementing or funding. The purpose of these policies is to ensure that social and environmental risks are prevented or at least minimized while increasing socio-economic benefits of approved projects in addition to preserving the environment. These policies have been a means to increase the effectiveness and positive impacts of development projects supported by the Bank. The World Bank Safeguard Policy triggered for the Attariah AL Kaka road project is the Environmental Assessment OP As the proposed road was excavated to sufficient width during the previous contract, no land is needed for the road project. In addition, the temporary land use for the contractor camp and storage of equipment is voluntary provided by the local community at no cost for the successful execution of the road project. Accordingly, the WB Safeguard Policy on Involuntary Resettlement OP 4.12 is not triggered. Table 2.3. World Bank Safeguard Policies Triggered in Attahriah Al Ka ka Rural Road Policy Reference Applicability 1 Environmental Assessment OP 4.01 Yes 2 Involuntary Resettlement OP 4.12 No 3 Natural Habitats OP 4.04 No 4 Physical Cultural Resources OP 4.11 No 5 Pest Management OP 4.09 No 6 Indigenous Peoples OP 4.10 No 7 Forests OP 4.36 No 8 Safety of Dams OP 4.37 No 9 Projects in Disputed Areas OP 7.60 No 10 Projects on International Waterways OP 7.50 No Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 35

36 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment The scope of works and the expected minor environmental and social impacts of the project allow classifying the project as category B under the Bank Safeguards Policy on Environmental Assessment OP The Environmental Assessment takes into account the natural environment (air, water, and land); human health and safety; and social aspects (involuntary resettlement, physical cultural resources, etc.) in addition to trans-boundary and global environmental aspects. Useful guidelines and manuals that need to be considered during the ESMP phase of the project include: The World Bank Participation Sourcebook Safeguard Policy Basics Redbook Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) General Guidelines issued by the World Bank Roads and the Environment. A Handbook. World Bank Technical Paper 376. Doing Better Business through Effective Public Consultation and Disclosure A good Practice Manual, issued by IFC. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 36

37 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 3 Baseline Data This section will discuss the existing conditions of the Attahriah Al Ka ka Rural Road area. It comprises a description of the physical, biological and socio-economic environment. 3.1 Land Resources (Physical Region, Geology and Land use) The project is located within the central/southern highlands of Yemen, which is dominated by intrusive and metamorphic rocks of the Precambrian basement complex. The main rock types within the direct vicinity of the project route were gneissic granite, intruded by many mafic dikes, and some marble outcrops were also observed near Al Ka ka village. These outcrops are overlaid by soil deposits (up to 2 m thickness).the outcropping geological formation reflects a complicated structural setting that includes faults, joints and bedding plan systems. The overall area of the valley where the planned track is located is tectonically controlled by two sets of faults oriented N-S and SW-NE. The elevation of the Attahriah Al Ka ka rural road varies between 751m and 849m above MSL. The topography is almost flat with average low slopes of around 5%. The project area is dominated by agricultural and residential land use pattern. Most of the plots along the road are non arable or built up. Some plots are cultivated mainly with corn but only between springtime and summer time as they rely for irrigation on the rainfall. 3.2 Climate and Rainfall The climate within the project area resembles the rest of Al-Baidah Governorate Climate (Table 3.1), which is relatively cold in winter and moderate in summer, monsoon rains come in rainy seasons, between Mar May and from July to Aug. Table 3.1 Climate in Al Baidah Governorate Elevation Max. temperature (Jun-Aug) Max. temperature (Nov-Feb) Min. temperature Jul-Aug) Mini temperature degrees in cold months (Nov-Feb) Annual yearly rainfall average Annual yearly rainfall average in (R.O.Y) M asl º C º C 4-7 º C º C 232 mm 255 mm The general climatic pattern of the catchment areas concerned is sub-tropical and dry where the rainfalls are rather low to medium over the region, but at the mountains, to the orographical effects, the rainfall is higher, especially in the western and northern parts of the catchments. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 37

38 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment The area is characterized by two rainy seasons. The average yearly rainfall varies between 300 and 400mm as shown in the isohyetal map below (figure 3.1). The first rainy season starts in March and stops by the end of May and the second starts in July and stops by the end of September; the wettest month being July. The mean monthly temperature ranges between 21 to 31 degrees centigrade. The hottest months are June and July and the coldest months from December to February (figure 4.3). Figure 3.1 shows the different climatic zones in Yemen. Al- Baidah governorate has an arid climate. Project area Figure 3.1 Climatic Zones in the project area Figure 3.2 Average temperature graph for Al-Baidah Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 38

39 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Project area Figure 3.3: Average annual rainfall in the Project Area 3.3 Absorption and Runoff Zones The project area is of low to medium rainfall intensity and of limited relief. Thus it is considered to be a relatively low energy environment that tends to be rainfall absorbing area allowing for rainfall percolation through wadi beds and finally recharging the local groundwater aquifer systems. In general the expected runoff zones within the project area are the following: From St to St with a length of 75.0 m From St to St with a length of m From St to St with a length of 55.0 m 3.4 Catchment Characteristics The topography of the catchments are characterized by a mountainous terrain with a considerably high general slopes in most parts of the catchments and more gentle slopes in lower parts near to the road location. Slopes near the wadi sides in the upstream are much higher and can reach more than 100%. The catchments of the wadis draining in the study area consist of as large as 7.1 Km2 such as in the point where the road crosses wadi (6) to smaller areas less than 0.1 Km2 as in some un-named wadis as included in numbered catchments. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 39

40 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Table 3.2 Catchment Characteristics of the Road area Wadi Name / Approx. Station Area [km2] L [km] H1 [m] H2 [m] Slope [%] Source: Hydrological study for The Project Route Figure 3.4 Sub- Catchments of the Road Project Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 40

41 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 3.5 Groundwater Resources Within the project area, the main source for water is the shallow local aquifer systems. These aquifers may be formed by direct precipitation recharge and/or by seepage from other regional groundwater aquifer systems. Such aquifers are generally unstable and characterized of having fluctuated groundwater level, as it is recharged during the rainy seasons, and discharged by the locals during the dry seasons. Water demands for the scattered villages along the road alignment are provided from several shallow groundwater wells drilled in the area. The depth of these wells varies between m. Abstracted water from these wells is used for domestic and agricultural demands. Water is transported to the houses through an irregular water distribution pipe system. As for surface water, its only source in the project area is the runoff during the rainy periods through the local wadis system. 3.6 Water Harvesting The shortage of rainfall forces the local communities within the project area to use different water harvesting techniques. Within the project area water harvesting technique is practiced, based on collecting and retaining overland flow in zones where soils permit agriculture. The receiving zone is always smaller than the zone where overland flow is produced, thus a multiplier effect is produced which permits agricultural production in low precipitation zones. Such techniques are a major source for irrigating the farmed crops in the area. Thus, water harvesting structures are important for the local economy in the project area. Rainwater harvesting is a major source of water for irrigating the cultivated land (table 4.3). More than 50% of the total cultivated lands in Al-Baidah governorate are irrigated through rainwater harvesting. Cultivated Land by Type of Irrigation (ha) Area (Ha) Rain Water Harvesting 13,622 Flood Water Harvesting (Spate) 3,205 Groundwater irrigation (Spring Irrigation) 801 Groundwater irrigation (Well Irrigation ) 9,082 Total Cultivated areas (ha) 26,710 Table 3.3 Cultivated Land by Type of Irrigation in Al-Baidah Governorate (Source: Draft Sectorial Environmental Assessment, Volume-1, Oct.2011). Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 41

42 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 3.7 Air Quality and Noise Nuisance Data on air quality in Yemen is scarce, and is unlikely to be used in any RAP project analysis, and not enough studies are available to present the effects of rural roads on air quality. Recent studies indicate that as the number of vehicles continues to grow, motor vehicle emissions are becoming increasingly important contributors to air pollution. Within the project area such issue is expected to be of minimal impact due to the limited number of vehicles that will use this road compared to the number of vehicles in the major cities. Overall, the air quality in the project area is high as there are no significant sources of air pollution. Noise nuisance is seen as a minor concern in Yemen. The concept of noise pollution is not readily recognized, and the potential adverse impacts on health are not generally understood. Within the project area, baseline noise level is low due very limited number noise sources (including vehicles typical existing noise levels near the project site are generally limited because the project site is located in a relatively underdeveloped area. Cars encountered were relatively old and slowly driven at low gear due to the rough terrain. Noise comes from the engines, transmission, exhaust and suspension of the vehicles and from frictional contact between the tires and the hard road. There are 2 schools, at 10m and 100m distance to the road and they are considered as noise sensitive facilities. 3.8 Biological Resources Yemen has a rich and diverse flora and fauna is primarily due to the wide range of habitats in the country that vary from the highest mountains, to the plains, dry sand-deserts, marshes, coastal habitats and volcanic ocean islands Yemen is positioned at the juncture of three major biogeography regions, the Palaearctic, Afrotropical and Oriental regions. According to the Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE), about 2,810 plant species were recorded in Yemen. The major threats to flora are agriculture, over-grazing, urbanization, tree cutting and wind erosion. The fauna comprises 71 recorded mammal species, 5 species of gazelle and more than 363 species of birds. The major threats to fauna are hunting and destruction of habitats due to deforestation and urbanization and killing of animals perceived as dangerous. In the considered Project area, some scattered trees can be observed but none will be affected by the road works. Cattle and goats are found in the area. During the site visit, the observed fauna and flora are not those of particular interest to the environment and no protected or endangered species were identified. The road does not cross or run near any sensitive, specially designated or protected areas. With regard to the project area, major part has only very sparse natural vegetation; scattered crops exist mostly near the wadi courses or at terraces where some rock barriers or bare soil. Regarding the fauna, the dominant types of species within the project area are the reptiles and the domestic mammals. Furthermore, the project area doesn t include any endangered or protected species. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 42

43 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Figure 3.5 Natural vegetation in the Project area. As an overall conclusion, the project route is of no ecological importance, thus, the project activities will not cause any major negative impacts on the biodiversity setting. 3.9 Population and Community Structure Administrative Structure and Population The road passes through Dhahebah and Attahriah villages of As- Sowadiah district within Al Baidah Governorate (Area: 9,280 km2). As Sowadiah district includes 104 village with a total population of 46,404 persons and a population density of 62 person/km2. It is estimated that the road would serve (directly & indirectly) about 16,ooo persons. Population dynamics for As-Sowadiah district and Al Baidah Governorate are presented in (table below). ROY population, 2014 Population (Al Baida Governorate) Population (As-Sowadiah) Area (Al Baida Governorate) Area (As-Sowadiah) Density (As-Sowadiah) No. of villages (As-Sowadiah) 25,956 2,216,000 46,404 9,280 km2 444 km Table 3.4. Population dynamics within the Project Area. Source: Population Projection of the R.Y (population growth is 4.4%) Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 43

44 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Social Structure The road s area inhabitants are part of the Qayfah tribe, and there are no tribal conflicts that may affect the road construction. As the road s alignment will not be changed from its current one, thus no conflicts because of the road are expected to arise especially that the inhabitants feel a real need for the road and will not do anything that would delay or harm the project. The inhabitants in the area are settled and there are no nomads among them even among those whose main activity is herding. Furthermore, the following issues were recognized during conducting the field survey in the area: The arms carrying phenomenon is widely spread among the inhabitants and indicates a strong tribal structure in the area as carrying arms is a main symptom of tribal society indicating the fighting attitude which is typical in tribal societies. The tribal norms are strong and effective in the inhabitants' social life. This is apparent during the quarrels, which are often settled in accordance with the tribal norms and the absence of any government judiciary components or system such as police stations and general prosecution offices. The tribal chieftains (sheikhs) play a great role in leading the society in this area. Their role in administrating the local affairs is still significant and apparent more than the role of the central government representatives Waste Disposal From the site visit and discussions with the residents in the area of the Project, it was noticed that the common practice is to discard the solid waste in pits near the houses and to burn it when it accumulates. Strong wind causes littering of the surrounded area and smoke spreading. Meanwhile a blowing wind may spread waste in the surrounding environment. The nearest common waste disposal site is a waste dump in Al-Baidah, at some 35 km distance from the site Economic Activities and Poverty Status Farming and residential are the two major land use patterns a presented within the project area and along the road route (table 3.5), where the major economical activities within the project area is farming and herding. Left Side Right Side Farming Farming Farming Farming Farming Residential Farming Farming Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 44

45 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Residential Farming Residential Graveyard Residential Spot Farming Graveyard Farming Table 3.5 Major Land Use Patterns Along and Close to the Project Route In general the poverty level is high and has enforced many of the locals to look for jobs in other parts of Yemen and even to migrate outside Yemen for better job opportunities. Those emigrants are considered the main source for currency that supports their families and relatives. (table 3.6) illustrates the governorate and district poverty level in the project area. % of Population Under % of Population Under Al Baidah As-Sowadiah District Table 3.6 Governorate and District Poverty Level in the Project Area Figure 3.6 Under/ Upper Poverty Map Figure 3.7 Food Poverty Map Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 45

46 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Agriculture Farming and herding respectively are the major main economic activities within the project area. Agriculture activities within the road project area are entirely dependent on rain, which is not stable every year both in quantity and duration. As such, the crops in the area are also entirely dependents on rain conditions. The area is an agricultural one although the cultivated land area is medium when compared to population. The land ownership is 3.99 hectares/p. Area wise, about 96% of the total land in the directorate is cultivable, where 41% of it is actually cultivated. Moreover, the cultivated land at As-Sowadiah district represents 0.44% of the total cultivated land in ROY. Grains are grown on 84% of the cultivated land, where Maize represents 70%, and Wheat represents on 12% of the cultivated land in the area. Maize is the main crop in the area and the main nutrition source of the inhabitants, the production of the land is not sufficient for the local consumption; so, the people imports wheat which is an important source for nutrition. Qat and coffee are the main crops, where the farmed area by these two crops is about 23% of the cultivated lands. And they are the main source of income. About 60% of the Cultivable land is not used which mean the cultivated land would be expanded in the future Additional Income Sources In addition to the above activities, the inhabitants depend on cash remittances from family members employed outside the area. Most of them work in Yemen and some work outside Yemen, especially in the Gulf state. This income source is a crucial source of cash income for the inhabitants and balances their import/export deficit Type and Volume of Exports and Dependency on Import Although the area is an agricultural one, its output is not sufficient for local consumption. So, the area imports a big portion of its need from outside the area especially wheat, rice, sugar, vegetable oil, diesel, kerosene, and fuel. There are no important souks (market) in the area. So, there is not any significant commercial activity in the area. On the other hand, Qat and coffee are the two main exported crops from this area, representing one of the income sources for the local population Services and Facilities Infrastructure According to the socio-economic survey, the main water sources in the Project area are wells and small springs. Runoff water is also collected mainly for irrigation. There isn`t water supply networks in the villages. Residents rely on cisterns transporting water at a price ranging from 5 to 7 $ per m 3 of water in case of network breakage. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 46

47 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Water Resources and Sanitation Services Water demands for the scattered villages along the road route are provided from several shallow groundwater wells drilled in the area. The depth of these wells varies between m. Abstracted water from these wells is used for domestic and agricultural demands. Water is transported to the houses through an irregular water distribution pipes system. There is no sanitation drainage network in the area. Also, there is no authority for collection and disposal of domestic waste. Electricity and Telephone There is central or local electricity grid in the area. However, Some families own small generators that they share the output with their neighbors. But, most of the inhabitants nonelectrical use lamps. There is a central telephone network in the area, where most of the villages are covered by it. Also, the area is covered by cellular phone but only one of the mobile companies has a good coverage. The extension of the electrical grid system within the governorate is presented. There isn`t electric poles exist along and/or adjacent to road project to be relocated during construction stage. See figure (3.8). Education Figure 3.8: Photo shows electric pole location Six schools providing Basic and Secondary level education are established within the project, area statistical information about these schools is presented in (table 3.7). The extension of the educational establishments within the governorate is presented in Figure (3.9). The extension of these schools will not be affected by road construction. Area No Level No of Students Male Female Dhahebah 2 Basic Dhahebah 1 Basic / Secondary Attahriah 3 Basic 1-9 1, Total 6 1 Basic Secondary 2,093 1, Table 3.7 Statistical Presentation for the Educational Services Within the Road Project Area Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 47

48 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment The other key information collected about the educational system include: Number of students in the area is acceptable compared to other Yemeni rural area. Female students represent 41% of total student numbers, which indicates that the female enrollment ratio is becoming acceptable. There is only one secondary school in the area, and the number of female students is only 50 students, which indicate the female enrollment ratio in this level is bad. The number of schools is not enough to cater for the needs. Figure 3.9 Distribution of Education Institutions within the project area Health Care There are no governmental health care establishments in the project area. So, locals need to transfer their patients to As-Sowadiah or Rada a city, which cost them a lot of money (about 2000 YR/ trip) and effort. Women and children are the most impacted by this situation as they do not get the basic vaccines when needed in the area (except for Paralysis vaccine which is provided during government national campaigns). However, the easy access to the proposed paved road helps the inhabitants to reach the health Facilities in Rada a city. The extension of the health establishments within the governorate is presented in Figure (3.10). Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 48

49 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Figure 3.10 Distribution of the Health Services within the Project Area Biological Environment According to the Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE), about 2810 plant species were recorded in Yemen. The major threats to flora are agriculture, over-grazing, urbanization, tree cutting and wind erosion. The fauna comprises 71 recorded mammal species, 5 species of gazelle and more than 363 species of birds. The major threats to fauna are hunting and destruction of habitats due to deforestation and urbanization and killing of animals perceived as dangerous. In the considered Project, some scattered trees can be observed in the project area but none will be affected by the road works. Cattle and goats are found in the area. During the site visit, the observed fauna and flora are not those of one particular interest to the environment and no protected or endangered species were identified. The road does not cross or run near any sensitive, specially designated area or protected areas. The following photos present such species observed during site visits. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 49

50 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Figure 3.11 Photographs of Flora taken along the road. Figure 3.12 Photographs of Fauna taken during site visit. Employment Agriculture is the main source of income for the population served by the road, with the main agricultural crop being corn. Soils are fertile but agriculture is mainly rain fed and consequently, yields are very limited and almost nil in a dry year. The project area is known for the high number of imigrants that left the area looking for job opportunities. The main income of the population in the area comes from money transfers. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 50

51 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Figure 3.11 Photo of agriculture land adjacent to road Access to services According to the socio-economic survey, the main water sources in the Project area are wells and small springs. Runoff water is also collected mainly for irrigation. There isn`t water supply networks in the villages. Residents rely on cisterns transporting water at a price ranging from 5 to 7 $ per m 3 of water in case of network breakage. There is no telephone network (land line) in the area of the Project; residents rely on mobile phones as 3 telecommunication companies cover the area. Archaeology and cultural heritage There are no known sites of archaeological or cultural significance identified within the Project site. Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 51

52 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment 4 Potential Environmental and Social Impacts 4.1 Scoping of Impacts The scoping matrix (adopted from the SEA-RAP2) presented in table 4.1 was used to identify impacts that should be given attention. Input from the public consultation was considered and incorporated in the list of potential impacts. These impacts are classified in terms of: Type (negligible, uncertain, positive, negative), Effect (direct, indirect), Duration (temporary, permanent), Extent (localized, extensive) and Degree (minor, major reversible or major irreversible). None of the impacts identified were evaluated as major irreversible. Most impacts are considered negligible. Impacts of more significance are short-term and reversible. 4.2 Potential Impacts This section of the report presents and discusses the expected Environmental and Social impacts of this project (both positive & negative) during the Design/Construction phase and the operation phase. The Environmental and Social checklist presented in Table (4.1) is used as a guiding tool for evaluating the expected impacts of this project. The discussed potential impacts within this section cover: Land Resources Hydrology and Water Resources Air Quality and Noise Biologic Resources Socio-Economic and Cultural Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impacts 52

53 LAND RESOURCES ASPECT PHASE Item No. Negligible Positive Negative Direct Indirect Temporary Permanent Localized Extensive Minor & reversible Major & reversible Major& Irreversible Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Table 4.1 Checklist of Potential Impacts Associated with Road Project POTENTIAL IMPACT CHARACTERISTICS Type Effect Chang e Extent Degree POTENTIAL IMPACTS Comments A1- Design / Construction A-1.1 A-1.2 Permanent Land Acquisition A Local Re-Alignment / New Alignment O A Dumping Sites O O O O O Temporary Land Acquisition A Site Compound O A Diversion and Haul Road A-1.3 Slope Stabilization O A-1.4 Management of Construction Site Compound A A Solid and Liquid Waste Disposal Handling of Petroleum Products and Paving Material O o o o o O The current width of the road track is sufficient for construction of the planed project Not to dump in Ag lands & near residential spots. Local communities promise to provide temporary community land free of charge and to provide full support to the project implementation Collect, separate recyclable and compost organic waste o o o o O Properly collect and dispose products 53

54 LAND RESOURCES ASPECT PHASE Item No. Negligible Positive Negative Direct Indirect Temporary Permanent Localized Extensive Minor & reversible Major & reversible Major& Irreversible Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road POTENTIAL IMPACT CHARACTERISTICS Type Effect Chang e Extent Degree POTENTIAL IMPACTS Comments A Safety And Emergency Response Procedures O A Living and Sanitation Facilities o o o o O Prepare treatment and disposal of wastewater B1 - Operation A-1.5 A Rehabilitation of Site Disposal of Cut Material and Surplus Fill o o o o O o o o o O A-1.6 Borrow Pits and Quarry Areas o o o o O B- 1.1 Slope Stabilization O B- 1.2 B- 1.3 B- 1.4 Agricultural Land or Terrace Damage During Maintenance Maintenance Contractor Site Compound, Material and Equipment Storage Management of Induced Development O O O The public safety and mainly kids, because: (i) harmful materials can be found and used in an inappropriate way, (ii) The risk of falling in any excavated holes within the construction site. Avoid dumping in Ag lands & nearby residential spots. To be selected away from the Ag lands & Residential spots with the approval of the RE and the local communities Most of the road passes by flat and semi flat areas Care should be given not to impact any of the agricultural lands and terrace by the maintenance operation Implement a public safety plan within the compound This project will help in upgrading the life indexes within the project area and will not cause induced development. 54

55 HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES ASPECT PHASE Item No. Negligible Positive Negative Direct Indirect Temporary Permanent Localized Extensive Minor & reversible Major & reversible Major& Irreversible Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road POTENTIAL IMPACT CHARACTERISTICS Type Effect Chang e Extent Degree POTENTIAL IMPACTS Comments A-2.1 Sources of Construction water o o o o o The contractor should arrangements with the local communities A2 - Design / Construction A-2.2 Pollution from Wastewater, Diesel or Asphalt Spills from Site Compound and Machinery A-2.3 Flood Protection in Wadi O A-2.4 Alteration of Water Harvesting Patterns 0 A-2.5 Cross Drainage and Scour Effects o o o o O o o o o o Shallow groundwater level Culverts and Irish crossing will be established along the project route Minimal impacts, concentrated in the agricultural zones along the project route Hydraulic structures will be constructed to help in overcoming this issue. A2 - Design / Construction A-2.6 Discharge to Adjacent Lands: Discharge to Unstable A Slopes A A A Discharge to Rock Surface Discharge to Channel in a Stack Discharge to Graveyards O O O O Major part of the road route is passing by flat to semi- flat area. Major part of the road route is passing by flat to semi- flat area. With the absence of any major unstable rock surfaces No Channel in a Stack were identified along the project route A Discharge to Terraces O 55

56 ASPECT AIR QUALITY AND NOISE NUISANCE PHASE Item No. Negligible Positive Negative Direct Indirect Temporary Permanent Localized Extensive Minor & reversible Major & reversible Major& Irreversible Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road POTENTIAL IMPACT CHARACTERISTICS Type Effect Chang e Extent Degree POTENTIAL IMPACTS Comments A Discharge to Other Sensitive Areas or Structures O B-2.1 Work in Water Harvesting system No sensitive areas were identified along the project route. Hydraulic structures will be used as a water harvesting system B2 - Operation B-2.2 B-2.3 Blockage of Cross Drainage / Culverts from Uncontrolled Discharges Erosion of Road Platform from Drainage Discharge o o o O o o o O Measure should be taken into account(such as periodic cleaning) Measure should be taken into account(if it is happened) B-2.4 Pollution from Vehicles Diesel and Oil Spills or Accidents with Hazardous Cargo o o o o O Measure should be taken into account(if it is happened) A3 - Design / Construction A-3.1 A-3.2 Dust & Potential Pollution from Construction Machinery, Stored Materials and Spoil Heaps o o o o O Temporary & Low Smoke from Burning of Waste Materials o o o o O Temporary & Low A-3.3 Noise Nuisance o o o o O Temporary & Low B3 - Oper atio n B-3.1 Air Pollution from Increased Traffic 0 Very minimal 56

57 BIOLOGIC RESOURSES ASPECT PHASE SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL Item No. Negligible Positive Negative Direct Indirect Temporary Permanent Localized Extensive Minor & reversible Major & reversible Major& Irreversible Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road POTENTIAL IMPACT CHARACTERISTICS Type Effect Chang e Extent Degree POTENTIAL IMPACTS Comments B-3.2 Noise Nuisance 0 Very minimal A4 - Design / Construction B4 - Operation A5 - Design / Construction A-4.1 A-4.2 A-4.3 B-4.1 Conversion or Degradation of a Critical or non-critical Natural Habitats Damage to Biological Resources by Construction Equipment Damage to Biological Resources by Construction Workers Increased Pressure on Biological Resources from Induced Development 0 Negligible o o Low Temporary Impact Low Temporary Impact B Animal Road Kill 0 very minimal impact B Destruction of Vegetation A-5.1 Tribal Tensions 0 0 very minimal impact A-5.2 Land Acquisition and Resettlement 0 No needed. A-5.3 A-5.4 Destruction or Re-Location of Utility Services (Electricity and Phone Pole Lines, Water Pipes) Public Health and Safety at Construction Site 0 Local communities offer full support to the project. No utility services found near road alignment 57

58 N O M IC A N D C U LT U R AL ASPECT PHASE Item No. Negligible Positive Negative Direct Indirect Temporary Permanent Localized Extensive Minor & reversible Major & reversible Major& Irreversible Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road POTENTIAL IMPACT CHARACTERISTICS Type Effect Chang e Extent Degree POTENTIAL IMPACTS Comments A A Safety and Health for the Construction Workers Public Safety at the Site and Interaction between the Workers and the Public Health and measures instated at work compound. Also, measures taken to minimize workers-locals interaction A-5.5 Road Closure and Detours 0 To be announced to population when needed. Current traffic not heavy. A-5.6 Graveyards and Burials 0 None A-5.7 A-5.8 Known Archaeological and Historic Sites Chance Finds of Cultural Resources or Other Socio- Economic Resources A-5.9 Gender Considerations 0 A-5.10 Locating the Project Compound 0 A-5.11 Employment None No Archaeological and Historic Sites where identified along the project route. The project will upgrade the life indices along the project route area The locals offer all help to the project. the site should be away from the agricultural lands or the residential spots Temporary job opportunities will be available for the local communities within the project area. B5 - Ope rati on B-5.1 Increased Road Accidents Signage and proper speed limiting bumps include n the design 58

59 ASPECT PHASE Item No. Negligible Positive Negative Direct Indirect Temporary Permanent Localized Extensive Minor & reversible Major & reversible Major& Irreversible Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road POTENTIAL IMPACT CHARACTERISTICS Type Effect Chang e Extent Degree POTENTIAL IMPACTS Comments B-5.2 B-5.3 B-5.4 Public Health and Safety During Maintenance B B Maintenance Works Site Risks to Workers and the Public Health Risks from Compound Sanitation and Communicable Diseases Socio-Economic Benefits Reduce time needed B to reach educational establishments. Reduce time needed B to reach health establishments Reduce travel time to B the nearby districts Establishment of new businesses (small B commercial establishment & Farming) Chance Finds of Cultural Resources or Other Socio- Economic Resources The contractor should provide all health and safety measures to the workers and the road users The contractor should provide clean water and food to the workers in addition to implement an appropriate sanitation system This project will upgrade the life indices and the socio-economic conditions within the project areas This project will upgrade the life indices and the socio This project will upgrade the life indices and the socio This project will upgrade the life indices and the socio Minimal chance to find Cultural Resources or Other Socio-Economic Resources 59

60 4.3 Environmental and Social Impacts during Construction Phase Land Resources A-1.1 Permanent Land Acquisition Further to the development of the detailed design, it was clear that land acquisition is not needed, as the width of the existing road is sufficient to accommodate two passing vehicles. A Dumping Sites: such issue is of low magnitude. Waste dumping along the road will be temporary and conducted away from the agricultural and residential spots along the project route. A-1.2 Temporary land Use Temporary Land use is of negligible impact and expected to be implemented during construction phase for: - Establishing the project offices, storage of equipment and materials. The local community representatives ensured that, they will provide a temporary community land free of charge and full support and help needed from them for implementing this project. Temporary land use will be needed for the establishment of site offices and plants. It will have an impact on land use, however, limited in space (around 5,000 m 2 ) and time (around 10 months). To minimize the impacts of the temporary land acquisition, the site used by a contractor who made previous works could be re-used. The site compound, if not located and managed properly could have negative impacts on the environment such as disturbance of the natural flora and fauna, contamination of ground water and soils and disturbance of the local communities. Temporary land acquisition will not be needed for diversion and haul roads as the actual road width is 6 to 8m and the excavation works were completed. A-1.4 Management of Construction Site Compound A Solid and Liquid Wastes Disposal This type of wastes will be generated by the work manpower, and wastes from the routine maintenance and repair of vehicles and construction machinery. Such issue is of low magnitude, where the contractor should not dump any type of domestic wastes close to residential area and/or the agricultural lands. From the site visit and discussions with the residents in the area of the Project, it was noticed that the common practice is to discard the solid waste in pits near the houses and to burn it when it accumulates. Meanwhile a blowing wind may spread waste in the surrounding environment. The nearest common waste disposal facility is a waste dump in Al-Baidah, at some 35 km distance from the site. 60

61 A Absence of Safety Measures for Petroleum Products & Paving Materials During this phase, storing the used Petroleum materials, products and Paving materials, in the construction operation without implementing appropriate management and safety plans can be of high impact on the safety of the workers in the project and any nearby residential areas. Such issue is of low magnitude. A Living Standards and sanitation Facilities The absence of adequate living standards (clean water, sanitation system and wastes collection system) in the consecution camp can cause serious health problems to the workers and to the nearby local communities. A Rehabilitation of the Construction Site Leaving the construction compound without rehabilitation after the end of the construction phase can impact the public safety of the locals living close to or passing by it, especially the children, because: (i) harmful materials can be found and used in an inappropriate way, (ii) The risk of falling in any excavated holes within the construction site. A-1.5. Disposal of Cut Materials and Surplus Fill According to the project design the estimated quantity of cut materials that will result from the different construction activities is about 45,000 m3, while the needed quantity of fill materials is about 22,000 m3. The project design focused on using the cut materials to cover the required quantity of fill materials. Nevertheless, such materials might be a major source of solid waste during the construction phase. Unmanaged dumping process for these materials will have several negative impacts, represented by: (i) Permanent destruction of the soil layers; (ii) Reducing of productivity of the agricultural lands along the project route; (iii) Slope stability Problems. The magnitude of this impact is medium along the agricultural sections of the project route. The dumping site for such materials should be away from the agricultural sectors and also away from the residential areas. A-1.6 Borrow Pits and Quarry Area Defining the Borrow pits and the quarry areas for the project usage is an important issue of concern for the contractor as he preferred these areas to be close to the work area to reduce the transportation cost. Thus, within the project area the magnitude of this issue is low to medium especially within the agricultural zones along the project route. Under any condition, the contractor should not be allowed to use any of the agricultural lands as a borrow pits or quarry areas Hydrology and Water Resources. A-2.1 Source of Construction Water It is expected that the contractor will depend on meeting his water demands (Domestic and for the different construction activities) from the limited available local groundwater 61

62 resources. Such condition will affect the availability of the existing limited water quantities for the local communities in the area. Without appropriate arrangements with these communities, such actions can cause the contractor social problems and conflicts with the local communities. This issue is of high concern. A-2.2 Pollution from Wastewater, Diesel or Asphalt Spills from Site Compound and Machinery Domestic liquid waste will be generated from the following three different sources: - The working manpower - The routine maintenance, and repair of vehicles and construction machines - From the asphalting process (asphalt, bitumen and other related petroleum-based products). Inappropriate management system for disposing of these liquids, might leads to soil and water resources contamination, and negatively affects the public health within the project area. Thus, polluting groundwater resources could occur from diesel and other spills during construction. The magnitude can be considered moderate and needs to be taken into consideration, as the depth to groundwater is shallow, and doesn t exceed 20m from the land surface. A-2.5 Cross drainage and Scour Effects on New Fills During the construction operations, if new fills weren t well compacted, a lot of scour points will be created on both the road s edge and on the fill slope edge. Omitting this issue will eventually erode the roadbed. Remedial treatment will therefore be required. Such case may occur where newly cut roads will create new catchment (which is not the case of the subject project). The absence of a professional supervision for the construction activities can cause (among many others) that new fill is not adequately compacted and lead to roadbed erosion. Such issue is of limited very low magnitude as major part of the road route is passing by flat to semi- flat area. Nevertheless, sufficient hydraulic structures will be constructed along the sensitive zones within the project route to help in overcoming this issue Air quality and Noise Nuisance A-3.1 Dust and Potential Pollution from Construction Machinery, Stored materials and Spoil Heaps The effect of such impact is expected to be temporary and limited. Appropriate mitigation measures implemented by the contractor can highly control such impact. The primary source of potential air quality impacts during the construction phase is fugitive dust emissions generated from earthworks activities. Dust (or particulate matter) may be generated from the following activities: - Blasting and crushing of rocks; 62

63 - Excavation of soils; - Movement of construction vehicles on unsealed pathways; Wind blowing over stockpiled and exposed soils; - Loading and unloading of materials on site; and - Emissions from uncovered truckloads. The generation of high levels of dust has the potential to negatively impact the health and safety of earthwork laborers and residents of the villages, reduce visibility, and retard plant growth in the surrounding areas. Increases in exhaust emissions are expected at the Project site, as a result of construction vehicles and machinery. Exhaust emissions are likely to include nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur oxides (SO 2 ), hydrocarbons (HC), and total suspended particulates (TSP). These emissions have the potential to negatively impact the health of workers at the Project site. Volatile emissions may also be expected during the earthworks phase, from solvents and fuels stored or used on the Project site. Volatile emissions have the potential to negatively impact the health of workers at the Project site. A-3.2 Smoke from Burning of Waste materials The effect of such impact is expected to be temporary and limited. Burning of waste material during the construction period may lead to air pollution from smoke emissions. A-3.3 Noise Nuisance The scattered residential spots penetrated by the road will experience negative impacts of dust, particulates, and gaseous emissions from the construction operations and from Burning of Waste Materials. Also such areas will be impacted by and noise during this phase. Such impacts are considered limited and of temporary effects. Earthwork activities and heavy machines are expected to elevate ambient noise levels in areas within the Project site for certain periods. Construction works are likely to occur for 8 to 9 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week. Potential sources of noise during bulk earthworks include truck and vehicle movements to, from and across the Project site. The existing sensitive receivers to noise in the Project site are mainly the villages and in particular the schools that are directly along the road. They will probably remain in operation throughout the Project, and as such, will be impacted by the construction noise and additional traffic, which will need to be mitigated against. Noise may also disturb wildlife in the vicinity of the work area Biological Resources As parts of the Project site are developed, and the alignment is known not to traverse any biodiversity sensitive areas such as natural reserves or wetlands, the potential impacts that may occur during construction include: 63

64 Soil disturbance through the use of heavy trucks; Dust and exhaust emissions from vehicles and machinery; Destruction of small bushes. Considering that the road exists, the construction phase will not pose a serious impact to the neighboring habitats. A minor disturbance to cattle and sheep crossings might occur during short periods of works Socio-Economic and Cultural Impacts A-5.4 Safety and Health Measures at Construction Site Different sources of risks are expected to affect the public safety of the local communities and workers, due to: (i) The usage and movement of the construction vehicles and machinery, (ii) the risk of blasting the rock or excavated material. The magnitude of this issue is low. Nevertheless, the contractor should provide appropriate protection measures. A-5.9 Gender considerations Three meetings consultation have been conducted with women and during the meeting most of women attended have welcomed the establishment of the new road and hoped that it will participate highly in improving the life indices in their villages. Expected advantages from establishing the road as reported by the consulted women are the following: Provide easy accessibility to get the medical care during the pregnancy and delivery, through easy access to the health care centers in the nearby towns. Reduce the cost of living through reducing the prices of goods such as cooking gas, and other types of food. Participate in increasing the social interaction with the nearby local communities, especially as the road will make their visit to their family easier. Increase the number of students who can continue their secondary school education (especially girls). Help in establishing infrastructure (water and electricity) projects. Provide temporary job opportunities during the construction phase. A-5.10 Employment Opportunities During the construction phase, the construction activities can be considered as a temporary positive impact, as work opportunities can be provided to the local labor living close to the project route. Employing a certain number of construction workers at the anticipated peak of the construction phase; Providing employment opportunities for a number of people within the region such as security guards and driver; Providing indirect income from construction work and purchase of material and supplies. 64

65 4.4 Environmental and Social Impacts during Maintenance and Operation Phase The operation of the road will be associated with some negative and several positive impacts discussed in the coming subsections Land Resources: No impacts are expected Hydrology and Water Resources B-2.1 Affecting Water Harvesting Structures Water harvesting structures will be not impacted by direct damage or by the road user s misuse. Along the project route this issue is positive impact. B-2.2 Blockage of Cross Drainage / Culverts from Uncontrolled Discharged The absence of a regular maintenance program for Cross Drainage / Culverts from Uncontrolled Discharges, may lead to destroying these structures and negatively impacting the nearby agricultural and residential spots along the project route. Such issue is of low magnitude. B-2.3 Erosion of Road Platform from Drainage Discharge The absence of a regular maintenance program for the road platform, in addition to the inappropriate design for the hydraulic structures along the project route might cause erosion for the road platform. B-2.4 Pollution from Vehicle Leakage Surface or groundwater pollution may occur from routine spillage or leakage from vehicles using the road. Considering that the projected traffic is expected to be limited, thus, discharges impact from road users on the groundwater quality is going to be minimal. Furthermore, the quantity of routine leakage is not expected to have a major impact. B-3.2 Noise Nuisance Although considered minimal, noise nuisance might have negative impacts on sensitive receptors, such as schools located 10m from the road alignment Socio-Economic Resources B-5.3 Anticipated Socio Economic Benefits Based on the conducted site visits to the project area, and the conducted meetings with the local communities, the expected socio-economic benefits are the following: Improvement of the standard of living for local residets in the region by the generation of additional commercial opportunities and access to new employment centers Induced development: roadside commercial, industrial, residential, etc. Reduction in the transport costs Increased access to markets for local products Better access to health care and other social services Increase in local land values Easier access to schools Reduction in the travel time Reduction in the operation costs of vehicles. 65

66 5 Analysis of Alternatives Alternatives to the project have negative environmental impacts. Consequently, the "No Action Scenario" would be compared to the Project implementation scenario. The present low standard of living in the villages within the road alignment will continue to worsen. Further to the development of the detailed design, it was clear that land acquisition is not needed, as the width of the existing road is sufficient to accommodate two passing vehicles. 5.1 No Action Alternative The No-Action Alternative assumes that the present state of the road proposed would pertain. This would imply that the road would be left in its current state of poor riding surface and unacceptable geometric alignment. Under this alternative, the present low standard of living in the villages within the road alignment will continue to worsen. All development opportunities such as easy movement of agricultural products and passengers, and reduced vehicles operating cost would not be realized. Furthermore, uneven road surface and sharp curves causing the movement of vehicles to be difficult and dangerous will continue. 5.2 Improving the Existing Road This alternative will improve the road alignment to an acceptable level of safety, speed and environmental standards. This alternative seems to be more realistic, since there would be minor environmental impacts, as compared to the benefits that would be accrued from its implementation. 5.3 Assessment of Alternatives Although there are environmental implications associated with improving the existing road, appropriate mitigation measures would be implemented to minimize them especially that major part of these impacts characterized by one or more of the following characteristics: Temporary and of low magnitude especially during the construction phase. Low magnitude and of localized impacts. In addition to that, the full support for the project for the local communities in the project area will provide a strong base for solving any social impacts that will result for establishing this road. Furthermore, in spite of its medium initial cost, the benefits to be accrued far outweigh that of the other alternative. Analysis of Alternatives for the project major impacts are presented in table

67 Table 5.1 Alternatives Analysis for the Project Major Impacts Action Do-Action No- Action Best Alternative -Upgrade living standards. Rehabilitate and upgrade the current road - Easy access to health and educational establishments. - Reduce the cost of living. -Attract economical investment from outside the project area. All development opportunities such as easy movement of agricultural products, passengers, and reduced vehicles operating cost would not be realized. Do- Action Establishing culverts and Irish crossings -Assist the water harvesting mechanism -Implementing appropriate discharge method - Keeping the road in good condition for a long time. - loss of water. - impacting agricultural lands. - Impacting the public safety of the nearby residential spots Do- Action - Contribute in groundwater recharge of the local aquifers. The previous section showed clearly that the project would be associated with several positive impacts and some minor negative impacts during the construction phase. The latter, if properly mitigated, will have their magnitude certainly decrease and will enhance the benefits of the project. The main benefit will be the contribution to the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the area and the reduction in dust pollution. The following table shows a comparison of the two scenarios based on different parameters. Evidently, the benefits that will arise from the project will outweigh its negative impacts. Parameter Project Implementation No Action Scenario Land Resources No significant impact (0) No significant impact (0) Hydrology and Water Resources Low negative impact (-) High negative impact (---) Air Quality and Noise Nuisance Low negative impact (-) High negative impact (---) Biological resources No significant impact (0) No significant impact (0) Socio-economic and Cultural High positive impact (+++) High negative impact (---) Table 5.2: Comparative Evaluation of the project's alternatives 67

68 6 Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) aims at addressing the environmental and social safeguards required during the Project implementation. The presence of a proper environmental and social management plan is extremely useful so that recommendations in terms of mitigation and monitoring are effectively implemented. The ESMP is essentially a guidance document to be continually referred to during the construction phase (see table 6.2) and maintenance phase (see table 6.3) of the Project. 6.1 Responsibilities for implementation and monitoring The Implementing Contractor has the responsibility to ensure that all persons working on the Project (including subcontractors and their employees) comply with the environmental requirements outlined in this ESMP. The Contractor must prepare a Construction Plan that meets these requirements. He shall fully coordinate with the World Bank, RAPCMO and the Consultant during site inspections. The Supervising Consultant has the responsibility to monitor the project works, report compliance (or otherwise) with ESMP, and request mitigation measures in cases of noncompliance. The MoPWH shall contract, through the Supervising Engineer, a social and an environmental specialist for the total duration of the construction work (estimated at 10 months) on part time basis. Their fees are estimated at 12,000 US$ for the total project duration. The social and environmental specialists shall be responsible for the supervision of the implementation of all the mitigation measures identified in the ESMP and the solution of environmental and social issues that may be encountered during the execution of works. The task comprises: Weekly Site inspection Documentation of the feedback from stakeholders and other affected people Photographic documentation Reporting on-site inspections clearly identifying areas of Contractor's compliance and non-compliance with the ESMP and recommendation on actions to be taken Production of monthly progress monitoring reports. The World Bank will monitor the implementation of road specific ESIAs/ESMPs and other Safeguard related documents (SFAs). In particular, the Bank will ensure that proper monitoring takes place and that the reports are filed regularly. The MoPWH and in particular the Environmental and Social Unit (E&SU) of RAPCMO is responsible for the supervision of the monitoring of the implementation of the proposed environmental and social measures for Attahriah Al Ka ka Project. Being the executing agency, it is understood that it has access to any component of the project. However, it is advisable to have a clear clause in the TORs that states that authorized officers from RAPCMO may at any time enter any premises to examine, inspect, control, monitor, take samples, examine books, records or documents and take photos. Access to all sites of the project shall be assured. The RAPCMO will also review the reports submitted by the 68

69 Consultant. The Beneficiary Committee is responsible for the coordination with RAPCMO authorized officers, the Consultant, in particular the Social and Environmental Specialist (ESS) and the Contractor to solve arising issues resulting from road construction and maintenance. The Road Maintenance Fund (RMF) and those institutions responsible for road safety will be coordinated with during post construction road maintenance activities. 6.2 Mitigation Plan The Mitigation Measures lists the actions needed to mitigate the previously identified negative impacts and enhance the positive impacts. The mitigation plan shall make sure that all reasonable measures are taken to ensure that the construction and maintenance of the road are compatible with the protection of the existing environment and maintain the welfare of the people affected by the Project. The mitigation measures, including those in the BOQ, will be included in the works contract. The total cost of mitigation measures during the construction phase (excluding monitoring) is estimated to reach 20,793 USD. The majority of the proposed ESMP mitigation activities is part of the works contract and listed in the BOQ under Environmental Works. The General Specifications and Regulations (attached as annex to volume II of the contract documents) contain specific environmental, health and safety requirements for: Proper management of construction waste; Control measures for waste fuel; Oil and lubricants; Reduction of noise and dust levels; Rehabilitation of areas used for construction detours; Sites used for temporary storage of construction materials; and Use and proper maintenance of equipment with appropriate noise and smoke abatement controls. Clause Subject 4.1 to 4.10 General Requirements 5.1 to 5.16 Safety Requirements 6.1 to 6.5 Environmental and Health Requirements 7.1 to 7.5 Additional Requirements for Work in Public Areas Contractor's Site Check List Table 6.1 Clauses relevant to mitigation measures in the Standard Construction 69

70 6.3 Mitigation of Impacts during Construction Phase Land Resources (A-1.2) Temporary Land Use The local community representatives ensured that, they will provide a temporary community land free of charge and full support and help needed from them for implementing this project. Temporary land use will be needed for the establishment of site offices and plants. The location of the site plant shall be agreed upon with the Beneficiary Committee and the Project Manager before the start of the works. It should be located at distance far enough from the nearest residential area in order to minimize the disturbance to the local communities. The site plant shall be managed properly to prevent disturbance of the natural flora and fauna, contamination of ground water and soils, and disturbance to the local communities. After completion of the works, the Contractor shall re-instate the location of the camp to its initial conditions. The mitigation measures for solid and liquid waste disposal, spillage of fuel and lubricants and the inappropriate discharge of sewage are to comply with clauses 6.4 and of the Environmental and Safety Regulations regarding solid waste and general housekeeping. The contractor must comply with the safety, health and environmental requirements in terms of the management of all solid and liquid wastes, material and equipment storage and possibility of fuel leakage. In general, the site compound must be kept clean and tidy at all times during the implementation stage for possible site inspection and monitoring. (A-1.3) Management of Construction Site Compound The construction site should be located to avoid damage to the land and should be managed properly. Solid and liquid waste should be disposed off adequately to prevent nuisance to the workers themselves, to the local communities and the local environment. The mitigation measures for solid and liquid waste disposal, spillage of fuel and lubricants and discharge of sewage, are to comply with clauses 6.4 of the General Safety, Health & Environmental Regulations regarding solid waste and general housekeeping. The contractor must comply with safety, health and environmental requirements in terms of the management of all solid and liquid wastes, material and equipment storage and the possibility of fuel leakage. In general, the site compound must be kept clean and tidy at all times during the implementation stage for possible site inspection and monitoring. The site must be located at a far enough distance from the nearest residential areas so as to minimize disturbance to the local communities. (A-1.4) Borrow Pits and Quarry areas It is recommended to get the base course material for the road from local already eroded material or from existing quarries, rather than establish new quarries next to the site to prevent disruption of visual amenities. 70

71 In case new borrow pits or local quarry needs to be opened, the contractor has to obtain permits from the governorate authorities for site selection and operation, address land ownership issue and comply with environmental regulations of the Law 26/ Hydrology and Water Resources (A-2.1) Sources of Construction Water The contractor will have to negotiate access to water with the locals to avoid conflicts with the local communities. (A2.2) Pollution by Wastewater, Diesel or Asphalt Spills from the Site compound and Machinery The groundwater quality may be protected from potential contamination sources by applying the following measures: - Manage the equipment stationing areas and the site compound in general according to the Health, Safety and Environmental Regulations Clauses. Spill control measures should be implemented to prevent spills from infiltrating into the groundwater. Measures should include proper materials handling and storage procedures, development of contingency plans in the event of a spill. Fuel and oil must be stored in safely sealed containers. Refueling and small repairs of equipment must be undertaken in sealed areas with a sump. Do not use contaminated water for dust suppression and wash down of vehicles and machinery on site; Do not keep the soil exposed in the rainy season; Maintain and contain waste storage areas to eliminate the potential for leached or run-off to contaminate soils and water; Locate stockpiles on flat areas, away from storm water. Ensure that sediment or erosion cannot reach a waterway; Limit the height and slope of stockpiles to minimize erosion of unconsolidated materials during rainfall events; Divert overland flow around work areas / construction sites; Regularly inspect of all erosion and sedimentation controls during the construction period to ensure their continued effectiveness; Develop a contingency plans to be followed in the event of a spill. Special care should be taken during execution of works near watercourses to prevent pollution. (A-2.4) Alteration of Water Harvesting Patterns Several mitigation measures have been incorporated into the design and the project works such as the installation of steel irrigation pipes at locations determined by farmers. The 71

72 contractor must avoid the irreversible destruction of water patterns during implementation, which may lead to social conflicts regarding the established water rights among the farmers. (A-2.5) Cross Drainage and Scour effects Culverts have been assigned in the design at required locations in accordance with a hydrological study. If properly installed, the scour effects are mitigated Air Quality and Noise Nuisance (A-3.1)Dust & Potential Pollution from Construction Machinery, Stored materials and Soil Heaps The following measures should be implemented during the construction phase of the Project to minimize the potential for dust generation: Minimize the area of land to be disturbed at any one time by staging of construction activities and the progressive implementation of the works; Cover and do not overload dusty vehicle loads transported to, from and within the Project site with sheets; Restrict the movement of vehicles to defined routing emissions; Regularly use water trucks to suppress dust while ensuring no run off from operation; Enclosures and cover, by impervious sheeting, any aggregate or other dusty material stockpiles; Minimize excavation and transfer operations of surface materials on windy days, Limit the drop height of excavated materials to a minimum to limit fugitive dust generation from unloading as far as practicable; Minimize the height and slope of stockpiles to ensure erosion of unconsolidated materials during rainfall events does not occur; Construction Project Manager to visually inspect dust generation and to recommend other mitigation measures. A number of mitigation and management measures can be initiated to reduce air quality impacts from construction machinery, vessels and vehicle exhausts. These include: Use of modern machinery, with adequate pollution control devices; Proper and efficient use and operation of construction machinery and vehicles by qualified and workers; Implementation of a regular maintenance and inspection program for all construction plant and vehicles (Inspection to be done by the Construction Project Manager); Minimization of unnecessary operations of construction machinery, including efficiency of trip times and reduction of double handling through appropriate placement of stockpiles, haul roads, works depots and work areas. This will also aid 72

73 in fuel efficiency and will assist in reducing the overall costs associated with unnecessary fuel consumption; Daily visual checking by inspectors or site supervisors to ensure the above recommendations is followed, particularly with regards to smoky emissions from vehicles and plants. Smoky equipment should be given defect notices and taken out of service until repaired and approved for re-deployment. The above mitigation measures will also assist in minimizing the emissions of greenhouse gases. The following mitigation measures will control volatile emissions during the construction phase. Many of these measures will also be required from a safety viewpoint with regards to the use and storage of dangerous goods: Ensure all machinery is in working order and not leaking fuel or volatile emissions from fuel tanks or fuel lines; Minimize and properly manage the number of fuel and chemical storage areas; Ensure proper on site storage of volatile fuels and chemicals in appropriately sealed containers, in cool, covered areas with adequate venting; Equip and maintain construction vehicles and machinery during the works to minimize exhaust emissions. (A-3.2) Smoke from Burning of Waste Materials The waste material shall not be burned but be disposed of properly; Temporary waste storage areas should be located in a cleared area outside of identified drainage lines, and should be afforded protection from wind to prevent wind driven litter on site; Wastes should be regularly transported from the Project site to a designated disposal site. (A-3.3) Noise nuisance from construction works The following management measures should be adopted to minimize noise impacts during earthworks: Make sure all machinery and vehicles are regularly maintained and broken parts are replaced immediately; Make sure all machinery and vehicles are operated efficiently and according to the manufacturers specifications, by trained and qualified operators; Make sure that activities likely to cause noise emission are restricted to day time hours (in consultation with the Beneficiary Committee), especially within or near residential areas and sensitive facilities such as schools and hospitals); All personnel are provided with hearing protection and trained for proper use; 73

74 Make sure contingency plans are in place to deal with noise control if complaints are received during the earthworks phase. To address the potential impacts on schools, during construction, the following mitigation measures are recommended: Construction works within 100m of schools should be restricted to outside school hours (such as before and after school, during school holidays or weekends, or left as the final stage of works); Wire fence meshing, dust screens or wooden hoardings should be installed along the boundaries of the construction areas to delineate it and therefore decrease impacts and the potential for interaction between them, the school and the construction works; The access points for construction vehicles should be at a minimum distance of 100m from the school access point Socio-Economic and Cultural (A-5.1) Public Health and Safety at construction site The contractor shall abide by the Health, Safety and Environmental Regulations. Barriers erected in high risk areas to protect project laborers and visitors; Installation of warning signs; The contractor should apply measures to avoid accidents around the school areas: Speed limits and traffic regulations Cautionary sign posts around school areas. (A-5.2) Chance Finds of cultural resources or other socio-economic resources If cultural resources are found during construction works, then the excavation works should cease and local authorities and experts should be contacted directly for site inspection. (A-5.3) Gender Considerations Installation of traffic signs and bumps, as requested by the consulted women, for road safety especially near schools and where animals are crossing the road are already included in the design. (A-5.4) Employment As the impact of the road on employment is positive, there is no need for mitigation measures addressing negative impacts. To strengthen the positive impacts, local residents should be employed during the construction phases when feasible; and local companies should be contracted to supply construction goods and services whenever feasible. 74

75 6.4 Mitigation of Impacts during Maintenance Phase Land Resources B-1.1 Maintenance of contractor site compounds, materials and equipment storage The contractor should follow General Regulations on Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations Clauses 6.1, 6.4; and 2) other Regulations and Requirements Clauses 17.3, 17.4, 17.5 are followed Hydrology and Water Resources B-2.1 Water harvesting Regular maintenance of the water harvesting structures. B-2.2 Blockage of cross drains/culverts - Uncontrolled discharge Regular maintenance of the drainage structures. B-2.3 Erosion of road platform from drainage discharge Regular maintenance of retaining walls, gabions and rip rap B-2.4 Pollution from vehicle leakage or accidents with hazardous cargo The Contractor shall immediately and appropriately clean up following spills or accidents with hazardous cargo Air Quality and Noise B-3.1 Dust and Potential Pollution from Construction Machinery Negligible emissions are expected accordingly no special mitigation measure is needed. B-3.2 Noise Nuisance from Maintenance Works and Operation Noise generation is expected to be minimal and for a short period. Maintenance works in or near residential areas and sensitive locations (schools, medical sites) should be restricted to day time hours. During operation, noise nuisance is also expected to be minimal, nevertheless, signs should be installed near schools and other sensitive receptors to instruct vehicle drivers not to use horn near sensitive receptors Socio-Economic Resources B-4.1 Road Accidents The speed reduction measures such as the signs and bumps must be maintained. The contractor should also apply measures to avoid accidents around the school areas during maintenance works: Speed limits and traffic regulations; Cautionary sign posts around school areas. 75

76 B-4.2 Public health and safety during maintenance The safety rules for work operations, such as equipment operation procedures, safety barriers, warning signs, protective hard hats, shoes and clothing for workers shall be enforced. First aid and medical kits shall be provided. A safety Officer shall be appointed. Health and safety regulations shall be clearly displayed in English and Arabic in the maintenance plant. B-4.3 Chance finds of Cultural Resources or Other Socio-Economic Resources If found during maintenance, the local Authority MPWH should be contacted 6.5 Monitoring Plan The Monitoring program is a vital aspect of the Environmental and Social Management Plan to ensure that mitigation measures are being performed as described in the previous section and to make sure they are effective. The main purpose of the conduction of a monitoring plan is the warning of responsible authorities of unforeseen negative impacts or when an impact indicator approaches a critical level and the provision of information such as about the responsible agencies, frequency, location and indicators for each measure. Responsibilities for monitoring are detailed under Responsibilities for implementation and monitoring (section 6.1) above. The monitoring program will comprise site inspections and photographic documentation on weekly basis designed to determine contractor compliance or otherwise with the ESMP and other applicable regulations. It also anticipated that additional inspections would be required in response to complaints by local communities. An additional two visits per quarter may be required. The costs of the monitoring program during the construction works include the costs of 1 part time environmental specialist and 1 part time social specialist with vehicle and camera. They are expected to reach 12,000 USD. The following tables 6.2 and 6.3 summarize the environmental and social management plan for the Project during construction and maintenance phases. 76

77 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impact A.1 Land Resources A-1.1 Temporary Land Use A-1.2Management of Construction site Compound A-1.3 Borrow Pits and Quarry Areas Table 6.2: Summary Environmental Management Plan (ESMP) during construction phase Mitigation Responsibility Additional Cost US $ Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring -Voluntary land donation through beneficiary committee -Location of site offices and plants away from residential areas -Re-instatement of the used lot to its initial condition -Collection, temporary storage and disposal of all solid and -Location of camp away from residential area -Proper management of the construction site compound to keep the site clean -Get the base course from existing quarries and from nearby borrow area to prevent disruption of visual amenities - In case new borrow pits or local quarry needs to be opened, the contractor has to obtain permits from the governorate authorities, address land ownership issue and comply with environmental regulations of the Law 26/ A-2 Hydrology and Water Resources A-2.1 Sources of construction water -Contractor to negotiate access to water with the local Communities Contractor and Consultant Contractor Contractor Contractor, Consultant and Beneficiary Committee Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Indirect Cost included in the BoQ Part of contractor s responsibility Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist, car and camera Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist 7,619 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist Indirect Cost included in the BoQ Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist 77

78 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impact A-2.2 Pollution from wastewater, diesel or asphalt spills from site compounds and machinery A-2.3 Flood protection in Wadi Mitigation Responsibility Additional Cost US $ Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring - Store fuel and oils in sealed containers - Refueling and small repairs to be conducted in sealed sites with sump -Do not use contaminated water for dust suppression -Do not keep the soil exposed in the rainy season - Locate stockpiles away from storm water -Limit the height & slope of stockpiles Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer -Install culverts as per the design Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Indirect Cost included in the BoQ Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist 3,000 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist A-2.4 Alteration of water harvesting patterns -Install irrigation steel pipes for encasing water pipes - Prevent damage by earth works to water harvesting and irrigation system -Avoid irreversible destruction of water patterns Contractor, Beneficiary Committee Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer 7,000 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist A-2.5 Cross drainage and scour effects -Install culverts at designated locations and sizes as per the hydrological study Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Added under A.2-3 Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist A-2.6 Discharge to Adjacent Lands: - Plain Terraces -Install irrigation steel pipes to accommodate channel flow Contractor, and Beneficiary Committee Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Added under A.2-4 Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist 78

79 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impact A-3 Air Quality and Noise Nuisance A-3.1 Dust & Potential air pollutants from construction, Machinery, stored material and spoil heaps Mitigation Responsibility Additional Cost US $ Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring -Minimize the land disturbance by staging the work -Cover dusty vehicles -Restrict works to day time hours in and near residential areas -Regular spraying of water -Cover material stockpiles -Minimize excavation and transfer during windy days -Control drop height of excavated materials -Minimize the height & slope of stockpiles -Visually inspect dust generation -Efficient use of machinery -Regular maintenance and inspection of vehicles -Minimize the number of fuel & chemical storage places -Ensure sealed storage of volatile fuels Contractor and Consultant Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Indirect Cost included in the BoQ Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist A-3.2 Smoke from burning of waste materials A-3.3 Noise Nuisance from Construction Works -Do not burn waste material -Locate storage areas away from sensitive recipients -Regularly transfer project waste to designated dumpsites -Regular maintenance of construction equipment -Work in day time near settlements -Work outside of school hours near schools -Make sure all personnel have and use hearing protection -Prepare contingency plans to deal with noise complaints Contractor Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer No additional costs No additional costs Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist 79

80 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Potential Impact A-4 Biological Resources A-4.1 Conversion of Degradation of a critical or noncritical Natural habitat. Mitigation Responsibility Additional Cost US $ Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring -The Contractor is not allowed to cut trees other than those necessary to conduct the works -Plant new bushes and provide necessary irrigation if bushes are destroyed during works - Unblocking of culverts to allow passage of small animals A-5 Expected Impacts on Socio-Economic Resources A-5.1Public health and safety at construction site Health and Safety for construction workers -Interaction between the workers and the Public A-5.2 Gender considerations A-5.3 Employment -Removable Barriers erected in high risk areas -Installation of warning signs - Locate workers camps away from settlements Installation of traffic signs and bumps for road safety near schools -Employ local residents when feasible -Contract local companies when feasible Contractor and Consultant Contractor in coordination with the Beneficiary Committee Contractor Contractor and Beneficiary Committee Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer Environment and Social Specialist of the Supervision Engineer No additional costs Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist 3,174 USD Cost included in salary of 1 part time social & environmental specialist No additional costs Indirect cost included in the BOQ Cost included in salary of 1 part time social specialist Cost included in the salary of the part time social specialist TOTAL 20,793 USD 12,000 USD 80

81 Attahriah / Al-Ka ka / Je wal Road Table 6.3: Summary of Environmental Management Plan during Maintenance Potential Impact Mitigation Responsibility Additional Cost US $ Mitigation Measures Implementation Monitoring Implementation Monitoring B-1 Land Resources B-1.1 Maintenance of contractor site compounds, materials and equipment storage B.2 Hydrology and Water Resources B-2.1 Water Harvesting B-2.2 Blockage of cross drains/culverts B-2.3 Erosion of road platform from drainage discharge B-2.4 Pollution from Vehicle leakage or accidents B-3 Socio-Economic Resources B-3.1 Increased Road Accidents B-3.2 Public Health and Safety during Maintenance Follow Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations in particular: - Fire protection and prevention - Protection of the Environment - Air and water pollution - Solid Waste -Regular maintenance of water harvesting structures -Regular maintenance of the drainage structures Contractor Contractor and the Beneficiary Committee Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO -Regular maintenance of retaining walls, gabions and rip rap Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO -Timely clean up following spills or accidents Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO -Maintain speed reduction signs and bumps Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO - Safety rules maintained Contractor Environment and Social -Appointment of a safety officer Specialist of RAPCMO -Health and safety regulations displayed in English and Arabic in the maintenance plant No additional cost Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ No additional cost No additional cost No additional cost No additional cost No additional cost No additional cost No additional cost B-3.3 Chance finds Cultural Resources or Other Socio- Economic Resources - If found during maintenance, the local Authority should be contacted GOAM Contractor Environment and Social Specialist of RAPCMO Cost will be included in the maintenance BoQ No additional cost 81

82 7 Social Consultations 7.1 Objectives of the Consultations The objectives of the social consultations can be summarized as follows: 1. To provide a forum for the initial definition of critical environmental and social issues; in particular the people who are likely to be affected by the Project 2. To understand, the concerns of regional stakeholders and potentially affected people around key development issues and their linkages to the environment and social development. 3. To identify whether the project will create social problems or tribal disputes, or destroy sensitive areas of the population such as graveyards, and cultural attractions 4. To confirm the suitability of the initial list of beneficiary communities selected for consultations and 5. To obtain assistance by contacting leading members of target communities whenever necessary. 7.2 Consultation Process The following process was implemented during consultation: Members of the beneficiaries have been contacted and informed about the field visit and were asked to inform the largest number of people in the region about meeting them and consulting with them. Survey forms were prepared to question locals about their point of view vis a vis the asphalting of the road, along with their expectations, concerns and contributions to the project implementation 7.3 Findings of the Consultations Men Consultations The men consultation was conducted by Environmental and Social Unit staff -RAP CMO during the preparation of this ESIA as shown in table 7.1 below. Villages Surveyed Survey Date No of men Attahriah 22 Feb Dhahebah & Hamaz Village 23 Feb Je wal Village 23Feb Table 7.1 Location and number of consulted men

83 During the consultation process the following information and opinions were gathered: The road works do not require any land acquisition or destruction of any house. All residents are convinced of the positive economic, social and health impacts of the road paving on their lives. Transport is expensive especially for the sick. Some resident showed lack of confidence in the implementation of the project as they were promised implementation several times long time ago. Most residents showed their willingness to help during the implementation process. Most of the population did not express concerns with the problems that accompany the implementation process such as the noise and dust Women Consultations The women consultation was conducted by the consultant during the preparation of this ESIA as shown in the table 7.2 below. The aim of this consultation was to solicit the views and concerns of women on the construction of the road and incorporate them into this ESIA and the contract documents of the Project. A gender expert undertook the consultations in four villages along the road, interviewed women from different levels and discussed with them the expected impact and the appropriate mitigation measures with regard to daily activities. Table 20 below shows the number of women consulted in different villages. Villages Surveyed Survey Date No of women Attahriah Al Ka ka 27 - March Dhahebah & Hamaz Village 28 March Je wal Village 29 March Total 117 Table 7.2 Location and number of consulted women. The results of the consultations in the villages of Attahriah Al Ka ka women expressed their concern about the safety of the road especially in the area of Dhahebah and Hamaz Village where they use the road to bring water and in the area of Je wal Village where they use the road to get the firewood and they proposed to install bumps and signs in these 2 areas. In the village of Dhahebah Hamaz women expressed their concerns about the vicinity of the school, and their safety as they usually cross the road with their cattle and sheep when they take them grazing and they proposed to install bumps and signs to alert drivers to lower their speed. 83

84 References 1. Ministry of Public Works and Highways- Rural Access Project Central Management Office (RAP CMO). Rural Access Program, Sectoral Environmental Assessment(SEA), Volume-1, Screening Report: For Attahriah, Alka ka /Jewal (RAPCMO) office, The Integration of Biodiversity into National Environmental Assessment Procedures. National Case Studies-Yemen, September 2011.Produced for the Biodiversity Planning Support Program. UNDP/UNEP/GEF. 4. Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: Water Resources management Report Republic of Yemen: Social Fund for Development. Annual Reports for the Years Republic of Yemen : Poetry Reeducation Strategy- Progress Report for Years 2003 & June Republic of Yemen: National Poverty Survey, Republic of Yemen: Human Development Report, Republic of Yemen: General Statistics Annual Book Republic of Yemen: Houses and Population Census, Republic of Yemen: Yemen Human Development Report, Republic of Yemen: Poverty Reduction Strategy, 2010/ Gateway to Land and Water Information Yemen national report.: compiled by Abdul Maged A. Al Hemiary-Technical Director of Renewable Natural Resources Research Centre Agricultural Research and Extension Authority DhamarL.6 June (Ref.National Information Center (Ref.: 84

85 Annex 1: Update of the Social Framework Agreement (SFA) in Arabic 85

86 86

87 87

88 Annex 2: List of Beneficiary Committee 88

89 89

90 Annex 3: List of Consulted People. Attendance Sheet 90

91 91

92 92

93 93

94 Annex 4: Findings of Social Consultations (Second Round) Consultations with men District:As-Swadiah. Governorate :Al-Baydha *Location of Consultation (1) at Attahriah Village. Date of Consultation: 22 Feb Number of Attendees: 65 Persons. Attendees: Local Council representatives, Beneficiary Committee representatives, Affected People and other beneficiaries. Duration of Consultation: from 02:30 to 04:45 PM. Sample Questions: Are you concerned about: Potential loss of private property? No Increased traffic and/or speed? No Increased noise and/or air pollution? No Effect on pedestrian safety? Put speed Bump Inconveniences during execution? No Effect on agricultural areas? (if any)no, we will give up part of lands for the road Effect on natural reserves? (if any)no natural reserve in the area Effect on water resources? (if any)no effect on water resources Effect on cultural heritage sites? (if any)far away from the area Other concerns or objections No objection at all. Our major concern is to speed up the process of implementing the works. As part of this public consultation, how do you expect to participate in the project? We are all willing to cooperate with the contactor to facilitate the work and work with him if Interviewer by: Eng. Helal Al-raishi Eng. Hassesn Attiah, Reviewed and endorsed by Eng: Mohamed Al-Mohaya, RAPCMO General Director. Views of the consultation in location one 94

95 Findings of Social Consultations (Second Round). District: As- Swadiah. Governorate :Al-Baydha *Location of Consultation (2) at Dhahebah & Hamaz Village. Date of Consultation: 23 Feb Number of Attendees: 53 Persons. Attendees: Local Council representatives, Beneficiary Committee representatives, Affected People and other beneficiaries Duration of Consultation: from 02:45 to 5:30 PM. Sample Questions: Are you concerned about: Potential loss of private property? No Lost Increased traffic and/or speed? No Increased noise and/or air pollution? No mind at all Effect on pedestrian safety? Put speed bumps and warning signs. Inconveniences during execution? No Effect on agricultural areas? (if any)not at all, whatever the road width is Effect on natural reserves? (if any)no natural reserve in the area Effect on water resources? (if any)no effect on water resources Effect on cultural heritage sites? (if any)far away from the area Other concerns or objections No objection at all. Our major concern is to speed up the process of implementing the works. As part of this public consultation, how do you expect to participate in the project? We are willing to solve social problems. We will cooperate with the contractor to facilitate the work during construction period. We consider the road is for all public and we all benefit. The execution will reduce travel cost The implementation will make it easy for access. Also, will ease transporting ill people. Interviewer by: Eng: Helal Al-raishi, Eng: Hassan Attiah Reviewed and endorsed by Eng :Mohamed Al-Mohaya, RAPCMO General Director Views of the consultation in location two 95

96 District: As- Swadiah. Governorate :Al-Baydha *Location of Consultation (3) at Je wal Village. Date of Consultation: 23 Feb Number of Attendees: 12 Persons. Attendees: Local Council representatives, Beneficiary Committee representatives, Affected People and Shaikhs. Duration of Consultation: from 05:00 to 6:15 AM. Sample Questions: Are you concerned about: Potential loss of private property? No Lost Increased traffic and/or speed? No Increased noise and/or air pollution? No mind at all Effect on pedestrian safety? Yes, but we will take precaution during execution Inconveniences during execution? No Effect on agricultural areas? (if any) Not at all, we will give up part of lands for the road Effect on natural reserves? (if any)no natural reserve in the area Effect on water resources? (if any)no effect on water resources Effect on cultural heritage sites? (if any)far away from the area Other concerns or objections We would like the design to follow the existing track so everybody benefits. As part of this public consultation, how do you expect to participate in the project? We are all willing to cooperate with the contactor to facilitate any social problem during execution. We will cooperate with the beneficiary committee to facilitate the work. Will the road follow the existing track? Yes. We want to widen the road at necessary places when ever needed. Interviewer: Eng. Helal Al-raishi. Eng. Hassan Attiah. Reviewed and endorsed by Eng: Mohamed Al-mohayah, RAPCMO General Director View of men consultation at location three 96

97 Consultations (Second Round) with Women In March 2014 Gender expert undertook the consultations in five villages along the road and interviewed women from different levels and discussed with them the expected impact and the appropriate mitigation measures with regard to daily activities. Women expressed their concern about the safety of the road near schools, where they use the road to bring water and firewood. They proposed to install bumps and signs to alert drivers to lower their speed. 97

98 General photos of women consultation 98